bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chironomid‐inferred summer temperature development during the late Rissian glacial, Eemian interglacial and earliest Würmian glacial at Füramoos, southern Germany
Authors: Bolland Alexander , Kern Oliver A. , Koutsodendris Andreas , Pross Jörg , Heiri Oliver
Published: November 2021

Eemian pollen records from central Europe describe a transition from thermophilous tree taxa in the early Eemian to boreal tree taxa in the late Eemian with forest opening in the subsequent stadial. Available summer‐temperature reconstructions for the mid‐ to late Eemian transition show decreasing values during that time. We present a new chironomid record from southern Germany that covers the mid‐Eemian to the end of the first Würmian stadial (c. 125–105 ka) and also parts of the late Rissian glaciation and early Brörup interstadial of the early Würmian glaciation. Based on this record we describe lake development in the former Füramoos palaeolake and quantitatively reconstruct July air temperature during the examined interval. Late Rissian sediments are dominated by two chironomid taxa, Sergentia coracina‐type and Micropsectra radialis‐type, indicating very cold conditions. Following an uncertain interval, probably including a hiatus at the late Rissian/Eemian transition, mid‐Eemian sediments contain Tanytarsus glabrescens‐type and Tanytarsus mendax‐type suggesting relatively high July air temperatures. During the late Eemian, typically thermophilic taxa such as Tanytarsus glabrescens‐type disappear, suggesting decreasing temperatures. Stadial A is associated with increases in Microtendipes pedellus‐type suggesting more oligotrophic conditions. Early Brörup sediments contain Tanytarsus glabrescens‐type, suggesting a slight increase in July air temperature. Reconstructed July air temperatures show temperatures of 7–8 °C during the late Rissian and a decline from ~15.5–12 °C during the mid‐ to late Eemian associated with decreasing Northern Hemisphere July insolation. July air temperature values vary between 12 and 14 °C in the late Eemian, while reconstructed temperatures remain within 12–13.5 °C during Stadial A. Our new chironomid‐based temperature reconstruction provides valuable corroboration and new quantification of temperature development from the mid‐Eemian to the early Brörup interstadial as well as for sections of the late Rissian from the alpine foreland of southern Germany.
Morphology of four common and phylogenetically distant ant species varies along disturbance and aridity gradients in the Caatinga dry forest
Authors: Oliveira Fernanda M. P. , Silva Lucas Lima , Leal Inara R. , Arnan Xavier
Published: November 2021

Understanding species adaptations to human‐modified ecosystems is central to evolutionary and conservation biology. It is essential to evaluate trait variations in populations that occur along environmental gradients to understand the adaptive potential of species to human‐driven environmental change. We analyzed morphological trait variations in the workers of four common and phylogenetically distant ant species (Dinoponera quadriceps, Dorymyrmex goeldii, Pheidole radoszkowskii, and Ectatomma muticum) along disturbance and aridity gradients in the Caatinga dry forest. Ants were collected using pitfall traps in 20 0.1‐ha plots distributed over an area of 213.75 km2. Up to five individuals per species were selected from each plot to measure eight morphological traits. Between‐plot variability contributed considerably (~37%) to the total variability of morphological traits. This pattern of high between‐plot variability was consistent across species and traits. Such morphological intraspecific variations between plots were not strongly related to the aridity or disturbance gradients. However, when ant morphology did respond to environmental change, the response was stronger to aridity rather than disturbance, and responses were most conspicuous in P. radoskowskii. Our results suggest that ants in the Caatinga may have substantial potential for morphological adaptation to environmental changes and that disturbance intensity and variations in aridity are not strong determinants of ant worker morphology despite influencing morphological variation over small geographical distances. These morphological variations are likely to represent key assets, by enabling individuals and population to inhabit the variety of habitats provided by Caatinga and to cope with upcoming changes in land use and climate.

Abstract in Portuguese is available with online material.
Imaging immune responses in neuroinflammatory diseases
Authors: Amor Sandra , Nutma Erik , Owen David
Published: November 2021

Innate and adaptive immune responses in the central nervous system (CNS) play critical roles in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. In the first of a two-part special issue, leading researchers discuss how imaging modalities are used to monitor immune responses in several neurodegenerative diseases and glioblastoma and brain metastases. While comparative studies in humans between imaging and pathology are biased towards the end stage of disease, animal models can inform regarding how immune responses change with disease progression and as a result of treatment regimens. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) are frequently used to image disease progression, and the articles indicate how one or more of these modalities have been applied to specific neuroimmune diseases. In addition, advanced microscopical imaging using two-dimensional photon microscopy and in vitro live cell imaging have also been applied to animal models. In this special issue (Parts 1 and 2), as well as the imaging modalities mentioned, several articles discuss biomarkers of disease and microscopical studies that have enabled characterization of immune responses.

Future developments of imaging modalities should enable tracking of specific subsets of immune cells during disease allowing longitudinal monitoring of immune responses. These new approaches will be critical to more effectively monitor and thus target specific cell subsets for therapeutic interventions which may be applicable to a range of neurological diseases.
Methods for wildlife monitoring in tropical forests: Comparing human observations, camera traps, and passive acoustic sensors
Authors: Zwerts Joeri A. , Stephenson P. J. , Maisels Fiona , Rowcliffe Marcus , Astaras Christos , Jansen Patrick A. , van der Waarde Jaap , Sterck Liesbeth E. H. M. , Verweij Pita A. , Bruce Tom , Brittain Stephanie , van Kuijk Marijke
Published: November 2021

Wildlife monitoring is essential for conservation science and data‐driven decision‐making. Tropical forests pose a particularly challenging environment for monitoring wildlife due to the dense vegetation, and diverse and cryptic species with relatively low abundances. The most commonly used monitoring methods in tropical forests are observations made by humans (visual or acoustic), camera traps, or passive acoustic sensors. These methods come with trade‐offs in terms of species coverage, accuracy and precision of population metrics, available technical expertise, and costs. Yet, there are no reviews that compare the characteristics of these methods in detail. Here, we comprehensively review the advantages and limitations of the three mentioned methods, by asking four key questions that are always important in relation to wildlife monitoring: (1) What are the target species?; (2) Which population metrics are desirable and attainable?; (3) What expertise, tools, and effort are required for species identification?; and (4) Which financial and human resources are required for data collection and processing? Given the diversity of monitoring objectives and circumstances, we do not aim to conclusively prescribe particular methods for all situations. Neither do we claim that any one method is superior to others. Rather, our review aims to support scientists and conservation practitioners in understanding the options and criteria that must be considered in choosing the appropriate method, given the objectives of their wildlife monitoring efforts and resources available. We focus on tropical forests because of their high conservation priority, although the information put forward is also relevant for other biomes.
Ibrutinib skin toxicities: Report of two cases
Authors: Bloomquist Maria Suzanne , Curry Jonathan L. , Krishnan Bhuvaneswari , Rivero Gustavo , Curry Choladda V. , Diwan Abdul Hafeez
Published: November 2021

Ibrutinib is a Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor used to treat many hematologic conditions, most commonly B‐cell lymphomas and leukemias. Reportedly, skin rash is an adverse event in up to 27% of treated patients. Histopathologic description of these lesions is limited. We present two cases of ibrutinib‐associated skin toxicities showing diverse histopathologic features. Case 1: A 72‐year‐old man was started on ibrutinib for chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Two months later, he developed multiple erythematous crusted papules on the chest, abdomen, and extremities. Biopsies revealed varied histopathology including poorly formed granulomatous dermatitis, epidermal necrosis, ulceration, and panniculitis. Ibrutinib was discontinued and his skin lesions resolved within 1 month. Case 2: A 48‐year‐old man received ibrutinib after failing standard therapy for primary central nervous system EBV positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma. Two months after initiation of ibrutinib, he developed multiple firm, red, non‐tender nodules on the forehead, buttock, and thigh. Biopsies revealed “pseudolymphoma”‐like reaction with dense pandermal lymphohistiocytic inflammation and granulomas. His skin toxicity resolved without cessation of therapy. Awareness of the spectrum of histopathologic features that may be encountered in skin lesions of patients treated with ibrutinib, as illustrated by these two cases, will be critical for optimal patient management.
Introduced annuals mediate climate‐driven community change in Mediterranean prairies of the Pacific Northwest, USA
Authors: Reed Paul B. , Pfeifer‐Meister Laurel E. , Roy Bitty A. , Johnson Bart R. , Bailes Graham T. , Nelson Aaron A. , Bridgham Scott D.
Published: November 2021

Aim

How climate change will alter plant functional group composition is a critical question given the well‐recognized effects of plant functional groups on ecosystem services. While climate can have direct effects on different functional groups, indirect effects mediated through changes in biotic interactions have the potential to amplify or counteract direct climatic effects. As a result, identifying the underlying causes for climate effects on plant communities is important to conservation and restoration initiatives.

Location

Western Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington), USA.

Methods

Utilizing a 3‐year experiment in three prairie sites across a 520‐km latitudinal climate gradient, we manipulated temperature and precipitation and recorded plant cover at the peak of each growing season. We used structural equation models to examine how abiotic drivers (i.e. temperature, moisture and soil nitrogen) controlled functional group cover, and how these groups in turn determined overall plant diversity.

Results

Warming increased the cover of introduced annual species, causing subsequent declines in other functional groups and diversity. While we found direct effects of temperature and moisture on extant vegetation (i.e. native annuals, native perennials and introduced perennials), these effects were typically amplified by introduced annuals. Competition for moisture and light or space, rather than nitrogen, were critical mechanisms of community change in this seasonally water‐limited Mediterranean‐climate system. Diversity declines were driven by reductions in native annual cover and increasing dominance by introduced annuals.

Main conclusions

A shift towards increasing introduced annual dominance in this system may be akin to that previously experienced in California grasslands, resulting in the “Californication” of Pacific Northwest prairies. Such a phenomenon may challenge local land managers in their efforts to maintain species‐rich and functionally diverse prairie ecosystems in the future.
A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single‐ascending dose study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of HM15136, a novel long‐acting glucagon analogue, in healthy subjects
Authors: Huh Ki Young , Hwang Jun Gi , Shin Wonjung , BAEK Seungjae , Choi JaeDuk , Lee Nora , Cho Young Min , Lee Howard
Published: November 2021

Aim

To evaluate the safety and tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of HM15136, a novel long‐acting glucagon analogue under development, in healthy males and females presenting with no childbearing potential.

Materials and Methods

A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, single‐ascending dose study was conducted in 56 subjects who randomly received a single subcutaneous dose of HM15136 or its matching placebo at a ratio of 6:2 at 10, 20, 30, 50, 80, 100, and 120 μg/kg.

Results

All adverse events were mild and transient. Neither serious adverse events nor discontinuation as a result of adverse events occurred. The most frequent adverse drug reaction was nausea (5.3%, only in the 100‐ and 120‐μg/kg groups). HM15136, particularly at doses of 50 μg/kg or higher, increased fasting blood glucose, with a maximum increase and area under the curve of 1.5 mmol/L at day 10 (P = .006) and 166.3 day·mmol/L (P = .022) at the dose of 80 μg/kg, while suppressing the secretion of endogenous glucagon, which continued until day 17. HM15136 also significantly reduced gluconeogenic and ketogenic amino acids. Compensatory changes in endogenous insulin and incretin hormones by HM15136 were not apparent. HM15136 was slowly but steadily absorbed and reached a peak concentration at 46‐68 hours after a single subcutaneous injection. HM15136 was eliminated with a terminal phase half‐life of 77.1‐101.1 hours.

Conclusions

A single subcutaneous dose of HM15136 at 10‐120 μg/kg was safe and well tolerated. The long half‐life of HM15136, coupled with an increase in blood glucose for ~2 weeks, may warrant a weekly dosing regimen.
circSKA3 acts as a sponge of miR‐6796‐5p to be associated with outcomes of ischemic stroke by regulating matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression
Authors: Xu Tian , Li Yuqing , Zhu Ning , Su Yuanyuan , Li Junrui , Ke Kaifu
Published: November 2021

Background and purpose

This study was undertaken to screen the circular RNAs (circRNAs) influencing matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) through the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network and evaluate the prognostic value of these circRNAs for acute ischemic stroke.

Methods

A total of 220 ischemic stroke patients and 62 healthy subjects were included in this study. RNA was isolated from blood collected in PAXgene tubes. Illumina sequencing, quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) validation, and luciferase reporter assay were explored to construct and verify the existence of a circRNA–microRNA (miRNA)–matrix metalloproteinase–9 (MMP9) network. The 215 ischemic stroke patients were recruited in a prognostic cohort. They were prospectively followed up for 3 months after stroke onset, and a poor functional outcome was defined as a major disability or death.

Results

After Illumina sequencing, six circRNAs were predicted to bind miRNAs and then regulate MMP9 messenger RNA (mRNA). qRT‐PCR showed that only circSKA3 was significantly increased in ischemic stroke patients compared to healthy controls and positively associated with MMP9 mRNA expression. Luciferase reporter assay further verified a direct interaction between circSKA3, MMP9, and hsa‐miR‐6796‐5p. Patients in the top tertile of circSKA3 had a 2.672‐fold (p < 0.05) risk of poor functional outcome, compared with those in the bottom tertile (p for trend = 0.016). The outcome was predicted by circSKA3 with area under the receiver operating characteristic curve at 0.614 (p = 0.004).

Conclusions

circSKA3 functioned as a ceRNA for hsa‐miR‐6796‐5p to aggravate the progression of ischemic stroke via targeting MMP9. Baseline circSKA3 was positively associated with poor outcomes of ischemic stroke. circSKA3 may be a potential biomarker or therapeutic target in ischemic stroke.
Epileptic seizure onset predicts its duration
Authors: Liu Yueyang , Razavi Hesabi Zhinoos , Cook Mark , Kuhlmann Levin
Published: November 2021

Background

Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent seizures that have a variety of manifestations. The severity of, and risks for patients associated with, seizures are largely linked to the duration of seizures. Methods that determine seizure duration based on seizure onsets could be used to help mitigate the risks associated with what might be extended seizures by guiding timely interventions.

Methods

Using long‐term intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) recordings, this article presents a method for predicting whether a seizure is going to be long or short by analyzing the seizure onset. The definition of long and short depends on each patient's seizure distribution. By analyzing 2954 seizures from 10 patients, patient‐specific classifiers were built to predict seizure duration given the first few seconds from the onset.

Results

The proposed methodology achieved an average area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) performance of 0.7 for the 5 of 10 patients with above chance prediction performance (p value from 0.04 to 10−9).

Conclusions

Our results imply that the duration of seizures can be predicted from the onset in some patients. This could form the basis of methods for predicting status epilepticus or optimizing the amount of electrical stimulation delivered by seizure control devices.
Do epidermal keratinocytes have sensory and information processing systems?
Authors: Denda Mitsuhiro , Nakanishi Shinobu
Published: November 2021

It was long considered that the role of epidermal keratinocytes is solely to construct a water‐impermeable protective membrane, the stratum corneum, at the uppermost layer of the skin. However, in the last two decades, it has been found that keratinocytes contain multiple sensory systems that detect environmental changes, including mechanical stimuli, sound, visible radiation, electric fields, magnetic fields, temperature and chemical stimuli, and also a variety of receptor molecules associated with olfactory or taste sensation. Moreover, neurotransmitters and their receptors that play crucial roles in the brain are functionally expressed in keratinocytes. Recent studies have demonstrated that excitation of keratinocytes can induce sensory perception in the brain. Here, we review the sensory and information processing capabilities of keratinocytes. We discuss the possibility that epidermal keratinocytes might represent the earliest stage in the development of the brain during the evolution of vertebrates.
Oral bisphosphonates: Adverse effects on the oral mucosa not related to the jaw bones. A scoping review
Authors: Psimma Christina , Psimma Zoi , Willems Hanna C. , Klüter Wim J. , van der Maarel‐Wierink Claar D.
Published: November 2021

Background

Oral bisphosphonates are widely used in the treatment of bone resorptive diseases. There is an evidence that oral bisphosphonates can exert adverse effects on the oral mucosa independently of their effects on the jaw bones.

Objective

To systematically map the literature on adverse effects of oral bisphosphonates on the oral mucosa of adults with bone resorptive diseases.

Design

Scoping review of the literature, including different study designs.

Methods

Systematic searches of the PubMed, LILACS, Google Scholar and EMBASE databases were conducted. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts according to predetermined criteria.

Results

The search retrieved 26 unique articles, comprising 22 case reports, one case series and three reviews describing a total of 56 cases of oral adverse events related to oral bisphosphonates. 88% of the reported cases were female suffering from comorbidities other than metabolic bone diseases. The improper use of the oral bisphosphonate was the most suspected cause of the adverse effect on the oral mucosa. Its management mainly involved withdrawal of the medication.

Conclusion

Adverse effects on the oral mucosa can develop from using oral bisphosphonates. Standardised registration of these adverse effects in university clinics and private practises could provide additional information about their occurrence and severity.
Oral hypofunction and its relation to frailty and sarcopenia in community‐dwelling older people
Authors: Yoshida Mitsuyoshi , Hiraoka Aya , Takeda Chiho , Mori Takahiro , Maruyama Mariko , Yoshikawa Mineka , Tsuga Kazuhiro
Published: November 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency of oral hypofunction in community‐dwelling older people and determine its relationship with frailty and sarcopenia.

Background

Previous studies have shown that frailty and sarcopenia are associated with decreased oral function. However, these studies have only evaluated frailty or sarcopenia alone and have not evaluated their relationship with each other.

Materials and Methods

The participants were community‐dwelling independent older people in Kyoto. Their oral function evaluation included seven items (oral hygiene, oral dryness, occlusal force, tongue‐lip motor function, tongue pressure, masticatory function and swallowing function). Oral hypofunction was defined as abnormalities in at least three of these items. The frailty status was classified into three categories (robust, pre‐frail and frail) according to the frailty phenotype and deficit‐accumulation models. Sarcopenia was defined according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) Consensus. The relationships between oral function and frailty were analysed using logistic regression analyses, after adjusting for sarcopenia.

Results

Among the 340 participants that were analysed (69 men, 271 women; average age: 75.0 years), 182 (53.5%) had oral hypofunction (40 men, 142 women; average age: 76.8 years). There was a significant relationship between oral hypofunction and deficit‐accumulation model‐assessed frailty, after adjusting for sarcopenia.

Conclusion

Almost half of the community‐dwelling older people have oral hypofunction, which is significantly related to comprehensive frailty and sarcopenia.
Antecedents and moderators of consumer adoption toward AR‐enhanced virtual try‐on technology: A stimulus‐organism‐response approach
Authors: Lee Hanna , Xu Yingjiao , Porterfield Anne
Published: November 2021

This study aimed to investigate consumers’ adoption intention toward augmented reality (AR)‐enhanced virtual try‐ons (VTOs) by examining the effects of consumers’ evaluations of technology attributes on their immersive experiences, perceived value, and adoption intention based on the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) framework. To explain variations in consumers’ evaluations and adoption of AR‐enhanced VTOs, two important personality traits that pertain to the use of AR‐enhanced VTOs, sensation‐seeking tendency and technology anxiety, were incorporated into the model as moderators. Data for this study were collected via a self‐administered survey of students enrolled in 13 classes of a southeastern university in the United States. A total of 398 respondents were recruited to participate in this study via a convenience sampling approach. A sample of 352 was retained for data analysis. Structural equation modeling and multigroup comparisons were conducted to test the proposed hypotheses. The finding revealed that the two salient technology attributes of AR‐enhanced VTOs exerted significant positive influences on telepresence, which, in turn, influenced consumers’ perceived values and adoption intention toward AR‐enhanced VTOs. Also, the two personality traits moderated the proposed relationships among technology attributes, perceived values, and adoption intentions. The findings add to empirical support for the relationship proposed in the SOR framework. Further, the results of this study provide insights that can guide companies in improving and marketing VTOs.
Longitudinal associations between executive control and body mass index across childhood
Authors: Tomaso Cara C. , James Tiffany , Nelson Jennifer M. , Espy Kimberly A. , Nelson Timothy D.
Published: November 2021

Background

Childhood obesity remains a prevalent public health concern. Executive control, a set of higher‐order cognitive abilities for directing attention and behaviour, has been identified as a malleable factor potentially related to weight outcomes in youth. However, the directionality of this relationship remains unclear.

Objectives

This study examined reciprocal associations between three executive control components—inhibitory control, working memory and flexible shifting—and BMI (body mass index) percentile during childhood.

Methods

At four points throughout elementary school, a community sample (N = 294) completed executive control tasks and had their height and weight objectively measured. Controlling for sex and socioeconomic risk status, random intercept cross‐lagged panel models were tested.

Results

Better inhibitory control performance predicted lower subsequent BMI at each timepoint, and better working memory and flexible shifting performance in grade three both predicted lower subsequent BMI in grade 4. However, BMI did not predict subsequent executive control performance at any timepoint.

Conclusions

Executive control abilities, including automatic response modulation, being able to hold and manipulate mental information, and being able to make flexible mental transitions, may be protective against weight problems, particularly in middle childhood when these abilities have had more time to mature and children begin to gain more independence.
Clinical relevance of shear wave elastography compared with transient elastography and other markers of liver fibrosis
Authors: Ayonrinde Oyekoya T. , Zelesco Marilyn , Welman Christopher J. , Abbott Steven , Adris Niwansa
Published: November 2021

Background

Early and accurate non‐invasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis is important for reducing the burden of cirrhosis and related complications.

Aim

This cross‐sectional study compares shear wave elastography (SWE), transient elastography (TE) and clinical markers of chronic liver disease in patients with various liver disorders.

Methods

Liver ultrasound with SWE was performed on 421 adult patients, 227 of whom also had TE. Patient age, gender, body mass index (BMI), liver disease aetiology and laboratory results were recorded. Associations between SWE, TE and other tests for liver fibrosis and chronic liver disease severity were sought. Advanced liver fibrosis was defined as liver stiffness measurement (LSM) equivalent to ≥F3 using Metavir staging.

Results

Patients were predominantly male (68%), with mean (standard deviation) age 54 (13) years, BMI 28 (6) kg/m2 and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 39 (27) U/L. Liver disorders were predominantly non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic hepatitis B (CHB), chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and alcohol‐related liver disease. The median (interquartile range) LSM was 10 (6–20) kPa with SWE and 9.2 (6–21) kPa with TE. Advanced liver fibrosis was associated with older age, higher BMI, model for end‐stage liver disease score, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), AST/ALT ratio, AST to platelet ratio index, fibrosis‐4 index and Hepascore. SWE and TE LSM were positively correlated, particularly for NAFLD and CHC. SWE LSM predicted ultrasound and endoscopy‐diagnosed portal hypertension and oesophageal varices.

Conclusions

Across various liver diseases, SWE is at least comparable with TE and other non‐invasive tests of liver fibrosis. SWE is accurate for predicting liver‐related portal hypertension.
Computational studies of the biomechanical efficacy of a minimum tissue deformation mattress in protecting from sacral pressure ulcers in a supine position
Authors: Lustig Maayan , Gefen Amit
Published: November 2021

Sustained soft tissue exposure to localised deformations is a trigger for the formation of pressure ulcers. Immersion and envelopment are critical benchmarks that determine comfort and the pressure ulcer risk mitigation, as they have considerable influence on tissue stress concentrations near bony prominences. In the present study, we developed a computer modelling framework for quantifying the extent by which optimal envelopment disperses tissue stress concentrations near the sacrum. To compare the risk of developing a sacral pressure ulcer while lying supine on a regular foam mattress with respect to lying on a specialised, minimum tissue deformation mattress (which closely conforms to the body contours), we used a three‐dimensional anatomically‐realistic model of the adult female buttocks. The strains and stresses in the subdermal soft tissues reached peak values of 65% and 2.4 kPa for the regular mattress, respectively, but always remained below 45% and 1.2 kPa for the minimum tissue deformation mattress, which indicates longer safe times for supine support on the latter mattress. Our work demonstrates that alleviation of localised, sustained stress concentrations through good immersion and envelopment of the support surface protects from pressure ulcers, and has the potential to relieve chronic pain which is associated with the pressure ulcer risk.
Source‐sink limitations for grain weight in wheat and barley under waterlogging conditions during pre‐anthesis
Authors: Becheran D. E. , Miralles D. J. , Abeledo L. G. , Alvarez Prado S. , de San Celedonio R. P.
Published: November 2021

In wheat and barley, grain yield is strongly affected by waterlogging, especially during the period immediately previous to anthesis. Although waterlogging reduces grain yield mainly by reductions in grain number, mean grain weight (MGW) is also frequently reduced. The aim of this work was to determine whether increases in the source‐sink ratio produces smaller reductions in MGW due to waterlogging in wheat and barley. Two experiments were carried out combining a waterlogging condition 20 days pre‐anthesis, two soil N conditions at sowing and source‐sink manipulations during grain‐filling (untrimmed or 50% trimmed spikes). Waterlogging reduced MGW in both species up to 35% in wheat and 44% in barley. The negative effect of waterlogging on MGW was intensified with warmer temperatures and higher atmospheric demand. Increases in the source‐sink ratio during the grain‐filling period (by trimming treatments) showed a positive impact on MGW in wheat (up to 40%) and barley (up to 20%) under waterlogging conditions. For both species, grain weight response to increases in source‐sink ratio was higher at lower grain weight and/or spike hierarchies (i.e. spikes from tillers). Our results showed that waterlogging during pre‐anthesis affected grain weight through a reduction in the source during grain‐filling and a possible impact on potential grain weight, depending on the intensity of the stress.
The tempo and conditions of metamorphism during magmatism, southern Coast Mountains batholith, British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Bollen Elizabeth M. , Stowell Harold H. , Rusmore Margaret E. , Woodsworth Glenn J. , Cecil M. Robinson
Published: November 2021

Garnet Sm‐Nd ages and pressure–temperature–time (P–T–t) paths for pelitic and semipelitic metamorphic rocks in the Mount Waddington area constrain the relationship between metamorphism and high‐flux magmatism recently identified in the southern Coast Mountains batholith. Amphibolite facies metamorphism in this area occurred at 99–90, 80, and 72–65 Ma at varying conditions of ~3 to 8 kbar and ~450°C to 685°C, partly associated with high magmatic fluxes at 85–70 and 61–48 Ma. P–T–t paths indicate increases in pressure and temperature of 2 kbar and 120°C at c. 80 Ma and up to 3 kbar and 165°C at 72–65 Ma. Garnet growth at c. 72 and 80 Ma was synchronous with a high‐flux event at 85–70 Ma. However, c. 65‐, 90‐, and 99‐Ma garnet growth cannot be directly attributed to nearby plutons and occurred during lulls between high magmatic flux events. The simplest explanation for the observed P–T–t paths for metamorphism is a single regional‐scale event between 99 and 64 Ma, synchronous with and in response to crustal contraction. Rock textures and pressure–temperature (P–T) isochemical phase diagrams indicate that most sampled rocks reached near‐solidus conditions with little or no melting. Although partial melting of sedimentary rocks has been proposed to contribute toward high‐flux magmatism in the northern and central Coast Mountains, the timing of metamorphism and high‐flux events differs in the Waddington area, suggesting that they are unrelated. Therefore, we conclude that metamorphism and partial melting of rocks exposed at the current level of exhumation played little or no role in construction of the batholith in the Waddington–Raleigh area of the southern Coast Mountains batholith.
Effect of exercise on bone mineral density among patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Zhang Shifang , Huang Xiuxiu , Zhao Xiaoyan , Li Bei , Cai Ying , Liang Xiaoqin , Wan Qiaoqin
Published: November 2021

Aims and objectives

To systematically review and compare the efficacy of different exercise interventions on bone mineral density (BMD, g/cm2) in patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia.

Background

It is vitally important to prevent and treat bone loss in patients with osteoporosis and osteopenia. Exercise can effectively increase bone density and slow down bone loss in middle‐aged and older people. However, it is still unclear which type of exercise intervention is the most effective on bone mineral density.

Design

Systematic review and network meta‐analysis (NMA) according to PRISMA.

Methods

Randomised controlled trials of different exercise treatments for osteopenia and primary osteoporosis were included. A Frequentist network meta‐analysis was conducted to appraise the efficacy of different types of exercise. The outcome was bone mineral density of different parts of the body.

Results

Ninety‐seven studies were included. The network meta‐analysis showed that combined exercise, resistance exercise, aerobic exercise and mind‐body exercise had a significant effect in improving the bone density of lumbar spine. The surface under the cumulative ranking area (SUCRA) values for mind‐body exercise was 0.99 and ranked first. For BMD of the femoral neck, all kinds of exercise interventions increased the bone density significantly compared with no exercise and the optimal type was mind‐body exercise (SUCRA = 0.99). In terms of the total hip bone mineral density, aerobic exercise and resistance exercise could improve hip bone density, with the resistance exercise (SUCRA = 0.95) ranking as first.

Conclusions

This NMA demonstrated the mind–body exercise might be the optimal exercise type to increase the BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck and resistance exercise is the most promising type for total hip BMD.
Toy story: A cross‐sectional survey of toy populations in tertiary neonatal units
Authors: King Adam J , Jones Matthew , Johnson Mark J , Chowdhury Olie
Published: November 2021

Thousands of babies are given toys for their zeroth birthday … But what happens if that baby is admitted to neonatal intensive care? In a global first, we describe the population of toys found in incubators on neonatal intensive care unit.
Xenoliths in ordinary chondrites and ureilites: Implications for early solar system dynamics
Authors: Goodrich Cyrena Anne , Kring David A. , Greenwood Richard C.
Published: November 2021

Foreign clasts (xenoliths) in meteoritic breccias are a serendipitous source of information about the impact environment in which their hosts formed, including impactor flux and cosmochemical types. These parameters may be related to timing and/or heliocentric distance of xenolith origin and implantation, and thus can be used to test or inform models of early solar system dynamics. We use xenoliths in ordinary chondrites (OCs) and ureilites to do this. We first conducted a petrologic and oxygen isotope study of a new, cm‐sized igneous‐textured clast in L3.7 Northwest Africa (NWA) 092, which highlighted some of the difficulties of identifying xenoliths in meteorites. Results indicate that this clast is not a xenolith but an impact melt of non‐local OC material. We add this result to a literature survey of more than 3000 OCs and find that the fraction of OCs that contain xenoliths is <<1%, and, even in these, the abundance and the diversity of xenoliths are very low. This contrasts markedly with the ureilites, ˜5% of which contain ˜1–10 vol% xenoliths from every major meteorite class, including multiple groups and petrologic types. To investigate reasons for this difference, we compare the histories of OC and ureilite parent bodies. The OC and ureilitic parent bodies accreted in the inner solar system within ˜1 AU of one another. The OC bodies accreted ˜2–3 Myr after calcium‐aluminum‐rich inclusion (CAI) formation and were heated slowly, experiencing thermal metamorphism over ˜50–60 Myr. The ureilite parent body (UPB) accreted <1 Myr after CAIs and was heated rapidly, experiencing partial melting over ˜4 Myr. Both OC parent bodies and the UPB were catastrophically disrupted and reassembled into rubble piles. For ureilites, this occurred ˜5.0–5.4 Ma after CAIs, while for OCs, it did not occur until 50–60 Myr after CAIs. Xenoliths in OC and ureilitic breccias were acquired as fragments of impactors on the rubble piles. The presence in polymict ureilites of xenoliths of all OC groups (H, L, LL) and petrologic types (3–6), and the intimate scale on which these and myriad other xenolith types are mixed, indicate that most xenoliths were acquired within a short time period around ˜50–60 Myr after CAIs when OC (likely also Rumuruti chondrite and enstatite chondrite) parent bodies were disrupted. This timing is consistent with the early instability dynamical model for a period of excitation in the asteroid belt. Outer solar system (CC) xenoliths were also acquired during this period, but were derived indirectly from C‐type bodies that had already been emplaced in orbits in the asteroid belt. The large discrepancy in xenolith abundance between ureilites and OC may be due to different physical properties of their regoliths at 50–60 Myr after CAIs. CC‐like xenoliths in OC may represent a different, more recently acquired, population than those in polymict ureilites.
Noble gas exposure ages of samples from Cone and North Ray craters: Implications for the recent lunar cratering chronology
Authors: Füri Evelyn , Zimmermann Laurent , Hiesinger Harald
Published: November 2021

Cosmic ray exposure (CRE) ages of rocks that were ejected by the impacts that created Cone and North Ray craters provide two crucial calibration points at <100 Ma for the lunar cratering chronology function, which relates the crater density of geological units on the Moon to their absolute age. To reassess the formation ages of these two craters, we determine here the accumulated abundances of “cosmogenic” noble gas nuclides (3Hecosm, 21Necosm, 38Arcosm), as well as the corresponding CRE ages, in six Apollo 14 rocks (i.e., one breccia and five basalts) and two Apollo 16 anorthosites that were collected near the rims of Cone and North Ray craters, respectively. Although noble gas concentrations allow CRE ages to be derived, the calculated 21Ne and 38Ar exposure ages of a given sample cover a significant range of values because published empirical or theoretical production rates of cosmogenic nuclides are highly variable. Nonetheless, it is evident that mare basalts 14053 and 14072 as well as breccia 14068, which were collected near the rim of Cone crater, were exposed at the lunar surface more recently than the three KREEP basalts (14073, 14077, 14078) collected farther away. The 38Ar exposure ages of anorthosites 67075 and 67955 from North Ray crater slightly exceed those of samples 14053, 14068, and 14072. These results confirm that Cone crater is younger than North Ray crater. However, the formation ages of Cone and North Ray craters have larger uncertainties than previously acknowledged. This implies that the uncertainties of noble gas exposure ages should be taken into account when remotely dating young surfaces on the Moon and on other planetary bodies in the solar system.
Abscisic acid is required for exodermal suberization to form a barrier to radial oxygen loss in the adventitious roots of rice (Oryza sativa)
Authors: Shiono Katsuhiro , Yoshikawa Marina , Kreszies Tino , Yamada Sumiyo , Hojo Yuko , Matsuura Takakazu , Mori Izumi C. , Schreiber Lukas , Yoshioka Toshihito
Published: November 2021

To acclimate to waterlogged conditions, wetland plants form a barrier to radial oxygen loss (ROL) that can enhance oxygen transport to the root apex. We hypothesized that one or more hormones are involved in the induction of the barrier and searched for such hormones in rice.

We previously identified 98 genes that were tissue‐specifically upregulated during ROL barrier formation in rice. The RiceXPro database showed that most of these genes were highly enhanced by exogenous abscisic acid (ABA). We then examined the effect of ABA on ROL barrier formation by using an ABA biosynthesis inhibitor (fluridone, FLU), by applying exogenous ABA and by examining a mutant with a defective ABA biosynthesis gene (osaba1).

FLU suppressed barrier formation in a stagnant solution that mimics waterlogged soil. Under aerobic conditions, rice does not naturally form a barrier, but 24 h of ABA treatment induced barrier formation. osaba1 did not form a barrier under stagnant conditions, but the application of ABA rescued the barrier. In parallel with ROL barrier formation, suberin lamellae formed in the exodermis.

These findings strongly suggest that ABA is an inducer of suberin lamellae formation in the exodermis, resulting in an ROL barrier formation in rice.
Association between chronic kidney disease and periodontitis. A systematic review and metanalysis
Authors: Serni Lapo , Caroti Leonardo , Barbato Luigi , Nieri Michele , Serni Sergio , Cirami Calogero Lino , Cairo Francesco
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Aims of this SR were to assess the association of Periodontitis (PD) with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and with different CKD stages.

Materials and methods

MEDLINE, Cochrane Central Register of Trials and EMBASE, up to April 4, 2021 were searched. RCTs, prospective and retrospective cohort studies, case–control studies and cross‐sectional studies were considered. JBI’s Critical Appraisal Tool for risk of bias assessment was used. The risk of PD was calculated using the Mantel–Haenszel odds ratios (MH‐OR); weighted mean difference for clinical attachment level (CAL) and periodontal probing depth (PPD) were also evaluated.

Results

Out of 1949 titles screened, 142 full texts were evaluated and 17 studies were included. CKD was associated to higher risk of PD (MH‐OR = 2.36, [95% C.I. 1.25, 4.44]; p = 0.008), higher mean CAL (WMD = 0.41 mm [95% C.I. 0.22, 0.60]; p < 0.0001) and mean PPD (WMD = 0.25 mm [95% C.I. 0.03, 0.47]; p = 0.02) compared to healthy individuals. Severe CKD (stages 4–5 vs 2–3) resulted at higher risk of PD (MH‐OR = 2.21, [95% C.I. 1.07, 4.54]; p = 0.03). Heterogeneity and risk of bias were high.

Conclusions

An association between PD and CKD was found. It could be appropriate to consider PD a frequent CKD comorbidity.
Strategies for Streptococcus mutans biofilm dispersal through extracellular polymeric substances disruption
Authors: Lin Yongwang , Zhou Xuedong , Li Yuqing
Published: November 2021

Dental caries is one of the most prevalent and costly biofilm‐dependent oral infectious diseases affecting most of the world's population. Streptococcus mutans, a major extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) producing bacteria in dental plaque, plays a vital role in human dental caries. EPS acts as the framework of dental plaque and promotes bacterial adhesion, cohesion, and environmental stress resistance and hinders the diffusion of nutrients and metabolic products. Since EPS is critical for biofilm lifestyle and virulence of cariogenic bacteria, EPS disruption could be a potential strategy to prevent caries. This review sought to summarize potential strategies to inhibit S. mutans biofilms through EPS disruption. The signal network intervention has a positive effect on S. mutans biofilm disruption, which could be achieved by using cyclic dimeric G/AMP inhibitors, quorum sensing inhibitors, and diffusible signal factors. Besides the enzyme degradation of exopolysaccharides, extracellular DNA, and proteins, other novel strategies, such as nanoparticles and phage therapy, could also promote EPS matrix disruption.
Lipoprotein‐subclass particle numbers in children with abdominal obesity
Authors: Akiyama Hiroki , Iwata Fujihiko , Okada Tomoo
Published: November 2021

Background

The lipoprotein particle number (PN) profile may be a better marker of cardiovascular risks than standard serum lipid measurements. The aim of this study was to analyze the lipoprotein PNs in Japanese children with abdominal obesity and to determine the subclass profile.

Methods

The participants included 164 Japanese children (79 boys and 85 girls) aged 9–13 years. We obtained waist‐to‐height ratios (WHtR) and serum lipids for all participants. The lipoprotein PNs in 12 subclasses were analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results

Both boys and girls with abdominal obesity (WHtR ≧ 0.5) had significantly higher triglyceride (TG), very‐low‐density lipoprotein (VLDL)‐PN, and all VLDL‐subclass PNs compared to those without abdominal obesity. In boys with abdominal obesity, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐PN was higher, but lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) was not, and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) was lower, but HDL‐PN was not compared to those without abdominal obesity. In girls with abdominal obesity, LDL‐C and LDL‐PN were not significantly different and both HDL‐C and HDL‐PN were lower compared to those without abdominal obesity. Subclass analyses demonstrated that boys and girls with abdominal obesity had significantly lower very large and large HDL‐PNs than those without abdominal obesity. In addition, medium, small, and very small LDL‐PNs were higher in boys with abdominal obesity than those without abdominal obesity.

Conclusions

This study found that Japanese children with abdominal obesity are affected by the lipoprotein‐subclass PN profile, with sex differences in the LDL‐ and HDL‐subclasses, which is different from results obtained by standard serum lipid measurements.
Dyadic relationships between personality, social support, conflict resolution, and marital quality
Authors: Delatorre Marina Zanella , Wagner Adriana , Bedin Lívia Maria
Published: November 2021

This study investigated the dyadic associations between personality, social support, conflict resolution strategies, and marital quality. The participants were 244 mixed‐gender Brazilian couples. We tested a model in which personality traits and social support were predictors of conflict resolution strategies that, in their turn, predicted marital quality at the intrapersonal and interpersonal level using an Actor‐Partner Interdependence Model (APIM). The results showed that conscientiousness, agreeableness, neuroticism, and social support were the most important predictors of conflict resolution strategies, followed by openness. These strategies were also associated with marital quality at the intrapersonal and interpersonal level. This study provides insights about individual and contextual areas that may be targeted for interventions with couples.