bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fighting climate change: soil bacteria communities and topography play a role in plant colonization of desert areas
Authors: Sun Xiao , Pei Jin , Zhao Lei , Ahmad Bashir , Huang Lin‐Fang 
Published: October 2021

SummaryGlobal warming has exacerbated desertification in arid regions. Exploring the environmental variables and microbial communities that drive the dynamics of geographic patterns of desert crops is important for large‐scale standardization of crops that can control desertification. Here, predictions based on future climate data from CMIP6 show that a steady expand in the suitable production areas for three desert plants (Cistanche deserticola, Cynomorium songaricum and Cistanche salsa) under global warming, demonstrating their high adaptability to future climate change. We examined the biogeography of three desert plant soil bacteria communities and assessed the environmental factors affecting the community assembly process. The α‐diversity significantly decreased along elevated latitudes, indicating that the soil bacterial communities of the three species have latitude diversity patterns. The neutral community model evaluated 66.6% of the explained variance of the bacterial community in the soil of desert plants and Modified Stochasticity Ratio <0.5, suggesting that deterministic processes dominate the assembly of bacterial communities in three desert plants. Moreover, topography (longitude, elevation) and precipitation as well as key OTUs (OTU4911: Streptomyces eurythermus and OTU4672: Streptomyces flaveus) drive the colonization of three desert plants. This research offers a promising solution for desert management in arid areas under global warming.
Assessment of biomarkers in pediatric atopic dermatitis by tape strips and skin biopsies
Authors: Andersson Anna Maria , Sølberg Julie , Koch Anders , Skov Lone , Jakasa Ivone , Kezic Sanja , Thyssen Jacob Pontoppidan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe cytokine profile of atopic dermatitis (AD) depends on age, ethnicity, and disease severity. This study examined biomarkers in children with AD collected by tape strips and skin biopsies, and examined whether the levels differed with filaggrin genotype, disease severity, and food allergy.MethodsTwenty‐five children aged 2–14 years with AD were clinically examined. Skin biopsies were collected from lesional skin and tape strips were collected from lesional and non‐lesional skin. We analyzed natural moisturizing factor (NMF) and 17 immune markers represented by mRNA levels in skin biopsies and protein levels in tape strips. Common filaggrin gene mutations were examined in all children.ResultsThe cytokine profile in lesional skin was dominated by a T helper (Th) 2 response in skin biopsies, and by a general increase in innate inflammation markers (interleukin (IL)‐1α, IL‐1β, IL‐8, IL‐18) along with TARC and CTACK in tape strips. The levels of TARC, CTACK, IL‐8, IL‐18 showed significant correlation with AD severity in both lesional and non‐lesional tape stripped skin, while no significant correlations were observed in skin biopsy data. In tape strips from lesional and non‐lesional skin, the levels of NMF and selected cytokines differed significantly between children with and without FLG mutations and food allergy.ConclusionSampling of the stratum corneum with non‐invasive tape strips can be used to identify biomarkers that are associated with disease severity, food allergy and FLG mutations. Skin biopsies showed robust Th2 signature but was inferior for association analysis regarding severity.
Outcomes after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support in COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Kurihara Chitaru , Manerikar Adwaiy , Gao Catherine Aiyuan , Watanabe Satoshi , Kandula Viswajit , Klonis Alexandra , Hoppner Vanessa , Karim Azad , Saine Mark , Odell David D. , Lung Kalvin , Garza‐Castillon Rafael , Kim Samuel S. , Walter James McCauley , Wunderink Richard G. , Budinger G. R. Scott , Bharat Ankit 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundVeno‐venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (V‐V ECMO) support is increasingly used in the management of COVID‐19‐related acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, the clinical decision‐making to initiate V‐V ECMO for severe COVID‐19 still remains unclear. In order to determine the optimal timing and patient selection, we investigated the outcomes of both COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 patients undergoing V‐V ECMO support.MethodsOverall, 138 patients were included in this study. Patients were stratified into two cohorts: those with COVID‐19 and non‐COVID‐19 ARDS.ResultsThe survival in patients with COVID‐19 was statistically similar to non‐COVID‐19 patients (p = .16). However, the COVID‐19 group demonstrated higher rates of bleeding (p = .03) and thrombotic complications (p < .001). The duration of V‐V ECMO support was longer in COVID‐19 patients compared to non‐COVID‐19 patients (29.0 ± 27.5 vs 15.9 ± 19.6 days, p < .01). Most notably, in contrast to the non‐COVID‐19 group, we found that COVID‐19 patients who had been on a ventilator for longer than 7 days prior to ECMO had 100% mortality without a lung transplant.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that COVID‐19‐associated ARDS was not associated with a higher post‐ECMO mortality than non‐COVID‐19‐associated ARDS patients, despite longer duration of extracorporeal support. Early initiation of V‐V ECMO is important for improved ECMO outcomes in COVID‐19 ARDS patients. Since late initiation of ECMO was associated with extremely high mortality related to lack of pulmonary recovery, it should be used judiciously or as a bridge to lung transplantation.
Therapies for inflammatory bowel disease do not pose additional risks for adverse outcomes of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: an IG‐IBD study
Authors: Bezzio Cristina , Armuzzi Alessandro , Furfaro Federica , Ardizzone Sandro , Milla Monica , Carparelli Sonia , Orlando Ambrogio , Caprioli Flavio Andrea , Castiglione Fabiana , Viganò Chiara , Ribaldone Davide Giuseppe , Zingone Fabiana , Monterubbianesi Rita , Imperatore Nicola , Festa Stefano , Daperno Marco , Scucchi Ludovica , Ferronato Antonio , Pastorelli Luca , Balestrieri Paola , Ricci Chiara , Cappello Maria , Felice Carla , Fiorino Gionata , Saibeni Simone ,   the Italian Group for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IG‐IBD)
Published: October 2021

SummaryBackgroundOlder age and comorbidities are the main risk factors for adverse COVID‐19 outcomes in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The impact of IBD medications is still under investigation.AimsTo assess risk factors for adverse outcomes of COVID‐19 in IBD patients and use the identified risk factors to build risk indices.MethodsObservational cohort study. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with pneumonia, hospitalisation, need for ventilatory support, and death.ResultsOf the 937 patients (446 with ulcerative colitis [UC]) evaluated, 128 (13.7%) had asymptomatic SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, 664 (70.8%) had a favourable course, and 135 (15.5%) had moderate or severe COVID‐19. In UC patients, obesity, active disease and comorbidities were significantly associated with adverse outcomes. In patients with Crohn's disease (CD), age, obesity, comorbidities and an additional immune‐mediated inflammatory disease were identified as risk factors. These risk factors were incorporated into two indices to identify patients with UC or CD with a higher risk of adverse COVID‐19 outcomes. In multivariable analyses, no single IBD medication was associated with poor COVID‐19 outcomes, but anti‐TNF agents were associated with a lower risk of pneumonia in UC, and lower risks of hospitalisation and severe COVID‐19 in CD.ConclusionThe course of COVID‐19 in patients with IBD is similar to that in the general population. IBD patients with active disease and comorbidities are at greater risk of adverse COVID‐19 outcomes. IBD medications do not pose additional risks. The risk indices may help to identify patients who should be prioritised for COVID‐19 re‐vaccination or for therapies for SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Placement stability and satisfaction with foster home as predictors of life satisfaction for young adults raised in foster care
Authors: Mabille Geraldine , Skoglund Jeanette , Thørnblad Renee , Holtan Amy 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis study examines how history of care, on one hand, and social support, on the other hand, predict satisfaction with life after leaving care by focusing on a sample of young adults raised in foster care in Norway. When aged between 19 and 29, youths answered questionnaires that mapped their past history of care, living conditions, social relationships and life satisfaction. Results show that the 70 respondents had experienced a relatively stable history of care (mean number of placements ± SD: 1.7 ± 0.9) and reported life satisfaction scores similar to those measured in the general population (23.3 ± 7.0, mean ± SD). Placement stability (P = 0.001) and a high satisfaction with foster home (P = 0.030) were related to a higher life satisfaction. Moreover, having good social support, that is, persons that you can count on in case of major personal problems (P < 0.001) and a good contact with the foster family (P = 0.005), was associated with a higher satisfaction with life. Several health‐related variables and the working status were also linked to life satisfaction. Our work highlights the need to focus on promoting placement stability and a good relationship to the foster family in order to enhance well‐being after leaving care.
Systemic immune‐inflammation index predicted the clinical outcome in patients with type‐B aortic dissection undergoing thoracic endovascular repair
Authors: Su Sheng , Liu Jitao , Chen Lyufan , Xie Enmin , Geng Qingshan , Zeng Hongke , Yuan Qiong , Yang Fan , Luo Jianfang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe systemic immune‐inflammation index (SII) has been reported to have prognostic ability in various cardiovascular diseases; however, it has not been studied in type‐B aortic dissection (TBAD). We aimed to explore the relation of SII with short‐term and long‐term outcomes in TBAD patients undergoing thoracic endovascular repair (TEVAR).MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database from 2010 to 2017. The patients were divided into two groups (high SII and low SII) as per the optimal cut‐off value determined using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Multivariate logistic and Cox regression analyses were performed to analyse the relationship between the SII and the short‐term and long‐term outcomes.ResultsA total of 805 TBAD patients who underwent TEVAR were enrolled. Twenty‐six (3.2%) patients died during hospitalisation. At the end of a median follow‐up duration of 48.80 mon, 70 (9.8%) patients had died. The patients were divided into the high‐SII group [n = 333 (41.4%%)] and the low‐SII group [n = 472 (58.6%)] as per the optimal cut‐off value of 1,062. Multivariable logistic analyses showed that a high‐SII score was independently associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in‐hospital (odd ratio [OR], 1.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.13–2.47; p = .01). In addition, multivariable Cox analyses showed that a high‐SII score could be an independent indicator for follow‐up adverse events (hazard ratio [HR], 1.70; 95% CI, 1.14–2.56, p = .01).ConclusionsSystemic immune‐inflammation index is associated with both in‐hospital and long‐term outcomes in patients with TBAD undergoing TEVAR. Therefore, SII may serve as valuable tool for risk stratification before intervention.
High dose rate interstitial 192‐Ir brachytherapy for the treatment of a recurrent dermal vascular hamartoma in a horse
Authors: Conti F. , Poujet L. , Delverdier M. , Lallemand E. A. , Benoit J. 
Published: October 2021

SummaryThe successful application of an interstitial brachytherapy course is reported in a 14‐month‐old male Anglo European Studbook (AES) foal for the treatment of a recurrent dermal vascular hamartoma at the dorsal aspect of the pastern on the right hindlimb. The lesion was irradiated four times over 4 days to a total dose of 28 Gy. Progressive tumour shrinkage and necrosis were observed over 2 months. No significant acute side effect was reported at the end of the treatment, with excellent and long‐lasting cosmetic results observed. The only reported late effect was permanent leukotrichia within the treated area, which remained otherwise tumour‐free 1224 days after treatment. Results of this report suggest the potential use of radiation therapy (and specifically brachytherapy techniques), as an effective and safe treatment modality for vascular malformations in horses.
A study on the relationship between language aptitude, vocabulary size, working memory, and L2 writing accuracy
Authors: Mujtaba Syed Muhammad , Kamyabi Gol Atiyeh , Parkash Rakesh 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe area of individual differences (ID) in second language (L2) has been a point of interest for many researchers; however, the impact of ID on the writing performance of L2 learners has not been explored exhaustively. Only a limited number of studies have examined the role of language aptitude, vocabulary size, and working memory (WM) on L2 learners’ writing accuracy. The current study aimed to investigate the effects of language aptitude, vocabulary size, and WM on L2 learners’ writing accuracy. For that, fifty graduate first‐semester students were recruited and took the WM, LLAMA, and a vocabulary test. Subsequently, they completed two picture description writing tasks. The Pearson correlation result unveiled that all the independent variables excluding LLAMA D were significantly correlated with learners’ writing performance. The regression analysis result explained that LLAMA B, LLAMA E, receptive vocabulary size, and WM were strong predictors of learners’ L2 writing performance.
In‐situ synthesis of 15R‐Sialon from Al‐Si3N4‐Al2O3 composite at 1500°C via liquid‐phase sintering
Authors: Wu Xiaofang , Li Yong , Jiang Peng , Sun Jialin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn this study, alumina‐based composite with 12 wt% Al and 16 wt% Si3N4 was designed to achieve the synthesis of 15R‐Sialon reinforced alumina composite. To investigate the reaction mechanism, two‐step sintered Al‐Si3N4‐Al2O3 samples at different temperatures ranging from 600°C to 1500°C were prepared and characterized via X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results revealed that 15R‐Sialon was synthesized at 1500°C through a novel liquid Si phase sintering and Si3N4 played as a precursor and a reactant. First, Si3N4 precursor reacted with Al to form intermediate phases AlN and Si, which were not further transformed below 1400°C. When the sintering temperature was 1500°C, the formed Si presented as a liquid phase, under the influence of which plate‐like15R‐Sialon was generated from Al2O3, residual Si3N4, and derived AlN. The obtained Si was also involved in the synthesis of 15R‐Sialon and completely transformed. In addition to the AlN from Si3N4, the AlN deriving from the nitridation of Al may not react with liquid Si. Compared to 15R‐Sialon from liquid Si, plate‐like 15R‐Sialon with smaller size was generated from AlN, SiO, and O2.
Spatial externalities in big cities and duality of the labour market
Authors: Matano Alessia 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis article investigates the dynamics of the spatial wage premium for workers employed on temporary and permanent contracts. We use an employer–employee database that covers the universe of young Italian employees for 2005–2016. On controlling for individual observed and unobserved heterogeneity and endogeneity of the relationship, our findings indicate that workers hired on a temporary basis do not enjoy the same benefits from agglomeration externalities as workers on permanent contracts. Nonetheless, the likelihood of a temporary worker switching to a permanent contract, as well as its wage premium, increases with city size, thus partially offsetting the spatial dynamics disadvantage.
Does prepregnancy weight change have an effect on subsequent pregnancy health outcomes? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nagpal Taniya S. , Souza Sara C. S. , Moffat Malcolm , Hayes Louise , Nuyts Tinne , Liu Rebecca H. , Bogaerts Annick , Dervis Sheila , Piccinini‐Vallis Helena , Adamo Kristi B. , Heslehurst Nicola 
Published: October 2021

SummaryInternational guidelines recommend women with an overweight or obese body mass index (BMI) aim to reduce their body weight prior to conception to minimize the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. Recent systematic reviews have demonstrated that interpregnancy weight gain increases women's risk of developing adverse pregnancy outcomes in their subsequent pregnancy. Interpregnancy weight change studies exclude nulliparous women. This systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted following MOOSE guidelines and summarizes the evidence of the impact of preconception and interpregnancy weight change on perinatal outcomes for women regardless of parity. Sixty one studies met the inclusion criteria for this review and reported 34 different outcomes. We identified a significantly increased risk of gestational diabetes (OR 1.88, 95% CI 1.66, 2.14, I2 = 87.8%), hypertensive disorders (OR 1.46 95% CI 1.12, 1.91, I2 = 94.9%), preeclampsia (OR 1.92 95% CI 1.55, 2.37, I2 = 93.6%), and large‐for‐gestational‐age (OR 1.36, 95% CI 1.25, 1.49, I2 = 92.2%) with preconception and interpregnancy weight gain. Interpregnancy weight loss only was significantly associated with increased risk for small‐for‐gestational‐age (OR 1.29 95% CI 1.11, 1.50, I2 = 89.9%) and preterm birth (OR 1.06 95% CI 1.00, 1.13, I2 = 22.4%). Our findings illustrate the need for effective preconception and interpregnancy weight management support to improve pregnancy outcomes in subsequent pregnancies.
Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons: Are embargoes effective?
Authors: Baronchelli Adelaide , Caruso Raul , Ricciuti Roberto 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis paper analyses the trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) from 1990 to 2017. Our analysis relies on an unbalanced panel of 79,245 observations reporting SALW exports between 9275 pairs of countries. In particular, we study the impact of embargoes on trade in SALW. We use a gravity model framework including, in addition to traditional gravity variables, specifically SALW trade controls. The main results show that: (i) embargoes reduce SALW exports to sanctioned countries by 33%; (ii) an EU embargo appears to determine a decrease of 37% of SALW transfers, whereas for UN embargoes the impact is not significant. In addition, we found no warning signals of sanctions‐busting. First, countries do not seem to import a larger number of SALW if neighbours are under an embargo. Second, the findings show that embargoes have no statistically significant effect on the trade in sporting arms. Results are robust to some robustness checks, in particular to endogeneity.
The Effect of Increasing Blood Flow Restriction Pressure When the Contractions Are Already Occlusive
Authors: Nucci Vito V. , Jarrett David H. , Palmo Catherine M. , Razzano Brenna M. , Uygur Mehmet , Dankel Scott J. 
Published: October 2021

Context: Blood flow restricted exercise involves the use of external pressure to enhance fatigue and augment exercise adaptations. The mechanisms by which blood flow restricted exercise limits muscular endurance are not well understood. Objective: To determine how increasing blood flow restriction pressure impacts local muscular endurance, discomfort, and force steadiness when the contractions are already occlusive. Design: Within-participant, repeated-measures crossover design. Setting: University laboratory. Patients: A total of 22 individuals (13 males and 9 females). Intervention: Individuals performed a contraction at 30% of maximal isometric elbow flexion force for as long as possible. One arm completed the contraction with 100% of arterial occlusion pressure applied, while the other arm had 150% of arterial occlusion pressure applied. At the end of the protocol, individuals were asked to rate their perceived discomfort. Main Outcome Measures: Time to task failure, discomfort, and force steadiness. Results: Individuals had a longer time to task failure when performing the 100% arterial occlusion condition compared with the 150% arterial occlusion pressure condition (time to task failure = 82.4 vs 70.8 s; Bayes factors = 5.77). There were no differences in discomfort between the 100% and 150% conditions (median discomfort = 5.5 vs 6; Bayes factors = 0.375) nor were there differences in force steadiness (SD of force output 3.16 vs 3.31 N; Bayes factors = 0.282). Conclusion: The results of the present study suggest that, even when contractions are already occlusive, increasing the restriction pressure reduces local muscle endurance but does not impact discomfort or force steadiness. This provides an indication that mechanisms other than the direct alteration of blood flow are contributing to the increased fatigue with added restrictive pressure. Future studies are needed to examine neural mechanisms that may explain this finding.
Scalar and gauge sectors in the 3-Higgs Doublet Model under the $$S_3$$ symmetry
Authors: Gómez-Bock M. , Mondragón M. , Pérez-Martínez A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe analyse the Higgs sector of an$$S_3$$S3model with three Higgs doublets and no CP violation. After electroweak breaking there are nine physical Higgs bosons, one of which corresponds to the Standard Model one. We study the scalar and gauge sectors of this model, taking into account the conditions set by the minimisation and stability of the potential. We calculate the masses, trilinear and quartic Higgs-Higgs, and Higgs-gauge couplings. We consider two possible alignment scenarios, where only one of the three neutral scalars has couplings to the gauge bosons and corresponds to the SM Higgs, and whose trilinear and quartic couplings reduce exactly to the SM ones. We also obtain numerically the allowed parameter space for the scalar masses in each of the alignment scenarios. We use the calculated trilinear and quartic couplings to find the analytical structure of the one-loop neutral scalar mass matrix, without fermionic contributions. We show that it is possible to have a compact mass spectrum where the contribution to the oblique parameters might be small. We explore some scenarios for the loop contributions to the neutral scalar masses.