bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
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

AbstractAimHow 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.LocationWestern Pacific Northwest (Oregon and Washington), USA.MethodsUtilizing 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.ResultsWarming 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 conclusionsA 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

AbstractAimTo 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 MethodsA 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.ResultsAll 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.ConclusionsA 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

AbstractBackground and purposeThis 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.MethodsA 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.ResultsAfter 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).ConclusionscircSKA3 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

AbstractBackgroundEpilepsy 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.MethodsUsing 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.ResultsThe 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).ConclusionsOur 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

AbstractIt 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

AbstractBackgroundOral 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.ObjectiveTo systematically map the literature on adverse effects of oral bisphosphonates on the oral mucosa of adults with bone resorptive diseases.DesignScoping review of the literature, including different study designs.MethodsSystematic searches of the PubMed, LILACS, Google Scholar and EMBASE databases were conducted. Two independent reviewers screened titles and abstracts according to predetermined criteria.ResultsThe 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.ConclusionAdverse 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

AbstractObjectiveThe 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.BackgroundPrevious 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 MethodsThe 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.ResultsAmong 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.ConclusionAlmost 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

AbstractThis 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

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

AbstractBackgroundEarly and accurate non‐invasive diagnosis of liver fibrosis is important for reducing the burden of cirrhosis and related complications.AimThis cross‐sectional study compares shear wave elastography (SWE), transient elastography (TE) and clinical markers of chronic liver disease in patients with various liver disorders.MethodsLiver 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.ResultsPatients 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.ConclusionsAcross 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

AbstractSustained 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

AbstractIn 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

AbstractGarnet 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.