bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bacterial but not fungal rhizosphere communities differ among perennial grass ecotypes under abiotic environmental stress
Authors: Sarkar Soumyadev , Kamke Abigail , Ward Kaitlyn , Ran QingHong , Feehan Brandi , Thapa Shiva , Anderson Lauren , Galliart Matthew , Jumpponen Ari , Johnson Loretta , Lee Sonny T M 
Published: November 2021

AbstractEnvironmental change, especially frequent droughts, is predicted to detrimentally impact the North American perennial grasslands. Consistent dry spells will affect plant communities as well as their associated rhizobiomes, possibly altering the plant host performance under environmental stress. Therefore, there is a need to understand the impact of drought on the rhizobiome, and how the rhizobiome may modulate host performance and ameliorate its response to drought stress. In this study, we analyzed bacterial and fungal communities in the rhizospheres of three ecotypes (dry, mesic, and wet) of a dominant prairie grass,Andropogon gerardii. The ecotypes were established in 2010 in a common garden design and grown for a decade under persistent dry conditions at the arid margin of the species’ range in Colby Kansas. The experiment aimed to answer whether and to what extent do the different ecotypes maintain or recruit distinct rhizobiomes after ten years in an arid climate. In order to answer this question, we screened the bacterial and fungal rhizobiome profiles of the ecotypes under the arid conditions of western KS as a surrogate for future climate environmental stress using 16S rRNA and ITS2 metabarcoding sequencing. Under these conditions, bacterial communities differed compositionally among theA. gerardiiecotypes, whereas the fungal communities did not. The ecotypes were instrumental in driving the differences among bacterial rhizobiomes, as the ecotypes maintained distinct bacterial rhizobiomes even after ten years at the edge of the host species range. This study will aid us to optimize plant productivity through the use of different ecotypes under future abiotic environmental stress, especially drought.
COVID-19 in Elderly Patients with Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Ayar Yavuz , Deniz Olgun , Doner Barıs , Kilic Isa , Demir Canan , Sahin Abdulkadir 
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACTObjectiveCoronavirus disease 2019 (Covid 19) started in China in December 2019 and spread all over the world, is more progressive in patients who are elderly and with chronic diseases. Especially kidney involvement affects the survival of patients. In this study, we analyzed Covid 19 patients who developed acute kidney injury treated in our unit, retrospectively.MatherialsThe clinical and laboratory data of 610 patients who hospitalized due to Covid 19 pandemic between 01.06.2020 and 30.06.2021 in the intensive care and other clinics of our hospital evaluated from the records, retrospectively. One hundred-fourty patients diagnosed with AKI according to the criteria of KDIGO (Kidney Disease Global Outcomes). The patients divided into two groups as KDIGO stage 1 and 2, 3.ResultsThe median age in both groups was 70 (35-92) and 73 (35-90) years. Approximately seventy percent of them were over 65 years old. Almost all of the patients had hypertension. Most of the patients were using angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE inh) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) (84%). AKI was present at the time of admission (61.9%) in the KDIGO 1 group and at the time of hospitalization (64.3%) in the KDIGO 2, 3 group. The mortality rate was higher in stage 2-3 AKI patients (35.7%). Ferritin and fibrinogen levels were high in the KDIGO 2, 3 group, while lymphocyte levels were low.ConclusionAKI can be seen at the time of admission and during treatment in patients who are hospitalized and treated due to Covid 19. Covid 19 is more mortal in patients with advanced AKI.
A combined effective time series model based on clustering and whale optimization algorithm for forecasting smart meters electricity consumption
Authors: Rostum Medhat Abd el Azem El Sayed , Moustafa Hassan Mohamed Mahmoud , Ziedan Ibrahim El Sayed , Zamel Amr Ahmed 
Published: November 2021

PurposeThe current challenge for forecasting smart meters electricity consumption lies in the uncertainty and volatility of load profiles. Moreover, forecasting the electricity consumption for all the meters requires an enormous amount of time. Most papers tend to avoid such complexity by forecasting the electricity consumption at an aggregated level. This paper aims to forecast the electricity consumption for all smart meters at an individual level. This paper, for the first time, takes into account the computational time for training and forecasting the electricity consumption of all the meters.Design/methodology/approachA novel hybrid autoregressive-statistical equations idea model with the help of clustering and whale optimization algorithm (ARSEI-WOA) is proposed in this paper to forecast the electricity consumption of all the meters with best performance in terms of computational time and prediction accuracy.FindingsThe proposed model was tested using realistic Irish smart meters energy data and its performance was compared with nine regression methods including: autoregressive integrated moving average, partial least squares regression, conditional inference tree, M5 rule-based model, k-nearest neighbor, multilayer perceptron, RandomForest, RPART and support vector regression. Results have proved that ARSEI-WOA is an efficient model that is able to achieve an accurate prediction with low computational time.Originality/valueThis paper presents a new hybrid ARSEI model to perform smart meters load forecasting at an individual level instead of an aggregated one. With the help of clustering technique, similar meters are grouped into a few clusters from which reduce the computational time of the training and forecasting process. In addition, WOA improves the prediction accuracy of each meter by finding an optimal factor between the average electricity consumption values of each cluster and the electricity consumption values for each one of its meters.
The effect of Aloe vera powder on anthropometric and metabolic syndrome’s indices in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized, double-blinded controlled clinical trial
Authors: Zareian Najme , Taheri Reihane , Borgei Mohammad Hossein , Babajafari Siavash , Mosallanezhad Hamid , Nikoo Mohammad Hossein , Barati-Boldaji Reza 
Published: November 2021

Purpose
It is well accepted that diabetes is associated with heart diseases and hyperlipidemia as a risk factor. In traditional medicines, some herbs such as Aloe vera seem to be effective in controlling diabetes. Owing to lack of human studies, this study aims to examine the effect of Aloe vera consumption on fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profiles and body composition in type 2 diabetic patients.

Design/methodology/approach
This double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study was conducted in 2019, in Shiraz, Iran. A total of 56 diabetic subjects were randomized by block randomization to receive a daily supplement of 1,000 mg Aloe vera powder capsules (n = 28) or placebo (n = 28) for eight weeks. At baseline and after eight weeks of treatment, dietary intake and physical activity were assessed by three-day food recall and international physical activity questionnaire. Meanwhile, after an overnight fasting, FBS and lipid profiles were measured. Blood pressure and anthropometric parameters were assessed in the beginning and the end of the study. Independent t-tests were used for between-group analysis and paired t-tests for within-group analysis.

Findings
After intervention, weight, body mass index and waist circumference significantly decreased in comparison to the placebo group (p-value: < 0.001, 0.001 and 0.02). Although, FBS, total triglyceride and systolic blood pressure decreased significantly (p-value: 0.03, 0.001 and 0.01), no change has been seen in low density lipoprotein, high density lipoprotein and total cholesterol blood level and diastolic blood pressure.

Research limitations/implications
The limitations of this study are the short study duration and lack of Aloe vera powder’s ingredient analysis.

Originality/value
This study is one of few human studies investigating the effect of Aloe vera on metabolic syndrome’s indices in diabetic patients. Because pharmacological therapy is tough, not comfort and correlated with potential adverse drug interactions, it is important to find an alternative or complementary measure to aid the diabetic patients. This study shows that Aloe vera has positive effect on body weight and blood sugar.
Simultaneous extraction of profile and surface roughness of 3D SLM components using fringe projection method
Authors: Chen Terry Yuan-Fang , Lo Yu-Lung , Lin Ze-Hong , Lin Jui-Yu 
Published: November 2021

Purpose
The purpose of this study was expected to simultaneously monitor the surface roughness of each solidified layer, the surface roughness of the metal powder, the outline of the solidified layer, and the height difference between the solidified layer and the metal powder.

Design/methodology/approach
In the proposed approach, color images with red, green and blue fringes are used to measure the shape of the built object using a three-step phase-shift algorithm and phase-unwrapping method. In addition, the surface roughness is extracted from the speckle information in the captured image using a predetermined autocorrelation function.

Findings
The feasibility and accuracy of the proposed system were validated by comparing it with a commercial system for an identical set of samples fabricated by a selective laser melting process. The maximum and minimum errors between the two systems are approximately 24% and 0.8%, respectively.

Originality/value
In the additive manufacturing field, the authors are the first to use fringe detection technology to simultaneously measure the profile of the printed layer and its surface roughness.
Prognostic significance of subjective oral dysfunction on the all‐cause mortality
Authors: Yang Zhe‐Yu , Chen Wei‐Liang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundAs the proportion of elderly population grows, it raises concern about impaired oral health which has been reported to be associated with increased risk of numerous adverse health events. Emerging study defined oral frailty as poor oral health accumulation and demonstrated that oral frailty was a risk factor of disability, physical frailty and mortality. In this study, we examined the association between subjective oral dysfunction and all‐cause mortality in the United States.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional observational study, a total of 7827 participants who completed oral functions data from 1999 to 2002 NHANES database were recruited. Subjective oral dysfunction included 3 components: limited eating ability, dry mouth and difficult swallowing, which were obtained from self‐reported questionnaire. For primary outcome, all‐cause mortality was followed from baseline to death or 2006. The relationship of subjective oral dysfunction and all‐cause mortality was assessed by Cox regression model.ResultsA statistically significant relationship between subjective oral dysfunction and all‐cause mortality was observed in fully adjusted model. Participants with more components of subjective oral dysfunction had worse risk of all‐cause mortality. Limited eating ability was inversely associated with muscle strength.ConclusionSubjective oral dysfunction which was obtained from an easy self‐assessment survey might be a potential risk factor for all‐cause mortality and could be used for initial screening during general health examination.
Environmental drivers of breeding sites in blackfly species of medical and veterinary importance in eastern Spain
Authors: López‐Peña D. , García‐Roger E. M. , Lis‐Cantín Á. , Jiménez‐Peydró R. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractGeographical distribution and abundance of the pupae of six blackfly species of medical and veterinary concern were studied in eastern Spain according to three different sets of explanatory variables including in‐stream variables, both (i) abiotic (i.e., physicochemical) and (ii) biotic (i.e., richness and abundance of either taxonomically or ecologically close related taxa), as well as (iii) meteorological and landscape variables. The results showed specific habitat requirements for pupation in Simulium (Boophthora) erythrocephalum (De Geer, 1776) and Simulium (Wilhelmia) equinum (Linnaeus, 1758), two of the six species studied regarding elevation and temperature. While the rest of the species showed a certain degree of ecological overlap, co‐occurrence was in general low, which suggested that antagonistic biotic factors may be important in structuring blackfly assemblages. In effect, biotic predictors explained a high proportion (50%–70%) of the variability in the abundance of the pupae of the most generalist blackfly species, although further studies are needed to disentangle the sign of interspecific interactions. At the landscape level, S. (W.) equinum and S. (W.) pseudequinum Séguy, 1921 breeding habitats were associated with the presence of pig farms, and S. (Simulium) reptans (Linnaeus, 1758) and S. (B.) erythrocephalum with the presence of cattle.
Immediate and long‐term effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic and lockdown on physical activity in patients with implanted cardiac devices
Authors: Rosman Lindsey , Mazzella Anthony J , Gehi Anil , Liu Yutong , Li Quefeng , Salmoirago‐Blotcher Elena , Lampert Rachel , Burg Matthew M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundPhysical activity (PA) is an important determinant of cardiovascular health that may be affected the COVID‐19 pandemic. Therefore, we examined the immediate and long‐term effects of the pandemic and lockdown on PA in patients with established cardiovascular risk.MethodsObjectively‐measured daily PA data was obtained from cardiovascular implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) from 3453 U.S patients (mean and standard deviations [SD] age, 72.65 [13.24] years; 42% women). Adjusted mixed‐effects models stratified by device type were used to compare daily PA from periods in 2020: pre‐lockdown (March 1–14), lockdown (March 15 to May 8), and the reopening phase of the pandemic (May 9 to December 31) versus 2019. Patient characteristics and events associated with inactivity during lockdown and the proportion of patients who returned to their 2019 PA‐level by the end of reopening phase (December 31, 2020) were examined.ResultsDaily PA was significantly lower during the lockdown compared to the same period in 2019 (−15%; p < .0001), especially for pacemaker patients, adults aged <65, and patients more active prior to lockdown. Non‐COVID hospitalization and ICD shock were similarly associated with low PA during lockdown (p = .0001). In the reopening phase of the pandemic, PA remained 14.4% lower in the overall sample and only 23% of patients returned to their 2019 PA level by the end of follow‐up.ConclusionsIn this large cohort of patients with CIEDs, PA was markedly lower during the lockdown and remained lower for months after restrictions were lifted. Strategies to maintain PA during a national emergency are urgently needed.
“Monotheism” and the Hebrew Bible
Authors: Ballentine Debra Scoggins 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe term monotheism often comes with many caveats. Biblical conceptions of God and categories of the divine that interpreters might designate as “monotheism” developed in response to factors within the ancient contexts of biblical authors. However, it is in later Enlightenment contexts that theologians and historians characterize their understanding of biblical theology as monotheistic. As with the terms religion and even Bible, many presume a definition of monotheism that is particularly modern, “western,” and Christian‐centric. Generally speaking, most categorical conceptions of monotheism do not reflect the nuance, variety, and situatedness of our ancient data, both biblical texts and the literature, inscriptions, and available material culture that we utilize in reconstructions of ancient Judean and Israelite traditions. From its outset and still today, scholarly conversation about the category monotheism reflects the impacts of how confessional and traditional histories utilize this term. “Monotheism” often appears as dichotomously paired with “polytheism,” but many scholars prefer alternative concepts such as monolatry, henotheism, or one‐deity discourse. This article invites readers to explore scholarly questions around the relationships between monotheism and the Hebrew Bible by introducing readers to the Enlightenment context for the conceptualization of monotheism, to scholarly considerations regarding the utility of the concept for explaining ancient phenomena, to select relevant ancient data such as deities featured in the Hebrew Bible, and to several topics of study that prominently intertwine with the category monotheism, especially the relationships of Israel and Judah with their neighbors.
Evaluation of the upper and lower proximal lacrimal canaliculi using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography in normal Beagle dogs
Authors: Shim Jaeho , Kang Seonmi , Lee Eunji , Kim Sol , Park Jisoo , Kim Hyelin , Seo Kangmoon 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo confirm the feasibility of visualizing upper and lower proximal lacrimal canaliculi (LC) using spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography (SD‐OCT).Animals studiedEight eyes of four normal Beagle dogs.ProceduresTo obtain an upper proximal LC image, the head was turned in the opposite direction to the eye being imaged, and the medial part of the upper eyelid was everted to expose the LC. To obtain a lower LC image, the lower eyelid was everted just below the punctum. Using “angle mode”, the scan line was placed parallel on the long axis of the LC. The inlet LC width (LCW) was measured. Artificial tears (AT) were instilled, and LCW was compared before and after AT instillation. Additionally, the return time to the initial LCW inlet width was recorded.ResultsBefore AT instillation, there was a significant difference between the mean upper and lower LCW (91.8 ± 3.2 µm and 110.1 ± 8.4 µm, respectively). After AT instillation, the mean upper and lower LCW were 236.9 ± 27.7 µm and 238.4 ± 30.4 µm, respectively. Significant differences in the LCW before and after AT instillation in both the upper and lower LCWs were observed. The mean return time of the upper and lower LCW to their initial widths after AT instillation was within 4 min.ConclusionsSpectral‐domain optical coherence tomography was an effective method for providing high‐resolution images of the upper and lower proximal LC. This method enables observation of LC changes after instillation of eyedrops in veterinary clinical practice.
Axonal excitability changes in children with spinal muscular atrophy treated with nusinersen
Authors: Kariyawasam Didu S. T. , D'Silva Arlene M. , Herbert Karen , Howells James , Carey Kate , Kandula Tejaswi , Farrar Michelle A. , Lin Cindy (Shin‐Yi) 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSpinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is associated with developmental disruption of motor axons in ventral roots of the spinal cord alongside motor axon degeneration. The pathogenesis of peripheral axonal change during development is pertinent to understand treatment response. Nerve excitability techniques, stimulating the median motor nerve at the wrist, were utilised to investigate axonal change during neurodevelopment in 24 children with SMA, compared with 71 age‐matched controls. Longitudinal axonal response to nusinersen treatment in 18 children was also investigated. Significant differences in axonal development were noted in the youngest children with SMA, signified by reduced compound muscle action potential (CMAP) (P = 0.030), higher axonal threshold (P = 0.016), rheobase (minimal current amplitude of infinite duration, required to generate an action potential) (P = 0.012) and greater changes in depolarising and hyperpolarising threshold electrotonus. Subexcitability increased in all children with SMA, compared to controls. With treatment, nerve excitability changes were observed prominently in young children, with increases in CMAP, reduction in axonal threshold, fanning‐in of threshold electrotonus, increase in resting current–threshold slope and reduction in subexcitability. Whilst motor axons continue to mature in SMA, developmental delays in passive and active membrane properties occur especially in early childhood. Concurrently, motor axons actively undergo degeneration. Nusinersen restores the developmental trajectory of motor axons reducing degeneration, especially in children with early treatment initiation. Our findings move the field forward in understanding the developmental aspect of childhood‐onset motor neurone diseases and changes in axonal function associated with disease modification.Key points
Pathomechanisms in spinal muscular atrophy involve concurrent neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative processes.
The greatest delays in maturation of the passive and active properties of the peripheral motor axon are seen in early childhood.
Nusinersen facilitates developmental recovery of the motor axon whilst also reducing neurodegeneration.
Axonal dysfunction is reversed with SMN repletion particularly when intervention occurs early in development.
Regional variations and prevalence of psoriasis in Germany from 2010 to 2017: a cross-sectional, spatio-epidemiological study on ambulatory claims data
Authors: Andrees Valerie , Wolf Sandra , Augustin Matthias , Mohr Nicole , Augustin Jobst 
Published: November 2021

ObjectivesGlobal prevalence rates of psoriasis differ significantly, with lowest rates in the equator region and increasing tendencies towards the north but also differences within-country. Information on regional variations in Germany is missing. This study aims to analyse the change of psoriasis prevalence in Germany over time and to detect regional variations.DesignCross sectional, spatio-epidemiological study on regional psoriasis prevalence in Germany.SettingClaims data study based on nationwide outpatient billing data on county level.MethodsAnalyses based on outpatient billing data for 2010–2017 derived from all people insured in statutory health insurances (about 72.8 million). We performed descriptive spatio-temporal analyses of prevalence rates using probability mapping and statistical smoothing methods, identified spatial clusters and examined a north-south gradient using spatial statistics.ResultsThe prevalence increased from 147.4 per 10 000 in 2010 to 173.5 in 2017. In 2017, counties’ prevalence rates ranged between 93.8 and 340.9. Decreased rates occurred mainly in southern counties, increased rates in northern and eastern counties. Clusters of low rates occur in southern and south-western Germany, clusters of high rates in the north and north-east. The correlation between counties’ latitudes and their prevalence rates was high with Pearson’s r=0.65 (p<0.05).ConclusionIncreased prevalence of psoriasis over time and marked regional variations in Germany were observed which need further investigation.