bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The critical role of tree species and human disturbance in determining the macrofungal diversity in Europe
Authors: Yu Haili , Wang Tiejun , Skidmore Andrew , Heurich Marco , Bässler Claus 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimKnowledge concerning species distribution is important for biodiversity conservation and environmental management. Fungi form a large and diverse group of species and play a key role in nutrient cycling and carbon storage. However, our understanding of fungal diversity and distribution remains limited, particularly at large spatial scales. Here, we predicted the diversity and distribution of ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic macrofungi at relatively fine spatial resolution at a continental scale and examined the importance of variables that affect the distribution of these two functional groups.LocationEurope.Time period1990–2018.Major taxa studiedMacrofungi.MethodsFrom observations of 1,845 macrofungal species, we predicted the diversity and distribution of two functional groups of macrofungi at a resolution of 5 km across eight European countries based on 25 environmental variables using the MaxEnt model. We determined the importance of variables that affect the distribution of these two functional groups of macrofungi using the built‐in jackknife test in the model.ResultsAnalysis of the modelling results showed that eastern Denmark and southern Sweden are biodiversity hotspots for both functional groups of macrofungal species. Tree species and human disturbance (i.e., the human footprint index) were found to be the two most important predictor variables explaining the distribution of ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic macrofungi.Main conclusionsOverall, our study demonstrates that tree species and human disturbance have played a more important role than climatic factors in determining the diversity and distribution of macrofungi at the continental scale. Our study suggests that fungal diversity and distribution might change considerably if the strongest predictors (i.e., tree species) were to be affected by climate change and/or human activity. Changes in fungal diversity might, in turn, influence other processes, because fungi are important in driving ecosystem processes, such as nutrient and carbon cycling.
Growing faster, longer or both? Modelling plastic response of Juniperus communis growth phenology to climate change
Authors: Tumajer Jan , Buras Allan , Camarero J. Julio , Carrer Marco , Shetti Rohan , Wilmking Martin , Altman Jan , Sangüesa‐Barreda Gabriel , Lehejček Jiří 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimPlant growth and phenology respond plastically to changing climatic conditions in both space and time. Species‐specific levels of growth plasticity determine biogeographical patterns and the adaptive capacity of species to climate change. However, a direct assessment of spatial and temporal variability in radial growth dynamics is complicated, because long records of cambial phenology do not exist.LocationSixteen sites across European distribution margins of Juniperus communis L. (the Mediterranean, the Arctic, the Alps and the Urals).Time period1940–2016.Major taxa studiedJuniperus communis.MethodsWe applied the Vaganov–Shashkin process‐based model of wood formation to estimate trends in growing season duration and growth kinetics since 1940. We assumed that J. communis would exhibit spatially and temporally variable growth patterns reflecting local climatic conditions.ResultsOur simulations indicate regional differences in growth dynamics and plastic responses to climate warming. The mean growing season duration is the longest at Mediterranean sites and, recently, there has been a significant trend towards its extension of up to 0.44 days/year. However, this stimulating effect of a longer growing season is counteracted by declining summer growth rates caused by amplified drought stress. Consequently, overall trends in simulated ring widths are marginal in the Mediterranean. In contrast, durations of growing seasons in the Arctic show lower and mostly non‐significant trends. However, spring and summer growth rates follow increasing temperatures, leading to a growth increase of up to 0.32 %/year.Main conclusionsThis study highlights the plasticity in growth phenology of widely distributed shrubs to climate warming: an earlier onset of cambial activity that offsets the negative effects of summer droughts in the Mediterranean and, conversely, an intensification of growth rates during the short growing seasons in the Arctic. Such plastic growth responsiveness allows woody plants to adapt to the local pace of climate change.
Association of FGF‐19 and FGF‐21 levels with primary sarcopenia
Authors: Bag Soytas Rabia , Suzan Veysel , Arman Pinar , Emiroglu Gedik Tugce , Unal Damla , Cengiz Mahir , Bolayirli Ibrahim Murat , Suna Erdincler Deniz , Doventas Alper , Yavuzer Hakan 
Published: August 2021

AimSerum fibroblast growth factor (FGF)‐19 and FGF‐21 levels have been reported to be associated with muscle hemostasis. This study aims to explore the relationship between the levels of these markers and sarcopenia.MethodsIn our single‐center, cross‐sectional study, patients over 65 years old presenting to the geriatric outpatient clinic were included. Patients with secondary sarcopenia were excluded. The Strength–Assistance with walking–Rising from a chair–Climbing stairs and Falls (SARC‐F) questionnaire was applied to all patients. Sarcopenia was determined by handgrip strength (HGS), bioelectrical impedance analysis and 6‐m walk test. Serum samples were stored at −80°C until measurement. The ELISA method was used to assess FGF‐19 and FGF‐21 levels.ResultsIn total, 88 patients (54 women) were included. There were 43 patients in the sarcopenia group and 45 patients without sarcopenia in the control group. In those with sarcopenia, FGF‐19 was lower (P = 0.04) and FGF‐21 was higher (P = 0.021). There was a direct correlation between FGF‐19 with SARC‐F and HGS (P = 0.04, B = 0.178, P = 0.006, B = 0.447) while FGF‐21 was inversely correlated with HGS and positively correlated with 6‐m walking time (P = 0.016, B = −0.428, P = 0.004, B = 0.506).ConclusionsOur results reveal that low FGF‐19 and high FGF‐21 may be associated with sarcopenia and this finding could be explained by the impacted muscle strength. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 959–962.
Blocking the activin IIB receptor with bimagrumab (BYM338) increases walking performance: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Spitz Robert W. , Dankel Scott J. , Bell Zachary W. , Wong Vickie , Abe Takashi , Kang Minsoo , Loenneke Jeremy P. 
Published: August 2021

AimDiseases and bed rest may result in decreased muscle size and function. While exercise is recommended as a countermeasure, there are times when diseases or injuries make it difficult for the patient to partake in an exercise intervention. Pharmaceutical interventions using a myostatin inhibitor, BYM338, have been investigated as a way to increase or maintain muscle function. Of interest in the present analysis was the 6‐min walk test. The 6‐min walk test was selected, as there is an association between walking ability and the ease of performing activities of daily living. Thus, our aim was to investigate the effects of BYM338 on walking performance relative to a placebo.MethodsA meta‐analysis using a random effects model was conducted in April 2021.ResultsFour studies were included with a total sample size of 244 participants receiving BYM338 and 114 participants receiving a placebo. The average age of the participants included was 68 years. The main analysis produced a weighted mean effect size of 10 m (SE 5) (P = 0.05) for BYM338 over a placebo. Excluding the lowest dosage (1 mg/kg) provided similar results (12 m [SE 5], P = 0.033). Of note, the weighted mean effect with or without the lowest dosage is surrounded by a large degree of uncertainty.ConclusionsOur results suggest that BYM338 is a viable drug for improving 6‐min walk test in populations associated with impaired function. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 939–943.
Structural aberrations of the brain associated with migraine: A narrative review
Authors: Kim Soo‐Kyoung , Nikolova Simona , Schwedt Todd J. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo summarize major results from imaging studies investigating brain structure in migraine.BackgroundNeuroimaging studies, using several different imaging and analysis techniques, have demonstrated aberrations in brain structure associated with migraine. This narrative review summarizes key imaging findings and relates imaging findings with clinical features of migraine.MethodsWe searched PubMed for English language articles using the key words “neuroimaging” AND/OR “MRI” combined with “migraine” through August 20, 2020. The titles and abstracts of resulting articles were reviewed for their possible inclusion in this manuscript, followed by examination of the full texts and reference lists of relevant articles.ResultsMigraine is associated with structural brain aberrations within regions that participate in pain processing, the processing of other sensory stimuli, multisensory integration, and in white matter fiber tracts. Furthermore, migraine is associated with magnetic resonance imaging T2/fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery white matter hyperintensities. Some structural aberrations are correlated with the severity and clinical features of migraine, whereas others are not. These findings suggest that some structural abnormalities are associated with or amplified by recurrent migraine attacks, whereas others are intrinsic to the migraine brain.ConclusionsMigraine is associated with aberrant brain structure. Structural neuroimaging studies contribute to understanding migraine pathophysiology and identification of brain regions associated with migraine and its individual symptoms. Additional work is needed to determine the extent to which structural aberrations are a result of recurrent migraine attacks, and perhaps reversible with effective treatment or migraine resolution, versus being intrinsic traits of the migraine brain.
Nanoraspberry‐like palladium/spongy nickel oxide for electrooxidation of five light fuels
Authors: Gomroki Salehe , Yavari Zahra , Abbasian Ahmad Reza , Noroozifar Meissam 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe spongy nickel oxide (SNO) was synthesized the solution combustion method. The SNO was selected as a promoter to boost the catalytic activity of nanoraspberry‐like palladium (NRPd) toward electrooxidation of five light fuels (LFs): methanol, ethanol, formaldehyde, formic acid, and ethylene glycol. The X‐ray powder diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), scanning electron microscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscope techniques were used for the materials characterization. In comparison with nonpromoted Pd, the NRPd‐SNO electrocatalyst shown an excellent efficiency in parameters like the electrochemical active surface area and anti‐CO poisoning behavior. The turnover data and the parameters, including reaction order, activation energy, and the coefficients of electron transfer and diffusion, were evaluated for the each process of LFs electrooxidation. The outcome for NRPd‐SNO activity toward LFs electrooxidation was compared to some reported electrodes. The SNO increases the removal of intermediates created in the oxidation of LFs that can poison the surface of palladium catalyst. This is due to the presence of the lattice oxygens in SNO structure and Ni switching between its high and low valances. The compatibility of the adsorption process of LFs on the surface of the NRPd‐SNO catalyst with different isotherms was determined by studying the Tafel polarization and calculating the surface coverage.
Effect of iron on the microstructure of basalt glass‐ceramics obtained by the petrurgic method
Authors: de Lima Luiza Felippi , Perottoni Cláudio Antônio , Zorzi Janete Eunice , Cruz Robinson Carlos Dudley 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBasalt glasses may form glass‐ceramic materials upon a thermal treatment (TT) if the Fe2O3/FeO ratio is greater than 0.5. In this work, a Serra Geral Formation basalt was used to produce different glass‐ceramic materials by changing its chemical composition, removing Fe2O3 via magnetic separation and adding 20 wt% Fe2O3. Glass‐ceramics were prepared by melting at 1500°C, followed by a crystallization plateau at 950°C. This petrurgic TT yields dendritic structures upon surface crystallization. With the increase of the iron content, crystallization was more pronounced, as observed in thermal analysis results and optical/scanning electron microscopy. The microstructure analysis shows that these glass‐ceramics exhibit at least two different types of crystallization. On the surface, the predominant crystallization was dendritic, while in bulk, crystallization occurred in the form of randomly distributed submicrometric spheroid crystals.
Safety, satisfaction and cost savings of accelerated infusions of standard and intensified‐dose infliximab for inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Crane Harry , Wu Nan , Chan Patrick , Nguyen Paul , Williams Astrid‐Jane , Ng Watson , Connor Susan J 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundInfliximab remains a mainstay for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but a long infusion duration and subsequent monitoring can be burdensome to patients and healthcare providers.AimsTo assess the safety of accelerated infusions for standard and dose‐intensified infliximab regimens, and the effect on patient satisfaction and potential cost savings.MethodsPatients with IBD on a stable maintenance dose of infliximab and in clinical remission received one or more accelerated infusions: over 30 min if receiving a standard dose (5 mg/kg), or over 60 min if receiving dose‐intensified infliximab (up to 10 mg/kg). Outcomes included incidence of reactions (acute or delayed), patient satisfaction and potential cost savings. We also explored infliximab trough levels after one and three accelerated infusions.ResultsFifty‐two patients who received 150 infusions were studied. Incidence of reactions to accelerated infusions was 3.3% (3 out of 89) with a standard dose and 0% (out of 61) with dose‐intensified infliximab. Reactions were delayed, mild and self‐limiting. None required drug cessation. Patient satisfaction was improved with shortened infusion time as compared with the patients' previous experiences (P = 0.00002). Mean plasma trough level of infliximab reduced from 9.3 mg/L (±4.9) to 7.9 mg/L (±4.1) (P = 0.02) with accelerated infusions, but none developed anti‐infliximab antibodies. Nursing cost savings were estimated as $123.52 and $247.04 per patient per year for standard and dose‐intensified infliximab respectively.ConclusionAccelerated infliximab infusions for standard and dose‐intensified regimens seem to be safe and improved patient satisfaction. Potential impact on drug trough levels requires further investigations.
NBPF4 mitigates progression in colorectal cancer through the regulation of EZH2‐associated ETFA
Authors: Chen Wankun , Di Zhou , Chen Zhaoyuan , Nan Ke , Gu Jiahui , Ge Feng , Liu Jinlong , Zhang Hao , Miao Changhong 
Published: August 2021

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and hence, there is a need to elucidate the molecular mechanisms contributing to the progression of CRC. In this study, we aimed at assessing the role of long non‐coding RNA NBPF4 on the tumorigenesis of CRC. Silencing or overexpression experiments were performed on HCT116 and SW260 in vitro models. BALB/c athymic female nude mice aged 5–6 weeks were used as in vivo models. To assess the relationship between NBPF4 and its regulatory RNA pull‐down assay, RNA immunoprecipitation, luciferase activity, Western blotting and qRT‐PCR were employed. Initially, we identified that NBPF4 was downregulated in CRC tissues and cell lines. Furthermore, we observed that NBPF4 decreased tumorigenesis in both in vitro and in vivo models. Additionally, we identified that ETFA was highly expressed in CRCs and was negatively associated with NBPF4. Subsequently, we identified that EZH2, a transcriptional factor, activated ETFA by enhancing the methylation of its promoter, and EZH2 was also highly regulated in CRCs. Using COAD and READ databases, we confirmed that EZH2 and ETFA were positively correlated. Furthermore, we identified NBPF4 and EZH2 were targets for ZFP36, which bound and positively regulated NBPF4. This prevented NBPF4 from binding to its negative regulator miR‐17‐3p. Our results demonstrated that NBPF4 downregulated EZH2 and stabilized itself by binding to ZFP36, thus escaping from inhibition by miR‐17‐3p, which allowed mitigation of CRC through inhibition of ETFA.
Measuring performance of professional role substitution models of care against traditional medical care in healthcare—A systematic review
Authors: Mutsekwa Rumbidzai N. , Wright Charlene , Byrnes Joshua M. , Canavan Russell , Angus Rebecca L. , Spencer Alan , Campbell Katrina L. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo identify outcome measures used to evaluate performance of healthcare professional role substitution against usual medical doctor or specialist medical doctor care to facilitate our understanding of the adequacy of these measures in assessing quality of healthcare delivery.MethodsUsing a systematic approach, we searched Medline, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science from database inception until May 2020. Studies that presented original comparative data on at least one outcome measure were included following screening by two authors. Findings were synthesized, and outcome measures classified into six domains which included: effectiveness, safety, appropriateness, access, continuity of care, efficiency, and sustainability which were informed by the Institute of Medicine dimensions of healthcare quality, the Australian health performance framework, and Levesque and Sutherland's integrated performance measurement framework.ResultsOne thirty five articles met the inclusion criteria, describing 58 separate outcome measures. Safety of role substitution models of care was assessed in 80 studies, effectiveness (n = 60), appropriateness (n = 40), access (n = 36), continuity of care (n = 6), efficiency and productivity (n = 45). Two‐thirds of the studies that assessed productivity and efficiency performed an economic analysis (n = 27). The quality and rigour of evaluations varied substantially across studies, with two‐thirds of all studies measuring and reporting outcomes from only one or two of these domains.ConclusionsThere are a growing number of studies measuring the performance of non‐medical healthcare professional substitution roles. Few have been subject to robust evaluations, and there is limited evidence on the scientific rigour and adequacy of outcomes measured. A systematic and coordinated approach is required to support healthcare settings in assessing the value of non‐medical role substitution healthcare delivery models.
Computational methods and classical‐Marxian economics
Authors: Cogliano Jonathan F. , Veneziani Roberto , Yoshihara Naoki 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis article surveys computational approaches to classical‐Marxian economics. These approaches include a range of techniques—such as numerical simulations, agent‐based models, and Monte Carlo methods—and cover many areas within the classical‐Marxian tradition. We focus on three major themes in classical‐Marxian economics, namely price and value theory; inequality, exploitation, and classes; and technical change, profitability, growth and cycles. We show that computational methods are particularly well‐suited to capture certain key elements of the vision of the classical‐Marxian approach and can be fruitfully used to make significant progress in the study of classical‐Marxian topics.
CONCEIVING SELVES
Authors: Nickel Mary 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMany ethics instructors turn to peculiar examples and cases to highlight ethical concerns about autonomy and collective goods. While these efforts are respectable, they lamentably reinforce the valorization of independence and the opposition of individuality to collectivity that are too prevalent in ethics today. Attending to the event of pregnancy would help overcome these troubles. By concentrating on pregnancy, we can better appreciate the dependence that is integral to the human experience, the discrete value of each individual, the possible noncompetition between individual and society, and the importance of appreciating the sources of our existence. Religious ethicists would do well to think more about pregnancy, a condition which is sui generis and yet also illustrative of the fundamental interdependence of human beings.
The Labour Market Effects of Venezuelan Refugee Crisis in the United States*
Authors: Gunadi Christian 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis article examines the characteristics, location choice and labour market impacts of the recent inflow of Venezuelan refugees in the United States. A few interesting findings emerge from analysing the data. Unlike previous US immigration experience in the 1980s, the flow of recent Venezuelan refugees into the United States is characterized by an inflow of highly educated individuals with a college education. The finding of the analysis also suggests that the location choice of these refugees within the United States is not mainly driven by labour market conditions in the destination cities. Rather, distance to home country and climatic difference with Venezuela are the main factors in determining the flow of Venezuelan refugees into a particular US city. Consistent with this finding, most Venezuelan refugees choose to settle only in two cities in Florida: Miami and Orlando. Examining the labour market conditions in Miami and Orlando following the flow of Venezuelan refugees, the results of the analysis show a lack of evidence that the labour force participation, unemployment rate and weekly wages of US natives are adversely affected by the inflow.
Quality of life outcomes in cryoablation of atrial fibrillation–A literature review
Authors: Vandenberk Bert , Lauwers Laurens , Robyns Tomas , Garweg Christophe , Willems Rik , Ector Joris , Haemers Peter 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundCryoballoon ablation (CRYO) for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in atrial fibrillation (AF) has become an established treatment option as alternative for radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA). As symptom relief is still the main indication for PVI, quality of life (QoL) is a key outcome parameter. This review summarizes the evidence about the evolution of QoL after CRYO.MethodsA search for clinical studies reporting QoL outcomes after CRYO was performed on PUBMED and COCHRANE. A total of 506 publications were screened and 10 studies met the in‐ and exclusion criteria.ResultsAll studies considered QoL as a secondary endpoint and reported significant improvement in QoL between baseline and 12 months follow‐up, independent of the QoL instruments used. The effect size of CRYO on QoL was comparable between studies and present in both paroxysmal and persistent AF. Direct comparison between CRYO and RFCA was limited to two studies, there was no difference between ablation modalities after 12 months FU. Two studies in paroxysmal AF reported outcome beyond 12 months follow‐up and QoL improvement was maintained up to 36 months after ablation. There were no long‐term data available for persistent AF.ConclusionCRYO of AF significantly improves QoL. The scarce amount of data with direct comparison between subgroups limits further exploration. Assessment of QoL should be considered a primary outcome parameter in future trials with long‐term follow‐up.