bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Let it snow? Spring snowpack and microsite characterize the regeneration niche of high‐elevation pines
Authors: Hankin Lacey E. , Bisbing Sarah M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimThe persistence potential of forests under rapid climate change will depend on species‐specific tolerances to increasing growing season soil moisture stress as snowpack declines. High‐elevation tree species may be particularly vulnerable to increasing water stress and associated changes to disturbance regimes because they occur at the environmental margins of tree distributions and are considered snowpack dependent. Here, we evaluate the interacting effects of climate, disturbance, and microsite conditions on tree regeneration in high‐elevation, migration‐limited pines that have experienced recent disturbance‐induced tree mortality.LocationGreat Basin (California and Nevada), USATaxonGymnosperms; PinaceaeMethodsWe used field observations from 70 sites that varied in climate, disturbance, and local site conditions across semi‐arid, high‐elevation forests of the Great Basin. We employed structural equation models to evaluate how climate and disturbance interact with microsite conditions to influence regeneration.ResultsWe found a broad range of establishment conditions for high‐elevation conifers—whitebark, limber, and bristlecone pines—across climatic and disturbance gradients in the Great Basin, but our research detected clear differences in the regeneration niche for each species that may lead to differential survival as climate and disturbance conditions continue to change. Regeneration of whitebark and bristlecone pines diverged in their responses to spring snowpack conditions, with whitebark pine increasing and bristlecone pine decreasing with greater spring snowpack. Limber pine regenerated across a range of climatic and landscape conditions, and this generalist strategy may be advantageous if future climate and disturbance conditions exceed tolerances of more specialized high‐elevation conifers.Main ConclusionsOur findings highlight the critical role that spring snowpack, and consequently growing season soil moisture, plays in determining the persistence potential of high‐elevation conifers. However, this role varies among species and thus may drive compositional changes as earlier snowmelt drives soil moisture declines across mountainous landscapes of the western United States.
Prostaglandin E3 attenuates macrophage‐associated inflammation and prostate tumour growth by modulating polarization
Authors: Cui Jing , Shan Kai , Yang Qin , Qi Yumin , Qu Hongyan , Li Jiaqi , Wang Rong , Jia Lingling , Chen Wei , Feng Ninghan , Chen Yong Q. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAlternative polarization of macrophages regulates multiple biological processes. While M1‐polarized macrophages generally mediate rapid immune responses, M2‐polarized macrophages induce chronic and mild immune responses. In either case, polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)‐derived lipid mediators act as both products and regulators of macrophages. Prostaglandin E3 (PGE3) is an eicosanoid derived from eicosapentaenoic acid, which is converted by cyclooxygenase, followed by prostaglandin E synthase successively. We found that PGE3 played an anti‐inflammatory role by inhibiting LPS and interferon‐γ‐induced M1 polarization and promoting interleukin‐4‐mediated M2 polarization (M2a). Further, we found that although PGE3 had no direct effect on the growth of prostate cancer cells in vitro, PGE3 could inhibit prostate cancer in vivo in a nude mouse model of neoplasia. Notably, we found that PGE3 significantly inhibited prostate cancer cell growth in a cancer cell‐macrophage co‐culture system. Experimental results showed that PGE3 inhibited the polarization of tumour‐associated M2 macrophages (TAM), consequently producing indirect anti‐tumour activity. Mechanistically, we identified that PGE3 regulated the expression and activation of protein kinase A, which is critical for macrophage polarization. In summary, this study indicates that PGE3 can selectively promote M2a polarization, while inhibiting M1 and TAM polarization, thus exerting an anti‐inflammatory effect and anti‐tumour effect in prostate cancer.
A curcumin analog GL63 inhibits the malignant behaviors of hepatocellular carcinoma by inactivating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway via the circular RNA zinc finger protein 83/microRNA‐324‐5p/cyclin‐dependent kinase 16 axis
Authors: Zhao Ji‐an , Nie Wenjia , Dong Liang , Liu Wencong , Wei Wei 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackground and Aim(1E,4E)‐1,5‐bis(2‐bromophenyl) penta‐1,4‐dien‐3‐one (GL63) is a curcumin analog that can protect against carcinogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study was to explore the molecular mechanism of GL63 in HCC.MethodsCell viability was examined by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay. Circular RNA zinc finger protein 83 (circZNF83), microRNA‐324‐5p (miR‐324‐5p), and cyclin‐dependent kinase 16 (CDK16) levels were measured via the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Cell proliferation was assessed using colony formation assay. Flow cytometry was performed for detecting cell cycle and apoptosis. Protein analysis was conducted by western blot. Cell migration and invasion were determined using transwell assay. Target relation was analyzed using dual‐luciferase reporter and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assays. The function of GL63 in vivo was researched by xenograft model in mice.ResultsGL63 inhibited the circZNF83 expression in HCC cells. CircZNF83 overexpression attenuated the inhibitory effects of GL63 on HCC cell growth, cell cycle progression, migration, and invasion but the promoting effect on cell apoptosis. CircZNF83 served as a sponge of miR‐324‐5p and circZNF83/miR‐324‐5p axis was involved in the functional regulation of GL63 in HCC progression. Moreover, CDK16 was a downstream target of miR‐324‐5p and circZNF83 could regulate the CDK16 expression by sponging miR‐324‐5p. The anti‐tumor function of GL63 was also related to the miR‐324‐5p/CDK16 axis. In addition, GL63 inactivated the JAK2/STAT3 pathway via downregulating circZNF83 to mediate the miR‐324‐5p/CDK16 axis. GL63 also repressed tumor growth in vivo through the circZNF83/miR‐324‐5p/CDK16‐mediated JAK2/STAT3 signal inhibition.ConclusionThis study suggested GL63 impeded the HCC development by blocking the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway via mediating the circZNF83/miR‐324‐5p/CDK16 axis.
Phytochrome B interacts with SWC6 and ARP6 to regulate H2A.Z deposition and photomorphogensis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wei Xuxu , Wang Wanting , Xu Peng , Wang Wenxiu , Guo Tongtong , Kou Shuang , Liu Minqing , Niu Yake , Yang Hong‐Quan , Mao Zhilei 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLight serves as a crucial environmental cue which modulates plant growth and development, and which is controlled by multiple photoreceptors including the primary red light photoreceptor, phytochrome B (phyB). The signaling mechanism of phyB involves direct interactions with a group of basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factors, PHYTOCHROME‐INTERACTING FACTORS (PIFs), and the negative regulators of photomorphogenesis, COP1 and SPAs. H2A.Z is an evolutionarily conserved H2A variant which plays essential roles in transcriptional regulation. The replacement of H2A with H2A.Z is catalyzed by the SWR1 complex. Here, we show that the Pfr form of phyB physically interacts with the SWR1 complex subunits SWC6 and ARP6. phyB and ARP6 co‐regulate numerous genes in the same direction, some of which are associated with auxin biosynthesis and response including YUC9, which encodes a rate‐limiting enzyme in the tryptophan‐dependent auxin biosynthesis pathway. Moreover, phyB and HY5/HYH act to inhibit hypocotyl elongation partially through repression of auxin biosynthesis. Based on our findings and previous studies, we propose that phyB promotes H2A.Z deposition at YUC9 to inhibit its expression through direct phyB‐SWC6/ARP6 interactions, leading to repression of auxin biosynthesis, and thus inhibition of hypocotyl elongation in red light.
Outcomes and complications of Traumatic ear lobe repair techniques: A systematic review
Authors: Nassour Nour , Watfa William 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundTraumatic earlobe is a frequently encountered problem in our practice. Numerous techniques have been published in the past decades including case reports, retrospective reviews, and prospective studies. However, to date, no study has investigated the overall complications or satisfaction rates associated with the wide spectrum of techniques.ObjectivesThis review aims to assess the outcomes of the various earlobe repair techniques and to provide a simplified classification system.MethodsThis systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed database was queried in search of clinical studies describing surgical and non‐surgical techniques, which reported techniques, indications, and outcomes.ResultsTwenty‐six studies, published from 1973 through 2019, were included. Six main technique categories were identified: These were straight‐line closure (type 1, n = 82), Z‐plasty (type 2, n = 165), flaps (type 3, n = 66), L‐specular plasty (type 4, n = 35), double‐curve specular plasty (type 5, n = 15), and non‐surgical techniques (type 6, n = 38). Z‐plasty (type 2) had the highest post‐operative infection rate of 11.5%.ConclusionsWhile all the techniques are generally simple and efficient, they should be chosen based on both surgeon and patient preference. Complication rates and morbidity are relatively low.
Coastal dunefields maintain pre‐Holocene genetic structure in a rocky shore red alga
Authors: Mmonwa Kolobe Lucas , Barker Nigel Paul , McQuaid Christopher David , Teske Peter Rodja 
Published: May 2021

Most intertidal algae have limited dispersal potential, and areas that lack hard substratum suitable for attachment are thus expected to isolate regional populations from each other. Here, we used nuclear and mitochondrial genetic data to compare genetic structure in two co‐distributed intertidal red algae with different dispersal potential along the South African coastline. Gelidium pristoides is divided into a south‐eastern and a south‐western evolutionary lineage separated by extensive, continuous sandy shoreline habitat adjacent to coastal dunefields. In contrast, Hypnea spicifera is genetically homogeneous throughout its range. In G. pristoides, the genetic breaks are associated with contemporary coastal dunefields. The age of the divergence event suggests that this may reflect the effect of older dispersal barriers, and that genetic structure was subsequently maintained by the formation of contemporary coastal dunefields.
Online medical services utilization evaluated through the lens of socioecological theory and the information–motivation–behavioral skills model: evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Chi , Peng Xue‐qing , Jiang Yong‐zhi , Liu Rui , Qi Zi‐xin , Zhou Meng , Zhao Shi‐qi , Ge Jin‐jin , You Hua , Li Zhi‐guang 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOnline medical services (OMS) have become increasingly advantageous, but there are still several barriers to utilization among patients. This study aims to explore the factors influencing OMS utilization (OMSU) for patients in micro‐, meso‐, and macrosystems based on socioecological theory (SET) and from the perspective of the information–motivation–behavioral skills (IMB) model. We selected 1065 participants through multistage stratified cluster random sampling in Jiangsu, China. In microsystems, information and behavioral skills were positively associated with intention (β = 0.84; β = 3.21) and actual utilization (OR = 1.69; OR = 1.69). Education level (β = 0.83) and personal motivation (β = 1.68) were positively related to intention. Chronic diseases (OR = 2.03) had a positive relationship with actual use. In mesosystems, recommendations from people around the patients (β = 1.14; OR = 1.99), provision of OMS in the nearest primary medical facility (β = 0.98; OR = 3.60), and provision of instructional information by medical institutions (β = 1.01; OR = 1.65) were related to OMSU. The average monthly household income (β = 0.54) was related to intention. Patients who had information about the OMSU experiences of people around them (OR = 1.73) correlated with actual utilization. In macrosystems, the social medical insurance type (OR = 0.66) was associated with OMSU. This study supports the applicability of the SET and IMB model to interpret patients’ OMSU.
Ex vivo comparison of leak testing of canine jejunal enterotomies: Saline infusion versus air insufflation
Authors: Mullen Kaitlyn M. , Regier Penny J. , Waln Monica , Colee James 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the ability to detect leakage of enterotomy closures by intraluminal injection of saline or air.Study DesignEx vivo study.AnimalsGrossly normal jejunal segments (n = 60) from five fresh canine cadavers.MethodsEight‐centimeter jejunal segments were randomly assigned to two control (saline control [n = 5], air control [5]) and two treatment groups (injection of saline [n = 25] or air [25] after enterotomies were closed in a simple continuous pattern using 4–0 glycomer 631). Initial leak pressure (ILP, mean ± SD), maximum intraluminal pressure (MIP), and leakage location were compared. For all air insufflation constructs, the volume of air insufflated at the time of initial leakage was recorded.ResultsThe ILPs of control segments did not differ whether injected with saline (405.71 ± 56.97 mmHg) or air (376.84 ± 42.54,p = 1.00). Enterotomy closures leaked at lower pressures when injected with air (ILP: 68.52 ± 6.56) compared to saline (87.76 ± 5.20,p = .03). Similar results were obtained when comparing MIPs. A moderate association (r = .51) was identified between volume of air infused and ILPs. The strength of the association improved when stratified by cadaver. The location of leakage—most commonly suture tracks—was identified for all air constructs and for 14 of 25 saline constructs.ConclusionEnterotomy closures leaked at lower pressures after intraluminal injection of air compared to saline.Clinical SignificanceIntraoperative leak testing of small intestinal enterotomy closures may be rendered more sensitive and precise by the use of air instead of saline as the infusate.
Uncertainty Quantification for Fatigue Life of Offshore Wind Turbine Structure
Authors: Nispel Abraham , Ekwaro-Osire Stephen , Dias João Paulo , Cunha Americo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
This study aims to address the question: can the structural reliability of an offshore wind turbine (OWT) under fatigue loading conditions be predicted more consistently? To respond to that question this study addresses the following specific aims: (1) to obtain a systematic approach that takes into consideration the amount of information available for the uncertainty modeling of the model input parameters and (2) to determine the impact of the most sensitive input parameters on the structural reliability of the OWT through a surrogate model. First, a coupled model to determine the fatigue life of the support structure considering the soil-structure interaction under 15 different loading conditions was developed. Second, a sensitivity scheme using two global analyses was developed to consistently establish the most and least important input parameters of the model. Third, systematic uncertainty quantification (UQ) scheme was employed to model the uncertainties of model input parameters based on their available—data-driven and physics-informed—information. Finally, the impact of the proposed UQ framework on the OWT structural reliability was evaluated through the estimation of the probability of failure of the structure based on the fatigue limit state design criterion. The results show high sensitivity for the wind speed and moderate sensitivity for parameters usually considered as deterministic values in design standards. Additionally, it is shown that applying systematic UQ not only produces a more efficient and better approximation of the fatigue life under uncertainty, but also a more accurate estimation of the structural reliability of offshore wind turbine's structure during conceptual design. Consequently, more reliable, and robust estimations of the structural designs for large offshore wind turbines with limited information may be achieved during the early stages of design.
Protocol and Data Description: The Free-Living Activity Study for Health
Authors: Hibbing Paul R. , Lamoureux Nicholas R. , Matthews Charles E. , Welk Gregory J. 
Published: May 2021

Physical behavior can be assessed using a range of competing methods. The Free-Living Activity Study for Health (FLASH) is an ongoing study that facilitates the comparison of such methods. The purpose of this report is to describe the FLASH, with a particular emphasis on a subsample of participants who have consented to have their deidentified data released in a shared repository. Participants in the FLASH wear seven physical activity monitors for a 24-hr period and then complete a detailed recall using the Activities Completed Over Time in 24-hr online assessment tool. The participants can optionally agree to be video recorded for 30–60 min, which allows for direct observation as a criterion indicator of their behavior during that period. As of version 0.1.0, the repository includes data from 38 participants, and the sample size will grow as data are collected, processed, and released in future versions. The repository makes it possible to combine sensor data (e.g., from ActiGraph and SenseWear) with minute-by-minute contextual data (from the Activities Completed Over Time in 24-hr recall system), which enables the FLASH to generate benchmark data for a wide range of future research. The repository itself provides an example of how a powerful open-source tool (GitHub) can be used to share data and code in a way that encourages communication and collaboration among a variety of scientists (e.g., algorithm developers and end users). The FLASH data set will provide long-term benefits to researchers interested in advancing the science of physical behavior monitoring.
Does Higher Self-Reported Cardiorespiratory Fitness Reduce the Odds of Hospitalization From COVID-19?
Authors: Brandenburg Jason P. , Lesser Iris A. , Thomson Cynthia J. , Giles Luisa V. 
Published: May 2021

Background: Regular physical activity and higher cardiorespiratory (CR) fitness enhance immune function, possibly reducing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection severity. The aim was to assess the association between physical activity and self-reported CR fitness on COVID-19 infection characteristics. Methods: Participants formerly testing positive for COVID-19 completed an online questionnaire measuring COVID-19 infection characteristics and complications, self-reported CR fitness level, physical activity, and sociodemographic and health-related characteristics. Self-reported CR fitness was determined as the pace to cover 4.8 km without becoming overly fatigued (with slow walking, brisk walking, jogging, and running corresponding to low, moderate, good, and excellent levels of fitness, respectively). Results: A total of 263 individuals completed the survey. Compared with the lowest level of self-reported CR fitness, the odds of hospitalization significantly decreased by 64% (odds ratio = 0.36; 95% confidence interval, 0.13–0.98; P = .04) in individuals reporting the ability to maintain a brisk walk. In individuals reporting the ability to maintain a jogging pace, the further reduction in hospitalization was not significant (odds ratio = 0.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.05–1.04; P = .05). For COVID-19 symptom severity and number, there were no significant associations with self-reported CR fitness or physical activity levels. Conclusions: For individuals with low self-reported CR fitness, improving CR fitness represents a strategy to reduce the risk of hospitalization from COVID-19.
Corneal neovascularisation following deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty for corneal ectasia: incidence, timing and risk factors
Authors: Pellegrini Marco , Scorcia Vincenzo , Giannaccare Giuseppe , Lucisano Andrea , Vaccaro Sabrina , Battaglia Caterina , Yu Angeli Christy , Bovone Cristina , Busin Massimo , Spena Rossella 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence, timing and risk factors of corneal neovascularisation (NV) after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) for corneal ectasia.MethodsThis study included 616 eyes who underwent DALK between 2012 and 2020 in two tertiary referral centres. In one centre topical corticosteroids were discontinued after complete suture removal 1 year after surgery, whereas in the other they were discontinued 3–4 months after surgery. The presence and severity of corneal NV was ascertained based on slit lamp photographs. Potential risk factors for corneal NV were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsThe cumulative incidence of corneal NV was 8.7% at 1 year after surgery and 13.2% at 5 years. Mean time interval from surgery to development of corneal NV was 12.8±16.2 months, with 68.9% of cases occurring before complete suture removal. Early discontinuation of topical steroids, older age and ocular allergy were associated with an increased risk of developing corneal NV (respectively, HR=2.625, HR=1.019, HR=3.726, all p<0.05).ConclusionsThe risk of corneal NV is higher in the first year following DALK. Early discontinuation of topical steroids, ocular allergy and older age are significant predictors of corneal NV.