bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Soil chemical properties drive the structure of bacterial communities in the cotton soil of arid Northwest China
Authors: Liu Haiyan , Wang Jingjing , Zhao Wei , Chen Yun , Lv Ning , Yi Zhengbing , Huang Zhiyong , Yang Rong , Lv Xin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOver the last few decades, much of the desert‐oasis ecotone in northwestern China has been reclaimed for cotton cultivation. However, we still know little about the composition of the soil bacterial community relative to soil chemical properties in reclaimed soil after long‐term monocultural cotton production in arid and extremely arid areas. Here, we collected soil samples from two farms where cotton has been continuously planted for more than 20 years. We found that the composition of the soil bacterial communities was significantly different between these two farms, variance in which could be explained by available K, N, and P, total N, and soil pH. The relative abundance of Verrucomicrobia was significantly higher at the Xinhu farm, while Bacteroidetes and Nitrospirae predominated at the Tenth farm. Across sites, the abundance of Bacteroidetes was positively correlated with available N and P, while the abundance of Verrucomicrobia was positively correlated with total N and available K. Moreover, bacterial community diversity, as quantified via phylogenetic diversity, Shannon diversity, and operational taxonomic unit richness, was higher at the Tenth farm. These soil bacterial diversities were all positively correlated with available N, but negatively correlated with available K in arid and extremely arid areas. Our results suggest that available K, N, and P, total N, and pH are all key factors in shaping soil bacterial communities. The influence of available N and K on bacterial community diversity should therefore be considered for cotton cultivation in reclaimed soil.
PD‐L1 and CD47 co‐expression predicts survival and enlightens future dual‐targeting immunotherapy in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yang Zhenlin , Peng Yue , Guo Wei , Xu Jiachen , Li Lin , Tian He , Li Renda , Liu Lei , Tan Fengwei , Gao Shugeng , He Jie 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroudRecent studies have indicated that programmed cell death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1) and cluster of differentiation 47 (CD47) play an essential role in tumor immune evasion and may serve as potential targets for combined immunotherapy. The aim of our study was to evaluate the PD‐L1/CD47 expression status in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) and lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and explore its survival impact and relevance with the immune microenvironment.MethodsThe specimens from 190 LUSC and 240 LUAD patients who underwent intent‐to‐treat surgeries were retrospectively collected for immunohistochemistry assays of PD‐L1, CD47, cluster of differentiation 8 (CD8), and cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68).ResultsA total of 96 (22.3%) and 296 (68.8%) cases were positive for PD‐L1 and CD47 expression, respectively, and 80 (18.6%) of them demonstrated the co‐expression of PD‐L1/CD47. The rate of PD‐L1/CD47 co‐expression was 23.7% in LUSC, significantly higher than the 14.6% in LUAD (p = 0.018). The median overall survival (OS) for all patients was 55.9 months (range 2.0–146.0 months). The univariate analysis showed that patients with positive CD47 expression (LUSC p = 0.003, LUAD p = 0.036) and PD‐L1/CD47 co‐expression (LUSC p = 0.023, LUAD p = 0.004) exhibited significantly worse prognosis. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that PD‐L1/CD47 co‐expression was an independent prognostic factor for OS (LUSC hazard ratio [HR] 1.922, 95% CI 1.245–2.969, p = 0.003; LUAD HR 1.549, 95% CI 1.015–2.364, p = 0.043). PD‐L1/CD47 co‐expression was associated with high CD8‐positive T‐lymphocyte density in LUSC (p = 0.004) and LUAD (p = 0.043), and with high CD68‐positive macrophage density in LUSC (p = 0.026).ConclusionsPD‐L1/CD47 co‐expression was an independent prognostic factor for LUSC and LUAD patients and may serve as a potential predictive biomarker for combined dual‐targeting immunotherapy.
Operational factors associated with emergency department patient satisfaction: Analysis of the Academy of Administrators of Emergency Medicine/Association of Academic Chairs of Emergency Medicine national survey
Authors: Reznek Martin A. , Larkin Celine M. , Scheulen James J. , Harbertson Cathi A. , Michael Sean S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatient satisfaction is a focus for emergency department (ED) and hospital administrators. ED patient satisfaction studies have tended to be single site and focused on patient and clinician factors. Inclusion of satisfaction scores in a large, national operations database provided an opportunity to conduct an investigation that included diverse operational factors.MethodsWe performed a retrospective analysis of the 2019 Academy of Administrators in Academic Emergency Medicine/Association of Academic Chairs of Emergency Medicine (AAAEM/AACEM) benchmarking survey to identify associations between operational factors and patient satisfaction. We identified 59 database variables as potential predictors of Press Ganey likelihood‐to‐recommend and physician overall scores. Using random forest modeling, we identified the top eight predictors in the models and described their associations.ResultsForty‐three (57.3%) academic departments responding to the AAAEM/AACEM survey reported patient satisfaction scores for 78 EDs. Likelihood to recommend ranged from 30.0 to 93.0 (median = 74.8) and was associated with ED length of stay, boarding, use of hallway spaces, hospital annual admissions, faculty base clinical hours, proportion of patients leaving before treatment complete (LBTC), and provider in triage hours per day. Physician overall score ranged from 53.3 to 93.4 (median = 81.9) and was associated with faculty base clinical hours, x‐ray utilization, annual ED arrivals, LBTC, use of hallway spaces, arrivals per attending hour, and CT utilization.ConclusionsED patient satisfaction was associated with intrinsic and extrinsic factors, some being potentially manageable within the ED but others being relatively fixed or outside the control of ED operations. For likelihood to recommend, patient flow was dominant, with erosion of satisfaction observed with increased boarding and longer LOS. Factors associated with physician overall score were more varied. The use of hallway spaces and base clinical hours greater than 1,500 per year were associated with both lower likelihood‐to‐recommend and lower physician overall scores.
Moving the needle on fall prevention: A Geriatric Emergency Care Applied Research (GEAR) Network scoping review and consensus statement
Authors: Hammouda Nada , Carpenter Christopher R. , Hung William W. , Lesser Adriane , Nyamu Sylviah , Liu Shan , Gettel Cameron J. , Malsch Aaron , Castillo Edward M. , Forrester Savannah , Souffront Kimberly , Vargas Samuel , Goldberg Elizabeth M. ,   the GEAR Network
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundAlthough falls are common, costly, and often preventable, emergency department (ED)‐initiated fall screening and prevention efforts are rare. The Geriatric Emergency Medicine Applied Research Falls core (GEAR‐Falls) was created to identify existing research gaps and to prioritize future fall research foci.MethodsGEAR’s 49 transdisciplinary stakeholders included patients, geriatricians, ED physicians, epidemiologists, health services researchers, and nursing scientists. We derived relevant clinical fall ED questions and summarized the applicable research evidence, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses for Scoping Reviews. The highest‐priority research foci were identified at the GEAR Consensus Conference.ResultsWe identified two clinical questions for our review (1) fall prevention interventions (32 studies) and (2) risk stratification and falls care plan (19 studies). For (1) 21 of 32 (66%) of interventions were a falls risk screening assessment and 15 of 21 (71%) of these were combined with an exercise program or physical therapy. For (2) 11 fall screening tools were identified, but none were feasible and sufficiently accurate for ED patients. For both questions, the most frequently reported study outcome was recurrent falls, but various process and patient/clinician‐centered outcomes were used. Outcome ascertainment relied on self‐reported falls in 18 of 32 (56%) studies for (1) and nine of 19 (47%) studies for (2).ConclusionHarmonizing definitions, research methods, and outcomes is needed for direct comparison of studies. The need to identify ED‐appropriate fall risk assessment tools and role of emergency medical services (EMS) personnel persists. Multifactorial interventions, especially involving exercise, are more efficacious in reducing recurrent falls, but more studies are needed to compare appropriate bundle combinations. GEAR prioritizes five research priorities: (1) EMS role in improving fall‐related outcomes, (2) identifying optimal ED fall assessment tools, (3) clarifying patient‐prioritized fall interventions and outcomes, (4) standardizing uniform fall ascertainment and measured outcomes, and (5) exploring ideal intervention components.
An update on emerging therapeutics to combat COVID‐19
Authors: Shah Naveed Nazir , Nabi Showkat Ul , Rather Muzafar Ahmad , Kalwar Qudratullah , Ali Sofi Imtiyaz , Sheikh Wajid Mohammad , Ganai Alveena , Bashir Showkeen Muzamil 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe COVID‐19 pandemic has demanded effective therapeutic protocol from researchers and clinicians across the world. Currently, a large amount of primary data have been generated from several preclinical studies. At least 300 clinical trials are underway for drug repurposing against COVID‐19; the clinician needs objective evidence‐based medication to treat COVID‐19.ObservationsSingle‐stranded RNA viral genome of SARS‐CoV‐2 encodes structural proteins (spike protein), non‐structural enzymatic proteins (RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase, helicase, papain‐like protease, 3‐chymotrypsin‐like protease) and other accessory proteins. These four enzymatic proteins on spike protein are rate‐limiting steps in viral replications and, therefore, an attractive target for drug development against SARS‐CoV‐2. In silico and in vitro studies have identified various potential epitomes as candidate sequences for vaccine development. These studies have also revealed potential targets for drug development and drug repurposing against COVID‐19. Clinical trials utilizing antiviral drugs and other drugs have given inconclusive results regarding their clinical efficacy and side effects. The need for angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE‐2) inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers and corticosteroids has been recommended. Western countries have adopted telemedicine as an alternative to prevent transmission of infection in the population. Currently, no proven, evidence‐based therapeutic regimen exists for COVID‐19.ConclusionThe COVID‐19 pandemic has put tremendous pressure on researchers to evaluate and approve drugs effective against the disease. Well‐controlled randomized trials should assess medicines that are not marketed with substantial evidence of safety and efficacy and more emphasis on time tested approaches for drug evaluation.
From theory to practice in pattern‐oriented modelling: identifying and using empirical patterns in predictive models
Authors: Gallagher Cara A. , Chudzinska Magda , Larsen‐Gray Angela , Pollock Christopher J. , Sells Sarah N. , White Patrick J. C. , Berger Uta 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTTo robustly predict the effects of disturbance and ecosystem changes on species, it is necessary to produce structurally realistic models with high predictive power and flexibility. To ensure that these models reflect the natural conditions necessary for reliable prediction, models must be informed and tested using relevant empirical observations. Pattern‐oriented modelling (POM) offers a systematic framework for employing empirical patterns throughout the modelling process and has been coupled with complex systems modelling, such as in agent‐based models (ABMs). However, while the production of ABMs has been rising rapidly, the explicit use of POM has not increased. Challenges with identifying patterns and an absence of specific guidelines on how to implement empirical observations may limit the accessibility of POM and lead to the production of models which lack a systematic consideration of reality. This review serves to provide guidance on how to identify and apply patterns following a POM approach in ABMs (POM‐ABMs), specifically addressing: where in the ecological hierarchy can we find patterns; what kinds of patterns are useful; how should simulations and observations be compared; and when in the modelling cycle are patterns used? The guidance and examples provided herein are intended to encourage the application of POM and inspire efficient identification and implementation of patterns for both new and experienced modellers alike. Additionally, by generalising patterns found especially useful for POM‐ABM development, these guidelines provide practical help for the identification of data gaps and guide the collection of observations useful for the development and verification of predictive models. Improving the accessibility and explicitness of POM could facilitate the production of robust and structurally realistic models in the ecological community, contributing to the advancement of predictive ecology at large.
Competitive Cr3+ occupation in persistent phosphors toward tunable traps distribution for dynamic anti‐counterfeiting
Authors: Zhang Mengya , Wang Zhijun , Wang Xuejiao , Suo Hao , Cao Lingwei , Yao Yao , Zheng Mingjie , Cui Jia , Yang Zhibin , Li Panlai 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRed/near infrared (NIR) long persistent phosphors have received extensive attentions in biomedical, food inspection, iris recognition, biological imaging, etc. Herein, a new phosphor, Li2ZnGe3O8:Cr3+, is reported with deep red persistent luminescence peaking at 708 nm. By adjusting the Cr3+ doping concentration, the competitive site occupation at [ZnO6] and [GeO6] polyhedral enables different traps behaviors including trap types, trap concentration and trap depth, which in turn leads to different afterglow duration time from 2 to 20 h. The persistent luminescence mechanisms originated from different trap models have been discussed, and it is found that they can cooperate or inhibit each other, enabling different luminescence depending on time. The dynamic anti‐counterfeiting applications have been demonstrated, which provides a new way to rationally designing for multi‐functional luminescent materials.
Novel association between a transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 5 expression quantitative trait locus rs35197079 and decreased susceptibility of gestational diabetes mellitus in a Chinese population
Authors: Li Xi , Lai Liping , Su Jindi , Chen Shiguo , Lin Sheng , Wang Baojiang , Gao Jian , Zhang Linghua , Yao Keqin , Duan Shan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAims/IntroductionEmerging evidence suggests that expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs) are more likely to associate with complex diseases. Transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily M member 5 (TRPM5) is a ubiquitously expressed voltage‐gated cation channel that acts indispensably to trigger insulin secretion in pancreatic β‐cells. The present study evaluated the association between TRPM5 eQTL single‐nucleotide polymorphisms and the risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in a Chinese population.Materials and MethodsA total of 380 unrelated Chinese pregnant women including 241 GDM patients and 139 controls were included in this study. The eQTL single‐nucleotide polymorphisms of TRPM5 were obtained from the GTEx eQTL Browser, and were subsequently genotyped using the Agena MassARRAY iPLEX platform.ResultsLogistic regression analysis and linear regression analysis showed that rs35197079 and rs74848824 were significantly associated with reduced GDM risk and lower fasting plasma glucose levels after adjusting confounder factors in dominant genetic models. Stratification analysis based on pre‐pregnancy body mass index validated a strong association between rs35197079 and GDM susceptibility in underweight and normal weight individuals. Luciferase and electrophoretic mobility shift assays carried out in rat pancreatic β‐cells showed that rs35197079 was functional.ConclusionsThe TRPM5 eQTL single‐nucleotide polymorphism rs35197079 was associated with decreased GDM susceptibility in a Chinese population, especially in underweight and normal weight pregnant women, and it was functional in modulating gene transcription.
Antibiotic prescribing to Kentucky Medicaid children, 2012‐2017: Prescribing is higher in rural areas
Authors: Wattles Bethany A. , Vidwan Navjyot K. , Feygin Yana , Jawad Kahir S. , Creel Liza M. , Smith Michael J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPurposeAntibiotic resistance is a major public health threat. Antibiotic use is the main driver of resistance, with children and the state of Kentucky having particularly high rates of outpatient antibiotic prescribing. The purpose of this study was to describe patient and provider characteristics associated with pediatric antibiotic use in Kentucky Medicaid children.MethodsWe used Medicaid prescription claims data from 2012 to 2017 to describe patterns of pediatric antibiotic receipt in Kentucky. Patient and provider variables were analyzed to identify variations in prescribing.FindingsChildren who were female, less than 2 years old, White, and living in a rural area had consistently higher rates of antibiotic prescriptions. There was significant geographic variability in prescribing, with children in Eastern Kentucky receiving more than 3 courses of antibiotics a year. Most antibiotic prescriptions for children were written by general practitioners and nurse practitioners rather than pediatricians.ConclusionThese findings support the need for extensive antibiotic stewardship efforts inclusive of rural outpatient practices.
Healthcare professionals’ encounters with ethnic minority patients: The critical incident approach
Authors: Debesay Jonas , Kartzow Anders Huuse , Fougner Marit 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEthnic minority patients face challenges concerning communication and are at higher risk of experiencing health problems and consuming fewer healthcare services. They are also exposed to disparaging societal discourses about migrants which might undermine healthcare institutions’ ambitions of equitable health care. Therefore, healthcare professionals need to critically reflect on their practices and processes related to ethnic minority patients. The aim of this article is to explore healthcare professionals’ experiences of working with ethnic minority patients by using the critical incident (CI) technique. In two focus group sessions, participants discussed challenging events in their encounters with patients. The critical incidents show that healthcare professionals may experience unfamiliar situations related to their work performance, prejudice toward patients, and labeling by patients the professionals do not identify with. The professionals’ reflections are discussed in relation to social discourses on migration and their work conditions, and the possible influence on the professionals’ preconceptions and the patient–professional relationship in health care. Reflections about work experiences with ethnic minority patients and aligned societal discourses should be included in healthcare workers’ professional development. Critical incident reflections at work may contribute to better‐coping strategies for healthcare professionals and improved patient–professional relationships with ethnic minority patients.
Obesity and responsibility: Is it time to rethink agency?
Authors: Grannell Andrew , Fallon Finian , Al‐Najim Werd , le Roux Carel 
Published: May 2021

SummaryDespite obesity declared a disease, there still exists considerable weight stigma in both popular culture and health care, which negatively impacts policy making regarding prevention and treatment. While viewed as a choice or a failure of willpower by many, evidence exists to challenge the argument that both weight gain and failure to achieve weight loss maintenance are the individuals' fault due to personal failure or lack of responsibility. In this article, we draw upon literature from obesity treatment, neuroscience, philosophy of mind, and weight stigma to challenge the commonly held beliefs that individuals are free to choose how much they can weigh, and achievement of long‐term weight loss maintenance is completely subject to conscious choice. In reality, the regulation of hunger, satiety, energy balance, and body weight takes place in subcortical regions of the brain. Thus, hunger and satiety signals are generated in regions of the brain, which are not associated with conscious experience. This points towards biological determinism of weight and challenges ideas of willpower and resultant moralization regarding body weight regulation. In this article, we will thus argue that in the context of dysregulation of hunger and satiety contributing to the obesity epidemic, a wider discourse related to personal responsibility and the stigma of obesity is needed to enhance understanding, prevention, and treatment of this complex disease. Obesity is a chronic disease requiring personalized treatment. Lifestyle interventions alone may not be enough to achieve medically significant and sustained weight loss for many individuals with obesity. By understanding that obesity is not due to a lack of motivation or willpower, the availability and utilization of additional treatments or combination of treatments such as lifestyle, pharmacotherapy, and surgery are likely to improve the quality of life for many suffering with this disease.
Melanopsin Signaling Pathway in HEK293 Cell Line with Stable Expression of Human Melanopsin: Possible Participation of Phospholipase C beta 4 and Diacylglycerol
Authors: Krzysztynska‐Kuleta Olga I. , Olchawa Magdalena M. , Sarna Tadeusz J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMelanopsin, a member of the G protein‐coupled receptors family, is involved in non–image‐forming functions including circadian rhythm, sleep regulation and pupil response. In spite of significant research efforts, the signaling cascade involving melanopsin photoactivation remains poorly characterized. Here, we analyzed the effects of photoactivation of melanopsin on phospholipase C (PLC) and diacylglycerol. As an in vitro model, HEK293 cells with stable expression of human melanopsin were used. Although both the PLCβ1 and PLCβ4 subtypes were activated by the cell exposure to blue light, only PLCβ4 appeared to play a significant role in the studied melanopsin signaling pathway. We have demonstrated, for the first time, that cells expressing human melanopsin and enriched with 11‐cis‐retinal exhibited significantly increased diacylglycerol level. To determine the role of phospholipase C and involvement of diacylglycerols, two approaches were employed: inhibition of the G protein and phospholipase C (using the BIM‐46187 and U73122 inhibitors, respectively), and gene silencing using siRNA of PLCβ1 and PLCβ4. While silencing the PLCβ4 gene and using U73122 inhibited the diacylglycerol and calcium ion responses, the FOS gene expression level was only partially reduced. These results may facilitate a better understanding of the role of phospholipase C and diacylglycerols in the melanopsin signaling pathway.