bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of the use of earplugs and eye masks on the quality of sleep after major abdominal surgery: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Leong R. W. , Davies L. J. , Fook‐Chong S. , Ng S. Y. , Lee Y. L. 
Published: April 2021

SummarySignificant sleep disturbance can occur following major abdominal surgery. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of earplugs and eye masks in improving sleep quality and patient satisfaction, reducing nursing demands and in the incidence of delirium in patients after major abdominal surgery. We conducted a randomised controlled trial in 100 patients undergoing major abdominal surgery. We randomly allocated participants to sleep with or without earplugs and eye masks on postoperative days 1–3. The primary outcome measure was sleep quality as measured by the Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction, frequency of nursing demand and incidence of delirium measured by the Neelon and Champagne Confusion Scale. Median (IQR [range]) sleep scores were 64 (38‐74 [0‐100] and 60 (44–82 [18–100]) for the control and intervention groups, respectively (p = 0.310). Age and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores were found to be significant factors affecting sleep quality. There were no differences in patient satisfaction, reduction in frequency of nursing demands or incidence of delirium on postoperative days 1–3 after major abdominal surgery. The compliance rate in the intervention group was 60–65%. This study has demonstrated that the use of earplugs and eye masks did not contribute to improvements in sleep quality. Of note, sleep quality was moderate, with higher age and worse baseline sleep quality contributing to worse sleep scores. More studies are needed to investigate interventions to improve sleep quality after major abdominal surgery.
Allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation for myelofibrosis: a real‐life perspective
Authors: Savani Malvi , Dulery Rémy , Bazarbachi Abdul Hamid , Mohty Razan , Brissot Eolia , Malard Florent , Bazarbachi Ali , Nagler Arnon , Mohty Mohamad 
Published: April 2021

SummaryMyelofibrosis (MF) is a clonal stem cell neoplasm with heterogeneous clinical phenotypes and well‐established molecular drivers. Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) offers an important curative treatment option for primary MF and post‐essential thrombocythaemia/polycythaemia vera MF or secondary MF. With a disease course that varies from indolent to highly progressive, we are now able to stratify risk of mortality through various tools including patient‐related clinical characteristics as well as molecular genetic profile. Owing to the high risk of mortality and morbidity associated with HSCT for patients with myelofibrosis, it is important to improve patient selection for transplant. Our primary goal is to comprehensively define our understanding of current practices including the role of Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors, to present the data behind transplantation before and after leukaemic transformation, and to introduce novel personalization of MF treatment with a proposed clinical‐molecular prognostic model to help elucidate a timepoint optimal for consideration of HSCT.
Scorpion venom heat‐resistant synthesized peptide ameliorates 6‐OHDA‐induced neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation: likely role of Nav1.6 inhibition in microglia
Authors: Li Xiujie , Wu Xuefei , Li Na , Li Donglai , Sui Aoran , Khan Khizar , Ge Biying , Li Sheng , Li Shao , Zhao Jie 
Published: April 2021

Background and PurposeMicroglia‐related inflammation is associated with the pathology of Parkinson's disease. Functional voltage‐gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are involved in regulating microglial function. Here, we aim to investigate the effects of scorpion venom heat‐resistant synthesized peptide (SVHRSP) on 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐induced Parkinson's disease‐like mouse model and reveal its underlying mechanism.Experimental ApproachUnilateral brain injection of 6‐OHDA was performed to establish Parkinson's disease mouse model. After behaviour test, brain tissues were collected for morphological analysis and protein/gene expression examination. Primary microglia culture was used to investigate the role of sodium channel Nav1.6 in the regulation of microglia inflammation by SVHRSP.Key ResultsSVHRSP treatment attenuated motor deficits, dopamine neuron degeneration, activation of glial cells and expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines induced by 6‐OHDA lesion. Primary microglia activation and the production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were also suppressed by SVHRSP treatment. In addition, SVHRSP could inhibit mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway, which plays pivotal roles in the pro‐inflammatory response. Notably, SVHRSP treatment suppressed the overexpression of microglial Nav1.6 induced by 6‐OHDA and LPS. Finally, it was shown that the anti‐inflammatory effect of SVHRSP in microglia was Nav1.6 dependent and was related to suppression of sodium current and probably the consequent Na+/Ca2+ exchange.Conclusions and ImplicationsSVHRSP might inhibit neuroinflammation and protect dopamine neurons via down‐regulating microglial Nav1.6 and subsequently suppressing intracellular Ca2+ accumulation to attenuate the activation of MAPKs signalling pathway in microglia.
Comorbidities and quality of life in children with intellectual disability
Authors: Reddihough Dinah , Leonard Helen , Jacoby Peter , Kim Rachel , Epstein Amy , Murphy Nada , Reid Sue , Whitehouse Andrew , Williams Katrina , Downs Jenny 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundMany children with intellectual disability live with medical comorbidities. This study examined the impacts of comorbidities on quality of life (QOL) of children with intellectual disabilities and whether impacts varied with caregiver perceptions that medical needs had been met.MethodsPrimary caregivers of 447 children (aged 5–19 years) with an intellectual disability reported on their child's medical comorbidities and the extent to which they perceived their child's medical needs had been met in a cross‐sectional observational study. The Quality of Life Inventory‐Disability was used to measure QOL on a 100‐point scale. Linear regression models including interaction terms were used to evaluate their associations.ResultsParent‐reported recurrent child pain (−4.97, 95% CI −8.21, −1.72), night‐time sleep disturbances (−4.98, 95% CI −7.23, −2.73), daytime somnolence (−8.71, 95% CI −11.30, −2.73), seizures that occurred at least weekly (−7.59, 95% CI −13.50, −1.68) and conservatively managed severe scoliosis (−7.39, 95% CI −12.97, −1.81) were negatively associated with child QOL. Despite the majority of parents (~70%) perceiving that their child's medical needs had been met to a great extent, this did not significantly moderate the association between any comorbidities and QOL.ConclusionsComorbidities were common and had marked associations with QOL. Evaluation and management of pain and sleep disturbance continue to be high priorities in improving QOL of young people with intellectual disabilities. Further research on the optimal methods of managing these comorbidities is warranted.
hCG is more effective than the GnRH agonist buserelin for inducing the first ovulation of the breeding season in mares
Authors: Fanelli Diana , Tesi Matteo , Rota Alessandra , Beltramo Massimiliano , Conte Giuseppe , Giorgi Mario , Barsotti Giovanni , Camillo Francesco , Panzani Duccio 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundHuman Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) and Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone agonists (GnRHa) are routinely used to induce ovulation in mares. However, GnRHa efficacy in transitional mares has been suggested to be low.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were as follows: (a) to compare the efficacy of hCG and GnRHa in inducing the first ovulation of the breeding season and (b) to evaluate the correlation between ovulatory response, uterine oedema and teasing score at the time of treatment during the early or late transitional phase.Study designRandomised controlled superiority trial.MethodsMares in winter anoestrus were treated with sulpiride when at least two follicles reached a diameter of 25 mm. The day after the follicle reached 35 mm in diameter, mares in oestrus were treated with GnRHa buserelin (N = 29) or hCG (N = 33) and checked daily for ovulation.ResultsMore mares (30/33, 90.1%) ovulated when the first ovulation after winter anoestrus was induced with hCG, than with GnRHa, (11/29, 38.0%) (P = .0001). Ovulation rate was lower in mares that did not show uterine oedema and full acceptance of the teaser stallion for at least three days before the treatment (32/41, 78% vs 9/21, 42.9%) P = .01.Main limitationsPlasma LH and oestrogen concentrations were not performed.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that hCG was more effective than GnRHa for inducing ovulation in the first cycle after winter anoestrus. Uterine oedema and behavioural signs of oestrus, for at least three days before the treatment, were predictors for a positive response to ovulation induction.
A plea for standardization of confocal microscopy and optical coherence tomography parameters to evaluate physiological and para‐physiological skin conditions in cosmetic science
Authors: Ciardo Silvana , Pezzini Claudia , Guida Stefania , Del Duca Ester , Ungar Jonathan , Guttman‐Yassky Emma , Manfredini Marco , Farnetani Francesca , Longo Caterina , Pellacani Giovanni 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNon‐invasive reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) have been extended to the dermo‐cosmetic field, for skin pathophysiology understanding and therapeutics monitoring. However, standardized methodology and parameters to interpret structures and changes in these settings are still lacking. Present study aimed to propose a validated standard methodology and a list of defined parameters for objective non‐pathological skin assessments in the cosmetically sensitive cheekbone area of the face. OCT and RCM quantitative, semi‐quantitative and qualitative features were considered for assessments. Validation process included 50 sets of images divided into two age groups. Inter‐rater reliability was explored to assess the influence of the proposed methodology. Quantitative OCT parameters of “epidermal thickness,” “density and attenuation coefficients” and “vascular density” were considered and calculated. Severity scales were developed for semi‐quantitative OCT features of “disruption of collagen” and “vascular asset,” while extent scales were produced for semi‐quantitative RCM “irregular honeycomb,” “mottled pigmentation” and “polycyclic papillary contours.” Qualitative assessment was obtained for RCM type of collagen, and comparison between age groups was performed for all features considered. Severity visual scales assistance proved excellent inter‐rater agreement across all semi‐quantitative and qualitative domains. The assistance of shareable software systems allows for objective OCT quantitative parameters measurement. The use of standard reference scales, within a defined assessment methodology, offers high inter‐rater reliability and thus reproducibility for semi‐quantitative and qualitative OCT and RCM parameters. Taken together, our results may represent a starting point for a standardized application of RCM and OCT in dermo‐cosmetic research and practice.
Disturbance type and species life history predict mammal responses to humans
Authors: Suraci Justin P. , Gaynor Kaitlyn M. , Allen Maximilian L. , Alexander Peter , Brashares Justin S. , Cendejas‐Zarelli Sara , Crooks Kevin , Elbroch L. Mark , Forrester Tavis , Green Austin M. , Haight Jeffrey , Harris Nyeema C. , Hebblewhite Mark , Isbell Forest , Johnston Barbara , Kays Roland , Lendrum Patrick E. , Lewis Jesse S. , McInturff Alex , McShea William , Murphy Thomas W. , Palmer Meredith S. , Parsons Arielle , Parsons Mitchell A. , Pendergast Mary E. , Pekins Charles , Prugh Laura R. , Sager‐Fradkin Kimberly A. , Schuttler Stephanie , Şekercioğlu Çağan H. , Shepherd Brenda , Whipple Laura , Whittington Jesse , Wittemyer George , Wilmers Christopher C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHuman activity and land use change impact every landscape on Earth, driving declines in many animal species while benefiting others. Species ecological and life history traits may predict success in human‐dominated landscapes such that only species with “winning” combinations of traits will persist in disturbed environments. However, this link between species traits and successful coexistence with humans remains obscured by the complexity of anthropogenic disturbances and variability among study systems. We compiled detection data for 24 mammal species from 61 populations across North America to quantify the effects of (1) the direct presence of people and (2) the human footprint (landscape modification) on mammal occurrence and activity levels. Thirty‐three percent of mammal species exhibited a net negative response (i.e., reduced occurrence or activity) to increasing human presence and/or footprint across populations, whereas 58% of species were positively associated with increasing disturbance. However, apparent benefits of human presence and footprint tended to decrease or disappear at higher disturbance levels, indicative of thresholds in mammal species’ capacity to tolerate disturbance or exploit human‐dominated landscapes. Species ecological and life history traits were strong predictors of their responses to human footprint, with increasing footprint favoring smaller, less carnivorous, faster‐reproducing species. The positive and negative effects of human presence were distributed more randomly with respect to species trait values, with apparent winners and losers across a range of body sizes and dietary guilds. Differential responses by some species to human presence and human footprint highlight the importance of considering these two forms of human disturbance separately when estimating anthropogenic impacts on wildlife. Our approach provides insights into the complex mechanisms through which human activities shape mammal communities globally, revealing the drivers of the loss of larger predators in human‐modified landscapes.
Effect of short carbon fiber content on the mechanical properties of TiB2‐based composites prepared by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Ghafuri Fateme , Emadi Rahmatollah , Ahmadian Mehdi , Zakeri Mohammad 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this study, TiB2‐30 vol% SiC composites containing 0, 5, 10, and 15 vol% short carbon fibers (Cf) were produced by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The effect of carbon fiber content on microstructure, density, and mechanical properties (micro‐hardness and flexural strength) of the fabricated composites was studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results indicated that the fibers were uniformly dispersed in the TiB2–SiC matrix using wet ball milling before SPS process. Fully dense TiB2–SiC–Cf composites were achieved by SPS process at 1900°C for 10 min under 30 MPa. With the addition of fibers, the relative density of the composites did not change considerably. Mechanical tests revealed that microhardness was reduced about 19% by the incorporation of carbon fibers, whereas the flexural strength improved significantly. However, the flexural strength diminished by adding carbon fibers above to critical value (5 vol%) due to residual thermal stresses, nonhomogeneous structure and graphitization of carbon fibers. It was found that the composite with 5 vol% Cf had the highest flexural strength (482 MPa), which was enhanced by 20% compared with the TiB2–SiC composite.
Post‐transcriptional control of T‐cell cytokine production: Implications for cancer therapy
Authors: Freen‐van Heeren Julian J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAs part of the adaptive immune system, T cells are vital for the eradication of infected and malignantly transformed cells. To perform their protective function, T cells produce effector molecules that are either directly cytotoxic, such as granzymes, perforin, interferon‐γ and tumour necrosis factor α, or attract and stimulate (immune) cells, such as interleukin‐2. As these molecules can also induce immunopathology, tight control of their production is required. Indeed, inflammatory cytokine production is regulated on multiple levels. Firstly, locus accessibility and transcription factor availability and activity determine the amount of mRNA produced. Secondly, post‐transcriptional mechanisms, influencing mRNA splicing/codon usage, stability, decay, localization and translation rate subsequently determine the amount of protein that is produced. In the immune suppressive environments of tumours, T cells gradually lose the capacity to produce effector molecules, resulting in tumour immune escape. Recently, the role of post‐transcriptional regulation in fine‐tuning T‐cell effector function has become more appreciated. Furthermore, several groups have shown that exhausted or dysfunctional T cells from cancer patients or murine models possess mRNA for inflammatory mediators, but fail to produce effector molecules, hinting that post‐transcriptional events also play a role in hampering tumour‐infiltrating lymphocyte effector function. Here, the post‐transcriptional regulatory events governing T‐cell cytokine production are reviewed, with a specific focus on the importance of post‐transcriptional regulation in anti‐tumour responses. Furthermore, potential approaches to circumvent tumour‐mediated dampening of T‐cell effector function through the (dis)engagement of post‐transcriptional events are explored, such as CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing or chimeric antigen receptors.
Effect of argon plasma on repair bond strength using nanofilled and microhybrid composites
Authors: Negreiros William Matthew , Ayres Ana Paula Almeida , Willers Amanda Endres , Hirata Ronaldo , Giannini Marcelo 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of atmospheric pressure plasma (PLA), sandblasting (SAN), silanization (SIL) and hydrophobic bonding resin (HBR) on the micro‐shear bond strength (MSBS) of fresh nanofilled (NF) or microhybrid (MH) composites to water‐aged nanofilled composite.Materials and methodsNF plates were fabricated and stored in distilled water for 4 months. The aged plates were assigned to the groups (n = 6): 1‐ untreated; 2‐ SAN + SIL + HBR; 3‐ HBR; 4‐ PLA + HBR; 5‐ SAN + HBR; 6‐ SAN + PLA + HBR; and 7‐ PLA. Two fresh composite cylinders were constructed on each plate with NF or MH composites and tested after 24 h or 1 year of water‐storage, using the MSBS testing. Data were analyzed by three‐way ANOVA and Tukey test (α = 0.05).ResultsNF yielded better outcomes than MH at 24 h, which was not observed at 1 year. HBR showed the highest MSBS results, while untreated and PLA groups yielded the lowest one. MSBS reduced for all groups after 1 year.ConclusionsOnly HBR can obtain good MSBS results, while PLA alone was not beneficial. After 1 year, a reduction in repair MSBS was observed and the type of composite did not influence the results.Clinical relevanceThe repair technique can be simplified with the use of only an adhesive and macromechanical retentions in the old composite, regardless the type of fresh composite.
What can bryophyte diversity on Cangas (ironstone outcrops) teach us?
Authors: de Oliveira Bárbara Azevedo , de Oliveira Mateus Fernandes , Maciel‐Silva Adaíses S. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractQuestionsBryophytes are a common plant component of the mining‐threatened ironstone outcrops called Cangas, although quite neglected. Aiming to improve conservation strategies for this Brazilian landscape, here we ask: (a) are there differences in species composition, richness and abundance and the role of reproduction (i.e., sexual and asexual expression, and reproductive success) among bryophyte communities of Cangas; and (b) do abiotic and geographic factors influence species composition on these outcrops?LocationEight Canga sites in the Quadrilátero Ferrífero (QF) of the state of Minas Gerais, southeast Brazil.MethodsWe sampled eight Canga sites for bryophyte species composition, richness, abundance, and reproduction (i.e., sexual and asexual expression, reproductive success) using 18 4‐m2 plots per site. Similarities in species composition among sites were assessed by cluster analysis; differences in richness, abundance, and reproduction parameters were tested by ANOVA; and the correlations between species composition and climatic variables, altitude, and geographical distance were tested by the Mantel test.ResultsThe Canga sites had unique species compositions of bryophytes, with only liverwort richness and abundance differing significantly among sites. Nonetheless, there were floristic similarities among certain geographically close sites, and bryophyte composition was not completely explained by either environmental variables or geographical distance. Additionally, sexual, and asexual reproduction did not differ among Cangas.ConclusionsCangas of the Brazilian QF have unique bryophyte communities (i.e., high beta diversity), especially for liverworts. Liverwort composition was found to be strongly affected by threats to Cangas, especially in areas disturbed by intensive fire. We hypothesize that the local landscape and microclimate have a greater influence on bryophyte diversity than regional aspects. Therefore, future conservation efforts on Cangas must emphasize local diversity and the functionality of liverworts and mosses in different habitats, combined with enhanced protection of Conservation Units.
Clone worth? Genetic diversity in obligate apomictic Miconia albicans (Melastomataceae)
Authors: Dias A. C. C. , Marinho R. C. , Sampaio D. S. , Bonetti A. M. , Oliveira P. E. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Apomixis is the asexual production of seeds by plants and, in theory, would render low genetic diversity and even clonal lineages. However, recent studies have shown otherwise, although is not always clear where the genetic diversity of obligate apomicts comes from.

We evaluated the genetic diversity among sister seedlings of M. albicans, an obligate apomictic species in Cerrado, Neotropical Savannas in Central Brazil. A total of 50 seedlings from five individuals were analysed using ISSR primers. We obtained 107 fragments, all with good resolution, consistently observed and replicable.

The percentage of polymorphic loci ranged from 28.04% to 33.64% and Shannon’s information index (I) averaged 0.173. The expected heterozygosity (He) averaged 0.117, similar to the observed for populations of M. albicans and other selfed species. Only two seedlings showed the same genotype (possible clones), but most differed at least for five loci. Most of variance was among progenies (62%), but we found that 38% was within progenies. Genetic distances separated the progenies in two groups, and analogous analyses between individuals reconstructed the original progenies clustering.

The results confirmed a relatively high genetic diversity among sister seedling of this obligatory apomictic plant and clones were rare. This diversity can be generated during development, probably by restitutional meiosis or other recombination processes. These differences may accumulate into lineages and populations well adapted to heterogenous Cerrado environment.