bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoid modulation of synaptic plasticity in the human temporal cortex of epilepsy patients: Does chronic stress contribute to memory impairment?
Authors: Brandner Sebastian , Schroeter Sarah , Çalışkan Gürsel , Salar Seda , Kobow Katja , Coras Roland , Blümcke Ingmar , Hamer Hajo , Schwarz Michael , Buchfelder Michael , Maslarova Anna 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveMemory impairment is common in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy and seriously affects life quality. Chronic stress is a recognized cofactor in epilepsy and can also impair memory function. Furthermore, increased cortisol levels have been reported in epilepsy patients. Animal models have suggested that aggravating effects of stress on memory and synaptic plasticity were mediated via glucocorticoids. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate the effect of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) modulation on synaptic plasticity in the human cortex of epilepsy patients.MethodsWe performed field potential recordings in acute slices from the temporal neocortex of patients who underwent surgery for drug‐resistant temporal lobe epilepsy. Synaptic plasticity was investigated by a theta‐burst stimulation (TBS) protocol for induction of long‐term potentiation (LTP) in the presence of GR modulators.ResultsLTP was impaired in temporal cortex from epilepsy patients. Pretreatment of the slices with the GR antagonist mifepristone (RU486) improved LTP induction, suggesting that LTP impairment was due to baseline GR activation in the human cortex. The highly potent GR agonist dexamethasone additionally weakened synaptic strength in an activity‐dependent manner when applied after TBS.SignificanceOur results show a direct negative glucocorticoid effect on synaptic potentiation in the human cortex and imply chronic activation of GRs. Chronic stress may therefore contribute to memory impairment in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. Furthermore, the activity‐dependent acute inhibitory effect of dexamethasone suggests a mechanism of synaptic downscaling by which postictally increased cortisol levels may prevent pathologic plasticity upon seizures.
An ambiguous function of an alarm pheromone in the collective displays of the Australian meat ant, Iridomyrmex purpureus
Authors: Han Shaolin , Chen Wenman , Elgar Mark A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAlarm pheromones, which have been documented in many species of ants, are thought to elicit responses related to aggressive or defensive behaviour. The volatile odour 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one is described as an alarm pheromone in several species of ants, including the Australian meat ant, Iridomyrmex purpureus. The alarm pheromone is released by displaying workers that aggregate in the characteristic collective display grounds, located mid‐way between colonies or near contested food trees. Workers are typically more aggressive at the latter location, and the alarm pheromone may regulate the collective level of aggression. We investigated this possibility by exposing displaying workers to synthesised alarm pheromone 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐one in a field experiment, and measuring their aggressive behaviour. We found no evidence that exposure to synthesised alarm pheromone caused changes in the aggressive level of workers. Subsequent field experiments revealed that the pheromone functions as an attractant, thereby increasing the density of displaying workers. More densely populated workers also display more aggressively, indicating that the interaction rate of displaying workers may determine the level of aggression in collective displays. This underlying mechanism can explain why displaying ants are more aggressive at the more densely populated food‐tree locations than those displaying at locations midway between two neighbouring colony nest sites.
Mycorrhizal associations of tree species influence soil nitrogen dynamics via effects on soil acid–base chemistry
Authors: Lin Guigang , Craig Matthew E. , Jo Insu , Wang Xugao , Zeng De‐Hui , Phillips Richard P. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimPlants and their associated microbes influence nutrient cycling in terrestrial ecosystems, yet we have a limited understanding of how soil acidity mediates the process. Here, we investigate whether reported differences in nitrogen (N) cycling between forests dominated by arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) trees and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) trees are related to changes in soil acid–base chemistry induced by mycorrhizal associations.LocationGlobal.Time period1969–2018.Major taxa studiedTrees.MethodsWe measured and synthesized variables of leaf litter quality, soil acid–base chemistry and N cycling from: (1) a landscape‐scale study of 230 subplots varying widely in AM tree dominance in a 25 ha forest plot; (2) a regional‐scale study of 40 AM‐ and 56 ECM‐dominated plots in 10 temperate forests across the eastern USA; (3) a continental‐scale study of > 3,000 forest plots from 10 ecoregions across the contiguous USA; and (4) a global meta‐analysis of 105 study sites with co‐occurring AM and ECM forest stands.ResultsAcross all spatial scales, ECM‐dominated forests were associated with greater soil acidity. In particular, ECM‐dominated soils exhibited lower soil pH and base cations, although the magnitude of mycorrhizal‐associated differences in soil acid–base chemistry depended on the biomes, with differences being more pronounced in temperate than in sub/tropical forests. Higher lignin and lower base cations in ECM tree leaf litter were related to greater soil acidity in ECM‐dominated forests. Moreover, the lower inorganic N concentrations and slower N transformation rates in ECM‐dominated forests were associated with their greater soil acidity.Main conclusionsOur results indicate that the scale‐invariant feedbacks between plant nutrient‐use strategies and soil properties have the potential to impact forest community assembly and ecosystem processes, particularly in the context of global change.
Use of toothbrushing in conjunction with chlorhexidine for preventing ventilator‐associated pneumonia: A random‐effect meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sozkes Serda , Sozkes Sarkis 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe oral cavity with poor hygiene is a reservoir of a complex community of commensal and pathogenic bacteria. Improved oral hygiene (OH) may reduce the incidence of ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP); however, research on the efficacy of different OH treatments and their potential synergistic effects has remained inconclusive. The objective of this study was to examine whether in patients on mechanical ventilation, using a toothbrushing (T) in conjunction with chlorhexidine (CHX), as opposed to only CHX, reduced the incidence of VAP.MethodA random‐effect meta‐analysis of randomized clinical trials, which compare the effect of CHX+T (intervention) with CHX (control) on the risk of VAP, was conducted. The Mantel–Haenszel model was used to determine the mean differences (MD), relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).ResultsSeven studies with 1424 patients were included. Oral care with CHX+T reduced the incidences of VAP (RR = 0.67; CI = [0.50, 0.88], p = 0.005) compared with that with CHX alone. The former also reduced the duration of mechanical ventilation (MD = −1.38; CI = [−2.43, −0.33], p = 0.01) and length of stay in the ICU (MD = −1.47; CI = [−2.74, −0.20], p = 0.02), although the risk of ICU mortality did not reduce (RR = 0.87, 95% CI = [0.72, 1.04], p = 0.17).ConclusionsToothbrushing along with CHX significantly reduced the risk of VAP. Further well‐designed randomized controlled trials with a careful focus on the OH are needed to fully establish the advantage of toothbrushing along with CHX for reducing the risk of VAP.
Impact of several NiTi‐thermally treated instrumentation systems on biomechanical preparation of curved root canals in extracted mandibular molars
Authors: de Carvalho Kleber Kildare Teodoro , Petean Igor Bassi Ferreira , Silva‐Sousa Alice Corrêa , de Camargo Rafael Verardino , Mazzi‐Chaves Jardel Francisco , Silva‐Sousa Yara Teresinha Corrêa , Sousa‐Neto Manoel Damião 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimTo evaluate the shaping ability of several heat‐treated nickel–titanium systems used to prepare root canals with moderate and severe curvature, in extracted mandibular molars, by micro‐computed tomography, considering their variation in kinematics and design.MethodologyCurved‐mesial roots of mandibular molars were randomly selected and assigned into 4 balanced experimental groups (n = 10), established by determining homogeneous 3D parameters of volume and surface area: R‐Motion (RM) size 30, 0.04 taper (RM; FKG Dentaire), Reciproc Blue (RCB) size 25, 0.08 taper (RCB; VDW GmbH), HyFlex CM (HFX) size 30, 0.04 taper (HFX; Coltène Whaledent) and XP‐endo Shaper size (XPS) 30, 0.01 taper (XPS; FKG Dentaire). The volume of irrigation was established at 10 ml of 2.5% NaOCl. Throughout the entire root canal preparation procedures, the samples were fixed in a vice submerged in a container with water monitored at 37°C. Dimensional cross‐sectional measures of area, perimeter, roundness, major/minor diameters and 3‐dimensional (volume, surface area, structure model index – SMI) parameters as well as the smallest dentine thickness along the cervical and middle root thirds were evaluated by micro‐CT. Data were analysed using analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey tests (α = 5%).ResultsReciproc Blue and XPS had significantly greater mean increases in cross‐sectional area measurements, only in the middle third, when compared with RM and HFX (p < .05). RM, RCB and XPS had a similar increase in measurements of length and width of perimeter (p > .05), and HFX had significantly lower mean increases in perimeter values only when compared with XPS (p < .05). RCB and XPS had significantly greater mean increases in volume when compared with RM and HFX (p < .05). RM had a significantly lower difference in SMI after preparation, compared with RCB, HFX and XPS (p < .05). The smallest dentine thickness was observed after the use of RCB (p < .05), in the danger and safety zones.ConclusionsXP‐endo Shaper and RM had a shaping ability similar to that of instruments with larger tapers, achieved with less dentine removal in danger and safe zones in curved‐mesial canals of extracted molar teeth treated on a laboratory benchtop.
Replacing eye trackers in ongoing studies: A comparison of eye‐tracking data quality between the Tobii Pro TX300 and the Tobii Pro Spectrum
Authors: De Kloe Yentl J.R. , Hooge Ignace T.C. , Kemner Chantal , Niehorster Diederick C. , Nyström Marcus , Hessels Roy S. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe Tobii Pro TX300 is a popular eye tracker in developmental eye‐tracking research, yet it is no longer manufactured. If a TX300 breaks down, it may have to be replaced. The data quality of the replacement eye tracker may differ from that of the TX300, which may affect the experimental outcome measures. This is problematic for longitudinal and multi‐site studies, and for researchers replacing eye trackers between studies. We, therefore, ask how the TX300 and its successor, the Tobii Pro Spectrum, compare in terms of eye‐tracking data quality. Data quality—operationalized through precision, accuracy, and data loss—was compared between eye trackers for three age groups (around 5‐months, 10‐months, and 3‐years). Precision was better for all gaze position signals obtained with the Spectrum in comparison to the TX300. Accuracy of the Spectrum was higher for the 5‐month‐old and 10‐month‐old children. For the three‐year‐old children, accuracy was similar across both eye trackers. Gaze position signals from the Spectrum exhibited lower proportions of data loss, and the duration of the data loss periods tended to be shorter. In conclusion, the Spectrum produces gaze position signals with higher data quality, especially for the younger infants. Implications for data analysis are discussed.
Microstructure and electrical properties of Nb‐doped SrTiO3‐BiFeO3 based lead‐free ceramics
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Liu Hongbo , Yan Tingnan , Zhao Jianwei , Guo Shifeng , Sun Rong , Lu Zhilun , Wang Dawei 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn this work, Nb‐doped 0.75SrTiO3‐0.25BiFeO3 (ST‐BF) lead‐free ceramics are designed and synthesized using a conventional solid‐state reaction method. The influence of Nb doping on the microstructure, dielectric, and electrical properties are systematically investigated. With the increase of Nb concentration, the crystal structure of ST‐BF remains pseudo‐cubic as exhibited in the X‐ray diffraction patterns. The grain size is found to increase from 0.33 to 6.23 μm, and then decrease to 1.88 μm by Nb doping, along with a clear heterogeneous core–shell microstructure. A relatively low dielectric loss (∼0.1, at 1 kHz) and a stable dielectric constant (∼700, at 1 kHz) are obtained for the 0.03 Nb‐doped ST‐BF composition at room temperature. Impedance spectroscopy analysis shows that Nb doping in ST‐BF increases the total resistivity, forming an electrically conductive core and a nonconductive shell, with enhanced activation energy. The results may provide a feasible approach to develop novel ST‐based lead‐free dielectric ceramics for capacitor applications.
Biosynthesis of γ-aminobutyric acid by lactic acid bacteria in surplus bread and its use in bread making
Authors: Verni Michela , Vekka Anna , Immonen Mikko , Katina Kati , Rizzello Carlo Giuseppe , Coda Rossana 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Aims
The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of bread as substrate for γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) biosynthesis, establishing a valorization strategy for surplus bread, repurposing it within the food chain.

Methods and Results
Surplus bread was fermented by lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to produce GABA. Pediococcus pentosaceus F01, Levilactobacillus brevis MRS4, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum H64 and C48 were selected among 33 LAB strains for the ability to synthesize GABA. Four fermentation experiments were set up using surplus bread as such, added of amylolytic and proteolytic enzymes, modifying the pH or mixed with wheat bran. Enzyme-treated slurries led to the release of glucose (up to 20 mg g−1) and free amino acid, whereas the addition of wheat bran (30% of bread weight) yielded the highest GABA content (circa 800 mg kg−1 of dry weight) and was the most suitable substrate for LAB growth. The selected slurry was ultimately used as an ingredient in bread making causing an increase in free amino acids.

Conclusions
Besides the high GABA concentration (148 mg kg−1 dough), the experimental bread developed in this study was characterized by good nutritional properties, highlighting the efficacy of tailored bioprocessing technologies as means to mitigate food wastage.

Significance and Impact of Study
Our results represent a proof of concept of effective strategies to repurpose food industry side streams.
LncRNA MIAT enhances cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury in rat model via interacting with EGLN2 and reduces its ubiquitin‐mediated degradation
Authors: Li Suping , Fu Jing , Wang Yi , Hu Chunmei , Xu Fei 
Published: October 2021

AbstractLong non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) MIAT (myocardial infarction associated transcript) has been characterized as a functional lncRNA modulating cerebral ischaemic/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study explored the functional partners of MIAT in primary rat neurons and their regulation on I/R injury. Sprague‐Dawley rats were used to construct middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) models. Their cerebral cortical neurons were used for in vitro oxygen‐glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) models. Results showed that MIAT interacted with EGLN2 in rat cortical neurons. MIAT overexpression or knockdown did not alter EGLN2 transcription. In contrast, MIAT overexpression increased EGLN2 stability after I/R injury via reducing its ubiquitin‐mediated degradation. EGLN2 was a substrate of MDM2, a ubiquitin E3 ligase. MDM2 interacted with the N‐terminal of EGLN2 and mediated its K48‐linked poly‐ubiquitination, thereby facilitating its proteasomal degradation. MIAT knockdown enhanced the interaction and reduced EGLN2 stability. MIAT overexpression enhanced infarct volume and induced a higher ratio of neuronal apoptosis. EGLN2 knockdown significantly reversed the injury. MIAT overexpression reduced oxidative pentose phosphate pathway flux and increased oxidized/reduced glutathione ratio, the effects of which were abrogated by EGLN2 knockdown. In conclusion, MIAT might act as a stabilizer of EGLN2 via reducing MDM2 mediated K48 poly‐ubiquitination. MIAT‐EGLN2 axis exacerbates I/R injury via altering redox homeostasis in neurons.
Leveraging survey and claims data to identify high‐need Medicare beneficiaries in the National Health and Aging Trends Study
Authors: Tucher Emma , Keeney Tamra , Bélanger Emmanuelle 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundMultiple algorithms have been developed to identify and characterize the high‐need (HN) Medicare population. However, they vary in components and yield different populations, and were developed for varying purposes. We compared the performance of existing survey and claims‐based definitions in identifying HN beneficiaries and predicting poor outcomes among a community‐dwelling population.MethodsA retrospective cohort study using Round 5 (2015) of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) linked with Medicare claims. We applied HN definitions from previous studies to our cohort of community‐dwelling, fee‐for‐service beneficiaries (n = 4201) using sampling weights to obtain nationally representative estimates. The Bélanger et al. (2019) definition defines HN as individuals with complex conditions, multi‐morbidity, acute and post‐acute healthcare utilization, dependency in activities of daily living, and frailty. The Hayes et al. (2016) definition defines HN as individuals with 3+ chronic conditions and a functional limitation. We applied each definition to survey and claims data. Outcomes were hospitalization or mortality in the subsequent year.ResultsThe proportion of NHATS respondents classified as HN varied greatly across definitions, ranging from 3.1% using the claims‐based Hayes definition to 32.9% using the survey‐based Bélanger definition. HN respondents had significantly higher mortality and hospitalization rates in 2016. Although all definitions had good specificity, none were able to predict outcomes in the following year with good accuracy.ConclusionsWhile mortality and hospitalization rates were significantly higher among respondents classified as HN, existing claims and survey‐based HN definitions were not able to accurately predict future outcomes in a community‐dwelling, nationally representative sample measured by the area under the curve.
Rejuvenating earlobe esthetics with dermal fillers
Authors: Arora Gulhima , Arora Sandeep 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe external ear plays a significant aesthetic role in the appearance of the face. Chronological and extrinsic aging effects on the ear lobe get further pronounced since routine surgical aesthetic procedures for the face do not address these morphological changes. Ear adornment with jewelry and piercings further cause sagging of the ear lobe and stretch the ear piercing. Dermal fillers offer a viable option for ear lobe rejuvenation by increasing its volume and addressing the morphological changes with minimal adverse effects or downtime associated with surgery.AimsThe authors aim to review the choice of dermal fillers used for ear lobule correction. The anatomy and its implications on techniques used for ear lobe rejuvenation are elaborated in this article based on the authors experience and reported literature.MethodsAll patients who had received ear lobe fillers were evaluated, treated and followed up. Literature review of experience of treating patients with hyaluronic acid fillers for ear lobule correction and their rejuvenation was reviewed.ResultsHyaluronic acid fillers are a quick and easy method to restore the youthfulness and aesthetic ideals of the ear lobe. They address all the parameters of aging, volume deficit, reduction in the number and depth of creases and improvement in the number of wrinkles which surgical correction may not address. They can also be used for prejuvenation in younger populations expected to wear heavier ear jewelry. The results are immediate, long‐lasting and the side effects and downtime are minimal.
The usage of Cyanobacteria in wastewater treatment: prospects and limitations
Authors: Ahmad Iffat Zareen 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The applicability of Cyanobacteria executes various roles in the treatment of wastewater, assembling of superfluous food and, thus, produces valued biomass which has various applications. Besides this, they enrich and improve the quality of water as they are photosynthetic autotrophs. Currently, Cyanobacteria gained momentum for remediation of wastewaters because firstly, they enhances the O2 content of waters through photosynthesis and perform bioremediation of some heavy metals. Secondly, Cyanobacteria play significant roles in distressing the biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, turbidity, minerals and microbes; thirdly, they can be used either as axenic cultures or as mixed cultures both offering distinct advantages. Lastly, some species are tolerant towards extreme temperatures both low and high, acidic pH, high salt concentrations and heavy metals, which makes them outstanding candidates for the wastewater treatment plants. The suitable immobilization methods must evolve, better understanding of their morphological and biochemical parameters is required for the optimum growth, easy methods of harvesting the biomass after the treatment are required and more trials on large-scale basis are required before they can be launched on full-fledged basis for wastewater treatments.