bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Basal metabolic rate in free‐ranging tropical birds lacks long‐term repeatability and is influenced by ambient temperature
Authors: Bushuev Andrey , Zubkova Ekaterina , Tolstenkov Oleg , Kerimov Anvar 
Published: August 2021

AbstractTropical birds live longer, have smaller clutches and invest more resources into self‐maintenance than temperate species. These “slow” life‐histories in tropical birds are accompanied by low basal metabolic rate (BMR). It has recently been suggested that the low BMR of tropical species may be related not to their slow “pace of life” or high ambient temperatures (Ta) in tropical latitudes, but to the stability of environmental conditions in tropics. Since the repeatability of metabolic traits is higher in stable environments, such as laboratory conditions, we predicted that long‐term repeatability of BMR in a tropical climate should be higher than in a temperate one. Contrary to our predictions, the repeatability of mass‐independent BMR in 64 individuals of free‐living tropical birds from Vietnam was low and insignificant after the species affiliation was taken into account. It indicates that BMR cannot be used as an individual long‐term characteristic of tropical birds. On the other hand, tropical birds showed consistent differences in their mass‐independent BMR at the interspecific level. Using BMR measurements from 1543 individuals of 134 species, we also found that different characteristics ofTawithin the week preceding BMR measurements had a significant impact on the mass‐independent BMR of tropical birds. The most significant effect was the difference between the absolute maximum and minimumTawithin a single week. Our results indicate that the physiology of tropical birds is more subject to changes than would be expected based on the notion of the stability of climatic conditions in the tropics.
Nutrient expert system optimizes fertilizer management to improve potato productivity and tuber quality
Authors: Sha Shanyi , Zhao Xiaohui , Li Yuxi , Li Chunlin , Zhu Lin , Wang Yin , Gao Qiang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDImproving potato productivity and quality plays an important role in enhancing global food security and human health. However, inappropriate fertilizer management negatively affects potato growth and tuber development, especially in developing countries where there are large numbers of smallholders without modern soil testing equipment. Nutrient Expert (NE), a new and convenient fertilization decision system, was evaluated in the present study by conducting four site‐years field experiments in Northeast China, aiming to determine its effectiveness and applicability for potato production relative to local farmers' practice (FP) and fertilizer recommendation based on soil testing (ST).RESULTSThe excessive fertilization at planting promoted seedling growth for potato plants in FP. Nevertheless, superior plant growth and tuber development were observed in NE at the middle and later growing stages, by optimizing fertilizer input and implementing split fertilization. Overall, compared to FP, the NE system increased total and marketable tuber yields by 12–15% and 16–26%, respectively, at the same time as obtaining 19–31% higher net returns and enhanced fertilizer use efficiencies. Moreover, NE improved tuber quality by increasing the contents of starch, soluble protein and vitamin C and decreasing reducing sugar content relative to FP, as well as increasing starch yields by 23–52%. The ST method also showed comprehensive improvements in potato performances compared to FP, although it did not show any advantages compared to NE system.CONCLUSIONThe NE system improved potato productivity and tuber quality by optimizing fertilization management, which is an effective and promising alternative to the ST method for potato production in China and other developing countries. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
An aqueous extract from Artemisia capillaris inhibits acute gastric injury through mucosal stabilization
Authors: Hwang Su Jung , Yeo Dahee , Song Ye‐Seul , Choi Youngbin , Youn Hyun‐Joo , Lee Hyo‐Jong 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDArtemisia capillaris is among the most abundantly used traditional medicines, utilized in East Asia to treat diverse illnesses, including gastrointestinal tract diseases. We previously reported that an aqueous extract of A. capillaris (AEAC) inhibited gastric inflammation induced by HCl/ethanol via reactive oxygen species scavenging and NF‐κB downregulation. To date, the pharmacological potential of AEAC for promoting mucosal integrity has not been studied.RESULTSHere, we report that a single treatment with AEAC increased mucus production, and repeated administration of AEAC abolished HCl/ethanol‐induced mucosal injury in vivo. Single‐ and multiple‐dose AEAC treatments measurably increased the expression of mucosal stabilizing factors in vivo, including mucin (MUC) 5 AC, MUC6, and trefoil factor (TFF) 1 and TFF2 (but not TFF3). AEAC also induced mucosal stabilizing factors in both SNU‐601 cells and RGM cells through phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinases.CONCLUSIONTaken together, our results suggest that AEAC protects against HCl/ethanol‐induced gastritis by upregulating MUCs and TFFs and stabilizing the mucosal epithelium. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Anterolateral Thigh Fascia Lata Rescue Flap: A New Weapon in the Battle Against Osteoradionecrosis
Authors: Meleca Joseph B. , Kerr Rhorie P. , Prendes B. L. , Fritz Michael A. 
Published: August 2021

ObjectivesTo demonstrate that the anterolateral thigh fascia lata (ALTFL) rescue flap may be effectively used for management of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) in selected patients.Study DesignRetrospective case review.MethodsRetrospective chart review was performed on patients who underwent ALTFL free flap repair to various sites of ORN in the head and neck between 2011 and 2018. Inclusion criteria were patients with radiographic and clinical evidence of head and neck ORN who either failed previous hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy or with extensive disease, which was unlikely to respond to conservative management.ResultsTwenty‐three patients with average age of 63 years (40–78) who underwent 24 ALTFL free flap procedures were reviewed. ORN sites were the mandible (n = 16), palatomaxilla (n = 4), skull base and cervical spine (n = 3), and calvarium (n = 2). Recipient vessels used were superficial temporal (n = 11), common facial (n = 10), and angular (n = 3). Average hospital stay was 3.0 (1–10) days. Prior HBO therapy was performed in 13 (57%) patients. There were four major complications: flap failure, recurrent mandibular infection resolved with IV antibiotic course, mandibular fracture with malunion requiring occlusal adjustment, and unresolved sequelae of ORN requiring fibular free flap. There were four minor complications: thigh hematoma, thigh seroma, and intraoral scar formation causing trismus (n = 2). The procedure was successful in 22 of 23 (95.7%) patients with radiographic arrest of ORN, resolution of symptoms, and elimination of antibiotic requirements.ConclusionThe ALTFL rescue flap merits strong consideration in ORN management and appears to prevent progression to more extensive disease, which would require full segmental bone resection and reconstruction.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:2688–2693, 2021
The effects of different management interventions on degraded rangelands in Iceland
Authors: Mulloy Tara A. , Barrio Isabel C. , Jónsdóttir Ingibjörg S. , Hik David S. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLoss of vegetation and soil erosion are symptoms of widespread rangeland degradation across most of the Icelandic highlands. Areas at different stages of degradation coexist as a mosaic that includes both vegetated heathlands, and exposed gravelly deserts. Revegetation efforts have included fertilizer applications and grazing exclusion to increase plant biomass and reduce bare ground, but their effectiveness is predicted to differ depending on the stage of degradation for a certain area. In this study, we used a 4‐year field experiment to test the predictions of a state‐and‐transition model for the Icelandic highlands. We measured the combined effects of grazing exclusion and factorial applications of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) fertilizers, on plant biomass, species richness, amount of exposed bare ground and plant community composition in a dwarf‐shrub heathland and a gravelly desert habitat. After 4 years: (1) grazing exclusion alone had no effect in either habitat; (2) fertilizers increased biomass in both habitats, especially in plots treated with NP or NK; (3) the combination of fertilizers and grazing exclusion produced the greatest amount of aboveground biomass, predominantly of forb and graminoid species. In the dwarf‐shrub heath, the increase in biomass in fertilized and fenced plots also corresponded to a loss in species richness, whereas in the gravelly desert, increased biomass reduced the amount of bare ground without reducing species richness. Our results reinforce the importance in understanding the effects of different management interventions across ecological conditions to determine the most effective revegetation approach.
Clinical features and hearing prognosis of idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss in patients undergoing hemodialysis: A retrospective study
Authors: Yamamoto Kengo , Kurioka Takaomi , Furuki Shogo , Sano Hajime , Ohashi Kentaro , Ohki Motofumi , Yamashita Taku 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatients undergoing hemodialysis (HD) tend to experience hearing loss, including idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSHL). However, little is known about the relationship between HD and ISSHL.ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of HD on the hearing level and the treatment prognosis of ISSHL.MethodsWe reviewed the medical records of 23 patients with ISSHL receiving HD treatment (HD group) and 101 patients with ISSHL not receiving HD treatment (non‐HD group), and assessed clinical features, results of audiometric tests and blood examination results.ResultsStatistically significant differences were not observed in pretreatment hearing level and hearing recovery of the ear affected with ISSHL between the two groups (P > .05). Conversely, hearing thresholds in the unaffected ear were statistically different (P < .0001), and the hearing thresholds of the HD groups were significantly increased compared with those of the non‐HD groups, especially at high frequency. In addition, patients with renal dysfunction not receiving HD treatment showed similar hearing thresholds in the unaffected ear when compared with patients receiving HD treatment.ConclusionHD itself did not influence the treatment prognosis of ISSHL. Renal dysfunction itself, and not HD treatment, worsened the hearing level. As similar treatment results are expected, standard treatment should be administered to patients undergoing HD.Level of Evidence3b.
Multivalent Protein‐Loaded pH‐Stable Polymersomes: First Step toward Protein Targeted Therapeutics
Authors: Moreno Silvia , Boye Susanne , Ajeilat Hane George Al , Michen Susanne , Tietze Stefanie , Voit Brigitte , Lederer Albena , Temme Achim , Appelhans Dietmar 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSynthetic platforms for mimicking artificial organelles or for designing multivalent protein therapeutics for targeting cell surface, extracellular matrix, and tissues are in the focus of this study. Furthermore, the availability of a multi‐functionalized and stimuli‐responsive carrier system is required that can be used for sequential in situ and/or post loading of different proteins combined with post‐functionalization steps. Until now, polymersomes exhibit excellent key characteristics to fulfill those requirements, which allow specific transport of proteins and the integration of proteins in different locations of polymeric vesicles. Herein, different approaches to fabricate multivalent protein‐loaded, pH‐responsive, and pH‐stable polymersomes are shown, where a combination of therapeutic action and targeting can be achieved, by first choosing two model proteins such as human serum albumin and avidin. Validation of the molecular parameters of the multivalent biohybrids is performed by dynamic light scattering, cryo‐TEM, fluorescence spectroscopy, and asymmetrical flow‐field flow fractionation combined with light scattering techniques. To demonstrate targeting functions of protein‐loaded polymersomes, avidin post‐functionalized polymersomes are used for the molecular recognition of biotinylated cell surface receptors. These versatile protein‐loaded polymersomes present new opportunities for designing sophisticated biomolecular nanoobjects in the field of (extracellular matrix) protein therapeutics.
Boron Nitride Nanosheets Strengthened PVA/Borax Hydrogels with Highly Efficient Self‐Healing and Rapid pH‐Driven Shape Memory Effect
Authors: Xue Shishan , Liu Guanfei , Lai Jingjuan , An Peng , Liu Yang , Wu Yuanpeng , Wang Yu , Ye Zhiyong , Tang Qiao , Zhou Hongwei 
Published: August 2021

AbstractSelf‐healing hydrogels often possess poor mechanical properties which largely limits their applications in many fields. In this work, boron nitride nanosheets are introduced into a network of the poly(vinyl alcohol)/borax (PVA/borax) hydrogels to enhance the mechanical properties of the hydrogel without compromising the self‐healing abilities. The obtained hydrogels exhibit excellent mechanical properties with a tensile strength of 0.410 ± 0.007 MPa, an elongation at break of 1712%, a Young's Modulus of 0.860 ± 0.023 MPa, and a toughness of 3.860 ± 0.075 MJ m−3. In addition, the self‐healing efficiency of the hydrogels is higher than 90% within 10 min at room temperature. Benefiting from the excellent self‐healing properties, the shapeability of the hydrogel fragments is observed using different molds. In addition, the hydrogels display rapid pH‐driven shape memory effects and can recover to their original shape within 260 s. Overall, this work provides a new approach to hydrogels with integrated excellent mechanical properties, self‐healing abilities, and rapid pH‐driven shape memory effects.
Disease acceptance and social support in patients with peripheral vascular diseases treated in the surgical ward
Authors: Czarnecka Józefa , Kobos Ewa , Sienkiewicz Zofia 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study is a comparative analysis of the degree of disease acceptance and social support in patients with peripheral vascular diseases and other medical conditions treated in surgery ward.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study compares disease acceptance and social support in a group of 212 patients with peripheral vascular diseases and other conditions treated in surgery ward. A standardized Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS) and Social Support Scale were used to collect the research data.ResultsOverall, on the AIS, 14% of patients with surgical diseases and 34% of patients with vascular diseases had a low disease acceptance rate. A high level of support was demonstrated in 41% of study participants with surgically treated diseases and in 17% of participants with vascular diseases.
Instrument development and validation of the comprehensive ability of older people assessment scale
Authors: Li Weitong , Wang Qiuqin , Chen Yujing , Pu Yalou , Xu Guihua 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAimThe study is aimed to develop and psychometrically test the Comprehensive Ability of Older People Assessment scale and classify the ability grades.DesignA cross‐sectional design was used for instrument development.MethodThe Comprehensive Ability of Older People Assessment scale was developed by a sample of 971 older people from 4 long‐term care institutions in China. The data were collected between April 2018 and March 2020. One‐way analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis was used to screen scale items, while focus group interviews were used to integrate the subjective and objective items. Confirmative factor analysis and expert judgment were applied to explore construct validity. Reliability was explored through internal consistency estimation using Cronbach's alpha and homogeneity evaluation using corrected item‐total correlations. Cluster analysis and discriminant analysis were used to segment the comprehensive ability assessment scores and discriminant function was established to determine the boundary value of each segment, using correlation analysis to perform reverse verification.ResultsFactor analysis yielded 40 items with six dimensions, including “mentation and cognitive,” “perception and communication,” “emotional problems,” “mental and behavioural problems,” “daily life and social participation,” and “skin and oral status.” The Cronbach's α was 0.951, while the dimensions showed Cronbach's α values ranging from 0.760–0.946. The rationality and scientificity of this scale were proved by the correlation analysis of reverse validation.ConclusionThe 4‐grade Comprehensive Ability of Older People Assessment scale is proved to be with good validity and reliability and should be considered for institutional assessors.ImpactAssessors can accurately evaluate older people's health status and nursing needs through this scale in long‐term care institutions, communities and hospitals, so as to provide accurate and high‐quality nursing services. It will become a scientific basis for the government to offer accurate pension subsidies, purchase pension services scientifically for older people and establish third‐party objective evaluation and supervision.
Efficacy of Platinum Rechallenge in Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma After Previous Platinum-Based Chemotherapy for Metastatic Disease
Authors: Wong Risa L. , Ferris Lorin A. , Do Olivia A. , Holt Sarah K. , Ramos Jorge D. , Crabb Simon J. , Sternberg Cora N. , Bellmunt Joaquim , Ladoire Sylvain , De Giorgi Ugo , Harshman Lauren C. , Vaishampayan Ulka N. , Necchi Andrea , Srinivas Sandy , Pal Sumanta K. , Niegisch Guenter , Dorff Tanya B. , Galsky Matthew D. , Yu Evan Y. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

Background
Fit patients with metastatic urothelial carcinoma (mUC) receive first-line platinum-based combination chemotherapy (fPBC) as standard of care and may receive additional later-line chemotherapy after progression. Our study compares outcomes with subsequent platinum-based chemotherapy (sPBC) versus subsequent non-platinum-based chemotherapy (sNPBC).

Materials and Methods
Patients from 27 international centers in the Retrospective International Study of Cancers of the Urothelium (RISC) who received fPBC for mUC and at least two cycles of subsequent chemotherapy were included in this study. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model compared overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).

Results
One hundred thirty-five patients received sPBC and 161 received sNPBC. Baseline characteristics were similar between groups, except patients who received sPBC had higher baseline hemoglobin, higher disease control rate with fPBC, and longer time since fPBC. OS was superior in the sPBC group (median 7.9 vs 5.5 months) in a model adjusting for comorbidity burden, performance status, liver metastases, number of fPBC cycles received, best response to fPBC, and time since fPBC (hazard ratio, 0.72; 95% confidence interval, 0.53–0.98; p = .035). There was no difference in PFS. More patients in the sPBC group achieved disease control than in the sNPBC group (57.4% vs 44.8%; p = .041). Factors associated with achieving disease control in the sPBC group but not the sNPBC group included longer time since fPBC, achieving disease control with fPBC, and absence of liver metastases.

Conclusion
After receiving fPBC for mUC, patients who received sPBC had better OS and disease control. This may help inform the choice of subsequent chemotherapy in patients with mUC.

Implications for Practice
Patients with progressive metastatic urothelial carcinoma after first-line platinum-based combination chemotherapy may now receive immuno-oncology agents, erdafitinib, enfortumab vedotin, or sacituzumab govitecan-hziy; however, those ineligible for these later-line therapies or who progress after receiving them may be considered for subsequent chemotherapy. In this retrospective study of 296 patients, survival outcomes and disease control rates were better in those receiving subsequent platinum-based rechallenge compared with non–platinum-based chemotherapy, suggesting that patients should receive platinum rechallenge if clinically able. Disease control with platinum rechallenge was more likely with prior first-line platinum having achieved disease control, longer time since first-line platinum, and absence of liver metastases.
The impact of yoga on components of energy balance in adults with overweight or obesity: A systematic review
Authors: Caldwell Ann E. , Purcell Sarah A. , Gray Bethany , Smieja Hailey , Catenacci Victoria A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundYoga may reduce body weight in individuals with overweight or obesity, but whether this occurs through decreased energy intake (EI) or increased energy expenditure (EE)/physical activity (PA) is unclear.MethodsA systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and PsychINFO was conducted from inception until April 26, 2021. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials or single‐arm pre‐post studies with any type and duration of yoga intervention in adults with overweight or obesity. Studies with measures related to EI , EE, or PA were eligible. The review initially identified 1,373 articles.ResultsOf the 10 included studies, one used indirect calorimeter measures of resting EE, while nine used self‐reported measures of EI and PA. Of the seven studies measuring parameters related to EI, only one found greater decreases in EI relative to the control group, although three other investigations reported trends toward improved dietary intake. Of the eight studies measuring PA, two reported greater increases in resting EE or PA in the yoga group relative to the control group. Two reported significant within‐group increases in PA from pre‐post intervention, and four studies reported a trend for increased PA with no p‐values reported.ConclusionsLimited evidence suggests yoga may reduce EI and increase PA in adults with overweight or obesity. Additional studies that investigate the effects of yoga interventions on energy balance parameters using objective techniques are warranted.
Photosynthetic parameters and stomatal conductance in attached and detached balsam fir foliage
Authors: Akalusi Matthew E. , Meng Fan‐Rui , P.‐A. Bourque Charles 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLeaf level gas‐exchange measurements can be made on detached foliage to address the challenge of access to the crown of tall trees. However, detachment may impact leaf gas exchange. This necessitates the study of gas‐exchange characteristics of foliage on detached branches to assess the feasibility of using detached branches for gas‐exchange analysis. We compared photosynthetic parameters and stomatal conductance in foliage of attached and detached branches of balsam fir [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.] during the growing season. Data were analyzed using a linear mixed‐effect model, with fixed and random effects (branch status and measurement month, and tree number, respectively). Branch detachment had no significant effects on: (i) photosynthesis at the current ambient CO2 concentration (400 µmol mol−1, A400); (ii) maximum rates of Ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylation (Vcmax) and regeneration (Jmax); (iii) the ratio of Jmax to Vcmax (i.e., Jmax:Vcmax), and (iv) stomatal conductance (gs) during the study period (p = 0.120–0.335). There was a strong seasonal effect on all gas‐exchange variables (p ≤ 0.001–0.015). Gas‐exchange measurements made on detached foliage during the warm summer months should be performed with care. Reliable gas‐exchange measurements can be obtained using balsam fir foliage on detached branches 50–80 cm in length, in cooler growing‐season months, up to 30 min after detachment.