bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agreement between local and central reading of endoscopic disease activity in ulcerative colitis: results from the tofacitinib OCTAVE trials
Authors: Feagan Brian G. , Khanna Reena , Sandborn William J. , Vermeire Séverine , Reinisch Walter , Su Chinyu , Salese Leonardo , Fan Haiyun , Paulissen Jerome , Woodworth Deborah A. , Niezychowski Wojciech , Sands Bruce E. 
Published: October 2021

SummaryBackgroundEndoscopy is routine in trials of ulcerative colitis therapies.AimTo investigate agreement between central and local Mayo endoscopic subscore (MES) reads in the OCTAVE programmeMethodsFlexible sigmoidoscopy was performed in tofacitinib induction (OCTAVE Induction 1&2, NCT01465763 and NCT01458951), maintenance (OCTAVE Sustain, NCT01458574) and open‐label, long‐term extension (OCTAVE Open, NCT01470612) studies. Kappa statistics and Bowker's tests evaluated agreement/disagreement between centrally and locally read MES, with potential determinants of differences analysed by logistic regression.ResultsModerate‐to‐substantial agreement was observed between central and local reads at screening (77.1% agreement; kappa 0.62 [95% confidence interval 0.59‐0.66]), OCTAVE Induction 1&2 week (Wk) 8 (63.8%; 0.62 [0.59‐0.66]), OCTAVE Sustain Wk 52 (55.6%; 0.56 [0.50‐0.62]) and for induction non‐responders at OCTAVE Open month 2 (59.9%; 0.54 [0.48‐0.60]). Where disagreements occurred, local reads were systematically lower than central reads at OCTAVE Induction 1&2 Wk 8, OCTAVE Sustain Wk 52 and OCTAVE Open month 2 (Bowker's P < 0.0001); this difference was not observed at screening (P = 0.0852). Using multivariable logistic regression, geographical region, C‐reactive protein (Wk 8), partial Mayo score (Wk 8) and prior tumour necrosis factor antagonist failure were associated with disparity at OCTAVE Induction 1&2 Wk 8 (P < 0.05). In OCTAVE Induction 1&2 and OCTAVE Sustain, significantly higher proportions of patients endoscopic improvement, remission and endoscopic remission with tofacitinib vs placebo, using either central or local reads.ConclusionModerate‐to‐substantial agreement was observed between central and local endoscopic reads. Where disagreements occurred, local reads were systematically lower than central reads at most timepoints, suggesting potential bias.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01465763, NCT01458951, NCT01458574, NCT01470612.
Is laparoscopic liver resection safe for super‐elderly patients (aged ≥80)? A propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Naito Shigetoshi , Fujikawa Takahisa , Kouno Nobuji , Hasegawa Suguru 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackground/PurposeThe safety of laparoscopic liver resection in super‐elderly patients with comorbidities is unknown. We used propensity score matching to evaluate the utility and safety of laparoscopic liver resection in super‐elderly patients.MethodsTwo‐hundred and five patients who underwent laparoscopic liver resection were retrospectively reviewed. They were classified into two groups based on age: ≥80 years (elderly group, n = 49) and <80 years (control group, n = 156). Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed based on preoperative clinical parameters. The intraoperative and postoperative outcomes were compared.ResultsAfter matching, 45 patients were included in each group. The intraoperative blood loss was identical between the control and elderly groups (60 vs 60 mL, respectively, P = .588); the frequency of serious postoperative complications (Clavien–Dindo class ≥3, 1/45 vs 1/45, P = 1.00) was also similar. There was no significant difference in terms of the exacerbation of malignancy (22.2% vs 11.1%, P = .258) or other diseases (8.9% vs 22.2%, P = .144). There was no difference in overall survival before and after PSM. However, 5‐year overall survival excluding primary cancer‐related death showed a difference after PSM (90.7% vs 70.4%; P = .048).ConclusionsLaparoscopic liver resection is feasible and safe in super‐elderly patients. The long‐term prognosis was poor in patients affected by other illnesses compared to the younger population with similar risk profiles, but there was no difference in overall survival.
Spatial patterns of soil seed banks and their relationships with above‐ground vegetation in an arid desert
Authors: Luo Chao , Guo Xiao‐Ping , Feng Chang‐Dong , Ye Jin‐Peng , Li Peng‐Fei , Li Zhen‐Tian 
Published: October 2021

AbstractQuestionsWhat are the characteristics of the spatial patterns of soil seed banks (SSBs) at local scales? How does the spatial distribution of SSBs relate to above‐ground vegetation?LocationThe piedmont plain of the eastern slope of Gandur mountain, Wuhai, northwestern China.MethodsA plot of 50 m × 50 m square, divided into 100 quadrats (5 m × 5 m) and 100 subquadrats (1 m × 1 m), was prepared to conduct a field survey of vegetation and SSB sampling. We analyzed the spatial pattern of 196 samples at different scales and directions with geostatistical analysis. The relationship between above‐ground vegetation and SSB was quantified by integrating geostatistics, point pattern analysis, and spatial comparison (IGPS).ResultsThe SSB density in the study area was 404.5 ± 352 seeds·m−2. SSBs of shrub species and herbaceous species Ⅱ (occurring only below‐ground) had a moderate spatial autocorrelation, and their spatial dependence increased with increasing scale. The SSB of herbaceous species Ⅰ (occurring both above‐ground and below‐ground) had great spatial autocorrelation, and its spatial dependence showed an initial decrease and then increased. Furthermore, SSBs showed lower spatial heterogeneity in the prevailing wind direction than in other directions. The spatial patterns of SSBs of shrub species and herbaceous species Ⅰ correlated with shrubs within a specific range, but not with herbs, while the SSB of herbaceous species Ⅱ did not have a spatial relationship with above‐ground vegetation.ConclusionThe spatial pattern of SSBs had scale dependence features, which exhibited clustered distribution at a certain scale, and were significantly correlated with above‐ground shrubs. Therefore, we suggest subsampling larger quadrats with smaller sample units near shrubs in desert areas. Our workflow seems efficient for determining the spatial pattern of SSBs at medium small scale in arid areas.
Bayesian nonparametric quantile process regression and estimation of marginal quantile effects
Authors: Xu Steven G. , Reich Brian J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFlexible estimation of multiple conditional quantiles is of interest in numerous applications, such as studying the effect of pregnancy‐related factors on low and high birth weight. We propose a Bayesian nonparametric method to simultaneously estimate noncrossing, nonlinear quantile curves. We expand the conditional distribution function of the response in I‐spline basis functions where the covariate‐dependent coefficients are modeled using neural networks. By leveraging the approximation power of splines and neural networks, our model can approximate any continuous quantile function. Compared to existing models, our model estimates all rather than a finite subset of quantiles, scales well to high dimensions, and accounts for estimation uncertainty. While the model is arbitrarily flexible, interpretable marginal quantile effects are estimated using accumulative local effect plots and variable importance measures. A simulation study shows that our model can better recover quantiles of the response distribution when the data are sparse, and an analysis of birth weight data is presented.
The use of implant‐level connection in screw‐retained fixed partial dentures: A 3‐year randomised clinical trial
Authors: Toia Marco , Stocchero Michele , Galli Silvia , Papia Evaggelia , Wennerberg Ann , Becktor Jonas P. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectivesThis randomised controlled trial compares the 3‐year outcomes, that is, marginal bone‐level (MBL) changes and clinical parameters, between an abutment‐level (AL) and implant‐level (IL) connection for implants with an internal conical connection (ICC) supporting a screw‐retained fixed partial denture.Material and methodsFifty patients with 119 implants were randomly allocated to either the AL or IL group. Radiographic and clinical examinations were performed after one, two, and 3 years. A linear mixed model was used to evaluate the differences between groups.ResultsThe MBL change was not significantly different between the groups at any point. The MBL was 0.12 ± 0.31 mm (AL) and 0.23 ± 0.26 mm (IL) after 1 year; 0.15 ± 0.34 mm (AL) and 0.17 ± 0.22 mm (IL) after 2 years; 0.18 ± 0.39 mm (AL) and 0.15 ± 0.21 mm (IL) after 3 years. The bleeding on probing was 43.44 ± 39.24% (AL) and 58.19 ± 41.20% (IL) after 1 year; 35.78 ± 39.22% (AL) and 50.43 ± 41.49% (IL) after 2 years; 51.27 ± 44.63% (AL) and 49.57 ± 37.31% (IL) after 3 years and was significantly different (p = .025) between 1 and 2 years. The probing depth showed a significant difference at each time point while the plaque was not significant between the groups. The overall technical, biological and prosthetic complication rates were 5.04%, 3.36%, and 16.00%, respectively.ConclusionsThe MBL change was similar in the groups. The slight differences in the soft tissue complications between the groups are likely not of clinical relevance. An IL connection is considered to be a valid alternative to an AL set‐up in ICC implants.
Avoiding parachute science when addressing conflict over wildlife
Authors: Ruppert Kirstie A. , Lenguya Laiyon , Letoluai Ambrose , Limo Isaac , Owen Megan A. , Pilfold Nicholas W. , Wachira Paul , Glikman Jenny A. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAs a solutions‐oriented discipline, our attention is often placed on the substance of conservation challenges. Ideally, conservation science is relevant for policy and practice, contributing relevant data to fill key knowledge gaps. Thus, the data value is not only determined by methodological rigor, but also by its usefulness. In this perspective, we contend that trust in the purpose and process of data collection is integral to evidence‐based conservation and threatened by parachute science. We describe the substance, process, and relationships involved in the establishment of a community‐based reporting network for evaluating conflict responses and interventions to wildlife damage. We demonstrate how reflection on the process of science can provide the foundation for meaningful collaboration. We illustrate how, as a multinational team, supporting local researchers to establish a community‐based program, trust and demonstration of a long‐term commitment are essential to avoid the pitfalls of parachute science.
A data‐driven geospatial workflow to map species distributions for conservation assessments
Authors: Palacio Ruben Dario , Negret Pablo Jose , Velásquez‐Tibatá Jorge , Jacobson Andrew P. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimSpecies distribution maps are essential for assessing extinction risk and guiding conservation efforts. However, most come sourced as expert‐drawn range maps with known issues of accuracy or are developed with overly complex modelling procedures. Thus, data‐driven alternatives that are accessible and reliable are a welcome addition to the spatial conservation toolkit. Here, we developed a geospatial workflow to refine the distribution of a species from its extent of occurrence (EOO) to area of habitat (AOH) within the species range map. The range maps are produced with an inverse distance weighted (IDW) interpolation procedure using presence and absence points derived from primary biodiversity data.LocationThe Americas (North, South, Central America and the Caribbean).MethodsAs a case study, we mapped the distribution of 723 resident forest birds in the Americas and assessed their performance in comparison with expert‐drawn range maps. We evaluated differences in accuracy, spatial overlap, range map size and derived AOH.ResultsThe geospatial workflow generated IDW range maps with a higher overall accuracy (87% versus 62%) and fewer errors of omission (<1%) and commission (14%) than the expert range maps (28% both errors). The spatial overlap between both datasets was low (35%), but the agreement increased in areas of high probability of occurrence (68%). We did not find significant differences in range size, but the AOH derived from the expert‐drawn range maps was consistently smaller than the estimates from the IDW range maps.Main ConclusionsOur geospatial workflow provides a straightforward approach to accurately map species ranges and the estimation of area of habitat (AOH) for conservation planning and decision‐making. Conversely, procedures that refine expert‐drawn range maps to obtain AOH risk producing biased estimates for local‐scale applications.
Draxin inhibits chick trunk neural crest delamination and migration by increasing cell adhesion
Authors: Du Juan , Zhang Sanbing , Zhao Jiqian , Li Sha , Chen Wenyong , Cui Huixian , Su Yuhong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe neural crest is a multipotent cell population that migrates extensively to play important roles during embryonic development. After acquiring motility, trunk neural crest cells delaminate from the spinal cord and migrate to various regions of the body. Several cellular adhesion molecules, such as vinculin, are involved in the regulation of neural crest delamination and migration. In the present study, we found that draxin could inhibit delamination and migration of neural crest cells from the chick spinal cord and abnormal aggregation of the migrating neural crest cells. In the presence of draxin, the resuspended neural crest regained its adhesive ability such that it was significantly increased. Overexpression of draxin caused increased vinculin expression in vivo. Our data indicate that draxin might control delamination and migration of chick trunk neural crest by increasing cell adhesion.
Suffering and memory in Asian contexts and beyond: Towards a hermeneutical proposal for remembering comfort women in the future
Authors: Lim Sung Uk , Kuo Henry S. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractHow can we ensure that these important voices testifying to the memory of comfort women do not remain solely figments of local history, fixed within a certain time, to be gradually forgotten with each passing generation? In reflecting on this question, this study ventures the possibility of constructing a hermeneutical model that critically engages the memory of comfort women for the sake of all global citizens committed to resisting any types of violence, regardless of racial/ethnic and gendered boundaries. To do this, it proposes a hermeneutical model based on Kuan‐Hsing Chen's “Asia as method,” which places in conversation the theologies of Johann Baptist Metz and Angela Sims to read the memories of comfort women as dangerous memories that can remember a future of freedom from sexual violence, trauma, and militarism. The final result of the proposed hermeneutical model is to remember the testimonies of comfort women as dangerous memory for the global community, making them part of a global discourse that remembers them into different stories of suffering. Overall, the current project can readily address the implications of the proposed hermeneutical model to make comfort women's stories relevant to the present and future generations locally, nationally, and internationally, not only in terms of resistance to social sins such as sexual violence, but also in terms of fostering a spirit of solidarity with those in need of our support as a form of love.
Towards targeted dietary support for shift workers with type 2 diabetes (Shift‐Diabetes study): A mixed‐methods case study protocol
Authors: Gibson Rachel , Oliver Nick , McGowan Barbara , Vetter Céline , Palla Luigi , D'Annibale Maria , Linley Jayne , Lorencatto Fabiana , Guess Nicola 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundBlood glucose is higher in people working night shifts compared to day workers. Changes to eating behaviour, activity and sleep patterns in addition to circadian disruption are likely to impact glucose management in night‐shift workers with type 2 diabetes.AimTo investigate current dietary intake and glucose variability during night work, including barriers and facilitators to dietary behaviour in this context.MethodsA mixed‐methods case study will be conducted. Shift workers with type 2 diabetes working in a hospital setting will be recruited to this two‐part study. Part 1: 70 participants will complete a 10‐day observational study collecting data on continuous glucose, diet (self‐report diary), sleep and physical activity during a period covering night work, rest days and non‐night workdays. Mean glucose concentration and variability, and the mean healthy diet index score, will be compared between days of night work, non‐night work and rest, after adjusting for other individual factors (sleep/physical activity/demographics). Part 2: A sample (n~13) will complete semi‐structured interviews based on behavioural science frameworks to explore barriers/enablers to dietary behaviour when working night shifts. This will inform a quantitative survey to explore the generalisability of interview findings.DiscussionFindings from Part 1 and 2 will be triangulated to identify potential intervention strategies to address key barriers and enablers to healthier eating, and in turn improved glucose control, in shift workers with type 2 diabetes. This will be facilitated through stakeholder consultation and application of behavioural science frameworks. Shift‐Diabetes study registration: ISRCTN11764942.
Parkinson's disease affects the neural alpha oscillations associated with speech‐in‐noise processing
Authors: De Groote Evelien , Eqlimi Ehsan , Bockstael Annelies , Botteldooren Dick , Santens Patrick , De Letter Miet 
Published: October 2021

AbstractParkinson's disease (PD) has increasingly been associated with auditory dysfunction, including alterations regarding the control of auditory information processing. Although these alterations may interfere with the processing of speech in degraded listening conditions, behavioural studies have generally found preserved speech‐in‐noise recognition in PD. However, behavioural speech audiometry does not capture the neurophysiological mechanisms supporting speech‐in‐noise processing. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the neural oscillatory mechanisms associated with speech‐in‐noise processing in PD. Twelve persons with PD and 12 age‐ and gender‐matched healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. Persons with PD were studied in the medication off condition. All subjects underwent an audiometric screening and performed a sentence‐in‐noise recognition task under simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) recording. Behavioural speech recognition scores and self‐reported ratings of effort, performance, and motivation were collected. Time‐frequency analysis of EEG data revealed no significant difference between persons with PD and HCs regarding delta‐theta (2–8 Hz) inter‐trial phase coherence to noise and sentence onset. In contrast, significantly increased alpha (8–12 Hz) power was found in persons with PD compared with HCs during the sentence‐in‐noise recognition task. Behaviourally, persons with PD demonstrated significantly decreased speech recognition scores, whereas no significant differences were found regarding effort, performance, and motivation ratings. These results suggest that persons with PD allocate more cognitive resources to support speech‐in‐noise processing. The interpretation of this finding is discussed in the context of a top‐down mediated compensation mechanism for inefficient filtering and degradation of auditory input in PD.
Circulating choline pathway nutrients and depression after ischemic stroke
Authors: Miao Mengyuan , Du Jigang , Che Bizhong , Guo Yufei , Zhang Jintao , Ju Zhong , Xu Tan , Zhong Xiaoyan , Zhang Yonghong , Zhong Chongke 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeCholine pathway nutrients, including choline and betaine, are reported to exert antidepressant effects. However, there is little population‐based evidence on the relationships between circulating choline and betaine and poststroke depression (PSD). We aimed to prospectively explore the associations between plasma choline and betaine and depression after ischemic stroke.MethodsThis study was based on the China Antihypertensive Trial in Acute Ischemic Stroke. A total of 612 participants with plasma choline and betaine concentrations were included in the analysis. The study outcome was depression 3 months after ischemic stroke. Logistic regression models were performed to estimate the relationships between plasma choline and betaine and the risk of PSD. Risk reclassification and calibration of models with choline or betaine were analyzed.ResultsPatients with PSD had lower choline and betaine levels than those without PSD (p < 0.05). Compared with tertile 1, the multivariable‐adjusted odds ratios (95% CIs) for tertile 3 of choline and betaine were 0.54 (0.35–0.83) and 0.59 (0.38–0.92), respectively. Per 1 SD increase in choline or betaine was associated with a 25% (95% CI 9%–37%) or an 19% (95% CI 3%–32%) decreased risk of PSD, respectively. Furthermore, the addition of choline or betaine to the established risk factors model improved the risk reclassification for PSD, as shown by an increase in the net reclassification index and integrated discrimination improvement (all p < 0.05).ConclusionsPatients with elevated levels of choline and betaine had a lower risk of depression after acute ischemic stroke, suggesting the protective significance of choline pathway nutrients for PSD.
Biological invasions and climate change amplify each other’s effects on dryland degradation
Authors: Ravi Sujith , Law Darin J. , Caplan Joshua S. , Barron‐Gafford Greg A. , Dontsova Katerina M. , Espeleta Javier F. , Villegas Juan C. , Okin Gregory S. , Breshears David D. , Huxman Travis E. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractClimate models predict that, in the coming decades, many arid regions will experience increasingly hot conditions and will be affected more frequently by drought. These regions are also experiencing rapid vegetation change, notably invasion by exotic grasses. Invasive grasses spread rapidly into native desert ecosystems due, in particular, to interannual variability in precipitation and periodic fires. The resultant destruction of non‐fire‐adapted native shrub and grass communities and of the inherent soil resource heterogeneity can yield invader‐dominated grasslands. Moreover, recurrent droughts are expected to cause widespread physiological stress and mortality of both invasive and native plants, as well as the loss of soil resources. However, the magnitude of these effects may differ between invasive and native grasses, especially under warmer conditions, rendering the trajectory of vegetated communities uncertain. Using the Biosphere 2 facility in the Sonoran Desert, we evaluated the viability of these hypothesized relationships by simulating combinations of drought and elevated temperature (+5°C) and assessing the ecophysiological and mortality responses of both a dominant invasive grass (Pennisetum ciliare or buffelgrass) and a dominant native grass (Heteropogan contortus or tanglehead). While both grasses survived protracted drought at ambient temperatures by inducing dormancy, drought under warmed conditions exceeded the tolerance limits of the native species, resulting in greater and more rapid mortality than exhibited by the invasive. Thus, two major drivers of global environmental change, biological invasion and climate change, can be expected to synergistically accelerate ecosystem degradation unless large‐scale interventions are enacted.