bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nailfold videocapillaroscopy identifies microvascular pathologies in psoriasis vulgaris: Results of a prospective controlled study
Authors: Bardehle Felicitas , Sies Katharina , Enk Alexander , Rosenberger Albert , Fink Christine , Haenssle Holger 
Published: November 2021

SummaryBackgroundPsoriasis is considered an independent cardiovascular risk factor, evidentially driving atherosclerosis. However, little is known about changes in the microvasculature of non‐lesional skin in psoriasis patients. This study systematically examined capillary pathologies in psoriasis patients by digital video nailfold capillaroscopy.Patients and MethodsProspective study comparing nailfold capillaries of psoriasis patients with those of healthy controls. Nailfold capillaries were evaluated for 21 parameters and results were correlated with characteristics of patients and psoriatic disease, laboratory parameters, and measurements of carotid intima‐media thickness.Results77 psoriasis patients (24 patients with additional psoriatic arthritis) and 71 controls were well‐matched for demographic features and for relevant confounding factors causing microangiopathy. In comparison with controls, psoriasis patients showed a significant loss of capillaries, capillary expansion with increased ramifications and tortuosity and capillary irregularities. Moreover, in psoriasis patients we found significantly elevated serum markers of inflammation and significantly increased intima‐media‐thickness measurements. We found no effect of disease duration nor disease activity on capillary changes.ConclusionsNailfold capillaries of psoriasis patients showed marked microvascular abnormalities accompanied by increased markers of systemic inflammation and atherosclerosis. Prospective cohort studies are needed to assess the role of nailfold capillaroscopy for predicting the cardiovascular risk of psoriasis patients.
Variability in stream water chemistry and brown trout (Salmo trutta L.) parr otolith microchemistry on different spatial scales
Authors: Matetski Lagle , Rohtla Mehis , Svirgsden Roland , Kesler Martin , Saks Lauri , Taal Imre , Hommik Kristiina , Paiste Päärn , Kielman‐Schmitt Melanie , Kooijman Ellen , Birzaks Jānis , Saura Ari , Ziņģis Mārcis , Vaittinen Matti , Vetemaa Markus 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMixed‐stock fishery of sea trout (Salmo trutta L.) in the Baltic Sea targets wild and stocked individuals, which could lead to over‐exploitation of wild stocks. Studying the contribution of different spawning streams and hatcheries to the fishery would aid in more effective management and conservation of S. trutta. The aim of the present study was to explore whether and to what extent parr from different S. trutta spawning streams and hatcheries can be differentiated, using water chemistry and otolith microchemistry. Water chemistry samples demonstrated significant spatial variation between different study regions (Estonia and Finland); Sr, Mg, Fe, Zn, Ca and Cu contributed most to the separation. Parr collected from different sites showed a significant difference in otolith element:Ca and 87Sr:86Sr ratios on a smaller scale, including only Estonian samples (n = 361), and on a larger scale incorporating parr from Estonia, Latvia and Finland (n = 564). The reclassification rate of S. trutta parr was on average 73%, being highest in Finnish streams and hatcheries, followed by Latvia and Estonia. Otolith 87Sr:86Sr and Sr:Ca ratios were the most important in discriminating fish from different sampling sites. The present study demonstrates the potential of separating S. trutta on various spatial scales including different countries and neighbouring streams, making this the most extensive otolith microchemistry study to date in terms of streams and regions studied. The established reclassification rules form a basis for future work investigating the natal origin of adult S. trutta caught in the mixed‐stock fishery in the sea.
Tackling inconsistencies among freshwater invertebrate trait databases: harmonising across continents and aggregating taxonomic resolution
Authors: Kunz Stefan , Kefford Ben J. , Schmidt‐Kloiber Astrid , Matthaei Christoph D. , Usseglio‐Polatera Philippe , Graf Wolfram , Poff N. LeRoy , Metzeling Leon , Twardochleb Laura , Hawkins Charles P. , Schäfer Ralf B. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Use of invertebrate traits rather than species composition may facilitate large‐scale comparisons of community structure and responses to disturbance in freshwater ecology because the same traits potentially occur everywhere. In recent years, comprehensive invertebrate trait databases have been established at different scales (e.g., regions, continents). The wide availability of invertebrate trait data supports large‐scale studies. However, a number of data‐related issues complicate the use of invertebrate traits for ecological studies. It is uncertain how harmonising varying trait definitions among databases might influence subsequent identification of trait–environment relationships. Furthermore, there have been few comparisons of trait aggregation approaches with expert‐assigned trait affinities.

We describe inconsistencies in the definitions of traits used to create freshwater invertebrate trait databases in Europe, North America, New Zealand, and Australia. Based on our comparisons of these databases, we established four novel trait datasets by harmonising definitions of commonly used traits. Next, we used two of these datasets to compare aggregated traits obtained by different aggregation methods with traits assigned by experts, both at the family level. The trait aggregation methods that we compared used either the mean or the median and different weightings. We further explored the effects of harmonisation and trait aggregation by re‐analysing data from a case study.

We found that among databases, trait definitions often differed because varying numbers of traits were used to describe particular functions (e.g., respiration traits) and the way those functions were described also varied (e.g., for feeding mode some databases focused on the food source, whereas others focused on mouthpart morphology). The coding to describe traits (binary, fuzzy) also varied among databases.

Our comparison of different aggregation methods showed that family‐level aggregated and expert‐assigned traits were similar, especially when traits were aggregated based on the median of trait values of taxa within a family. The case study showed that harmonised and aggregated data identified similar trait–environment relationships to non‐aggregated data. However, harmonised and aggregated data yielded only partially similar values for functional diversity metrics when compared to the case study results.

By identifying inconsistencies in trait definitions we hope to motivate the development of standardised definitions for invertebrate traits. Our results also illustrate the usefulness of harmonised datasets for ecological study and provide guidance for the circumstances under which the choice of trait aggregation method is important.
Urbanization delays plant leaf senescence and extends growing season length in cold but not in warm areas of the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Li Daijiang , Stucky Brian J. , Baiser Benjamin , Guralnick Robert 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAimUrbanization is becoming one of the most important drivers of global environmental change as human population and economic development rapidly increase. However, the effects of urbanization on plant phenology are still poorly understood, especially for leaf senescence and growing season length across large spatial scales. We aimed to fill this knowledge gap by combining in situ observations and remote sensing phenological data.LocationThe United States and Europe.Time period2009–2018.Major taxa studiedVascular plants.MethodsWe divided the United States and Europe into 10 km by 10 km grid cells. We estimated leaf senescence dates for 93 species, and growing season length for a subset of 54 of these species, for grid cells with enough data using a database with >22 million in situ phenology observations. We also estimated growing season lengths at the community level for the Eastern Temperate Forest ecoregion in the US using remote sensing data. We then investigated effects of urbanization (using human population density as a proxy), temperature, and their interactions on leaf senescence and growing season lengths using linear mixed models.ResultsUrbanization and warmer regional temperature both delayed plant leaf senescence. In addition, the effects of urbanization on leaf senescence and growing season lengths depended on climate context: urbanization delayed leaf senescence and extended growing season length in cold regions; however, urbanization advanced leaf senescence and shortened growing season length in warm regions, implying the positive effects of urbanization on growing season length in cold regions may be weaker in a warmer future.Main conclusionsOur study provides strong empirical evidence that the influence of urbanization on plant phenology and growing season length varies with regional temperature. Our results have important implications for predicting plant phenology and growing season length in a warmer and more urbanized future.
Egalitarian inequality: Gender equality and pattern bargaining
Authors: Wagner Ines , Teigen Mari 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis article analyzes the role of the collective wage‐setting institution of “pattern bargaining” in maintaining the gendered hierarchies of the labor market and gender pay gap in Norway. The gendered labor market is considered a main cause of the gender pay gap, yet current research and policy has not examined the relation of the gender pay gap to the way sectoral wages are set. Norway is an interesting case because its wage‐setting model and gender equality are highly esteemed globally. However, although the wage‐setting system in Norway creates an overall more egalitarian wage structure than other advanced industrial countries, it has a built‐in gendered inequality that is not part of its current discussion on resolving the gender pay gap. We introduce egalitarian inequality to conceptualize this. The article examines the presentation of the gender pay gap in relation to the gendered labor market, and how the pattern bargaining model is presented as both a solution and a hindrance, and which discourse dominates. We analyze the public discourse on the gender pay gap and the pattern‐bargaining model, and its interrelations, through the lens of policy advisory commissions appointed by the government, the Norwegian Official Commissions. The findings reveal a dual commitment of upholding both pattern bargaining and gender equality but hardly any willingness to adjust the pattern bargaining model to combat the gender pay gap. A clear hierarchy is expressed in which gender equality is subordinate to pattern bargaining.
Long‐term improvement in constipation‐related symptoms after Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy
Authors: Murata Masaki , Sugimoto Mitsushige , Miyamoto Shin’ichi , Kawai Takashi 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori eradication therapy effectively improves the abnormal bowel habits and abdominal symptoms of patients for a few months post‐treatment (PT). However, it is unclear whether the improvement in abnormal bowel habits and symptoms continues long term. Here, we investigated the association of successful H. pylori eradication therapy with improvements in abdominal symptoms in the short‐ and long‐term PT.Materials and MethodsWe evaluated the severity of constipation‐related abdominal symptoms in 287 H. pylori‐positive patients who underwent eradication therapy at pre‐treatment and 2 and 12 months PT using two measures: the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and the Izumo scale.ResultsIn patients with constipation at pre‐treatment, constipation‐related symptom scores in the GSRS improved significantly from 7.91 ± 3.15 at pre‐treatment to 6.07 ± 2.75 at 2 months PT (p < 0.01) and 6.85 ± 3.46 at 12 months PT (p = 0.04). Patients with improved symptom scores at 2 months PT also experienced an improvement at 12 months PT. In contrast, patients who did not experience an improvement in constipation‐related symptoms at 2 months PT likewise did not experience an improvement at 12 months PT.ConclusionsPatients who experience an improvement at 2 months PT with H. pylori eradication therapy continue to experience improved symptoms in the long term. Therefore, H. pylori ‐positive patients with abnormal bowel habits should be recommended eradication therapy to prevent gastric cancer development and to alleviate abnormal bowel habits and abdominal symptoms.
Micromechanics of impact damage of ductile (ZnS) and hard (MgAl2O4) ceramics
Authors: Chmel Alexandre , Afanaseva Elena , Dunaev Anatolij , Shcherbakov Igor’ 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe time‐resolved generation of the electromagnetic emission (EME) and acoustic emission (AE) excited by the point impact loading of ductile ZnS and hard MgAl2O4 ceramics was detected. It has been found that the EME generation precedes the AE activity in loaded ZnS ceramics, while the EME signal lags the AE generation from MgAl2O4. This dissimilarity of temporal patterns was explained by the difference between the mechanisms of the excitation of electrical charges in loaded ductile and hard ceramics. The EME from loaded ZnS is caused by the motion of charged dislocations, while, the EME effect in MgAl2O4 is due to the annihilation of opposite electric charges emerged on microcrack edges. The AE energy yield from growing microcracks in both ceramics as well as the EME activity in MgAl2O4 were found to be random (Poissonian‐like), which is typical of the localized fracture of solids occurring without long‐range interactions between perturbed structural localities. The energy distribution in EME time series generated in ductile ZnS prior to cracking followed a power law, which is characteristic for the correlated motion of charged dislocations at the stage of plastic flow. The temporal patterns of damage accumulation at different structural levels were specified through physical and mechanical properties of tested materials.
Engaging with happy‐sounding music promotes helping behavior in 18‐month‐olds
Authors: Siu Tik‐Sze Carrey , Ho Cheuk‐In 
Published: November 2021

AbstractEngaging with music fosters prosocial responding in infants and toddlers. In this pilot study, we examined whether music that expresses contrasting emotions (happy vs. sad) was associated with toddlers’ helpfulness. Seventy‐five 18‐month‐olds from Hong Kong China were randomly assigned to engage with music with an experimenter in one of two conditions: happy‐ or sad‐sounding music. After the musical engagement task, toddlers from both conditions completed the same set of helping tasks. For instrumental (action‐based) helping, toddlers were significantly more helpful after engaging with happy‐sounding music than with sad‐sounding music. Our initial findings suggest that cues linked to happy‐ and sad‐sounding music influence toddlers’ prosocial responses.
Gamma radiation treatment of postharvest produce for Salmonella enterica reduction on baby carrot and grape tomato
Authors: Berrios‐Rodriguez Armarynette , Olanya Ocen M. , Niemira Brendan A. , Ukuku Dike O. , Mukhopadhyay Sudarsan , Orellana Lynette E. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractOccurrences and contamination of Salmonella enterica on produce are a significant food safety issue. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of low‐dose gamma radiation on survival and reductions of S. enterica on postharvest carrot and tomato. Irradiation treatments of 0–1 kGy were applied on produce, following pathogen inoculations in replicated experiments. The effects of temperatures (5 and 20°C) and storage times (0, 3, and 7 days) on pathogen reductions were determined. The mean Salmonella populations in untreated control produce varied from 7.12 ± 0.05 to 7.54 ± 0.12 log Cfu/g of produce. Pathogen reductions by gamma radiation were significant (p < .05) and varied with storage times (0–7 days). Salmonella populations were reduced on carrot by 4.3 logs (5°C) and 3.7 logs (20°C) at 1 kGy treatment. On tomato, pathogen reductions at 1 kGy did not differ significantly (p > .05) and were 5.6 and 5.8 logs at 5 and 20°C, respectively. Linear decreases in Salmonella populations occurred as radiation dosage increased. Injury of bacterial cells from radiation treatment was comparatively greater at 1 kGy than other treatments. Low‐dose gamma radiation treatment resulted in significant Salmonella reductions on produce and enhanced postharvest safety of carrot and tomato.
The efficacy of commercial smartwatches with a blood pressure‐monitoring feature: A pilot randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yen Hsin‐Yen , Huang Wen‐Hsin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPurposeThe purpose was to explore the efficacy of a commercial smartwatch with a blood pressure‐monitoring feature.DesignA randomized controlled trial.MethodsSixty healthy young adults were recruited. Participants were randomly allocated to wear a commercial smartwatch, one with and one without a blood pressure‐monitoring feature for 12 weeks. Data were collected using Omron HEM‐907, Inbody 270S, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.FindingsResults revealed a significant effect and group‐by‐time interaction on diastolic blood pressure. After 12 weeks in participants who wore a smartwatch with a blood pressure‐monitoring feature, the systolic and diastolic blood pressure and resting heart rate had decreased.ConclusionUsing commercial smartwatches with a blood pressure‐monitoring feature is a feasible approach to support self‐management, increase awareness, and promote physical activity for health promotion, obesity and chronic disease prevention.Clinical relevanceWearable technologies may be an innovative strategy for preventing high blood pressure by continuous self‐monitoring and healthy behavior modifications.
A new product of multi‐plant extracts improved skin photoaging: An oral intake in vivo study
Authors: Xie Yang , Zhu Guoxing , Yi Jinling , Ji Yanying , Xia Yue , Zheng Yue , Ye Congxiu 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundBesides the topical application of cosmetics, nutraceuticals represent a promising strategy for preventing skin photoaging and skin cancers.MethodsTo determine the effect of a new multi‐plant extracts product containing Cucumis melo extract, acerola extract, olive fruit, aloe vera gel, grape seed extract, and lycopene, a randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind clinical trial and an ultraviolet (UV)‐induced murine photoaging model were deployed. 55 healthy subjects aged 45–60 were enrolled and randomized to take the product or placebo orally for 12 weeks. Skin aging and whitening indexes were measured with non‐invasive techniques. 90 Balb/c mice aged 7–8 weeks were randomly divided into six groups: normal, UV, UV+vehicle, UV+different doses of the product (0.500 g/kg.BW, 0.250 g/kg.BW, 0.125 g/kg.BW, respectively). Except the normal group, mid‐dorsal regions were irradiated with UVA+UVB for 8 weeks. Factors of oxidative stress, tyrosinase, and histological analysis of the mid‐dorsal skin were determined.ResultsIn the clinical trial, the TEWL, hydration, sebum, elasticity, and the L*, a*, melanin index change from baseline, ITA° were significantly improved in the experiment group. In the animal experiment, compared to the UV+vehicle group, UV+high dose group showed significantly lower malondialdehyde (MDA) and tyrosinase, but higher superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T‐AOC), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px). The UV+moderate dose group showed significant improvement of MDA and GSH‐Px, and the UV+low dose group only showed improvement of GSH‐Px. Histological photoaging manifestations were attenuated in the UV+high and moderate dose groups.ConclusionsThe multi‐plant extracts product improved skin photoaging possibly via antioxidant and anti‐tyrosinase ways.
Development and Feasibility Testing of CATCH Healthy Smiles, an Oral Health Promotion Intervention for Prevention of Dental Caries Among Elementary School Children
Authors: Sharma Shreela V. , Kelder Steven , Yamal Jose‐Miguel , Chuang Ru‐Jye , Byrd‐Williams Courtney , Bona Gisela , Bajaj Nimit , Brito Frances , Neumann Ana S. 
Published: November 2021

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDWe present results of the development and feasibility testing of CATCH Healthy Smiles, a school‐based oral health program, among children in grades K‐2 in Houston, Texas.METHODSStudy design was cross‐sectional (N = 2 schools; N = 125 parent‐child dyads; 31 kindergarteners, 42 first graders, and 52 second graders). CATCH Healthy Smiles program was implemented by trained school teachers in the 2016‐2017 school year. Trained dentists conducted dental assessments to measure dental caries increment score (d3mfs). Parent‐reported 24‐hour dietary recalls and surveys assessed child and parent behavioral, environmental, and psychosocial factors. Logistic regression analysis assessed factors associated with caries experience adjusting for covariates.RESULTSOf the 113 children with complete dental assessments, 54% children in grade K, 62% in first grade, and 73% in second grade had caries experience. Children with caries experience had a higher body weight (AdjOR = 1.13, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02‐1.29), were less likely to be girls (AdjOR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.05‐0.82), had greater odds of difficulty drinking hot or cold beverages because of dental problems (AdjOR = 13.13, 95% CI: 1.09‐275.14), greater frequency of consuming sugar‐sweetened beverages (AdjOR = 11.53, 95% CI: 2.10‐87.19), greater odds of receiving government assistance (AdjOR = 14.62, 95% CI: 2.74‐119.81), and lower odds of seeing a dental provider (AdjOR = 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02‐0.45). Process evaluation showed that 100% of the CATCH Healthy Smiles lessons and activities were taught in the two schools with a high degree of program fidelity and acceptability across the schools, children, and parents.CONCLUSIONSThese data will be used to conduct a subsequent fully powered cluster randomized controlled trial.
Impact of climate change and biodiversity collapse on the global emergence and spread of infectious diseases
Authors: Williams Phoebe CM , Bartlett Adam W , Howard‐Jones Annaleise , McMullan Brendan , Khatami Ameneh , Britton Philip N , Marais Ben J 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe reality of climate change and biodiversity collapse is irrefutable in the 21st century, with urgent action required not only to conserve threatened species but also to protect human life and wellbeing. This existential threat forces us to recognise that our existence is completely dependent upon well‐functioning ecosystems that sustain the diversity of life on our planet, including that required for human health. By synthesising data on the ecology, epidemiology and evolutionary biology of various pathogens, we are gaining a better understanding of factors that underlie disease emergence and spread. However, our knowledge remains rudimentary with limited insight into the complex feedback loops that underlie ecological stability, which are at risk of rapidly unravelling once certain tipping points are breached. In this paper, we consider the impact of climate change and biodiversity collapse on the ever‐present risk of infectious disease emergence and spread. We review historical and contemporaneous infectious diseases that have been influenced by human environmental manipulation, including zoonoses and vector‐ and water‐borne diseases, alongside an evaluation of the impact of migration, urbanisation and human density on transmissible diseases. The current lack of urgency in political commitment to address climate change warrants enhanced understanding and action from paediatricians – to ensure that we safeguard the health and wellbeing of children in our care today, as well as those of future generations.