bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biogeographical distributions of nitrogen‐cycling functional genes in a subtropical estuary
Authors: Wang Pandeng , Li Jia‐Ling , Luo Xiao‐Qing , Ahmad Manzoor , Duan Li , Yin Ling‐Zi , Fang Bao‐Zhu , Li Shan‐Hui , Yang Yuchun , Jiang Lin , Li Wen‐Jun 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Microbial biogeography has predominantly been studied through a taxonomic lens. However, functional properties of microbial communities are often decoupled from their taxonomic compositions, emphasizing the need to study the biogeography of microbial functional genes directly.

Here, using the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) sediments as a study system, we characterized the biogeographical patterns of the diversities and abundances of key microbial nitrogen‐cycling genes using metagenomic techniques.

We found that functional genes involved in denitrification and dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium pathways were more diverse and abundant than genes involved in other processes (i.e. nitrogen fixation, nitrification, assimilatory nitrite reduction). The diversities and abundances of certain nitrogen‐cycling genes were, to some extent, spatially decoupled. Specifically, the diversities of narG, napA, nirK and nrfA were greater adjacent to the river outlet, whereas the abundances of narG, napA and norB were greater in the downstream of the PRE. These spatial variations were mainly driven by water depth, C/N and .

Moreover, nitrogen‐cycling genes involved in the same pathways (e.g. denitrification) showed no consistent responses to environmental changes and the main taxa involved in different nitrogen‐cycling steps were diverse, providing important clues for explaining why the abundance of single functional gene often seems not to be a reliable proxy for the specific process rate. Overall, our results demonstrate that studying the biogeography of microbial functional genes can help expand our knowledge of the nitrogen cycle from a biogeographical perspective.

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Activation of peripheral group III metabotropic glutamate receptors suppressed formalin‐induced nociception
Authors: Li Yan‐Li , Chang Xin‐Rui , Ma Jin‐Teng , Zhao Xin , Yin Li‐Tian , Yan Liang‐Jun , Guo Jun‐Hong , Zhang Ce , Yang Xiao‐Rong 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIntraplantar injection of formalin produces persistent spontaneous nociception and hyperalgesia. The underlying mechanism, however, remains unclear. The present study was, therefore, designed to determine the roles of peripheral group III metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in formalin‐evoked spontaneous nociception. Pre‐treatment with intraplantar injections of L‐serine‐O‐phosphate (L‐SOP), a group III mGluRs agonist, significantly inhibited formalin‐induced nociceptive behaviours and decreased Fos production in the spinal dorsal horn. The inhibitory effects of L‐SOP were abolished completely by pre‐treatment with the group III mGluR antagonist (RS)‐a‐methylserine‐O‐phosphate (M‐SOP). These data suggest that the activation of group III mGluRs in the periphery may play a differential role in formalin‐induced nociception. In addition, L‐SOP decreased the formalin‐induced upregulation of tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) as well as interleukine‐1β (IL‐1β) expression in the spinal cord, suggesting that activation of peripheral group III mGluRs reduces formalin‐induced nociception through inhibition of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines in the spinal cord. Therefore, the agonists acting peripheral group III mGluRs possess therapeutic effectiveness in chronic pain.
Pregnancy and risk of COVID‐19: a Norwegian registry‐linkage study
Authors: Magnus MC , Oakley L , Gjessing HK , Stephansson O , Engjom HM , Macsali F , Juliusson PB , Nybo Andersen A‐M , Håberg SE 
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveTo compare the risk of acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection and contact with specialist healthcare services for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) between pregnant and non‐pregnant women.Population or sampleAll women ages 15–45 living in Norway on 1 March 2020 (n = 1 033 699).MethodsWe linked information from the national birth, patient, communicable diseases and education databases using unique national identifiers.Main outcome measureWe estimated hazard ratios (HR) among pregnant compared to non‐pregnant women of having a positive test for SARS‐CoV‐2, a diagnosis of COVID‐19 in specialist healthcare, or hospitalisation with COVID‐19 using Cox regression. Multivariable analyses adjusted for age, marital status, education, income, country of birth and underlying medical conditions.ResultsPregnant women were not more likely to be tested for or to a have a positive SARS‐CoV‐2 test (adjusted HR 0.99; 95% CI 0.92–1.07). Pregnant women had higher risk of hospitalisation with COVID‐19 (HR 4.70, 95% CI 3.51–6.30) and any type of specialist care for COVID‐19 (HR 3.46, 95% CI 2.89–4.14). Pregnant women born outside Scandinavia were less likely to be tested, and at higher risk of a positive test (HR 2.37, 95% CI 2.51–8.87). Compared with pregnant Scandinavian‐born women, pregnant women with minority background had a higher risk of hospitalisation with COVID‐19 (HR 4.72, 95% CI 2.51–8.87).ConclusionPregnant women were not more likely to be infected with SARS‐CoV‐2. Still, pregnant women with COVID‐19, especially those born outside of Scandinavia, were more likely to be hospitalised.Tweetable abstractPregnant women are at increased risk of hospitalisation for COVID‐19.
Value and significance of brain radiation therapy during first‐line EGFR‐TKI treatment in lung adenocarcinoma with EGFR sensitive mutation and synchronous brain metastasis: Appropriate timing and technique
Authors: Gu Yangchun , Xu Yan , Zhuang Hongqing , Jiang Weijuan , Zhang Hua , Li Xiaofeng , Liu Yonggang , Ma Li , Zhao Dahai , Cheng Yuan , Yu Yan , Liu Ping , Qin Jianwen , Chen Xueqin , Gao Junzhen , Wang Mengzhao , Liang Li , Cao Baoshan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundFor lung adenocarcinoma patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) sensitive mutation and synchronous brain metastasis (syn‐BM), when and how to apply radiotherapy (RT) during first‐line tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment remains debatable.MethodsFrom a real‐world multicenter database, EGFR‐mutant patients with syn‐BM diagnosed between 2010–2020 and treated with first‐line TKIs were enrolled and divided into upfront TKI + RT and upfront TKI groups. Median intracranial progression‐free survival (mIC‐PFS), median overall survival (mOS), and their risk factors were estimated.ResultsThere were 60 and 186 patients in the upfront TKI + RT group and upfront TKI group, respectively. Their mIC‐PFS were 28.9 months (m) and 17.5 m (p = 0.023), and mOS were 42.7 m and 40.1 m (p = 0.51). Upfront brain RT improved mIC‐PFS in patients ≤60‐year‐old (p = 0.035), with symptomatic BM (p = 0.002), and treated with first‐generation TKIs (p = 0.012). There was no significant difference in mOS in any subgroup. Upfront brain stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) showed a trend of better mIC‐PFS and mOS. mIC‐PFS was independently correlated with symptomatic BM (HR = 1.54, p = 0.030), EGFR L858R mutation (HR = 1.57, p = 0.019), and upfront brain RT (HR = 0.47, p = 0.001). mOS was independently correlated with being female (HR = 0.54, p = 0.007), ECOG 3–4 (HR = 10.47, p < 0.001), BM number>3 (HR = 2.19, p = 0.002), and third‐generation TKI (HR = 0.54, p = 0.044) or antiangiogenic drugs (HR = 0.11, p = 0.005) as first/second‐line therapy.ConclusionsUpfront brain RT based on first‐line EGFR‐TKI might improve IC‐PFS but not OS in EGFR‐mutant lung adenocarcinoma patients, indicating potential survival benefit from brain SRS and early application of drugs with higher intracranial activity.
Diverse experiences among older adults in Aotearoa/New Zealand during COVID‐19 lockdown: A qualitative study
Authors: Stephens Christine , Breheny Mary 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectivesThere are mixed results from studies of COVID‐19‐related anxiety. We explored older people's perspectives on anxiety and support during lockdown.MethodsWe thematically analysed 730 written comments from older community‐dwelling adults aged 55‐85 years in Aotearoa/New Zealand.ResultsDespite some anxiety during lockdown, for those who were retired, working at home or receiving wage subsidies, the experience was very enjoyable. Whether living alone or in households, anxieties were largely ameliorated by a sense of support from family, fellow citizens and government. In contrast, essential workers, those who lost employment and informal carers did not feel sufficient community support to alleviate their anxiety.ConclusionsConcerns about the plight of older people focus on stereotypes of isolated elders, ignoring the needs of workers and carers. The inductive approach taken to this study provided useful information about the success of supportive measures and highlighted the need to broaden the focus of concern.
What do cooperative firms maximize, if at all? Evidence from Emilia‐Romagna in the pre‐Covid decade
Authors: Caselli Guido , Costa Michele , Delbono Flavio 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe Italian region Emilia‐Romagna ranks first among the world's most important cooperative districts. Using a unique dataset covering all firms registered in the region, we investigate the performance of active firms in the period 2010–18. By focusing on added value, employment and profits of cooperative firms as compared to conventional firms, we disentangle the differences between the average performance of the two types of companies and detect the presence of a “size effect” driving much of the difference between them. Moreover, our results strengthen previous empirical evidence about the behavior of cooperative firms: they seem to optimize a mixture of employment and profits, assigning a greater weight to the former during downturns and stagnation. Hence, as a type of firm, they look more resilient than conventional companies, at least as far as employment is concerned. Finally, we examine the regional logistics industry and compare also the productivity per employee in the two segments of the sector.
T‐cell immune response after mRNA SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines is frequently detected also in the absence of seroconversion in patients with lymphoid malignancies
Authors: Marasco Vincenzo , Carniti Cristiana , Guidetti Anna , Farina Lucia , Magni Martina , Miceli Rosalba , Calabretta Ludovica , Verderio Paolo , Ljevar Silva , Serpenti Fabio , Morelli Daniele , Apolone Giovanni , Ippolito Giuseppe , Agrati Chiara , Corradini Paolo 
Published: October 2021

SummaryPatients affected by lymphoid malignancies (LM) are frequently immune‐compromised, suffering increased mortality from COVID‐19. This prospective study evaluated serological and T‐cell responses after complete mRNA vaccination in 263 patients affected by chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, B‐ and T‐cell lymphomas and multiple myeloma. Results were compared with those of 167 healthy subjects matched for age and sex. Overall, patient seroconversion rate was 64·6%: serological response was lower in those receiving anti‐cancer treatments in the 12 months before vaccination: 55% vs 81·9% (P < 0·001). Anti‐CD20 antibody plus chemotherapy treatment was associated with the lowest seroconversion rate: 17·6% vs. 71·2% (P < 0·001). In the multivariate analysis conducted in the subgroup of patients on active treatment, independent predictors for seroconversion were: anti‐CD20 treatment (P < 0·001), aggressive B‐cell lymphoma diagnosis (P = 0·002), and immunoglobulin M levels <40 mg/dl (P = 0·030). The T‐cell response was evaluated in 99 patients and detected in 85 of them (86%). Of note, 74% of seronegative patients had a T‐cell response, but both cellular and humoral responses were absent in 13·1% of cases. Our findings raise some concerns about the protection that patients with LM, particularly those receiving anti‐CD20 antibodies, may gain from vaccination. These patients should strictly maintain all the protective measures.
The prognostic value of TCF1+CD8+T in primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus
Authors: Ma Lin , Sun Lijun , Zhao Kaikai , Dong Zhengxin , Huang Zhaoqin , Meng Xiangjiao 
Published: October 2021

AbstractTCF1+CD8+T cells are reported to exhibit stem‐like properties with the ability to self‐renew and differentiate into terminal effector T cells (TCF1‐CD8+T cells) to enhance antitumor response. Previous studies indicated that TCF1+CD8+ tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are related to response to immunotherapy. However, their role in predicting prognosis for patients with primary small cell carcinoma of the esophagus (PSCCE) remains unclear. In this study, the expression of TCF1+CD8+T was analyzed by multiplex fluorescence immunohistochemistry in tumor tissues of 79 patients with PSCCE. High infiltration of TCF1+CD8+T cells had longer overall survival (OS) than low infiltration (P = .009, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.506). High TCF1+CD8/CD8 ratio (>21%) showed superior OS compared with low ratio (≤21%) (P < .001, HR = 0.394). In the validation set (n = 20), the prognostic value of TCF1+CD8+T cells on OS was also verified. TCF1+CD8+T cells are strong prognostic predictors.
Diabetes is a risk factor for hearing loss in older adults: Results of a community screening programme
Authors: Chee Jeremy , Kuah Dexter , Loh Woei Shyang , Loo Jenny Hooi Yin , Goh Xueying 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the association between diabetes mellitus (DM) and the prevalence and severity of hearing loss in a population of community‐dwelling older adults in Singapore.Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective, cross‐sectional study of 1787 adults aged 60–100 who had undergone a comprehensive audiological assessment in a community‐based audiology clinic. Data extracted included their age, hearing profile, medical history, and comorbidities collected through verbal interview at the point of audiologic assessment. Multivariate linear regression and multivariate logistic regression were performed to investigate the relationship between DM and hearing loss.ResultsThe prevalence of DM in our studied population is 17.9%. After controlling for age, gender, race, hypertension, and hyperlipidaemia status, DM was found to be independently associated with at least moderate hearing loss (adjusted OR 1.3 [95% CI 1.06–1.59], p = .012). This was especially so in the younger (<70) age group (adjusted OR 1.7 [95% CI 1.18–2.44], p = .004).ConclusionDM is an independent risk factor for the presence of at least moderate hearing in community‐dwelling seniors. Individuals aged <70 with DM should be screened for hearing loss to enable early intervention.
Trends and types of rural residential land use change in China: A process analysis perspective
Authors: Pan Wei , Wang Jing , Qin Xiaofei , Li Yurui 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe rapid socio‐economic transformation is triggering tremendous land use transitions in China. It raises the need to explore the continuous process of land use change, which sheds light on rural revitalization. To depict the process of rural residential land use change in the transition period in China, we propose a four‐stage model of rural residential land use change and then apply the function fitting method to explore the spatial‐temporal change and type characteristics of rural residential land using a dataset of 339 cities from 2009 to 2016. We find that: (1) The change of rural residential land involves four stages—the Primary Stage (PS), the Rapid Development Stage (RDS), the Decelerated Development Stage (DDS), and the Transition Stage (TS). (2) From 2009 to 2016, 47.2% and 28.9% of the researched cities remained in RDS and DDS, respectively, and only 23.9% of the cities entered TS. (3) The high proportion of RDS cities and a significant increment of DDS cities reveal a high potential in the intensive use of rural land. These findings provide scientific guidance for land use policies, such as establishing and improving the unified land market between urban and rural areas, reinforcing the essential land management and policy implementation, and exploring the multi‐mode of comprehensive consolidation of rural residential land.
Sensitivity of clinician‐assessed efficacy outcome measurement instruments in trials of topical therapies for atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Légaré S. , Chagnon M. , Palijan A. , Kojok K. , Bissonnette R. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe rising prevalence of atopic dermatitis (AD) in developing countries and its substantial socioeconomic impact have furthered research over the last two decades giving way to advances in its aetiopathogenesis and treatment. Topical therapies targeting newly identified AD signalling pathways are being developed. Numerous clinician‐assessed disease severity outcome measurement instruments (OMIs) are available to evaluate the efficacy of investigational treatments in proof‐of‐concept (POC) trials for AD. However, little is known about the comparative sensitivity of these efficacy OMIs. We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis to compare the sensitivity of different OMIs in controlled trials of topical therapies for AD published between January 1, 2000 and April 7, 2020. Treatment effect size of OMIs reported at Week 4 was calculated with 95% Confidence Interval (CI). The sensitivity of OMIs was compared by pooling the standardized difference between means (Cohen's d and Cohen's h) for any two OMI‐parameter combinations that were reported in ≥3 studies identified in our systematic review. Assessed parameters were difference between active and vehicle at Week 4 and change from baseline [CFB] and percentage change from baseline [%CFB] at Week 4. We identified a total of 15 studies with 3313 subjects examining 14 different OMIs were included in this quantitative meta‐analysis. Continuous OMIs had a significantly higher treatment effect size vs. dichotomous OMIs (P = 0.006). Comparisons of Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA), body surface area (BSA) and SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD) for available parameters were performed and generally had a similar sensitivity, with BSA showing smaller overall effect size estimates. In conclusion, continuous OMIs used in topical clinical trials for AD had significantly higher treatment effect sizes when compared to dichotomous OMIs. Continuous OMIs could provide more power for POC trials with a small sample size in atopic dermatitis with topical therapies.
India and its nationhood: Grassroots nationhood as conceptual frames
Authors: Singh Priyadarshini 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis article examines the meanings of Indian nationhood at the grassroots level in “settled” locales where no state‐seeking separatist movement exists but local identifications of caste, language and religion are politically prominent. Based on ethnographic data from four rural and urban locales, the article extends the literature on Indian nationalism and everyday nationalism. At the grassroots, Indian nationhood is fuzzy and intermittent in nature; “conceptual frames” are a useful analytical tool to examine this, with a focus on territory, community and political leadership. Indian nationhood is not conceptualised predominantly as a cultural category; it is meaningful as a journey towards an ideal horizon defined by the values of dignity, rights, freedom, equality and socio‐economic development. Non‐elites play an active role in nation‐making and invoke these frames strategically and self‐consciously for local and particular purposes.
The association of sleep disturbances with burning mouth syndrome: An overlooked relationship—A qualitative systematic review
Authors: Alhendi Fatmah , Ko Eugene , Graham Laurel , Corby Patricia 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo review the relevant literature to assess whether patients with burning mouth syndrome (BMS) are more prone to have sleep disturbances than general population.MethodsThe literature search for relevant articles was from July 2020 to March 2021. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, Cochrane library, Dentistry & Oral Sciences Source, and Scopus was conducted to search for relevant studies. The quality of studies was assessed in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute's guidelines and using the software SUMARI—The System for the Unified Management, Assessment and Review of Information. Confidence in the findings was assessed using the GRADE‐CERQual approach.ResultsA total of 1064 studies were initially identified from the search; six studies, two cross‐sectional and four case–control, met the inclusion criteria and were selected for this systematic review. Sleep disturbances were a required outcome measured in selected studies evaluating symptoms of BMS. For studies that were included in the final analyses, BMS was found to relate to several dimensions of sleep including sleep disturbance and duration (n = 6), sleep affecting daytime function (n = 4), sleep quality (n = 6), sleep efficiency (n = 4), and ability to fall asleep (n = 4). Consistent evidence of moderate confidence found that BMS was associated with greater sleep disturbance, reduced sleep quality, increased time taken to fall asleep, reduced sleep efficiency, and poor daytime function, whereas evidence of low confidence was found regarding the association of BMS with reduced sleep duration.ConclusionsAlthough the presented studies could not establish a direct causal relationship between BMS and sleep disturbances, it supports the evidence that sleep disturbance is associated with symptoms of BMS. Management strategies to improve sleep may be considered in future research for managing BMS patients.
FallSkip device is a useful tool for fall risk assessment in sarcopenic older community people
Authors: Pérez‐Ros Pilar , Sanchis‐Aguado Maria Amparo , Durá‐Gil Juan V. , Martínez‐Arnau Francisco M. , Belda‐Lois Juan M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPurposeFall prevention is a major health concern for the ageing population. Sarcopenia is considered a risk factor for falls. Some instruments, such as Time Up and Go (TUG), are used for screening risk. The use of sensors has also been shown to be a viable tool that can provide accurate, cost‐effective, and easy to manage assessment of fall risk. One novel sensor for assessing fall risk in older people is the Fallskip device. The present study evaluates the performance of the FallSkip device against the TUG method in fall risk screening and assesses its measurement properties in sarcopenic older people.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was made in a sample of community‐dwelling sarcopenic and non‐sarcopenic older people aged 70 years or over.ResultsThe study sample consisted of 34 older people with a mean age of 77.03 (6.58) years, of which 79.4% (n = 27) were females, and 41.2% (n = 14) were sarcopenic. The Pearson correlation coefficient between TUG time and FallSkip time was 0.70 (p < 0.001). The sarcopenic individuals took longer in performing both TUG and FallSkip. They also presented poorer reaction time, gait and sit‐to‐stand – though no statistically significant differences were observed. The results in terms of feasibility, acceptability, reliability and validity in sarcopenic older people with FallSkip were acceptable.ConclusionsThe FallSkip device has suitable metric properties for the assessment of fall risk in sarcopenic community‐dwelling older people. FallSkip analyses more parameters than TUG in assessing fall risk and has greater discriminatory power in evaluating the risk of falls.