bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CDKN2B‐AS1 gene rs4977574 A/G polymorphism and coronary heart disease: A meta‐analysis of 40,979 subjects
Authors: Li Yan‐yan , Wang Hui , Zhang Yang‐yang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIt has been implied that there is a possible relationship between cyclin‐dependent protein kinase inhibitors antisense RNA 1 (CDKN2B‐AS1) gene rs4977574 A/G polymorphism and coronary heart disease (CHD) susceptibility. However, as the research results are discrepant, no distinct consensus on this issue has been reached so far. In order to further elaborate the latent association of the CDKN2B‐AS1 gene rs4977574 A/G polymorphism and CHD, this present meta‐analysis was conducted. There were 40,979 subjects of 17 individual studies in the present meta‐analysis. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated to determine the association strength. Considering the significant heterogeneity among the individual studies, the random‐effect models were used. In the current meta‐analysis, a significant association between CDKN2B‐AS1 gene rs4977574 A/G polymorphism and CHD was found under allelic (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08–1.29, p = 4.83×10−4), recessive (OR: 1.36, 95% CI: 1.11–1.67, p = 0.003), dominant (OR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.58–0.86, p = 6.26×10−4), heterozygous (OR:1.210, 95% CI: 1.076–1.360, p = 0.001), homozygous (OR: 1.394, 95% CI: 1.163–1.671, p = 3.31×10−4) and additive (OR: 1.180, 95% CI: 1.075–1.295, p = 4.83×10−4) genetic models. A more significant association between them was found in the Asian population than that in the whole population under these genetic models (p < 0.05). However, no significant association between them was found in the Caucasian population (p > 0.05). CDKN2B‐AS1 gene rs4977574 A/G polymorphism was associated with CHD susceptibility, especially in the Asian population. G allele of CDKN2B‐AS1 gene rs4977574 A/G polymorphism is the risk allele for CHD.
Impaired immunomodulatory capacity in adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells isolated from obese patients
Authors: Zhu Xiang‐Yang , Klomjit Nattawat , Conley Sabena M. , Ostlie Megan M. , Jordan Kyra L. , Lerman Amir , Lerman Lilach O. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractImmune‐modulatory properties of adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) might be susceptible to metabolic disturbances. We hypothesized that the immune‐modulatory function of MSCs might be blunted in obese human subjects. MSCs were collected from abdominal subcutaneous fat of obese and lean subjects during bariatric or kidney donation surgeries, respectively. MSCs were co‐cultured in vitro for 24 h with M1 macrophages, which were determined as M1or M2 phenotypes by flow cytometry, and cytokines measured in conditioned media. In vivo, lean or obese MSCs (5 × 105), or PBS, were injected into mice two weeks after unilateral renal artery stenosis (RAS) or sham surgeries (n = 6 each). Fourteen days later, kidneys were harvested and stained with M1 or M2 markers. Lean MSCs decreased macrophages M1 marker intensity, which remained elevated in macrophages co‐cultured with obese MSCs. TNF‐α levels were four‐fold higher in conditioned media collected from obese than from lean MSCs. RAS mouse kidneys were shrunk and showed increased M1 macrophage numbers and inflammatory cytokine expression compared with normal kidneys. Lean MSCs decreased M1 macrophages, M1/M2 ratio and inflammation in RAS kidneys, whereas obese MSCs did not. MSCs isolated from lean human subjects decrease inflammatory M1 macrophages both in vivo and in vitro, an immune‐modulatory function which is blunted in MSCs isolated from obese subjects.
Impact of wound microbiology on limb preservation in patients with diabetic foot infection
Authors: Hung Shih‐Yuan , Chiu Cheng‐Hsun , Huang Chung‐Huei , Lin Cheng‐Wei , Yeh Jiun‐Ting , Yang Hui‐Mei , Huang Yu‐Yao 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAims/Introduction:To investigate the association between specific bacterial pathogens and treatment outcome in patients with limb‐threatening diabetic foot infection (LT‐DFI).Materials and Methods:Consecutive patients treated for LT‐DFI in a major diabetic foot center in Taiwan were analyzed between the years 2014 and 2017. Patients with positive wound culture results at first aid were enrolled. Clinical factors, laboratory data, and wound culture results were compared. Lower‐extremity amputations and in‐hospital mortality were defined as a poor outcome.Results:Among the 558 patients, 272 (48.7%) patients had lower extremity amputation and 22 (3.9%) patients had in‐hospital mortality. Gram‐negative bacterial (GNB) infection was the independent factor following factors adjustment. When all the 31 microorganisms were analyzed, onlyE. coli(adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.01; 95% CI, 1.60–5.65),Proteusspp. (aOR, 2.99; 95% CI, 1.69–5.29), andPseudomonas aeruginosa(aOR, 2.00; 95% CI 1.20–3.32) were associated with poor outcome. The analysis of specific GNB species in association with major‐ or minor‐ amputation have been reported. No specific pathogen was associated with cause of death in patients with mortality within 30 days. The antimicrobial‐resistant strains were not associated with a poor treatment outcome.Conclusions:The presence of GNB was associated with limb amputations. This study provides insight into more timely and appropriate management of the diabetic foot infection.
Clinical and trichoscopic aspects of scalp psoriasis: commentary to ‘Clinical and trichoscopic features in various forms of scalp psoriasis’ by F. Bruni et al.
Authors: Lacarrubba F. 
Published: August 2021

Linked article: F. Bruni et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2021; 35: 1830–1837. https://doi.org/10.1111/jdv.17354
Life history of the endangered Japanese striped loach, Cobitis kaibarai (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae), with special reference to its reproductive ecology and the influence of creek reshapings on its population density
Authors: Tazunoki Yuhei , Akashi Kasumi , Haramoto Sumire , Kita Akihito , Mochioka Yukari , Matsuda Hiroki , Ohta Kazuki , Tokuda Makoto 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn recent years, the biodiversity of freshwater fishes has been markedly decreasing worldwide because of anthropogenic activities. The Japanese striped loach, Cobitis kaibarai (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae), is a primary freshwater fish endemic to northern Kyushu, Japan. This species is designated as endangered IB class in the Red List by the Japan Ministry of the Environment. Its population is decreasing, possibly because of habitat loss and degradation. To conserve C. kaibarai populations, information on its basic ecology is necessary; nonetheless, its detailed life history and reproductive ecology have yet to be clarified. In this study, the authors conducted monthly capture–mark–recapture surveys and periodical observations to investigate the life history, spawning sites and season of C. kaibarai. They also evaluated the influence of creek reshaping (concrete revetment) on the C. kaibarai population in Saga Plain, northern Kyushu. Between 2015 and 2018, more individuals were captured during winter than summer. The average body width of females peaked in early June and small immatures were confirmed from July. Some individuals were captured across 15 or more months after their initial marking. In the survey of reproductive sites, eggs and larvae of C. kaibarai were found in shallow areas in mid‐June; these were temporarily submerged following the increase in water level from early June. Therefore, C. kaibarai spawns in shallow areas during this season. Based on the capture–mark–recapture surveys, the estimated population density of C. kaibarai significantly decreased in a census site that had undergone creek reshaping, which contrasted with the results in a control site, where no significant difference was detected. The standard length of C. kaibarai increased following creek reshaping, suggesting that the proportion of C. kaibarai postponing spawning had increased, possibly because of degradation of spawning environments. The results of this study provide important ecological knowledge for the conservation of C. kaibarai and emphasize the importance of shallow waters for floodplain spawners.
Modeling of flood extremes using regional frequency analysis of sites of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shafeeq ul Rehman , Hussain Zamir , Ahmad Ishfaq , Noor Farzana 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe study provides results of regional frequency analysis (RFA) using annual maximum peak flows (AMPF) of 36 sites located on various streams and rivers of Khyber‐Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Assumptions of randomness, independent and identical distribution regarding AMPF at each site have been validated using different statistical tests. The region of 36 sites is heterogeneous as confirmed by L‐moments based heterogeneity measure. Therefore, it is subdivided into four homogeneous regions considering the most influential site characteristic among available using wards clustering method and Euclidean distance. To identify good‐fit‐regional distribution(s), from a set of popular three‐parameter distributions, L‐moment ratio diagram and |Z‐Dist| statistic are used as goodness‐of‐fit criteria. To obtain the most suitable distribution having robust properties, a simulation‐based assessment analysis is performed for each homogeneous region considering root mean square error and 95% error bounds of regional quantiles as accuracy measures. Due to non‐linearity (in the functional relationship between the mean of AMPF at various sites and their corresponding site characteristics) and the existence of multicollinearity between the site characteristics, radial basis function (RBF) network has been used for the estimation of quantiles at ungauged sites. The results show that the adopted methodology is useful for the estimation of quantiles at gauged and ungauged sites within the defined homogeneous regions.
Pain treatment and functional improvement in home health care: Relationship with dementia
Authors: Wang Jinjiao , Cato Kenrick , Conwell Yeates , Yu Fang , Heffner Kathi , Caprio Thomas V. , Nathan Kobi , Monroe Todd B. , Muench Ulrike , Li Yue 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundPain management is important to post‐acute functional recovery, yet older persons with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are often undertreated for pain. The main objectives were (1) to examine the relationship between ADRD and analgesic use among Medicare home health care (HHC) recipients with daily interfering pain, and (2) to examine the impact of analgesic use on functional outcome in patients with and without ADRD.MethodsWe analyzed longitudinal data from the Outcome and Assessment Information Set, Medicare HHC claims, and HHC electronic medical records during a 60‐day HHC episode. The sample included 6048 Medicare beneficiaries ≥65 years receiving care from an HHC agency in New York in 2019 who reported daily interfering pain. Analgesic use was assessed during HHC medication reconciliation and included any analgesic, non‐opioid analgesic, and opioid. ADRD was identified from ICD‐10 codes (HHC claims) and cognitive impairment symptoms (Outcome and Assessment Information Set [OASIS]). Functional outcome was measured as change in the composite Activity of Daily Living (ADL) limitation score in the HHC episode.ResultsADRD was related to a lower likelihood of using any analgesic (odds ratio [OR] = 0.66, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.49, 0.90, p = 0.008) and opioids (OR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.47, 0.62, p < 0.001), but not related to non‐opioid analgesic use (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.74, 1.18, p = 0.58). Stratified analyses showed that any analgesic use (β = −0.43, 95% CI: −0.73, −0.13, p = 0.004) and non‐opioid analgesic use (β = −0.31, 95% CI: −0.56, −0.06, p = 0.016) were associated with greater ADL improvement in patients with ADRD, but not in patients without ADRD. Opioid use was not significantly related to ADL improvement regardless of ADRD status.ConclusionsHHC patients with ADRD may be undertreated for pain, yet pain treatment is essential for functional improvement in HHC. HHC clinicians and policymakers should ensure adequate pain management for older persons with ADRD for improved functional outcomes.
Three wavelengths integrated: Efficacy and safety of a novel combination for hair removal
Authors: Naranjo García Pablo , López Andrino Rodolfo , Gómez González Carlos , Pinto Hernán 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundLaser hair removal is one of the most popular aesthetic procedures.AimsThe study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a novel applicator combining three wavelengths (1064 nm, 810 nm, and 755 nm) for hair removal.Patients/MethodsThis prospective study included a four‐session hair removal treatment with three wavelengths combined and emitted simultaneously using an in‐motion technique. Patients were treated in eight‐week intervals between each session and a follow‐up of 3 months.ResultsTwenty‐two men (mean age 41.5 years, SD = 6.1) were included: two (9.1%) Fitzpatrick skin type II, 19 (86.4%) type III, and one (4.5%) type IV. Treated areas were two abdomens (14%), fourteen backs (64%), and five thoraxes (23%). Hair characteristics were evaluated with a dermatoscopic imaging system. Three months after the last session, the mean decrease in the hair count was of 75.6% (SD 5.9) (p < 0.0001), in hair density of 75.6% (SD 5.9) (p < 0.0001), in the terminal hair number of 60.1% (SD 55.0) (p < 0.0001), and in the vellus hair number of 39.7% (SD 72.9) (p = 0.0001).ConclusionThe combined three different wavelengths in a single device provided a wide range of absorption and penetration, allowing for a safe and effective treatment.
Anti‐glycation activities of methyl gallate in vitro and in human explants
Authors: Shin Seoungwoo , Lee Jeesun , Yoon So Hyun , Park Deokhoon , Hwang Jae Sung , Jung Eunsun 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe build‐up of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is one of important factor of skin aging. Natural compounds with anti‐glycation activities might have great anti‐aging potential.AimsThe objective of this study was to evaluate an anti‐glycation effects of methyl gallate as a potent ingredient for anti‐aging.MethodsWe first evaluated the AGEs inhibitory ability of methyl gallate in BSA/glucose system. Levels of Nε‐CML and carbonyl contents were also measured in BSA/glucose system. To further investigate if methyl gallate could prevent glycation in full‐thickness human skin explants. Glycation action was determined by the observation of the general morphology of dermis and epidermis structures and FBN‐1 and of CML immunostaining. In an in‐vivo study, primary irritation test was also performed to ensure the safety of methyl gallate for human skin.ResultsIt is known that methyl gallate can suppress glycation reaction between BSA and glucose. Methyl gallate also has a remarkable potential to reduce the oxidation of proteins. Furthermore, the anti‐glycation activity of methyl gallate has been confirmed in a human skin ex‐vivo model. Methyl gallate decreased the expression of CML but stimulated the expression of FBN‐1 compared with MGO treatment. In an in‐vivo study, methyl gallate (0.1%) did not cause any skin irritation, suggesting that methyl gallate could be used as an active ingredient in cosmetics.ConclusionOur results showed that methyl gallate could protect against glucose‐mediated glycation in vitro. Furthermore, methyl gallate significantly prevented glycation in living human skin explants. Due to these beneficial effects, methyl gallate can be used to prevent or manage AGE‐mediated skin aging.
Conditions for staggering and delaying outplantings of the kelps Saccharina latissima and Alaria marginata for mariculture
Authors: Raymond Ann E. T. , Stekoll Michael S. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe describe a method for production of kelp using meiospore seeding creating flexibility for extended storage time prior to outplanting. One bottleneck to expansion of the kelp farming industry is the lack of flexibility in timing of seeded twine production, which is dependent on the fertility of wild sporophytes. We tested methods to slow gametophyte growth and reproduction of early life stages by manipulating temperature of the kelp Saccharina latissima. Reducing temperature from 12°C to 4°C reduced gametophyte size, sporophyte size, egg production, and sporophyte production and subsequently was the best candidate condition for storage experiments of seeded twine. Next, we examined how storage of Alaria marginata and S. latissima seeded twine at 4°C under differing nutrient concentrations affected the viability of sporelings after being moved into optimal growth conditions. Seeded twine storage at 4°C with no alteration to culturing media showed no negative effects in sporophyte density and sporophyte length for both species. This method for seeded twine storage, “cold banking,” allowed seeded twine storage for at least an additional 36 days compared to standard methods, with a total of 56 days spent in the hatchery providing opportunity for outplanting timing and staggering to enhance aquaculture efficiency.
Formation of chondrule analogs aboard the International Space Station
Authors: Koch Tamara E. , Spahr Dominik , Tkalcec Beverley J. , Lindner Miles , Merges David , Wilde Fabian , Winkler Björn , Brenker Frank E. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractChondrules are thought to play a crucial role in planet formation, but the mechanisms leading to their formation are still a matter of unresolved discussion. So far, experiments designed to understand chondrule formation conditions have been carried out only under the influence of terrestrial gravity. In order to introduce more realistic conditions, we developed a chondrule formation experiment, which was carried out at long‐term microgravity aboard the International Space Station. In this experiment, freely levitating forsterite (Mg2SiO4) dust particles were exposed to electric arc discharges, thus simulating chondrule formation via nebular lightning. The arc discharges were able to melt single dust particles completely, which then crystallized with very high cooling rates of >105 K h−1. The crystals in the spherules show a crystallographic preferred orientation of the [010] axes perpendicular to the spherule surface, similar to the preferred orientation observed in some natural chondrules. This microstructure is probably the result of crystallization under microgravity conditions. Furthermore, the spherules interacted with the surrounding gas during crystallization. We show that this type of experiment is able to form spherules, which show some similarities with the morphology of chondrules despite very short heating pulses and high cooling rates.
Metagenomic analysis reveals Culex mosquito virome diversity and Japanese encephalitis genotype V in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Sanborn Mark A. , Wuertz Kathryn McGuckin , Kim Heung‐Chul , Yang Yu , Li Tao , Pollett Simon D. , Jarman Richard G. , Berry Irina Maljkovic , Klein Terry A. , Hang Jun 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRecent outbreaks of emerging and re‐emerging viruses have shown that timely detection of novel arboviruses with epidemic potential is essential to mitigate human health risks. There are rising concerns that emergent JEV genotype V (GV) is circulating in Asia, against which current vaccines may not be efficacious. To ascertain if JEV GV and other arboviruses are circulating in East Asia, we conducted next‐generation sequencing on 260 pools of Culex tritaeniorhynchus and Culex bitaeniorhynchus mosquitoes (6540 specimens) collected at Camp Humphreys, Republic of Korea (ROK) in 2018. Interrogation of our data revealed a highly abundant and diverse virosphere that contained sequences from 122 distinct virus species. Our statistical and hierarchical analysis uncovered correlates of potential health, virological, and ecological relevance. Furthermore, we obtained evidence that JEV GV was circulating in Pyeongtaek and, retrospectively, in Seoul in 2016 and placed these findings within the context of human and fowl reservoir activity. Sequence‐based analysis of JEV GV showed a divergent genotype that is the most distant from the GIII‐derived live attenuated SA14‐14‐2 vaccine strain and indicated regions probably responsible for reduced antibody affinity. These results emphasize recent concerns of shifting JEV genotype in East Asia and highlight the critical need for a vaccine proven efficacious against this re‐emergent virus. Together, our one‐health approach to Culex viral metagenomics uncovered novel insights into virus ecology and human health.
Killer whale predatory scarring on mysticetes: A comparison of rake marks among blue, humpback, and gray whales in the eastern North Pacific
Authors: Corsi Enrico , Calambokidis John , Flynn Kiirsten R. , Steiger Gretchen H. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractWe investigated the predator–prey relationship between baleen whales and killer whales by observing predatory scarring (rake marks) on the tail flukes of three mysticete species from the eastern North Pacific Ocean: humpback, blue, and gray whales. We integrated both qualitative scores and new quantitative measures to compare predatory scarring left by killer whales on the three species. We found statistically significant interspecies differences in incidence, location, and accumulation rates of scarring. Gray whales showed a higher incidence of predatory scarring compared to the other two species. Humpback and gray whales bore most of their rake marks on the trailing edge of the tail fluke, while blue whales showed more evidence of predatory scarring on the leading edge of the fluke, potentially consistent with previously hypothesized theories of flee versus fight responses to killer whales for different mysticete species. Of whales with scarring, blue whales were twice as likely to suffer from fluke mutilation compared to humpback and gray whales. Humpback and gray whales were also significantly more likely to accumulate new rake marks over the years compared to blue whales. We examine how these differences provide insight into the prey‐specific hunting behavior of killer whales.
Global patterns of leaf construction traits and their covariation along climate and soil environmental gradients
Authors: Xing Kaixiong , Niinemets Ülo , Rengel Zed , Onoda Yusuke , Xia Jiangzhou , Chen Han Y. H. , Zhao Mingfei , Han Wenxuan , Li Hongbo 
Published: August 2021

Summary

Leaf functional traits and their covariation underlie plant ecological adaptations along environmental gradients, but there is limited information on the global covariation patterns of key leaf construction traits.

To explore how leaf construction traits co‐vary across diverse climate and soil environmental conditions, we compiled a global dataset including cell wall mass per unit leaf mass (CWmass), leaf carbon (C) and calcium (Ca) concentrations, and specific leaf area (SLA) for 2348 angiosperm species from 340 sites world‐wide.

Our results demonstrated negative correlations between leaf C and Ca concentrations and between leaf C and SLA across diverse nongraminoid angiosperms. Leaf C concentration increased with increasing mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP) and with decreasing soil pH and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) concentration, whereas leaf Ca concentration and SLA exhibited the opposite responses to these environmental variables. The covariations of leaf Ca–C and of leaf SLA–C were stronger in habitats with lower MAT and MAP, and/or higher soil CaCO3 content.

This global‐scale analysis demonstrates that the leaf C and Ca concentrations and SLA together govern the C and biomass investment strategies in leaves of nongraminoids. We conclude that environmental conditions strongly shape leaf construction traits and their covariation patterns.