bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The acceptability of primary care or community‐based behavioural interventions for persistent physical symptoms: Qualitative systematic review
Authors: Scope Alison , Leaviss Joanna , Booth Andrew , Sutton Anthea , Parry Glenys , Buszewicz Marta , Moss‐Morris Rona 
Published: April 2021

PurposePersistent physical symptoms (PPS) are often associated with profound physical disability and psychological distress. Interventions for PPS that promote behavioural change aim to reduce levels of symptoms and improve overall functioning in patients. The evidence for these interventions is mixed, with effective relationships between patients and health practitioners (HPs) reported as the key to the success of primary care interventions. The objectives of this systematic review were to synthesize the qualitative evidence and to evaluate the acceptability of behavioural interventions for PPS in primary care, from the perspective of both patients and HPs.MethodsA comprehensive literature search was conducted in seven major electronic bibliographic databases, to February 2019. The aim was to identify a broad range of literature including, qualitative research, mixed methods research, and qualitative data embedded in trial reports or process evaluations. Fifty‐eight full papers were screened against the inclusion criteria. Nine studies were included and quality‐assessed. A qualitative evidence synthesis was conducted using thematic synthesis.ResultsSome patients and HPs reported positive gains from taking part in or delivering interventions, with appropriate support and explanation of their symptoms important for patients. Barriers appeared to be underpinned by the relationship between the patients and HPs, and by beliefs and attitudes held by both parties.ConclusionsPatients should be provided with adequate information to make an informed decision about whether an intervention is appropriate for them, and interventions should not end suddenly or without adequate follow‐up. HPs should receive training and supervision to address their lack of confidence, and improve their knowledge of PPS.
Avian vocalisations: the female perspective
Authors: Austin Victoria I. , Dalziell Anastasia H. , Langmore Naomi E. , Welbergen Justin A. 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTResearch on avian vocalisations has traditionally focused on male song produced by oscine passerines. However, accumulating evidence indicates that complex vocalisations can readily evolve outside the traditional contexts of mate attraction and territory defence by male birds, and yet the previous bias towards male song has shaped – and continues to shape – our understanding of avian communication as a whole. Accordingly, in this review we seek to address this imbalance by synthesising studies on female vocalisations from across signalling contexts throughout the Aves, and discuss the implications of recent empirical advances for our understanding of vocalisations in both sexes. This review reveals great structural and functional diversity among female vocalisations and highlights the important roles that vocalisations can play in mediating female‐specific behaviours. However, fundamental gaps remain. While there are now several case studies that identify the function of female vocalisations, few quantify the associated fitness benefits. Additionally, very little is known about the role of vocal learning in the development of female vocalisations. Thus, there remains a pressing need to examine the function and development of all forms of vocalisations in female birds. In the light of what we now know about the functions and mechanisms of female vocalisations, we suggest that conventional male‐biased definitions of songs and calls are inadequate for furthering our understanding of avian vocal communication more generally. Therefore, we propose two simple alternatives, both emancipated from the sex of the singer. The first distinguishes song from calls functionally as a sexually selected vocal signal, whilst the second distinguishes them mechanistically in terms of their underlying neurological processes. It is clear that more investigations are needed into the ultimate and proximate causes of female vocalisations; however, these are essential if we are to develop a holistic epistemology of avian vocal communication in both sexes, across ecological contexts and taxonomic divides.
Aluminium contact allergy without vaccination granulomas: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hoffmann Stine Skovbo , Wennervaldt Michael , Alinaghi Farzad , Simonsen Anne Birgitte , Johansen Jeanne Duus 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAluminium contact allergy is mainly seen as granulomas following immunization with aluminium‐adsorbed vaccines and contact allergy following epicutaneous exposure may be overlooked. To investigate the prevalence of aluminium allergy confirmed by patch testing, with no association with vaccination granulomas, and explore whether epicutaneous exposure to aluminium can contribute to allergic contact dermatitis. Two authors independently searched PubMed and MEDLINE (OVID) for case studies on contact allergy to aluminium proven by patch testing. Age‐stratified meta‐analyses to calculate the pooled prevalence were performed. Twenty‐five studies describing a total of 73 cases were included in the review. Seven studies were suitable for meta‐analyses. The prevalence of aluminium contact allergy was 5.61% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12%‐11.08%) for children and 0.36% (95% CI 0.04%‐0.67%) for adults. The studies described a variety of epicutaneous exposures, where metallic aluminium, topical medicaments, and deodorants were the main sources. Aluminium sensitization without a known exposure source was described in 10 of the 25 articles. The prevalence of aluminium contact allergy in the general public may be higher than expected and not solely related to vaccination granulomas. However, the clinical relevance is rare if not related to granulomas.
Concern over hybridization risks should not preclude conservation interventions
Authors: Hirashiki Claire , Kareiva Peter , Marvier Michelle 
Published: April 2021

AbstractConservation interventions such as assisted migration and genetic alterations are controversial in part because, through unintended hybridization events, they may imperil native species. Threats could stem from hybrid offspring having altered fitness or from genetic swamping due to extensive introgression of non‐native genes. Over the last 40 years, papers discussing hybridization increasingly use value‐laden terminology (e.g., “genetic contamination”). Such terms presume that any amount of hybridization equates to harm, but this perspective is at odds with modern evolutionary theory's recognition of hybridization as a creative force that can accelerate evolution or spur adaptive breakthroughs. To assess the evidence undergirding perceptions of hybridization threats, we examined the IUCN's Global Invasive Species Database (GISD). Of 870 invasive species, the GISD identified 35 as potentially threatening endemic taxa via hybridization. For each of these 35 species, we assessed the quality of data that the GISD cited pertaining to hybridization. Direct evidence for hybridization was cited for only 16 species, and there was neither direct nor indirect evidence demonstrating reduced fitness of hybrid offspring for 18 species. In our era of rapid environmental change, it is time to examine hybridization case‐by‐case and not to presume that hybridization always presents a threat to biodiversity, but rather, to consider it as a potential pathway to species survival.
Impact of the COVID‐19 Epidemic on hospitalization for diabetic foot ulcers during lockdown: A French nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Mariet Anne‐Sophie , Benzenine Eric , Bouillet Benjamin , Vergès Bruno , Quantin Catherine , Petit Jean‐Michel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAims/hypothesisThe aim of this study was to examine the impact of the COVID‐19 epidemic on the hospitalization rates for diabetic foot ulcer (DFU), osteomyelitis and lower limb revascularization procedure in people with DFU.MethodsThis nationwide retrospective cohort study included hospital data on all people hospitalized in France for diabetes in weeks 2–43 in 2020, including the COVID‐19 lockdown period, compared to same period in 2019.ResultsThe number of hospitalizations for DFU decreased significantly in weeks 12–19 (during the lockdown) (p < 10−4). Hospitalization for foot osteomyelitis also decreased significantly in weeks 12–19 (p < 10−4). The trend was the same for lower limb amputations and revascularizations associated with DFU or amputation.Conclusions/interpretationThe marked drop in hospitalization rates for DFU, osteomyelitis and lower limb revascularization procedures in people with DFU observed in France during the lockdown period suggests that COVID‐19 was a barrier to DFU care, and may illustrate the combined deleterious effects of hospital overload and changes in health‐related behaviour.
Circ_0007142 downregulates miR‐874‐3p‐mediated GDPD5 on colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Wang Yueqing , Chen Hongshu , Wei Xueling 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundFerroptosis is an iron‐dependent and oxidative cell death form. Recent studies suggested that circular RNAs (circRNAs) regulated ferroptosis in tumour cells. Circ_0007142 was identified as a carcinogenic molecule in colorectal cancer (CRC), but its function on ferroptosis in CRC remains unknown.MethodsCirc_0007142, microRNA‐874‐3p (miR‐874‐3p) and glycerophosphodiester phosphodiesterase domain containing 5 (GDPD5) levels were assayed using the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR). Cell survival and proliferation were measured by Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay. Protein detection was performed by Western blot. Cell apoptosis was analysed by flow cytometry. Ferroptosis was assessed by iron accumulation and oxidative stress. Target binding was evaluated by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. In vivo research was conducted by tumour xenograft in mice.ResultsCirc_0007142 was overexpressed in CRC. After expression inhibition of circ_0007142, proliferation was reduced, while apoptosis and ferroptosis were facilitated in CRC cells. Mechanically, circ_0007142 was found as a miR‐874‐3p sponge and miR‐874‐3p inhibitor eliminated the regulation of si‐circ_0007142 in CRC cells. MiR‐874‐3p targeted GDPD5 and upregulation of GDPD5 reversed the miR‐874‐3p‐triggered tumour inhibition and ferroptosis promotion in CRC cells. Moreover, GDPD5 was regulated by the circ_0007142/miR‐874‐3p axis. Circ_0007142 also affected CRC tumorigenesis in vivo through the regulation of miR‐874‐3p and GDPD5.ConclusionAll these findings proved that circ_0007142/miR‐874‐3p/GDPD5 axis regulated tumorigenesis and ferroptosis of CRC cells. Circ_0007142 might be an available marker for ferroptosis in CRC therapy.
N‐acetylcysteine for depression and glutamate changes in the left prefrontal cortex in adolescents and young adults at risk for bipolar disorder: A pilot study
Authors: Nery Fabiano G. , Tallman Maxwell J. , Cecil Kim M. , Blom Thomas J. , Patino Luis R. , Adler Caleb M. , DelBello Melissa P. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimsTo investigate the mechanism of action of N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) in depressive symptoms in young individuals at familial risk for bipolar disorder.MethodsWe conducted an 8‐week open label clinical trial of NAC 2400 mg/days in 15–24 years old depressed offspring of a bipolar I disorder parent, with baseline and endpoint proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy acquired within the left ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC).ResultsNine participants were enrolled and finished the study. NAC significantly improved depressive and anxiety symptom scores, and clinical global impression (all p < .001). There was a non‐significant reduction in glutamate levels in the left VLPFC. Reduction in depressive symptom scores was positively associated with reduction in glutamate levels in the left VLPFC (p = .007).ConclusionsThis pilot study suggests that NAC might be efficacious for depressive symptoms in at‐risk youth, and that its mechanism of action involves the modulation of glutamate in the left VLPFC.
Laser‐assisted epicutaneous immunization to target human skin dendritic cells
Authors: Tripp Christoph H. , Voit Hermann , An Angela , Seidl‐Philipp Magdalena , Krapf Johanna , Sigl Stephan , Romani Nikolaus , Del Frari Barbara , Stoitzner Patrizia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDendritic cells (DC) are promising targets for immunotherapy of cancer. Clinically, immunization against cancer antigens by means of the most potent antigen‐presenting cells, that is DC, remains an important treatment option in combination with the modern immune checkpoint approaches. Instead of adoptively transferring in vitro monocyte‐derived DC, they can also be loaded in situ by antibody‐mediated targeting of antigen. Conventionally, these vaccines are delivered by classical intradermal injections. Here, we tested an alternative approach, namely laser‐assisted epicutaneous immunization. With an infrared laser (“Precise Laser Epidermal System”/P.L.E.A.S.E.® Laser System), we created micropores in human skin and applied monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against C‐type lectins, for example DEC‐205/CD205 and Langerin/CD207. Optimal parameters for formation of pores in epidermis and dermis were determined. We could induce pores of defined depths without enhanced apoptosis around them. Antibodies applied epicutaneously to the laser‐porated skin could be detected both in Langerhans cells (LC) in situ in the epidermis and in migratory skin DC subsets from short term human skin explant culture, demonstrating uptake and transport of Langerin and DEC‐205 mAbs. Efficacy of targeting was similar between the different laser treatments and pore depths. Thus, laser‐assisted epicutaneous immunization may be a valuable alternative to intradermal injection, yet the loading efficacy of DC needs to be further improved.
A new feature extraction approach for script invariant handwritten numeral recognition
Authors: Singh Pawan Kumar , Chatterjee Iman , Sarkar Ram , Smith Elisa Barney , Nasipuri Mita 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHandwritten numeral recognition is a challenging research problem because of the enormous varieties of styles in which human beings write the numerals. Several researchers have tried to find solutions to this problem with exceptional recognition accuracies. However, most of these solutions have been dedicated to single script numerals. Such methods are inappropriate for multi‐lingual nations such as India where a large number of scripts are used. Keeping this issue in mind, a new feature descriptor named symbolization of binary images (SBI) is introduced here for the recognition of handwritten numerals of different scripts. Effectiveness of SBI is supported with experiments showing its script‐invariant nature. Classification of numerals using a multiclass support vector machine (SVM) classifier yields the recognition accuracies of 98.18, 96.22, 96.52, and 95.53% on datasets of numerals written in four popular scripts of the world: Arabic, Bangla, Devanagari, and Latin, respectively. This scheme has also been extended to the situation when the script used is not known a priori or the numerals written in a document belong to pairs of mixed scripts of {Arabic, Devanagari, Bangla} with Latin producing recognition rates of 92.97, 91.25, and 91.67%, respectively. When all four scripts are mixed, the recognition rate is still 90.98% overall. Encouraging outcomes suggest that the proposed SBI feature descriptor can recognize numerals invariant of the script class.
Systems genetic analysis of nicotine withdrawal deficits in hippocampus‐dependent learning
Authors: Goldberg Lisa R. , Kutlu Munir Gunes , Zeid Dana , Seemiller Laurel R. , Gould Thomas J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCognitive deficits, such as disrupted learning, are a major symptom of nicotine withdrawal. These deficits are heritable, yet their genetic basis is largely unknown. Our lab has developed a mouse model of nicotine withdrawal deficits in learning, using chronic nicotine exposure via osmotic minipumps and fear conditioning. Here, we utilized the BXD genetic reference panel to identify genetic variants underlying nicotine withdrawal deficits in learning. Male and female mice (n = 6–11 per sex per strain, 31 strains) received either chronic saline or nicotine (6.3 mg/kg per day for 12 days), and were then tested for hippocampus‐dependent learning deficits using contextual fear conditioning. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping analyses using GeneNetwork identified a significant QTL on Chromosome 4 (82.13 Mb, LRS = 20.03, p < 0.05). Publicly available hippocampal gene expression data were used to identify eight positional candidates (Snacpc3, Mysm1, Rps6, Plaa, Lurap1l, Slc24a2, Hacd4, Ptprd) that overlapped with our behavioral QTL and correlated with our behavioral data. Overall, this study demonstrates that genetic factors impact cognitive deficits during nicotine withdrawal in the BXD recombinant inbred panel and identifies candidate genes for future research.
Sand geographies: Disentangling the material foundations of the built environment
Authors: John Robert 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSand is the world's most used construction material forming the physical backbone of the built environment, while its extraction is causing severe socioecological damages and political–economic frictions. This paper answers the need for more scientific attention, by tracing sand and the geographies of its multiple entanglements from the global economy to the local socioecological effects of its exploitation. First, the article reviews existing literature, providing an introduction into sand's political relevance, economic use, geophysical dynamics and socioenvironmental effects of its extraction. Second, it proposes a sociomaterial geography of sand centred around resource geographies, calling for a stronger engagement with the material foundations of urbanisation and its spatiotemporal effects. Overall, the article calls for more sociomaterial analyses of sand in order to challenge its normalisation as a universal, readily available, cheap and conflict‐free construction material.
Is being green what matters? Functional diversity of cavity‐nesting bees and wasps and their interaction networks with parasites in different reforestation types in Amazonia
Authors: de Araújo Gustavo Júnior , Storck‐Tonon Danielle , Dáttilo Wesley , Izzo Thiago Junqueira 
Published: April 2021

AbstractUnderstanding the processes that shape biotic interactions within biological communities helps us to develop strategies for the establishment of ecological communities and to rehabilitate the functionality of degraded environments.We evaluated the functional diversity of cavity‐nesting bees and wasps and their interaction networks established with nest parasites in different types of reforestation in Southern Amazonia. To do so, we used bee and wasp trap‐nests to sample six different types of environments: pasture, teak reforestation, fig reforestation, mixed reforestation, natural regeneration and primary forest.Although the bees' functional diversity indices evaluated did not vary between reforestation types and natural forests, the functional traits of these insects were quite different in reforestation with planting species, especially teak. For wasps, we observed lower functional diversity in pasture, fig plantation and mixed reforestation. Moreover, we observed that while teak reforestation presented the highest parasite richness, parasitism rate and diversity of interactions, natural regeneration shows higher interaction specialisation.Our results indicate that the simplification of the structure of reforested environments contributes to increase the divergence in the functional diversity of cavity‐nesting bee and wasp community and the interactions they establish with their parasites in relation to natural environments. However, these differences can be reduced by structuring the environment. Thus, natural regeneration can be a favourable strategy if the degraded areas are not severely impacted and present proximity to the source of propagules.
Effects of micro‐sized mullite on cristobalite crystallization and properties of silica‐based ceramic cores
Authors: Zheng Wenlong , Chen Xiao , Liu Chunyang , Ren Shiping , Zhang Li 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSilica‐based ceramic cores are extensively used in investment casting process, during which they must exhibit sufficient flexural strength and deformation resistance. In this study, micro‐sized mullite was used as an additive to silica‐based ceramic cores to optimize their high temperature properties. To investigate the effects of micro‐sized mullite on cristobalite crystallization, mechanical and thermal properties of silica‐based ceramic cores, ceramic cores with different amounts of micro‐sized mullite were fabricated. The XRD results showed that additional micro‐sized mullite diminished the crystallization of cristobalite at high temperatures, primarily caused by the mullite related compressive stresses on the surface regions of fused silica particles. Three‐point bending tests and SEM results showed that micro‐sized mullite had a more significant effect on the flexural strength of ceramic cores compared with conventional additives. Particularly, the fracture mechanism of silica‐based ceramic cores had been changed from intergranular fracture into a mixed fracture consisting of both intergranular and transgranular fracture. The mechanical and thermal properties of ceramic cores were all reduced slightly as the mullite content exceed 4.6 wt%. Hence, to optimize the properties of silica‐based ceramic cores, the micro‐sized mullite content should not exceed 4.6 wt%.
Can umami taste be an adequate tool for reducing sodium in food preparations?
Authors: Rosa Mariana Simões do Couto , Pinto‐e‐Silva Maria Elisabeth Machado , Simoni Natalia Koren 
Published: April 2021

SummaryResearches indicate that the Brazilian population is still consuming sodium in excess and national epidemiological studies, have not verified the impact of taste modifications provided by the formulations available on the market and in homemade meals. The objective is to verify whether the basic umami taste, in the form of monosodium glutamate (MSG) monohydrate, is an alternative for reducing sodium in the preparation of meals. Also, to confirm the ideal concentration of MSG equivalent to acceptance with salt, and the impact of an explanatory video about warnings of salt excess on consumer behaviour, regarding the intention to use table salt in meals. For this study, three concentrations of sodium were used in the preparations rice and ground meat: one with the intrinsic sodium of the food, one with the addition of salt, 1 g for 100 g of rice and for meat, and one with salt and MSG, for 100 g of rice, 0.54% are of salt and 0.43% are of MSG and for 100 g of meat, 0.55% are of salt and 0.44% are of MSG. All quantities were suggested by a previous study, confirmed in a sensorial pre‐test. The acceptability of preparations was assessed by the preference test. The levels of sodium and glutamic acid in the test preparations were also analysed. The results showed no significant difference between the exposed to the video. This study showed a sodium reduction of at least 30% in rice and 33% in ground meat, two kinds of meals widely consumed in Brazil, maintaining the same acceptance. These data suggest that the partial substitution of NaCl with MSG/umami can be an alternative to reduce sodium in meals.