bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of multifactorial intensive treatment in patients with diabetic kidney disease: A meta‐analysis with trial sequential analysis
Authors: Shan Jianfang , Xu Zhengling 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAimThis meta‐analysis was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of multifactorial intensive treatment (MT) in patients with diabetic kidney disease (DKD).Materials and MethodsWe systematically searched PubMed, Embase and Web of science from their inception to February 2023 to identify randomized control trials (RCTs) evaluating the effect and safety of MT in patients with DKD. The quality of included RCTs was assessed using the risk of bias tool. The outcomes were expressed as hazard ratios (HR), risk ratio (RR) or weight mean difference with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), with a meta‐analysis of a fixed‐effect or random‐effect model.ResultsFive RCTs were included for data analysis. The pooled analysis showed that, MT was associated with significant reductions in all‐cause mortality (HR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.60, 0.93; p = .008) and cardiovascular event disease rate (HR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.68; p < .001). MT significantly decreased the retinopathy progression (HR = 0.79, 95% CI: 0.66, 0.95; p = .011), progression of macroalbuminuria (HR = 0.64, 95% CI: 0.43, 0.95; p = .027) and progression of microalbuminuria (HR = 0.69, 95% CI: 0.56, 0.86; p = .001). In addition, MT was not associated with an increased risk of all adverse events (RR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.97, 1.03; p = .830) and all severe adverse events (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.74, 1.15; p = .478), and the statistical power was confirmed by trial sequential analysis.ConclusionThe present study suggested that MT had a remarkable benefit on the risk of all‐cause mortality and cardiovascular event disease in patients with DKD. Our results were promising, but had certain limitations, which warrants additional large‐scale RCTs to validate our findings.
Subgingival microbial diversity and respiratory decline: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Winning Lewis , Moran Gary , McClory Mary , El Karim Ikhlas , Lundy Fionnuala T. , Patterson Christopher C. , Linden Dermot , Cullen Kathy M. , Kee Frank , Linden Gerard J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAimTo investigate whether there is an association between subgingival microbial diversity and reduced respiratory function.Materials and MethodsA group of dentate 58–72‐year‐old men in Northern Ireland had a comprehensive periodontal examination including subgingival plaque sampling. DNA was extracted from plaque samples and the V1–V3 regions of the 16S rRNA gene were analysed by high‐throughput sequencing and a microbial diversity index (MDI) was derived. Spirometry measurements were made using a wedge bellows spirometer. The primary outcome variable of interest was the percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (% predicted FEV1). Analysis included multiple linear regression with adjustment for various confounders.ResultsFive‐hundred and seven men were included in the analysis. The mean age was 63.6 years (SD = 3.1). Of these, 304 (60.0%) men had no or mild periodontitis, 105 (20.7%) had moderate periodontitis and 98 (19.3%) had severe periodontitis. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that a one unit increase in MDI was associated with a 0.71% loss (95% confidence interval: 0.06%–1.35%; p = .03) in % predicted FEV1 after adjustment for all confounders.ConclusionsIn this group of dentate men from Northern Ireland, subgingival microbial diversity was associated with reduced respiratory function.
Adivasi migrant labour and agrarian capitalism in southern India
Authors: Sudheesh R.C. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis paper looks at a case of rural‐to‐rural movement of agrarian capital in southern India and the ways in which capital–labour relations are reworked to maintain oppressive forms of exploitation. Faced with an agrarian crisis, capitalist farmers from affluent communities of Wayanad, Kerala, take large tracts of land for lease in the neighbouring state of Karnataka and grow ginger based on price speculation. Landless Adivasis from Wayanad have served as labourers on these ginger farmlands for the past three decades. Recently, farmers have shifted to employing labourers from a Scheduled Caste (SC) from Karnataka. The change happened not just because of the lower wages the SC labourers were willing to work for but also because of the farmers' inclination to move away from Adivasis who have been resisting the poor working conditions on the farm. The story resonates with the broader dynamics of agrarian–labour relations amidst capitalist expansion and highlights the centrality of socio‐political factors at play.
Contractile effect of trimethylamine and trimethylamine‐n‐oxide on isolated human umbilical arteries
Authors: Ongun Mert C. , Orgul Gokcen , Celik Cetin , Bariskaner Hulagu 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study is to investigate the effect of trimethylamine (TMA) and trimethylamine‐n‐oxide (TMAO) on the contractility of human umbilical artery and the possible mechanisms involved.MethodsVasoactive responses to TMA and TMAO on human umbilical artery rings were measured in isolated organ baths. Cumulative dose–response curves for TMA and TMAO were obtained before and after incubation with atropine, yohimbine, prazosin, indomethacin, verapamil, and Ca+2‐free Krebs–Henselite solution.ResultsAdministration of cumulative TMA and TMAO resulted in dose‐dependent contraction at concentrations ranging from 10 to 100 mM on human umbilical artery rings. TMA‐induced contractions were more potent than TMAO‐induced contractions (TMA: −logEC50 = 1.00 ± 0.02, TMAO: −logEC50 = 0.57 ± 0.02). Contraction responses to TMA were significantly lower in the presence of verapamil and in the absence of external Ca+2 (p < 0.001, p < 0.05, respectively).ConclusionOur results showed that TMA and TMAO caused vasoconstriction in isolated human umbilical artery rings. Our findings also indicated that TMA but not TMAO‐induced vasoconstriction was partially dependent on extracellular Ca2+ and calcium influx through L‐type Ca2+ channels. Our results suggest that TMA and TMAO may have the potential to contribute to cardiovascular diseases through their direct effect on vascular contractility in human arteries.
Linking genetic foundations of sleep disturbances to personality traits: a study of mid‐life twins
Authors: Krizan Zlatan , Freilich Colin , Krueger Robert F. , Mann Frank D. 
Published: April 2023

SummaryRisk of sleep disturbances depends on individuals’ personality, and a large body of evidence indicates that individuals prone to neuroticism, impulsivity, and (low) extraversion are more likely to experience them. Origins of these associations are unclear, but common genetic background may play an important role. Participants included 405 twin pairs (mean age of 54 years; 59% female) from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS) who reported on their personality traits (broad and specific), as well as sleep disturbances (problems with falling asleep, staying asleep, waking early, and feeling unrested). Uni‐ and bivariate biometric decompositions evaluated contributions of genetic and environmental factors to associations between personality and poor sleep, as well as unique contributions from individual traits. Neuroticism, extraversion, conscientiousness, and aggressiveness were the strongest phenotypic predictors of poor sleep. Genetic sources of covariance were about twice as large as non‐shared environmental sources, and only shared genetic background accounted for links between aggressiveness and poor sleep. Neuroticism and extraversion accounted for most of the genetic overlap between personality and sleep disturbances. The findings shed light on developmental antecedents of ties between personality and poor sleep, suggesting a larger role of common genetic background than idiosyncratic life experiences. The results also suggest that emotion‐related traits play the most important role for poor sleep, compared to other personality traits, and may partially account for genetic associations with other traits.
Aquaponic production of strawberries: Influence of boron and media on their mineral and sugar composition
Authors: Romano Nicholas 
Published: April 2023

AbstractStrawberries can fetch high market prices, but this is often based on their sweetness. Previous studies have shown that sugar content in fruits is elevated by boron (B), but this has not been tested on strawberries in an aquaponic system. In this study, strawberries were aquaponically cultured with or without B supplementations and with or without media (2 × 2 factorial design) over 2 months. Each of the six identical aquaponic units contained 30 catfish juveniles (initial weight = 2.1 g) and two plant culture units; one with a floating raft (without media) and one with expanded lava rock (with media). Borax was the source of B, which was weekly added at 0.01 mg/L. Water quality and fish growth were unaffected by B additions. Total number of strawberries and their total weights were unaffected by B or media. Media caused strawberries to be individually heavier with higher sodium, iron and moisture but significantly less glucose and fructose. Supplementations of B significantly increased and decreased the B and zinc content of strawberries, respectively, as well as causing significantly shorter roots. Growing strawberries with or without media in an aquaponic system provided different advantages but B supplementations appeared unnecessary and may have caused some toxicity to the strawberries.
Lethal and repellent effect of amitraz, eugenol and thymol against Triatoma infestans, the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi in the southern of America
Authors: Dadé Martín M. , Daniele Martin , Reyes‐Novelo Enrique , Rodriguez‐Vivas Roger I. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe lethal and repellent effect of the synthetic insecticide amitraz and the botanical insecticides eugenol and thymol separately and together in binary mixtures was tested against late‐stage nymphs of a susceptible strain of Triatoma infestans, the main vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease, in the Southern Cone of America. For the lethality study, the LD50 was determined for each insecticide alone and in binary mixture by topical application. The combination index (CI) was established to quantify interactions occurring between the insecticides. The repellent effect was tested using the area preference technique. The lethal effect of amitraz was 11 and 34 times more potent than that of thymol and eugenol, respectively. Only the combination of eugenol and amitraz at high concentrations showed a synergistic effect (CI: 0.3). The repellent activity of monoterpenes after 30 min of exposure was significant at 780 and 78 μg/cm2 for eugenol and thymol, respectively. The residual repellent effect of eugenol lasted for one week at the concentrations of 1170 and 1560 μg/cm2, whereas thymol managed to retain its repellent effect for two weeks at concentrations of 1560 and 3900 μg/cm2.
Randomized controlled pilot study assessing fructose tolerance during fructose reintroduction in non‐constipated irritable bowel syndrome patients successfully treated with a low FODMAP diet
Authors: Cuff Callie , Lin Lisa D. , Mahurkar‐Joshi Swapna , Jacobs Jonathan P. , Lagishetty Venu , Jaffe Nancee , Smith Janelle , Dong Tien , Sohn Jessica , Chang Lin 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundLimited data exist to guide FODMAP (fermentable oligo‐, di‐, monosaccharides, and polyols) reintroduction to assess tolerance following a low FODMAP diet (LFD). Fructose reintroduction is often stepwise up to 7.5 g fructose (e.g., three tsp of honey). We aimed to determine the fructose tolerance threshold in non‐constipated, LFD‐responsive patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and assess whether stool microbiome predicted LFD response or fructose tolerance.MethodsThirty‐nine non‐constipated IBS patients (51% women, mean age 33.7 years) completed a 4‐week LFD. LFD responders were defined as those who reported adequate relief of IBS symptoms following the LFD. Responders were randomized to one of the three solution groups (100% fructose, 56% fructose/44% glucose, or 100% glucose) and received four doses (2.5, 5, 10, 15 g) for 3 days each. Patients reached their tolerance dose if their mean daily IBS symptom severity (visual analog scale [VAS], 0–100 mm) was >20 mm higher than post‐LFD VAS. Stool samples before and after LFD were analyzed using shotgun metagenomics.ResultsSeventy‐nine percent of patients were LFD responders. Most responders tolerated the 15 g sugar dose. There was no significant difference in mean dose tolerated between solution groups (p = 0.56). Compared to baseline, microbiome composition (beta diversity) significantly shifted and six bacterial genes in fructose and mannose metabolism pathways decreased after LFD, irrespective of LFD response or the solution group.ConclusionsNon‐constipated, LFD‐responsive IBS patients should be reintroduced to fructose in higher doses than 15 g to assess tolerance. LFD is associated with significant changes in microbial composition and bacterial genes involved in FODMAP metabolism.
Analysis of aquaporins in northern grasses reveal functional importance of Puccinellia nuttalliana PIP2;2 in salt tolerance
Authors: Vaziriyeganeh Maryamsadat , Khan Shanjida , Zwiazek Janusz J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTo better understand the roles of aquaporins in salt tolerance, we cloned PIP2;1, PIP2;2, PIP2;3, PIP1;1, PIP1;3, and TIP1;1 aquaporins from three northern grasses varying is salt tolerance including the halophytic grass Puccinellia nuttalliana, moderately salt tolerant Poa juncifolia, and relatively salt sensitive Poa pratensis. We analysed aquaporin expression in roots by exposing the plants to 0 and 150 mM for 6 days in hydroponic culture. NaCl treatment upregulated several PIP transcripts in P. nuttalliana while decreasing PnuTIP1;1. The PnuPIP2;2 transcripts increased by about six‐fold in P. nuttalliana, two‐fold in Poa juncifolia, and did not change in Poa pratensis. The NaCl treatment enhanced the rate of water transport in yeast expressing PnuPIP2;2 by 56% compared with control. PnuPIP2,2 expression also resulted in a higher Na+ uptake in yeast cells compared with an empty vector suggesting that PnuPIP2;2 may have both water and ion transporting functions. Structural analysis revealed that the transport properties of PnuPIP2;2 could be affected by its unique pore characteristics, which include a combination of hourglass, cylindrical, and increasing diameter conical entrance shape with pore hydropathy of −0.22.
Excellent ultraviolet‐blocking properties of chiral nematic liquid crystals
Authors: Qu Chaofeng , Wang Qingxiu , Zhang Xinyu , Sun Jing , Xu Minxing , Huang Yu , Liu Yongjun 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWe report the evaluation of chiral nematic liquid crystal (CNLC) in blocking ultraviolet (UV). The CNLC was coated on a calcium fluoride substrate to measure the spectral transmittance, which was measured to detect the UV‐blocking effect of CNLC. The results show that CNLC could reduce UVB (290–320 nm) by 99.9% and UVA (320–400 nm) by 95.6%. The barrier effect of cake‐shaped semi‐solidified CNLC microspheres was further investigated, and it was found that cake‐shaped semi‐solidified CNLC microspheres could reduce UVB by 58.2% and UVA by 34.1%. This is due to the chemical absorption property of CNLC, which has UV‐absorbing functional groups such as the benzene rings. And the physical reflection properties of CNLC could periodically reflect a certain wavelength of light. Liquid crystal (LC) is a rich set of soft materials with rod‐like structures widely existing in nature, which is harmless to the human body and environment. Therefore, using CNLC's function of blocking UV, a new sunscreen can be developed.
Provenance discrimination and geodynamics analysis of open and island coasts, South East coast of India: Inference on heavy minerals and hydrodynamics
Authors: Sathish Sathasivam , Kankara Roop Singh , Thanabalan Palanisamy , Arthur James Rathinam 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe coastal sediments contain heavy minerals originating from the offshore and hinterland. We investigated the heavy minerals on different sediment layers of three trenches such as the Dhanushkodi open coast and Manoli island beach in India to identify the pervasiveness and depositional environment of the sediments. The primary objectives of this study are to identify the source rock and to establish the impact of hydrodynamics on the vertical textural trends of heavy mineral distribution. This is in conjunction with sediment deposits. The mineral array consists mainly of ilmenite, sillimanite, garnet, and pyroxene. Both surface and sub‐surface sediments indicate their origin, primarily from metamorphic and igneous rocks. To achieve the goal of the present study, during the low tide time, three shallow‐depth trenches, such as Trench‐1 (Palk Bay Side) and Trench‐2 (Gulf of Mannar side) were dug at Dhanushkodi beach and Trench‐3 excavated at Manoli island beach. The tip of the Dhanushkodi is called Arichalmunai and it is a continuously growing dynamic sandspit whereas Manoli Island has massive reefs with both live and dead corals on its Southern and Northern borders and it includes lagoonal lakes and extensive mudflats. The fine and very fine sand fractions of Trenches 1 and 2 contain a high concentration of ilmenite and sillimanite. Due to high energy sorting by the wave action, Trench 3 contains relatively high concentrations of mineral assemblages with very fine sand particles. Provenance relationships are established based on the mineralogical contents of trench sediments, and the observation of down‐core variation of heavy mineral assemblages implies that they were sourced from various igneous and metamorphic rocks of nearby land areas, such as the East and West coasts of India, as well as the Sri Lankan coast.
Geomorphic and environmental controls on microbial mat fabrics on Little Ambergris Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands
Authors: Stein Nathaniel T. , Grotzinger John P. , Quinn Daven P. , Lingappa Usha F. , Present Theodore M. , Trower Elizabeth J. , Gomes Maya L. , Orzechowski Emily , Cantine Marjorie , Metcalfe Kyle S. , Fischer Woodward W. , Ehlmann Bethany L. , Strauss Justin V. , Knoll Andrew H. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractTo interpret microbially influenced paleoenvironments in the sedimentary record, it is crucial to understand what processes control the development of microbial mats in modern environments. This article reports results from a multiyear study of Little Ambergris Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands, an uninhabited island floored by broad tracts of well‐developed microbial mats on the wind‐dominated and wave‐dominated Caicos Platform. Uncrewed aerial vehicle‐based imaging, differential global positioning system topographic surveys, radiocarbon data, and in situ sedimentological and microbial ecological observations were integrated to identify and quantify the environmental factors that influence the distribution and morphologies of Little Ambergris Cay microbial mats, including their response to large storm events. Based on these data, this study proposes that Little Ambergris Cay initially developed from the accretion and rapid lithification of carbonate sediment delivered by converging wave fronts in the lee of adjacent Big Ambergris Cay. Broad tracts of microbial mats developed during late Holocene time as the interior became restricted due to beach ridge development. Minor elevation differences regulate subaerial exposure time and lead to three categories of microbial mats, differentiated by surface texture and morphology: smooth mats, polygonal mats and blister mats. The surface texture and morphology of the mats is controlled by subaerial exposure time. In addition to elevation, the spatial distribution of mats is largely controlled by hydrodynamics and sediment transport during large storm events. This detailed assessment of the controls on mat formation and preservation at Little Ambergris Cay provides a framework within which to identify and understand the interactions between microbial communities and sediment transport processes in ancient high‐energy carbonate depositional systems.
Fractional exhaled nitric oxide in the assessment of exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction: A multicenter retrospective analysis of UK‐based athletes
Authors: Dickinson John , Gowers William , Sturridge Savannah , Williams Neil , Kippelen Pascale , Simpson Andrew , Jackson Anna , Hull James H. , Price Oliver J. 
Published: April 2023

IntroductionExercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is not only highly prevalent in people with asthma, but can also occur independently, particularly in athletes. Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is an indirect biomarker of type 2 airway inflammation that has an established role in the assessment and management of asthma. The aim was to evaluate the value of FeNO in the assessment of EIB in athletes.MethodMulticenter retrospective analysis. In total, 488 athletes (male: 76%) performed baseline FeNO, and spirometry pre‐ and post‐indirect bronchial provocation via eucapnic voluntary hyperpnea (EVH). Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated for established FeNO thresholds—that is, intermediate (≥25 ppb) and high FeNO (≥40 ppb and ≥ 50 ppb)—and were evaluated against objective evidence of EIB (≥10% fall in FEV1). The diagnostic accuracy of FeNO was calculated using receiver operating characteristics area under the curve (ROC‐AUC).ResultsThirty‐nine percent of the athletes had a post‐EVH fall in FEV1 consistent with EIB. FeNO values ≥25 ppb, ≥40 ppb, and ≥ 50 ppb were observed in 42%, 23%, and 17% of the cohort, respectively. The sensitivity of FeNO ≥25 ppb was 55%, which decreased to 37% and 27% at ≥40 ppb and ≥ 50 ppb, respectively. The specificity of FeNO ≥25 ppb, ≥40 ppb, and ≥ 50 ppb was 66%, 86%, and 89%, respectively. The ROC‐AUC for FeNO was 0.656.ConclusionsFeNO ≥40 ppb provides good specificity, that is, the ability to rule‐in a diagnosis of EIB. However, due to the poor sensitivity and predictive values, FeNO should not be employed as a replacement for indirect bronchial provocation in athletes.
An ecological pedagogy of embeddedness: Theological education for human flourishing
Authors: Tollison Wm. Taylor 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis paper sets forth a proposal for an ecological pedagogy of embeddedness informed by place‐based, challenge‐based, and competency‐based methodologies. While some theological institutions have begun implementing principles from competency‐based models, theological educators have not adequately explored the resources within place‐based and challenge‐based systems. This paper will contribute to the literature on theological education in three distinct ways: first, this proposal will perform the oft‐overlooked task of bringing these three pedagogical models into conversation with one another; second, this proposal will aim the outcomes and effects of the three pedagogical models toward the flourishing of the communities in which institutions are embedded; and third, this proposal will break new ground in its application of these three pedagogical systems to the context of a theological seminary.