bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vegetation restoration measures: Increasing plant height suppresses population densities of plateau pikas
Authors: Wei Wanrong , Yao Xiang , Zhang Yan , Zhen Qiaoyan , Qin Minsen , Tang Zhongmin , Oosthuizen Maria K. , Zhang Weiguo 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPlateau pikas (Ochotona curzoniae) are often regarded as pests when their population densities exceed a certain threshold. Vegetation restoration measures are commonly used for the ecological control of pikas. Nevertheless, it is not known how effective these measures are, and if effective, which factors are responsible for the decline in pika densities. Four commonly used grassland restoration measures: exclosure [E], exclosure/fertilized [EF], exclosure/overseeding [EO], exclosure/fertilization/over‐seeding [EOF], were implemented in grasslands degraded by high densities of pikas, and the pika density (PD) and vegetation traits in each treatment plot were monitored for 4 consecutive years. Neither the PD nor the vegetation composition was affected by any of the vegetation restoration measures within the first year. From the second year onwards, all the vegetation restoration measures had a significant effect on the vegetation composition and structure, such as an increase in the height, cover, and biomass. All the vegetation restoration measures, except E, had a significant suppressive effect on pika densities as time progressed, with the combination EOF measure having the largest effect. The stepwise regression analysis indicated that the vegetation height is the main factor that determines the PD. Similarly, structural equation modelling showed that vegetation restoration measures reduce PD primarily by increasing vegetation height. This may be because the height of the vegetation is closely correlated to the predation risk of pikas. Our results highlight the importance of vegetation height in pika management, suggesting that the key to successful pika management is to find a sustainable grazing system, which is beneficial to the growth of the dominant graminoids and maintains a high plant diversity for the sustainability of grassland ecosystems.
Perceptions regarding open science appraised by editors of scholarly publications published in Spain
Authors: Melero Remedios , Boté‐Vericad Juan‐José , López‐Borrull Alexandre 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPillars of open science are often included within the editorial policies of scholarly journals, including policies on open access publication, availability of underlying research data, preprints and open peer review. The aim of this paper is to examine and analyse perceptions and editorial practices related to open access, preprints, open research data and open peer review, from the perspective of editors of scientific journals published in Spain, to gain an insight into editorial policies related to open science. Results and data were obtained by a combined method of online interviews and an online questionnaire. The online survey was sent to editors from journals indexed in the Dulcinea directory, which at the time of the study included 1875 academic journals. A total of 420 responses (22.4%) were obtained. The results indicated that 92% of the journals were open access journals, 2% of the journals conducted open peer review, 15% of the journals had instructions to allow archiving preprints, and out of 375 responses, only 59 journals (16%) reported having a policy on underlying research data. Based on these results, there is a trend in favour of open access, but the perceived barriers to open peer review outweighed the advantages. There is also some reluctance to allow preprints to be made available. This concern might be because editors want authors and readers to read and cite the contents published in their journals, rather than their preprint versions.
How can patient partnership help to improve equality as COVID‐19 moves from pandemic to endemic?
Authors: Treagust Natasha 
Published: December 2022

AbstractOne of the stated aims of the National Health Service (NHS) within its constitution is the promotion of equality. However, there is evidence inequality has increased over the last decade and the COVID‐19 pandemic has exacerbated this. The current pressures on healthcare mean that there is a case for a shift in approach as we transition to living with endemic COVID‐19. This article sets out how putting patient partnership front and centre at an individual, systems and national level has the potential to improve equality and assist the NHS in achieving its founding principles.
Comparison of Pimavanserin Versus Quetiapine for Hospitalization and Mortality Risk Among Medicare Beneficiaries with Parkinson's Disease Psychosis
Authors: Alipour‐Haris Golnoosh , Armstrong Melissa J. , Okun Michael , Brown Joshua D. 
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundPimavanserin is currently the only antipsychotic approved for Parkinson's disease (PD) psychosis, yet its relative safety compared with treatment alternatives has not been thoroughly assessed.ObjectivesThis study aimed to compare hospitalization and mortality risk in Medicare beneficiaries with PD receiving new prescriptions of pimavanserin or quetiapine for PD psychosis.MethodsThe study identified new users of pimavanserin and quetiapine from a 15% national sample of Medicare fee‐for‐service claims collected between May 1, 2016, and December 30, 2018. All‐cause hospitalization and mortality were assessed in time‐to‐event regression models. Standardized mortality ratio weighting balanced pimavanserin and quetiapine users on baseline characteristics. Follow‐up was censored at discontinuation, switch, disenrollment, or the end of the study period.ResultsThere were 844 new pimavanserin users and 2505 new quetiapine users. The adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for hospitalization at 30, 90, 180, and 365 days for pimavanserin versus quetiapine users were 0.59 (0.43–0.81), 0.56 (0.44–0.72), 0.63 (0.52–0.77), and 0.70 (0.60–0.83). The most common reasons for hospitalization were traumatic injury and sepsis. Hospitalizations for heart‐related issues were higher with pimavanserin (P < 0.05). The adjusted hazard ratios (95% CIs) for all‐cause mortality at 90, 180, and 365 days for pimavanserin versus quetiapine users were 0.73 (0.48–1.13), 0.80 (0.58–1.10), and 0.94 (0.74–1.19).ConclusionsRisk of hospitalization was lower in pimavanserin users compared with quetiapine, and no difference in mortality was observed between pimavanserin and quetiapine. An active comparator analyses with treatment alternatives provided the most clinically relevant information for patients and physicians.
Effect and mechanism of microRNA‐515‐5p in proliferation and apoptosis of trophoblast cells in preeclampsia via manipulating histone deacetylase 2
Authors: Zhang Ke , Zhang Hailing , Gao Shanshan , Sun Caiping , Wang Bing 
Published: December 2022

AbstractPreeclampsia (PE) refers to a pregnancy‐specific disease that begins with the placenta. Differentially expressed microRNAs (miRs) are a feature of PE. This study tried to elicit the functional mechanism of miR‐515‐5p in trophoblast cell behaviors in PE. First, HTR‐8/SVneo cells were transfected with miR‐515‐5p mimic or miR‐515‐5p inhibitor. Then, relative expression levels of miR‐515‐5p and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) in HTR‐8/SVneo cells were determined by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The potential binding site of miR‐515‐5p and HDAC2 was predicted on Targetscan and their binding relationship was verified via dual‐luciferase assay. Proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration of HTR‐8/SVneo cells were assessed via cell counting kit‐8, flow cytometry, Transwell, and wound healing assays, respectively. Protein levels of Cleaved caspase‐3, Bcl‐2, and Bax were determined via Western blot. Overexpressed miR‐515‐5p impeded proliferation and stimulated apoptosis of HTR‐8/SVneo cells, and decreased levels of Cleaved caspase‐3 and Bax and elevated Bcl‐2, whilst opposite results were observed after miR‐515‐5p inhibition. miR‐515‐5p targeted HDAC2. Knockdown of HDAC2 annulled the promotional action of miR‐515‐5p inhibition on proliferative, invasive, and migratory abilities and its antiapoptotic action on HTR‐8/SVneo cells. In brief, miR‐515‐5p affected the proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, and migration of HTR‐8/SVneo cells by targeting HDAC2.
Generalization of quasi‐steady‐state reconstruction to CEST MRI with two‐tiered RF saturation and gradient‐echo readout—Synergistic nuclear Overhauser enhancement contribution to brain tumor amide proton transfer–weighted MRI
Authors: Sun Phillip Zhe 
Published: December 2022

PurposeWhile amide proton transfer–weighted (APTw) MRI has been adopted in tumor imaging, there are concurrent APT, magnetization transfer, and nuclear Overhauser enhancement changes. Also, the APTw image is confounded by relaxation changes, particularly when the relaxation delay and saturation time are not sufficiently long. Our study aimed to extend a quasi‐steady‐state (QUASS) solution to determine the contribution of the multipool CEST signals to the observed tumor APTw contrast.MethodsOur study derived the QUASS solution for a multislice CEST‐MRI sequence with an interleaved RF saturation and gradient‐echo readout between signal averaging. Multiparametric MRI scans were obtained in rat brain tumor models, including T1, T2, diffusion, and CEST scans. Finally, we performed spinlock model–based multipool fitting to determine multiple concurrent CEST signal changes in the tumor.ResultsThe QUASS APTw MRI showed small but significant differences in normal and tumor tissues and their contrast from the acquired asymmetry calculation. The spinlock model–based fitting showed significant differences in semisolid magnetization transfer, amide, and nuclear Overhauser enhancement effects between the apparent and QUASS CEST MRI. In addition, we determined that the tumor APTw contrast is due to synergistic APT increase (+3.5 ppm) and NOE decrease (−3.5 ppm), with their relative contribution being about one third and two thirds under a moderate B1 of 0.75 μT at 4.7 T.ConclusionOur study generalized QUASS analysis to gradient‐echo image readout and quantified the underlying tumor CEST signal changes, providing an improved elucidation of the commonly used APTw MRI.
SARS‐CoV‐2 and omicron variant detection with a high selectivity, sensitivity, and low‐cost silicon bio‐nanosensor
Authors: Leonardi Antonio Alessio , Sciuto Emanuele Luigi , Lo Faro Maria José , Fazio Barbara , Rizzo Maria Giovanna , Calabrese Giovanna , Francioso Luca , Picca Rosaria , Nastasi Francesco , Mancuso Giuseppe , Spinella Corrado , Knoll Wolfgang , Irrera Alessia , Conoci Sabrina 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe recent SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need for novel point‐of‐care devices to be promptly used for a rapid and reliable large screening analysis of several biomarkers like genetic sequences and antibodies. Currently, one of the main limitations of rapid tests is the high percentage of false negatives in the presence of variants and, in particular for the Omicron one. We demonstrate in this work the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 and the Omicron variant with a cost‐effective silicon nanosensor enabling high sensitivity, selectivity, and fast response. We have shown that a silicon (Si) nanowires (NW) platform detects both Sars‐CoV‐2 and its Omicron variant with a limit of detection (LoD) of four effective copies (cps), without any amplification of the genome, and with high selectivity. This ultrasensitive detection of 4 cps allows to obtain an extremely early diagnosis paving the way for efficient and widespread tracking. The sensor is made with industrially compatible techniques, which in perspective may allow easy and cost‐effective industrialization.
Age at onset of alcohol consumption and its association with alcohol misuse in adulthood
Authors: Kim Soo Y. , Jeong Sung H. , Park Eun‐Cheol 
Published: December 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the association between early age onset of alcohol consumption and alcohol misuse in adulthood.MethodsThe study sample consisted of 16 829 individuals' (8349 males, 8435 females) survey responses obtained from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2016 through 2019. Alcohol dependence was measured using the AUDIT‐C (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test‐Consumption), and the ages at which alcohol consumption began were grouped into four categories: under 16, 16 to 18, 19 to 23, and over 24. Multiple logistic regression was used to examine the association between current alcohol misuse and age at onset of alcohol consumption.ResultsCompared to individuals who started drinking alcohol after the age of 24, those who began drinking alcohol before the age of 16 were more likely to score 8 or more on AUDIT‐C questions (under 16: males, odds ratio [OR] 2.50, confidence interval [CI] 1.97–3.17; females, OR: 1.66, CI: 1.18–2.33). Similar to the main analysis, the earlier the onset of alcohol assumption starts, the more likely one is to develop alcohol misuse in adulthood according to subgroup analysis stratified by independent variables in both gender.ConclusionThe lower the age at the onset of alcohol consumption, the higher the likelihood of alcohol misuse in adulthood. While both males and females showed the same trend in response to the AUDIT‐C questions, males tended to have a stronger association between early onset alcohol consumption and alcohol misuse.
Trends in blood transfusion, hydroxyurea use, and iron overload among children with sickle cell disease enrolled in Medicaid, 2004–2019
Authors: Tang Amy Y. , Zhou Mei , Maillis Alexander N. , Lai Kristina W. , Lane Peter A. , Snyder Angela B. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere have been significant changes in clinical guidelines for sickle cell disease (SCD) over the past two decades, including updated indications for hydroxyurea, transfusions, and iron overload management. In practice however, there are few studies that examine SCD care utilization over time.MethodsWe conducted a serial cross‐sectional cohort study of pediatric SCD patients from 2004 to 2019 using Georgia Medicaid claims data. For each year, we reported receipt of any transfusion, chronic transfusion, or three or more filled hydroxyurea prescriptions. For children receiving chronic transfusion (six or more annual transfusions), we evaluated iron overload diagnosis, monitoring, and chelation use. Among children with sickle cell anemia (SCA), we examined rates of transfusions and hydroxyurea use. The Cochran–Armitage test was used to assess trend.ResultsThere were 5316 unique children 2–18 years old with SCD enrolled in Georgia Medicaid from 2004 to 2019. Children receiving any transfusion increased from 2004 to 2010, then stabilized. In SCA patients, chronic transfusions initially increased from 2004 to 2010, then stabilized from 2010 to 2019. For chronically transfused children, monitoring of iron burden and filled chelator prescriptions both increased significantly. Hydroxyurea use in SCA patients increased from 12% to 37%, with increases noted within each age group, most notably from 21% to 60% in the 13–18‐year‐old cohort.ConclusionWe demonstrated changes in SCD care utilization over time, including increased hydroxyurea use, changes in transfusion rates, and increased attention to iron overload management. While trends in clinical management do follow updates in treatment guidelines, there is still delayed and suboptimal uptake of guideline recommendations in pediatric SCD patients.
Development of chitosan/gelatin/starch composite edible films incorporated with pineapple peel extract and aloe vera gel: Mechanical, physical, antibacterial, antioxidant, and sensorial analysis
Authors: Gürler Nedim 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn this study, chitosan (C)/gelatin(G)/starch(S) composites incorporated pineapple peel extract (PPE) and aloe vera gel (AVG) were prepared by the casting method as antioxidant agents. Mechanical, water vapor permeability (WVP), moisture content, solubility, opacity, and color properties of the effects of PPE and AVG at different concentrations (0%, 10%, and 30%) were investigated. The prepared films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflection (ATR‐FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), mechanical, water barrier, opacity, and color. PPE and AVG extract incorporated edible films improved thermal stability of edible films. Tensile strength decreased with the addition of extracts; the maximum tensile strength was 8.15 MPa for CGS film. The WVP of the films increased with the increasing PPE and AVG concentration. As a biological activity, the films inhibited the growth of gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and gram‐negative bacteria (Escherichia coli). With the addition of PPE and AVG to the CGS film, its antioxidant properties were enhanced. In addition, the prepared films were applied for strawberry coating both in the refrigerator and at room temperature. Consequently, these edible‐coated films can be used for active food packaging/coating to extend the shelf life of fruits.
Fabricated coordinate and ionic bonds in chemically cross‐linked ethylene acrylic elastomer for high‐performing elastomers
Authors: Gao Tianming , Yu Biao , Hui Yonghai , Chen Jing , Chung Kyungho , Wang Sheng , Luo Yongyue 
Published: December 2022

AbstractCovalent bond cross‐link networks endow rubber with unique resiliency enabling it to be widely used as a series of irreplaceable materials in modern life. However, the balance between rigidity and toughness, which is highly desired with the growing demand for high‐performance rubber, remains a significant challenge for covalent bond networks. In this study, magnesium oxide (MgO) was filled in an ethylene acrylic elastomer (AEM) to construct both ionic cluster and coordinate bonds within the framework of a covalent cross‐link network, which significantly improved the properties of AEM. The MgO‐filled AEM was measured through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, using a universal testing machine, dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer, and rubber process analyzer. As the multi‐bond network was successfully constructed, the tensile strength was enhanced by almost 10 times, and unexpected dynamic properties were exhibited with a higher elastic modulus (rigidity) attributed to ionic clusters and a higher loss factor (toughness) attributed to the coordinate bonds. With the efficient enhancement of the mechanical properties, the improved toughness can dissipate energy to preserve the integrity of rubber under the application of an external mechanical force.
The effects of Gymnema Sylvestre supplementation on lipid profile, glycemic control, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Zamani Mohammad , Ashtary‐Larky Damoon , Nosratabadi Saeed , Bagheri Reza , Wong Alexei , Rafiei Mohammad Mahdi , Asiabar Mojtaba Mahdavi , Khalili Pardis , Asbaghi Omid , Davoodi Sayed Hosein 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThere is a growing interest in the considerable health benefits of Gymnema Sylvestre (GS) supplementation, as some studies have reported that it may improve cardiometabolic risk factors. However, the widespread impact of GS supplementation on the parameters mentioned above is not fully resolved. Consequently, this study aimed to examine the effects of GS supplementation on lipid profile, glycemic control, blood pressure, and anthropometric indices in adults. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCT), published up to November 2021, were identified through PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science databases. Six studies were included and analyzed using a random‐effects model to calculate weighted mean differences (WMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). All studies were conducted in adults that used a GC supplement (>1 week) and assessed our selected cardiovascular risk factors. Outcomes revealed that GS supplementation significantly decreased triglyceride (p < .001), total cholesterol (p < .001), low‐density lipoprotein (p < .001), fasting blood sugar (p < .001), and diastolic blood pressure (p = .003). Some limitations, including notable heterogeneity, low quality of studies, and lack of diversity among research participants, should be considered when interpreting our results. Our outcomes suggest that GS supplementation may improve cardiovascular risk factors. Future large‐high‐quality RCTs with longer duration and various populations are needed to firmly establish the clinical efficacy of the plant.
Echinacea purpurea against neuropathic pain: Alkamides versus polyphenols efficacy
Authors: Micheli Laura , Maggini Valentina , Ciampi Clara , Gallo Eugenia , Bogani Patrizia , Fani Renato , Pistelli Luisa , Ghelardini Carla , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , De Leo Marinella , Firenzuoli Fabio 
Published: December 2022

AbstractChemotherapy‐induced neuropathy represents the main dose‐limiting toxicity of several anticancer drugs, such as oxaliplatin, leading to chronic pain and an impairment of the quality of life. Echinacea purpurea n‐hexane extract (EP4–RE; rich in alkamides) and butanolic extract (EP4–RBU; rich in polyphenols) have been characterized and tested in an in vivo model of oxaliplatin‐induced neuropathic pain, addressing the endocannabinoid system with alkamides and counteracting the redox imbalance with polyphenols. Thermal hypersensitivity was evaluated by the Cold Plate test. EP4–RE showed a dose‐dependent anti‐hyperalgesic profile. The extract was more effective than its main constituent, dodeca‐2 E,4 E,8Z,10 E/Z‐tetraenoic acid isobutylamide (18 mg kg−1, twofold to equimolar EP4–RE 30 mg kg−1), suggesting a synergy with other extract constituents. Administration of cannabinoid type 2 (CB2) receptor‐selective antagonist completely blocked the anti‐allodynic effect of EP4–RE, differently from the antagonism of CB1 receptors. EP4–RBU (30 mg kg−1) exhibited anti‐neuropathic properties too. The effect was mainly exerted by chicoric acid, which administered alone (123 μg kg−1, equimolar to EP4–RBU 30 mg kg−1) completely reverted oxaliplatin‐induced allodynia. A synergy between different polyphenols in the extract had not been highlighted. Echinacea extracts have therapeutic potential in the treatment of neuropathic pain, through both alkamides CB2‐selective activity and polyphenols protective properties.
Data learning‐based model‐free adaptive control and application to an NAO robot
Authors: Liu Shida , Li Zhen , Ji Honghai , Hou Zhongsheng , Chen Lu 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn this article, an improved model‐free adaptive control method based on the controller dynamic linearization technique combined with the locally weighted regression‐based lazy learning method (cMFAC‐LL) is presented, and it is applied to solve the path‐tracking control problem for an NAO robot. In the proposed cMFAC‐LL method, two dynamic linearization techniques are first applied on the controlled plant, and then the cMFAC‐LL controller is further designed with the time‐varying parameters estimated using a novel locally weighted regression‐based lazy learning (LWR‐LL) technique. The greatest advantage of the cMFAC‐LL method is that it is a pure data‐driven control method, and the designed controller makes full use of both the online and offline measurement data of the plant. Moreover, the introduction of the local learning (LL) method gives the cMFAC‐LL method strong data learning ability and satisfactory control performance. The stability of cMFAC‐LL is proven via rigorous mathematical analysis. Furthermore, cMFAC‐LL is applied to the path‐tracking control of the NAO robot under different walking environments, by which the applicability of cMFAC‐LL is further verified.