bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Latitudinal gradients of reproductive traits in Japanese woody plants
Authors: Ulrich Werner , Kusumoto Buntarou , Shiono Takayuki , Fuji Akinori , Kubota Yasuhiro 
Published: October 2022

AbstractLatitudinal gradients in the variability of plant trait expression are insufficiently studied. Here, we infer the expression and variability of major reproductive traits in Japanese angiosperm woody plants using geographical distributions of 773 woody plant species and 4682 grid cells at the 10 × 10 km2 spatial resolution. We focus on flower color, flower size, fruit size, fruit type, seed mass, and dispersal type and relate trait mean values and within cell variability to latitude, forest area and fragmentation, phylogenetic relatedness, and socioeconomic factors. To account for the correlation between variability and mean trait values, we use a recently developed model based on Taylor's power law (TPL). All studied reproductive traits exhibited strong although contrasting latitudinal gradients. Contrary to Gloger's rule, flowers tended to be darker at higher latitudes. Flower sizes increased and fruit and seed sizes decreased at higher latitudes. Color variability increased while variability in fruit size decreased toward higher latitudes. Higher human impact influenced fruit size positively and seed size negatively. We confirmed the usefulness of the TPL in the study of trait variability. We interpret the darker flower colors at higher latitudes as an adaptation to predominant bee pollination and thus as an effect of ecological filtering. Our study does not unequivocally corroborate the hypothesis that color variability within woody plant communities is governed by the intensity of ultraviolet radiation. We interpret the observed latitudinal trends toward higher variation in flower color and size in terms of increased numbers of generalist pollinators at higher latitudes.
Balanced Scorecards: A Relational Contract Approach
Authors: KVALØY OLA , OLSEN TROND E. 
Published: October 2022

ABSTRACTReward systems based on balanced scorecards often connect pay to an index, that is, a weighted sum of multiple performance measures. We show that such an index contract may indeed be optimal if performance measures are nonverifiable so that the contracting parties must rely on self‐enforcement. Under commonly invoked assumptions (including normally distributed measurements), we show that the weights in the index reflect a tradeoff between distortion and precision for the measures. The efficiency of the contract improves with higher precision of the index measure, because this strengthens incentives, and correlations between measurements may for this reason be beneficial. There is a caveat, however, because the index contract is not necessarily optimal for very precise measurements, although it is shown to be asymptotically optimal. We also consider hybrid measurements, and show that the principal may want to include verifiable performance measures in the relational index contract in order to improve incentives, and that this has noteworthy implications for the formal contract.
Risk‐associated single nucleotide polymorphisms of mitochondrial D‐loop mediate imbalance of cytokines and redox in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Zhang Jingnan , Zhang Jingjing , Lai Ruixue , Peng Chenxing , Guo Zhanjun , Wang Cuiju 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundWe have identified rheumatoid arthritis (RA) risk‐associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the mitochondrial displacement loop (D‐loop) including the major alleles of nucleotides 195T/C, 16260C/T, and 16519C/T as well as the minor alleles of nucleotides 146T/C and 150C/T previously.ObjectiveWe evaluated the potential relationships of these SNPs with status for oxidative stress and inflammation cytokines.MethodsThe DNA was extracted from blood samples of RA patients, and the SNPs of DNA D‐loop were verified by polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequence analysis. Serum levels of inflammatory cytokines including interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), IL‐6, IL‐10, and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were determined by cytometric bead array. Plasma reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were measured by fluorescent probe technology.ResultsThe RA risk‐related allele 16519C was significantly associated with high IFN‐γ levels (100.576 ± 11.769 vs 64.268 ± 8.199, 95% confidence interval [CI] –66.317 to –6.299, P = 0.018). This allele also associated with ROS at borderline statistics level (619.295 ± 36.687 vs 526.979 ± 25.896, 95% CI –186.145 to –1.513, P = 0.054). The subsequent analysis also showed that the ROS levels were positively correlated with IFN‐γ levels (R = 0.291, P = 0.002). Further analysis showed that RA patients with high C‐reactive protein levels displayed a higher ROS level (P = 0.001).ConclusionOur results imply that the 16519C allele of the mtDNA D‐loop might promote ROS and IFN‐γ levels by altering the replication and transcription of mtDNA, thereby modifying RA development.RemarkThe potential relationships of RA‐associated SNPs in the mitochondrial D‐loop with status for oxidative stress and inflammation were evaluated. The 16519C allele of the mtDNA D‐loop might promote ROS and IFN‐γ levels by altering the replication and transcription of mtDNA to modify RA development.
Detection of standing retention trees in boreal forests with airborne laser scanning point clouds and multispectral imagery
Authors: Hardenbol Alwin A. , Korhonen Lauri , Kukkonen Mikko , Maltamo Matti 
Published: October 2022

Abstract

In a landscape consisting primarily of intensive forestry interspersed with some protected areas, multifunctional forestry with retention trees can play a crucial role in nature conservation. Accurate mapping of retention trees is important for guiding landscape‐level conservation and forest management and improving landscape connectivity. Sizeable dead and living retention trees play a particularly important ecological role but even their large‐scale inventory is often intensive through field work and/or inaccurate. We aimed to detect and classify retention trees using the novel nationwide Finnish airborne laser scanning (ALS) data (~5 pulses/m2) in conjunction with unrectified colour‐infrared (CIR) aerial imagery.

Applying photogrammetric principles, we added spectral information from the CIR imagery to the ALS‐derived point cloud. For a training dataset of 160 retention trees from 19 stands and a geographically separate validation dataset of 79 trees from eight stands, we segmented trees via individual tree detection (ITD), removed most trees belonging to the regenerating vegetation layer, and classified trees into living conifers, living broadleaves and dead trees by linear discriminant analysis.

The detection rate via ITD differed considerably for dead and living trees, with 41.7% of all dead and 83.8% of all living trees being detected with relatively low commission error rates. Dead trees with smaller diameters and heights were more likely missed, while grouping caused living tree omission. For classification into living conifers, living broadleaves and dead trees, an overall accuracy of 67.3% was achieved in training and 71.2% in validation using only ALS‐derived metrics. When adding spectral metrics, the overall accuracies were 79.6% and 61.0% for training and validation respectively.

Our findings imply that wall‐to‐wall large‐scale high density ALS data can be used to detect retention trees rather accurately—even larger dead trees—and that metrics derived solely from ALS data can accurately classify detected retention trees into living conifers, living broadleaves and dead trees. Considering the ecological value of retention trees, our results are promising and indicate that ALS data of the studied pulse density are a cost‐effective option for large area mapping of retention trees in countries with such data available.
Effect of QMix as final irrigation protocol on periapical healing after single‐visit root canal treatment: A randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Sapmaz Ucan Cemre , Dumani Aysin , Unal Ilker , Yilmaz Sehnaz , Yoldas Oguz 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate radiographic periapical repair after endodontic treatment using QMix or NaOCl irrigation in single‐rooted teeth with apical periodontitis. In this randomised clinical trial, 60 patients were selected and randomised into two groups (n = 30). After instrumentation of root canals, QMix or NaOCl was used as a final irrigation and the canals obturated with gutta‐percha and AH Plus sealer. All the participants were recalled after 12 months and 15 patients were lost to the study so 45 patients were evaluated radiographically according to periapical index (PAI) scores. A significant decrease was seen in PAI scores after 1 year in all patients (p < 0.001). In the QMix and NaOCl group, absence or reduction of radiolucency was observed in 23 of 25 teeth (92%) and 20 of 20 teeth (100%), respectively. There was no significant difference between two groups according to the decrease in PAI score (p = 0.508). Root canal treatments with or without QMix irrigation contributed equally to periapical healing.
Validation of updated antenatal vaginal birth after caesarean section prediction model without race and ethnicity in Australia
Authors: Liu Cathy Zhenao , Mahomed Kassam 
Published: October 2022

BackgroundThe Grobman antenatal nomogram to predict likelihood of successful vaginal birth after caesarean section (VBAC) has been validated in multiple institutions. However, due to concerns regarding inclusion of ethnicity, a new nomogram has been developed.AimThe aim was to evaluate the efficacy of the updated Grobman nomogram without ethnicity in a regional hospital in Australia.Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of women electing to have a VBAC at a regional hospital over a nine‐year period. Maternal demographics and obstetric outcomes were collected. Women were assigned a predicted likelihood of successful VBAC using the updated Grobman nomogram, with variables such as age, pre‐pregnancy weight, height and arrest disorder as indications for previous caesarean birth, previous vaginal birth, previous VBAC and treated chronic hypertension. The predicted likelihood of successful VBAC was compared with actual successful VBAC rates.ResultsA total of 541 women attempted VBAC with a VBAC success rate of 74.3% (402/541). The nomogram demonstrated good fit, with a receiver operating curve area under the curve of 0.707 (95% confidence interval 0.659–0.755). Using a cut‐off value of 0.5, the success rate of classification with this model was 74.3%. On comparing each predicted decile, the nomogram performed poorly in those predicted to have a <40% chance of successful VBAC.ConclusionsThis study confirms the use of the updated Grobman nomogram without ethnicity, alongside usual counselling, to provide individualised advice for informed decision‐making. However, clinicians should be mindful of the limitation of poor accuracy in women with a low predicted probability of VBAC.
Does intra‐operative humidification with warmed CO2 reduce surgical site infection in open colorectal surgery? A randomized control trial
Authors: Arachchi Asiri , Lee Alice , Metlapalli Manisha , Antoniou Ellathios , Rajan Ruben , Narasimhan Vignesh , Rajagopalan Ashray , Key Seraphina , Teoh William M. K. , Nguyen Thang Chien , Lim James Tow‐Hing , Chouhan Hanumant , Waxman Bruce P. , Smith Julian A. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackgroundsSurgical site infections (SSI) are a significant cause of postoperative morbidity and mortality, contributing to a considerable financial burden on the healthcare system. Insufflation of the open surgical wound with warm, humidified carbon dioxide (CO2) is a novel measure aimed to reduce SSI. The local atmosphere of warm, humidified CO2 within the open surgical wound is proposed to decrease airborne contamination, bacterial growth, desiccation, and heat loss while improving tissue oxygenation and perfusion. This randomized controlled trial evaluates the impact of the HumiGard™ surgical humidification system on the incidence of SSI in patients undergoing open colorectal surgery.MethodsWe conducted a multi‐site single‐blinded randomized control trial on patients undergoing elective or emergency laparotomy at a single tertiary Colorectal Surgery service. The primary outcome measure was the incidence of SSI, with secondary outcomes including ICU length of stay (LOS), total LOS and mean core temperature.ResultsPatients who received HumiGard™ had a lower incidence of SSI, although this did not reach statistical significance (4.5% for treatment group versus 13.0% for control group; P = 0.092). There was no significant difference in ICU LOS or total LOS between cohorts. The HumiGard™ group had a higher mean core temperature than the control at the end of surgery (P < 0.001).ConclusionThe present study could not confirm that utilization of warm, humidified CO2 with HumiGard™ reduces SSI in open colorectal surgery. Further research is indicated to validate and extend these findings.
Population pharmacokinetics and dosing regimen optimization of levetiracetam in epilepsy during pregnancy
Authors: Li Ying , Wang Ming‐Lu , Guo Yang , Cao Yun‐Feng , Zhao Ming‐Ming , Zhao Li‐Mei 
Published: October 2022

AimsThe pharmacokinetics of levetiracetam (LEV) significantly changed during pregnancy. It is a great challenge to predict the adjusted doses of LEV to reach the preconception target concentrations. This study aimed to establish a population pharmacokinetic model of LEV in women with epilepsy (WWE) during pregnancy to analyse the factors of pharmacokinetic variability and to develop a model‐based individualized dosing regimen.MethodsA total of 166 concentration–time points from 37 WWE during pregnancy treated with LEV were collected to analyse LEV pharmacokinetics with nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling. The dosing regimen was optimized by Monte Carlo simulations based on the final model.ResultsThe LEV pharmacokinetics in pregnant WWE were best described by a 1‐compartment model of first‐order absorption and elimination. The population typical value of apparent clearance (CL/F) in the final model was estimated to be 3.82 L/h (95% confidence interval 3.283–4.357 L/h) with a relative standard error of 7.2%. Both total body weight (TBW) and trimester of pregnancy were significantly associated with LEV‐CL/F during pregnancy; LEV‐CL/F increased by 42.72% when TBW increased from 55 to 65 kg from the first trimester to the second trimester. Monte Carlo simulations showed that dosing regimens for LEV should be individualized based on the patient's TBW and trimester of pregnancy to maximize the likelihood of achieving the therapeutic range.ConclusionThis first population pharmacokinetic study of LEV in WWE during pregnancy supports the use of a weight‐based and pregnancy‐based dosing regimen and can lay a foundation for further optimizing the individualized dosing regimens.
Antimicrobial efficiency and cytocompatibility of different decontamination methods on titanium and zirconium surfaces
Authors: Stein Jamal M. , Conrads Georg , Abdelbary Mohamed M. H. , Yekta‐Michael Sareh Said , Buttler Patricia , Glock Joanna , Sadvandi Gelareh , Kaufmann Robert , Apel Christian 
Published: October 2022

AbstractObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to investigate the efficiency of different implant‐decontamination methods regarding biofilm modification and potential cytotoxic effects. Therefore, the amount of biofilm reduction, cytocompatibility, and elementary surface alterations were evaluated after decontamination of titanium and zirconium surfaces.Material and MethodsTitanium and zirconium disks were contaminated with a newly developed high‐adherence biofilm consisting of six microbial species. Decontaminations were performed using titanium curette, stainless steel ultrasonic scaler (US), glycine (GPAP) and erythritol (EPAP) powder air‐polishing, Er:YAG laser, 1% chlorhexidine (CHX), 10% povidone‐iodine (PVI), 14% doxycycline (doxy), and 0.95% NaOCl solution. Microbiologic analysis was done using real‐time qPCR. For assessment of cytocompatibility, a multiplex assay for the detection of cytotoxicity, viability, and apoptosis on human gingival fibroblasts was performed. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to evaluate chemical alterations on implant surfaces.ResultsCompared with untreated control disks, only GPAP, EPAP, US, and Er:YAG laser significantly reduced rRNA counts (activity) on titanium and zirconium (p < .01), whereas NaOCl decreased rRNA count on titanium (p < .01). Genome count (bacterial presence) was significantly reduced by GPAP, EPAP, and US on zirconium only (p < .05). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses revealed relevant re‐exposure of implant surface elements after GPAP, EPAP, and US treatment on both materials, however, not after Er:YAG laser application. Cytocompatibility was impaired by CHX, PVI, doxy, and NaOCl. CHX and PVI resulted in the lowest viability and doxy in the highest apoptosis.ConclusionsWithin the limits of this in vitro study, air‐polishing methods and ultrasonic device resulted in effective biofilm inactivation with surface re‐exposure and favorable cytocompatibility on titanium and zirconium. Chemical agents, when applied on implant surfaces, may cause potential cytotoxic effects.
Automated machine learning‐based model for the prediction of delirium in patients after surgery for degenerative spinal disease
Authors: Zhang Yu , Wan Dong‐Hua , Chen Min , Li Yun‐Li , Ying Hui , Yao Ge‐Liang , Liu Zhi‐Li , Zhang Guo‐Mei 
Published: October 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study used machine learning algorithms to identify critical variables and predict postoperative delirium (POD) in patients with degenerative spinal disease.MethodsWe included 663 patients who underwent surgery for degenerative spinal disease and received general anesthesia. The LASSO method was used to screen essential features associated with POD. Clinical characteristics, preoperative laboratory parameters, and intraoperative variables were reviewed and were used to construct nine machine learning models including a training set and validation set (80% of participants), and were then evaluated in the rest of the study sample (20% of participants). The area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUROC) and Brier scores were used to compare the prediction performances of different models. The eXtreme Gradient Boosting algorithms (XGBOOST) model was used to predict POD. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) package was used to interpret the XGBOOST model. Data of 49 patients were prospectively collected for model validation.ResultsThe XGBOOST model outperformed the other classifier models in the training set (area under the curve [AUC]: 92.8%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 90.7%–95.0%), validation set (AUC: 87.0%, 95% CI: 80.7%–93.3%). This model also achieved the lowest Brier Score. Twelve vital variables, including age, serum albumin, the admission‐to‐surgery time interval, C‐reactive protein level, hypertension, intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative minimum blood pressure, cardiovascular‐cerebrovascular disease, smoking, alcohol consumption, pulmonary disease, and admission‐intraoperative maximum blood pressure difference, were selected. The XGBOOST model performed well in the prospective cohort (accuracy: 85.71%).ConclusionA machine learning model and a web predictor for delirium after surgery for the degenerative spinal disease were successfully developed to demonstrate the extent of POD risk during the perioperative period, which could guide appropriate preventive measures for high‐risk patients.
Blocking connexin 43 hemichannel‐mediated ATP release reduces communication within and between tubular epithelial cells and medullary fibroblasts in a model of diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Williams Bethany M. , Cliff Chelsy L. , Demirel Isak , Squires Paul E. , Hills Claire E. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractIntroductionFibrosis of renal tubules is the final common pathway in diabetic nephropathy and develops in the face of tubular injury and fibroblast activation. Aberrant connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannel activity has been linked to this damage under euglycaemic conditions, however, its role in glycaemic injury is unknown. This study investigated the effect of a Cx43 blocker (Tonabersat) on hemichannel activity and cell–cell interactions within and between tubular epithelial cells and fibroblasts in an in vitro model of diabetic nephropathy.MethodsHuman kidney (HK2) proximal tubule epithelial cells and medullary fibroblasts (TK173) were treated in low (5 mM) or high (25 mM) glucose ± transforming growth factor beta‐1 (TGFβ1) ± Tonabersat in high glucose. Carboxyfluorescein dye uptake and ATPlite luminescence assessed changes in hemichannel‐mediated ATP release, while immunoblotting determined protein expression. Co‐incubation with the ATP‐diphosphohydrolase apyrase or a P2X7R inhibitor (A438079) assessed ATP‐P2X7R signalling. Indirect co‐culture with conditioned media from the alternate cell type evaluated paracrine‐mediated heterotypic interactions.ResultsTonabersat partially negated glucose/TGFβ1‐induced increases in Cx43 hemichannel‐mediated ATP release and downstream changes in adherens junction and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression in HK2 and TK173 cells. Apyrase and A438079 highlighted the role for ATP‐P2X7R in driving changes in protein expression in TK173 fibroblasts. Indirect co‐culture studies suggest that epithelial cell secretome increases Tonabersat‐sensitive hemichannel‐mediated dye uptake in fibroblasts and downstream protein expression.ConclusionTonabersat‐sensitive hemichannel‐mediated ATP release enhances TGFβ1‐driven heterotypic cell–cell interaction and favours myofibroblast activation. The data supports the potential benefit of Cx43 inhibition in reducing tubulointerstitial fibrosis in late‐stage diabetic nephropathy.
Mutations in MYO9B are associated with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 2 neuropathies and isolated optic atrophy
Authors: Cipriani Silvia , Guerrero‐Valero Marta , Tozza Stefano , Zhao Edward , Vollmer Veith , Beijer Danique , Danzi Matt , Rivellini Cristina , Lazarevic Dejan , Pipitone Giovanni Battista , Grosz Bianca Rose , Lamperti Costanza , Marzoli Stefania Bianchi , Carrera Paola , Devoto Marcella , Pisciotta Chiara , Pareyson Davide , Kennerson Marina , Previtali Stefano C. , Zuchner Stephan , Scherer Steven S. , Manganelli Fiore , Bähler Martin , Bolino Alessandra 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeCharcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) is a heterogeneous group of disorders caused by mutations in at least 100 genes. However, approximately 60% of cases with axonal neuropathies (CMT2) still remain without a genetic diagnosis. We aimed at identifying novel disease genes responsible for CMT2.MethodsWe performed whole exome sequencing and targeted next generation sequencing panel analyses on a cohort of CMT2 families with evidence for autosomal recessive inheritance. We also performed functional studies to explore the pathogenetic role of selected variants.ResultsWe identified rare, recessive variants in the MYO9B (myosin IX) gene in two families with CMT2. MYO9B has not yet been associated with a human disease. MYO9B is an unconventional single‐headed processive myosin motor protein with signaling properties, and, consistent with this, our results indicate that a variant occurring in the MYO9B motor domain impairs protein expression level and motor activity. Interestingly, a Myo9b‐null mouse has degenerating axons in sciatic nerves and optic nerves, indicating that MYO9B plays an essential role in both peripheral nervous system and central nervous system axons, respectively. The degeneration observed in the optic nerve prompted us to screen for MYO9B mutations in a cohort of patients with optic atrophy (OA). Consistent with this, we found compound heterozygous variants in one case with isolated OA.ConclusionsNovel or very rare variants in MYO9B are associated with CMT2 and isolated OA.