bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustainability in the Sardinian sheep sector: A systems perspective, from good practices to policy
Authors: Atzori Alberto Stanislao , Bayer Lukas , Molle Giovanni , Arca Pasquale , Franca Antonello , Vannini Marco , Cocco Gianluca , Usai Domenico , Duce Pierpaolo , Vagnoni Enrico 
Published: February 2022

Abstract
Three million sheep raised on 10 000 active farms operating in traditional and innovative farming systems in Sardinia, Italy, account for 13% of sheep milk production in the European Union (EU). Almost all of the milk delivered is processed to sheep cheese and is destined for world trade. The Sardinian dairy sheep sector also emits approximately 1600 kt CO2eq/year, approximately 60% of regional livestock greenhouse gas (GHG), prompting the need for regional mitigation plans. The SheepToShip LIFE project (EU-LIFE Climate Change Action 2014–2020) is a regional case study to test emission mitigation strategies. Based on the SheepToShip LIFE findings, this paper presents a systems perspective against the backdrop of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) framework, with the aim of underlining system interlinkages between environmental, societal, and economic objectives. The project included (i) a life cycle thinking approach featuring environmental and socioeconomic traits of 18 sheep farms, (ii) on-farm implementation and demonstration of eco-innovative mitigation techniques indicating the most viable actions to reduce impact, (iii) focus groups discussing beliefs and reactions of the main stakeholders, and (iv) group model building producing a causal loop diagram from a systems thinking approach and exploring insights for regional policy-making that aligns with the SDGs. Causal links connect public interventions and stakeholder interaction (SDG 17) to boost farm eco-innovations (SDGs 9 and 8) and education and farmer training (SDG 4), and they foster efficient production (SDG 12) and high-quality food provisioning (SDG 2). These benefits contribute to climate change mitigation (SDG 13), water quality (SDG 6), and farm ecosystem services (SDG 15). Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1187–1198. © 2022 SETAC
KEY POINTS
The methodological integration of life cycle Assessments and qualitative systems modeling allows an accurate problem definition for complex sustainability challenges. The solutions derived from the introduced methodological journey provides insights for better decision-making.
Sterile inflammation alters neutrophil kinetics in mice
Authors: Alakesh Alakesh , Jothiprakasam Thiruvickraman , Raghavan Jayashree V , Jhunjhunwala Siddharth 
Published: February 2022

AbstractNeutrophils play a crucial role in establishing inflammation in response to an infection or injury, but their production rates, as well as blood and tissue residence times, remain poorly characterized under these conditions. Herein, using a biomaterial implant model to establish inflammation followed by in vivo tracking of newly formed neutrophils, we determine neutrophil kinetics under inflammatory conditions. To obtain quantifiable information from our experimental observations, we develop an ordinary differential equation-based mathematical model to extract kinetic parameters. Our data show that in the presence of inflammation resulting in emergency granulopoiesis-like conditions, neutrophil maturation time in the bone marrow reduces by around 60% and reduced half-life in the blood, compared with noninflammatory conditions. Additionally, neutrophil residence time at the inflammatory site increases by 2-fold. Together, these data improve our understanding of neutrophil kinetics under inflammatory conditions, which could pave the way for therapies that focus on modulating in vivo neutrophil dynamics.
Evolutionary conservation and positive selection of influenza A nucleoprotein CTL epitopes for universal vaccination
Authors: McGee Michael C. , Huang Weishan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractInfluenza (flu) infection is a leading cause of respiratory diseases and death worldwide. Although seasonal flu vaccines are effective at reducing morbidity and mortality, such effects rely on the odds of successful prediction of the upcoming viral strains. Additional threats from emerging flu viruses that we cannot predict and avian flu viruses that can be directly transmitted to humans urge the strategic development of universal vaccination that can protect against flu viruses of different subtypes and across species. Annual flu vaccines elicit mainly humoral responses. Under circumstances when antibodies induced by vaccination fail to recognize and neutralize the emerging virus adequately, virus‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) are the major contributors to the control of viral replication and elimination of infected cells. Our studies exploited the evolutionary conservation of influenza A nucleoprotein (NP) and the fact that NP‐specific CTL responses pose a constant selecting pressure on functional CTL epitopes to screen for NP epitopes that are highly conserved among heterosubtypes but are subjected to positive selection historically. We identified a region on NP that is evolutionarily conserved and historically positively selected (NP137–182) and validated that it contains an epitope that is functional in eliciting NP‐specific CTL responses and immunity that can partially protect immunized mice against lethal dose infection of a heterosubtypic influenza A virus. Our proof‐of‐concept study supports the hypothesis that evolutionary conservation and positive selection of influenza NP can be exploited to identify functional CTL epitope to elicit cross‐protection against different heterosubtypes, therefore, to help develop strategies to modify flu vaccine formula for a broader and more durable protective immunity.
Adverse childhood experiences and mental health in military recruits: Exploring gender as a moderator
Authors: Gottschall Shannon , Lee Jennifer E. C. , McCuaig Edge Heather J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have consistently been associated with adult psychopathology and are commonly reported among military populations, with women more likely to report many types of ACEs than men. Limited research has examined the role of gender in the association between ACEs and mental health in military populations. The current study assessed the significance of gender differences in ACEs and mental health and explored the associations among these variables in a sample of Canadian Armed Forces recruits/officer cadets. Analyses with cross‐sectional Recruit Health Questionnaire (RHQ) data from 50,603 recruits/officer cadets indicated that women were more likely to report witnessing domestic violence, experiencing sexual abuse, and living with someone with mental health problems or alcohol misuse, odds ratios (ORs) = 1.22–4.35, ps < .001. Women were more likely to screen positive for depression, adjusted (aORs) = 1.25–1.49, p < .001–p = .002, and anxiety, aORs = 2.00–2.33, ps < .001, before basic military training. ACEs were associated with screening positive for probable mental health conditions, aORs = 1.54–6.13, p < .001–p = .017. A significant interaction suggested the association between childhood sexual abuse and depression was stronger for men, aOR = 2.49, p < .001, than women, aOR = 1.63, p = .002, as was the association between childhood sexual abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder, men: aOR = 6.06, p < .001, women: aOR = 3.36, p < .001. These results underscore the importance of considering gender and childhood trauma in mental health interventions with military personnel.
Tolerance of azuki bean to herbicides applied preplant for weed control in a strip‐tillage cropping system
Authors: Soltani Nader , Brown Lynette R. , Sikkema Peter H. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractFive field experiments were conducted at Huron Research Station near Exeter, Ontario, Canada, during 2018 to 2020 to assess the tolerance of strip‐till‐grown azuki bean to various preplant (PP) herbicides. The herbicides selected have activity on glyphosate‐resistant (GR) Canada fleabane, an emerging weed biotype in strip‐till azuki bean production. Saflufenacil, metribuzin, 2,4‐D ester, saflufenacil + metribuzin, saflufenacil + 2,4‐D ester, metribuzin + 2,4‐D ester, and saflufenacil + metribuzin + 2,4‐D ester, applied PP 1 week before seeding, at the proposed label rate (1X) and twice that rate (2X) caused as much as 6%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 10%, and 13% visible azuki bean injury. The herbicide‐induced azuki bean injury was transient and had no effect on plant density, aboveground dry biomass, height, maturity, and yield except for the dry biomass which was reduced by 28% with metribuzin + 2,4‐D ester and 36% with saflufenacil + metribuzin + 2,4‐D ester at the 2X rate and azuki bean height which was reduced 9% at the 2X rate with saflufenacil + metribuzin + 2,4‐D ester. Based on these results, saflufenacil, metribuzin, 2,4‐D ester, saflufenacil + metribuzin, saflufenacil + 2,4‐D ester, and metribuzin + 2,4‐D ester applied PP have potential for GR Canada fleabane control in strip‐till azuki beans. However, there is not enough crop safety for using a three‐way tankmix of saflufenacil + metribuzin + 2,4‐D ester, applied PP, in azuki bean production.
Integrating siphonophores into marine food‐web ecology
Authors: Hetherington Elizabeth D. , Damian‐Serrano Alejandro , Haddock Steven H. D. , Dunn Casey W. , Choy C. Anela 
Published: February 2022

AbstractSiphonophores are a clade of understudied colonial hydrozoans (Cnidaria) that are abundant predators in oceanic ecosystems, with species present across the water column. We (1) synthesize current knowledge about siphonophore trophic ecology and predator–prey interactions, (2) analyze siphonophore‐prey networks to compare food‐web topology between shallow and deep‐pelagic habitats, (3) discuss contemporary techniques that will allow for more integrative studies of siphonophore feeding ecology, and (4) and present a vision for future research. We found distinct diet differences between siphonophore species, indicating that siphonophores occupy multiple trophic niches and prey on a diversity of taxa. Our results suggest that siphonophore‐prey networks may be more specialized in the deep pelagic than in the epipelagic, suggesting potential trophic differences between depth habitats. This study highlights niche differentiation and trophic complexity among siphonophores and demonstrates the importance of gelatinous zooplankton in shaping food web structure in pelagic ecosystems.
Rare hypomagnesemia, seizures, and mental retardation in a 4‐month‐old patient caused by novel CNNM2 mutation Tyr189Cys: Genetic analysis and review
Authors: Xu Xiaoyan , Hou Shu , Sun Weiwei , Zhu Jing , Yuan Jinjing , Cui Zhenzhen , Wu De , Tang Jiulai 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundHypomagnesemia, seizures, and mental retardation (HSMR) syndrome is a rare genetic disease. Presently, only 24 cases have been reported and the clinical features of the disease are yet to be fully described, thereby making diagnosis challenging.MethodsTrio‐whole‐exome sequencing was used for the patient and her parents, and the structure of the variant protein was analyzed by molecular dynamics. Finally, the characteristics of HSMR were summarized by reviewing the previous literature.ResultsThe main disease manifestations in the patient were seizures, liver function damage, hypomagnesemia, atrial septal defect, and sinus arrhythmia. A novel mutation in CNNM2 (c.566A>G/p.Tyr189Cys) was identified by genetic detection. The parents were wild type, and the mutation was rated as pathogenic by American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidelines. Ab initio modeling and molecular dynamics simulation show that the mutation destroys the surrounding hydrogen bonds, which may reduce the local stability of the protein structure. In the previous literature, only 24 children with HSMR have been reported, mainly manifested as hypomagnesemia, mental retardation, seizures, and language and motor impairment.ConclusionWe have reported the second case of HSMR in the Chinese population, which further expands the phenotypic spectrum of congenital heart disease and the variation spectrum of CNNM2.
Automated diagnosis of age‐related macular degeneration using multi‐modal vertical plane feature fusion via deep learning
Authors: Chen Menglu , Jin Kai , Yan Yan , Liu Xindi , Huang Xiaoling , Gao Zhiyuan , Wang Yao , Wang Shuai , Ye Juan 
Published: February 2022

AbstractPurposeTo develop a computer‐aided diagnostic (CADx) system of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) through feature fusion between infrared reflectance (IR) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) modalities in order to explore the superiority of multi‐modality CADx system and the optimal feature fusion patterns between multi‐modality inputs.MethodsThis is a dual center retrospective study. We retrospectively collected 2006 pairs of IR and OCT images to develop the algorithms. Two single‐modality models and three multi‐modality models were constructed for the comparison of the diagnostic efficacy. The multi‐modality models were designed utilizing a novel feature fusion method, namely, vertical plane feature fusion (VPFF). The results were validated using an independent external validation dataset and compared by three ophthalmologists.ResultsIn the test set of the ZJU dataset, our best model named OCT_MAIN demonstrated diagnostic efficiency with an overall accuracy of 0.9608 and area under the curve of 0.9944 for the normal category, 0.9659 for the dry AMD category, and 0.9930 for the wet AMD category. The external validation exhibited an overall accuracy of 0.9159. Its diagnostic efficiency was comparable to that of the senior ophthalmologist.ConclusionsThe VPFF method was successfully employed to develop a multi‐modal intelligent diagnostic system for the AMD classification. This is a valuable complement and optimization to the existing CADx system, which reveals a wide application prospect and research potential.
An anatomical pathogenesis of lower urinary tract definitions from the 2002 ICS report symptoms, conditions, syndromes, urodynamics
Authors: Petros Peter , Quaghebeur Jörgen , Wyndaele Jean‐Jacques 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimTo present an anatomical pathogenesis parallel with the 2002 International Continence Society Lower Urinary Tract (LUTS) definitions standardization Report 2002.MethodsEach LUTS section is discussed using the same numbers as the Report.ResultsNormal function Bladder control is binary, with two reflexes alternating, either closure (dominant) or open (micturition), with the same cortical and peripheral components: three directional muscle forces contracting against pubourethral (PUL) and uterosacral (USL) ligaments for closure, two against uterosacral ligaments for micturition. Dysfunction OAB symptoms reflect a prematurely activated micturition; PUL/USL weakness prevents muscle forces from controlling afferent urothelial emptying signals. Stress urinary incontinence is a consequence of weak PULs allowing posterior muscle forces to open the urethra during effort. Lax USLs weaken contractile force of the posterior urethral opening vectors, so detrusor has to contract against an unopened urethra. This is experienced as “obstructive micturition.”ConclusionsAnatomical analysis indicates the ICS definitions are fundamentally sound, except for “OAB” which implies detrusor causation. Minor changes, OAB to “overactivated” bladder allow causation outside of bladder. This construct supports OAB and its component symptoms as a syndrome, as intuited by the Committee, (albeit as a prematurely activated micturition), retains the acronym, explains OAB cure by ligament repair, and incontinence pathogenesis from two post‐2002 syndromes which need an addition to the definitions, Posterior Fornix Syndrome (of which OAB is a component) and Tethered Vagina Syndrome, which is the basis for skin‐grafting cure of the 30%–50% of women who continue leaking urine massively after successful obstetric fistula closure.
Registered Nurses’ experiences of caring for persons with dementia expressing their sexuality
Authors: Nilsson Mari‐Louise , Annersten Gershater Magdalena , Bengtsson Mariette 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundSexuality is an integral part of human beings and persons living with dementia still perceive negative attitudes from caregivers in this regard.AimThis study aimed to explore registered nurses' experiences of caring for persons with dementia living in nursing homes and expressing their sexuality.MethodsA qualitative inductive design was adopted; data were collected through semi‐structured interviews and analysed through content analysis.ResultsThe analysis reflected three categories. (1) Dealing with different reactions and responding to nursing staff and relatives: The registered nurses experienced discomfort, insecurity, frustration, distress and embarrassment when confronted with sexual expressions in people with dementia. (2) Caring with a focus on the person: The registered nurses expressed the importance of protecting the integrity of the person and consequently their right to sexual expressions. (3) Needing more competence development: The registered nurses expressed the need to educate and inform not only themselves but also the nursing staff and relatives.
Prevalence and associated factors of anxiety disorder symptoms among people with epilepsy in Mekelle, Ethiopia, 2019: Institutional‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Seid Jemal , Mebrahtu Kalayu , Andualem Fantahun 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimAnxiety can have a profound influence on the health‐related quality of life of people with epilepsy and caregivers. The study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of anxiety disorder among people with epilepsy.DesignAn institutional‐based cross‐sectional study was conducted.MethodFrom 18 April 2019–30 May 2019, systematically selected 300 peoples with epilepsy were recruited. Anxiety was assessed by using the generalized anxiety disorder‐7 (GAD‐7). The data were entered by using Epi Info and analysed by SPSS version 25.ResultThe prevalence of anxiety was 38.3%. Secondary educational status, medication‐related side effect, substance use history, seizure‐related physical trauma, stress symptoms and a mental illness belief were significantly associated factors. The prevalence of anxiety disorder symptom was high, and it reinforced the need for recognition and treatment of mental disorders in people with epilepsy.
Exosomal miR‐122 promotes adipogenesis and aggravates obesity through the VDR/SREBF1 axis
Authors: Huang Xiao‐Yan , Chen Ji‐Xiong , Ren Yi , Fan Li‐Chun , Xiang Wei , He Xiao‐Jie 
Published: February 2022

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined the effects of miR‐122–enriched exosomes on the expression of vitamin D3 receptor (VDR) and sterol regulatory element‐binding transcription factor 1 (SREBF1) and their roles during adipogenesis.MethodsThe roles of miR‐122, SREBF1, and VDR were investigated during adipogenesis. The relationships between VDR and miR‐122 or SREBF1 were assessed by dual‐luciferase reporter and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The potential role of miR‐122/VDR/SREBF1 was evaluated in high‐fat diet‐induced obese male mice.ResultsHigh levels of miR‐122 were found only in adipose tissue‐derived exosomes (Exo‐AT) and Exo‐AT–treated cells. Overexpression of miR‐122 promoted adipogenesis, and inhibition of miR‐122 prevented adipogenesis by regulating VDR, SREBF1, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma, lipoprotein lipase, and adiponectin. Knockdown of Srebf1 or overexpression of VDR could inhibit adipogenesis. However, exosomal miR‐122 could reverse their inhibitory effects. The dual‐luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed that VDR was a direct target of miR‐122. It could bind to the BS1 region of the SREBF1 promoter and inhibit SREBF1 expression. Moreover, miR‐122 inhibition could alleviate obesity in high‐fat diet‐induced obese male mice, possibly through upregulating the VDR/SREBF1 axis.ConclusionMiR‐122–enriched Exo‐AT promoted adipogenesis by regulating the VDR/SREBF1 axis.
Clinical study of medically compromised patients undergoing tooth extraction while receiving antithrombotic therapy
Authors: Tanimoto Yuki , Hoshino Teruhide , Shin Mayu , Kato Yoshiaki , Takano Masayuki , Katakura Akira 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe frequency of surgical treatments in older adult patients undergoing antithrombotic therapy is increasing; hence, appropriate measures should be undertaken to ensure a safe treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of tooth extraction in patients undergoing antithrombotic therapy and confirm an evidence‐based approach for such procedures based on relevant guidelines.Materials and methodsThis study included 165 patients (184 cases) receiving antithrombotic therapy while undergoing outpatient tooth extraction. Medical records of these patients were examined to obtain data on patients' clinical and demographic characteristics and characteristics of the tooth extraction procedure.ResultsWarfarin was used in 25 patients (26 cases). A total of 26 (33 cases) and 91 (101 cases) patients received direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) and antiplatelet drugs, respectively. Dual antiplatelet therapy with the concomitant use of anticoagulants was administered to 15 (16 cases) patients. Drug therapy was suspended in five cases. A total of 14 cases had post‐extraction bleeding, accounting for 7.1% of the total cases. Among patients with suspended drug administration, only suturing was performed for those taking DOAC.ConclusionsThis study indicated that it is tend to require local hemostatic agents in the patients involving DOACs especially. In addition, we reconfirmed that tooth extraction in patients undergoing antithrombotic therapy should be conducted in compliance with guidelines.
Gamma radiation modification of cassava starch and its characterization
Authors: Tran Minh Quynh , Nguyen Van Binh , Tran Xuan An 
Published: February 2022

AbstractRadiation technology has been recognized as a potential tool to modify starches in order to enhance their solubility and enzymatic digestion, hence improving their applicability in food industry. In the present study, the local cassava starch was irradiated under 60Co gamma source with the absorbed dose ranging from 1 to 10 kGy, and the obtained radiation‐modified starches were characterized. The microstructure of the initial cassava starch was not much changed although several starch granules were deformed or even fragmented by gamma irradiation as observed in the scanning electron microscopy images. Water solubility of the irradiated starch was significantly increased, and their viscosity was much reduced by radiation degradation. Gamma radiation broke glycosidic bonds in starch chains into smaller molecules with lower molecular weight, whereby increased the water solubility of cassava starch. Radiation scission also partly decreased the crystallinity of the starches irradiated with dose higher than 5 kGy as indicated in their X‐ray diffraction patterns. The Fourier transform infrared spectra of irradiated starches revealed the reduction in intensities of stretching vibration characterized for OH, CH, and COC groups of starch molecules. Thus, gamma irradiation can be used to modify cassava starch for further applications.