bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultra‐high frequency ultrasound detection of the dermo‐epidermal junction: Its potential role in dermatology
Authors: Granieri Giammarco , Oranges Teresa , Morganti Riccardo , Janowska Agata , Romanelli Marco , Manni Elisabetta , Dini Valentina 
Published: August 2022

AbstractTraditional high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS; 20 MHz) is a non‐invasive method used to study skin in vivo but is not able to measure skin thickness accurately and to identify the dermal‐epidermal junction (DEJ). Ultra‐high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS; 70–100 MHz) has sub‐millimetre resolution comparable to histology. The aim of this study was to identify, by UHFUS, the DEJ and to describe skin differences in healthy individuals by providing a measure of skin thickness, based on age and gender. We also described the bullous pemphigoid lesion. We enrolled 42 patients divided into 2 groups: A and B. Group A included 32 healthy volunteers aged 22–74 years. Group B consisted of 10 patients with bullous pemphigoid. For each patient in group A, 8 ultrasound (US) clips by 70 MHz probe were performed at forehead, cheek, nose, forearm, abdomen, chest, back and leg. For each patient in group B, 5 US images were acquired at blisters roofs and edges. In each US image, we measured thickness of stratum corneum (α‐β), epidermis (α‐γ) and epidermis plus dermis (α‐δ). In both groups, we found the presence of 4 lines delimiting: the stratum corneum (the layer between α‐line and β‐line), the epidermis (distance between α‐ and γ‐line), and the boundary between dermis and subcutis (δ‐line). The γ‐line corresponds to the point of detachment of the bullae. The abdominal α‐β layer was thicker in males (p = 0.019) and α‐δ thickness at cheeks (p < 0.001), chest (p = 0.007), back (p = 0.025) and forearm (p < 0.001). In females, α‐γ thickness of the back was greater (p = 0.005). In old people compared to young, we noticed an increase of α‐β layer at forehead and chest (p = 0.014), an increase of α‐γ layer at forearm (p = 0.001), back (p = 0.024) and leg (p = 0.010) and an increase of α‐δ layer at forehead (p = 0.001) and nose (p = 0.049). UHFUS is an advanced imaging technique that can detect both the DEJ and the boundary between dermis and subcutaneous tissue so that epidermal and dermal thickness can be measured with good accuracy. Regarding gender and age, skin differences obtained with UHFUS were comparable to other non‐invasive methods.
The global decline in the sensitivity of vegetation productivity to precipitation from 2001 to 2018
Authors: Zeng Xiang , Hu Zhongmin , Chen Anping , Yuan Wenping , Hou Guolong , Han Daorui , Liang Minqi , Di Kai , Cao Ruochen , Luo Dengnan 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe sensitivity of vegetation productivity to precipitation (Sppt) is a key metric for understanding the variations in vegetation productivity under changing precipitation and predicting future changes in ecosystem functions. However, a comprehensive assessment of Sppt over all the global land is lacking. Here, we investigated spatial patterns and temporal changes of Sppt across the global land from 2001 to 2018 with multiple streams of satellite observations. We found consistent spatial patterns of Sppt with different satellite products: Sppt was highest in dry regions while low in humid regions. Grassland and shrubland showed the highest Sppt, and evergreen needle‐leaf forest and wetland showed the lowest. Temporally, Sppt showed a generally declining trend over the past two decades (p < .05), yet with clear spatial heterogeneities. The decline in Sppt was especially noticeable in North America and Europe, likely due to the increase in precipitation. In central Russia and Australia, however, Sppt showed an increasing trend. Biome‐wise, most ecosystem types exhibited significant decrease in Sppt, while grassland, evergreen broadleaf forest, and mixed forest showed slight increases or non‐significant changes in Sppt. Our finding of the overall decline in Sppt implies a potential stabilization mechanism for ecosystem productivity under climate change. However, the revealed Sppt increase for some regions and ecosystem types, in particular global grasslands, suggests that grasslands might be increasingly vulnerable to climatic variability with continuing global climate change.
Near‐net‐size preparation of porous mullite matrix ceramics with in situ formed 3D mullite whisker network
Authors: Yan Hao , Chen Shile , Lang Ying , Wei Hongkang , Tian Chuanjin , Wang Chang‐An 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPorous mullite matrix ceramics have excellent thermal and mechanical properties suitable for applications such as in thermal insulation. However, their applications are limited by processing defects from nonuniform sintering shrinkage and the trade‐off between high porosity (preferred for low thermal conductivity) and high mechanical strength. Herein, we seek to minimize the sintering shrinkage by near‐net‐size preparation and improve the strength by in situ formed whisker network structure. Gelcasting forming technology and pressureless sintering were used to prepare porous mullite matrix ceramics using kyanite and α‐Al2O3 powders as the starting materials and using MoO3 to promote the growth of mullite whiskers. The results showed that the sintering shrinkage could be compensated by the volume expansion from solid‐state reaction during reaction sintering. The in situ formed three‐dimensional (3D) whisker network further reduced sintering shrinkage and effectively improved the strength of the ceramics. An ultralow sintering shrinkage of .78% was achieved. The near‐net‐shape porous mullite matrix ceramics strengthened by 3D whisker network had a high porosity of 63.9%, a high compressive strength of 83.8 MPa and a high flexural strength of 53.5 MPa.
Population‐based hospitalization burden estimates for respiratory viruses, 2015–2019
Authors: Zimmerman Richard K. , Balasubramani G. K. , D'Agostino Helen E. A. , Clarke Lloyd , Yassin Mohamed , Middleton Donald B. , Silveira Fernanda P. , Wheeler Nicole D. , Landis Jonathan , Peterson Alanna , Suyama Joe , Weissman Alexandra , Nowalk Mary Patricia 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundAcute respiratory infections (ARIs) result in millions of illnesses and hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations annually in the United States. The responsible viruses include influenza, parainfluenza, human metapneumovirus, coronaviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and human rhinoviruses. This study estimated the population‐based hospitalization burden of those respiratory viruses (RVs) over 4 years, from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2019, among adults ≥18 years of age for Allegheny County (Pittsburgh), Pennsylvania.MethodsWe used population‐based statewide hospital discharge data, health system electronic medical record (EMR) data for RV tests, census data, and a published method to calculate burden.ResultsAmong 26,211 eligible RV tests, 67.6% were negative for any virus. The viruses detected were rhinovirus/enterovirus (2552; 30.1%), influenza A (2,299; 27.1%), RSV (1082; 12.7%), human metapneumovirus (832; 9.8%), parainfluenza (601; 7.1%), influenza B (565; 6.7%), non‐SARS‐CoV‐2 coronavirus (420; 4.9% 1.5 years of data available), and adenovirus (136; 1.6%). Most tests were among female (58%) and White (71%) patients with 60% of patients ≥65 years, 24% 50–64 years, and 16% 18–49 years. The annual burden ranged from 137–174/100,000 population for rhinovirus/enterovirus; 99–182/100,000 for influenza A; and 56–81/100,000 for RSV. Among adults <65 years, rhinovirus/enterovirus hospitalization burden was higher than influenza A; whereas the reverse was true for adults ≥65 years. RV hospitalization burden increased with increasing age.ConclusionsThese virus‐specific ARI population‐based hospital burden estimates showed significant non‐influenza burden. These estimates can serve as the basis for several areas of research that are essential for setting funding priorities and guiding public health policy.
Risk for intellectual disability populations in inpatient forensic settings in the United Kingdom: A literature review
Authors: Quinn Sam , Rhynas Sarah , Gowland Susan , Cameron Lois , Braid Nicola , O′Connor Siobhán 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundPeople with an intellectual disability who commit a criminal offence can be detained, by a court, in a forensic inpatient facility. There is limited understanding of how inpatients with an intellectual disability and their nurses navigate risk in U.K. forensic services.MethodsA traditional literature review design was followed to map evidence (2000–2021) around the forensic and health and wellbeing risks faced by inpatients with an intellectual disability, nurses' perceptions of managing risk, and patient experiences of informing risk assessment and management. Papers were analysed thematically.ResultsFindings suggest that restrictive measures to mitigate forensic risks (e.g., violence) can exacerbate the risk of poor health and wellbeing outcomes. There was some limited evidence of direct patient involvement in risk assessment and management.ConclusionFurther research is required to explore how forensic inpatients with an intellectual disability can have input in care planning, risk assessment and management.
Hoisted with his own petard: How sex‐ratio meiotic drive in Drosophila affinis creates resistance alleles that limit its spread
Authors: Ma Wen‐Juan , Knoles Emma M. , Patch Kistie B. , Shoaib Murtaza M. , Unckless Robert L. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractMeiotic drivers are selfish genetic elements that tinker with gametogenesis to bias their own transmission into the next generation of offspring. Such tinkering can have significant consequences on gametogenesis and end up hampering the spread of the driver. In Drosophila affinis, sex‐ratio meiotic drive is caused by an X‐linked complex that, when in males with a susceptible Y chromosome, results in broods that are typically more than 95% female. Interestingly, D. affinis males lacking a Y chromosome (XO) are fertile and males with the meiotic drive X and no Y produce only sons—effectively reversing the sex‐ratio effect. Here, we show that meiotic drive dramatically increases the rate of nondisjunction of the Y chromosome (at least 750X), meaning that the driver is creating resistant alleles through the process of driving. We then model how the O might influence the spread, dynamics and equilibrium of the sex‐ratio X chromosome. We find that the O can prevent the spread or reduce the equilibrium frequency of the sex‐ratio X chromosome, and it can even lead to oscillations in frequency. Finally, with reasonable parameters, the O is unlikely to lead to the loss of the Y chromosome, but we discuss how it might lead to sex‐chromosome turnover indirectly.
Otoliths suggest lifespans more than 30 years for free‐living bowfin Amia calva: Implications for fisheries management in the bowfishing era
Authors: Lackmann Alec R. , Bielak‐Lackmann Ewelina S. , Butler Malcolm G. , Clark Mark E. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe bowfin Amia calva is an amiid (Amiiformes) relict native to North America. It is the last surviving member of the Halecomorphi, a group of fishes that evolved more than 250 million years ago. Despite the phylogenetic significance of the amiids in vertebrate evolution, little has been published about their age and growth. Recreational bowfin harvest is currently unregulated throughout most of the USA, yet new recreational fisheries are emerging. As such, bowfin are increasingly harvested by sport bowfishing without limit, in addition to their growing commercial harvest for caviar. From 2017 to 2021 we studied a total of 81 bowfin from 11 populations across the east–west gradient of Minnesota within a narrow latitudinal margin (<50 km) of the 46th parallel north. We compared the allometry and translucence of bowfin asteriscus, lapillus and sagittal otoliths and found the lapillus otoliths provide consistent readability for age estimation despite being the smallest of the set. Size‐at‐age data derived from otoliths indicated that bowfin are sexually dimorphic in asymptotic length and may live up to 33 years, which is 15 years longer than previously estimated in wild populations, but comparable to what has been reported in captivity. Overall, 28% of the otolith‐aged fish were estimated as older than the previously reported maximum age for wild bowfin populations. Our findings suggest that the bowfin life history may exhibit slower growth, greater longevity, and more variable recruitment than previously recognized, which sets the stage for more otolith‐derived population demographics across their range and age validation study. Our results have direct implications for conservation of bowfin, especially amidst the increasing rates of exploitation during the bowfishing era.
Addressing social and institutional vulnerabilities in the context of flood risk mitigation
Authors: Alves Priscila B. R. , Djordjević Slobodan , Javadi Akbar A. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThere are different perspectives of what constitutes disaster risk. Among the “hazards”‐tradition research, more focus is given to modelling hazards, and less effort is made to understand the vulnerabilities. Considering vulnerabilities as the inherent characteristics of the place that create the potential to harm, this paper highlights the importance of understanding the vulnerabilities of the place before defining actions for flood risk mitigation (FRM). In this sense, a participatory approach, the Project PLANEJEEE, was developed to understand the social and institutional vulnerabilities of FRM in Campina Grande, Brazil. Data was collected with the collaboration with 199 stakeholders through surveys, workshop and focus groups. The results reflect the analysis of risk perception and coping capacity of communities at risk (n = 172), and the institutional context with the involvement with policymakers and local specialists (n = 27). Although results confirm that individuals faced severe flood risk cases previously, they still need resources for increasing their coping capacity and their own risk protection. Institutional vulnerabilities are shown with the contrast between challenges and actions for FRM. Findings show that multiple challenges in social and institutional contexts should be systematically addressed to propose actions to reduce flood risk vulnerability, and increase resilience.
Need for improvement in the evaluation of pre‐malignant upper gastro‐intestinal lesions in India: Results of a nationwide survey
Authors: Madhu Deepak , Krishnamurthy Veeraraghavan , Natarajan Thirumoorthi , Lakhtakia Sundeep 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackground and AimGastric and esophageal cancers are associated with high morbidity in India. In the absence of formal screening programs in India, it is essential that all elective esophago‐gastro‐duodenoscopies (EGDs), irrespective of indication, be also considered an opportunity to screen for premalignant lesions. With this premise, we tried to assess the adherence to best practices in the detection of premalignant upper gastro‐intestinal lesions (PMUGIL) among endoscopists in India. We also evaluated the adequacy of training, availability of appropriate facilities, and differences between teaching and non‐teaching centers.MethodsWe disbursed a survey among endoscopists working in India, through the membership database of the Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopists of India, by email and instant messaging. The responses were collected and subsequently analyzed.ResultsWe obtained a total of 422 eligible responses. The adherence to best practices assessed was lower than the set threshold in all except one parameter in both teaching centers and non‐teaching centers. Only 58.5% of endoscopists had received training in the detection of PMUGIL. Appropriate image enhanced endoscopy (IEE) facilities were available to only 58.05% of surveyed endoscopists.ConclusionsStrategies to improve detection of PMUGIL should be directed at improving adherence to best practices, ensuring adequate training of endoscopists in the evaluation of PMUGIL and improving infrastructure.
The impact of branched‐chain amino acid supplementation on measures of glucose homeostasis in individuals with hepatic disorders: A systematic review of clinical studies
Authors: Prokopidis Konstantinos , Kirwan Richard P. , Giannos Panagiotis , Triantafyllidis Konstantinos K. , Kechagias Konstantinos S. , Forbes Scott C. , Candow Darren G. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundBranched chain amino acid (BCAA) supplementation may influence glucose metabolism in individuals with an impaired glyceamic profile. This systematic review investigated the effects of isolated BCAA supplementation on measures of glucose homeostasis in individuals with hepatic disorders.MethodsWe searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and Scopus for published clinical trials that investigated the effects of isolated BCAA supplementation on measures of glucose homeostasis, including serum glucose and insulin, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) levels and homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) scores.ResultsEleven trials met the inclusion criteria. Only one study revealed a decrease in serum glucose from BCAA supplementation compared to three studies that showed increases. Five studies demonstrated no significant changes in serum glucose, and two studies displayed no changes in HbA1c following BCAA supplementation. Serum levels of insulin were decreased in three studies, remained unchanged in one, and increased in the remaining three studies. BCAA supplementation reduced HOMA‐IR scores in two studies, increased HOMA‐IR scores in another two, or resulted in no changes in two other studies.ConclusionsBCAA supplementation in isolation had no effect on overall glucose homeostasis in individuals with hepatic disorders, although some improvements on serum insulin levels and HOMA‐IR scores were observed. Overall, there is little evidence to support the utilisation of BCAA supplementation as a potential nutritional strategy for improving measures of glucose homeostasis in individuals with hepatic disorders.
Respiratory and systemic monocytes, dendritic cells, and myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in COVID‐19: Implications for disease severity
Authors: Falck‐Jones Sara , Österberg Björn , Smed‐Sörensen Anna 
Published: August 2022

AbstractSince the beginning of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic in 2020, researchers worldwide have made efforts to understand the mechanisms behind the varying range of COVID‐19 disease severity. Since the respiratory tract is the site of infection, and immune cells differ depending on their anatomical location, studying blood is not sufficient to understand the full immunopathogenesis in patients with COVID‐19. It is becoming increasingly clear that monocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), and monocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (M‐MDSCs) are involved in the immunopathology of COVID‐19 and may play important roles in determining disease severity. Patients with mild COVID‐19 display an early antiviral (interferon) response in the nasopharynx, expansion of activated intermediate monocytes, and low levels of M‐MDSCs in blood. In contrast, patients with severe COVID‐19 seem to lack an early efficient induction of interferons, and skew towards a more suppressive response in blood. This is characterized by downregulation of activation markers and decreased functional capacity of blood monocytes and DCs, reduced circulating DCs, and increased levels of HLA‐DRloCD14+ M‐MDSCs. These suppressive characteristics could potentially contribute to delayed T‐cell responses in severe COVID‐19 cases. In contrast, airways of patients with severe COVID‐19 display hyperinflammation with elevated levels of inflammatory monocytes and monocyte‐derived macrophages, and reduced levels of tissue‐resident alveolar macrophages. These monocyte‐derived cells contribute to excess inflammation by producing cytokines and chemokines. Here, we review the current knowledge on the role of monocytes, DCs, and M‐MDSCs in COVID‐19 and how alterations and the anatomical distribution of these cell populations may relate to disease severity.
Analysis of differentially expressed microRNAs in bovine mammary epithelial cells treated with lipoteichoic acid
Authors: Shen Puxiu , Yu Jingcheng , Yan Chenbo , Yang Dexin , Tong Chao , Wang Xinzhuang 
Published: August 2022

AbstractMastitis is one of the most common diseases of dairy cattle and can be caused by physical stress, chemicals and microbial infection. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogens that induce mastitis in dairy cattle. In this study, bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) were treated either with lipoteichoic acid (LTA, 30 µg/ml) or 1 × phosphate‐buffer saline (PBS, control) and RNA‐Seq was applied to explore the effect of LTA on the expression microRNAs (miRNAs) in BMECs. Compared to the control group, 43 miRNAs were significantly up‐regulated and eight miRNAs were significantly down‐regulated. Additionally, 724 genes were significantly up‐regulated and 13 genes were significantly down‐regulated in LTA group relative to the control group. Bta‐miR‐196a, bta‐miR‐2285aj‐5p, bta‐miR‐143, bta‐miR‐2433, bta‐miR‐2284f and bta‐miR‐2368‐3p were selected from 51 differentially expressed miRNAs and are discussed in this manuscript. Target gene prediction revealed that the target genes of these six miRNAs were all differentially expressed, including MT1E, SPDYA, FGL1, TLR2, PAPOLG, ZDHHC17 and SMC4. Subsequently, the Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that the target genes with differentially expressed miRNAs were enriched in mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathway, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer. Therefore, the results of this study provided new evidences for the molecular mechanism of LTA‐induced mastitis, which may provide new targets for the diagnosis and treatment of mastitis in dairy cattle.
Warm ears, a red flag for sleepiness?
Authors: Schinkelshoek Mink S. , Fronczek Rolf , de Boer Anke F. J. , de Wit Kay , Tannemaat Martijn R. , Lammers Gert J. 
Published: August 2022

SummaryCore body and skin temperatures are intimately linked to sleep and alertness. The distal‐to‐proximal skin temperature gradient has been described as a good physiological predictor for sleep onset. Increased ear skin temperature is often caused by increased blood flow reflected in redness, which is commonly noticed in people who are sleepy, especially anecdotally in children. Nonetheless, no prior study investigated the possible relation between sleepiness and ear skin temperature as a separate measurement. We assessed the relation between ear skin temperature and sleepiness in patients undergoing regular electroencephalographic examinations, because of suspicion of epilepsy, both without and after sleep deprivation. Subjective sleepiness was measured using the Stanford Sleepiness Scale, and objective sleepiness by determining sleep onset with electroencephalography. Distal, proximal and ear skin temperature were measured repeatedly using wireless measurement devices (iButtons). Forty‐four adult patients were included. Ear skin temperature correlates weakly with distal skin temperature (r = 0.174, p < 0.001) and distal‐to‐proximal gradient (r = 0.160, p < 0.001), but not with proximal skin temperature (r = −0.001, p = 0.975). Ear skin temperature increased significantly in a subgroup of 13 patients, between 5 and 1 min before sleep onset (p = 0.002; η2 = 0.059), even though this increase was also associated with supine posture. iButtons is a valid method to measure ear skin temperature, which appears to function partly like a distal and partly like a proximal skin temperature measurement. Change in ear skin temperature is associated with sleep onset and supine posture.