bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased interannual precipitation variability enhances the carbon sink in a semi‐arid grassland
Authors: Ru Jingyi , Wan Shiqiang , Hui Dafeng , Song Jian , Wang Jing 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

The amplifying interannual precipitation variability has been observed globally and is projected to intensify under climate change scenarios. However, its impacts on terrestrial vegetation and carbon (C) sink have not been well investigated.

As part of a field manipulative experiment with three precipitation variabilities (20%, 40% and 60%) in a semi‐arid grassland, this study was conducted to examine the responses of ecosystem C cycling to increased precipitation variability.

Across the 3 experimental years from 2010 to 2012, amplified precipitation variability enhances gross primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER), as both GPP and ER were more sensitive to above‐ than below‐average precipitation. In addition, the larger responses of GPP than ER to precipitation variability resulted in an enhancement of net ecosystem productivity (NEP), such that NEP increased with the increasing precipitation variability. More species with higher sensitivity to increased precipitation under wet conditions and the insensitivity of root growth to decreased precipitation could largely be responsible for the above observations, which suggest that the semi‐arid grassland was more sensitive to wet treatment yet strongly resistant to drought.

Our results provide empirical evidence that intensified precipitation variability could stimulate grassland C sink. The findings revealed in this study could facilitate the mechanistic understanding and imply the potential positive feedback of climate variability‐terrestrial C sink.

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Relationship between cooling time and neurological outcomes in targeted temperature management
Authors: Ahn Seong Jun , Kim Yong Hwan , Lee Jun Ho , Lee Dong Woo , Hwang Seong Youn , Lee Byung Kook , Cho In Soo , Oh Sang Hoon , Cha Kyoung‐Chul ,   KORHN investigators
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivesThe relationship between cooling time (CT) variables and neurological outcomes is controversial. We evaluated the relationship between CT and neurological outcomes in out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients treated with targeted temperature management (TTM).MethodsWe conducted a multicenter, prospective, and registry‐based study of OHCA survivors treated with TTM. CT was defined as the time from restoration of spontaneous circulation to achievement of the target temperature. The primary outcome was a favorable neurological outcome at 6 months. Multilevel logistic regression analysis was performed to test the relationship between CT and the primary outcome.ResultsOverall, the favorable neurological outcome rates at 6 months were 29.8% in 937 patients. When CT was stratified into categories of 0–3, 3.1–6, 6.1–9, 9.1–12, and >12 h, according to 3‐h intervals, the primary outcome rates were 8.2%, 22.7%, 35.5%, 44.7%, and 44.5%, respectively (p < 0.001). Significant differences were not found in multilevel logistic regression analysis; the adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) of each category for the primary outcome compared to the 0–3‐h group were 0.81 (0.32 to 2.04), 0.77 (0.30 to 2.01), 1.26 (0.43 to 3.68), and 1.06 (0.37 to 3.06).ConclusionsWe did not find a relationship between CT and neurological outcomes at 6 months.
Patient views on emergency department screening and interventions related to housing
Authors: Kelly Audrey , Fazio Daniela , Padgett Deborah , Ran Ziwei , Castelblanco Donna G. , Kumar Diana , Doran Kelly M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivesEmergency departments (EDs) serve as a health care “safety net” and may be uniquely suited to screening for and addressing patients' unmet social needs. We aimed to better understand patient perspectives on ED‐based screening and interventions related to housing instability, as a step toward improving future efforts.MethodsWe present findings from a qualitative study using in‐depth, one‐on‐one interviews with ED patients who had become homeless in the past 6 months. Qualitative interviewees were asked their thoughts on ED staff asking about and helping to address homelessness and housing issues. Interviews were professionally transcribed verbatim. Multiple coders identified interview text segments focused on ED‐based housing screening and intervention, which were then independently analyzed thematically and discussed to reach consensus. Researchers also categorized each participant's overall opinion on ED housing screening and interventions as positive, neutral, or negative.ResultsQualitative interviews were conducted with 31 patients. Four themes related to ED‐based housing screening and interventions emerged: (1) patients generally welcome ED staff/providers asking about and assisting with their housing situation, with caveats around privacy and respect; (2) ED conversations about housing have potential benefits beyond addressing unmet housing needs; (3) patients may not consider the ED as a site to obtain help with housing; (4) patients' experiences navigating existing housing services can inform best approaches for the ED. Most participants expressed overall positive views of ED staff/providers asking patients about their housing situation.ConclusionsStudy participants generally felt positively about screening and interventions for housing in the ED. Insights from this study can inform future ED‐based housing instability screening and interventions.
Sufficient dimension reduction for clustered data via finite mixture modelling
Authors: Hui F.K.C. , Nghiem L.H. 
Published: January 2022

SummarySufficient dimension reduction (SDR) is an attractive approach to regression modelling. However, despite its rich literature and growing popularity in application, surprisingly little research has been done on how to perform SDR for clustered data, for example as is commonly arises in longitudinal studies. Indeed, current popular SDR methods have been mostly based on a marginal estimating equation approach. In this article, we propose a new approach to SDR for clustered data based on a combination of finite mixture modelling and mixed effects regression. Finite mixture models offer a flexible means of estimating the fixed effects central subspace, based on slicing the space up and probabilistically clustering observations to each slice (mixture component). Dimension reduction is achieved by having the mixing proportions vary only through the sufficient fixed effect predictors. We then incorporate random effects as a natural means of accounting for correlations within clusters. We employ a Monte Carlo expectation–maximisation algorithm to estimate the model parameters and fixed effects central subspace, and discuss methods for associated uncertainty quantification and prediction. Simulation studies demonstrate that our approach performs strongly against both estimating equation methods for estimating the fixed effects central subspace, and SDR methods which do not account for within‐cluster correlation. Finally, we apply the proposed approach to a data set on air pollutant monitoring across 13 stations in the Eastern United States.
Melatonin epigenetic potential on testicular functions and fertility profile in varicocele rat model is mediated by silent information regulator 1
Authors: Abo El Gheit Rehab E. , Soliman Nema A. , Nagla Salah A. , El‐Sayed Rehab M. , Badawi Ghada A. , Emam Marwa N. , Abdel Ghafar Muhammad Tarek , Ibrahim Marwa A. A. , Elswaidy Noha R. M. , Radwan Doaa A. , Alshenawy Hanan A. , Khaled Howayda E. , Kamel Samar , El‐Saka Mervat H. , Madi Nermin M. , Younis Reham L. 
Published: January 2022

Background and PurposeVaricocele is a leading cause of male infertility. Melatonin is a highly pleiotropic neurohormone. We aimed to characterize the melatonin epigenetic potential in varicocele and the involved molecular mechanisms.Experimental ApproachFifty‐two male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (13 rats each): control (I), melatonin (II), varicocele (III) and melatonin treated varicocele (IV) groups. Left varicocele was induced by partial left renal vein ligation. Reproductive hormones, epididymal sperm functional parameters, testicular 3/17 β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine and histopathological/Johnsen's score were evaluated. Flow cytometry and Comet were carried out to explore extent of sperm and testicular DNA damage. Testicular expression of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), forkhead transcription factors‐class O (type1) (FOXO1), tumour suppressor gene, P53, cation channels of sperm (CatSper) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein was evaluated by western blot technique. Testicular expression of Bcl‐2 and its associated X protein and nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells were assayed by immunohistochemical staining. Testicular miR‐34a expression was quantified by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction.Key ResultsThe varicocele induced testicular histological injury, enhanced oxidative stress, P53‐mediated apoptosis, DNA damage and increased testicular miR‐34a expression paralleled with down‐regulated SIRT1/FOXO axis. Melatonin treatment of varicocele rats displayed antioxidant/anti‐apoptotic efficacy and improved reproductive hormones axis, CatSper expression and fertility parameters. MiR‐34a/SIRT1/FOXO1 epigenetic axis integrates testicular melatonin mediated intracellular transduction cascades in varicocele.Conclusion and ImplicationsMelatonin can be used as an adjuvant therapy to improve varicocele and its complication.
Use of a powered toothbrush to improve oral health in individuals with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Flyborg Johan , Renvert Stefan , Sanmartin Berglund Johan , Anderberg Peter 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of the study is to investigate whether the use of a powered toothbrush could maintain oral health by reducing the dental plaque (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), and periodontal pocket depth (PPD) ≥4 mm in a group of individuals with MCI and also if changes in oral health affect various aspects of quality of life.BackgroundPeople with cognitive impairment tend to have poor oral hygiene and poorer Quality of life. In the present study, the participants were asked to use a powered toothbrush for at least 2 min morning and evening and no restrictions were given against the use of other oral care products. The participant survey conducted at each examination demonstrated that 61.2% of participants at baseline claimed to have experience of using a powered toothbrush, 95.4% at 6 months and 95% after 12 months. At the same time, the use of manual toothbrushes dropped from 73.3% to 44.7% from baseline to the 12‐month check‐up. This shows that several participants continue to use the manual toothbrush in parallel with the powered toothbrush, but that there is a shift towards increased use of the powered toothbrush. Removal of dental biofilm is essential for maintaining good oral health. We investigated whether using a powered toothbrush reduces the presence of dental plaque, bleeding on probing and periodontal pockets ≥4 mm in a group of older individuals with mild cognitive impairment.Materials and methodsTwo hundred and thirteen individuals with the mean age of 75.3 years living without official home care and with a Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score between 20 and 28 and a history of memory problems in the previous six months were recruited from the Swedish site of a multicenter project, Support Monitoring And Reminder Technology for Mild Dementia (SMART4MD) and screened for the study. The individuals received a powered toothbrush and thorough instructions on how to use it. Clinical oral examinations and MMSE tests were conducted at baseline, 6 and 12 months.ResultsOne hundred seventy participants, 36.5% women and 63.5% men, completed a 12‐month follow‐up. The use of a powered toothbrush resulted, for the entire group, in a significant decrease in plaque index from 41% at baseline to 31.5% after 12 months (P < .000). Within the same time frame, the values for bleeding on probing changed from 15.1% to 9.9% (P < .000) and the percentage of probing pocket depths ≥4 mm from 11.5% to 8.2% (P < .004). The observed improvements in the Oral Health Impact Profile 14 correlate with the clinical improvements of oral health.ConclusionThe use of a powered toothbrush was associated with a reduction of PI, BOP and PPD over 12 months even among individuals with low or declining MMSE score. An adequately used powered toothbrush maintain factors that affect oral health and oral health‐related Quality of Life in people with mild cognitive impairment.
Enhanced suppression of soil-borne phytopathogenic bacteria Ralstonia solanacearum in soil and promotion of tomato plant growth by synergetic effect of green synthesized nanoparticles and plant extract
Authors: Guo Yancui , Khan Raja Asad Ali , Xiong Yi , Fan Zhenyu 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Aims
Because of severe economic losses and food security concerns caused by plant pathogenic bacteria, Ralstonia solanacearum, there is a need to develop novel control methods. This study was aimed to green synthesize the zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) through Withania coagulans leaf extracts and checked their antibacterial potential alone or in combination with W. coagulans leaf extract for the management of R. solanacearum causing bacterial wilt disease in tomato.

Methods and Results
ZnO NPs were synthesized through an eco-friendly approach using leaves extract of W. coagulans and characterized through various spectroscopic approaches, that is Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic, UV–visible spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. The antibacterial effect of W. coagulans leaf extract and ZnO NPs alone and in combination was tested in vitro and in vivo against bacterial wilt pathogen in tomato plants. The results showed that combine application of leaf extract and ZnO NPs inhibited in vitro growth of R. solanacearum more than applying alone. Three application times (0, 6 and 12 days before transplantation) of leaf extract, ZnONPs and their combine application were tested in vivo. The combine treatment and longest application time (12 days before transplantation) were more effective in suppressing soil population of R. solanacearum, reducing disease severity and enhancing plant growth than applying alone and smaller application time.

Conclusion
It is concluded that W. coagulans leaf extract and ZnO NPs have strong antibacterial potential against R. solanacearum in vitro and in vivo.

Significance and Impact of Study
The results of this study suggest the potential application of leaf extract and ZnO nanoparticles for controlling R. solanacearum as safe, eco-friendly and less expensive integrated disease management strategy in tomato crop.
TAZ promotes vasculogenic mimicry in gastric cancer through the upregulation of TEAD4
Authors: Zhang Yanhui , Bai Jingru , Cheng Runfen , Zhang Danfang , Qiu Zhiqiang , Liu Tieju , Che Na , Dong Xueyi , Zhao Nan , Lin Xian , Liang Xiaohui , Li Fan , Li Yue , Sun Baocun , Zhao Xiulan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackground and AimVasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a unique blood supply pattern in malignant tumors that is closely associated with metastasis and poor prognosis. The Hippo signaling effector TAZ is upregulated in several cancers, promoting cancer proliferation and metastasis. This study aimed to identify the function of TAZ and its regulatory mechanism in promoting VM in gastric cancer (GC).MethodsThe expression of TAZ and TEAD4 and their correlations with overall survival and VM‐related markers were analyzed in 228 cases of GC. The regulatory mechanism of TAZ and its interaction with TEAD4 in epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and VM were investigated in vitro and in vivo.ResultsTAZ was highly expressed in GC samples and was associated with shorter patient survival time. TAZ expression was positively correlated with TEAD4 and VM in patients with GC. TAZ enhanced the migration and invasion capacity of GC cells through EMT in vitro and upregulated the expression of VM‐associated proteins, including VE‐cadherin, MMP2, and MMP9, thus promoting VM formation. Overexpression of TAZ accelerated the growth of subcutaneous xenograft and promoted VM formation in vivo. Co‐immunoprecipitation assays showed that TAZ can directly bind to TEAD4, and in vitro experiments showed that this binding mediates the function of TAZ in regulating EMT and VM formation in GC.ConclusionsTAZ promotes GC metastasis and VM by upregulating TEAD4 expression. Our findings expand the role of TAZ in VM and provide new theoretical support for the use of antiangiogenic therapy in the treatment of advanced GC.
Bloody Marvels: In Situ Seed Saving and Intergenerational Malleability
Authors: Dow Katharine 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis article presents ethnographic research with in situ seed savers and seed activists in London. Unpicking the knotty relations between kinship, place, and generation among seed savers and their seeds, this article focuses on how the intrinsic and extrinsic get woven through generations and how thesituor environment of an entity is (and is not) recognized in its identity and multispecies kin relations. I argue that thinking about seeds and the worlds in which they grow suggests that they are not only embedded in their environments, but alsoembodytheir environments. If seeds bring with them their worlds, then they are inherently malleable, so seed savers are concerned about how commercial seed breeding and ex situ conservation denatures seeds’ embodied relationships with their environments and, with that, their inherent intergenerational malleability.[seed saving, multispecies kinship, generation, environment]
Most meal and snack patterns are stable over a 3‐year period in schoolchildren in southern Brazil
Authors: Roberto Denise Miguel Teixeira , Kupek Emil , de Assis Maria Alice Altenburg , Lobo Adriana Soares , Belchor Ana Luisa Lages , Spanholi Mariana Winck , Cezimbra Vanessa Guimarães , de Oliveira Marina Tissot , Pereira Luciana Jeremias , Vieira Francilene Gracieli Kunradi , Hinnig Patrícia de Fragas 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to identify meal and snack patterns in Brazilian schoolchildren and assess their stability over 3 years. This is a repeated cross‐sectional study carried out in 2013, 2014 and 2015 with 6353 schoolchildren aged 7–12 years from public schools in Florianópolis, Brazil. Previous‐day food consumption data for six pre‐defined meals (breakfast, mid‐morning snack, lunch, mid‐afternoon snack, dinner and evening snack) were collected using the validated Web‐CAAFE (Food Consumption and Physical Activity of Schoolchildren) questionnaire. Latent class analysis was performed to derive meal and snack patterns. The stability of patterns was analysed using multinomial logistic regression, and the probability of belonging to a meal pattern was calculated for each year. Three patterns were identified for breakfast and four patterns for a mid‐morning snack, lunch, mid‐afternoon snack, dinner and evening snack. Most meal and snack patterns were stable over the 3‐year evaluation period. In the total sample, for a mid‐afternoon snack, there was an increase in the probability of the children belonging to the ‘Fruits and porridge’ pattern (14.5%, 95% CI 12%–17% in 2015 vs. 9.2%, 95% CI 6.8%–11.7% in 2013) and a reduction in the ‘Ultra‐processed’ pattern (42.5%, 95% CI 39.4%–45.6% in 2015 vs. 51.3%, 95% CI 46.5%–56.1% in 2013). These results appear to be in line with the recommendations of the Brazilian Dietary Guidelines and regional policies to increase the intake of healthy foods and limit that of ultra‐processed, high fat, sugar and salt foods.
Anesthesia and neurotoxicity study design, execution, and reporting in the nonhuman primate: A systematic review
Authors: Gao Feng , Wahl Joseph A. , Floyd Thomas F. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundConcern for a role of anesthesia in neurotoxicity in children originated from neonatal rodent and nonhuman primate (NHP) models, yet prospective clinical studies have largely not supported this concern. The goal of this study was to conduct an objective assessment of published NHP study rigor in design, execution, and reporting.MethodsA MEDLINE search from 2005 to December 2021 was performed. Inclusion criteria included full‐length original studies published in English under peer‐reviewed journals. We documented experimental parameters on anesthetic dosing, monitoring, vitals, and experimental outcomes.ResultsTwenty‐three manuscripts were included. Critical issues identified in study design included: lack of blinding in data acquisition (57%) and analysis (100%), supratherapeutic (4–12 fold) maintenance dosing in 22% of studies, lack of sample size justification (91%) resulting in a mean (SD) sample size of 6 (3) animals per group. Critical items identified in the conduct and reporting of studies included: documentation of anesthesia provider (0%), electrocardiogram monitoring (35%), arterial monitoring (4%), spontaneous ventilation employed (35%), failed intubations resulting in comingling ventilated and unventilated animals in data analysis, inaccurate reporting of failed intubation, and only 50% reporting on survival. Inconsistencies were noted in drug‐related induction of neuroapoptosis and region of occurrence. Further, 67%–100% of behavior outcomes were not significantly different from controls.ConclusionsImportant deficits in study design, execution, and reporting were identified in neonatal NHP studies. These results raise concern for the validity and reliability of these studies and may explain in part the divergence from results obtained in human neonates.
Effect of photobiomodulation after non‐surgical mechanical debridement on cortisol levels in the peri‐implant sulcular fluid among patients with peri‐implant mucositis
Authors: Alhumaidan Abdulkareem A. , Alali Yasser , Ahmed Saeeda , Vohra Fahim , Abduljabbar Tariq 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this was to compare the efficacy of photobiomodulation after non‐surgical mechanical debridement (MD) on cortisol levels (CL) in peri‐implant sulcular fluid (PISF) among patients with peri‐implant mucositis.MethodsPatients with peri‐implant mucositis were encompassed. All patients underwent non‐surgical MD with (test group) and without (control group) a single application of photobiomodulation. Demographic data were collected and PISF was collected. Peri‐implant modified plaque index (mPI), modified gingival index (mGI), probing depth and crestal bone loss were measured, and CL in PISF were recorded. All clinical parameters and PISF CL were re‐assessed at 4 months of follow‐up. p < .05 showed statistical significance.ResultsSeventeen (14 males and 3 females) and 17 (15 males and 2 females) patients with peri‐implant mucositis were recruited in test and control groups. The mean age of patients in the test and control groups was 46.1 ± 6.5 and 50.2 ± 2.7 years respectively. At baseline, mPI, mGI, PD and PISF volume and CL in control and test groups were similar. At follow‐up, there was a significant reduction in mPI (p < .001), mGI (p < .001), PD (p < .001) and PISF volume (p < .001) and CL (p < .001) in both groups compared with baseline. There was no difference in mPI, mGI, PD and PISF volume and CL in test and control groups at follow‐up.ConclusionIn short term, non‐surgical MD with photobiomodulation does not offer additional benefits in terms of reducing soft‐tissue inflammatory parameters and PISF CL in patients with peri‐implant mucositis.