bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Free vitamin D3 index and vitamin D‐binding protein in multiple sclerosis: A presymptomatic case–control study
Authors: Grut Viktor , Biström Martin , Salzer Jonatan , Stridh Pernilla , Lindam Anna , Alonso‐Magdalena Lucia , Andersen Oluf , Jons Daniel , Gunnarsson Martin , Vrethem Magnus , Hultdin Johan , Sundström Peter 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeHigh levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25[OH]D3) are associated with a lower risk for multiple sclerosis (MS). The bioavailability of 25(OH)D3 is regulated by its main plasma carrier, vitamin D‐binding protein (DBP). Free 25(OH)D3 can be estimated by also measuring DBP concentration. In addition, DBP has immunomodulatory functions that may independently affect MS pathogenesis. No previous studies have assessed free 25(OH)D3 or DBP in presymptomatically collected samples. This study was undertaken to assess free 25(OH)D3 and DBP as risk factors for MS.MethodsA nested case–control study was performed with presymptomatic serum samples identified through cross‐linkage of MS registries and Swedish biobanks. Concentration of 25(OH)D3 was measured with liquid chromatography and DBP levels with sandwich immunoassay. Free 25(OH)D3 was approximated as free vitamin D3 index: (25[OH]D3/DBP) × 103. MS risk was analyzed by conditional logistic regression, calculating odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsSerum samples from 660 pairs of matched cases and controls were included.At <20 years of age, high levels of free vitamin D3 index were associated with a lower risk of MS (highest vs. lowest quintile: OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.15–0.91, p for trend across quintiles = 0.04). At age 30–39 years, high levels of DBP were associated with a lower MS risk (highest vs. lowest quintile: OR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.15–0.85, p for trend = 0.02).ConclusionsThese findings support the hypothesis that high levels of free 25(OH)D3 at a young age reduce the risk of MS later in life. They also implicate a role for DBP in MS etiology.
The contribution of the European Union to the rule of law in the field of international investment law through the creation of a Multilateral Investment Court
Authors: Brown Colin M. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe concept of the international rule of law has developed in a form distinct from, but related to, the rule of law at the domestic (or European) level. This article examines the notion of the international rule of law and then, after explaining the international system of investment protection and its dispute settlement system, sets these against the international rule of law. It concludes by looking at how the European Union's proposal for a Multilateral Investment Court would contribute to augmenting the international rule of law in the field of investment protection.
Attitudes towards COVID‐19 vaccination in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Duong Tuan A. , Bryant Robert V. , Andrews Jane M. , Lynch Kate D. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe majority of the Australian public are willing to have a Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccination. It is unclear whether people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have the same attitude towards COVID‐19 vaccination. A survey was performed to assess the attitude of patients with IBD towards COVID‐19 vaccination in South Australia. Two‐thirds of surveyed patients with IBD were willing to accept COVID‐19 vaccine. Females and younger patients were less likely to accept the COVID‐19 vaccine, as were those who had never had a discussion around vaccines.
Investing in nursing and its leadership to secure global health: Are we making progress?
Authors: Rosser Elizabeth Anne 
Published: May 2022

AbstractInvesting in nursing and its leadership has been a key global priority in achieving world health. This paper aims to explore what it means to invest in nursing and its leadership and whether we are progressing in its endeavour. Consideration is given to whose responsibility it is to invest, the importance of education to support strategic nurse leaders and enable them to have a voice to lead as well as create a culture in which their staff wish to stay. Further, the paper explores the importance of each country accepting responsibility for developing and funding its strategic workforce plan and paying nurse professionals fairly and taking steps to reduce workforce shortages. Finally, the paper examines the progress the United Kingdom is making and concludes that investment in nursing is everyone's business, the government, healthcare organisations, society and above all nurses themselves. Collectively, we must step up to influence change and have nursing voices heard.
Study on rapid nitridation process of molten silicon by thermogravimetry and in situ Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Yang Jinguang , Wu Ping , Wang Li , Zhang Shiping , Yan Dan , Li Ya‐nan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe melt of silicon, hindering nitridation for its agglomeration, should be avoided in the direct nitridation of silicon to synthesize silicon nitride powders, although liquid phase facilitates nitridation. Therefore, we proposed a method to nitride molten silicon without agglomeration. Thermogravimetric and in situ Raman studies on the nitridation process of molten silicon were performed. The as‐prepared silicon nitride samples were found to be micron clusters composed of submicron grains with high α‐Si3N4 content. The nitridation of molten silicon at 1500°C was completed after 500 s and 109 times faster than the nitridation of solid silicon at 1350°C. β‐Si3N4 is produced dominantly by α–β‐phase transition. Less nitridation time and low temperature can decrease the β‐Si3N4 content. The rapid nitridation was owning to core–shell structure Si@Si3N4, which was formed after the initial nitridation of silicon particles and hindered the agglomeration of molten silicon.
Fire, climate and biotic interactions shape diversity patterns along an Afrotropical elevation gradient
Authors: Doležal Jiří , Dančák Martin , Kučera Jan , Majeský Luboš , Altman Jan , Řeháková Klára , Čapková Kateřina , Vondrák Jan , Fibich Pavel , Liancourt Pierre 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimUntangling multiple drivers influencing biodiversity along elevation gradients is necessary for predicting the consequences of climate change on mountain communities. We examine the direct and indirect effects of macroclimate, edaphic conditions, fire frequency and putative biotic interactions on species richness and abundance of co‐occurring primary producers on Mount Cameroon.LocationMount Cameroon, Cameroon.Taxon: vascular plants, bryophytes and lichens, and soil microbial phototrophs.MethodsWe combine ground‐level survey of multi‐taxa diversity, soil nutrient stoichiometry, continuous climate monitoring using dataloggers and remote sensing data, for 115 plots sampled along a 2200–4000 m elevation gradient. We used GAMs to assess elevational patterns in ecosystem properties and SEMs to determine their direct and indirect effects on species richness and abundance.ResultsVascular plant diversity peaked at mid‐elevation and emerged from the combined effects of intermediate levels of energy, total above‐ground standing biomass, fire frequency, guild abundances and edaphic conditions. Bryophyte–lichen diversity increased monotonically towards high elevation with decreasing temperature and increasing nutrient scarcity, while the diversity of soil phototrophs peaked at both lower elevation fire‐prone Afromontane and cold higher elevation Afroalpine zones. The role of macroclimate was indirect and scale dependent. Higher temperatures increased plant richness mainly indirectly via enhanced fire frequency, while soil N:P ratio had direct positive effect on plant richness. Precipitation decreased plant richness indirectly via decreased fire frequency. Fires also increased plant and bryophyte–lichen cover. Positive bryophyte–lichen and vascular plants associations strengthened in the Afroalpine zone.Main conclusionsWe demonstrate the role of disturbance/fire and biotic interactions in mitigating macroclimate effects and in controlling variation in community diversity along elevation gradients. While the macroclimate is often a strong predictor of ecological patterns along elevation gradients, our study illustrates that attributing these patterns exclusively to climate can lead to an incorrect assessment of the impact of climate change on biodiversity.
Elite‐Mass Linkages in the Preference Formation on Differentiated Integration
Authors: Telle Stefan , de Blok Lisanne , de Vries Catherine E. , Cicchi Lorenzo 
Published: May 2022

AbstractHow does the public form preferences about differentiated integration (DI)? The literature on mass‐elite linkages offers two perspectives: top‐down, political elites cue the public, or bottom‐up, political elites react to public preferences. This paper develops expectations based on both perspectives, and presents novel empirical data on citizens, political parties, and governments to test them. We distinguish preferences over differentiated policy integration, like ‘Opt‐Outs’, from preferences over polity differentiation, such as ‘Two‐Speed Europe’. Although our evidence is observational and therefore cannot establish causal relationships between elites and the mass public, our results are most compatible with the notion of a top‐down linkage. This is because DI preferences are generally of low salience, and first revealed at the European level in the context of negotiations. Subsequently, this revelation of DI preferences shapes domestic discussions about DI, especially at the level of political parties. Yet, this mostly pertains to situations when governments do not yet have clear DI preferences of their own, meaning government preferences are not yet formed and revealed in the context of the supranational negotiations. Overall, this study suggests that mass‐elite linkage in the preference formation on DI might be more tenuous than either the top‐down or bottom‐up perspective might assume.
Tailings storage facilities flood exposure assessment using a 2D hydrodynamic model
Authors: Murillo Gabriel Perez , McIntyre Neil , Cohen Raymond C. Z. , Prakash Mahesh 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMinimizing environmental pollution from Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs) is one of the key goals of the mining sector. While much attention is given to risks from potential catastrophic failures of large TSFs, there is also a need to assess risks due to noncatastrophic but more frequent releases of contaminants. In response to this need, this article proposes a method for prioritizing TSFs in terms of flood exposure, based on flood maps produced by the Shallow Water Integrated Flood Tool. The method was implemented using a case study of a flood event in the Copiapó city region (Atacama, Chile). A sensitivity analysis was carried out to evaluate the influence of different model configurations and input parameters. The results showed that 10% of all the TSFs in the case study region were exposed to flood waters due to the fluvial dynamics of the Copiapo River. Additionally, the sensitivity analysis revealed that in the event of extreme local precipitation, capable of generating runoff, up to 88% of all the TSFs could have some degree of flood exposure. The results also suggest that flood simulations using satellite‐derived terrain data at moderate resolution can be used for a preliminary large‐scale assessment of TSF flood exposure.
Effects of a 12‐month home‐based exercise program on functioning after hip fracture – Secondary analyses of an RCT
Authors: Soukkio Paula K. , Suikkanen Sara A. , Kukkonen‐Harjula Katriina T. , Kautiainen Hannu , Hupli Markku T. , Aartolahti Eeva M. , Kääriä Sanna M. , Pitkälä Kaisu H. , Sipilä Sarianna 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundLong‐term functional limitations are common after hip fractures. Exercise may alleviate these negative consequences but there is no consensus on an optimal training program. The objective was to study the effects of a 12‐month home‐based supervised, progressive exercise program on functioning, physical performance, and physical activity.MethodsSecondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial targeting patients with surgical repair of a hip fracture, aged ≥60 years, Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of ≥12. The participants were randomized into Exercise (n = 61) or Usual care (n = 60). Assessments at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months included Lawton's Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), handgrip strength, and self‐reported frequency of sessions of leisure‐time physical activity. Analyzed using mixed‐effects models.ResultsParticipants' (n = 121) mean age was 81 years (SD 7), and 75% were women. The mean IADL score at baseline was 17.1 (SD 4.5) in the exercise group, and 17.4 (5.1) in the usual care group. The mean SPPB scores were 3.9 (1.6) and 4.2 (1.8), and handgrip strength was 17.7 (8.9) kg and 20.8 (8.0) kg, respectively. The age‐ and sex‐adjusted mean changes in IADL over 12 months were 3.7 (95% CI 2.8–4.7) in the exercise and 2.0 (1.0–3.0) in the usual care group (between‐group difference, p = 0.016); changes in SPPB 4.3 (3.6–4.9) and 2.1 (1.5–2.7) (p < 0.001); and changes in handgrip strength 1.2 kg (0.3–2.0) and 1.0 kg (−1.9 to −0.2) (p < 0.001), respectively. We found no between‐group differences in changes in the frequency of leisure‐time activity sessions.ConclusionA 12‐month home‐based supervised, progressive exercise program improved functioning and physical performance more than usual care among patients with hip fractures. However, the training did not increase leisure‐time physical activity.
Signaling pathways involved in NMDA‐induced suppression of M‐channels in corticotropin‐releasing hormone neurons in central amygdala
Authors: Zhang Hua , Sheng Zhao‐Fu , Wang Jingxiong , Zheng PeiRu , Kang XunLei , Chang Hui‐Ming , Yeh Edward T. H. , Li De‐Pei 
Published: May 2022

AbstractGlutamate N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs) and Kv7/M channels are importantly involved in regulating neuronal activity involved in various physiological and pathological functions. Corticotropin‐releasing hormone (CRH)‐expressing neurons in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) critically mediate autonomic response during stress. However, the interaction between NMDA receptors and Kv7/M channels in the CRHCeA neurons remains unclear. In this study, we identified rat CRHCeA neurons through the expression of an AAV viral vector‐mediated enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) driven by the rat CRH promoter. M‐currents carried by Kv7/M channels were recorded using the whole‐cell patch‐clamp approach in eGFP‐tagged CRHCeA neurons in brain slices. Acute exposure to NMDA significantly reduced M‐currents recorded from the CRHCeA neurons. NMDA‐induced suppression of M‐currents was eliminated by chelating intracellular Ca2+, supplying phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐bisphosphate (PIP2) intracellularly, or blocking phosphoinositide3‐kinase (PI3K). In contrast, inhibiting protein kinase C (PKC) or calmodulin did not alter NMDA‐induced suppression of M‐currents. Sustained exposure of NMDA decreased Kv7.3 membrane protein levels and suppressed M‐currents, while the Kv7.2 expression levels remained unaltered. Pre‐treatment of brain slices with PKC inhibitors alleviated the decreases in Kv7.3 and reduction of M‐currents in CRHCeA neurons induced by NMDA. PKC inhibitors did not alter Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 membrane protein levels and M‐currents in CRHCeA neurons. These data suggest that transient activation of NMDARs suppresses M‐currents through the Ca2+‐dependent PI3K‐PIP2 signaling pathway. In contrast, sustained activation of NMDARs reduces Kv7.3 protein expression and suppresses M‐currents through a PKC‐dependent pathway.image
Effects of functional mandibular lateral shift on craniofacial growth and development in growing rats
Authors: Zou Yuchun , Lin Hanyu , Cai Jingwen , Xie Qingqi , Chen Weijia , Lu You‐Guang , Xu Linyu 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundUnilateral posterior crossbite, one of the most frequent malocclusions, is often associated with functional lateral shift of the mandible. Although the effects of functional lateral shift on the mandible and temporomandibular joint have been examined in various animal experiments, cranial and maxillary changes have received less attention.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the effects of functional lateral shift on the craniofacial complex in growing rats.MethodsEighty 5‐week‐old male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 40), which received an oblique guide appliance that shifted the mandible to the left during closure, and a control group (n = 40). The rats were scanned by cone‐beam computed tomography at 3 days and 1, 2, 4 and 8 weeks. The dimensions of the mandibular bone, condyle, maxilla and cranium were measured.ResultsThe mandibles of rats in the experimental group were smaller than those of the rats in the control group and were asymmetrical. The condyles of the rats in the experimental group were thinner than those of the control rats. The condylar length on the ipsilateral side was shorter and wider than that on the contralateral side from 4 to 8 weeks. No significant differences in cranial length or height were observed between the experimental and control groups. The height of the upper first molar and alveolar bone on the contralateral side was significantly smaller than that on the ipsilateral side and in the controls from 4 to 8 weeks.ConclusionFunctional shift in the mandible produces morphological asymmetries in the mandible and maxillary region and may cause bilateral condylar degenerative changes.
Dysbiotic relationship between arthritis and the oral‐gut microbiome. A critical review
Authors: de Oliveira Rubelisa Candido Gomes , Gardev Elly , Shaddox Luciana Macchion 
Published: May 2022

AbstractArthritis and prosthetic joint infections (PJIs) overall are associated with reduced quality of life and limited work capacity. Multiple, overlapping factors contribute to these conditions. Some investigations have suggested a dysbiotic association between the oral‐gut microbiome and pathogenesis of arthritis and PJIs. A better understanding of the role of the oral‐gut microbiota in arthritis and PJI pathophysiology can shed light into how its disequilibrium can discharge a pro‐inflammatory response, and impact the health of patients susceptible to arthritis or with established joint disease. A review of published in vivo and clinical data suggested that alterations in oral and gut microbiota can lead to a disturbance of immunoregulatory properties, and may be associated with joint infections and arthritis. This review brings new insights into the current status of the evidence on the potential molecules and inflammatory biomarkers disrupted by an oral‐gut microbial dysbiosis. Normal commensals and pathogenic oral and gut microflora homeostasis are important not only to prevent infections per se but also its potential progression. Further experiments, especially controlled clinical trials, are needed to ascertain how microbiome manipulation and other microbiota‐directed approaches can help control inflammation and effectively prevent and treat arthritic diseases. Additionally, studies on the effects of the long‐term oral diseases, such as chronic periodontitis, on arthritis and PJIs need to be conducted.
Relationship between different hepatitis B virus infection status and gestational diabetes mellitus prevalence among pregnant women with chronic HBV infection: A retrospective study
Authors: Zhou Guanlun , Chen Chao , Han Guorong , Jiang Hongxiu , Cao Minkai 
Published: May 2022

AbstractTo investigate the relationships between different hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection status and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and analyse the potential risk factors, we conducted an observational retrospective study in HBV‐infected pregnant women to compare the differences of GDM prevalence and clinical outcomes between groups divided by HBV infection status. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the correlations among hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), HBV DNA and liver function. Logistic regression model was used to analyse the risk factors. In all, 1390 HBsAg‐positive pregnant women were enrolled. HBeAg titre and HBV DNA, ALT and AST were correlated (r = 0.743, p < 0.001; r = 0.813, p < 0.001). Overall GDM prevalence was 21%. GDM prevalence of HBV‐infected women with abnormal liver function was higher than those with normal liver function (26.8% vs. 20%, p = 0.027). Age over 35 years and abnormal liver function over 5 times ULN and 1–2 times ULN were independent risk factors for GDM prevalence with odds ratio (OR) of 1.858 (95% CI 1.227–2.815), 1.589 (95% CI 1.023–2.468) and 2.203 (95% CI 1.029–4.718), respectively. GDM prevalence in HBV‐infected pregnancies with abnormal liver function was higher than those with normal liver function. Age over 35 years and abnormal liver function were independent risk factors for GDM in HBV‐infected women.
Parallel recolonizations generate distinct genomic sectors in kelp following high‐magnitude earthquake disturbance
Authors: Vaux Felix , Parvizi Elahe , Craw Dave , Fraser Ceridwen I. , Waters Jonathan M. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractLarge‐scale disturbance events have the potential to drastically reshape biodiversity patterns. Notably, newly vacant habitat space cleared by disturbance can be colonized by multiple lineages, which can lead to the evolution of distinct spatial “sectors” of genetic diversity within a species. We test for disturbance‐driven sectoring of genetic diversity in intertidal southern bull kelp, Durvillaea antarctica (Chamisso) Hariot, following the high‐magnitude 1855 Wairarapa earthquake in New Zealand. Specifically, we use genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) to analyse fine‐scale population structure across the uplift zone and apply machine learning to assess the fit of alternative recolonizaton models. Our analysis reveals that specimens from the uplift zone carry distinctive genomic signatures potentially linked to post‐earthquake recolonization processes. Specifically, our analysis identifies two parapatric spatial‐genomic sectors of D. antarctica at Turakirae Head, which experienced the most dramatic uplift. Based on phylogeographical modelling, we infer that bull kelp in the Wellington region was probably a source for recolonization of the heavily uplifted Turakirae Head coastline, via two parallel, eastward recolonization events. By identifying multiple parapatric genotypic sectors within a recently recolonized coastal region, the current study provides support for the hypothesis that competing lineage expansions can generate striking spatial structuring of genetic diversity, even in highly dispersive taxa.
Predictive models for human–AI nexus in group decision making
Authors: Askarisichani Omid , Bullo Francesco , Friedkin Noah E. , Singh Ambuj K. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractMachine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) have had a profound impact on our lives. Domains like health and learning are naturally helped by human–AI interactions and decision making. In these areas, as ML algorithms prove their value in making important decisions, humans add their distinctive expertise and judgment on social and interpersonal issues that need to be considered in tandem with algorithmic inputs of information. Some questions naturally arise. What rules and regulations should be invoked on the employment of AI, and what protocols should be in place to evaluate available AI resources? What are the forms of effective communication and coordination with AI that best promote effective human–AI teamwork? In this review, we highlight factors that we believe are especially important in assembling and managing human–AI decision making in a group setting.