bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic browsing by an introduced mammalian herbivore in a tropical island alters species composition and functional traits of forest understory plant communities
Authors: Anujan Krishna , Ratnam Jayashree , Sankaran Mahesh 
Published: August 2022

AbstractMammalian herbivores have large‐scale impacts on vegetation, altering structure, and species composition, especially in tropical grasslands and savannas. However, there is limited understanding of the potential impacts of mammalian herbivores in tropical wet forests, where they are typically less abundant. We investigated the effects of an introduced mammalian herbivore chital (Axis axis) on vegetation structure, composition and leaf functional traits of tropical evergreen forests of the Andaman Islands, India. Across seven islands, representing a gradient of herbivore densities, increasing chital presence was associated with decreased understory richness, understory density and adult tree richness, but was not related to adult tree density or size class distributions. We also found a significant decrease in community level leaf palatability traits (specific leaf area decreased and leaf thickness increased) with increasing chital habitat use. This community level shift in leaf trait values was better explained by intraspecific variation in leaf traits across islands rather than changes in species composition. In summary, we show persistent long‐term impacts of an introduced mammalian herbivore on understory tropical tree communities although there is little impact on adult tree communities. Our results also show that functional traits of species can be altered in response to novel herbivory, even at herbivore densities where there are no detectable impacts on adult forest structure or composition. Such altered functional traits may potentially alter ecosystem functioning in these forests even without changes in vegetation structure.Abstract in Hindi is available with online material.
BSACIguideline for the diagnosis and management of pollen food syndrome in theUK
Authors: Skypala Isabel J. , Hunter Hannah , Krishna Mamidipudi Thirumala , Rey‐Garcia Helena , Till Stephen J. , du Toit George , Angier Elizabeth , Baker Sarah , Stoenchev Kostadin V. , Luyt David K. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractPollen food syndrome (PFS) is a highly prevalent food allergy affecting pollen‐sensitized children and adults. Sufferers experience allergic symptoms when consuming raw plant foods, due to the homology between the pollen allergens and unstable proteins in these foods. The triggers involved can vary depending on the pollen sensitization, which in turn is affected by geographical location. The British Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (BSACI) Standards of Care Committee (SOCC) identified a need to develop a guideline for the diagnosis and management of PFS in the United Kingdom (UK). Guidelines produced by the BSACI use either the GRADE or SIGN methodology; due to a lack of high‐quality evidence these recommendations were formulated using the SIGN guidelines, which is acknowledged to be less robust than the GRADE approach. The correct diagnosis of PFS ensures the avoidance of a misdiagnosis of a primary peanut or tree nut allergy or confusion with another plant food allergy to non‐specific lipid transfer proteins. The characteristic foods involved, and rapid‐onset oropharyngeal symptoms, mean PFS can often be diagnosed from the clinical history alone. However, reactions involving tree nuts, peanuts and soya milk or severe/atypical reactions to fruits and vegetables may require additional diagnostic tests. Management is through the exclusion of known trigger foods, which may appear to be simple, but is highly problematic if coupled with a pre‐existing food allergy or for individuals following a vegetarian/vegan diet. Immunotherapy to pollens is not an effective treatment for PFS, and although oral or sublingual immunotherapy to foods seems more promising, large, controlled studies are needed. The typically mild symptoms of PFS can lead to an erroneous perception that this condition is always easily managed, but severe reactions can occur, and anxiety about the onset of symptoms to new foods can have a profound effect on quality of life.
Shared and specific dynamics of brain activity and connectivity in amnestic and nonamnestic mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Zhong Xiaomei , Chen Ben , Hou Le , Wang Qiang , Liu Meiling , Yang Mingfeng , Zhang Min , Zhou Huarong , Wu Zhangying , Zhang Si , Lin Gaohong , Ning Yuping 
Published: August 2022

AbstractAimsThe present study aimed to compare temporal variability in the spontaneous fluctuations of activity and connectivity between amnestic MCI (aMCI) and nonamnestic MCI (naMCI), which enhances the understanding of their different pathophysiologies and provides targets for individualized intervention.MethodsSixty‐five naMCI and 48 aMCI subjects and 75 healthy controls were recruited. A sliding window analysis was used to evaluate the dynamic amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (dALFF), dynamic regional homogeneity (dReHo), and dynamic functional connectivity (dFC). The caudal/rostral hippocampus was selected as the seeds for calculating dFC.ResultsBoth aMCI and naMCI exhibited abnormal dALFF, dReHo, and hippocampal dFC compared with healthy controls. Compared with individuals with naMCI, those with aMCI exhibited (1) higher dALFF variability in the right putamen, left Rolandic operculum, and right middle cingulum, (2) lower dReHo variability in the right superior parietal lobule, and (3) lower dFC variability between the hippocampus and other regions (left superior occipital gyrus, middle frontal gyrus, inferior cerebellum, precuneus, and right superior frontal gyrus). Additionally, variability in dALFF, dReHo, and hippocampal dFC exhibited different associations with cognitive scores in aMCI and naMCI patients, respectively. Finally, dReHo variability in the right superior parietal lobule and dFC variability between the right caudal hippocampus and left inferior cerebellum exhibited partially mediated effects on the different memory scores between people with aMCI and naMCI.ConclusionThe aMCI and naMCI patients exhibited shared and specific patterns of dynamic brain activity and connectivity. The dReHo of the superior parietal lobule and dFC of the hippocampus‐cerebellum contributed to the memory heterogeneity of MCI subtypes. Analyzing the temporal variability in the spontaneous fluctuations of brain activity and connectivity provided a new perspective for exploring the different pathophysiological mechanisms in MCI subtypes.
Introducing dental trauma (a non‐curricular topic) into medical education: A viewpoint
Authors: Yeng Thai 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe aim of this paper is focused on expanding medical students' knowledge and understanding of a non‐core curricular subject not normally offered in the medical curriculum. The critical juncture explored how to introduce a health‐related subject into medical education that complements without competing for space/time in medical students' core studies. Using dental trauma as an example, this paper supports the opportunity for medical students to learn online about managing dental injuries and to raise their awareness of the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment of traumatic dental injuries before they graduate as medical doctors.
Evaluation of locking compression plate fixation of the distal phalanx to the hoof wall as a potential therapy for laminitis
Authors: Lean Natasha E. , Zedler Steven T. , Van Eps Andrew William , Engiles Julie B. , Ford Matthew , Stefanovski Darko , Walsh Donald Mark , Pollitt Christopher C. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractBackgroundSurgical stabilisation of the distal phalanx (DP) is a potential therapeutic strategy for severe acute laminitis.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of locking compression plate (LCP) fixation of the DP to the dorsal hoof wall.Study designEx vivo and in vivo experiments.MethodsA T‐shaped LCP was applied to one limb per pair in six pairs of cadaver forelimbs subjected to a combination of thermally induced lamellar failure and vertical load to simulate severe acute laminitis. Standard radiographic measurements were used to compare DP displacement. The LCP was then applied to one forefoot in 12 healthy Standardbred horses either standing (n = 6) or under general anaesthesia (n = 6). Lameness was evaluated daily, then horses were euthanised (day 8) and lamellar tissue analysed using light microscopy, histomorphometery and molecular markers of apoptosis.ResultsIn the cadaver limb model, LCP fixation prevented the significant changes in hoof‐distal phalanx distance, coronary extensor process distance and sole depth that characterised DP displacement in untreated limbs (p < 0.05). Application of the construct in vivo was well tolerated with minimal lameness (10/12 horses were sound at the trot on day 8); however, histology revealed dorsal lamellar pathology consistent with laminitis, but with extensive keratinocyte apoptosis. Adjacent to the LCP, caspase‐3 positive cell counts were approximately 20‐fold higher than control (p < 0.001).Main limitationsPathology was evaluated at a single time point. Microvascular perfusion was not evaluated.ConclusionsRigid fixation of the DP to the hoof capsule was achieved with the LCP construct in a cadaver limb laminitis model. In live horses, LCP fixation caused regional lamellar pathology with extensive apoptosis, likely due to disturbed lamellar microvascular perfusion and/or mechanostasis. Understanding these mechanisms is critical for refinement of the technique in order to avoid iatrogenic lamellar damage.
Multi‐criteria approach for handling sophisticated data transmission over gateways in blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) federated networks
Authors: Patil Suvarna , Gokhale Prasad 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIn the real‐world scenario, the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain federated networks implicate smart devices for gathering the data and then directing the data to the destined nodes through gateway devices. A gateway usually supports a number of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) irrespective of their underlying communication technologies. Furthermore, a gateway usually supports a number of WSNs with blockchain master nodes, which employ diverse communication technologies. As a result, gateways are meant to play a versatile role without worrying about the underlying architecture, hardware, and software details of the connecting nodes in blockchain federated networks. This paper proposes a two‐phased methodology for blockchain and IoT federated networks where efficient link selection based on a multi‐criteria‐based approach is performed. The dynamic gateway scheduling strategy is capable enough to support blockchain‐based transactions as well as communication in IoT devices. Furthermore, the proposed methodology enhances data transfer fairness for each gateway, resulting in efficient data transmission. Machine learning (ML) methods are also devised to analyze the status of the communication channels before employing the link selection mechanism. Then the selection of links is performed based on multi‐criteria statistical techniques. Finally, the scheduling is performed for selecting the appropriate gateway for channelizing the blockchain data speedily. The selection of links is made based on the dynamic status of the links. The usage of time series ML methods such as LSTM is made to predict the upcoming traffic on the links. Multiple criteria‐based statistical approaches are utilized for the selection of the link optimally. Finally, the scheduling is performed to fulfil the criteria of 6G networks, where network users are rewarded with seamless connectivity and uninterrupted services. The efficacy of the proposed two‐phased mechanism is demonstrated through simulation results. The results are demonstrated with respect to the total data conveyed, packet delivery ratio (PDR), energy consumed by the links, and throughput of the network. The PDR obtained by the proposed work for the high volume of data is 93% and for the low volume of data is 97%. The packet delay is reduced by 21% for low volume data and 19% for high volume data by the proposed methods. The data transmission is also optimized remarkably by the proposed method. The proposed fairness‐driven mechanism (FDM) is compared with the state‐of‐the‐art methods to prove the viability and robustness of the two‐phased proposed mechanism of link selection for data transmission over blockchain and IoT federated networks.
The acculturation gap of parent–child relationships in immigrant families: A national study
Authors: Harris Kathleen Mullan , Chen Ping 
Published: August 2022

AbstractObjectiveWe examined the acculturation processes involving intergenerational consonance and dissonance in parent–child relationships in U.S. immigrant families.BackgroundThis study is important because we lack national studies that examine the association between acculturation processes and intergenerational relationships among diverse racial/ethnic groups in immigrant families.MethodUsing national data from Add Health with diverse race/ethnicity, we measured acculturation levels by immigrant generation, age of arrival, and length of time. Intergenerational consonance (the degree to which children and parents share the same values and activities) was measured by family cohesion and sharing meals (specifically dinners) with parents. Intergenerational dissonance (the degree to which parents and children differ in expected norms and parents lose authority over their children) was measured by parent–child conflict and parental control. Ordinary least square, binary logistic, ordered logistic, and Poisson regressions were conducted depending on the nature of the four dependent variables.ResultsWe found robust evidence that adolescents of the second immigrant generation acculturate more rapidly than those of the first generation and their immigrant parents creating a “gap” in intergenerational relationships. Thus, second‐generation adolescents experience lower levels of family cohesion, less frequency of sharing weekly dinners with parents, less parental control of adolescents' activities, and more serious arguments about their behaviors with their parents than their first‐generation counterparts.ConclusionThis is the new evidence that is based on national data, across multiple measures of intergenerational relationships, and holds for diverse racial and ethnic groups.ImplicationsThe findings underscore the importance of developing culturally informed interventions supporting healthy parent–child relationships in immigrant families.
Extreme heatwave drives topography‐dependent patterns of mortality in a bed‐forming intertidal barnacle, with implications for associated community structure
Authors: Hesketh Amelia V. , Harley Christopher D. G. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractHeatwave frequency and intensity will increase as climate change progresses. Intertidal sessile invertebrates, which often form thermally benign microhabitats for associated species, are vulnerable to thermal stress because they have minimal ability to behaviourally thermoregulate. Understanding what factors influence the mortality of biogenic species and how heatwaves might impact their ability to provide habitat is critical. Here, we characterize the community associated with the thatched barnacle, Semibalanus cariosus (Pallass, 1788), in British Columbia (BC), Canada. Then, we investigate what site‐level and plot‐level environmental factors explained variations in barnacle mortality resulting from an unprecedented regional heatwave in BC, Canada. Furthermore, we used a manipulative shading experiment deployed prior to the heatwave to examine the effect of thermal stress on barnacle survival and recruitment and the barnacle‐associated community. We identified 50 taxa inhabiting S. cariosus beds, with variations in community composition between sites. Site‐scale variables and algal canopy cover did not predict S. cariosus mortality, but patch‐scale variation in substratum orientation did, with more direct solar irradiance corresponding with higher barnacle mortality. The shading experiment demonstrated that S. cariosus survival, barnacle recruitment, and invertebrate community diversity were higher under shades where substratum temperatures were lower. Associated community composition also differed between shaded and non‐shaded plots, suggesting S. cariosus was not able to fully buffer acute thermal stress for its associated community. While habitat provisioning by intertidal foundation species is an important source of biodiversity, these species alone may not be enough to prevent substantial community shifts following extreme heatwaves. As heatwaves become more frequent and severe, they may further reduce diversity via the loss of biogenic habitat, and spatial variation in these impacts may be substantial.
Post‐partum contraception in women living with HIV
Authors: Oceguera Sharon , Tulloch Karen , Tkachuk Stacey 
Published: August 2022

AbstractIntroductionRates of unintended pregnancy are higher in women living with HIV than in those without HIV. The World Health Organization and the Canadian HIV Pregnancy Planning Guidelines recommend preventing unintended pregnancies and offering contraception counselling to women living with HIV to reduce the rate of perinatal HIV transmission worldwide. No studies have assessed post‐partum (PP) contraception use in women living with HIV in Canada.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective chart review including all women living with HIV followed by the Oak Tree Clinic who had a live birth between 1 January 2014 and 15 September 2019. The main objective was to quantify the proportion and types of contraception used by women living with HIV within 3 months PP and to evaluate whether contraception counselling is associated with contraception use.ResultsOf the 110 participants included, 79% were using contraception within 3 months PP. The most common contraception methods used were an intrauterine device in 22% of participants followed by depot‐medroxyprogesterone acetate in 18% of participants. Of those intending to use contraception PP, 86% and 92% were using contraception within 3 and 12 months PP, respectively. Contraception counselling during pregnancy, and up to 3 months PP, was associated with contraception use within 3 months PP (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe majority of women were using contraception within 3 months PP. Having a contraception plan resulted in a high rate of contraception use. Women living with HIV should have a PP contraception plan prior to giving birth to establish the necessary steps for starting highly reliable forms of contraception. Contraception counselling was associated with contraception use and should be incorporated during pregnancy and in the immediate PP period.
Unveiling the electronic structures and optical properties of alkaline‐earth oxides–modified silicate glasses
Authors: Li Neng , Kang Tian , Shi Zuhao , Liu Yuling , Deng Tengfei 
Published: August 2022

AbstractThe electronic structure, interatomic bonding, and optical properties of mixed alkaline‐earth metal oxides MO (M = Mg, Ca) on amorphous silica glasses were calculated by combined ab initio molecular dynamics and the orthogonalized linear combination of atomic orbitals approaches. With the addition of alkaline‐earth metal oxides, the original structural network model is destroyed, nonbridging oxygen is generated, and the covalent bonding is reduced, which reduces the total bond order density for silicate glass. The complex dielectric function plot shows that there are three distinct peaks in the imaginary part of the original silica glasses, and the last two peaks level off with the modification of alkaline earth oxides.
Effects of different extrusion temperatures on physicochemical, rheological and digestion properties of rice flour produced in a pilot‐scale extruder
Authors: Lai Sixing , Zhang Tingting , Wang Yong , Ouyang Kefan , Hu Hao , Hu Xing , Xiong Hua , Zhao Qiang 
Published: August 2022

SummaryThis research was to study the effects of different die temperatures (125, 135, 145, 155, 165 °C) on the physicochemical, rheological, structural properties and in vitro digestion characteristics of extruded rice flour. In this work, the moisture content of feed rice flour was controlled at 18% (w/w, on a dry basis). A twin‐screw with 65 mm diameter was used. Feed rate and screw speed were set at 120 kg h−1 and 120 rad min−1 respectively to control variables. The results indicated that the water solubility index improved but the water absorption index reduced at a higher temperature. The total starch content reduced as the temperature increased, but the amylose content was insusceptible to the temperature. Average particle size significantly decreased after extrusion due to the damage of starch granules. The water dispersion system of the extruded rice flour possessed more liquid characteristics than that of raw rice flour. Steady shear analysis revealed that the flow was in a shear thinning behaviour, and apparent viscosity was improved by extrusion but negatively related to extrusion temperature. Crystal type of starch turned from A to V after extrusion. The interaction among rice flour components was mainly non‐covalent and could be enhanced by extrusion. The ratio of 1047/1022 cm−1 reflected that the ordered structure was destroyed by extrusion, which was further confirmed by the differential scanning calorimeter result. In addition, the digestibility of extruded rice flour was improved. The in vitro digestibility of protein increased from 75.77% to 86.44% and resistant starch content significantly decreased as extrusion temperature increased.
Neighbourhood socio‐economic environment predicts adiposity and obesity risk in children under two
Authors: Conrey Shannon C. , Burrell Allison R. , Brokamp Cole , Burke Rachel M. , Couch Sarah C. , Niu Liang , Mattison Claire P. , Piasecki Alexandra , Payne Daniel C. , Staat Mary A. , Morrow Ardythe L. 
Published: August 2022

SummaryBackgroundNeighbourhood socio‐economic environment (SEE) is associated with obesity in older children and adults, but little is known about this relationship in younger children. Breastfeeding is an important preventative of adiposity in childhood, but its relationship with neighbourhood SEE is unknown.AimsWe assessed differences in adiposity and obesity in children before age two by neighbourhood SEE, controlling for family socio‐demographics and breastfeeding duration.Materials and MethodsFamily socio‐demographics, child body mass index z scores (BMIz), and breastfeeding duration were collected at periodic study visits from participants in PREVAIL (n = 245), a birth cohort in Cincinnati, OH. Addresses were assigned a Deprivation Index score, a validated measure of SEE, and dichotomized into highest SEE (least deprived quartile of scores) and not highest SEE (remaining quartiles). Longitudinal and Poisson models assessed differences in BMIz by SEE over the second year of life and obesity risk at age two, respectively (highest SEE, reference), while attenuation of obesity risk by breastfeeding duration was tested in mediation models.ResultsResiding outside of the highest SEE neighbourhoods was associated with an increased BMIz of 0.04 (95%CI 0.02, 0.06) per month of life and increased obesity risk at age two (aRR: 3.7, 95%CI 1.2, 16.2), controlling for family socio‐demographics. Breastfeeding duration attenuated >9% of the obesity risk attributable to SEE (mediated RR: 3.4, 95%CI 1.1, 14.8).DiscussionIn the PREVAIL Cohort, residing outside of the highest SEE neighbourhoods predicted a significant increase in BMIz and obesity risk in children before age two, a relationship that was partially mediated by breastfeeding duration.ConclusionBreastfeeding support may play an important role in reducing obesity rates in children in lower SEE neighbourhoods.