bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the evaluators: What have we learned from “neutral assessments” of the Canadian federal evaluation function?
Authors: Bourgeois Isabelle , Maltais Stéphanie 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMost Canadian federal government departments and agencies are required to conduct a “neutral assessment” of their evaluation function every five years. Such assessments should focus on the capacity of the evaluation units to produce high‐quality evaluation reports which serve the needs of organizational decision‐makers. Our study sought to analyze neutral assessment reports produced over a ten‐year period. Overall, our review suggests that the neutral assessments consistently conform with central‐agency requirements as well as indicate evolving evaluation capacity and utilization. We provide recommendations for improving the function and its impact.
A practical approach to assessing existing evidence for specific conservation strategies
Authors: Salafsky Nick , Irvine Robyn , Boshoven Judy , Lucas Jaclyn , Prior Kent , Bisaillon Jean‐François , Graham Becky , Harper Paul , Laurin André Y. , Lavers Amanda , Neufeld Lalenia , Margoluis Richard 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThere is currently a great deal of work being undertaken to collect, analyze, and synthesize available evidence about the effectiveness of conservation strategies. But substantial challenges still remain in enabling practitioners to assess and apply this evidence to their conservation work in an efficient manner. To solve these challenges, there is growing recognition of the need to use situation assessments and theory of change pathways to detail a set of analytical questions and specific assumptions that can be assessed against the evidence base to “make the case” for a proposed strategy and to identify gaps in knowledge. In this study, we first provide updated definitions of some key terms. We then present and provide examples of an approach to enable practitioners to evaluate the evidence base for the critical assumptions that underlie their specific conservation strategies and to wisely use evidence coming from different knowledge systems. This practical approach, which was developed through a series of pilot tests with Parks Canada projects, involves four iterative steps: (1) identify critical questions and assumptions requiring evidence; (2) assemble and assess the specific and generic evidence for each assumption; (3) determine confidence in evidence and its implications; and (4) validate the assessment and iteratively adapt as needed. Ideally, this approach can be integrated into existing decision‐making frameworks and can also facilitate better cooperation between researchers who synthesize evidence and practitioners who use evidence to make conservation both more effective and efficient.
Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh versus MELD‐XI identify distinct high‐risk populations for heart transplantation following ventricular assist device placement
Authors: Leven Emily A. , Kurdi Ahmed T. , Govindarajulu Usha , Schiano Thomas , Pinney Sean , Crismale James F. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundPatients with end‐stage heart failure frequently have significant congestive hepatopathy requiring hepatology assessment prior to heart transplantation listing. An elevated Model for End‐stage Liver Disease score with modification to exclude INR (MELD‐XI) has been associated with increased mortality following heart transplantation (HT). This study's primary aim was to examine whether Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) classification is associated with post‐transplant mortality in patients bridged to transplant with left ventricular assist devices.Methods and ResultsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 134 patients from our center. Age, CTP class, and MELD‐XI at HT were included in the multivariate model for the primary outcome, which demonstrated a significant association between 1‐year mortality and CTP class (CTP‐A HR: .08, CI .01–.46, P < .01; CTP‐B HR: .25, CI .05–1.2, P = .08; reference group CTP‐C), and MELD‐XI (HR: 1.15; CI: 1.03–1.28; P = .01), but no significant difference for age (HR: .97; CI: .93–1.01; P = .15). Only 13/33 patients with CTP improvement after assist device also had improvement in MELD‐XI.ConclusionsPatients with relatively low MELD‐XI scores with discordantly high CTP classification may be a distinct subset for whom MELD‐XI underestimates the risk of mortality after heart transplantation compared to CTP.
Hormone therapy and disease activity in Danish women with multiple sclerosis: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Kopp Tine Iskov , Lidegaard Øjvind , Magyari Melinda 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground and purposeSex differences in multiple sclerosis (MS) prevalence and disease course are thought to be driven by hormones. Exogenous exposure to estrogens may affect MS disease course. Thus, our aim was to investigate the association between hormone therapy (HT) and disease activity and disability accrual among women with MS.MethodsA register‐based cohort study was conducted with prospectively enrolled cases from the Danish MS registry. Information on hormone exposure was retrieved from the National Prescription Registry. Outcomes were relapse rate, relapse rate ratio, recurrent relapses, 6‐month confirmed and sustained Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) milestones 4 and 6, and recurrent EDSS worsening.ResultsIn all, 3325 women were eligible for analyses, of whom 333 (10%) were ever on HT at some time during follow‐up. We found no association between HT and disability accrual, although a trend for increasing risk with increasing length of use was seen. The risk of reaching 6‐month confirmed and sustained EDSS 4 among users was 0.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.3–1.2) after <1 year of use and 1.4 (95% CI = 0.9–2.2) after >5 years of HT compared to never use. The risk of recurrent relapse was increased by 20% (95% CI = 1.0–1.4) among current users of HT compared to nonusers. However, the risk of recurrent relapses was driven by the first calendar period (1996–2005) before the introduction of high‐efficacy disease‐modifying therapy.ConclusionsOur findings from this nationwide MS population suggest that HT does not affect disability accrual in women with MS, especially if used for <5 years.
The Guard's Dilemma: Social Roles and Therapeutic Experience for Inpatient‐Guards in Tijuana's Community‐Based Addiction Treatment
Authors: Kozelka Ellen E. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractOver the past 30 years, Tijuana has witnessed a proliferation of non‐biomedical, community‐based drug treatment centers. Research on this industry focuses primarily on documenting their spread and describing institutional practices, particularly human rights abuses. However, ethnography attuned to inpatient perspectives shows academic responses (op‐eds, articles, policy briefs, etc.) that generalize compulsory, community‐based addiction treatment as completely unproductive often obscure inpatients’ complicated experiences. I examine daily life and social roles in one all‐female 12 Step center along Mexico's northern border to explore the claim by center administrators that inpatients benefit therapeutically from acting simultaneously as guards (inpatient‐guards). This ethnography of practice complicates academic discussions of compulsory addiction treatment by examining the labor the inpatient‐guards provide and the meanings they ascribe to it, revealing the complexity of therapeutic experience and a path for global mental health to better understand community care.
Psychoactive substance use among students: A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Perino Justine , Tournier Marie , Mathieu Clément , Letinier Louis , Peyré Alexandre , Perret Garance , Pereira Edwige , Fourrier‐Réglat Annie , Pollet Clothilde , Fatseas Mélina , Tzourio Christophe , Daveluy Amélie 
Published: February 2022

AbstractLittle is known about psychoactive substance use in students, apart from tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis. This study investigated the prevalence of substance use and overlap between various psychoactive substances in students. This cross‐sectional study was conducted in 10 066 students included in the i‐Share cohort between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017. The baseline questionnaire was the key source of information. Psychoactive substances of interest (PSI) were cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, nitrous oxide, poppers, and MDMA. Their patterns of use were categorized as lifetime, past year, and current use. The use of other psychoactive substances including alcohol and tobacco was described in PSI users and non‐users. Most participants were female (75%), and their average age was 21 years. Lifetime use of at least one PSI was reported by 65.5% of participants. Cannabis was the most frequently used substance both over lifetime (57% of students) and past year (35%), followed by poppers and nitrous oxide (28% and 26% of students over lifetime, respectively). Among polydrug users (n = 1242), 65% used only nitrous oxide and poppers, showing a strong link between these two substances. Regular alcohol use, binge drinking, and current tobacco use were higher in PSI users than in non‐users. Substance use was higher than previously found in both French and European studies in young people. Nitrous oxide use was particularly high. Regular alcohol use, binge drinking, and tobacco use could be used as markers to identify students at risk of PSI use to be targeted by prevention programs.
Plant diversity has stronger linkage with soil fungal diversity than with bacterial diversity across grasslands of northern China
Authors: Wang Congwen , Ma Linna , Zuo Xiaoan , Ye Xuehua , Wang Renzhong , Huang Zhenying , Liu Guofang , Cornelissen Johannes H. C. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAimThe interactions between plants and soil microbes play crucial roles in modulating the function and stability of terrestrial ecosystems. However, the relationships between plant and soil microbial diversity for different taxa have remained been elusive.LocationNorthern China.Major taxaPlant and soil microbes of grassland ecosystems.Time period2018 and 2019.MethodsWe conducted a transect survey across grasslands to measure plant diversity, plant traits, and soil microbial diversity. High throughput sequencing was used to assess soil microbial diversity for bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA (16S) and fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions on an Illumina MiSeq. The random forest algorithm was used to determine the important spatial and environmental variables in predicting plant and microbial diversity, and structural equation modelling was used to examine the direct and indirect effects of climatic and edaphic variables on plant and microbial diversity.ResultsPlant diversity was positively correlated with the diversity of soil fungi, particularly for predicted arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and saprotrophic fungi, and they were positively related to soil nutrients and texture. However, the correlation between plant and bacterial diversity varied by phyla and functional guilds, resulting in decoupling between plant and soil bacterial diversity. Community weighted mean leaf C:N ratio indirectly decreased soil fungal diversity through a negative relationship with soil total nitrogen. Soil bacterial and fungal diversity increased with increasing functional richness of specific leaf area and stem density, respectively.Main conclusionsThese findings have contributed to unravelling the direct and indirect linkages between plant and soil fungal diversity, highlighting particularly strong linkages between plant diversity and predicted AMF and saprotrophic fungi diversity. However, we failed to detect an overall linkage between plant and soil bacterial diversity. Still, our findings suggest that integrating soil fungi into the framework of plant diversity conservation is conducive to biodiversity restoration in degraded grassland ecosystems.
Effects of precipitation changes on the stoichiometry and photosynthetic characteristics of Stipa bungeana Trin. at different growth stages in the Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Luo Xu , Wang Yutao , Zhang Yi , Zhang Juan , Ma Hongbin , Li Jianping 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe aim of this study was to explore the response of the stoichiometric and photosynthetic characteristics of a dominant plant species in a typical grassland to changes in precipitation. Rain shelter technology was used to simulate 50%, 100%, and 150% of natural rainfall. The photosynthetic rate (Pn), intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci), transpiration rate (Tr), stomatal conductance (Gs), and ecological stoichiometry of the rhizosphere soil and Stipa bungeana at different growth stages were measured in May, July), and September, 2019 after 2 years of rainfall control. The results showed that the aboveground carbon (C) content of plants grown under 150% precipitation was significantly higher than that of plants grown under 100% precipitation in September. The aboveground nitrogen (N) content of plants under 50% precipitation was significantly higher than the plants grown under 100% precipitation. Under all different precipitation treatments, the aboveground C:N ratio was the lowest (16.4–19.6) in May. The range of average aboveground C: phosphorous (P) ratio was 373.7–617.8, and the N:P ratio in the descending order was July > May > September. The 50% precipitation treatment promoted the highest accumulation of underground C at all the growth stages. The productivity of the grassland under the 100% and 150% precipitation treatments was limited by the rhizosphere soil N and P. The underground C, P, C:P, and aboveground C:N ratios were sensitive indicators. Aboveground and underground N:P ratio showed the strongest significant correlation (P < 0.001), and the correlation between underground stoichiometry and rhizosphere soil P (P < 0.001) was stronger than that with rhizosphere soil N (P < 0.05). The correlation between Ci and stoichiometry was opposite in direction to the correlation between Pn, Tr, Gs, and stoichiometry. The research results will provide a scientific reference for understanding of the material cycle and judgment of vegetation nutrient limitations in the Loess Plateau.
Epidermal barrier function in human immunodeficiency virus‐infected South African infants compared with uninfected
Authors: Naidoo Navlin , Mosam Anisa , Stamatas Georgios , Dlova Ncoza C. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackground and objectiveInfant human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a problem in different parts of the world. Early signs of disease manifestation often involve infant skin. This study compared the skin barrier properties of HIV infected with uninfected infants.MethodsA cross‐sectional descriptive study was undertaken with HIV positive and HIV negative unexposed African infants (6 weeks–12 months). Both had normal birth weight for age, no pre‐existing dermatoses or co‐infections, and received all their vaccinations timeously. The HIV positive infants were on antiretroviral (ARV) therapy. The skin barrier quality was assessed by measuring the transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin surface hydration (SSH) on the dorsal arm (1) and the inner forearm (2).ResultsEighty‐six HIV negative and 43 HIV positive African children were recruited. There were significant differences between the two groups based on the presence of HIV infection. In both sites, measured TEWL rates were significantly higher for the HIV positive children. There was a nonsignificant difference between the SSH values for site 1 and a marginally significant difference for site 2, with the average values higher in the HIV positive group. In both groups, TEWL rates and SSH values were significantly lower on site 1 compared to site 2.ConclusionDifferences in skin barrier properties of HIV infected and uninfected children may exist. The altered skin barrier in infected children may be one of the factors that predisposes them to various inflammatory and infectious dermatoses. Improving the skin barrier may assist in preventing these conditions.
Fermentation optimization and amylase activity of endophytic Bacillus velezensis D1 isolated from corn seeds
Authors: Hu Qian , Wu Qi , Dai Binghong , Cui Jingwei , Khalid Anam , Li Yang , Wang Zaigui 
Published: February 2022

Abstract

Aims
To acquire quality amylase adopted in practical applications, endophytic bacteria were identified as Bacillus velezensis strain D1 which was isolated from corn seeds. The fermentation conditions and amylase properties of the strain were investigated.

Methods and Results
The strain D1 was identified via morphological, physiological and 16S rDNA phylogenetic analysis. The fermentation conditions of secreting amylase were optimized by single-factor and orthogonal experiments. The α-amylase gene was expressed in E. coli and purified by means of immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC), upon which the enzyme activity of purified recombinant α-amylase was determined. The results outlined that (1) The strain D1 was identified as Bacillus velezensis. (2) The optimized fermentation conditions for maximum amylase yields included 44°C for 48 h at pH 7.5. (3) The enzyme had an optimal reaction temperature of 60°C with the highest activity at 50°C and tolerance to 4-h incubation at 70°C. (4) The enzyme was strong acid resistant and tolerated at pH 5.0–6.0 while the optimal pH was 8.0. (5) Besides, the amylase activity was elevated by the presence of Ca2+ and Cu2+. (6) The activity of purified recombinant amylase was 20.59 U/ml under optimal conditions, nearly seven times that of crude amylase preparations.

Conclusions
The amylase produced by Bacillus velezensis D1 is strongly tolerant towards acid and high temperatures.

Significance and Impact of the Study
Amylases with thermophilic and acid-resistant characteristics are useful for a wide range of applications in food, brewing, textile, starch, paper and deterrent industries. The enzyme from Bacillus velezensis D1 can be effectively used in different areas of industries.
Genetic analysis of sexual dimorphism in growth of Jamunapari goats of India
Authors: Mandal Ajoy , Baneh Hasan , Rout Pramod K. , Notter David R. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractA genetic study of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) in Jamunapari goats was carried out to identify differences between sexes in genetic control of body weight at birth and at 3 (weaning), 6, 9 and 12 months of age. A total of 6,687 kids out of 264 sires and 1,704 dams were used in the study. Estimates of SSD were derived from male:female body weight ratios. Males were 9.9, 6.8, 9.3, 13.7 and 16.8% heavier than females at birth and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months of age, respectively, demonstrating modest SSD. Phenotypic standard deviations were larger for male kids and tended to be proportional to body weight means. However, males also had somewhat greater phenotypic coefficients of variation and total resemblance among relatives. Additive direct genetic correlations between body weights of males and females exceeded 0.96 at birth and weaning. Corresponding additive maternal correlations exceeded 0.99. Additive direct correlations between sexes were somewhat less than unity for postweaning weights but exceeded 0.80 in multi‐trait models. Our results indicated that body weights could be treated as the same trait in males and females, but the use of different phenotypic variances for the two sexes would improve accuracies of breeding value predictions. High genetic correlations between body weights in males and females suggest limited opportunity to use sex‐specific selection to create or modify SSD or create divergent body weight phenotypes between sexes.
β‐Cell function and body mass index are predictors of exercise response in elderly patients with prediabetes
Authors: He Yali , Feng Yanhong , Shi Junli , Tang Hong , Chen Linhui , Lou Qingqing 
Published: February 2022

ABSTRACTAims/IntroductionTo explore the predicting factors of exercise response (whether the participants converted to diabetes) in elderly patients with prediabetes.Materials and MethodsThis is a retrospective subgroup analysis of the registered clinical trial with previous publication of the same cohort. A total of 248 participants with prediabetes were randomized to the aerobic training (n = 83) group, resistance training (n = 82) group and control group (n = 83). The patients who finished the 2‐year exercise intervention were included in this analysis to explore the factors impacting exercise response.ResultsA total of 113 patients with prediabetes completed 2 years of exercise, with 56 participants in the aerobic exercise group and 57 in the resistance exercise group. Patients who reversed to normal glucose tolerance, remained in prediabetes and developed diabetes were 18 (15.90%), 70 (62.00%) and 25 (22.10%), respectively. Logistic regression showed that baseline, homeostatic model 2 assessment of β‐cell function (β = −0.143, P = 0.039), hemoglobin A1c (β = 3.301, P = 0.007) and body mass index (β = 0.402, P = 0.012) were related to exercise response, whereas the waist‐to‐hip ratio (β = −3.277, P = 0.693) and types of exercise (β = 1.192, P = 0.093) were not significantly related to exercise response.ConclusionsBaseline homeostatic model 2 assessment of β‐cell function, hemoglobin A1c and body mass index were the predictors for the response to exercise in elderly patients with prediabetes.
Clinical evaluation of autologous platelet rich plasma injection in postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy: A pilot study
Authors: Saleh Doaa M. , Abdelghani Rania 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere is a lack of published data investigating injection of autologous platelet rich plasma (A‐PRP) alone in the treatment of postmenopausal VVA.ObjectivesIn this pilot study, we aimed to investigate the safety and efficacy of injection of A‐PRP alone in postmenopausal VVA in women without the history of cancer breast to explore its utility as a hormone free therapy for postmenopausal VVA and for vulvovaginal rejuvenation.MethodsIn this pilot study, 47 women with postmenopausal VVA were included. Vulvovaginal condition was evaluated at the baseline by vaginal health index (VHI). Impact of VVA on quality of life and sexual life was evaluated at the baseline by vulvovaginal symptom questionnaire (VSQ). Treatment protocol was 2 sessions of A‐PRP injection with 1 month interval. Response was evaluated 1 month after the last session by VHI and VSQ. Side effects were also evaluated.ResultsPostmenopausal VVA was significantly improved by A‐PRP injection as indicated by significant improvement of total VHI score and its items at 1 month post‐treatment (p value <0.001). Moreover, there was significant improvement of burning, hurting, being irritated, being dry, discharge, desire to be intimate, sexual relationships, pain during sexual activity, and dryness during sexual activity at 1 month post‐treatment as indicated by VSQ (p value =0.045 for being dry and <0.001 for other items).ConclusionsAutologous platelet rich plasma injection is safe and effective as minimally invasive monotherapy for postmenopausal VVA without history of cancer breast and hence for vulvovaginal rejuvenation.