bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
“A cuff is not enough”: A community‐based participatory research approach to soliciting perspectives of African Americans with hypertension and their family members on self‐management intervention features
Authors: Woods Sarah B. , Udezi Victoria , Roberson Patricia N. E. , Arnold Elizabeth Mayfield , Nesbitt Shawna , Hiefner Angela
Published: September 2023

We aimed to solicit the perspectives of African Americans with hypertension and their family members on the desired features of a behavioral hypertension self‐management intervention. Using a community‐based participatory approach to intervention design, we conducted four dyadic focus groups, including African American community members with hypertension (n = 23) and their family members (n = 23), recruited from African American‐serving Christian churches in a large, southern metropolitan area. We used open‐ended questions to elicit participants' perspectives regarding program features they would recommend, intervention delivery, and barriers necessary to address. Our grounded theory analysis identified themes reflecting participants' recommendations for hypertension self‐management interventions to enhance health literacy and provide communication training via an accessible, population‐tailored, family‐based approach, which they believed has the potential to create family‐level impact on health across generations. Participants also recommended intervention researchers engage in advocacy (i.e., via physician education and policy change) as part of a broader impact on structural inequities driving worse hypertension and health outcomes for African Americans. The perceptions and recommendations of African Americans with a lived experience of hypertension, as well as their family members, aid in shaping acceptable and efficacious behavioral interventions aiming to promote hypertension self‐management behavior while leveraging the unique power of family relationships to create sustained behavior change.
Refuge‐yeah or refuge‐nah? Predicting locations of forest resistance and recruitment in a fiery world
Authors: Rodman Kyle C. , Davis Kimberley T. , Parks Sean A. , Chapman Teresa B. , Coop Jonathan D. , Iniguez Jose M. , Roccaforte John P. , Sánchez Meador Andrew J. , Springer Judith D. , Stevens‐Rumann Camille S. , Stoddard Michael T. , Waltz Amy E. M. , Wasserman Tzeidle N.
Published: September 2023

Climate warming, land use change, and altered fire regimes are driving ecological transformations that can have critical effects on Earth's biota. Fire refugia—locations that are burned less frequently or severely than their surroundings—may act as sites of relative stability during this period of rapid change by being resistant to fire and supporting post‐fire recovery in adjacent areas. Because of their value to forest ecosystem persistence, there is an urgent need to anticipate where refugia are most likely to be found and where they align with environmental conditions that support post‐fire tree recruitment. Using biophysical predictors and patterns of burn severity from 1180 recent fire events, we mapped the locations of potential fire refugia across upland conifer forests in the southwestern United States (US) (99,428 km2 of forest area), a region that is highly vulnerable to fire‐driven transformation. We found that low pre‐fire forest cover, flat slopes or topographic concavities, moderate weather conditions, spring‐season burning, and areas affected by low‐ to moderate‐severity fire within the previous 15 years were most commonly associated with refugia. Based on current (i.e., 2021) conditions, we predicted that 67.6% and 18.1% of conifer forests in our study area would contain refugia under moderate and extreme fire weather, respectively. However, potential refugia were 36.4% (moderate weather) and 31.2% (extreme weather) more common across forests that experienced recent fires, supporting the increased use of prescribed and resource objective fires during moderate weather conditions to promote fire‐resistant landscapes. When overlaid with models of tree recruitment, 23.2% (moderate weather) and 6.4% (extreme weather) of forests were classified as refugia with a high potential to support post‐fire recruitment in the surrounding landscape. These locations may be disproportionately valuable for ecosystem sustainability, providing habitat for fire‐sensitive species and maintaining forest persistence in an increasingly fire‐prone world.
Method of raw materials selection for production of the MgO‐C bricks of comparable properties using PCA and K‐medoids
Authors: Sado Sebastian
Published: September 2023

MgO‐C refractories are zonally installed in most of the key heat devices of steel and iron metallurgy with the exposure to various corrosive factors. One of the most significant factors is low‐temperature decarburization resulting in the oxidation of carbon in MgO‐C refractories and loss of its properties. Moreover MgO‐C materials are exposed for direct attack of liquid slag or steel melt which easily infiltrate the porous, decarburized hot face of the bricks. Cost of MgO‐C materials of high quality is important for refractories user. For this reason researches try to develop materials of high quality but with lower cost by substituting fused raw materials with sintered ones or with recycled MgO‐C. In this article, method of selecting the raw materials for production of MgO‐C bricks with comparable properties is shown. Twenty different variants of MgO‐C materials were prepared with the use of various quality raw materials. Basic properties of the industrially produced MgO‐C bricks were measured. To select recipes with similar quality principal components analysis method and K‐medoids algorithm were applied. To verify the results corrosion resistance of selected MgO‐C materials were tested with the use of induction furnace of medium frequency.
Open government, civic tech and digital platforms in Latin America: A governance study of Montevideo's urban app ‘Por Mi Barrio’
Authors: Aguerre Carolina , Bonina Carla
Published: September 2023

Digital technologies have a recognised potential to build more efficient, credible, and innovative public institutions in Latin America. Despite progress, digital transformation in Latin American governments remains limited. In this work, we explore a peculiar yet largely understudied opportunity in the region: pursuing digital government transformation as a collaborative process between the government and civil society organisations. To do so, we draw from information systems research on digital government and platforms for development, complemented with governance theory from political science and conduct an interpretive in‐depth case study of an urban reporting platform in Montevideo called ‘Por Mi Barrio’. The study reveals three mutually reinforced orders of governance in the trajectory of the project and explain how the collaboration unfolded over time: (i) a technical decision to use open platform architectures; (ii) the negotiation of formal and informal rules to make the project thrive and (iii) a shared, long‐term ideology around the value of open technologies and technical sovereignty grounded in years of political history. Using a contextual explanation approach, our study helps to improve our understanding on the governance of collaborative digital government platforms in Latin America, with specific contributions to practice.
Optimisation models for project selection in asset management: an application to the water sector
Authors: Vilarinho Hermilio , Barbosa Flávia , Nóvoa Henriqueta , Silva Jaime Gabriel , Yamada Luciana , Camanho Ana S.
Published: September 2023

A significant challenge in asset management is the selection of investment projects for infrastructures, which often relies on subjective judgement and lacks structured decision support methods. This challenge is particularly complex in water systems due to the diverse and heterogeneous nature of the components requiring investment. While the infrastructure value index (IVI) is widely used to characterise assets and support investment decisions in the water sector, its application in optimisation models for generating efficient project portfolios remains unexplored. To address this research gap, this study introduces optimisation models for generating investment portfolio plans in water systems' asset management. The proposed approach includes two mixed‐integer linear programming (MILP) models that determine optimal solutions and an evolutionary algorithm that offers sub‐optimal alternative investment selection plans to provide decision‐makers with additional choices for balancing optimal outcomes. The primary contribution of this research is the combined utilisation of MILP and evolutionary algorithms, integrating the IVI into the decision‐making process. These tools provide decision‐makers with structured methods for defining investment plans and minimising the subjective elements typically associated with such processes. To illustrate the effectiveness of the models, a case study is presented involving a pumping station of a Portuguese water company. The results demonstrate the practical application and benefits of the proposed approach in optimising investment decisions. This research contributes to advancing asset management practices by integrating quantitative optimisation techniques and leveraging the IVI, thereby enhancing the objectivity and efficiency of investment planning in water systems' asset management.
Fabrication of Cu/ZnO‐loaded chitosan hydrogel for an effective wound dressing material to advanced wound care and healing efficiency after caesarean section surgery
Authors: Wang Qiaoying , Li Qingqing , Zhu Lingping , Lin Chenxiao , Chen Qiaoling , Chen Hong
Published: September 2023

Wound infections and delayed complications after caesarean section surgical procedure to mothers would have a prevalence of discomfort, stress and dissatisfaction in the postpartum period. In this report, one‐pot synthesis is used for the preparation of chitosan (CS)‐based copper nanoparticles (nCu), which was used for the preparation of zinc oxide (ZnO) hydrogel as wound dressing materials after surgery. The antibacterial activity of (CS‐nCu/ZnO) developed hydrogels was studied zone of inhibition, against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria. The antibacterial activity of the CS‐nCu/ZnO hydrogel demonstrated that nanoformulated hydrogel materials have provided excellent bactericidal action against clinically approved bacterial pathogens. The biocompatibility and in vitro wound healing potential of the developed wound closure materials were studied by MTT assay and wound scratch assay methods, respectively. The MTT assay and cell migration assay results demonstrated that CS‐nCu/ZnO hydrogel material induces cell compatibility and effective cell proliferation ability. These findings suggest that the CS‐nCu/ZnO hydrogel outperforms CS‐ZnO in terms of wound healing and could be used as a wound closure material in caesarean section wound treatment.
RETRACTED: Diabetic foot wound ulcers management by vacuum sealing drainage: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yang Liuqing , Zhao Ning , Yang Min , Huang Jiao , Fu Xiaomin , Lei Changjiang , Cai Pengzhu
Published: September 2023

The meta‐analysis aimed to assess and compare diabetic foot wound ulcer management by vacuum sealing drainage. Using dichotomous or contentious random‐ or fixed‐effects models, the outcomes of this meta‐analysis were examined, and the odds ratio (OR) and the mean difference (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed. Twenty‐three examinations from 2000 to 2023 were enrolled for the present meta‐analysis, including 1928 individuals with diabetic foot ulcers. Vacuum sealing drainage had significantly lower wound healing (OR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.79–3.08, p < 0.001), lower duration of therapy (MD, −6.19; 95% CI, −10.06 to −2.32, p = 0.002), higher wound size reduction (MD, 4.22; 95% CI, 0.87–7.56, p = 0.01) and lower complication (OR, 0.32; 95% CI, 0.13–0.80, p = 0.01) compared with standard therapy in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. The examined data revealed that vacuum sealing drainage had significantly lower wound healing, duration of therapy and complication rates, as well as higher wound size reduction, compared with standard therapy in patients with diabetic foot ulcers. Yet, attention should be paid to its values since most of the selected examinations had a low sample size.
Preference Constellations in EU–Russian Crisis Bargaining over Syria and Ukraine
Authors: Driedger Jonas J. , Krotz Ulrich
Published: September 2023

The Russian invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 and the ensuing EU–Russian clash over the fate of Ukraine highlight the importance of explaining the outcomes of EU–Russian crisis bargaining. Complementing existing accounts, we argue that favourable preference constellations are key: The more determined, united and focused side prevails over its less interested, divided or unfocused counterpart. We first establish the inferiority of Russia's influence assets (economic, military, normative and allies) relative to the EU. We then use congruence analysis to reverse‐engineer crisis bargaining outcomes in key cases of EU–Russian crisis bargaining, showing that favourable preference constellations allowed Russia, despite inferior assets and EU opposition, to ensure Syrian dictator Assad's political survival, finalize the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and keep Donbass out of Kyiv's control since then. Finally, we discuss the implications of these findings for related areas, as well as for current and future EU–Russian crisis bargaining, specifically over Ukraine.
Age estimates derived from hard parts of swordfish Xiphias gladius from the north‐western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Millot Rémi , Vanalderweireldt Lucie , Finelli Sandolo Laure , Durieux Eric D. H.
Published: September 2023

Accurate age estimates for fish are critical for properly understanding stock dynamics and health; this is particularly true for larger billfishes. Here we determined the most accurate aging estimation methods for swordfish (Xiphias gladius). We compared age estimates obtained from fin‐ray sections, otolith sections, whole otoliths, and vertebrae collected from 87 swordfish off the east coast of Corsica. Age estimates from otolith sections were most consistently estimated across different readers (lowest average percentage error), followed by fin‐ray sections, third vertebrae, and whole otoliths. When the age estimates from the otolith sections were compared with the other three age sclerochronological methods, we found the average percentage error to be lowest between the otolith section and fin‐ray methods. However, age estimates from fin rays proved most useful for estimating swordfish younger than 6 years, as the fin ray‐based age diverged from that of the otolith sections as the swordfish aged. Combining fin ray and otolith section techniques, we estimated the growth parameters of 1–12‐year‐old females (L∞ = 259.412, k = 0.113, t0 = −2.499) and 1–7‐year‐old males (L∞ = 175.543, k = 0.202, t0 = −2.239). We found that females grew significantly faster than males after 3 years and remained larger thereafter. Our calculated growth rates for this region of the north‐western Mediterranean Sea were lower than those of the Atlantic, Pacific, and eastern Mediterranean Sea swordfish populations, and similar to growth rates recorded for the western Mediterranean Sea populations. Our study provides critical knowledge on biological‐related parameters to serve as a guide for preserving the swordfish population in the Mediterranean Sea.
Heterochrony and the evolution of the longjaw mudsucker (Gobiidae, Teleostei)
Authors: Milan Jimjohn , Fidel Tyler , Hongjamrassilp Watcharapong , Frable Benjamin W. , Skelton Zachary R. , Hastings Philip A.
Published: September 2023

Although longjaw mudsucker (Gillichthys mirabilis, Gobiidae) has been studied extensively for its ability to occupy low‐oxygen environments, few studies have addressed the evolution of its exceptionally elongated jaws that extend posteriorly beyond the gill opening in large adults. In this study, the ontogeny of the maxillae of G. mirabilis, Gillichthys seta, and the out‐group species Eucyclogobius newberryi was studied within the heterochrony framework using digitized landmarks and caliper measurements. The results show that the maxilla of both species of Gillichthys evolved via acceleration (increased growth rate) and that of G. mirabilis via hypermorphosis (continued growth to a larger body size); two forms of peramorphosis. This is in contrast to earlier studies that concluded that G. seta is paedomorphic. We were unable to confirm an earlier hypothesis of sexual dimorphism in the jaw length of G. mirabilis. The evolution of the elongated jaws and associated large buccopharyngeal membrane in G. mirabilis is hypothesized to increase the surface area for gas exchange during aerial respiration and may also serve to amplify the aggressive gaping display as observed in other fishes.
Technology caregiver intervention for Alzheimer's disease (I‐CARE): Feasibility and preliminary efficacy of Brain CareNotes
Authors: Rodriguez Miriam Jocelyn , Kercher Vanessa Martinez , Jordan Evan J. , Savoy April , Hill Jordan R. , Werner Nicole , Owora Arthur , Castelluccio Pete , Boustani Malaz A. , Holden Richard J.
Published: September 2023

Background

The primary aim of the current pilot study was to examine enrollment rate, data completion, usability, acceptance and use of a mobile telehealth application, Brain CareNotes. A secondary aim was to estimate the application's effect in reducing caregiver burden and behavioral and psychological symptoms related to dementia (BPSD).

Methods

Patient‐caregiver dyads (n = 53) were recruited and randomized to intervention and control groups. Assessment of usability, acceptance, BPSD symptoms, and caregiver burden were collected at baseline, 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up.

Results

The enrollment rate was acceptable despite pandemic related challenges (53/60 target recruitment sample). Among randomized individuals, there was a retention rate of 85% and data completion was attained for 81.5% of those allocated to usual care and 88.5% of those allocated to Brain CareNotes. Mean caregiver‐reported app usability at 6 months was 72.5 (IQR 70.0–90.0) on the System Usability Scale—considered “Good to Excellent”—and user acceptance was reasonable as indicated by 85%–90% of caregivers reporting they would intend to use the app to some degree in the next 6 months, if able. Regarding intervention effect, although differences in outcome measures between the groups were not statistically significant, compared to baseline, we found a reduction of caregiver burden (NPI‐Caregiver Distress) of 1.0 at 3 months and 0.7 at 6 months for those in the intervention group. BPSD (NPI Total Score) was also reduced from baseline by 4.0 at 3 months and by 0.5 at 6 months.

Conclusions

Brain CareNotes is a highly scalable, usable and acceptable mobile caregiver intervention. Future studies should focus on testing Brain CareNotes on a larger sample size to examine efficacy of reducing caregiver burden and BPSD.
Incorporation of antimony‐bearing mining wastes into clinker Portland raw feed: The difficulty of Sb analysis in calcium silicates
Authors: Chedrewih Migueli , Thiery Vincent , Gauthier Arnaud , Amin Fouad
Published: September 2023

Within the global trend to valorise various mineral wastes as substituents in Portland cement clinker raw feed, mining wastes are promising candidates. However, they might still contain high levels of metallic elements. Their fate in the kiln is not always understood as well as their incorporation within the various clinker's phases. This is especially the case for antimony. Its in situ microanalysis by the means of energy‐dispersive spectroscopy is tricky since several of its L lines (Lα1 = 3604,72 eV, Lα2 = 3595,32 eV) overlap with calcium lines (Kα1 = 3691,68 eV, Kα2 = 3688,09 eV). Hence, at low concentrations, it is not possible to visualise its characteristics peaks. Increasing the counting rate by increasing the acceleration current results in the generation of spurious sum peaks, rendering the analysis not viable. Wavelength dispersive spectroscopy (i.e. electron microprobe) allows a better spectral resolution and quantification of Sb in the clinker phases. In a Portland cement clinker doped with 1% of Sb‐bearing mining waste, the Sb2O3 content in belite and alite is in the 0.2–0.4 wt.% range as well as for C3A; in C4AF the content is higher, from 1.4 wt.% to 2 wt.%. However, there are microstructural evidence that Sb forms blebs from less than 1 μm in diameter up to 10 μm, included in calcium silicates. Hence, its incorporation in the lattice of calcium silicates is dubious. However, for ferrites and aluminates there is no microstructural evidence for remaining Sb‐bearing phases, suggesting a direct incorporation in crystal lattices.
The efficacy of intradermal hyaluronic acid filler as a skin quality booster: A prospective, single‐center, single‐arm pilot study
Authors: Lee Joo Hee , Kim Jemin , Lee Yun Na , Choi Sooyeon , Lee Young In , Suk Jangmi , Lee Ju Hee
Published: September 2023

Background

The use of “skin boosters” comprised of hyaluronic acid (HA)‐based fillers to improve skin quality has gained popularity recently, especially in individuals interested in skin rejuvenation.

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of intradermal micropuncture injections of HA‐based gel filler combined with lidocaine (BYRYZN® SKINBOOSTER HA, ACROSS Co., Ltd., Gangwon‐do, Korea).

Patients/Methods

A prospective, single‐arm, open‐label pilot study was conducted with study subjects who were aged between 30 and 60 years old and exhibited evidence of skin aging, such as wrinkles and loss of elasticity. They received three injections at 2‐week intervals and were followed up for a total of 12 weeks.

Results

Twenty subjects with a mean age of 54.1 years were included. The mean Lemperle wrinkle scale demonstrated a 40% decrease from 2.60 ± 0.60 at baseline to 1.55 ± 0.51 at week 8. The improvement rate was maintained at about 33% until week 12. The average maximum height of the wrinkle (Rz, μm), average skin roughness (Ra, μm), skin elasticity (R2, AU), facial curved length (mm), skin pore size (mm2), skin hydration (AU), TEWL (g/hm2), and skin glossiness (gloss value, AU) exhibited statistically significant improvements over time compared with the baseline measurements. No serious adverse effects or persistent adverse effects were reported, except for a transient subcutaneous nodule in one subject.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that multiple microinjections of HA‐based gel filler for facial skin aging are safe and effective in improving facial skin quality.
The role of the sleep K‐complex on the conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Gorgoni Maurizio , Cenani Jessica , Scarpelli Serena , D'Atri Aurora , Alfonsi Valentina , Annarumma Ludovica , Pietrogiacomi Francesco , Ferrara Michele , Marra Camillo , Rossini Paolo Maria , De Gennaro Luigi
Published: September 2023

The present literature points to an alteration of the human K‐complex during non‐rapid eye movement sleep in Alzheimer's disease. Nevertheless, the few findings on the K‐complex changes in mild cognitive impairment and their possible predictive role on the Alzheimer's disease conversion show mixed findings, lack of replication, and a main interest for the frontal region. The aim of the present study was to assess K‐complex measures in amnesic mild cognitive impairment subsequently converted in Alzheimer's disease over different cortical regions, comparing them with healthy controls and stable amnesic mild cognitive impairment. We assessed baseline K‐complex density, amplitude, area under the curve and overnight changes in frontal, central and parietal midline derivations of 12 amnesic mild cognitive impairment subsequently converted in Alzheimer's disease, 12 stable amnesic mild cognitive impairment and 12 healthy controls. We also assessed delta electroencephalogram power, to determine if K‐complex alterations in amnesic mild cognitive impairment occur with modification of the electroencephalogram power in the frequency range of the slow‐wave activity. We found a reduced parietal K‐complex density in amnesic mild cognitive impairment subsequently converted in Alzheimer's disease compared with stable amnesic mild cognitive impairment and healthy controls, without changes in K‐complex morphology and overnight modulation. Both amnesic mild cognitive impairment groups showed decreased slow‐wave sleep percentage compared with healthy controls. No differences between groups were observed in slow‐wave activity power. Our findings suggest that K‐complex alterations in mild cognitive impairment may be observed earlier in parietal regions, likely mirroring the topographical progression of Alzheimer's disease‐related brain pathology, and express a frontal predominance only in a full‐blown phase of Alzheimer's disease. Consistently with previous results, such K‐complex modification occurs in the absence of significant electroencephalogram power changes in the slow oscillations range.
Oral processing, rheology, and mechanical response: Relations in a two‐phase food model with anisotropic compounds
Authors: Oppen Dominic , Weiss Jochen
Published: September 2023

Food‐material poses a challenging matrix for objective material scientific description that matches the consumers' perception. With eyes on the emerging structured food materials from alternative protein sources, objectively describing perceived texture characteristics became a topic of interest to the food industry. This work made use of the well‐known methodologies of jaw tracking and electromyography from the field of “food oral processing" and compared outcomes with mechanical responses to the deformation of model food systems to meat alternatives. To enable transferability to meat alternative products, an anisotropic structuring ingredient for alternative products, high‐moisture texturized vegetable protein (HM‐TVP), was embedded in an isotropic hydrocolloid gel. Data of the jaw movement and muscle activities exerted during mastication were modeled in a linear mixed model and set in relation to characteristic values obtained from small‐ and large‐strain deformation. For improvement of the model fit, this work makes use of two new data‐processing strategies in the field of oral processing: (i) Muscle activity data were set in relation to true forces and (ii) measured data were standardized and subjected to dimensional reduction. Based on that, model terms showed decreased p‐values on various oral processing features. As a key outcome, it could be shown that an anisotropic structured phase induces more lateral jaw movement than isotropic samples, as was shown in meat model systems.
Paved with good intentions: How our systems intersect to create health disparities for multiply marginalized youth
Authors: Ros Anna Maria , Coyne Claire A. , Clarke Stephanie
Published: September 2023

Background

Youth who hold multiply marginalized identities often experience barriers in accessing care following psychiatric hospitalization

Methodology

The following commentary piece shares a case amalgamation from a multidisciplinary gender clinic in a tertiary care children's hospital which illustrates the myriad of ways that our current mental healthcare systems fail to connect youth efficiently and effectively to the evidence‐based, culturally relevant, and affirming care that they require, particularly youth experiencing overlapping systems of discrimination and disadvantage.

Conclusions

This piece highlights the inaccessibility of dialectical behavior therapy for multiply marginalized youth, and outlines suggestions for improving access to high‐quality care for minoritized youth engaging in suicidal behavior.
Efficacy and toxicity of carboplatin in the treatment of macroscopic mesenchymal neoplasia in dogs
Authors: Pritchard Céleste , Al‐Nadaf Sami , Rebhun Robert B. , Willcox Jennifer L. , Skorupski Katherine A. , Lejeune Amandine
Published: September 2023

Palliative chemotherapy options for dogs with macroscopic non‐osseous mesenchymal tumours are limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the response rate of these tumours to carboplatin chemotherapy. Medical records of 28 dogs treated with carboplatin for macroscopic mesenchymal neoplasia between 1990 and 2022 were retrospectively reviewed. Sixteen dogs with soft tissue sarcoma and 12 dogs with haemangiosarcoma were included. Responses observed included one complete response and three partial responses, for an overall response rate of 14.2% (4/28) and median time to progression of 42 days (range 21–259 days). Responses were only seen in patients with haemangiosarcoma, for a response rate of 33.3% (4/12) and median time to progression for responders of 103 days (range 39–252 days). Median time to progression for dogs with metastatic disease was similar to those with only local disease (distant median: 44 days; local median: 23 days,p = 0.56). Dogs with chemotherapy‐naïve disease were compared to dogs having received previous chemotherapy treatment and had a median time to progression of 75 days and 40.5 days respectively (p = 0.13). Twenty‐two dogs experienced 48 adverse events, with most being grade 1 or 2 (79%). Carboplatin was well tolerated, with variable macroscopic anti‐tumour activity and short response duration. Carboplatin may be an acceptable rescue option for dogs with macroscopic haemangiosarcoma, especially those patients that cannot receive doxorubicin.
Accuracy, precision, and interobserver and intraobserver agreements related to pressure‐measurement devices
Authors: Chen Carolyn L. , Wallace Mandy L. , Reed Rachel A. , Grimes Janet A.
Published: September 2023

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy, precision, and observer agreement of three pressure measurement devices.

Study Design

In vitro model study.

Sample Population

Water manometer with built‐in gauge (WMg), arterial pressure transducer (APT), and Compass CT (CCT).

Methods

The model was set to five predetermined pressures (4, 8, 13, 17, and 24 cm H2O) using a water manometer with a ruler (WMr) as the gold standard. Each device was tested at each pressure in a randomized order by three investigators. Bland–Altman plots were used to assess agreement between devices. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated for interobserver and intraobserver agreements.

Results

The mean differences (cm H2O) ± SEM in comparison with the set pressure were −0.020 ± 0.010 (WMg), −0.390 ± 0.077 (APT), and −1.267 ± 0.213 (CCT). Pressures measured by WMg did not differ from those measured by WMr. Pressures measured by all devices did not differ from each other (p > .062 for all comparisons). Interobserver agreement was excellent (1.000), and intraobserver agreement was excellent (0.985, 0.990, 0.998 for each observer).

Conclusion

Compared to the WMr, the WMg was the most accurate and precise, followed by the APT; the CCT was the least accurate and precise. Interobserver and intraobserver agreements for all three devices were excellent.

Clinical Significance

The largest mean difference of all devices was within 1.3 cm H2O of the set pressure, indicating possible clinical utility of any of the devices. However, WMr or WMg should be considered first due to their high precision and accuracy.
Refusal – opening otherwise forms of research
Authors: Gross Lena , Mashreghi Sepandarmaz , Söderman Emma
Published: September 2023

An increasing interest towards researching other forms of knowledges is taking place, expanding the boundaries of knowledge to include forms that have been historically marginalised, negated, and neglected by the Western academy. Parallel to this, we have identified a rising critique of how voices marginalized by colonial modes of academic knowledge production are included, through a single-sided focus on pain and suffering (Tuck & Yang 2014). Yet there are less discussions around the process of research itself and what it entails. Against this backdrop, this paper aims to challenge the concept of ‘discovery’ and the unproblematic and inherent right of knowing granted to the Western academy, to argue for a kind of research that refuses. Interrogating instances of refusal in different contexts of Indigenous sovereignty and migration studies, this collective work creates a dialogue across different disciplines and reveals that refusal turns the gaze at colonial modalities of knowing. The empirical analysis of our work also demonstrates that refusal is a generative process that redirects the attention to ideas otherwise unacknowledged, thus making space for relationality, reciprocity, solidarity, community, and care.
Precipitated wax content and yield stress of model wax-oil mixtures determined by arrest of flow during cooling at fixed stress
Authors: Harris Conor G. , Rice Christina E. , Shetty Abhishek , Mahir Luqman , Larson Ronald G.
Published: September 2023

To estimate yield stress and other rheological properties relevant to modeling of wax deposition in pipelines where flow is continuous, but stress varies across the pipe radius, model wax-oil mixtures are cooled at multiple cooling rates under constant shear stress until a temperature is reached, at which flow is arrested by gelation due to wax crystal formation. From these data, combined with a measurement of temperature-dependence of precipitated wax concentration by differential scanning calorimetry, an apparent yield stress σy, below which flow is arrested at each temperature, is related to the concentration of precipitated wax Cp and the cooling rate. Results are reported for multiple concentrations in oil of two independent wax mixtures: a many-component commercial wax mimicking the composition of field oil, and a simpler six-alkane mixture. These transient rheological data are fit to a pseudo “Herschel–Bulkley” constitutive equation from which it is found that the yield stresses obtained during flow under cooling are generally an order of magnitude, or more, lower than the yield stresses obtained in the previous work in flow at a comparable constant temperature after cooling in the absence of flow. We also find a strong decrease in the arrest temperature with a decreasing cooling rate, with no convergence even at the lowest cooling rate of 0.0625 °C min−1, indicating that under slower cooling, flow continues even under low stresses. The cooling-rate-dependent yield stress obtained in our study under constant stress provides a challenge to the recent models of gelation under flow stress and is of relevance to wax deposition in pipelines.
Biosynthetic gene cluster signature profiles of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria isolated from Egyptian clinical settings
Authors: Abdelsalam Nehal Adel , Elhadidy Mohamed , Saif Nehal A. , Elsayed Salma W. , Mouftah Shaimaa F. , Sayed Ahmed A. , Ziko Laila
Published: September 2023

Biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) are a subset of consecutive genes present within a variety of organisms to produce specialized metabolites (SMs). These SMs are becoming a cornerstone to produce multiple medications including antibacterial and anticancer agents. Natural products (NPs) also play a pivotal role in enhancing the virulence of ESKAPE pathogens (
Enterococcus faecium
,
Staphylococcus aureus
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
,
Acinetobacter baumannii
,
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
, and
Enterobacter
spp.), which represent a global health threat. We aimed to sequence and computationally analyze the BGCs present in 66 strains pertaining to three different ESKAPE pathogenic species: 21
A. baumannii
, 28
K. pneumoniae
, and 17
P. aeruginosa
strains recovered from clinical settings in Egypt. DNA was extracted using QIAamp DNA Mini kit and Illumina NextSeq 550 was used for whole-genome sequencing. The sequences were quality-filtered by fastp and assembled by Unicycler. BGCs were detected by antiSMASH, BAGEL, GECCO, and PRISM, and aligned using Clinker. The highest abundance of BGCs was detected in
P. aeruginosa
(590), then
K. pneumoniae
(146) and the least in
A. baumannii
strains (133).
P. aeruginosa
isolates shared mostly the non-ribosomal peptide synthase (NRPS) type,
K. pneumoniae
isolates shared the ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide-like (RiPP-like) type, while
A. baumannii
isolates shared the siderophore type. Most of the isolates harbored non-ribosomal peptide (NRP) BGCs with few
K. pneumoniae
isolates encoding polyketide BGCs. Sactipeptides and bottromycin BGCs were the most frequently detected RiPP clusters. We hypothesize that each species’ BGC signature confers its virulence. Future experiments will link the detected clusters with their species and determine whether the encoded SMs are produced and cause their virulence.

IMPORTANCE

Our study analyzes the biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) present in 66 assemblies from clinical ESKAPE pathogen isolates pertaining to
Acinetobacter baumannii
,
Klebsiella pneumoniae
, and
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
strains. We report their sequencing and assembly followed by the analysis of their BGCs using several bioinformatics tools. We then focused on the most abundant BGC type in each species and we discussed their potential roles in the virulence of each species. This study is pivotal to further build on its experimental work that deciphers the role in virulence, possible antibacterial effects, and characterization of the encoded specialized metabolites (SMs). The study highlights the importance of studying the “harmful” BGCs and understanding the pathogenicity and virulence of those species, as well as possible benefits if the SMs were used as antibacterial agents. This could be the first study of its kind from Egypt and would shed light on BGCs from ESKAPE pathogens from Egypt.
The Catalog of Resolved Spectroscopic Binaries: Development and Description
Authors: Zeleke D. B. , Pakhomova P. V. , Tessema S. B. , Negu S. H. , Malkov O. Yu.
Published: September 2023

Resolved spectroscopic binaries are unique among other types of binaries. They provide the only possibility (aside from trigonometric parallaxes) to accurately determine distances to objects, which is one of the most important characteristics in astronomy. Such binaries are not numerous, but an exhaustive catalog of them still does not exist. The authors have developed a pilot version of a new catalog of resolved spectroscopic binaries. It contains information about orbital elements, component masses, parallaxes, and other parameters for 107 stars. Thus, the catalog represents the most extensive list of resolved spectroscopic binaries known to date. A preliminary analysis of the distributions of the stellar parameters of the objects in the catalog has been carried out, as well as a comparison of the trigonometric parallaxes from Gaia DR3 with the orbital parallaxes. The article is partly based on a report presented at the conference “Modern Stellar Astronomy-2022,” which was held at the Caucasian Mountain Observatory of the Astronomical institute of Lomonosov Moscow State University on November 8–10, 2022.
Does inclusion of bioactive n-3 PUFAs in parenteral nutrition benefit postoperative patients undergoing liver surgery? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised control trials
Authors: He Zheng-Wei , Wang Chao , Li Yong , Danzeng Awang , Liu Fu-Bin , Shi Jia-Yu , Ciren Pingcuo , Yuan Xiao-Yin , Wu Cheng-Xian , Lan Run-hu , Zhang Bin-Hao
Published: September 2023

Objectives

This meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) as a part of parenteral nutrition in patients undergoing liver surgery.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Springer link, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure and VIP Database.

Eligibility criteria

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and evaluated the outcomes of liver function, inflammatory reaction, the influence of certain markers of the immune system, and specific clinical indexes for patients undergoing liver surgery and receiving parenteral nutrition with n-3 PUFAs.

Data extraction and synthesis

The Cochrane Collaboration’s tool was used to assess the risk of bias for each study. Findings were summarised in Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation evidence profiles and synthesised qualitatively.

Results

Eight RCTs, including 748 patients (trial: 374; control: 374), were included in the meta-analysis. Compared with patients in the control group, the patients in the n-3 PUFA group who underwent liver surgery had significantly lower aspartate aminotransferase (mean difference, MD −42.72 (95% CI −71.91 to –13.52); p=0.004), alanine aminotransferase (MD −38.90 (95% CI −65.44 to –12.37); p=0.004), white cell count (MD −0.93 (95% CI −1.60 to –0.26); p=0.007) and IL-6 (MD −11.37 (95% CI −14.62 to –8.13); p<0.00001) levels and a higher albumin level (MD 0.42 (95% CI 0.26 to 0.57); p<0.00001). They also had fewer infection complications (OR 0.44 (95% CI 0.28 to 0.68); p=0.0003) and a shorter duration of hospital stay (MD −2.17 (95% CI −3.04 to –1.3); p<0.00001) than the controls. However, there were no significant differences in terms of total bilirubin, TNF-α, IL-2, IgA, IgG, IgM and CD3, biliary leakage and mortality between the two groups.

Conclusions

We found that n-3 PUFAs can benefit patients undergoing liver surgery by improving liver function and certain clinical indexes and decreasing related inflammation factors. However, there are limited RCTs on the application of n-3 PUFAs for patients undergoing liver surgery. Further evidence of the benefit of n-3 PUFAs in these patients warrants further exploration.
Cardiovascular risk factors in coeliac disease (ARCTIC): a protocol of multicentre series of studies
Authors: Vereczkei Zsófia , Imrei Marcell , Szakács Zsolt , Kővári Bálint , Papp Veronika , Lénárt Zsuzsanna , Berki Tímea , Szirmay Balázs , Farkas Nelli , Balaskó Márta , Habon Tamás , Hegyi Péter , Bajor Judit
Published: September 2023

Introduction

There is only limited and controversial information available on the cardiovascular (CV) risk in coeliac disease (CD). In this study, we plan to investigate the body composition and CV risk-related metabolic parameters at the diagnosis of CD and on a gluten-free diet in a Hungarian cohort of patients with CD.

Methods and analysis

This study consists of two case–control studies and a prospective cohort study, involving newly diagnosed and treated patients with CD with age and sex-matched non-CD control subjects with an allocation ratio of 1:1. CD-related symptoms, quality of life, quality of the diet and CV risk will be assessed with questionnaires. Our primary outcomes are body composition parameters, which will be estimated with InBody 770 device. Secondary outcomes are CV-risk related metabolic parameters (eg, serum lipids, haemoglobin A1c, homeostatic model assessment index, liver enzymes, homocysteine, interleukin 6, galectin-3) and enteral hormones (leptin, ghrelin, adiponectin) measured from venous blood samples for all participants. Fatty liver disease will be assessed by transabdominal ultrasonography. In statistical analysis, descriptive and comparative statistics will be performed. With this study, we aim to draw attention to the often neglected metabolic and CV aspect of the management of CD. Findings may help to identify parameters to be optimised and reassessed during follow-up in patients with CD.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Scientific and Research Ethics Committee of the Hungarian Medical Research Council (27521-5/2022/EÜIG). Findings will be disseminated at research conferences and in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05530070.
Challenges in engaging the private sector for tuberculosis prevention and care in Nigeria: a mixed methods study
Authors: Chijioke-Akaniro Obioma , Onyemaechi Simeon , Kuye Joseph , Ubochioma Emperor , Omoniyi Amos , Urhioke Ochuko , Lawanson Adebola , Ombeka Victor O , Hassan Abiodun , Asuke Sunday , Anyaike Chukwuma , Merle Corinne S
Published: September 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the practices of private practitioners regarding tuberculosis (TB), and to ascertain factors related to the low contribution of private healthcare providers to TB prevention and care in Nigeria.

Design

This is a mixed methods study comprising a quantitative retrospective review and qualitative study.

Setting

Private health facilities (HF) in Oyo State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nigeria.

Participants

We used routinely collected data on patients with tuberculosis (TB) notified between 1 January 2017 and 31 December 2018. In-depth interviews were also conducted with the clinical staff of the facilities.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The study outcomes are practices of TB case notification and treatment outcome, as well as the barriers and enablers of TB notification.

Results

A total of 13 (11.0%) out of 118 private HF were designated as ‘engaged’ TB care facilities in Oyo State and none (0%) of the 198 private HF in the FCT held this designation. From the 214 patients with presumptive TB, 75 (35%) were diagnosed with TB, 42 (56%) had a bacteriological test done, 12 (16%) had an X-ray of the chest alone and 21 (28%) had other non-specific investigations. Most patients diagnosed were referred to a public HF, while 19 (25%) patients were managed at the private HF. Among them, 2 (10.5%) patients were treated with unconventional regimens, 4 (21%) were cured, 2 (11%) died, 3 (16%) lost to follow-up and 10 (53%) were not evaluated. The general practitioners did not have up-to-date knowledge of TB with a majority not trained on TB. Most referred patients with presumptive and confirmed TB to the public sector without feedback and were unclear regarding diagnostic algorithm and relevant tests to confirm TB.

Conclusion

Most private facilities were not engaged to provide TB services although with knowledge and practice gaps. The study has been used to develop plans for strategic engagement of the private sector in Nigeria.
Impact of a Powdered Meal Replacement on Metabolism and Gut Microbiota (PREMIUM) in individuals with excessive body weight: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Montenegro Julia , L P Oliveira Camila , Armet Anissa M , Berg Aloys , Sharma Arya M , Mereu Laurie , Cominetti Cristiane , Ghosh Sunita , Richard Caroline , Nguyen Nguyen Khoi , Cani Patrice D , Walter Jens , Prado Carla M
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Excess body weight is associated with a state of low-grade chronic inflammation and alterations of the gut microbiome. Powdered meal replacements (PMR) have been shown to be an effective strategy for weight management; however, their effect on inflammation and the gut microbiome remains unclear. The aim of this 12-week randomised control clinical trial is to investigate the effects of PMR consumption, here given as a soy-yoghurt-honey formula, on inflammation, gut microbiome and overall metabolism in individuals with excessive body weight.

Methods and analysis

Healthy adults with excess body weight (n=88) are being recruited and randomly assigned to one of the following groups: (1) Control group (CON): maintaining usual diet for 12 weeks, or (2) PMR group: replacing morning and afternoon snacks daily with a PMR for 12 weeks. Participants are asked to maintain body weight throughout the study and fill out a journal with information about PMR consumption, body weight, food intake, appetite sensations and medications. Three study visits are required: baseline, week 6 and week 12. Outcome measures include systemic inflammatory biomarkers, gut microbiome composition, metabolic blood markers, host energy metabolism, body composition, appetite sensations and host gene expression profile.

Ethics and dissemination

This research protocol was approved by the University of Alberta Ethics Board (Pro00070712) and adheres to the Canadian Tri-Council Policy statement on the use of human participants in research. Procedures and potential risks are fully discussed with participants. Study findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and social media.

Trial registration number

NCT03235804.