bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
6. Policing
Authors: de Bellaing Cédric Moreau
Published: August 2023

This chapter examines how police forces have become an integral part of most societies. It demonstrates how policing is connected to everyday relations of power and is reflective of socio-political orders. Firstly, the chapter outlines the historical and social processes that led to the creation of police forces and their connections to the early development of the state in Europe. It then explores the different ways police forces have been professionalized and the consequences of these differences for how police forces relate to the societies in which they are embedded. The chapter concludes by considering some contemporary policing issues: police reforms, transnational crime, and the militarization of police forces.
12. Securing development; developing security?
Authors: Stern Maria
Published: August 2023

This chapter addresses the politics of development and its relation to security. It highlights how the mobilization of security via development may aim to address forms of political violence but can also (re)produce them. The chapter specifically poses the questions: ‘Security for whom and from what?’ and ‘Security when and where?’ By posing these questions, it draws attention to how security is mobilized in the crafting and enactment of development policies, or security-development/peacebuilding initiatives, and the security logics that underpin them. This helps render visible the hierarchies these logics reproduce, the forms of violence they enable, and the forms of knowledge that they privilege.
16. Security and design
Authors: Lacy Mark
Published: August 2023

This chapter illustrates how ideas of design and security become more complex and diverse in light of different states, actors, technologies, and security objectives in the twenty-first century. It looks at how two different groups of security professionals are responding to this complexity. In particular, the chapter shows how two very different approaches to security and design are engaging with complex problems of global politics in a moment that some argue is a time of radical technological and geopolitical change. The first is the work of ‘critical design’, which focuses on our understanding of security in the broadest sense—encompassing all aspects of life, society, technology, ecology, and policy. The second is the ‘military design’ movement, focusing on questions of war in the twenty-first century.
18. Environment
Authors: Fagan Madeleine
Published: August 2023

This chapter reflects on the implications of treating the environmental crisis as a security issue. It engages directly with the questions: Security for whom, where, and at whose expense? By exploring these questions, the chapter demonstrates how claims about the environment and security make visible, and securable, particular worlds while obscuring others, and rendering them insecure. It then considers three approaches to environment and security: early links between the environment and security which focused on how environmental issues impacted on the traditional concerns of security such as violent conflict, the state, and national security; the human security perspective; and the ecological security approach. Ultimately, we can see how attempts to secure the environment are connected to symbolic violence that generates other forms of political violence.
20. Prisons and camps
Authors: Schliehe Anna
Published: August 2023

This chapter explores prisons and camps, and their inherent security logics and security practices from the global to the intimate. It begins by illustrating how the growth of prisons and camps is connected to state building and national and global dimensions of security. The chapter then considers how order and security are institutionally produced—that is, how these are intrinsically designed into spaces of incarceration. By exposing the visceral realities of encampment and incarceration, from the micro-practices to the macro-issues on a global scale, we can question security for whom and at whose expense. By asking these questions, we gain better insights into how a generated need for national and international security has led to unprecedented numbers of people who are incarcerated or displaced.
A Phase 2 Extension Study Evaluating the Immunogenicity, Safety, and Tolerability of 3 or 4 Doses of a Clostridioides difficile Vaccine in Healthy US Adults Aged 65 to 85 Years
Authors: Remich Shon , Kitchin Nicholas , Peterson James , Li Ping , Pride Michael W , Brock Linda , Anderson Annaliesa S , Gruber William C , Jansen Kathrin U , Lockhart Stephen P , Webber Chris
Published: August 2023

Background

This phase 2 extension explored the long-term antibody persistence of an investigational Clostridioides difficile vaccine and the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of dose 4 approximately 12 months post–dose 3.

Methods

One year post–dose 3, healthy US 65- to 85-year-olds (N = 300) were randomized to dose 4 of vaccine at previously received antigen levels (100 or 200 μg) or placebo. Assessments included safety and percentages of participants achieving neutralizing antibody titers above prespecified thresholds (≥219 and ≥2586 neutralization units/mL for toxins A and B, respectively).

Results

In participants previously given three 200-µg doses and placebo in the extension, toxin A and B neutralizing antibodies were above prevaccination levels 48 months post–dose 3 (36 months after placebo); 24.0% and 26.0% had toxin A and B antibodies at or above prespecified thresholds, respectively. Neutralizing antibodies increased post–dose 4 (12 months post–dose 3) and persisted to 36 months post–dose 4. Thirty days post–dose 4, all participants had toxin A and 86.5% to 100% had toxin B titers at or above prespecified thresholds. Local reactions were more frequent in vaccine recipients. Systemic and adverse event frequencies were similar across groups.

Conclusions

C difficile vaccine immune responses persisted 48 months post–dose 3. Dose 4 was immunogenic and well tolerated, supporting continued development.

Clinical Trials Registration. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02561195.
Detection of the Adulteration of Dendrobium Huoshanense with Dendrobium Henanense by UV-Vis-Shortwave Near-Infrared Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometrics
Authors: Hao Jing-Wen , Chen Nai-Dong , Liu Xiao-Quan , Li Qiang , Xu Hui-Min , Yang Wei-Han , Qin Chao-Feng , Bu Ya-Qing
Published: August 2023

Background

Dendrobium huoshanense (DHS) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with distinctive medicinal benefits and great economic worth; nevertheless, because of similar tastes and looks, it is simple to adulterate with less expensive substitutes (such as Dendrobium henanense [DHN]).

Objective

This work aimed to develop a reliable tool to detect and quantify the adulteration of DHS with DHN by using UV-Vis-shortwave near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-Vis-SWNIR DRS) combined with chemometrics.

Methods

Adulterated samples prepared in varying concentrations (0–100%, w/w) were analyzed with UV-Vis-SWNIR DRS methods. Partial least-square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and partial least-squares (PLS) regression techniques were used for the differentiation of adulterated DHN from pure DHS and the prediction of adulteration levels.

Results

The PLS-DA classification models successfully differentiated adulterated and nonadulterated DHS with an over 100% correct classification rate. UV-Vis-SWNIR DRS data were also successfully used to predict adulteration levels with a high coefficient of determination for calibration (0.9924) and prediction (0.9906) models and low error values for calibration (3.863%) and prediction (5.067%).

Conclusion

UV-Vis-SWNIR DRS, as a fast and environmentally friendly tool, has great potential for both the identification and quantification of adulteration practices involving herbal medicines and foods.

Highlights

UV-Vis-SWNIR DRS combined with chemometrics can be applied to identify and quantify the adulteration of herbal medicines and foods.
First record of leucism in a primary burrowing crayfish:Distocambarus crockeriHobbs & Carlson, 1983 (Decapoda: Astacidea: Cambaridae) from South Carolina, USA
Authors: Stubbs Megan B , Wells Hogan D , Barnett Zanethia C , Kendrick Michael R , Loughman Zachary J , Graham Zackary A
Published: August 2023

The piedmont prairie burrowing crayfish, Distocambarus crockeri Hobbs & Carlson, 1983, is a primary burrowing crayfish endemic to South Carolina, USA. The species is the most widely distributed and studied of the five species of Distocambarus Hobbs, 1981. Surveys have clarified the species distribution and habitat, but, like other burrowing crayfishes, our understanding of its ecology is lacking. We report the discovery of two leucistic specimens of D. crockeri collected in an ephemeral pool in a roadside ditch on 14 March 2022 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. To the best of our knowledge, our discovery represents the first documented case of leucism in a primary burrowing crayfish. We discuss the significance of this observation in relation to other recorded observations of color anomalies throughout crayfishes as well as potential environmental causes of leucism.
Mortality among patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and mental disorders: a population-based study
Authors: Gong Inna Y , Cheung Matthew C , Chan Kelvin K W , Arya Sumedha , Faught Neil , Calzavara Andrew , Liu Ning , Odejide Oreofe O , Abel Gregory , Kurdyak Paul , Raphael Michael J , Kuczmarski Thomas , Prica Anca , Mozessohn Lee
Published: August 2023

Background

Mental disorders have been reported in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), but studies examining their association with mortality are lacking.

Methods

We conducted a population-based study using linked administrative health-care databases from Ontario, Canada. All patients with DLBCL 18 years of age or older treated with rituximab-based therapy between January 1, 2005, and December 31, 2017, were identified and followed until March 1, 2020. Mental disorders were defined as either preexisting or postdiagnosis (after lymphoma treatment initiation). Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) between mental disorders and 1-year and all-cause mortality while controlling for covariates.

Results

We identified 10 299 patients with DLBCL. The median age of the cohort was 67 years; 46% of patients were female, and 28% had a preexisting mental disorder. At 1-year follow-up, 892 (9%) had a postdiagnosis mental disorder, and a total of 2008 (20%) patients died. Preexisting mental disorders were not associated with 1-year mortality (adjusted HR = 1.06, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.96 to 1.17, P = .25), but postdiagnosis disorders were (adjusted HR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.26 to 1.82, P = .0001). During a median follow-up of 5.2 years, 2111 (22%) patients had a postdiagnosis mental disorder, and 4084 (40%) patients died. Both preexisting and postdiagnosis mental disorders were associated with worse all-cause mortality (preexisting adjusted HR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.04 to 1.20, P = .0024; postdiagnosis adjusted HR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.49 to 1.79, P < .0001).

Conclusions

Patients with DLBCL and mental disorders had worse short-term and long-term mortality, particularly those with postdiagnosis mental disorders. Further studies are needed to examine mental health service utilization and factors mediating the relationship between mental disorders and inferior mortality.
A very Dutch scandal
Authors: Gao Fengnan , Gill Richard D
Published: August 2023

Fengnan Gao and Richard D. Gill gut and de-bone the questionable statistics that destroyed a long-running culinary tradition
Testing times: Let’s leave the animals out of it
Authors: Ritskes-Hoitinga Merel , Watkins Justine , Jornick Pleun
Published: August 2023

Monumental changes in US drug regulation have brought the justification for animal based tests into the spotlight again. Pleun Jornick, Justine Watkins and Merel Ritskes-Hoitinga explore developments in legislation, science, and technology and look forward to a world without animal testing
Sweet little lies: Deceptive statistics in the album charts
Authors: Dalla Riva Chris
Published: August 2023

Think Spotify’s album charts are a straightforward reflection of listening habits? Think again. Chris Dalla Riva explains how music streaming services rank albums – and how record companies can game the system
Diversity and genetic architecture of agro-morphological traits in a core collection of European traditional tomato
Authors: Pons Clara , Casals Joan , Brower Matthijs , Sacco Adriana , Riccini Alessandro , Hendrickx Patrick , Figás Maria del Rosario , Fisher Josef , Grandillo Silvana , Mazzucato Andrea , Soler Salvador , Zamir Dani , Causse Mathilde , Díez Maria José , Finkers Richard , Prohens Jaime , Monforte Antonio Jose , Granell Antonio
Published: August 2023

European traditional tomato varieties have been selected by farmers given their consistent performance and adaptation to local growing conditions. Here we developed a multipurpose core collection, comprising 226 accessions representative of the genotypic, phenotypic, and geographical diversity present in European traditional tomatoes, to investigate the basis of their phenotypic variation, gene×environment interactions, and stability for 33 agro-morphological traits. Comparison of the traditional varieties with a modern reference panel revealed that some traditional varieties displayed excellent agronomic performance and high trait stability, as good as or better than that of their modern counterparts. We conducted genome-wide association and genome-wide environment interaction studies and detected 141 quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Out of those, 47 QTLs were associated with the phenotype mean (meanQTLs), 41 with stability (stbQTLs), and 53 QTL-by-environment interactions (QTIs). Most QTLs displayed additive gene actions, with the exception of stbQTLs, which were mostly recessive and overdominant QTLs. Both common and specific loci controlled the phenotype mean and stability variation in traditional tomato; however, a larger proportion of specific QTLs was observed, indicating that the stability gene regulatory model is the predominant one. Developmental genes tended to map close to meanQTLs, while genes involved in stress response, hormone metabolism, and signalling were found within regions affecting stability. A total of 137 marker–trait associations for phenotypic means and stability were novel, and therefore our study enhances the understanding of the genetic basis of valuable agronomic traits and opens up a new avenue for an exploitation of the allelic diversity available within European traditional tomato germplasm.
The X-ray corona in the black hole binary GRO J1655−40 from the properties of non-harmonically related quasi-periodic oscillations
Authors: Rout Sandeep K , Méndez Mariano , García Federico
Published: August 2023

The study of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) plays a vital role in understanding the nature and geometry of the Comptonizing medium around black hole X-ray binaries. The spectral-state dependence of various types of QPOs (namely A, B, and C) suggests that they could have different origins. The simultaneous presence of different types of QPOs would therefore imply the simultaneous occurrence of different mechanisms. In this work, we study the radiative properties of two non-harmonically related QPOs in the black hole binary GRO J1655−40 detected at the peak of the ultraluminous state during the 2005 outburst of the source. The two QPOs have been previously identified as types B and C, respectively. We jointly fit the phase-lag and rms spectra of the QPOs and the time-averaged spectrum of the source with the time-dependent Comptonization model vkompth to infer the geometry of the media producing the QPOs. The time-averaged spectrum required a hot disc of 2.3 keV and a steep power law with index 2.7, revealing that the source was in an ultraluminous state. The corona that drives the variability of the type-B QPO is smaller in size and has a lower feedback fraction than the one that drives the variability of the type-C QPO. This suggests the simultaneous presence of a horizontally extended corona covering the accretion disc and a vertically elongated jet-like corona that are responsible for the type-C and B QPOs, respectively.
American Indian Perspectives on Culturally Aligning a Digital Smoking Cessation Resource
Authors: Cooley Chelsea , Pickner Wyatt , Widome Rachel , Jennings Dylan , Stately Antony , Cole Ashley B , Cash Jennifer , Dorr Casey , Hernadez Carol , Hatsukami Dorothy , Businelle Michael , Carroll Dana Mowls
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Innovative smoking cessation approaches that overcome barriers such as traveling to program site or that require the staff and infrastructure for sustaining are likely needed to improve smoking quit rates among American Indian (AI) peoples in the United States. In this study, qualitative methods identified recommendations from AI peoples to guide alignment of an evidence-based smoking cessation smartphone app (i.e., QuitGuide) to the culture and needs of AI persons.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with AI adults who smoke (n = 40) and with public health professionals (n = 6). Questions included: “The app asks if something triggered you to slip and lists several options. What options were you expecting to see on this list?” as well as how to make the app more engaging such as “What would make the app more helpful for AI peoples, like you, who want to quit smoking?.” Constant comparative techniques were used to develop codes and themes.

Results

Loss, grief, and not accessing traditional tobacco were put forward as smoking triggers to be addressed in the app. Features that help users connect with and learn about AI cultures and promote healing, such as encouraging traditional tobacco use, being in community, embracing Native spirituality, and participating in cultural crafting were recommended. Some noted the need to motivate AI peoples to think about legacy and ability to care for younger generations and Indigenizing the app with Native imagery.

Conclusions

Themes pointed towards promotion of strengths-based factors, such as healing, cultural connectedness and traditional tobacco use, in the app.

Implications

Results will be used to culturally align a smartphone app for smoking cessation among AI peoples and may be insightful for other tribal, federal, and state public health efforts aimed at advancing health equity for AI peoples.
Improving the Efficiency of Antimicrobial Stewardship Action in Acute Care Facilities
Authors: Heil Emily L , Justo Julie Ann , Bork Jacqueline T
Published: August 2023

Inpatient antimicrobial stewardship (AS) programs are quality improvement programs tasked with improving antibiotic practices by augmenting frontline providers’ antibiotic prescription. Prospective audit and feedback (PAF) and preauthorization (PRA) are essential activities in the hospital that can be resource intensive for AS teams. Improving efficiency in AS activities is needed when there are limited resources or when programs are looking to expand tasks beyond PAF and PRA, such as broad education or guideline development. Guidance on the creation and maintenance of alerts for the purpose of PAF reviews, modifications of antibiotic restrictions for PRA polices, and overall initiative prioritization strategies are reviewed. In addition, daily prioritization tools, such as the tiered approach, scoring systems, and regression modeling, are available for stewards to prioritize their daily workflow. Using these tools and guidance, AS programs can be productive and impactful in the face of resource limitation or competing priorities in the hospital.
Wear behavior of nano-La2O3 dispersed ferritic ODS steel developed by spark plasma sintering
Authors: Kumar Ashwani , Prasad Amit , Jayabalan Bhagyaraj , Mukherjee Subrata , Jain Jayant , Biswas Krishanu , Singh Sudhanshu S
Published: August 2023

In the present study, the wear behavior of the Fe–14Cr–1Ti–1W–0.5L2O3 oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels has been reported. The ball-on-disc wear tester with silicon carbide ball as counter surface was used to perform the wear tests. The effect of normal load (10–40 N with the interval of 10 N) on the wear behavior of the alloy has been investigated. Furthermore, to understand the operative wear mechanism of the alloy, detailed microstructural and compositional analyses have also been carried out using scanning electron microscopy. The highest width of the wear track was obtained as 896 ± 78 µm at 40 N normal load. The wear rate of the alloy was found to increase from 4.54 ± 0.12×10-6 mm3/m to 25.48 ± 1.15×10-6 mm3/m with the normal load from 10 to 40 N at constant sliding velocity and distance. Moreover, the microstructure analyses of the worn surfaces, wear debris and counter surface have shown the prominent wear mechanism to be a combination of adhesion, abrasion, oxidation and plastic deformation. The addition of lanthana was found to reduce the wear rate of ferritic steels.
Strigolactones and Shoot Branching: What Is the Real Hormone and How Does It Work?
Authors: Dun Elizabeth A , Brewer Philip B , Gillam Elizabeth M J , Beveridge Christine A
Published: August 2023

There have been substantial advances in our understanding of many aspects of strigolactone regulation of branching since the discovery of strigolactones as phytohormones. These include further insights into the network of phytohormones and other signals that regulate branching, as well as deep insights into strigolactone biosynthesis, metabolism, transport, perception and downstream signaling. In this review, we provide an update on recent advances in our understanding of how the strigolactone pathway co-ordinately and dynamically regulates bud outgrowth and pose some important outstanding questions that are yet to be resolved.
The Changing Economics of Knowledge Production
Authors: Abis Simona , Veldkamp Laura
Published: August 2023

Big data technologies change the way in which data and labor combine to create knowledge. Is this a modest innovation or a data revolution? Using hiring and wage data, we estimate firms’ data stocks and their knowledge production functions. Quantifying changes in production functions informs us about the likely long-run changes in output, in factor shares, and in the distribution of income, due to big data technologies. For the investment management industry, our structural estimates predict a 5% decline in the labor share of income; that change is comparable to similar estimates for the industrial revolution.

Authors have furnished an Internet Appendix, which is available on the Oxford University Press Web site next to the link to the final published paper online
Cohesin Subunit RAD21 Regulates the Differentiation and Self-Renewal of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells
Authors: Kumar Praveen , Zhang Nenggang , Lee John , Cheng Haizi , Kurtz Kristen , Conneely Shannon E , Sasidharan Rajkumar , Rau Rachel E , Pati Debananda
Published: August 2023

Recent studies suggest that chromosomal cohesin complex proteins are important in regulating hematopoiesis and may contribute to myeloid malignancies. To investigate the effects of perturbing the cohesin subunit protein RAD21 on normal hematopoiesis, we used conditional knockout (cKO) mouse models. While cohesin is vital for hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function, Rad21 haploinsufficiency (Rad21Δ/+) led to distinct hematopoietic phenotypes. Our findings revealed that Rad21Δ/+ cells exhibited decreased hematopoietic reconstitution in competitive bone marrow transplantation assays. This reduction in peripheral blood chimerism was specifically observed in the lymphoid compartment, while the chimerism in the myeloid compartment remained unaffected. Rad21 haploinsufficiency also resulted in changes in the hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC) and myeloid progenitor compartments, with a significant accumulation of granulocyte-macrophage progenitors in the bone marrow. We observed differential gene expression in Rad21Δ/+ LSK (Lin− Sca1−Kit+) cells, including genes required for HSPC function and differentiation, such as Setdb1, Hmga2, Ncor1, and Myb. In addition, we observed a notable decrease in the expression of genes related to the interferon response and a significant reduction in the expression of genes involved in the IL2-STAT5 signaling pathways. Our studies suggest that RAD21 protein and level of its post-translational modifications in the bone marrow cells may play a potential role in hematopoiesis. Overall, Rad21 haploinsufficiency impairs hematopoietic differentiation and increases HSC self-renewal.
Burma Terrane Amber Fauna Shows Connections to Gondwana and Transported Gondwanan Lineages to the Northern Hemisphere (Araneae: Palpimanoidea)
Authors: Wood Hannah M , Wunderlich Jörg
Published: August 2023

Burmese amber is a significant source of fossils that documents the mid-Cretaceous biota. This deposit was formed around 99 Ma on the Burma Terrane, which broke away from Gondwana and later collided with Asia, although the timing is disputed. Palpimanoidea is a dispersal-limited group that was a dominant element of the Mesozoic spider fauna, and has an extensive fossil record, particularly from Burmese amber. Using morphological and molecular data, evolutionary relationships of living and fossil Palpimanoidea are examined. Divergence dating with fossils as terminal tips shows timing of diversification is contemporaneous with continental breakup.Ancestral range estimations show widespread ancestral ranges that divide into lineages that inherit different Pangean fragments, consistent with vicariance. Our results suggest that the Burmese amber fauna has ties to Gondwana due to a historical connection in the Early Cretaceous, and that the Burma Terrane facilitated biotic exchange by transporting lineages from Gondwana into the Holarctic in the Cretaceous.
Water binders in beef patties increase yield and extend shelf life
Authors: Van Buren Jessie B , Puga Kendelle J , Hoffman Kacie C , Nasados James A , Bass Phillip D , Colle Michael J
Published: August 2023

Identifying nonallergenic, natural water binders to increase beef patty juiciness and extend shelf life would be beneficial to the beef industry. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of integrating water binders into beef hamburger patties on cooking yield, shelf life, and pH. Five water binder treatments were added at 2% of the meat block. Treatments included potato extract, citrus fiber, dried refried beans, potato peel, or no binder (control). Six batches of each treatment were made and two patties from each batch were analyzed for each parameter. Fluid yield and lipid oxidation were measured on cooked, frozen (210 d), and reheated patties. Raw patties were used to evaluate color, fluid loss, and lipid oxidation over 4 d of retail display. Patties containing citrus fiber improved reheat yield (P = 0.03) and overall yield (P < 0.01). Citrus patties had the lowest pH (P < 0.01) at 5.45. On days 0 and 4 of retail display, patties containing a water binder treatment had less lipid oxidation than the control patties (P < 0.01). Additionally, the cooked, frozen, and reheated patties, had less lipid oxidation when containing a water binder treatment than the control patties (P < 0.01). Citrus fiber improved water retention in reheated patties, and all water binders delayed lipid oxidation in raw, cooked, frozen, and reheated patties. Increasing patty juiciness and delaying lipid oxidation will improve consumers’ eating experience of reheated, precooked patties in settings such as school or hospital cafeterias.
Evaluation of a Lactococcus lactis-based dried fermentation product administered through drinking water on nursery pig growth performance, fecal Escherichia coli virulence genes and pathotypes, antibiotic usage, and mortality
Authors: Warner Alan J , Tokach Mike D , Carrender Brittany , Amachawadi Raghavendra G , Labbé Alain , Heuser Walter , Coble Kyle , DeRouchey Joel M , Woodworth Jason C , Goodband Robert D , Kalam Ramya , Shi Xiaorong , Nagaraja T G , Gebhardt Jordan T
Published: August 2023

A total of 34,749 pigs were used in two experiments to evaluate the effects of a postbiotic dried fermentation product (DFP) administered through drinking water on nursery pig growth performance, antibiotic injection frequency, morbidity, mortality, fecal consistency, and characterization of fecal Escherichia coli. The DFP is composed of bioactive molecules derived from Lactococcus lactis. In Exp. 1, 350 barrows (DNA Line 200 × 400; initial body weight [BW] 6.1 ± 0.01 kg) were used in a 42-d study with five pigs per pen and 35 pens per treatment. The DFP was supplied for 14 d at a target dosage of 24 mg/kg BW using a water medicator at a 1:128 dilution. On days 7 and 14, fecal samples were collected for dry matter (DM) and to determine, by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, prevalence of 11 virulence genes characteristic of E. coli pathotypes. There was no evidence (P > 0.10) for differences for growth, incidence of diarrhea, number of antibiotic injections, removals, or fecal DM. On both fecal collection days, E. coli virulence genes were present with day 7 samples positive for genes that encode for hemolysins (hlyA, exhA), intimin (eae), and enteroaggregative heat-stable enterotoxin (astA). Prevalence of enterotoxin genes (elt, estA, estB, astA) increased on day 14, but DFP had no effects on the prevalence of any of the virulence genes. A total of 32 out of 72 E. coli isolates were identified as enterotoxigenic pathotype and all except one were from day 14 fecal samples. Fourteen isolates were positive for F4 fimbria and one isolate was positive for F4 and F18 fimbriae. In Exp. 2, 34,399 nursery pigs (initially 5.6 kg) were used in 20 nursery barns with 10 barns per treatment (control or DFP). The target dosage of the DFP for the first 14 d was 35 mg/kg BW. Following the 14-d supplementation period, pigs continued to be monitored for approximately 31 d. There was no evidence (P > 0.05) for the DFP to influence the overall percentage of pigs that died or growth performance. From days 0 to 14, providing the DFP reduced (P < 0.05) the percentage of pigs that were euthanized. However, providing the DFP increased (P < 0.05) the overall percentage of pigs that were euthanized and total mortality. For the number of antibiotic injections (treatment interventions), providing the DFP reduced the number of injections for the common period (P < 0.001) and overall (P = 0.002). These results indicate that the DFP did not influence growth performance but providing the DFP in Exp. 2 led to increased total nursery pig mortality.
Potential Implication of in ovo Feeding of Phytogenics in Poultry Production
Authors: Akosile Oluwaseun Ayomide , Kehinde Festus Olasehinde , Oni Aderanti Ifeoluwa , Oke Oyegunle Emmanuel
Published: August 2023

Hatchery’s goals include maximizing revenue by achieving high hatchability with day-old birds of excellent quality. The advancement of technology has benefited the poultry sector since breeding and genetics technology have increased the rates of meat maturation in developing birds in a short period of time. Excessive use of in-feed antibiotics has been shown in studies to increase the chance of resistance to human infections. Bacterial resistance and antibiotic residues in animal products raised concerns about using antibiotics as growth promoters, eventually leading to a prohibition on using in-feed antibiotics in most industrialized nations. In ovo technology is a novel method for delivering bioactive chemicals to developing avian embryos. In ovo feeding technologies may provide additional nutrients to the embryos before hatching. The introduction of bioactive compounds has the potential to assist in decreasing and eventually eliminating the problems associated with traditional antibiotic delivery in chicken production. Phytobiotics were advocated as an alternative by researchers and dietitians. So far, several studies have been conducted on the use of phytogenic feed additives in poultry and swine feeding. They have primarily demonstrated that phytobiotics possess antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and growth-stimulating properties. The antioxidant effect of phytobiotics can improve the stability of animal feed and increase the quality and storage duration of animal products. In general, the existing documentation indicates that phytobiotics improve poultry performance. To effectively and efficiently use the in ovo technique in poultry production and advance research in this area, it is important to have a thorough understanding of its potential as a means of nutrient delivery during the critical stage of incubation, its effects on hatching events and posthatch performance, and the challenges associated with its use. Overall, this review suggests that in ovo feeding of phytobiotics has the potential to improve the antioxidant status and performance of chickens.
Arsenic disrupts extracellular vesicle-mediated signaling in regenerating myofibers
Authors: Clemens Zachary , Wang Kai , Ambrosio Fabrisia , Barchowsky Aaron
Published: August 2023

Chronic exposure to environmental arsenic is a public health crisis affecting hundreds of millions of individuals worldwide. Though arsenic is known to contribute to many pathologies and diseases, including cancers, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, and neurological impairment, the mechanisms for arsenic-promoted disease remain unresolved. This is especially true for arsenic impacts on skeletal muscle function and metabolism, despite the crucial role that skeletal muscle health plays in maintaining cardiovascular health, systemic homeostasis, and cognition. A barrier to researching this area is the challenge of interrogating muscle cell-specific effects in biologically relevant models. Ex vivo studies investigating mechanisms for muscle-specific responses to arsenic or other environmental contaminants primarily utilize traditional 2-dimensional culture models that cannot elucidate effects on muscle physiology or function. Therefore, we developed a contractile 3-dimensional muscle construct model—composed of primary mouse muscle progenitor cells differentiated in a hydrogel matrix—to study arsenic exposure impacts on skeletal muscle regeneration. Muscle constructs exposed to low-dose (50 nM) arsenic exhibited reduced strength and myofiber diameter following recovery from muscle injury. These effects were attributable to dysfunctional paracrine signaling mediated by extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from muscle cells. Specifically, we found that EVs collected from arsenic-exposed muscle constructs recapitulated the inhibitory effects of direct arsenic exposure on myofiber regeneration. In addition, muscle constructs treated with EVs isolated from muscles of arsenic-exposed mice displayed significantly decreased strength. Our findings highlight a novel model for muscle toxicity research and uncover a mechanism of arsenic-induced muscle dysfunction by the disruption of EV-mediated intercellular communication.
LAMA5 promotes cell proliferation and migration in ovarian cancer by activating Notch signaling pathway
Authors: Diao Bowen , Sun Chongfeng , Yu Panpan , Zhao Zouyu , Yang Ping
Published: August 2023

LAMA5 (laminin α5) is a member of the laminin family. Despite the recent research implicating LAMA5 in cancer, the function of LAMA5 has remained uncertain in the progression of ovarian cancer (OC). Here, we investigated the functional influences of LAMA5 knockdown on OC in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry (IHC) analysis to detect the relative expression of LAMA5 in OC and non‐cancer tissues, and we analyzed its connection with the overall survival (OS) of OC patients. To prove the role of LAMA5 in cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, LAMA5 expression in OC cell lines was inhibited by lentivirus. Compared with normal fallopian tube tissue, epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) tissue showed critically higher LAMA5 expression levels; additionally, high LAMA5 levels were a poor predictor of OS. We found that cell progression was restrained in LAMA5‐knockdown OC cell lines in vivo and in vitro. Finally, LAMA5 might be a commanding inducer of the expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Notch signaling pathway‐related markers. Together, our research indicates that LAMA5 is highly connected to OC progression as it may play a role in the EMT process through the Notch signaling pathway.
Learning Clinical Judgments With a Lens of Inclusivity
Authors: Monagle Janet , Roy Kaveri , Lasater Kathie
Published: August 2023

To prepare practice-ready graduates and promote NCLEX® success, many schools of nursing have adopted a clinical judgment model (CJM) to provide a framework for their curriculum and teaching strategies. Missing from most CJMs are clear principles of justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI), imperative to prepare a nursing workforce to care holistically for diverse populations. This article describes the curriculum integration of an adapted model with added JEDI principles. By intentionally integrating the language and understanding of a CJM with JEDI principles, nurse educators can promote the clinical judgment development necessary to prepare graduates to care for diverse populations.
Readiness to Teach LGBTQ+ Health-Related Care
Authors: Dalbey Susan
Published: August 2023

AIM

The aim of this study was to explore nursing faculty’s readiness to teach lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or another sexual or gender minority (LGBTQ+) health-related care.

BACKGROUND

Care of diverse populations is encouraged by nursing organizations. Assessing faculty’s readiness to teach this specific content is essential prior to educating student nurses.

METHOD

Walker and Avant’s eight-step approach was used to identify defining attributes, a model case, a borderline case, a contrary case, antecedents, consequences, empirical referents, and implications for nursing education.

RESULTS

Evaluation of the literature indicates nursing faculty’s readiness to teach LGBTQ+ health-related care would include defining attributes of teaching methodology, knowledge, attitude, experience, education, and comfort.

CONCLUSION

When faculty members demonstrate readiness to teach LGBTQ+ health-related care, students will learn and be able to provide such care as appropriate. Hopefully, this will result in better patient outcomes and individualized care for patients who identify as LGBTQ+.
First Metatarsal Hemiepiphysiodesis for the Treatment of Juvenile Hallux Valgus: A Systematic Review
Authors: Artioli Elena , Mazzotti Antonio , Langone Laura , Zielli Simone Ottavio , Arceri Alberto , Bonelli Simone , Faldini Cesare
Published: August 2023

Introduction:

Juvenile hallux valgus (JHV) is a pediatric deformity characterized by the varus deviation of the first metatarsal and valgus deviation of the proximal phalanx. Among the several surgical techniques available, hemiepiphysiodesis consists of the unilateral growth arrest of the first metatarsal physis. Despite this technique has been proposed over 70 years ago, only a few studies including clinical and radiological outcomes have been published, making the procedure unclear in terms of results. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the outcomes of hemiepiphysiodesis of the first metatarsal in the treatment of JHV.

Methods:

Google Scholar, Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases were searched for all the articles reporting on clinical and radiological results of hemiepiphysiodesis of the first metatarsal in the treatment of JHV. The selected articles were reviewed to extract demographic data, surgical techniques, complications, clinical outcomes, and radiological parameters.

Results:

Six articles were included in the qualitative analysis. A total of 85 patients with 144 halluces valgus were treated through hemiepiphysiodesis of the first metatarsal. The mean age at surgery was 10.7 years (range 5 to 15). The mean follow-up was 2.7 years (range 1 to 7.5). Hemiepiphysiodesis was performed through 2 different techniques. Eighteen (12.5%) complications occurred. The mean American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score increased from 70.6 (range 49 to 93) preoperatively to 89.4 (range 72 to 100) postoperatively. The mean HVA improved from 28.3 (range 14 to 46) to 24.03 degrees (range 0 to 54), and the mean IMA improved from 13 (range 8 to 33) to 10.9 degrees (range 8 to 33).

Conclusions:

This review showed that hemiepiphysiodesis of the first metatarsal is a safe treatment for JHV. Improvement in both clinical and radiological results has been observed in all the studies, sometimes being statistically significant. Despite the improvement, mean postoperative radiological angles remained altered and consistent with mild-moderate hallux valgus. This suggests that hemiepiphysiodesis plays a bigger role in preventing the worsening of the deformity rather than correcting it. Randomized controlled trials with longer follow-up and a larger number of patients are needed to further investigate the efficacy and safety of this treatment.
Keloid Nodule Metabolic Activity for Continuous Expansion
Authors: Ueda Koichi , Lee Yuumi , Inomata Yosuke , Taniguchi Kohei , Uchiyama Kazuhisa , Ito Yuko
Published: August 2023

Background:

We previously reported that keloid nodules had such specific structures that higher expression of autophagy proteins and glycolytic markers was observed in the central zone fibroblasts than in marginal zone fibroblasts. The purpose of this study is to investigate how keloid nodules play a role in metabolic activity for continuous expansion.

Methods:

A total of 57 nodules were randomly chosen from seven keloid samples and divided into four groups of disease duration (2, 4, 6, and 17 years). Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent analyses were performed.

Results:

Immunohistochemical analysis with anti-CD-31 confirmed that the nodules had a structure with a greater number of vessels in the marginal zone than in the central zone. The density of fibroblasts in nodules (190.29 ± 64.45) was significantly higher than that of surrounding connective tissue (140.18 ± 63.94) (P < 0.05).

The area of each nodule increased for 2 to 4 years, then decreased, graphically represented by an approximately horizontal line, to 17 years. The ratio of total nodule area/dermis area increased as disease duration lengthened. The maximum ratio was the 17-year group at 48.01%. The nodule number/dermis area ratio rose approximately with advancing disease duration.

Conclusions:

Instead of increasing the size of the nodules, their number and total area increased within the keloid lesions. We believe that the keloid nodules must play an important role in energy metabolic activity for continuous growth by increasing in number and total area.
RECALCITRANT FUSARIUM FUNGAL ENDOPHTHALMITIS: NOVEL SURGICAL TECHNIQUE COMBINING VITRECTOMY WITH INTRALESIONAL INJECTION OF VORICONAZOLE AND POVIDONE-IODINE
Authors: Malbin Brett , Guest John-Michael , Lin Xihui
Published: August 2023

Purpose:

To show the feasibility while comparing functional and anatomical outcomes of vitrectomy combined with intralesional injection of voriconazole and povidone-iodine for recalcitrant Fusarium fungal endophthalmitis.

Methods:

In a noncomparative interventional case, vitrectomy combined with intralesional injection of voriconazole and povidone-iodine was performed in a single patient.

Results:

Following vitrectomy and intralesional injection, our patient's fungal endophthalmitis stabilized and vision improved to 20/25. He did not require further intravitreal injections or vitrectomy.

Conclusion:

Vitrectomy and intralesional injection for the treatment of refractory filamentary fungal endophthalmitis proved to be safe and effective for this case.
Occupational Evaluation of Federal Highway Police Officers Exposed to Cholinesterase Inhibiting Insecticides
Authors: Bonache Juliandra Spagnol , Costa Bruna Francisquete , Hoshino Marcio Tadashi , Ludwig Larissa , Barboza de Oliveira Marcos Aurélio , Emerick Guilherme Luz
Published: August 2023

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of occupational exposure of federal highway police (PRF) officers to cholinesterase-inhibiting insecticides.

Methods

We evaluate erythrocyte and plasma cholinesterase activity, pulse rate, systolic and diastolic pressure, and clinical evaluation through the Mini-Mental State Examination and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition.

Results

All PRF officers evaluated were male, between 22 and 49 years of age. Pulse rate of the subjects were statistically superior in the post-exposure moment when compared with pre-exposure moment. Inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase was significant in the post-exposure moment when compared with pre-exposure moment.

Conclusions

The results of the present work show that there are significant biochemical changes, which can be the beginning of serious deleterious effects to the health of PRF officers.
Association Between Weight Reduction and Employees’ Healthcare Cost
Authors: Peasah Samuel K. , Drnach Alek , Rosenberg Eric , Good Chester B.
Published: August 2023

Objective

The aim of the study is to assess the impact of ≥15% body mass index (BMI) reduction on employees’ health expenditures.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed health risk assessment surveys combined with insurance claims from January 2014 to December 2019. We compared costs of employees with baseline BMI > 30 who reported ≥15% BMI reduction in subsequent health risk assessment reports with employees who lost ≤5% BMI within the same period, matching the two cohorts on demographics and costs.

Results

The study cohort of 197 lost an average of 23% of their BMI from baseline. The average age was 44 years with majority females (approximately 80%). Group health insurance payments were similar at baseline; at year 1, the study cohort had a 33% payment reduction compared with 10% reduction in the control group.

Conclusions

A ≥15% BMI reduction was associated with a substantial medical cost savings.
Perioperative and oncologic outcomes of minimally-invasive surgery for renal cell carcinoma with venous tumor thrombus: a systematic review and meta-analysis of comparative trials
Authors: Li Kun-peng , Chen Si-yu , Wang Chen-yang , Li Xiao-ran , Yang Li
Published: August 2023

Background:

The present study aimed to conduct a pooled analysis to compare the perioperative and oncologic outcomes of minimally-invasive radical nephrectomy with tumor thrombus (MI-RNTT) with open radical nephrectomy with tumor thrombus (O-RNTT).

Methods:

This study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library database) were systematically searched to identify relevant studies published in English up to December 2022. The primary outcomes were perioperative results, complications, and oncologic outcomes. Review Manager 5.4 was used for this analysis.

Results:

In total, eight retrospective trials with a total of 563 patients were included. Compared to O-RNTT, MI-RNTT had shorter hospitalization time [weighted mean difference (WMD) -3.58 days, 95% CI: −4.56 to −2.59; P<0.00001), lower volumes of blood loss (WMD -663.32 ml, 95% CI: −822.22 to −504.42; P<0.00001), fewer transfusion rates (OR 0.18, 95% CI: 0.09–0.35; P<0.00001), fewer overall complications (OR 0.33, 95% CI: 0.22–0.49; P<0.00001), and fewer major complications s (OR 0.49, 95% CI: 0.24–1.00; P=0.05). However, operative time, intraoperative complications, mortality rate (intraoperative, within 30 days, and total mortality), overall survival, recurrence-free survival, and cancer-specific survival did not significantly differ between the two groups.

Conclusions:

MI-RNTT possesses more benefits than O-RNTT in terms of length of hospital stay, blood loss, and complications and provides comparable mortality rates and oncologic outcomes. However, more comprehensive and rigorous research is warranted to further validate the outcomes, which should include a larger sample size and comprehensive data from high-volume medical centers.