bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisiting extinction debt through the lens of multitrophic networks and meta‐ecosystems
Authors: Blanchard Grégoire , Munoz François
Published: November 2022

The concept of extinction debt refers to the time‐delayed extinction of species following an environmental change. Precisely because of their delayed nature, extinction debts constitute a major challenge for both biodiversity research and conservation. Although it has received considerable attention and support from theoretical and empirical evidence during the last decades, the concept is still mainly apprehended through a species‐based view. However, our understanding of ecological systems is increasingly enhanced by approaches focusing on ecosystem functioning and species interaction networks. Notably, co‐extinctions triggered by the loss and disruption of species interactions has received growing interest. Yet, the wide spectrum of potential co‐extinctions is rarely considered through the lens of transient dynamics. A more ecosystem functioning‐focused perspective on delayed extinctions is thus needed. Here, we propose to fill this conceptual gap by revisiting the concept of extinction debt in the light of multitrophic networks and meta‐ecosystem theories. We emphasize the coupled nature of ecological dynamics across interaction networks within and between ecosystems, which the current view of extinction debts does not fully integrate. We address how the structure of interaction networks and the contrasting tempo of extinction in species, function and interaction can determine co‐extinction debts scenarios. Importantly the alteration of specific organisms and ecological processes can trigger ecosystem‐level feedbacks and lead to cascading delayed co‐extinction dynamics spreading across ecological networks. We argue that such transient dynamics are likely to incur both long‐term and remote consequences on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Then, we outline the challenges and opportunities for research and conservation emerging from this new perspective on extinction debts.
Finite Element Analysis and Transiliac‐Transsacral Screw Fixation for Posterior Pelvic Ring with Sacrum Dysplasia
Authors: Wu Chao , Zeng Baifang , Deng Jiayan , Qin Binwei , Shen Danwei , Wang Xiangyu , Hu Haigang , Huang Li , Liu Xin , Qiu Guigang
Published: November 2022

Objective

Posterior pelvic ring sacroiliac screws are preferred by clinicians for their good biomechanical performance. However, there are few studies on mechanical analysis and intraoperative screw insertion of the dysplastic sacrum and sacroiliac screw. This study investigated the biomechanical performance of oblique sacroiliac screws (OSS) in S1 combined with transiliac‐transsacral screws (TTSs) in S2 for pelvic fracture or sacroiliac dislocation with dysplastic sacrum and evaluated the safety of screw placement assisted by the navigation template.

Methods

Six models were established, including one OSS fixation in the S2 segment, one transverse sacroiliac screw (TSS) fixation in the S2 segment, one TTS fixation in the S2 segment, one OSS fixation in the S1 and S2 segments, one OSS fixation in the S1 segment and one TSS fixation in the S2 segment, one OSS fixation in the S1 segment and one TTS fixation in the S2 segment. Then, finite element analysis (FEA) was performed. Twelve dysplastic sacrum patients with pelvis fracture or sacroiliac dislocation underwent OSS insertion in the S1 combined with TTS insertion in the S2 under the assistance of the patient‐specific locked navigation template. Grading and Matta scores were evaluated after surgery.

Results

In the one‐screw fixation group, the vertical displacements of the sacrum surface of S2 OSS, S2 TSS and S2 TTS were 1.23, 1.42, and 1.22 mm, respectively, and the maximum stress of screw were 139.45 MPa, 144.81 MPa, 126.14 MPa, respectively. In the two‐screw fixation group, the vertical displacements of the sacrum surface of the S1 OSS + S2 OSS, S1 OSS + S2 TSS and S1 OSS + S2 TTS were 0.91, 1.06, and 0.75 mm, respectively, and the maximum stress of screw were 149.26 MPa, 167.13 Pa, 136.76 MPa, respectively. Clinically, a total of 12 TTS and OSS were inserted under the assistance of navigation templates, with a surgical time of 55 ± 7.69 min, bleeding of 57.5 ± 18.15 ml and radiation times of 14.5 ± 4.95. One of the TTS and one of the OSS were grade 1, and the other screws were grade 0. The Matta scores of nine patients were excellent, and three patents were good.

Conclusion

OSS in the S1 combined with TTS in the S2 had the best mechanical stability in six models, and it is safe for screw insertion assisted by the patient‐specific locked navigation template.
Prevalence of AO blood group and level of agreement for AO blood‐typing methods in pet pigs from Louisiana
Authors: Hampton Chiara , Dehghanpir Shannon , Armstrong Chance , Scully Clare , Baker Rose E. , Mitchell Mark
Published: November 2022

Objectives

Pet pigs are a species of growing medical interest, and evidence‐based practices for blood transfusions are needed. The objectives of this study were to quantify the prevalence of 3 blood group (Bg) phenotypes (“A” and “Aweak” resulting from EAAAAand EAAAO, “0” from EAA00, or “–” from EAA00or SSSalleles) in pet pigs and compare results using a human blood‐typing card (EldonCard), standard saline agglutination (SSA), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) sequencing.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

University veterinary teaching hospital.

Animals

Ninety‐seven pet pigs from Louisiana.

Interventions

Blood was sampled from randomly selected pet pigs of various breeds, anticoagulated with EDTA, and typed using each investigated test according to the manufacturers’ directions or standard laboratory technique. Samples for PCR analysis were stored at –80°C until analysis. Phenotypes were screened via EldonCard. Association between Bg and sex was investigated using chi‐square test, with significance atP < 0.05. Kappa (κ) statistic was used to measure the level of agreement between the 3 tests.

Measurements and Main Results

Pot‐bellied pigs represented the majority (84.5%) of this population, with 52 (53.6%) males and 45 (46.4%) females. Genotypic frequencies were 30%, 30%, and 40% for “EAAAA,” “EAAAO,” and “EAA00,” respectively. Based on EldonCard, 38 phenotypes were classified as “A,” 5 as “Aweak,” and 54 as “0” or “–.” Results were identical for Bg, with the 3 tested techniques in 90% (45/50) of samples. Agreement between EldonCard and PCR was almost perfect (49/50 [98%],κ = 0.959;P < 0.001). Agreement between SSA and PCR, and EldonCard and SSA was substantial (46/50 [92%],κ = 0.803,P < 0.001 and 93/97 [95.9%],κ = 0.764,P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

The most common blood type was “0” or “–” (55.7%), followed by “A” (39.2%) and “Aweak” (5.1%). There was strong agreement between EldonCard and PCR testing. EldonCard allowed for rapid and reliable phenotype identification (“A,” “Aweak,” and “0” or “–”) and represents a clinically applicable laboratory method for blood typing in pet pigs.
Impact of donor ferritin testing on iron deficiency prevention and blood availability in France: A cohort simulation study
Authors: Richard Pascale , Fillet Anne‐Marie , Malard Lucile , Leclerc Carole , Chanut Claire , Woimant Geneviève , Jacquot Chantal , Leleu Henri , Morel Pascal , Vimont Alexandre
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives

Implementing a ferritin testing policy for whole blood (WB) donors may prevent iron deficiency (ID, ferritin <26 ng/mL) and anaemia, but may induce donation losses. As part of a national prevention plan in France, we aimed to estimate its impact on ID, anaemias and WB donations among donors at high risk of ID.

Materials and Methods

A micro‐simulation model was developed to evaluate different scenarios compared to the current situation without ferritin testing as a reference scenario. The following scenarios were simulated: a minimum scenario with a 6‐month deferral for donors with absent iron store (AIS, ferritinemia <15 ng/ml), a main scenario with additional delayed invitations for donors with ferritinemia 15–25 ng/ml and a supplementation scenario with additional iron supplementation for 50% of the donors with AIS.

Results

In the main scenario, 52,699 WB donations per year were estimated to be lost after 1 year (−8%), falling to 27,687 (−4.7%) after 5 years. IDs and anaemias were reduced by 13.6% and 29.3%, respectively, after 1 year. The supplementation scenario increased the number of prevented IDs and anaemias to 24.1% and 35.4%, respectively, after 1 year, and halved the number of anaemias at 5 years. The latter scenario also had the least impact on the number of donations (−3.2% after 5 years).

Conclusion

A ferritin testing policy resulting in delayed donations for ID donors is effective in reducing IDs and anaemias, but significantly impacts the number of donations, thereby posing a self‐sufficiency challenge.
The complexities of transfusion reactions: Coexistence of a delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction and post‐transfusion purpura
Authors: Czerwinski Joanna , McCarthy Ana , Herbert Denise , Roxby David , Sobieraj‐Teague Magdalena
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives

Immune‐mediated acute or delayed transfusion reactions occur when there is immunological incompatibility between transfused blood products and recipient's antibodies. Acute haemolytic transfusion reactions occur within 24 h and are delayed after 24 h up to 10 days following transfusion, whereas post‐transfusion purpura (PTP) typically occurs 7–10 days post‐transfusion. We present a case of a previously transfused and recently post‐partum female who developed both delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR) and PTP.

Case Report

A 42‐year‐old woman, G2P1, with non‐alcoholic liver disease, portal hypertension and previous transfusion history with allogeneic anti‐E, developed a severe DHTR and PTP following a complicated post‐partum course and multiple transfusions. The antenatal and initial post‐partum pre‐transfusion antibody screens were negative. Subsequently five red cell antibodies, including anti‐c, anti‐Fya, anti‐Jkb and anti‐S and the reappearance of anti‐E were, however, identified during follow‐up investigations along with the anti‐platelet antibody HPA‐3a and human leukocyte antigen class I antibodies. Anti‐E, anti‐Jkb and anti‐S were eluted from the circulating red blood cells.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, there have been only two other case reports of DHTR and PTP occurring in the same patient.
Blood component ratios in children with non‐traumatic life‐threatening bleeding
Authors: Marshall Callie , Josephson Cassandra D. , Leonard Julie C. , Wisniewski Stephen R. , Leeper Christine M. , Luther James F. ,   the MATIC Investigators and BloodNet, Spinella Philip C.
Published: November 2022

Background and Objectives

In paediatric trauma patients, there are limited prospective data regarding blood components and mortality, with some literature suggesting decreased mortality with high ratios of plasma and platelets to red blood cells (RBCs) in massive transfusions; however, most paediatric massive transfusions occur for non‐traumatic aetiologies and few studies assess blood product ratios in these children. This study's objective was to evaluate whether high blood product ratios or low deficits conferred a survival benefit in children with non‐traumatic life‐threatening bleeding.

Materials and Methods

This is a secondary analysis of the five‐year, multicentre, prospective, observational massive transfusion epidemiology and outcomes in children study of children with life‐threatening bleeding from US, Canadian and Italian medical centres. Primary interventions were plasma:RBC and platelets:RBC (high ratio ≥1:2 ml/kg) and plasma and platelet deficits. The primary outcome was mortality at 6 h, 24 h and 28 days. Multivariate logistic regression models were used to determine independent associations with mortality.

Results

A total of 222 children were included from 24 medical centres: 145 children (median [interquartile range] age 2.1 years [0.3–11.8]) with operative bleeding and 77 (8.0 years [1.2–14.7]) with medical bleeding. In adjusted analyses, neither blood product ratios nor deficits were associated with mortality at 6 h, 24 h or 28 days.

Conclusion

This paper addresses a lack of prospective data in children regarding optimal empiric massive transfusion strategies in non‐traumatic massive haemorrhage and in finding no decrease in mortality with high plasma or platelet to RBC ratios or lower deficits supports an exploratory analysis for mortality.
Diabetes self-management education for older adults in Western countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Camargo-Plazas Pilar , Robertson Madison , Paré Geneviève C. , Costa Idevania G. , Alvarado Beatriz , Ross-White Amanda , Duhn Lenora
Published: November 2022

Objective:

This scoping review will map the available evidence on diabetes self-management education programs for older adults in Western countries.

Introduction:

Self-management and education are crucial for controlling diabetes and its associated complications. The successful uptake of diabetes self-management education programs is not straightforward, and little is known about diabetes programs for older adults. Within this context, a broad overview of diabetes self-management education for older adults, considering all types of related evidence, is needed.

Inclusion criteria:

All studies in English concerning diabetes self-management education for older adults (aged 65 years and older) living with type 1 or 2 diabetes will be included. This review will not be specific to gender, sex, ethnicity, frailty, or other demographic variables. The review will be restricted to Western countries (North America, Western and Northern Europe, and Australasia), where approaches to diabetes self-management education will be similar. Studies including older adults with or without diabetes will not be considered unless they provide separate analyses for the 2 cohorts.

Methods:

This scoping review will follow the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. We will conduct searches of electronic databases, including CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PubMed, from January 1, 2000, to the present to capture eligible articles. The review will consider all study designs, including quantitative, qualitative, mixed methods designs, as well as text and opinion papers, and systematic reviews that meet the inclusion criteria. After duplicates are removed, titles and abstracts will be screened independently by 2 reviewers, and the full texts will be reviewed. The screening criteria and data extraction protocol will be pilot-tested by the research team. The results will be summarized in tables accompanied by narrative text.
A tumor vasculature–based imaging biomarker for predicting response and survival in patients with lung cancer treated with checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: Alilou Mehdi , Khorrami Mohammadhadi , Prasanna Prateek , Bera Kaustav , Gupta Amit , Viswanathan Vidya Sankar , Patil Pradnya , Velu Priya Darsini , Fu Pingfu , Velcheti Vamsidhar , Madabhushi Anant
Published: November 2022

Tumor vasculature is a key component of the tumor microenvironment that can influence tumor behavior and therapeutic resistance. We present a new imaging biomarker, quantitative vessel tortuosity (QVT), and evaluate its association with response and survival in patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treated with immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies. A total of 507 cases were used to evaluate different aspects of the QVT biomarkers. QVT features were extracted from computed tomography imaging of patients before and after ICI therapy to capture the tortuosity, curvature, density, and branching statistics of the nodule vasculature. Our results showed that QVT features were prognostic of OS (HR = 3.14, 0.95% CI = 1.2 to 9.68,
P
= 0.0006, C-index = 0.61) and could predict ICI response with AUCs of 0.66, 0.61, and 0.67 on three validation sets. Our study shows that QVT imaging biomarker could potentially aid in predicting and monitoring response to ICI in patients with NSCLC.
ABPA sans asthma: an entity to remember
Authors: Nair Avinash Anil , Vimala Leena Robinson , Chandran Divya , Gupta Richa
Published: November 2022

A male patient in his 20s presented with a cough and a small volume of haemoptysis that lasted a year. He had no other constitutional symptoms and a respiratory examination was suggestive of a consolidation. A chronic infection, such as tuberculosis, was suspected. The routine evaluation showed peripheral eosinophilia with raised serum total IgE. Sputum examination for tuberculosis was negative; hence, a high-resolution CT of the thorax was performed, which revealed bilateral bronchiectasis with high-attenuation mucus plugging. The imaging and blood profiles were in favour of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, but there was no history suggestive of asthma, and the pulmonary function test was normal. The patient underwent a skin prick test and an allergen-specific IgE test forAspergillus fumigatus, and both were positive. His bronchoalveolar lavage cultures also grewA. fumigatus, and he responded well to antifungal therapy. This case illustrates the presentation of a rare entity—allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis sans asthma.
Evolution of a physician wellness, engagement and excellence strategy: lessons learnt in a mental health setting
Authors: Wilkie Treena , Tajirian Tania , Thakur Anupam , Mistry Smit , Islam Faisal , Stergiopoulos Vicky
Published: November 2022

Objective

This study aims to evaluate the impact of several organisational initiatives implemented as part of a physician engagement, wellness and excellence strategy at a large mental health hospital. Interventions that were examined include: communities of practice, peer support programme, mentorship programme and leadership and management programme for physicians.

Methods

A cross-sectional study, guided by the Reach, Effectiveness/Efficacy, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance evaluation framework, was conducted with physicians at a large academic mental health hospital in Toronto, Canada. Physicians were invited to complete an online survey in April 2021, which composed of questions on the awareness, use and perceived impact of the organisational wellness initiatives and the two-item Maslach Burnout Inventory tool. The survey was analysed using descriptive statistics and a thematic analysis.

Results

103 survey responses (40.9% response rate) were gathered from physicians, with 39.8% of respondents reporting experiences of burn-out. Overall, there was variable reach and suboptimal use of the organisational interventions reported by physicians. Themes emerging from open-ended questions included the importance of addressing: workload and resource related factors; leadership and culture related factors; and factors related to the electronic medical record and virtual care.

Conclusions

Organisational strategies to address physician burn-out and support physician wellness require repeated evaluation of the impact and relevance of initiatives with physicians, taking into account organisational culture, external variables, emerging barriers to access and participation, and physician needs and interest over time. These findings will be embedded as part of ongoing review of our organisational framework to guide changes to our physician engagement, wellness and excellence strategy.
Do cover crops on the Canadian prairies affect soil nitrogen cycling?
Authors: Otchere O. , Lawley Y. , Congreves K.A.
Published: November 2022

For one of Canada’s most important regions of crop production—the prairies—it’s uncertain if cover crops can be successfully integrated into rotations; if so, will soil nitrogen (N) cycling be influenced to benefit main crops? To address these gaps, we compared a crop rotation with cover crops (CC) vs. without cover crops (LR) from 2018 to 2021 in Saskatoon, SK. The main crops were grown in sequence of wheat–canola–potato–pea; the cover crops included red clover, berseem clover/oat mix, fall rye, and a brassica cover. Yield and aboveground biomass were collected each year and analyzed to determine crop yield and N use efficiency (NUE). Soil N availability was monitored in various ways, that is, by assessing pre-plant soil nitrate, soil inorganic N (SIN) supply rate, and potentially mineralizable N (PMN). We found that the influence on soil N dynamics was restricted to the non-growing season where cover crops reduced SIN supply rate and nitrate content compared to the conventional practice without cover crops. Yet, rotations with vs. without cover crop did not differ in crop NUEs, yields, or in-season N dynamics. We found some evidence that diversifying rotations with cover crops may help the system to function more like perennial systems in terms of regulating N in the long run; but had limited impact during the three years studied. To ensure that cover crops are effective and functional on the prairies, innovative design approaches are needed to adapt cover crops to reach soil health goals under prairie conditions.
Characteristics of rich flame blowout during the condition transition of a scramjet
Authors: Jia Dongpeng , Pan Yu , Liu Chaoyang , Wang Ning , Wang Taiyu
Published: November 2022

The global equivalence ratio (ER1) will change drastically when scramjets carry out the mission of condition transition. The blowout characteristics of partially premixed flame in a fuel-rich condition are investigated experimentally in a cavity-stabilized scramjet combustor. The total pressure, total temperature and Mach number at the combustor entrance are 1.6 MPa, 1486 K and 2.52, which can simulate the flight condition of Mach 5.5 at 25 km altitude. When the final ER1 is relatively small, the range and light intensity of flame increase first and then almost keep constant. The cavity-stabilized flame can be switched from cavity shear layer to jet-wake. Once the final ER1 exceeds a critical value, the rich flame blowout phenomena will appear suddenly. During the blowout process, the flame in the cavity is blown out first and then the flame downstream extinguishes completely along the rear-wall. The intensity of combustion at the flame front is more vigorous with a higher ER1 at the initial combustion state, which is conductive to burn more fuel mixed in the incoming flow. When the initial flowfields are more vigorous, the stabilized flame can be shifted to a stronger combustion state under a higher ER1.
Severe Late-Onset Drug-Induced Immune Thrombocytopenia Following IFN β-1a Treatment: A Case Report of a 52-Year-Old Woman with Relapse-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Cisarovsky Christophe , Théaudin Marie , Bart Pierre-Alexandre , Stalder Grégoire , Alberio Lorenzo
Published: November 2022

Interferon β-1a (IFNβ1a) is considered safe in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Drug-induced thrombocytopenia (DITP) is a rare but underreported adverse event that is often confused with other causes of thrombocytopenia. We report the case of a 52-year-old woman who developed limb and oral mucosa petechiae and hematochezia, 10 years after beginning IFNβ1a. Blood work showed an isolated severe thrombocytopenia and ruled out other autoimmune diseases, viral infections, intravascular hemolysis, and renal impairment. Oral corticosteroids and tranexamic acid were initiated with a favorable platelet response. IFNβ1a was resumed, leading to recurrence of thrombocytopenia. Platelets came back to normal after intravenous immunoglobulins and IFNβ1a was definitively discontinued. To our knowledge, this is the first case of drug-induced immune thrombocytopenia (DITP) associated with IFNβ1a.
Finite-Time Convergence ESO-Based Nonsingular Fast Terminal Sliding Mode Control for PMSM with Unknown Parameters and Time-Varying Load
Authors: Gao Chong-yi , Dai Jun , Li Jing , Li Jian-xiong
Published: November 2022

In this paper, an extended state observer (ESO)-based nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode (NFTSM) control method is proposed for the speed tracking system of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) in the present of unknown parameters and time-varying load. Firstly, three finite time convergence ESO (FTCESO) are employed to estimate the lumped disturbances in one speed loop and two current loops, respectively, and the estimates are fed forward to controllers for compensation. Secondly, a NFTSM controller is designed, which can drive the speed of PMSM track in desired speed in finite time. The stability of resulting closed-loop system is proved by using Lyapunov theory. Finally, the simulation and experimental results are compared with the existing methods, and the results show that the proposed method has better performance in tracking different kind of desired speed curves, and also performs better in reducing the chattering phenomenon.
Nonhuman Animals as Symbols in the #BlackLivesMatter Protests of 2020
Authors: Warda Tiamat , Aiello Thomas , Hill Kristine
Published: November 2022

Racial uprisings often include animalized commentary and symbolic use of nonhuman animal bodies. This paper highlights some of the nonhuman animal bodies observed during the #BlackLivesMatter protests within the United States in 2020 – specifically, the use of pig, horse, and dog bodies during street protests. Displays of pigs carry with them a racially rife past in the United States. This history harmed protesters during #BlackLivesMatter protests, being described as suffering “like animals,” and the use of “pig” as an epithet for the police is explored. For the Black Cowboys who joined the protests on horseback, the physical presence of their horses amplified their message, symbolized a shift in their freedom, and positioned them eye-to-eye with the mounted police officers. The use of dog bodies within politics, how they amplified political messages as “sign-carrying vehicles,” and the dangers for them and others in protests are addressed.
Recent Developments in EU Environmental Policy and Legislation
Authors: Fermeglia Matteo
Published: November 2022

This section describes the significant political initiatives and acts of legislation in the environmental field adopted in the period from February 2022 until September 2022.
Vascular flora of Zarrin-Kuh Protected Area in Central Kopet Dagh Mountains, NE Iran: An annotated checklist
Authors: AMIRI MOHAMMAD SADEGH , SAEIDI MEHRVARZ SHAHRYAR , MEMARIANI FARSHID , JOHARCHI MOHAMMAD REZA
Published: November 2022

Zarrin-Kuh Protected Area (ZPA) is a part of the Khorassan-Kopet Dagh floristic province of the Irano-Turanian region. In this research, we present the first checklist of vascular plants of ZPA along with the life-form spectrum, phytogeography, and conservation status. We conducted field surveys through several random collection efforts and vegetation sampling during 2015–2017. A total of 549 species/infraspecific taxa belonging to 69 families and 318 genera are recorded as native and naturalized plants. The most prominent families are Asteraceae (43 genera/72 species), Poaceae (29/44), Brassicaceae (31/43), Fabaceae (15/43), and Chenopodiaceae (24/41). The richest genera are Astragalus (21 taxa), Euphorbia (10), Acanthophyllum (8), and Allium (8). The therophytes (47.2 %) and hemicryptophytes (25.2%) are dominant in the life-form spectrum. Irano-Turanian elements (347 taxa, 63.2%) are the most common plants; however, the area is inhabited by several Iranian and/or Khorassan-Kopet Dagh endemic, rare and narrow-range plants, among which 17 species are threatened. Astragalus androssovianus Gontsch. is also recorded as new to the flora of Iran. Over-grazing and exploiting valuable plants are the most critical threats to the area. The results support more effective protection practices to ensure the conservation of the unique flora of Central Kopet Dagh.
Host genetic control on rumen microbiota and its impact on dairy traits in sheep
Authors: Martinez Boggio Guillermo , Meynadier Annabelle , Buitenhuis Albert Johannes , Marie-Etancelin Christel
Published: November 2022

Background

Milk yield and fine composition in sheep depend on the volatile and long-chain fatty acids, microbial proteins, vitamins produced through feedstuff digestion by the rumen microbiota. In cattle, the host genome has been shown to have a low to moderate genetic control on rumen microbiota abundance but a high control on dairy traits with heritabilities higher than 0.30. There is little information on the genetic correlations and quantitative trait loci (QTL) that simultaneously affect rumen microbiota abundance and dairy traits in ruminants, especially in sheep. Thus, our aim was to quantify the effect of the host genetics on rumen bacterial abundance and the genetic correlations between rumen bacterial abundance and several dairy traits, and to identify QTL that are associated with both rumen bacterial abundance and milk traits.

Results

Our results in Lacaune sheep show that the heritability of rumen bacterial abundance ranges from 0 to 0.29 and that the heritability of 306 operational taxonomic units (OTU) is significantly different from 0. Of these 306 OTU, 96 that belong mainly to the Prevotellaceae, Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae bacterial families show strong genetic correlations with milk fatty acids and proteins (absolute values ranging from 0.33 to 0.99). Genome-wide association studies revealed a QTL for alpha-lactalbumin concentration in milk on Ovis aries chromosome (OAR) 11, and six QTL for rumen bacterial abundances i.e., for two OTU belonging to the genera Prevotella (OAR3 and 5), Rikeneleaceae_RC9_gut_group (OAR5), Ruminococcus (OAR5), an unknown genus of order Clostridia UCG-014 (OAR10), and CAG-352 (OAR11). None of these detected regions are simultaneously associated with rumen bacterial abundance and dairy traits, but the bacterial families Prevotellaceae, Lachnospiraceae and F082 show colocalized signals on OAR3, 5, 15 and 26.

Conclusions

In Lacaune dairy sheep, rumen microbiota abundance is partially controlled by the host genetics and is poorly genetically linked with milk protein and fatty acid compositions, and three main bacterial families, Prevotellaceae, Lachnospiraceae and F082, show specific associations with OAR3, 5, 15 and 26.
Detection of potential functional variants based on systems-biology: the case of feed efficiency in beef cattle
Authors: Ribeiro Gabriela , Baldi Fernando , Cesar Aline S. M. , Alexandre Pâmela A. , Peripolli Elisa , Ferraz José B. S. , Fukumasu Heidge
Published: November 2022

Background

Potential functional variants (PFVs) can be defined as genetic variants responsible for a given phenotype. Ultimately, these are the best DNA markers for animal breeding and selection, especially for polygenic and complex phenotypes. Herein, we described the identification of PFVs for complex phenotypes (in this case, Feed Efficiency in beef cattle) using a systems-biology driven approach based on RNA-seq data from physiologically relevant organs.

Results

The systems-biology coupled with deep molecular phenotyping by RNA-seq of liver, muscle, hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands of animals with high and low feed efficiency (FE) measured by residual feed intake (RFI) identified 2,000,936 uniquely variants. Among them, 9986 variants were significantly associated with FE and only 78 had a high impact on protein expression and were considered as PFVs. A set of 169 significant uniquely variants were expressed in all five organs, however, only 27 variants had a moderate impact and none of them a had high impact on protein expression. These results provide evidence of tissue-specific effects of high-impact PFVs. The PFVs were enriched (FDR < 0.05) for processing and presentation of MHC Class I and II mediated antigens, which are an important part of the adaptive immune response. The experimental validation of these PFVs was demonstrated by the increased prediction accuracy for RFI using the weighted G matrix (ssGBLUP+wG; Acc = 0.10 and b = 0.48) obtained in the ssGWAS in comparison to the unweighted G matrix (ssGBLUP; Acc = 0.29 and b = 1.10).

Conclusion

Here we identified PFVs for FE in beef cattle using a strategy based on systems-biology and deep molecular phenotyping. This approach has great potential to be used in genetic prediction programs, especially for polygenic phenotypes.
Profiling the transcriptomic signatures and identifying the patterns of zygotic genome activation – a comparative analysis between early porcine embryos and their counterparts in other three mammalian species
Authors: Zhai Yanhui , Yu Hao , An Xinglan , Zhang Zhiren , Zhang Meng , Zhang Sheng , Li Qi , Li Ziyi
Published: November 2022

Background

The transcriptional changes around zygotic genome activation (ZGA) in preimplantation embryos are critical for studying mechanisms of embryonic developmental arrest and searching for key transcription factors. However, studies on the transcription profile of porcine ZGA are limited.

Results

In this study, we performed RNA sequencing in porcine in vivo developed (IVV) and somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryo at different stages and compared the transcriptional activity of porcine embryos with mouse, bovine and human embryos. The results showed that the transcriptome map of the early porcine embryos was significantly changed at the 4-cell stage, and 5821 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in SCNT embryos failed to be reprogrammed or activated during ZGA, which mainly enrichment to metabolic pathways. c-MYC was identified as the highest expressed transcription factor during ZGA. By treating with 10,058-F4, an inhibitor of c-MYC, the cleavage rate (38.33 ± 3.4%) and blastocyst rate (23.33 ± 4.3%) of porcine embryos were significantly lower than those of the control group (50.82 ± 2.7% and 34.43 ± 1.9%). Cross-species analysis of transcriptome during ZGA showed that pigs and bovines had the highest similarity coefficient in biological processes. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that there were 10 co-shared pathways in the four species.

Conclusions

Our results reveal that embryos with impaired developmental competence may be arrested at an early stage of development. c-MYC helps promote ZGA and preimplantation embryonic development in pigs. Pigs and bovines have the highest coefficient of similarity in biological processes during ZGA. This study provides an important reference for further studying the reprogramming regulatory mechanism of porcine embryos during ZGA.
Quality appraisal for systematic literature reviews of health state utility values: a descriptive analysis
Authors: Muchadeyi Muchandifunga Trust , Hernandez-Villafuerte Karla , Schlander Michael
Published: November 2022

Background

Health state utility values (HSUVs) are an essential input parameter to cost-utility analysis (CUA). Systematic literature reviews (SLRs) provide summarized information for selecting utility values from an increasing number of primary studies eliciting HSUVs. Quality appraisal (QA) of such SLRs is an important process towards the credibility of HSUVs estimates; yet, authors often overlook this crucial process. A scientifically developed and widely accepted QA tool for this purpose is lacking and warranted.

Objectives

To comprehensively describe the nature of QA in published SRLs of studies eliciting HSUVs and generate a list of commonly used items.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was conducted in PubMed and Embase from 01.01.2015 to 15.05.2021. SLRs of empirical studies eliciting HSUVs that were published in English were included. We extracted descriptive data, which included QA tools checklists or good practice recommendations used or cited, items used, and the methods of incorporating QA results into study findings. Descriptive statistics (frequencies of use and occurrences of items, acceptance and counterfactual acceptance rates) were computed and a comprehensive list of QA items was generated.

Results

A total of 73 SLRs were included, comprising 93 items and 35 QA tools and good recommendation practices. The prevalence of QA was 55% (40/73). Recommendations by NICE and ISPOR guidelines appeared in 42% (16/40) of the SLRs that appraised quality. The most commonly used QA items in SLRs were response rates (27/40), statistical analysis (22/40), sample size (21/40) and loss of follow up (21/40). Yet, the most commonly featured items in QA tools and GPRs were statistical analysis (23/35), confounding or baseline equivalency (20/35), and blinding (14/35). Only 5% of the SLRS used QA to inform the data analysis, with acceptance rates of 100% (in two studies) 67%, 53% and 33%. The mean counterfactual acceptance rate was 55% (median 53% and IQR 56%).

Conclusions

There is a considerably low prevalence of QA in the SLRs of HSUVs. Also, there is a wide variation in the QA dimensions and items included in both SLRs and extracted tools. This underscores the need for a scientifically developed QA tool for multi-variable primary studies of HSUVs.
Risk factors for refractory enterocutaneous fistula following button jejunostomy removal and its treatment using a novel extraperitoneal approach in patients with oesophageal cancer: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kamada Teppei , Ohdaira Hironori , Nakashima Keigo , Nishide Ryo , Takahashi Junji , Ito Eisaku , Nakaseko Yuichi , Suzuki Norihiko , Yoshida Masashi , Eto Ken , Suzuki Yutaka
Published: November 2022

Background

Enterocutaneous fistula after removal of the jejunostomy tube leads to multiple problems, such as cosmetic problems, decreased quality of life, electrolyte imbalances, infectious complications, and increased medical costs. However, the risk factors for refractory enterocutaneous fistula (REF) after button jejunostomy removal remain unclear. Therefore, in this study, we assessed the risk factors for REF after button jejunostomy removal in patients with oesophageal cancer and reported the surgical outcomes of the novel extraperitoneal approach (EPA) for REF closure.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 47 patients who underwent button jejunostomy removal after oesophagectomy for oesophageal cancer. We assessed the risk factors for REF in these patients and reported the surgical outcomes of the novel EPA for REF closure at the International University of Health and Welfare Hospital between March 2013 and October 2021. The primary endpoint was defined as the occurrence of REF after removal of the button jejunostomy, which was assessed using a maintained database. The risk factors and outcomes of the EPA for REF closure were retrospectively analysed.

Results

REFs occurred in 15 (31.9%) patients. In the univariate analysis, REF was significantly more common in patients with albumin level < 4.0 g/dL (p = 0.026), duration > 12 months for button jejunostomy removal (p = 0.003), and with a fistula < 15.0 mm (p = 0.002). The multivariate analysis revealed that a duration > 12 months for button jejunostomy removal (odds ratio [OR]: 7.15; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.38–36.8; p = 0.019) and fistula < 15.0 mm (OR: 8.08; 95% CI: 1.50–43.6; p = 0.002) were independent risk factors for REF. EPA for REF closure was performed in 15 patients. The technical success rate of EPA was 88.2%. Of the 15 EPA procedures, fistula closure was achieved in 12 (80.0%). The complications of EPA (11.7%) were major leakages (n = 3) and for two of them, EPA procedure was re-performed, and closure of the fistula was finally achieved.

Conclusion

This study suggested that duration > 12 months for button jejunostomy removal and fistula < 15.0 mm are the independent risk factors for REF after button jejunostomy removal. EPA for REF closure is a novel, simple, and useful surgical option for patients with REF after oesophagectomy.
Dementia is (not) a natural part of ageing: a cross-sectional study on dementia knowledge and misconceptions in Swiss and Italian young adults, adults, and older adults
Authors: Pacifico Deborah , Fiordelli Maddalena , Fadda Marta , Serena Sabatini , Piumatti Giovanni , Carlevaro Fabio , Magno Francesca , Franscella Giovanni , Albanese Emiliano
Published: November 2022

Background

Increasing public awareness and understanding of dementia is the second key action area of the 2017 WHO Global action plan on a public health response to dementia. To achieve this aim, the first indispensable step is to understand the average level of dementia knowledge and to identify areas of low dementia knowledge. We aimed to quantify dementia knowledge in the general population, and to explore the extent to which it differs by age, sex, education, and indirect experience with dementia.

Methods

We conducted an online cross-sectional survey in two Italian-speaking sites, south Switzerland (Ticino) and northern Italy (Piedmont). The survey was distributed between September and December 2019. We registered socio-demographic characteristics including whether the participant had contact with a person living with dementia, and measured dementia knowledge with the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Survey (DKAS).

Results

Misconceptions about dementia were common among respondents, and lack of knowledge has been identified in dementia causes, characteristics, risk factors, and health promotion. Our results point out the lack of knowledge about how to communicate and relate with, and take care of a person living with dementia. The overall DKAS score was significantly and positively associated with female sex (β = 0.21;p < 0.001), educational level (β = 0.15;p < 0.001) and contact with a person living with dementia (β = 0.17;p < 0.001), but not with age (β = -0.01;p = 0.57).

Conclusion

Our results confirmed that general population’s knowledge of dementia is thin. Interventional studies that rely on participatory action research methods are warranted to co-design interventions aimed at improving dementia knowledge and understanding in the public.
Investigating pathways for predisposing, enabling and need factors in predicting the use of STI/HIV-testing services among Syrian and Iraqi migrants in Scania, Sweden – a cross-sectional study with directed acyclic graphs for modelling pathways to testing
Authors: Svensson Pia , Agardh Anette , Zdravkovic Slobodan , Asamoah Benedict Oppong
Published: November 2022

Background

Some groups of migrants have increased vulnerability to Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) transmission partly due to a lower uptake of disease preventive activities targeting the general population in receiving country. Limited access to economic and social resources and poor language skills may exacerbate exposure to sexual risks and utilization of health services.

Aim

To explore general and migrant specific predictors for STI/HIV-testing among Syrian and Iraqi migrants in Sweden and to investigate potential pathways that link predisposing, enabling and need- factors to STI/HIV-testing.

Method

Cross-sectional study design based on a migration specific framework for health care utilization. Directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) were used to model assumptions about factors associated with the uptake of STI/HIV-testing services. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analyses assessed individual predictors while adjusting for covariates. The magnitude of the indirect effect of mediating variables were estimated with bootstrap analyses and a method for decomposing the total effect.

Result

The pathways between younger age, unmarried, and self-identifying as bi- or homosexual and testing were mainly indirect, mediated by experiences of sexual coercion and other risk behaviours. One third of the indirect mediating effect of the pathway between higher education and testing could be attributed to Swedish language skills.

Conclusion

Utilization of STI/HIV-testing services among Syrian and Iraqi migrants seemed to be motivated by sexual risk exposure and risk awareness. Interventions should focus on language-adapted information about available screening services and where to go for advice on sexual wellbeing and sexual rights. Such activities should be implemented within an integration promoting framework, addressing structures that increase STI/HIV risk exposure, specifically targeting vulnerable subgroups of migrants.
Comparison of ARIMA model, DNN model and LSTM model in predicting disease burden of occupational pneumoconiosis in Tianjin, China
Authors: Lou He-Ren , Wang Xin , Gao Ya , Zeng Qiang
Published: November 2022

Background

This study aims to explore appropriate model for predicting the disease burden of pneumoconiosis in Tianjin by comparing the prediction effects of Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA) model, Deep Neural Networks (DNN) model and multivariate Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network (LSTM) models.

Methods

Disability adjusted life year (DALY) was used to evaluate the disease burden of occupational pneumoconiosis. ARIMA model, DNN model and multivariate LSTM model were used to establish prediction model. Three performance evaluation metrics including Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) were used to compare the prediction effects of the three models.

Results

From 1990 to 2021, there were 10,694 cases of pneumoconiosis patients in Tianjin, resulting in a total of 112,725.52 person-years of DALY. During this period, the annual DALY showed a fluctuating trend, but it had a strong correlation with the number of pneumoconiosis patients, the average age of onset, the average age of receiving dust and the gross industrial product, and had a significant nonlinear relationship with them. The comparison of prediction results showed that the performance of multivariate LSTM model and DNN model is much better than that of traditional ARIMA model. Compared with the DNN model, the multivariate LSTM model performed better in the training set, showing lower RMES (42.30 vs. 380.96), MAE (29.53 vs. 231.20) and MAPE (1.63% vs. 2.93%), but performed less stable than the DNN on the test set, showing slightly higher RMSE (1309.14 vs. 656.44), MAE (886.98 vs. 594.47) and MAPE (36.86% vs. 22.43%).

Conclusion

The machine learning techniques of DNN and LSTM are an innovative method to accurately and efficiently predict the burden of pneumoconiosis with the simplest data. It has great application prospects in the monitoring and early warning system of occupational disease burden.
Promotion effect of apical tooth germ cell-conditioned medium on osteoblastic differentiation of periodontal ligament stem cells through regulating miR-146a-5p
Authors: Xie Yueqiang , Zheng Yaxin , Chen Liangjiao , Lan Zedong
Published: November 2022

Background

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in gene regulation that controls stem cells differentiation.
Periodontal ligament stem cells (PDLSCs) could differentiate into osteo-/cementoblast-like cells that secretes cementum-like matrix both in vitro and in vivo. Whether miRNAs play key roles in osteoblastic differentiation of PDLSCs triggered by a special microenviroment remains elusive. In this study, we aimed to investigate potential miRNA expression changes in osteoblastic differentiation of PDLSCs by the induction of apical tooth germ cell-conditioned medium (APTG-CM).

Methods and results

First, we analyzed the ability of APTG-CM to osteogenically differentiate PDLSCs. The results exhibited an enhanced mineralization ability, higher ALP activity and increased expression of osteogenic genes in APTG-CM-induced PDLSCs. Second, we used miRNA sequencing to analyze the miRNA expression profile of PDLSCs derived from three donors under 21-day induction or non-induction of APTG-CM. MiR-146a-5p was found to be up-regulated miRNA in induced PDLSCs and validated by RT-qPCR. Third, we used lentivirus-up/down system to verify the role of miR-146a-5p in the regulation of osteoblastic differentiation of PDLSCs.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our results demonstrated that miR-146a-5p was involved in the promotion effect of APTG-CM on osteoblastic differentiation of PDLSCs, and suggested that miR-146a-5p might be a novel way in deciding the direction of PDLSCs differentiation.