bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The application of analytic hierarchy process for innovative solution: A review
Authors: Samanaseh V , Noor Z Z , Mazlan M A
Published: March 2023

The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) serves as an all-inclusive and logical approach to evaluate complex decisions making. This paper discusses a review on the methods of AHP in various power plant and production plant for multiple factors as well as indicates potential gaps from the researchers’ perspectives. Many analyses have identified various AHP applications to solving problems that necessitate both qualitative and quantitative elements. Generally, the applications of AHP cover large scale (complicated and real) and industrial oriented problems. A larger part of these applications or AHP case studies are arranged and a couple of paper focused on adding to AHP displaying prior to applying practical problems. As evidenced in this review, AHP has been applied in innovative solutions in industries such as biological treatment process, hydropower plant, electricity generation, and plastic waste management. Hence, this review provides a comprehensive list of the various applications of AHP in activities and fosters a system for highlighting the areas that that future researchers should focus on to assure a more thorough evaluation of the gaps.
Application of GeoWEPP model in ditch crossing soil landfill engineering
Authors: Yang Luying
Published: March 2023

Loess Plateau provides a broad growing environment for crops. However, due to the loose soil, soil erosion is serious. Gully Consolidation and Highland Protection is the key work in the construction of ecological civilization in Loess Plateau. Using the method of simulating the Gully Consolidation and Highland Protection, the terrain conditions are changed, and the hydrological model is used to simulate the change of erosion before and after ditch head landfill. In this paper, Yangjiagou, was chosen as the research area. The spatial analysis function of ArcGIS was used to process DEM, and GeoWEPP model was used to simulate soil erosion, the variation of runoff and sediment yield in gully head landfill before and after landfill was analyzed. Results show that gully head landfill has effective on soil erosion control and provides an effective verification method for the feasibility of soil erosion control scheme in the Loess Plateau.
Assessment of safety control measures for centralized Chlorine gas system
Authors: Idris M A , Chelliapan S
Published: March 2023

As a glove manufacturing plant, the chemical is one of the most highly used materials. Some chemicals impact human health, environmental aspects, and physical hazards such as highly flammable gas. Chlorine gas is one of them. Besides the accidental release of chlorine gas incidents, ill-health issues are another aspect that should be taken care of. This study aims to determine the current chlorine concentration at a centralized chlorine gas manifold system in a rubber glove manufacturing plant and evaluate the existing safety control measures. A concept of safety by design, inherently safety, and the fail-safe system was considered during the study. The results show that the chlorine concentration level during drum replacement by the crew is at an average of 1.154 ppm and the standard deviation at 0.3478. The highest concentration was at 1.8 ppm. The wet scrubber assessment was done using the Industrial Ventilation and visual assessments and measurements within the system, including capture velocity, face velocity, and duct velocity or transport velocity. Other assessed parameters are total pressure, static pressure, and velocity pressure. The assessment found that the duct performance for all parameters complies with a minimum requirement of the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) guidelines.
Impact of pandemic COVID-19 on solid waste compositional trends in pasar awam maharani Muar
Authors: Isa N , Tamunaidu P , Ali A H M , Goto M , Yen L P , Balasundram V , Huzir N M , Rosly M B , Hussin M H , Amin A N R
Published: March 2023

The world was astounded by the emergence of the deadly virus COVID-19 at the end of 2019. In March 2020, Malaysia’s first Movement Control Order (MCO) was initiated to stop the spread of the virus that ended in June 2021. Hence, this paper was initiated to study the impact of the pandemic and MCO on the generation of waste in Pasar Awam Maharani Muar (PAMM). The waste generation rate and the trend of waste accumulation according to different categories were recognised. The PAMM operates 8 hours daily, and the area strictly observes Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) established by the government. The compositional study was performed two times for 14 days in a month. The solid waste was segregated, and the weight were measured accordingly. The average total solid waste generated from 30 stalls was around 1.5 tonnes daily. It was further established that 38.5% of the waste comprised of chicken and fish waste, 36.3% formed inorganic waste, and 25.2% constituted vegetable and fruit waste. Several limitations were acknowledged in this research which was the short operational time, unpredictable weather, public holidays, and the closure of PAMM on Sundays. Observations also showed that some stall owners were highly mindful of the solid waste segregation and some of the organic wastes were reused as ruminant feed and some for composting.
Research on the energy consumption mechanism and characteristics of the gallium indium tin liquid metal arcing process
Authors: MA Yaguang , GAO Guoqiang , XIANG Yu , PENG Wei , DONG Keliang , QIAN Pengyu , YOU Bingyan , YANG Zefeng , WEI Wenfu , WU Guangning
Published: March 2023

For high-voltage direct current (HVDC) power grid transmission with higher voltages, the energy-consuming branch of the DC circuit breaker is required to dissipate huge energies of more than megajoules in a short time in the case of a fault and short circuit. The requirements for huge volume and weight are difficult to meet with energy-consuming equipment based on ZnO. In this paper, a new energy consumption method is proposed based on gallium indium tin (GaInSn) liquid metal in the arcing process, and a test platform with adjustable short-circuit current is built. The mechanism triggering GaInSn liquid metal arcing energy consumption is studied. It is found that short-circuit current and channel aperture are the key parameters affecting the energy consumption of liquid metal arcing. The characteristics of GaInSn liquid metal energy consumption are investigated, and four stages of liquid metal energy consumption are found: oscillatory shrinkage, arc breakdown, arc burning phase change and arc extinction. The influence of short-circuit current and channel aperture on the energy consumption characteristics of GaInSn liquid metal is investigated. To further explore the physical mechanism of the above phenomena, a magneto-hydrodynamic model of energy consumption in the GaInSn liquid metal arcing process is established. The influence of short-circuit current and channel aperture on the temperature distribution of the liquid metal arc is analyzed. The mechanism of the effect of short-circuit current and channel aperture on peak arc temperature and the temperature diffusion rate is clarified. The research results provide theoretical support for this new liquid metal energy consumption mode DC circuit breaker.
Expanding the Immunophenotypic Spectrum of Neoplastic and Reactive Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells
Authors: Wu Sarah J , Sadigh Sam , Lane Andrew A , Pinkus Geraldine S
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Targeted therapies for blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) have presented a diagnostic dilemma for differentiating residual BPDCN from reactive plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) because these conditions have a similar immunoprofile, necessitating discovery of additional diagnostic markers.

Methods

Fifty cases of BPDCN involving bone marrow (26/50) and skin (24/50) as well as other hematologic malignancies (67) and nonneoplastic samples (37) were included. Slides were stained using a double-staining protocol for the following immunohistochemical marker combinations: TCF4/CD123, TCF4/CD56, SOX4/CD123, and IRF8/CD123.

Results

The nuclear marker SOX4 is expressed in neoplastic pDCs; in our cohort, SOX4/CD123 showed 100% sensitivity and 98% specificity in distinguishing BPDCN from reactive pDCs and other neoplasms. TCF4/CD56 had a 96% sensitivity and 100% specificity for BPDCN. IRF8 is a nonspecific marker that is positive in BPDCN and pDCs as well as other myeloid malignancies.

Conclusions

The novel immunohistochemical combination SOX4/CD123 distinguishes BPDCN, including CD56-negative BPDCN, from both reactive pDCs and other neoplasms. Because of their high diagnostic sensitivity and specificity, the double-staining marker combinations TCF4/CD123, TCF4/CD56, and SOX4/CD123 can be used to confirm lineage in BPDCN cases and detect minimal/measurable residual disease in tissue specimens.
Mitochondrial, morphological and environmental data partially support current subspecies designation inAmazilia yucatanensishummingbirds
Authors: Vásquez-Aguilar Antonio Acini , MacSwiney G M Cristina , Rodríguez-Gómez Flor , Ornelas Juan Francisco
Published: March 2023

Historical geological events and Pleistocene climatic fluctuations have played important roles in shaping distribution and population differentiation across taxa. The buff-bellied hummingbird (Amazilia yucatanensis) is widely distributed along the Gulf of Mexico slope and the Yucatan Peninsula. Here, we obtained measurements and sequenced two mitochondrial DNA fragments from currently recognized subspecies: Amazilia yucatanensis yucatanensis (YUC), Amazilia yucatanensis cerviniventris (CER) and Amazilia yucatanensis chalconota (CHA). Additionally, we tested for their genetic and morphological differentiation, demographic expansion, palaeoclimatic distribution and niche overlap. Our results reveal genetic differentiation between two groups of populations: (1) from the Yucatan Peninsula to Veracruz (YUC+CER); and (2) from Veracruz to Tamaulipas (CHA). Neutrality tests and Bayesian skyline plots suggest past demographic expansion without changes in the effective population size over time. The potential distribution was fragmented at the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and expanded northwards during the Last Glacial Maximum and Mid-Holocene to current conditions. Niche overlap was higher between YUC and CER. The environmental space occupied by subspecies was more similar to each other than expected by chance but significantly non-equivalent. Our results provide new insight on the distribution of this widespread hummingbird species and suggest that fragmentation during glaciations and differences in habitat have played a role in the recent diversification.
Global epidemiology and disparities in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Mosam Anisa , Todd Gail
Published: March 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) affects children and adults worldwide. Advancements have been made towards unravelling the pathogenesis of AD, identifying various triggers, linking the environment and psychosocial factors with disease and the development of therapeutic targets to improve disease control. This article describes the global epidemiology of AD and the disparities that exist in various populations and regions across the globe. AD prevalence and burden varies widely both within and between countries inhabited by the same ethnic groups, which suggests strong environmental influences in disease expression, with socioeconomic status and affluence considered to be the main driving factors. Inequities in access to healthcare, and the quality of healthcare provided, among racial and ethnic minority groups are well documented. Disparities in access to various topical and systemic therapies are affected by barriers to registration and approval, cost, manufacturing, supply and approval by medical insurance companies and governments. Identifying the factors driving the inequities in access to healthcare is central to achieving better patient care.
Polygenic risk of type 2 diabetes is associated with incident vascular dementia: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Dybjer Elin , Kumar Atul , Nägga Katarina , Engström Gunnar , Mattsson-Carlgren Niklas , Nilsson Peter M , Melander Olle , Hansson Oskar
Published: March 2023

Type 2 diabetes and dementia are associated, but it is unclear whether the two diseases have common genetic risk markers that could partly explain their association. It is also unclear whether the association between the two diseases is of a causal nature. Furthermore, few studies on diabetes and dementia have validated dementia end-points with high diagnostic precision. We tested associations between polygenic risk scores for type 2 diabetes, fasting glucose, fasting insulin and haemoglobin A1c as exposure variables and dementia as outcome variables in 29 139 adults (mean age 55) followed for 20–23 years. Dementia diagnoses were validated by physicians through data from medical records, neuroimaging and biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid. The dementia end-points included all-cause dementia, mixed dementia, Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. We also tested causal associations between type 2 diabetes and dementia through two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses. Seven different polygenic risk scores including single-nucleotide polymorphisms with different significance thresholds for type 2 diabetes were tested. A polygenic risk score including 4891 single-nucleotide polymorphisms with a P-value of <5e-04 showed the strongest association with different outcomes, including all-cause dementia (hazard ratio 1.11; Bonferroni corrected P = 3.6e-03), mixed dementia (hazard ratio 1.18; Bonferroni corrected P = 3.3e-04) and vascular dementia cases (hazard ratio 1.28; Bonferroni corrected P = 9.6e-05). The associations were stronger for non-carriers of the Alzheimer’s disease risk gene APOE ε4. There was, however, no significant association between polygenic risk scores for type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease. Furthermore, two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses could not confirm a causal link between genetic risk markers of type 2 diabetes and dementia outcomes. In conclusion, polygenic risk of type 2 diabetes is associated with an increased risk of dementia, in particular vascular dementia. The findings imply that certain people with type 2 diabetes may, due to their genetic background, be more prone to develop diabetes-associated dementia. This knowledge could in the future lead to targeted preventive strategies in clinical practice.
In-Depth Excavation and Screening of Triterpene Saponins From the Rhizome of Panax japonicus Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Electrospray Ionization and Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ling Yun , Ouyang Yukun , Xue Yiran , Yu Jingmou , Liu Wenbo
Published: March 2023

The rhizome of Panax japonicus (RPJ) has been used for thousands of years in west China. Triterpene saponins (TSs) were considered to be the main pharmacologically bioactive ingredients in RPJ. However, it is difficult and time-consuming to profile and identify them according to the traditional phytochemical methods. High-performance liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization and quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS) was used for chemical identification of TSs from the extract of RPJ in negative ion mode. Their chemical structures were tentatively elucidated based on exact formulas, fragmentation patterns and literature data. In all, 42 TSs were discovered and tentatively characterized in RPJ, of which 12 TSs were identified as potential new compounds according to their molecular mass, fragmentation pattern and chromatographic behavior. The results demonstrated that the developed HPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS method was conducive to the discovery of the active ingredients of RPJ and the establishment of quality standards.
Real-World Application of Oral Therapy for Infective Endocarditis: A Multicenter, Retrospective, Cohort Study
Authors: Freling Sarah , Wald-Dickler Noah , Banerjee Josh , Canamar Catherine P , Tangpraphaphorn Soodtida , Bruce Dara , Davar Kusha , Dominguez Fernando , Norwitz Daniel , Krishnamurthi Ganesh , Fung Lilian , Guanzon Ashley , Minejima Emi , Spellberg Michael , Spellberg Catherine , Baden Rachel , Holtom Paul , Spellberg Brad
Published: March 2023

Background

We sought to compare the outcomes of patients treated with intravenous (IV)-only vs oral transitional antimicrobial therapy for infective endocarditis (IE) after implementing a new expected practice within the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services (LAC DHS).

Methods

We conducted a multicentered, retrospective cohort study of adults with definite or possible IE treated with IV-only vs oral therapy at the 3 acute care public hospitals in the LAC DHS system between December 2018 and June 2022. The primary outcome was clinical success at 90 days, defined as being alive and without recurrence of bacteremia or treatment-emergent infectious complications.

Results

We identified 257 patients with IE treated with IV-only (n = 211) or oral transitional (n = 46) therapy who met study inclusion criteria. Study arms were similar for many demographics; however, the IV cohort was older, had more aortic valve involvement, were hemodialysis patients, and had central venous catheters present. In contrast, the oral cohort had a higher percentage of IE caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. There was no significant difference between the groups in clinical success at 90 days or last follow-up. There was no difference in recurrence of bacteremia or readmission rates. However, patients treated with oral therapy had significantly fewer adverse events. Multivariable regression adjustments did not find significant associations between any selected variables and clinical success across treatment groups.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate similar outcomes of real-world use of oral vs IV-only therapy for IE, in accord with prior randomized, controlled trials and meta-analyses.
Case report: a breathtaking complication after ablation—using multi-modal imaging for timely diagnosis of acquired pulmonary vein stenosis and its implication for effective management
Authors: Tseng Joyee , Younus Masood , Singh Gagan D , Lee Jin Sol Gene
Published: March 2023

Background

Acquired pulmonary vein stenosis (PVS) is a rare, but serious, complication that can develop after treatment with ablations for atrial fibrillation. Prompt diagnosis is difficult because it can often present similarly to other pulmonary disease processes.

Case summary

We describe a 62-year-old female with history of persistent symptomatic atrial fibrillation that resolved status post two radio-frequency ablations who presents with ongoing dyspnoea, productive cough, pleuritic chest pain, and haemoptysis over multiple admissions. She was misdiagnosed with recurrent pneumonias and pulmonary embolism that failed to improve her symptoms. She was referred to our centre for further evaluation finding severe stenosis in the left superior pulmonary vein with complete obliteration of the left inferior pulmonary vein on computed tomography scan. Multi-modal imaging including an echocardiogram and pulmonary angiogram was used to confirm the diagnosis. Percutaneous intervention with transvenous pulmonary vein venoplasty with pulmonary vein stenting of the left upper pulmonary vein was offered which resolved the patient’s aforementioned symptoms.

Conclusion

Prompt diagnosis of acquired pulmonary vein stenosis is critical to plan for effective management. Our case highlights the need to consider PVS with a high index of clinical suspicion when a patient’s medical history is significant for a prior history of ablation. We also review the use of multi-modal imaging to diagnose and plan for effective management with percutaneous intervention.
Speckle tracking echocardiography-derived parameters as new prognostic markers in hypertrophic cardiomyopathies
Authors: Faro Denise Cristiana , Losi Valentina , Rodolico Margherita Stefania , Licciardi Salvatore , Monte Ines Paola
Published: March 2023

Aims

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathies (HCM) are caused in 30–60% of cases by mutations in cardiac sarcomere genes but can also be an expression of cardiac involvement in multi-systemic metabolic diseases, such as Anderson–Fabry disease (AFD). HCM entails a risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) of 0.9%/year and is the most common cause of SCD in young adults. Recent studies suggested mechanical dispersion (MD) by speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) as an additional arrhythmic risk marker. The aim of the study was to evaluate left ventricle global longitudinal strain (LV-GLS) and MD, in patients with HCM or AFD cardiomyopathy, and the association with ventricular arrhythmias (V-AR).

Methods and results

We evaluated 40 patients with HCM, 57 with AFD (12 with LV hypertrophy and 45 without), and 40 healthy subjects, between January 2014 and June 2022. We performed a comprehensive echocardiographic study and analysed systolic and diastolic functions, LV-GLS, and MD. We also analysed V-AR, including ventricular fibrillation and sustained/non-sustained ventricular tachycardia, by Holter electrocardiogram (Holter-EKG), in a subset of hypertrophic patients. Data were analysed by unpaired Student t-test or chi-square/Fisher’s exact test as appropriate and binary logistic regression (SPSS Statistics ver.26). LV-GLS was significantly lower in the V-AR group compared with patients without V-AR (median −10.2% vs. −14%, P = 0.038); MD was significantly higher in the V-AR group (85.5 ms vs. 61.1 ms, P = 0.004). V-AR were found significantly associated with MD (OR, 1.030; 95% CI, 1.003–1.058; P = 0.03).

Conclusions

MD is a useful additional index in the evaluation of patients with HCM and may be a promising prognostic predictor of increased arrhythmic risk.
Extensive expertise in endocrinology: advances in the management of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
Authors: Compston Juliet E
Published: March 2023

Osteoporosis is a common consequence of long-term oral glucocorticoid therapy and the resulting fractures cause significant morbidity. Bone loss occurs rapidly after initiation of glucocorticoid therapy; the accompanying increase in risk of fracture is dose-dependent and occurs within a few months of starting therapy. The adverse effects of glucocorticoids on bone are mediated by inhibition of bone formation accompanied by an early but transient increase in bone resorption, due both to direct and indirect effects on bone remodelling.

Fracture risk assessment should be performed as soon as possible after long-term glucocorticoid therapy (≥3 months) is initiated. FRAX can be adjusted for the dose of prednisolone but does not currently take fracture site, recency, or number into account and therefore may underestimate fracture risk, particularly in individuals with morphometric vertebral fractures. Vertebral fracture assessment should therefore be regarded as a routine part of fracture risk estimation in individuals receiving long-term glucocorticoid therapy. Bone protective therapy should be started promptly in individuals at high-risk, together with calcium and vitamin D supplements. Bisphosphonates are generally regarded as first-line options on the grounds of their low cost, but anabolic therapy should be considered as an alternative first-line option in very high-risk individuals.
Is human obesity an inflammatory disease of the hypothalamus?
Authors: Sonnefeld Lena , Rohmann Nathalie , Geisler Corinna , Laudes Matthias
Published: March 2023

Obesity and its comorbidities are long-standing, challenging global health problems. Lack of exercise, overnutrition, and especially the consumption of fat-rich foods are some of the most important factors leading to an increase in prevalence in modern society. The pathophysiology of obesity as a metabolic inflammatory disease has moved into focus since new therapeutic approaches are required. The hypothalamus, a brain area responsible for energy homeostasis, has recently received special attention in this regard. Hypothalamic inflammation was identified to be associated with diet-induced obesity and new evidence suggests that it may be, beyond that, a pathological mechanism of the disease. This inflammation impairs the local signaling of insulin and leptin leading to dysfunction of the regulation of energy balance and thus, weight gain. After a high-fat diet consumption, activation of inflammatory mediators such as the nuclear factor κB or c-Jun N-terminal kinase pathway can be observed, accompanied by elevated secretion of pro-inflammatory interleukins and cytokines. Brain resident glia cells, especially microglia and astrocytes, initiate this release in response to the flux of fatty acids. The gliosis occurs rapidly before the actual weight gain. Dysregulated hypothalamic circuits change the interaction between neuronal and non-neuronal cells, contributing to the establishment of inflammatory processes. Several studies have reported reactive gliosis in obese humans. Although there is evidence for a causative role of hypothalamic inflammation in the obesity development, data on underlying molecular pathways in humans are limited. This review discusses the current state of knowledge on the relationship between hypothalamic inflammation and obesity in humans.
Prospective Effects of Discrimination, Depressive Symptoms, and Cognitive Control Among Mexican-Origin Women
Authors: Muñoz Elizabeth , Yan Jinjin , Tse Hin Wing , Zavala Daisy , López Belem G , Kim Su Yeong
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Cognitive control predicts functional independence and cognitive health outcomes, but is yet to be known the extent to which social stress, like discrimination, may diminish cognitive control capacities in Mexican-origin women. We evaluated the prospective associations between everyday and ethnic discrimination on cognitive control and examined the mediating effects of depressive symptoms on these links. We further examined the extent to which associations varied by age and financial strain.

Methods

We used data from 596 Mexican-origin women (average age = 38.89, standard deviation = 5.74) who participated in a 3-wave longitudinal study spanning 8 years (from 2012 to 2020). Participants completed measures of everyday and ethnic discrimination at Wave 1, depressive symptoms in Waves 1 and 2, and completed computer-based tasks of cognitive control at Wave 3. Self-reported assessments of financial strain were completed at Wave 2. Moderated mediation structural equation models were implemented to test hypotheses.

Results

Depressive symptoms significantly mediated the prospective association between everyday/ethnic discrimination to cognitive control. Higher levels of everyday and ethnic discrimination at baseline were associated with more depressive symptoms at Wave 2, which were then related to poorer cognitive control (i.e., longer reaction time in congruent and/or incongruent trials) at Wave 3. There was no significant moderation of age. Among those with low financial strain, higher levels of everyday discrimination were related to faster response times.

Discussion

Results revealed the long-term consequences of experiences with discrimination on cognitive control that operate through increased depressive symptoms and that may have some subtle differential effects across levels of financial strain.
Are the New Biologics Effective in the Management of Postoperative Crohn’s Disease?
Authors: Mourad Fadi H , Maalouf Rami G , Aoun Roni , Gustavo Kotze Paulo , Hashash Jana G
Published: March 2023

Background

Despite the growing therapeutic armamentarium, at least half of the patients with Crohn’s disease will require surgery during their lifetime. Current evidence for the prevention and treatment of postoperative Crohn’s disease supports the use of anti-tumor necrosis factor agents with limited data about the use of the newer biologics, vedolizumab and ustekinumab.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of available data to determine the efficacy of the newer biologics in the management of postoperative Crohn’s disease. We included noncomparative and comparative studies. The main outcomes of interest were clinical and endoscopic postoperative recurrence rates.

Results

The search strategy identified 1231 citations, with 32 eligible for review. Several studies showed that the postoperative Crohn’s disease recurrence rates with the use of the newer biologics were comparable to previously published results with the use of anti-tumor necrosis factor agents, while other studies failed to show their efficacy. It is important to note that the studies were heterogeneous and included a relatively small sample size, making it difficult to draw a definite conclusion about the efficacy of the newer biologics in the management of postoperative Crohn’s disease.

Conclusion

The newer biologics do play a role in the management of postoperative Crohn’s disease. After our review, we proposed an updated algorithm on the role of newer biologics in the approach to patients with postoperative Crohn’s disease. Yet, until we have better-designed studies, their definite positioning remains to be determined.
Critically Assessing Undergraduate Field Experiences: Understanding Conceptualizations and Opportunities for Building Inclusive Programs
Authors: Morales Nia , Reano Darryl
Published: March 2023

Undergraduate field experiences (UFEs) are key components of many biology, ecology, and geoscience programs and important steps to successful recruitment into careers. Through semistructured interviews of diverse field program leaders, we seek to understand how field program leaders conceptualize both their scientific disciplines and the intentional design factors they implemented within the UFE itself. Additionally, this study explores critical considerations these program leaders use to approach designing inclusive UFEs as well as the institutional and practical challenges of designing and implementing their UFEs. We acknowledge the limitations of the small sample of respondents, and our intent with this article is to explore these responses as a way to share critical design factors for designing and implementing inclusive UFEs with the broader geoscience community. Building an early understanding of these factors will help new field program leaders address multiple, simultaneous challenges that currently foment the underrepresentation of students from marginalized backgrounds in biology, ecology, and the geosciences. Through these explicit conversations, we hope to support the professional development of a scientific community that values the creation of safe, encouraging field experiences in which students can enhance their self-identity in the sciences, build peer and professional networks, and develop memorable field experiences that support their trajectories toward successful careers.
The Impacts of Early-Life Experience on Bee Phenotypes and Fitness
Authors: Rittschof Clare C , Denny Amanda S
Published: March 2023

Synopsis

Across diverse animal species, early-life experiences have lifelong impacts on a variety of traits. The scope of these impacts, their implications, and the mechanisms that drive these effects are central research foci for a variety of disciplines in biology, from ecology and evolution to molecular biology and neuroscience. Here, we review the role of early life in shaping adult phenotypes and fitness in bees, emphasizing the possibility that bees are ideal species to investigate variation in early-life experience and its consequences at both individual and population levels. Bee early life includes the larval and pupal stages, critical time periods during which factors like food availability, maternal care, and temperature set the phenotypic trajectory for an individual’s lifetime. We discuss how some common traits impacted by these experiences, including development rate and adult body size, influence fitness at the individual level, with possible ramifications at the population level. Finally, we review ways in which human alterations to the landscape may impact bee populations through early-life effects. This review highlights aspects of bees’ natural history and behavioral ecology that warrant further investigation with the goal of understanding how environmental disturbances threaten these vulnerable species.
Ideological Topography in World Politics: A Guide to the End of the Unipolar-Homogeneous Moment
Authors: Casey Justin S , Dolan Lucas
Published: March 2023

The immediate post–Cold War era was defined by the material and ideological dominance of the United States. Thirty years on, challenges to both types of dominance proliferate. What explains the systemic change currently underway? The conventional wisdom of a shift to bipolarity or multipolarity ignores the possibility of changes within unipolarity. Recent instability is better explained by the decreased dominance of liberal-democratic ideology and the re-emergence of ideological competition. Building on Raymond Aron's analysis of homogeneous and heterogeneous international systems, we propose a typology exploring the intersections of systemic distributions of power and ideological topographies. Homogeneous topographies operate on a principle of collusion, reducing uncertainty while promoting restraint, transnational society, and gatekeeping against challenger ideologies. Heterogeneous topographies follow a crisscrossing logic, raising the stakes of relations, contributing to breakdowns in norms of nonintervention, enabling subversion by splitting loyalties, and encouraging repression and the fragmentation of transnational society. Applying this framework, we reappraise the 1990s as a unipolar-homogeneous moment. The emergence of heterogeneity in the mid-2000s, with the rise of authoritarianism and transnational illiberalism, put greater pressure on US unipolarity. This work has implications for debates about US foreign policy, the stability of unipolar systems, and the consequences of systemic change.
Harnessing Intuition and Disciplining Abstraction: Thought Experiments in International Relations
Authors: Lerner Adam B
Published: March 2023

Although often omitted from final texts, armchair speculation is vital to much politics research. This article argues that thought experiments are a powerful tool for harnessing scholarly imagination with enormous potential for international relations (IR). To provide guidance for thought experiments’ incorporation into IR research, the article begins by clarifying thought experiments’ epistemological foundations and expanding existing best practices criteria for minimal-rewrite counterfactuals. Doing so enables consideration of the diversity of thought experiments useful to the discipline, ranging from alien invasions to zombie apocalypses. Then, the article outlines five ways in which thought experiments prove particularly useful in researching international politics: probing modal consequences of macro-level theories; refining concepts; formulating hypotheses; speculating about rare events; and conveying theories’ real-world implications. To facilitate thought experiments’ incorporation into mixed- and multi-methods research, the article's final section offers a novel typology to guide scholars in not only formulating new thought experiments, but also adapting and comparing them, including in conjunction with empirical methods.
Social Media Use and COVID-19 Vaccination Intent: An Exploratory Study on the Mediating Role of Information Exposure
Authors: Suhaimi Nurul M , Zhang Yixuan , Yongsatianchot Nutchanon , Gaggiano Joseph , Okrah Anne , Patel Shivani , Marsella Stacy , Kim Miso , Parker Andrea G , Griffin Jacqueline
Published: March 2023

We stumble upon new and repeating information daily. As information comes from many sources, social media continues to play a predominant role in disseminating information, ultimately impacting individuals’ perceptions and behaviors. A prime example of this impact was observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, in which social media use was influencing willingness to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. While studies on this relationship between social media use and vaccination intent have been widely investigated, less is known about the mechanisms that link these two variables, specifically the types of information seen on social media platforms and the effects of these different types of information. In this exploratory study, we demonstrate the mediator role of information exposure (to include both types of information and frequency) between social media use and vaccination intent. Our results show that different types of information mediate this relationship differently and demonstrate how these relationships were further moderated by the income level of the participant. We conclude with the implications of these findings and how our findings can inform the direction of future research within the field of human–computer interaction.
Genetic and phenotypic relationships between ewe reproductive performance and wool and growth traits in Uruguayan Ultrafine Merino sheep
Authors: Ramos Zully , Garrick Dorian J , Blair Hugh T , De Barbieri Ignacio , Ciappesoni Gabriel , Montossi Fabio , Kenyon Paul R
Published: March 2023

This study reports genetic parameters for yearling and adult wool and growth traits, and ewe reproductive performance. Data were sourced from an Uruguayan Merino flock involved in a long-term selection program focused on reduced fiber diameter (FD), and increased clean fleece weight (CFW) and live weight (LW). Pedigree and performance data from approximately 5,700 mixed-sex yearling lambs and 2,000 mixed-age ewes born between 1999 and 2019 were analyzed. The number of records ranged from 1,267 to 5,738 for yearling traits, and from 1,931 to 7,079 for ewe productive and reproductive performance. Data on yearling and adult wool traits, LW and body condition score (BCS), yearling eye muscle area (Y_EMA), and fat thickness (Y_FAT), and several reproduction traits were analyzed. The genetic relationships between FD and reproduction traits were not different from zero. Moderate unfavorable genetic correlations were found between adult CFW and ewe lifetime reproduction traits (−0.34 ± 0.08 and −0.33 ± 0.09 for the total number of lambs weaned and total lamb LW at weaning, respectively). There were moderate to strong positive genetic correlations between yearling LW and all reproduction traits other than ewe-rearing ability (−0.08 ± 0.11) and pregnancy rate (0.18 ± 0.08). The genetic correlations between Y_EMA and reproduction traits were positive and ranged from 0.15 to 0.49. Moderate unfavorable genetic correlations were observed between yearling FD and Y_FAT and between adult FD and BCS at mating (0.31 ± 0.12 and 0.23 ± 0.07, respectively). The genetic correlations between adult fleece weight and ewe BCS at different stages of the cycle were negative, but generally not different from zero. This study shows that selection for reduced FD is unlikely to have any effect on reproduction traits. Selection for increased yearling LW and Y_EMA will improve ewe reproductive performance. On the other hand, selection for increased adult CFW will reduce ewe reproductive performance, whereas selection for reduced FD will negatively impact body fat levels. Although unfavorable genetic relationships between wool traits and both FAT and ewe reproductive performance existed, simultaneous improvements in the traits would occur using appropriately designed indexes.
Effects of weight loss and feeding specially formulated diets on the body composition, blood metabolite profiles, voluntary physical activity, and fecal metabolites and microbiota of obese dogs
Authors: Oba Patrícia M , Kelly Janelle , Kostiuk Darcia , Swanson Kelly S
Published: March 2023

Canine obesity negatively influences health and well-being, but can be managed by altering diet composition and caloric intake. Restricted feeding, dietary intervention, and consequent weight loss may be used to improve health and modify gastrointestinal microbiota. In this study, we aimed to determine the effects of restricted feeding of specially formulated foods on weight loss, body composition, voluntary physical activity, serum hormones and oxidative stress markers, and fecal metabolites and microbiota populations of obese dogs. Twenty-four obese dogs [body weight (BW) = 15.2 ± 1.7 kg; body condition score (BCS) = 8.7 ± 0.4; muscle condition score (MCS) = 3.5 ± 0.3; age = 7.2 ± 1.6 yr] were used in a 24-wk study. A control (OR) food was fed during a 4-wk baseline to identify intake needed to maintain BW. After baseline, dogs were allotted to one of two diets: OR or test (FT), and then fed to lose 1.5% BW/wk. Food intake, BW, BCS, and MCS were measured, blood and fecal samples were collected, DEXA scans were performed, and voluntary physical activity was measured over time. Microbiota data were evaluated using QIIME2 and change from baseline data from other measures were evaluated using the Mixed Models procedure of SAS, with P < 0.05 being significant. Restricted feeding led to reduced BW, BCS, fat mass, and blood cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, and leptin concentrations, and increased MCS and lean body mass percentage. Blood cholesterol reduction was greater in dogs fed FT vs. OR. Fecal metabolites and bacterial alpha-diversity were affected by diet and weight loss. Dogs fed FT had greater reductions in fecal short-chain fatty acid, branched-chain fatty acid, and ammonia concentrations than those fed OR. Dogs fed OR had a higher alpha-diversity than those fed FT. Weight loss increased alpha-diversity (weeks 16, 20, and 24 > weeks 0 and 4). Beta-diversity showed separation between dietary groups and between week 0 and all other time points after week 8. Weight loss increased fecal Allobaculum and Ruminococcus torques. Weight loss also increased fecal Bifidobacterium, Faecalibaculum, and Parasutterella, but were greater in dogs fed OR. Weight loss decreased fecal Collinsella, Turicibacter, Blautia, Ruminococcus gnavus, Faecalibacterium, and Peptoclostridium, but were greater in dogs fed OR. In summary, restricted feeding promoted safe weight and fat loss, reduced blood lipid and leptin concentrations, and altered fecal microbiota of obese dogs.
A61 TARGETING A GUANINE QUADRUPLEX IN THE HEPATITIS B VIRUS COVALENTLY CLOSED CIRCULAR DNA GENOME USING SINGLE DOMAIN ANTIBODIES
Authors: D'souza S , Balderas Figueroa G , D Badmalia M , R Patel T , Coffin C
Published: March 2023

Background

The establishment of chronic HBV infection in over 297 million people is due in part through the virus’ highly stable covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) persisting in the nuclei of infected hepatocytes. Thus, curing HBV will require direct targeting of the minigenome and detailed structural knowledge of the cccDNA to determine vulnerabilities.

Purpose

Previous studies have demonstrated that human protein Sp1 interacts with the HBV genome at the preCore/Core promoter - a critical interaction for viral replication. We have recently discovered that the Sp1-binding region of HBV pre-Core forms a highly ordered G-quadruplex (G4) secondary structure which presents a novel therapeutic anti-HBV target.

Method

Using phage display technologies, we have identified 11 G-quadruplex binding single domain antibodies that can target the G4 present within the cccDNA. Using recombinant protein expression we characterized the strongest binder (S10) and its interaction with a 22nt HBV pre-Core G-quadruplex forming oligo. Using MicroScale Thermophoresis (MST), the binding affinity (KD) between S10 and the target G4 was determined to be ~218 nM, which is 100x stronger for folded G4 versus unfolded oligos of the same sequence. Using oligos of (~60-90%) sequence similarity, it was observed that S10 has a KD for the target G4 that was at least 10x higher than similar sequences. To determine the effect of S10 on HBV replication, we have transduced the HepG2-NTCP-A3 cell line to express these sdAbs and are in the process of evaluating antiviral effects and target specificity for cccDNA.

Result(s)

Using biophysical in-vitro approaches, S10 has shown a great potential in being able to discriminate against different G4’s, while having a high degree of affinity as well as high complex stability.

Conclusion(s)

The ability of these G4 binding single domain antibodies to discriminate between different sequences or secondary DNA structure provides an insight into how they can be exploited in future HBV therapeutic strategies.

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared
A80 DEVELOPMENT OF COMPETENCY BASED MEDICAL EDUCATION CURRICULUM FOR INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE ADVANCED TRAINING PROGRAM IN CANADA
Authors: Yanofsky R P , Gallinger Z
Published: March 2023

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) advanced training programs in Canada are heterogenous in their education, structure, and case exposure, resulting in differences in trainee experience. While competency based medical education (CBME) is becoming the primary educational framework in residency training, there is no CBME-based curriculum for IBD advanced training programs. Adopting a CBME framework for IBD fellowships may help standardize training to increase competence.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to develop a CBME-based curriculum for IBD advanced training programs in Canada.

Method

Strategic groups consisting of 25 IBD experts were assigned to develop 15 entrustable professional activities (EPAs), which were then refined by experts in medical education and curriculum development. Acceptable EPAs were assessed using an electronically administered round-less Delphi panel. Panel members evaluated each EPA using a Likert scale, which asked participants to consider appropriateness of each EPA for an advanced IBD curriculum. A consensus strength greater than 70% was the acceptable threshold for inclusion into the final curriculum. Milestones were modelled after CanMED roles for each EPA.

Result(s)

Of the 15 initial EPAs, nine were recommended for the roundless Delphi panel by the selection committee: (1) identification, diagnosis, and treatment of new onset IBD; (2) assessment and treatment of outpatients with IBD; (3) the endoscopic evaluation of disease activity and the effective communication of endoscopic findings for patients with IBD; (4) provide effective inpatient management and coordinate transition to outpatient care for patients with IBD; (5) recognize and institute preventive health maintenance strategies in patients with IBD; (6) management and treatment of special populations with IBD; (7) identification, diagnosis, and treatment of the various extraintestinal manifestations of IBD; (8) Engage health care systems to improve the quality of care for patients with IBD; (9) engage in scholarly activities related to IBD. Eight of the nine EPAs achieved a consensus score greater than 70%, with the EPA, ‘engage in scholarly activities related to IBD’ failing to meet this cut-off. Associated milestones were developed for the eight final EPAs.

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Conclusion(s)

This study was the first attempt to develop a CBME-based IBD curriculum in Canada. With proper funding and guidance, we hope our model can be implemented across Canada in IBD advanced training programs. These methods may also help facilitate the development of CBME curricula for other advanced training programs.

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None

Disclosure of Interest

None Declared