bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the electrical properties of soil as an indicator of the content of the NPK element in the soil
Authors: Darmawan Dudi , Perdana Doan , Ismardi Abrar , Fathona Indra Wahyudhin
Published: September 2022

This study aims to analyze the correlation between electrical properties of soil and NPK concentration in the soil. The conductivity and capacitance of soil with various NPK concentrations were measured. The main contribution in this study is to provide recommendations on the use of the corresponding electrical parameters for determining NPK levels in the soil. So far, the measurement of the electrical method generally uses the conductivity value for all conditions, even in wet and dry soil conditions. In fact, wet and dry soil conditions affect the conductivity. Therefore, other electrical parameters are needed that can correct the results of NPK measurements in the soil. Conductivity in relation to capacitance can show better measurement validity. In this study, the linearity of the relation between conductivity or capacitance to the addition of NPK levels in the soil was investigated. Soil samples were prepared by varying the mass concentrations of the elements N, P, and K separately. The conductivity and capacitance values for each NPK variation were measured and mapped. The results showed that the conductivity in dry soil conditions was more linear, with average coefficient of determination of the three elements being 0.81, compared to capacitance with a coefficient of determination of 0.72. Whereas the addition of water to the soil sample resulted in better sensitivity and linearity in the capacitance compared to the conductivity, with each average coefficient of determination being 0.55 and 0.34. These results provide alternative solutions using capacitance as an indicator for determination of NPK content in wet soil. The use of capacitance parameters combined with conductivity in determining NPK content in soil is a novelty contribution to this research and can be applied to the measurement technology in agriculture.
Cultural Phenomenon and Cognitive Semantic Analysis of Children's Blogs
Authors: Al-Said Khaleel , Galich Tatyana , Khanova Rufina
Published: September 2022

The research proposes the cognitive semantic analysis of 50 children's blogs. Using cognitive semantic analysis and the experiment method, the research identifies lexical-semantic domains based on the blogs’ concepts. Therefore, it explores the role of culture in children's blogs published by authors from different countries. The cognitive semantic analysis reveals that the key themes in children's blogs are sport, books, entertainment and games, music, fashion, nature and environmental protection, travel and so forth. The sample consists of 625 schoolchildren studied in grades 1, 5, 9 and 11. The research finds there is a cultural component in children's blogs. Future research should focus on the analysis of different blogs, not only for children, but also for adults, and the development of lexical and semantic domains based on key themes and concepts.
Sustainability in food service: A systematic review
Authors: Carletto Fernanda Correa , Ferriani Lara Onofre , Silva Daniela Alves
Published: September 2022

The irrational functioning of the food sector can negatively impact the environment and resources for future generations. The aim of this study is to analyse the assessment of sustainability indicators related to meal production processes and waste in the food service through a systematic literature review. The hypothesis is that these indicators are still little explored. This review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols. The databases consulted were Lilacs, Science Direct, Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior, OpenGrey and Greylit. Six different search strategies were applied, combining the terms sustainability and food service, plus manual searches. The search took place until April 2020 and there was no language restriction of the studies. After removing duplicates, 770 publications were identified through the search process, with 44 having been included in this review. Most publications carried out the quantification of food waste (38/44), while in 7/44 there were questionnaires, checklists and water footprint assessments. Most studies identified high indicators of waste, as well as little awareness of sustainability. Factors such as controlled portioning, omnivorous menus and dissatisfaction with the menu were reported to have caused the greatest losses in the process. This review identified a restricted assessment of sustainability in food service, countering the need to deepen these indicators and the effect of meal production processes on sustainable development.
Delayed and Non-Antibiotic Therapy for Urinary Tract Infections: A Literature Review
Authors: Midby Jacob S. , Miesner Andrew R.
Published: September 2022

Urinary tract infections are among the most common infections encountered in the clinic and remain a top indication for women to receive antibiotics. Delayed antibiotic prescribing and non-antibiotic symptomatic therapies are treatment paradigms common to other uncomplicated infectious diseases, such as upper respiratory infections. We aimed to review the literature on delayed antibiotics and non-antibiotic treatments as alternatives to immediate antibiotic prescriptions for uncomplicated cystitis. A literature search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science to identify relevant clinical trials and reference lists of included articles were examined to find additional studies. All published trials where same day treatment with antibiotics was compared to scenarios where antibiotics were intentionally delayed or withheld or where antibiotics were compared to non-antimicrobial agents or placebo were analyzed. A total of 13 articles were included. Trials were grouped into categories based on their comparator groups: placebo (n = 5), delayed antibiotic therapy (n = 3), and symptomatic treatment (n = 5). Antibiotic delay and ibuprofen, while less effective than antibiotics in early microbiologic and clinical cure, may still be considered plausible alternatives to immediate antibiotic treatment in non-pregnant women with cystitis. Day 7 and later symptomatic resolution ranges from 26-75% with delayed or placebo therapy and 70-83% with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Symptom improvement, however, may be delayed compared to immediate antibiotics. These approaches have shown to decrease antibiotic use in primary care settings with low rates of pyelonephritis. Methodology included in these studies may be considered in stewardship interventions for outpatient clinics.
Robust nonlinear guidance strategies for survival of cooperating unmanned aerial vehicles against pursuing attackers
Authors: Kumar S Naveen , Nanavati Rohit V , Kumar Shashi Ranjan
Published: September 2022

In this paper, cooperative guidance strategies for the survival of cooperating team of two unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) against two attackers are proposed. The guidance schemes are designed under the assumptions that each UAV is being pursued by one attacker without cooperation with other attacker. The guidance schemes are designed to combat attackers guided either by proportional navigation (PN) or augmented PN guidance methodologies. The attackers are lured onto a collision course with each other such that intra-attacker interception is achieved before the target UAVs are captured. Sliding mode control techniques are employed to satisfy the sufficiency conditions for the survival within a finite time. Due to the nonlinear framework used for guidance design, the proposed strategies remain effective even for the engagements with large heading angle errors. Numerical simulations are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed guidance strategies under various engagement geometries.
Ablation of SigH+ pDCs in B6.Nba2 mice prevents lupus-like disease development only if started before disease is fully established
Authors: Campbell Nicole O , Davison Laura M , Banerjee Shuvojit , Nguyen Jane K , Krafcik Sarah , Silverman Robert H , Jorgensen Trine N
Published: September 2022

Systemic lupus erythematosus is characterized by hyper-activation of the immune system, multi-organ inflammation, and end-organ damage. Type I interferons (IFN-I) have been strongly implicated a role in disease etiology as has the main IFN-I-producing cell subset, the plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC). The B6.Nba2 mouse model develops a lupus-like disease characterized by elevated IFN-I levels and pDC pathogenicity. We have previously shown that pDC ablation prior to disease development in B6.Nba2 mice effectively prevents disease; however, it remains unclear if a similar protection can be seen if pDC ablation is initiated during later disease stages. This is important as Systemic lupus erythematosus patients are rarely diagnosed until disease is well-established and thus preventative treatment is unlikely to take place. Here we show that ablation of pDCs in the B6.Nba2 mouse model must be initiated early in order to effectively block disease development and that sustained reduction in pDC numbers is necessary for sustained effects. Finally, targeting of pDCs have been hypothesized to affect immunity towards infectious agents, in particular virus and intracellular bacteria. We show here that pDC ablation in B6.Nba2 mice does not affect the anti-viral response to encephalomyocarditic virus or a model T-dependent antigen. In summary, pDC ablation does not affect general immunity, but needs to happen early and be sustained to prevent lupus-like disease development in B6.Nba2 mice.
Inpatient utilization of immune checkpoint inhibitors and clinical outcomes
Authors: Wang Jonathan , Lee Chung-Shien , Attarian Shirin , Kohn Nina , Devoe Craig
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Retrospective studies have suggested that patients with poor performance status treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors have shorter overall survival and poorer response rates. This study was undertaken to investigate the possible relationships between inpatient immune checkpoint inhibitor use and clinical outcomes.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of cancer patients who received an immune checkpoint inhibitor while hospitalized from 1 January 2016 to 30 December 2020. The primary outcome was 90-day mortality or admission to hospice rate. Secondary outcomes included overall survival, time to death or discharge to hospice, and descriptive summarization of patient characteristics.

Results

A total of 52 patients were analyzed. At 90 days, 68.2% of subjects were expired or admitted to hospice (95% CI: 54.7–81%). 90-day overall survival was 47.1%; median survival time was 81 days (95% CI: 28–242 days). The median time to death or hospice was 35 days (95% CI: 24–72 days). The time to death or hospice was shorter for immune checkpoint inhibitor-naive patients compared to those who received immune checkpoint inhibitors prior to admission (29 days, 95% CI: 12–43 days vs. 242 days, 95% CI: 36–1288 days, respectively; HR: 2.74, 95% CI: 1.2–6.25; p = 0.0121). No differences were found when comparing other baseline characteristics.

Conclusion

A majority of patients who received an immune checkpoint inhibitor while hospitalized were either discharged to hospice or expired by 90 days. An increased rate of death or discharge to hospice was observed for patients who were immune checkpoint inhibitor-naive prior to their admission.
Overall Disability Response Score: An integrated endpoint to assess disability improvement and worsening over time in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Chang Ih , Kappos Ludwig , Giovannoni Gavin , Calabresi Peter A , Sandrock Alfred , Cheng Wenting , Xiao Shan , Riester Katherine , Belachew Shibeshih , Deykin Aaron , Zhu Bing
Published: September 2022

Background:

Overall Disability Response Score (ODRS) is a composite endpoint including Expanded Disability Status Scale, Timed 25-foot Walk, and 9-Hole Peg Test, designed to quantify both disability improvement and worsening in multiple sclerosis (MS).

Objective:

To assess the sensitivity and clinical meaningfulness of ODRS using natalizumab Phase 3 data sets (AFFIRM in relapsing-remitting MS and ASCEND in secondary progressive MS).

Methods:

Differences in ODRS over 96 weeks, ODRS at Week 96, and slope of ODRS change per year between natalizumab and placebo groups were analyzed. Correlation between ODRS and changes in patient-reported outcomes was also analyzed.

Results:

The difference (95% confidence interval (CI)) in the ODRS over 96 weeks between natalizumab and placebo groups was 0.34 (0.21–0.46) in AFFIRM ( p < 0.001), and 0.18 (0.03–0.34) in ASCEND ( p = 0.021). Significant differences between treatment arms were also observed in ODRS at Week 96 and in the slope of change per year in both studies. There was a significant linear correlation between ODRS at Week 96 and the change from baseline in both the physical and mental components of the 36-item Short Form Survey (SF-36) in both studies.

Conclusion:

This analysis supports ODRS as a sensitive and potentially clinically meaningful disability outcome measure in MS.
Variable Selection for Assessing Risk Factors for Weight and Body fat Gain During the First Year After Kidney Transplantation
Authors: Schmid-Mohler Gabriela , Huber Laura , Mueller Thomas F.
Published: September 2022

Background: Body fat and overall weight gain are common after kidney transplantation and are associated with poor clinical outcomes. Therefore, identification of at-risk patients is relevant for preventive interventions. Clinical Question: What variables influence weight and fat gain in patients in the first year after kidney transplantation? Literature Search Prospective and retrospective cohort studies published in or after 2001 naming fat and/or overall weight gain during the first year after kidney transplantation as outcome variable(s) were systematically searched in Medline/Pubmed in November 2018 and March 2022. Clinical Appraisal: We identified 16 studies examining a wide variety of potential factors influencing weight and fat gain over the first posttransplant years. These included genetic, socio-demographic, behavioral, biomedical, psychological and environmental factors. For a number of variables, study results were contradictory: some studies indicated preventive impacts on weight or fat gain; others concluded that the same factors increased it. Cases were discussed with 2 clinical experts. We eventually agreed on 13 potentially relevant risk factors for post-transplant weight/fat gain: age, gender, genes, income, ethnicity, education, eating habits, physical activity, smoking cessation, baseline BMI, baseline fat, depression and perceived overall wellbeing. Integration into Practice Before integration into clinical practice, a critical evaluation of all potential risk factors’ suitability for assessment will be necessary. In addition to feasibility, operational definitions and measurement methods must also be considered. Evaluation: To reduce the list of risk factors to the most relevant, a first testing within a prospectively collected data set is planned.
The Antioxidative Role of Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy as a Downstream Regulator of Oxidative Stress in Human Diseases
Authors: Le Shuangshuang , Fu Xin , Pang Maogui , Zhou Yao , Yin Guoqing , Zhang Jie , Fan Daiming
Published: September 2022

Chaperone-mediated autophagy (CMA) plays an important role in regulating a variety of cellular functions by selectively degrading damaged or functional proteins in the cytoplasm. One of the cellular processes in which CMA participates is the oxidative stress response. Oxidative stress regulates CMA activity, while CMA protects cells from oxidative damage by degrading oxidized proteins and preventing the accumulation of excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS). Changes in CMA activity have been found in many human diseases, and oxidative stress is also involved. Therefore, understanding the interaction mechanism of ROS and CMA will provide new targets for disease treatment. In this review, we discuss the role of CMA in combatting oxidative stress during the development of different conditions, such as aging, neurodegeneration, liver diseases, infections, pulmonary disorders, and cancers.
Ganaxolone: A New Treatment for CDKL5 Deficiency Disorder
Authors: Vossler David G.
Published: September 2022

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fMRI to Predict Naming Decline: Can We Improve the Grade From a C to an A?
Authors: Sarkis Rani A.
Published: September 2022

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Reporting Bias in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Related to the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures: The Presence of Spin in the Abstract
Authors: Foster Brian K. , Hayes Daniel S. , Constantino Jesse , Garsed Jessica A. , Baylor Jessica L. , Grandizio Louis C.
Published: September 2022

Background:

Spin is a form of reporting bias which suggests a treatment is beneficial despite a statistically nonsignificant difference in outcomes. Our purpose was to define the prevalence of spin within the abstracts of distal radius fracture (DRF) systematic reviews (SRs) and meta-analyses (MA). We also sought to identify article characteristics that were more likely to contain spin.

Methods:

We performed a SR of multiple databases to identify DRF SRs and MAs. Articles were screened and analyzed by 3 reviewers. We recorded article and journal characteristics including adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, funding disclosures, methodologic quality (AMSTAR 2 instrument), impact factor, and country of origin. Presence of the 9 most severe types of spin in abstracts were recorded. Unadjusted odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to analyze the association between article characteristics and the presence of spin.

Results:

A total of 112 articles were included. Spin was present in 46% of abstracts, with type 1 spin (“conclusions not supported by findings”) most frequent (19%). Spin was present in 43% of abstracts in PRISMA-adhering journals compared to 49% in journals that did not (OR = 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.37-1.68). For articles originating from China, spin was present in 61% of abstracts compared to 39% of abstracts from other countries (OR = 2.55, 95% CI = 1.13-5.75).

Conclusions:

In addition to low article quality, there are high rates of spin within the abstracts of SRs and MAs related to treatment of DRF. Articles within journals that adhere to PRISMA do not appear to contain less spin.
Professor Ludwik Dobrzyński (1941–2022)—The Obituary
Authors: Fornalski Krzysztof W. , Cuttler Jerry M. , Socol Yehoshua , Waligórski Michał , Janiak Marek K. , Deja Katarzyna , Mothersill Carmel
Published: September 2022

Professor Ludwik Dobrzyński, an eminent scientist and popularizer of science, passed away on January 11, 2022, in his home in Warsaw, Poland, just before his 81st birthday. He was a specialist in solid-state physics. Later in his career, Ludwik also became interested in the effects of small doses of ionizing radiation on health. Professor Dobrzyński was one of the most outstanding physicists at the Polish Institute of Nuclear Research (IBJ), later transformed into the National Centre for Nuclear Research (NCBJ) at Świerk near Warsaw. He was also a well-recognized personality among the international low-dose radiation research community.
Audio-visual industry and digital platforms in India: A contribution from political economy of communication
Authors: Bouquillion Philippe , Ithurbide Christine
Published: September 2022

This article examines the role played by digital platforms in the transformation of the audio-visual industry in India. Are video-on-demand platforms contributing to India’s growing dependence on global players or are they asserting the diversification of domestic players and the progress of Indian capitalism in the cultural and digital industries? To answer, we analyse the strategies of competition and collaboration between historical audio-visual players versus communication players, the dynamics of foreign ownership and the content localisation strategies of global players. We conclude that the study of digital platforms offers an important insight into new forms of economic and cultural hegemony in the cultural industries.
A Study on the Mechanism of Herbal Drug FDY003 for Colorectal Cancer Treatment by Employing Network Pharmacology
Authors: Lee Ho-Sung , Lee In-Hee , Park Sang-In , Jung Minho , Yang Seung Gu , Kwon Tae-Wook , Lee Dae-Yeon
Published: September 2022

Colorectal cancer (CRC) originates from the uncontrolled growth of epithelial cells in the colon or rectum. Annually, 1.9 million new CRC cases are being reported, causing 0.9 million deaths worldwide. The suppressive effects of the herbal prescription FDY003, a mixture of Cordyceps militaris, Lonicera japonica Thunberg, and Artemisia capillaris Thunberg, against CRC have previously been reported. Nonetheless, the multiple compound-multiple target mechanisms of FDY003 in CRC cells have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we used network pharmacology (NP) to analyze the polypharmacological mechanisms of action of FDY003 in CRC treatment. FDY003 promoted the suppression of viability of CRC cells and strengthened their sensitivity to anticancer drugs. The NP study enabled the investigation of 17 pharmaceutical compounds and 90 CRC-related genes that were targets of the compounds. The gene ontology terms enriched with the CRC-related target genes of FDY003 were those involved in the control of a variety of phenotypes of CRC cells, for instance, the decision of apoptosis and survival, growth, stress response, and chemical response of cells. In addition, the targeted genes of FDY003 were further enriched in various Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways that coordinate crucial pathological processes of CRC; these are ErbB, focal adhesion, HIF-1, IL-17, MAPK, PD-L1/PD-1, PI3K-Akt, Ras, TNF, and VEGF pathways. The overall analysis results obtained from the NP methodology support the multiple-compound-multiple-target-multiple-pathway pharmacological features of FDY003 as a potential agent for CRC treatment.
Simulating A Subcondylar Mandibular Fracture With Intraoral Open Reduction and Internal Fixation: A Novel Education Tool for Residents
Authors: Rojas Francisco , Tapia Sebastian , Campolo Andrés , Vargas Alex , Ramírez Hernán , Benitez Benito K. , Teuber Cristian
Published: September 2022

Study Design

Face and content validation of a surgical simulation model.

Objective

Open reduction and internal fixation in displaced subcondylar mandibular fractures is standard care. This requires an extraoral (eg: retromandibular, transparotideal) or intraoral approach. An intraoral approach requires further training since specialized instrumentation such as the 90° screwdriver system and endoscopes might be needed. Currently, no simulation models are available for training residents in intraoral reduction and fixation of subcondylar mandibular fractures. Therefore, we present a validated simulation model for intraoral treatment of subcondylar mandibular fractures.

Methods

Based on a computer tomography data set, we designed and printed a 3D model of a mandible with a unilateral subcondylar fracture. To simulate intraoral work depth, it was positioned inside a dental phantom. We tested the model by a group of experts (n = 8), simulating intraoral reduction and fixation of a unilateral subcondylar fracture, using a 90° screwdriver system, a 1.0 subcondylar plate (lambda), and 5-6 mm screws. We assessed Face and Content validity by survey.

Results

We provided an open-source printable fracture model. Printing costs were approximately US $10. Experts “Agreed” the model resembling the real scenario and its use for training intraoral reduction and fixation of subcondylar mandibular fractures.

Conclusions

We developed a low cost, reproducible, open-source simulator for subcondylar mandibular fractures. Face and Content validity was achieved through evaluation by a group of experts.
Treatment outcome and associated factors among epileptic patients at ambulatory clinic of Mettu Karl Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Bekele Firomsa , Gezimu Wubishet
Published: September 2022

Objective:

The study was aimed to assess the magnitude and associated factors of 2-year seizure-free status of epileptic patients at Mettu Karl Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (MKCSH).

Methods:

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at MKCSH from 12 February 2020 to 11 August 2020. Treatment outcome was measured in terms of seizure control status and seizure frequency. Accordingly, good treatment outcome was declared if the patients had a 2-year seizure-free status and poor if the patient had episodes of seizure in the last 2 years. The pharmaceutical care network Europe guideline was used to assess the presence of medication-related problems. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the variables by using crude odds ratio (COR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Finally, the predictors of epilepsy treatment outcome were declared if a P-value was ⩽0.05.

Results:

Over the study period, more than half of the participants (172 (57.7%)) were males. The median age of participants was 29 and majorly distributed to 18–30 classes. More than one-fourth of the patients were suffering from absent seizure 85 (28.5%) and general tonic-clonic seizure 83 (27.9%). The most commonly prescribed medication was Phenobarbitone which accounts 34 (11.41%), whereas Valproic acid 8 (2.68%) was the least prescribed. Overall, less than half 131 (43.96%) of patients developed poor treatment outcomes. The predictors of treatment outcomes were having head the injury (AOR = 5.7; 95% CI: 3.18, 10.31), family history of epilepsy (AOR = 5.6; 95% CI: 3.07, 10.46) and the presence of drug therapy problems (AOR = 5.2; 95% CI: 2.79, 9.69).

Conclusion:

The magnitude of poor epilepsy treatment outcome was found to be high. The predictors of epilepsy treatment outcome were the history of head injury, family history of epilepsy and drug therapy problems. Therefore, to improve the treatment outcome of epileptic patients, health care providers should pay close attention to the identified factors. Besides this, the clinical pharmacy service should be implemented to minimize any medication-related problems
Perceived Patient Barriers to Tooth-Retaining Treatment in Tanzania
Authors: Nyamuryekung’e K.K. , Mlangwa M.M. , Chaffee B.W.
Published: September 2022

Background:

Dental caries is the most common chronic health condition of humankind and goes untreated in many resource-limited settings. When clinical dental care is accessible, tooth extraction is often chosen over potentially more quality-of-life favorable restorative services.

Objectives:

To identify patient-perceived barriers to utilization of dental restorative services among Tanzanian dental patients.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among adult patients in 5 public dental facilities in Tanzania. Participants ( N = 736) were interviewed before and after their dental visit on the same day using structured questionnaires. Sociodemographic characteristics, oral care–seeking behavior, previous experiences with dental restorations, and perceived barriers toward utilization of dental restorative services were assessed. Among patients treated for dental caries, logistic regression models estimated associations between patient factors and receipt of either dental extractions or restorative treatment.

Results:

About one-third (36.3%) of patients who reported being diagnosed with dental caries received a dental restoration. Stated barriers to utilization of restorative care included uncertainty about treatment outcomes (43.1%), cost (31.5%), and fear of treatment (31.0%). Among all patients who had received restorative treatment in the past, almost two-thirds (61.7%) reported ≥1 negative experience associated with the treatment. In multivariable adjusted modeling, higher education and income levels, having health insurance, and less perceived uncertainty about treatment outcomes were positively associated with receiving restorative treatment.

Conclusions:

In this setting, most public dental patients with caries received extractions over restorative care. Addressing cost, quality of care, and other patient concerns may all be needed to increase utilization of tooth-retaining procedures.

Knowledge Transfer Statement:

For many public dental patients in Tanzania, dental caries is addressed with extractions over restorative care. To advance greater utilization of tooth-sparing treatment, patient factors, including uncertainty about the quality of restorative care and delayed dental care–seeking behavior, should be addressed. Targeted interventions to increase patient awareness on positive outcomes of restorative care and strengthen preventive dental visits are required.
All dried up: The materiality of drought in Ladismith, South Africa
Authors: Savelli Elisa , Rusca Maria , Cloke Hannah , Flügel Tyrel J , Karriem Abdulrazak , Di Baldassarre Giuliano
Published: September 2022

This paper conceptualises droughts as socioecological phenomena coproduced by the recursive engagement of human and non-human transformations. Through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates political ecology, material geographies and hydroclimatology, this work simultaneously apprehends the role of politics and power in reshaping drought, along with the agency of biophysical processes – soil, vegetation, hydrology and microclimate – that co-produce droughts and their spatiotemporal patterning. The drought-stricken Ladismith in Western Cape, South Africa, is the instrumental case study and point of departure of our empirical analysis. To advance a materiality of drought that seriously accounts for the coevolution of biophysical and political transformations, we alter the spatiotemporal and empirical foci of drought analyses thereby retracing Ladismith’s socioecological history since colonial times. In turn, such extended framework exposes the agency of soil, vegetation, hydrology and microclimate and their metabolic exchanges with processes of colonisation, apartheid, capitalist and neoliberal transformations of South African economy. We argue that the narrow pursuit of profits and capital accumulation of the few has produced a fundamental disruption between nature and society which contributed to transform Ladismith’s drought into a socioecological crisis. Whilst advancing debates on materiality, we note two fundamental contributions to the study of drought. First, our approach makes hydrological accounts of droughts less politically naive and socially blind. Second, it develops a political ecology of droughts and socioecological crises more attuned to the materiality of drought. We contend that apprehending the materiality of drought and the active role of its non-human processes can further understandings of the workings of power and the production of socioecological injustices.
GhNFYA16 was functionally observed positively responding to salt stress by genome-wide identification of NFYA gene family in cotton
Authors: Xu Nan , Cui Yupeng , Zhang Yuexin , Zhang Hong , Fan Yapeng , Feng Xixian , Huang Hui , Ni Kesong , Han Mingge , Lu Xuke , Chen Xiugui , Wang Junjuan , Wang Delong , Wang Shuai , Chen Chao , Guo Lixue , Zhao Lanjie , Ye Wuwei
Published: September 2022

Background

Nuclear transcription factor Y subunit A (NFYA) plays an important role in plant growth, development, and response to abiotic stress.

Results

This study systematically analyzed the NFYA gene family. Chromosome location analysis found that some NFYA genes in Gossypium hirsutum may have been lost during evolution. Collinearity analysis and selection pressure analysis indicated that the GhNFYA gene family underwent fragment duplication and whole genome duplication during evolution. At the same time, promoter cis-element analysis and gene interaction network analysis predicted that the expression of GhNFYA gene may be regulated by plant hormones and stress. To further explore the function of the gene, Gossypium hirsutum seedlings were treated with 4 °C, 37 °C, salt and PEG stress, respectively, found that the expression of NFYA is stimulated by multiple environments. By constructing a co-expression network, interactions between genes were found to defend against salt stress. Through virus-induced gene silencing experiments, it was found that plants that silenced the GhNFYA16 gene were significantly more sensitive to salt stress.

Conclusions

This study found the relationship between the structure and function of NFYA gene family, provided a basis for the biological identification and functional verification of NFYA family members, and provided clues to clarify the specific roles of different types of NFYA proteins under different abiotic stress.
Causal inference for the covariance between breeding values under identity disequilibrium
Authors: Cantet Rodolfo J. C. , Angarita-Barajas Belcy K. , Forneris Natalia S. , Munilla Sebastián
Published: September 2022

Background

The covariance matrix of breeding values is at the heart of prediction methods. Prediction of breeding values can be formulated using either an “observed” or a theoretical covariance matrix, and a major argument for choosing one or the other is the reduction of the computational burden for inverting such a matrix. In this regard, covariance matrices that are derived from Markov causal models possess properties that deliver sparse inverses.

Results

By using causal Markov models, we express the breeding value of an individual as a linear regression on ancestral breeding values, plus a residual term, which we call residual breeding value (RBV). The latter is a noise term that accounts for the uncertainty in prediction due to lack of fit of the linear regression. A notable property of these models is the parental Markov condition, through which the multivariate distribution of breeding values is uniquely determined by the distribution of the mutually independent RBV. Animal breeders have long been relying on a causal Markov model, while using the additive relationship matrix as the covariance matrix structure of breeding values, which is calculated assuming gametic equilibrium. However, additional covariances among breeding values arise due to identity disequilibrium, which is defined as the difference between the covariance matrix under the multi-loci probability of identity-by-descent ($$\varvec{\Sigma}$$

Σ

) and its expectation under gametic phase equilibrium, i.e., A. The disequilibrium term $$\varvec{\Sigma}$$

Σ

−A is considered in the model for predicting breeding values called the “ancestral regression” (AR), a causal Markov model. Here, we introduce the “ancestral regression to parents” (PAR) causal Markov model, which reduces the computational burden of the AR approach. By taking advantage of the conditional independence property of the PAR Markov model, we derive covariances between the breeding values of grandparents and grand-offspring and between parents and offspring. In addition, we obtain analytical expressions for the covariance between collateral relatives under the PAR model, as well as for the inbreeding coefficient.

Conclusions

We introduced the causal PAR Markov model that captures identity disequilibrium in the covariances among breeding values and produces a sparse inverse covariance matrix to build and solve a set of mixed model equations.
Association between participation self-efficacy and participation in stroke survivors
Authors: Lo Suzanne H S , Chau Janita P C , Lam Simon K Y , Saran Ravneet , Choi Kai Chow , Zhao Jie , Thompson David R.
Published: September 2022

Background

Most stroke survivors face restrictions in functional disability and social participation, which can impede their recovery and community reintegration. Participation self-efficacy refers to survivors’ confidence in using strategies to manage participation in areas including community living and work engagement. This study aimed to assess the association between participation self-efficacy and participation among stroke survivors.

Methods

This study adopted a cross-sectional correlational design with a convenience sample of 336 stroke survivors recruited from five hospitals in China. Participation self-efficacy was measured using the Chinese version of the Participation Strategies Self-Efficacy Scale (PS-SES-C) and participation measured using the Chinese version of the Reintegration to Normal Living Index (RNLI-C). The association between participation self-efficacy and participation was examined using multiple regression analysis with adjustment for potential confounders.

Results

Participants had a mean age of 69.9 ± 11.5 years, with most (81.6%) having an ischaemic stroke, and more than half (61.6%) a first-ever stroke. After adjustment for potential confounders, every 10-point increase in the PS-SES-C total score was significantly associated with an average 1.3-point increase in the RNLI-C total score (B = 1.313, SE = 0.196, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that participation self-efficacy is significantly associated with participation among Chinese community-dwelling survivors of a mild or moderate stroke. This suggests that rehabilitation programmes for stroke survivors may be more effective if they incorporate participation-focused strategies designed to enhance self-efficacy.

(229 words).
The value of Hounsfield units in predicting cage subsidence after transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion
Authors: Xie Fang , Yang Zhiwei , Tu Zhipeng , Huang Peipei , Wang Zhe , Luo Zhuojing , Hu Xueyu
Published: September 2022

Background

Cage subsidence may occur following transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and lead to nonunion, foraminal height loss and other complications. Low bone quality may be a risk factor for cage subsidence. Assessing bone quality through Hounsfield units (HU) from computed tomography has been proposed in recent years. However, there is a lack of literature evaluating the correlation between HU and cage subsidence after TLIF.

Methods

Two hundred and seventy-nine patients suffering from lumbar degenerative diseases from April, 2016 to August, 2018 were enrolled. All underwent one-level TLIF with a minimum of 1-year follow-up. Cage subsidence was defined as > 2 mm loss of disc height at the fusion level. The participants were divided into 2 groups: cage subsidence group (CS) and non-cage subsidence group (non-CS). Bone quality was determined by HU, bone mineral density of lumbar (BMD-l) and femoral (BMD-f) from dual-emission X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). HU of each vertebra from L1 to L4 (e.g., HU1 for HU of L1) and mean value of the four vertebrae (HUm) were calculated. Visual analog scale (VAS) of back/leg pain and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to report clinical outcomes.

Results

Cage subsidence occurred in 82 (29.4%) cases at follow-ups. Mean age was 50.8 ± 9.0 years with a median follow-up of 18 months (range from 12 to 40 months). A total of 90.3% patients presented fusion with similar fusion rate between the two groups. ODI and VAS in leg were better in non-CS group at last follow-ups. Using receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) to predict cage subsidence, HUm provided a larger area under the curve (AUC) than BMD-l (Z = 3.83, P <  0.01) and BMD-f (Z = 2.01, P = 0.02). AUC for HU4 was larger than BMD-f and close to HUm (Z = 0.22, P = 0.481).

Conclusions

Cage subsidence may indicate worse clinical outcomes. HU value could be a more effective predictor of lumbar cage subsidence compared with T-score of DXA after TLIF.
Systematic analysis of different degrees of haemolysis on miRNA levels in serum and serum-derived extracellular vesicles from dogs
Authors: Aguilera-Rojas Matias , Sharbati Soroush , Stein Torsten , Candela Andrade Mario , Kohn Barbara , Einspanier Ralf
Published: September 2022

Background

Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are described as promising non-invasive biomarkers for diagnostics and therapeutics. Human studies have shown that haemolysis occurring during blood collection or due to improper sample processing/storage significantly alters the miRNA content in plasma and serum. Nevertheless, no similar research has been performed in dogs so far. We therefore investigated the effects of different degrees of haemolysis on the levels of selected miRNAs in serum and serum-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) from dogs, by inducing a controlled in vitro haemolysis experiment.

Results

The abundance of miR-16, miR-92a, miR-191, miR-451 and miR-486 was significantly sensitive to haemolysis in serum and serum-derived EVs, while other selected miRNAs were not influenced by haemolysis. Furthermore, we found that the abundance of some canine miRNAs differs from data reported in the human system.

Conclusions

Our results describe for the first time the impact of haemolysis on circulating miRNAs not only in whole serum, but also in serum-derived EVs from dogs. Hence, we provide novel data for further analyses in the discovery of canine circulating biomarkers. Our findings suggest that haemolysis should be carefully assessed to assure accuracy when investigating circulating miRNA in serum or plasma-based tests.
The expression pattern of immune-related genes and characterization of tumor immune microenvironment: predicting prognosis and immunotherapeutic effects in cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Dong Dong , Wang Wei , Wang Heng , Chen Liang , Liu Tianyi
Published: September 2022

Background

Increasing evidences have revealed the tumor immune microenvironment not only has vital impacts on the origin, progression, and metastasis of tumors significantly but also influences the response to immunotherapy. Nonetheless, to date, the well-rounded expression pattern of immune-related genes in cutaneous melanoma and the comprehensive characterization of tumor immune microenvironment remain not clearly elucidated.

Method

We comprehensively evaluated the well-rounded expression pattern of immune-related genes of 686 patients with cutaneous melanoma based on immune-related genes with prognostic value and systematically correlated the expression pattern of these genes with the comprehensive characterization of tumor immune microenvironment. The IRGscore was constructed to quantify immunological function of individual using principal component analysis algorithms.

Result

Three distinct immune subtypes were determined with obvious survival differences. Melanoma patients with high IRGscore was characterized by comprehensive suppression of immune function, showing much poorer prognosis and efficacy for immunotherapy, while the low IRGscore means the robust activation of immune function and the better effect of immunotherapy, which may be responsible for a better prognosis. Besides, the prognostic ability of IRGscore was further validated by the independent dataset of stomach cancers. Furthermore, the predictive effect of immunotherapeutic benefits of IRGscore was demonstrated by the independent dataset of melanoma patients accepting immunotherapy and another predictive model for immunotherapy.

Conclusion

IRGscore could serve as an independent immunotherapeutic and prognostic predictor, thereby facilitating the identification of appropriate candidates with cutaneous melanoma for immunotherapy and the formulation of individualized therapeutic approaches.
Soluble CCR2 gene therapy controls joint inflammation, cartilage damage, and the progression of osteoarthritis by targeting MCP-1 in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA rat model
Authors: Na Hyun Sik , Lee Seon-Yeong , Lee Dong Hwan , Woo Jin Seok , Choi Si-Young , Cho Keun-Hyung , Kim Seon Ae , Go Eun Jeong , Lee A Ram , Choi Jeong-Won , Kim Seok Jung , Cho Mi-La
Published: September 2022

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common type of degenerative arthritis and affects the entire joint, causing pain, joint inflammation, and cartilage damage. Various risk factors are implicated in causing OA, and in recent years, a lot of research and interest have been directed toward chronic low-grade inflammation in OA. Monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1; also called CCL2) acts through C–C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2) in monocytes and is a chemotactic factor of monocytes that plays an important role in the initiation of inflammation. The targeting of CCL2–CCR2 is being studied as part of various topics including the treatment of OA.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated the potential therapeutic effects the sCCR2 E3 gene may exert on OA. The effects of sCCR2 E3 were investigated in animal experiments consisting of intra-articular injection of sCCR2 E3 in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced OA rat model. The effects after intra-articular injection of sCCR2 E3 (fusion protein encoding 20 amino acids of the E3 domain of the CCL2 receptor) in a monosodium iodoacetate-induced OA rat model were compared to those in rats treated with empty vector (mock treatment) and full-length sCCR2.

Results

Pain improved with expression of the sCCR2 gene. Improved bone resorption upon sCCR2 E3 gene activation was confirmed via bone analyses using micro-computed tomography. Histologic analyses showed that the sCCR2 E3 gene exerted protective effects against cartilage damage and anti-inflammatory effects on joints and the intestine.

Conclusions

These results show that sCCR2 E3 therapy is effective in reducing pain severity, inhibiting cartilage destruction, and suppressing intestinal damage and inflammation. Thus, sCCR2 E3 may be a potential therapy for OA.
Spectroscopic methods for COVID-19 detection and early diagnosis
Authors: Bedair Alaa , Okasha Kamal , Mansour Fotouh R.
Published: September 2022

The coronavirus pandemic is a worldwide hazard that poses a threat to millions of individuals throughout the world. This pandemic is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which was initially identified in Wuhan, China's Hubei provincial capital, and has since spread throughout the world. According to the World Health Organization's Weekly Epidemiological Update, there were more than 250 million documented cases of coronavirus infections globally, with five million fatalities. Early detection of coronavirus does not only reduce the spread of the virus, but it also increases the chance of curing the infection. Spectroscopic techniques have been widely used in the early detection and diagnosis of COVID-19 using Raman, Infrared, mass spectrometry and fluorescence spectroscopy. In this review, the reported spectroscopic methods for COVID-19 detection were discussed with emphasis on the practical aspects, limitations and applications.
New dual-function in situ bone repair scaffolds promote osteogenesis and reduce infection
Authors: Yang Changsheng , Zhou Lei , Geng Xiaodan , Zhang Hui , Wang Baolong , Ning Bin
Published: September 2022

Background

The treatment of infectious bone defects is a difficult problem to be solved in the clinic. In situ bone defect repair scaffolds with anti-infection and osteogenic abilities can effectively deal with infectious bone defects. In this study, an in situ polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffold containing ampicillin (Amp) and Mg microspheres was prepared by 3D printing technology.

Results

Mg and Amp were evenly distributed in PCL scaffolds and could be released slowly to the surrounding defect sites with the degradation of scaffolds. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the PCL scaffold containing Mg and Amp (PCL@Mg/Amp) demonstrated good cell adhesion and proliferation. The osteogenic genes collagen I (COL-I) and Runx2 were upregulated in cells grown on the PCL@Mg/Amp scaffold. The PCL@Mg/Amp scaffold also demonstrated excellent antibacterial ability against E. coli and S. aureus. In vivo experiments showed that the PCL@Mg/Amp scaffold had the strongest ability to promote tibial defect repair in rats compared with the other groups of scaffolds.

Conclusions

This kind of dual-function in situ bone repair scaffold with anti-infection and osteogenic abilities has good application prospects in the field of treating infectious bone defects.