bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of plant‐based burger patties with pea protein isolate and barnyard millet flour and its storage stability in aerobic and vacuum packaging
Authors: Neo Cynthia Wen Xuan , How Yu Hsuan , Kong Ianne , Talib Rosnita A. , Pui Liew Phing
Published: May 2024

There is an increasing demand for plant‐based burger patties owing to the health and sustainability issues raised from the consumption of meat. This study aimed to develop plant‐based burger patties from pea protein isolates (PPIs) and barnyard millet flour (BMF) through high‐moisture extrusion cooking. The extrudates for plant‐based burger patties were developed with a blend ratio of 90:10 PPIs:BMF with different screw speeds ranging from 40 to 120 rpm. The extrudates produced with different screw speeds were analyzed, followed by the analysis of the plant‐based burger patties. Commercial plant‐based burger patties were used as a control. The optimized plant‐based burger patties were then stored in aerobic or vacuum packaging for 12 days under refrigerated condition and analyzed. The optimized extrudates produced using screw speed of 80 rpm displayed moderate water absorption index (3.33%), high hardness (4143–4390 g), and high adhesion (0.47 mJ). The plant‐based burger patties produced using the optimized extrudates had 2006–2608‐g hardness, 0.17 cohesiveness, and 6.70% cooking loss. In comparison to aerobic packaging, the plant‐based burger patties stored in vacuum packaging demonstrated lower cooking loss (8.46%), moisture content (18.03%), total color difference (3.02), and total plate count (8.65 log10 cfu/g) after 12 days of refrigerated storage. The protein content of plant‐based burger patties was not affected throughout the refrigerated storage. This shows the potential of PPIs and BMF mixtures as meat analogue ingredients and the suitability of vacuum packaging for the storage of plant‐based meat.
Assessment of the role of false‐positive alerts in computer‐aided polyp detection for assistance capabilities
Authors: Zhang Chenxia , Yao Liwen , Jiang Ruiqing , Wang Jing , Wu Huiling , Li Xun , Wu Zhifeng , Luo Renquan , Luo Chaijie , Tan Xia , Wang Wen , Xiao Bing , Hu Huiyan , Yu Honggang
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim

False positives (FPs) pose a significant challenge in the application of artificial intelligence (AI) for polyp detection during colonoscopy. The study aimed to quantitatively evaluate the impact of computer‐aided polyp detection (CADe) systems' FPs on endoscopists.

Methods

The model's FPs were categorized into four gradients: 0–5, 5–10, 10–15, and 15–20 FPs per minute (FPPM). Fifty‐six colonoscopy videos were collected for a crossover study involving 10 endoscopists. Polyp missed rate (PMR) was set as primary outcome. Subsequently, to further verify the impact of FPPM on the assistance capability of AI in clinical environments, a secondary analysis was conducted on a prospective randomized controlled trial (RCT) from Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University in China from July 1 to October 15, 2020, with the adenoma detection rate (ADR) as primary outcome.

Results

Compared with routine group, CADe reduced PMR when FPPM was less than 5. However, with the continuous increase of FPPM, the beneficial effect of CADe gradually weakens. For secondary analysis of RCT, a total of 956 patients were enrolled. In AI‐assisted group, ADR is higher when FPPM ≤ 5 compared with FPPM > 5 (CADe group: 27.78% vs 11.90%; P = 0.014; odds ratio [OR], 0.351; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.152–0.812; COMBO group: 38.40% vs 23.46%, P = 0.029; OR, 0.427; 95% CI, 0.199–0.916). After AI intervention, ADR increased when FPPM ≤ 5 (27.78% vs 14.76%; P = 0.001; OR, 0.399; 95% CI, 0.231–0.690), but no statistically significant difference was found when FPPM > 5 (11.90% vs 14.76%, P = 0.788; OR, 1.111; 95% CI, 0.514–2.403).

Conclusion

The level of FPs of CADe does affect its effectiveness as an aid to endoscopists, with its best effect when FPPM is less than 5.
CCR2/CCR5 antagonist cenicriviroc reduces colonic inflammation and fibrosis in experimental colitis
Authors: Song Xin , Jiang Chensheng , Yu Mengli , Lu Chao , He Xinjue
Published: May 2024

Background and Aim

Cenicriviroc (CVC) is a CCR2/CCR5 antagonist that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Our study evaluated its efficacy in colitis.

Methods

Mouse models of DSS‐induced acute and chronic colitis were established. The efficacy of CVC in colitis was assessed by disease activity index (DAI) scores, histological assessment of inflammation and fibrosis, and expression assays of key molecules. In in vitro experiments, HT29 cell line was exposed to TNFα to study inflammatory signaling in intestinal epithelial cells. CCD‐18Co colonic myofibroblasts and human primary colonic fibroblasts were activated by TGFβ1 to mimic fibroblast activation.

Results

In HT29 cells, CVC significantly reduced mRNA expression of CCL5 (P < 0.01) but had no effect on CCL2. Furthermore, CVC reduced downstream CX3CL1 (P < 0.01) and TNFα (P < 0.05) expression, thereby inhibiting inflammatory progression. In acute colitis mice, CVC significantly reduced DAI scores and serum TNFα levels (P < 0.05) and attenuated colonic inflammation as shown by HE staining. Meanwhile, CVC had no adverse effects on the liver, heart, and kidney of mice. On the other hand, in cellular models of chronic colitis, CVC decreased the expression of fibrosis markers, including FN, CTGF, α‐SMA, and MMP9, and inhibited TGFβ1‐induced fibrotic activation (P < 0.01). In addition, CVC attenuated colonic fibrosis in chronic colitis mice. Moreover, CVC significantly promoted autophagy, which contributed to its regulation of inflammation.

Conclusions

CVC significantly inhibited inflammation through CCL5/CCR5 signaling without damaging vital organs and suppressed fibrotic activation in chronic colitis, suggesting its great potential to relieve colonic inflammation and fibrosis.
Observations on the anatomy of the funiculus spermaticus and the testis in Brachyteles sp. (SPIX, 1823) primates – Atelidae
Authors: Labanca Pedro do Carmo , Porto Marcovan , Resende Felipe Carvalho , Abidu‐Figueiredo Marcelo , Pissinatti Alcides
Published: May 2024

Background

Analysing the literature about the reproductive anatomy on New World Primates, one can see the need of standardisation on the description methods and, more importantly, the lack of detailed information. The problem is aggravated by the difficult access to specimens of the endangered species such as Brachyteles sp. This paper's objective was to extend knowledge on the male reproductive anatomy of these primates. The testis and funiculus spermaticus of Brachyteles are described in detail.

Methods

We utilised one individual of Brachyteles arachnoides, two hybrids (B. arachnoides × Brachyteles hypoxanthus) and photographs of the testis of a third fresh specimen of a hybrid individual.

Results

The septum formed by tunica dartos adheres to the testis and separates the scrotum in two testicular cavities. Passed the spermatic cord, the external spermatic fascia continues with the tunica dartos, covering the cranial half of the testis. The fascia cremasterica divides itself in bundles of fibres and forms loops around the testicles creating a sac like structure that seems to be unique among Neotropical Primates. The appendix testis is described for the first time in platyrrhini. It is presented as a sessile structure in the extremitas capitata of the testis. Previous literature on the reproductive anatomy of platyrrhini is limited. Despite that, it can be said that the large size and volume of the testis, and complex structure of the cremaster, could consist of a heat loss reduction strategy in cold and humid forest environments.

Conclusions

Except for the larger size of the testicles in hybrid individuals, no other significant morphological differences were found between B. arachnoides and hybrids (B. arachnoides × B. hypoxanthus).
Trajectories of nursing hours over the course of hospitalization and estimated additional nurse staffing requirements to reduce the length of stay
Authors: Kim Shin‐Ae , Cho Sung‐Hyun
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The aims of this study are to examine the trajectories of nursing hours per patient day (NHPPD) over the course of hospitalization according to the patient's length of stay (LOS) and to estimate changes in the total nursing hours during hospitalization, average NHPPD, and the number of nurses additionally required when the LOS was reduced by 1 day.

Design

This retrospective longitudinal study analyzed patient data collected from a tertiary university hospital located in Seoul, South Korea. The study sample included 11,316 inpatients who were discharged between September 1 and October 31, 2022.

Methods

NHPPD over the course of each patient's hospitalization was estimated using the total score of the Korean Patient Classification System‐1 (KPCS‐1), which nurses evaluated and recorded every day from admission to discharge. The NHPPD trajectories were examined using linear mixed models to analyze repeated KPCS‐1 measurements and control for the effects of patient characteristics. The changes in the average NHPPD when LOS was reduced by 1 day were estimated using maximum and minimum estimations. The impact of a 1‐day reduction in LOS on staffing requirements was calculated as the number of nurses additionally required to work each shift and to be hired.

Findings

The average LOS was 5.6 days, and the short (1–6 days) and medium (7–14 days) LOS groups accounted for 78.9% and 14.3% of patients, respectively. The NHPPD trajectories showed a “rise‐peak‐decline” pattern. Patients in the short LOS group received the most NHPPD on day 1 (day of admission) or day 2, whereas the NHPPD for patients in the medium LOS group peaked on days 3–6. After peaking, the NHPPD tended to decrease toward the end of hospitalization, with the least NHPPD on the day of discharge, followed by the day before discharge. When LOS was reduced by 1 day, the average NHPPD was estimated to increase by 7.7–50.0% in the maximum estimation, and 0.9–12.5% in the minimum estimation. In response to a 1‐day reduction, 1.10–7.44 nurses were additionally required to care for 100 patients each shift and 5.28–35.70 additional nurses needed to be hired in the maximum estimation. In the minimum estimation, these values were 0.13–1.85 additional nurses per shift and 0.65–8.90 additional nurses to be hired, respectively.

Conclusions

Since NHPPD exhibited a “rise‐peak‐decline” trajectory, reducing the LOS by 1 day was estimated to increase the average NHPPD and lead to additional staffing requirements. The additional nurse requirement for a 1‐day reduction was not constant; instead, it increased with each day subtracted from an already shorter LOS.

Clinical Relevance

Sufficient nurse staffing is necessary to provide increased NHPPD as a result of shortened LOS. Changes in the LOS should be considered when determining nurse staffing requirements.
Horizontal Partial Cross Ownership and Innovation*
Authors: Shelegia Sandro , Spiegel Yossi
Published: May 2024

We study the effects of partial cross ownership (PCO) among rival firms on their incentives to innovate. PCO in our model gives rise to a price effect due to its effect on price competition and hence on the marginal benefit from investment, as well as a cannibalization effect which arises because each firm internalizes part of the negative externality of its investment on the rival's profit. We show that overall, PCO may benefit or harm consumers depending on the size of the PCO stakes, their degree of symmetry, the size of the innovation, its marginal cost, and whether it is drastic or not.
Viscoelastic coagulation monitoring parameters in cats with acute arterial thromboembolism
Authors: Johnson Amanda J. , Rozanski Elizabeth A. , de Laforcade Armelle M. , Davila Claudia , Rush John E. , Guillaumin Julien
Published: May 2024

Background

Hypercoagulability has been documented in cats with cardiac disease. However, hemostatic parameters, including viscoelastic coagulation monitoring (VCM) have not been reported in cats with arterial thromboembolism (ATE).

Hypothesis/Objectives

Compare VCM parameters in cats with acute cardiogenic ATE and in control cats.

Animals

Sixteen cats with ATE and 30 control cats.

Methods

Multicenter university‐based prospective study. Cardiogenic ATE was diagnosed based on physical examination and by ultrasonographically‐diagnosed left atrial enlargement. Viscoelastic coagulation monitor analysis, CBC, serum biochemistry profile and coagulation profile were performed at admission in cats with ATE. Analysis from healthy control cats was performed using blood collected by direct venipuncture. Our objective was comparison of VCM parameters clot time (CT), clot formation time (CFT), alpha angle (Angle), maximum clot formation (MCF), amplitude at 10 and 20 minutes (A10 and A20, respectively) and clot lysis index at 30 and 45 minutes (LI30 and LI45, respectively) between ATE and control cats.

Results

Cats with ATE had a decreased angle compared to control cats, with a median (range) of 43° (30‐48°) compared to 47° (14‐59°; P = .01). The parameters A10, A20 and MCF were decreased in ATE cats compared to control cats with a median (range) of 19 units (8–32) compared to 22 units (6–38), 24.5 units (11‐40) compared to 29 units (10‐47) and 29.5 units (13‐44) compared to 33.5 units (14‐53), respectively (P = .01, .01 and .01, respectively). The parameters CT, CFT, LI30 and LI45 were similar between groups (P = .22, .09, .62 and .34, respectively).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Cats with cardiogenic ATE cats have VCM parameters consistent with hypocoagulability compared with healthy cats.
Impacts of changes to Canada's Plant Breeders' Rights Act
Authors: Smyth Stuart J. , Phillips Peter W. B. , Macall Diego M. , Castle David
Published: May 2024

On February 27, 2015, as part of the Agricultural Growth Act, amendments to the Canada's Plant Breeders' Rights (PBRs) Act came into force, making Canada compliant with Union for the Protection of the New Varieties of Plants (UPOV) 91. One objective of adopting UPOV 91 was that it would encourage increased investment in plant breeding, giving Canadian farmers greater access to new and innovative plant varieties that enable them to be more globally competitive. To assess whether the adoption of UPOV 91 impacted crop variety investments, a survey of Canadian public and private plant breeders was undertaken in 2021–2022. Results indicate that the length of research grants play a significant role in plant breeders' perspectives. Previous research indicated that the adoption of UPOV 91 provided minimal incentives to increase investments. Results of this survey indicate that 52% of respondents, either agree or strongly agree, that the amendments to the PBR Act have provided an incentive to increase plant breeding investments.
Shared xerophytic genes and their re‐use in local adaptation to aridity in the desert plant Gymnocarpos przewalskii
Authors: Fu Ruirui , Zhu Yuxiang , Liu Ying , Yang Zhaoping , Lu Ruisen , Qiu Yingxiong , Lascoux Martin , Li Pan , Chen Jun
Published: May 2024

In order to thrive and survive, plant species need to combine stability in the long term and rapid response to environmental challenges in the short term. The former would be reflected by parallel or convergent adaptation across species, and the latter by pronounced local adaptation among populations of the same species. In the present study, we generated a high‐quality genome and re‐sequenced 177 individuals for Gymnocarpos przewalskii, an important desert plant species from North‐West China, to detect local adaptation. We first focus on ancient adaptation to aridity at the molecular level by comparing the genomic data of 15 species that vary in their ability to withstand aridity. We found that a total of 118 genes were shared across xerophytic species but absent from non‐xerophytic species. Of the 65 found in G. przewalskii, 63 were under purifying selection and two under positive selection. We then focused on local adaptation. Up to 20% of the G. przewalskii genome showed signatures of local adaptation to aridity during population divergence. Thirteen of the selected shared xerophytic genes were reused in local adaptation after population differentiation. Hence, only about 20% of the genes shared and specific to xerophytic species and associated with adaptation to aridity were later recruited for local adaptation in G. przewalskii.
The testimony challenge against the possibility of philosophical knowledge
Authors: García Octavio
Published: May 2024

We access most of our most cherished beliefs via testimony. Philosophy is no exception. We treat spoken and written philosophical testimony as evidence for philosophical claims. Nonetheless, this paper argues that philosophical testimony is unable to justify philosophical beliefs. If testimony is the only evidence we have to justify philosophical beliefs, this entails skepticism about philosophy. Call this the testimony challenge. First, the paper argues that philosophical testimony does not meet the conditions under which evidence can justify our beliefs. Second, it shows that philosophical testimony cannot provide preemptive epistemic reasons as science and mathematics do. Finally, it answers the self‐defeat objection and a set of objections aiming to block the thesis that philosophical testimony does not justify philosophical beliefs. The paper aims to rethink the role of philosophical testimony in philosophy and reinforce the skeptical worries raised by methodological and disagreement challenges.
Primulina guarouba, a new endemic cave‐dwelling species of Gesneriaceae from northern Guangxi, China
Authors: Deng Xin‐Xin , Xiong Chi , Chou Wei‐Chuen , Lan Ding‐Jiao , Huang Zhao‐Chu , Wen Fang , Lai Bi‐Dan
Published: May 2024

Primulina guarouba, a new species from the limestone area of northern Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. According to the maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) analysis, it nests in a strongly supported clade (BP = 99%) that includes P. cordifolia, P. repanda and P. huangii. Of these, P. guarouba is similar to the P. cordifolia in morphology, but it is easily distinguished from the latter by some of the distinct characters in leaf blade, peduncles, bracts, calyx, corolla, pistil.
Three‐dimensional video recordings: Accuracy, reliability, clinical and research guidelines – Reliability assessment of a 4D camera
Authors: Coppola Gabriella , Hänggi Dominik , Cassina Gianluca , Verna Carlalberta , Gkantidis Nikolaos , Kanavakis Georgios
Published: May 2024

Objectives

In addition to studying facial anatomy, stereophotogrammetry is an efficient diagnostic tool for assessing facial expressions through 3D video recordings. Current technology produces high‐quality recordings but also generates extremely excessive data. Here, we compare various recording speeds for three standardized movements using the 3dMDface camera system, to assess its accuracy and reliability.

Materials and Methods

A linear and two circular movements were performed using a 3D‐printed cube mounted on a robotic arm. All movements were recorded initially at 60 fps (frames/second) and then at 30 and 15 fps. Recording accuracy was tested with best‐fit superimpositions of consecutive frames of the 3D cube and calculation of the Mean Absolute Distance (MAD). The reliability of the recordings were tested with evaluation of the inter‐ and intra‐examiner error.

Results

The accuracy of movement recordings was excellent at all speeds (60, 30 and 15 fps), with variability in MAD values consistently being less than 1 mm. The reliability of the camera recordings was excellent at all recording speeds.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that 3D recordings of facial expressions can be performed at 30 or even at 15 fps without significant loss of information. This considerably reduces the amount of produced data facilitating further processing and analyses.
Arthroscopic Capsular Release Versus Manipulation under Anesthesia for Refractory Frozen Shoulder: A Systematic Review with Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Zhao Yanmin , Yang Ting , Feng Chenchen , Li Lang , Pang Long , Zhao Shuzhen
Published: May 2024

Objective

Frozen shoulder (FS) is a painful and debilitating condition affecting the shoulder joint. When patients fail to improve after conservative treatments, operative treatments including arthroscopic capsular release (ACR) and manipulation under anesthesia (MUA) are recommended. However, the comparison between these two interventions remains controversial. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of ACR and MUA for refractory FS.

Methods

A systematic review and meta‐analysis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for eligible studies until December 10, 2023. Meta‐analyses were conducted using Manager V.5.3.3. Pooled effect sizes were expressed as the weighted mean difference (WMD) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

A total of eight comparative studies with 768 patients were included. Compared with MUA, ACR had statistically better Δ VAS (WMD, −0.44; 95% CI, −0.71 to −0.18; I2 = 6%; p = 0.001) at over 12‐month follow‐up, which did not reach the minimal clinically important difference (MCID). Other outcomes regarding pain relief, function, and range of motion (ROM) improvements were not statistically different between the two groups at different follow‐up timepoints. Compared with the MUA group, the ACR group had a significantly higher rate of severe complications (OR, 4.14; 95% CI, 1.01 to 16.94; I2 = 0%; p = 0.05), but comparable rates of mild complications and additional intervention.

Conclusions

In treating refractory FS, ACR demonstrated comparable pain relief, functional and ROM improvements, rates of mild complications and additional intervention but a higher risk of severe complications to MUA during short‐term follow‐up periods. Notably, ACR exhibited statistically superior improvement in the long‐term pain relief compared to the MUA group, although it did not reach the MCID.
T‐cell receptor diversity and allergen sensitivity in childhood asthma and atopic dermatitis
Authors: Chen Pei‐Ling , Hung Shuen‐Iu , Chung Wen‐Hung , Chen Chun‐Bing , Kuo Chieh‐Ni , Lin Yin‐Ku , Chiu Chih‐Yung
Published: May 2024

Background

Childhood allergies of asthma and atopic dermatitis (AD) involve an overactive T‐cell immune response triggered by allergens. However, the impact of T‐cell receptor (TCR) repertoires on allergen sensitization and their role in mediating different phenotypes of asthma and AD in early childhood remains unclear.

Methods

A total of 78 children, comprising 26 with asthma alone, 26 with AD alone, and 26 healthy controls (HC), were enrolled. TCR repertoire profiles were determined using a unique molecular identifier system for next‐generation sequencing. Integrative analyses of their associations with allergen‐specific IgE levels and allergies were performed.

Results

The diversity in TCR alpha variable region (TRAV) genes of TCR repertoires and complementarity determining region 3 (CDR3) clonality in TRAV/TRBV (beta) genes were significantly higher in children with AD compared with those with asthma and HC (p < .05). Compared with HC, the expression of TRAV13‐1 and TRAV4 genes was significantly higher in both asthma and AD (p < .05), with a significant positive correlation with mite‐specific IgE levels (p < .01). In contrast, TRBV7‐9 gene expression was significantly lower in both asthma and AD (p < .01), with this gene showing a significant negative correlation with mite‐specific IgE levels (p < .01). Furthermore, significantly higher TRAV8‐3 gene expression, positively correlated with food‐specific IgE levels, was found in children with AD compared with those with asthma (p < .05).

Conclusion

Integrated TCR repertoires analysis provides clinical insights into the diverse TCR genes linked to antigen specificity, offering potential for precision immunotherapy in childhood allergies.
Pediatric anesthesia outreach in low and middle‐income countries: Models, motives, and moral misalignments
Authors: Runnels Sean T. , Nizeyimana Francoise , O’Flaherty Jennifer E.
Published: May 2024

Background

A lack of anesthesia and surgical capacity leaves approximately 1.7 billion children per annum without access to surgical and anesthetic care.

Review

Over the past 50 years, the predominant strategy to address this lack of access has been to provide surgical capacity primarily from high‐income countries (HICs) to low and middle‐income countries (LMICs) in the form of short‐term surgical missions. More recently, the international medical community has recognized the need to build sustainable surgical capacity in resource‐constrained settings. This article reviews three models of surgical aid: the vertical model (short‐term surgical missions); the horizontal model (system‐wide capacity building); and the diagonal model, which is a hybrid of the first two. At their core, medical aid interventions exist on a spectrum ranging from providing surgical capacity to building surgical capacity.

Discussion

The skills, attitudes, and behaviors that drive success in providing medical capacity are fundamentally different from those that drive success in building medical capacity. The root cause of this difference is a shift in the moral duty of the visiting physician from a duty solely to the patient in front of them (based on the primacy of the doctor–patient relationship) to include a duty to the local physicians and the local medical system, and by extension to the next 10 000 patients in need of care.

Conclusion

Failure to address the conflicts engendered by this fundamental moral shift risks undermining capacity‐building efforts in all models of medical aid.
Expression of cytokines at baseline correlate/predict in the disc the outcome of surgery after disc degeneration: A 12‐month follow‐up study
Authors: Aripaka Sanjay S. , Chughtai Sajjad Ahmad , Jørgensen Louise M. , Bech‐Azeddine Rachid , Mikkelsen Jens D.
Published: May 2024

Background

Low back pain (LBP) is a highly prevalent condition that comprise a large portion of outpatient practice, challenging the diagnosis and treatment. However, the diagnostic tools are limited to clinical history, physical examination and imaging. Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a significant cause of LBP, and emerging literature confirms the elevated levels of biomarkers in the discs. These biomarkers may serve as a tool for diagnosis, but may also be useful in predicting the treatment outcome. Here, we examine the expression of various cytokines on 1‐year recovery from patients with LBP.

Methods

Patient‐reported outcome (PRO) in terms of pain intensity (VAS), disability (ODI), and quality of life (Eq‐5D) is collected from 44 patients at baseline and 12 months after surgery to study the influence of baseline TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 mRNA expression in both annulus fibrosus (AF) and nucleus pulposus (NP).

Results

Between baseline and follow‐up, our cohort showed improvement in VAS back pain (p < 0.001), VAS leg pain (p < 0.001), ODI (p = 0.02), and Eq‐5D (p = 0.01). Baseline levels of IL‐1 β was positively correlated with VAS back pain scores in AF (p = 0.05) and NP (p = 0.01) at 1‐year follow‐up. TNF‐α expression at baseline was also positively correlated to ODI scores (p = 0.01) at follow‐up and inversely correlated to improvements in ODI score between baseline and follow‐up, suggesting that high TNF‐α expression at baseline is associated with poor outcomes from surgery.

Conclusion

The results from our study support that TNF‐α expression at baseline can serve as a very important predictor of treatment response from lumbar fusion surgery.
Bioprospecting of citrus (Citrus L.) germplasms against citrus canker pathogenesis in Assam, North‐East India
Authors: Kausik Snata , Nath Bharat Chandra , Bhattacharyya Pranaba Nanda , Kaman Pranjal Kr , Kashyap Anurag , Saikia Swagata , Chetia Rajashree , Bora Popy , Sarma Bhaskar , Borah Pradip Kumar
Published: May 2024

The current investigation assessed the effectiveness of 30 citrus germplasms in combating citrus canker pathogenesis in Assam, North‐East India. Significant differences were observed among the examined citrus germplasms in terms of per cent disease severity and disease reduction against Xanthomonas citri pv. citri. Among the 30 different germplasms, eight germplasms, namely, Jora tenga (14.67%), Bonjora (15.58%), Holong tenga (15.75%), Latipes (17.34%), Patijora (17.75%), Birajora (18.50%), Cleopatra mandarin (20.00%) and Ada jamir (20.18%), exhibited highest disease resistance potential. The study recorded that the germplasm Latipes, which are resistant, had the highest total phenol content (21.26 mg/g dry weight), while the susceptible one, Grapefruit (7.85 mg/g dry weight), had the lowest total phenol content. Jora tenga exhibited the highest flavonoid content, measuring at 6.48 mg/g dry weight, whereas White pummelo had the lowest flavonoid content, measuring at 1.88 mg/g dry weight. Similarly, the highest alkaloid percentage was recorded in resistant germplasm, Adajamir (10.52%), while the lowest was in susceptible germplasm, Volkameriana (2.30%). The levels of total phenol, alkaloid and flavonoid contents exhibited a significant negative correlation with the per cent disease severity of citrus canker disease in both Pearson correlation and Spearmen correlation analysis. The current research on bioprospecting of citrus germplasms in relation to citrus canker pathogenesis has the potential to offer valuable insights into mitigating the transmission of bacterial pathogens and eliminating sources of infection by employing resistant cultivars and implementing approved doses of plant protection formulations.
Asthma policy in Illinois: A survey of school nursing and staff knowledge and implementation patterns
Authors: Hardy Paige , Gonzalez Michael , Volerman Anna , Salem Erica , Amerson Nancy , Woolverton Nikki , Geiger Sarah Dee , Pappalardo Andrea A.
Published: May 2024

Objective

Our goal is to examine gaps in self‐carry, asthma emergency protocol, and stock inhaler policy knowledge in Illinois schools.

Design

A 30‐item REDCap cross‐sectional survey developed by a team of stakeholders was disseminated. Questions assessed policy knowledge, awareness, and practices regarding asthma emergency protocols, self‐carry, and stock inhalers.

Sample

Participants were Illinois school nurses belonging to a governmental organization listserv.

Measurements

Analysis utilized Chi‐square tests, descriptive statistics, and t‐tests.

Results

Nurses reported 36% of students on average self‐carried asthma medication. Thirty percent of nurses were not aware of their emergency asthma policy and only 60% reported having an emergency asthma protocol in their school(s). Fifty‐four percent of nurses were aware of stock inhaler programming. Of the 10.3% who reported a stock inhaler program, a lower frequency reported calling 911 for asthma emergencies. Perceived school asthma prevalence varied from 0%–87%.

Conclusions

Our survey demonstrates large variation in knowledge and implementation of school‐based asthma health policy. This is likely due to variations in health policy education dissemination. Future efforts should focus on the dissemination and implementation of school‐based asthma health policies to improve their more universal adoption and better support school‐based asthma management.
The value‐for money of preventing and managing periodontitis: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Pattamatta Madhuri , Chapple Iain , Listl Stefan
Published: May 2024

This article gives an overview of the societal and economic aspects of periodontitis and periodontal care. Despite its largely preventable nature, periodontitis is highly prevalent worldwide and imposes a substantial health and economic burden on individuals and society as a whole. The worldwide estimated direct treatment costs and productivity losses due to periodontitis (including for periodontitis‐related tooth loss) amounted to US$ 186 billion and US$ 142 billion in 2019, respectively. The burden of periodontitis is particularly evident in low and disadvantaged populations. Smoking, dietary habits, and presence of systemic diseases along with social and commercial determinants are considered as risk factors for the periodontal diseases. The cost‐effectiveness of preventing and managing periodontitis has been explored in several studies but it has been highlighted that there is scope for improvement in defining the methodology and quality of reporting of such studies. A recent report by The Economist Intelligence Unit examined the cost‐effectiveness of interventions to prevent and manage periodontal diseases, suggesting that prevention of periodontitis through prevention of gingivitis by means of individual home care would be more cost‐efficient than four other examined approaches. Future research in this field is recommended to further decipher the economic burden of periodontitis to society and to assess the value for money of alternative approaches to address periodontitis with particular emphasis on public health preventive strategies and intersectoral care approaches that address the common risk factors of periodontitis and other non‐communicable diseases simultaneously.
Brief of Amici Curiae economists in support of respondents in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization
Authors: Myers Caitlin , Srinivasan Anjali
Published: May 2024

A pillar of Mississippi's argument in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health was that there is no evidence of “societal reliance” on abortion, meaning no reason to believe that access to abortion impacts the ability of women to participate in the economic and social life of the nation. Led by economist Caitlin Myers and attorney Anjali Srinivasan, more than 150 economists filed an amicus brief seeking to assist the Court in understanding that this assertion is erroneous. The economists describe developments in causal inference methodologies over the last three decades, and the ways in which these tools have been used to isolate the measure of the effects of abortion legalization in the 1970s and of abortion policies and access over the ensuing decades. The economists argue that there is a substantial body of well‐developed and credible research that shows that abortion access has had and continues to have a significant effect on birth rates as well as broad downstream social and economic effects, including on women's educational attainment and job opportunities. What follows is a reprint of this brief.
Isolation, culture, characterization and the functional study of testicular Leydig cells from Hezuo pig
Authors: Du Hong , Yan Zunqiang , Shi Haixia , Yang Qiaoli , Huang Xiaoyu , Wang Pengfei , Gao Xiaoli , Yang Jiaojiao , Gun Shuangbao
Published: May 2024

Testosterone, an important sex hormone, regulates sexual maturation, testicular development, spermatogenesis and the maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics in males. Testicular Leydig cells are the primary source of testosterone production in the body. Hezuo pigs, native to the southern part of Gansu, China, are characterized by early sexual maturity, strong disease resistance and roughage tolerance. This study employed type IV collagenase digestion combined with cell sieve filtration to isolate and purify Leydig cells from the testicular tissue of 1‐month‐old Hezuo pigs. We also preliminarily investigated the functions of these cells. The results indicated that the purity of the isolated and purified Leydig cells was as high as 95%. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that the isolated cells specifically expressed the 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase antibody. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay results showed that the testosterone secretion of the Leydig cells cultured in vitro (generations 5–9) ranged between 1.29–1.67 ng/mL. Additionally, the content of the cellular autophagy signature protein microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 was measured at 230–280 pg/mL. Through this study, we established an in vitro system for the isolation, purification and characterization of testicular Leydig cells from 1‐month‐old Hezuo pigs, providing a reference for exploring the molecular mechanism behind precocious puberty in Hezuo pigs.
Marketing, Other Intangibles, and Output Growth in 61 United States Industries
Authors: Sveikauskas Leo , Soloveichik Rachel , Garner Corby , Meyer Peter B. , Bessen James , Russell Matthew
Published: May 2024

Experts in the System of National Accounts (SNA) recently considered whether marketing could be included as a capital asset in the national accounts and later recommended that marketing should be an intangible in the 2025 SNA (IMF, 2022, 2023). This paper prepares macroeconomic measures of the United States marketing stock and develops similar measures within 61 industries. We find that, from 1987 to 2020, marketing capital contributed approximately as much to output growth (0.18 percentage point per year) as R&D (0.15) or software (0.19) did. Software grew more rapidly, but marketing had a larger factor share. Marketing contributes even more to output growth if quality is adjusted to allow for the better targeting associated with digital advertising. There is a close relationship between data flows, software, and digital marketing and national accountants will have to allocate expenditures among these categories.
Multiscale 3D displacement field measurement using stereo digital image correlation on a fractal speckle pattern
Authors: Serra J. , Lalanne R. , Dufour J.‐E. , Périé J.‐N. , Passieux J.‐C.
Published: May 2024

Even though the simulations used to predict failure are becoming increasingly predictive, complex multiaxial loading tests are still required to validate the design of structural components in a wide range of industries. Large specimen testing often requires two different scales. A global Far Field to obtain boundary conditions and a local Near Field to evaluate strain gradients around discontinuities such as bolts, notches… The main goal of this study is to provide a continuous displacement over the whole specimen surface integrating data from multiple cameras. In this paper, we propose a new methodology that generates 3D displacements determined by finite‐element stereo digital image correlation in the Near Field and in the Far Field using a unique fractal speckle pattern and an off‐line determined texture. The displacements are obtained in the same coordinate system and on the same mesh. Satisfactory data fusion from both Near Field and Far Field images of a biaxial test on a notched laminate composite was obtained with a refined mesh at the notch tip. This methodology can be applied to any tests requiring multiple camera systems and will support the use of the finite‐element digital image correlation framework as an experimental‐numerical efficient technique.
Potential gains in soil carbon and nitrogen as a result of systems perenniality: Insights from on‐farm experiments and soil organic matter fractions
Authors: Krupek Fernanda Souza , Kaiser Michael , Redfearn Daren , Basche Andrea
Published: May 2024

Understanding soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics along gradients of land intensification is critical to guide conservation goals towards improvements in soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) storage. In this study, we clarified (a) how the C and N concentrations within SOM fractions of distinct ecological relevance responded to soil management representing a cropland‐grassland gradient and (b) how these operationally defined fractions affected soil physicochemical and biological properties. We compared sites with annual row crop rotations with and without cover crops (i.e. cropland soils) with perennial grassland sites (i.e. reference soil) by sampling near‐surface soils from statewide on‐farm cover crop experiments replicated across four agro‐ecoregions in Midwest USA. Soil management had a significant main effect on C and N content in SOM fractions, but responses were site‐ and fraction‐specific. We found that C content of free particulate organic matter and water‐extractable organic matter (WEOM) of reference soils were 58%–76% and 31%–59% greater than those of the cropland soils in two of the four sites. Differences in N content of WEOM because of soil management were observed in two of the four sites. These reference soils had between 40% and 60% greater N than cropland soils. Additionally, the N content of aggregate occluded POM (o‐POM) of reference soils was three times greater than those of the cropland soils in one of the four sites. Broadly across bulk and SOM fractions, high declines in cropland C and N relative to reference soils were observed in non‐irrigated and strip‐till sites and coarse‐texture soils. Free and o‐POM C and N were strongly associated with aggregate stability, water infiltration and enzyme activity, whereas C and N contents of WEOM and MAOM were correlated with soil's ability to hold onto essential nutrients (e.g. calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium). Although the potential of cover crops to drive changes on ecologically meaningful SOM fractions is less pronounced in the short (3 year) term, the findings demonstrate the potential of continuous living cover as an approach to agroecosystem design to improve soil functions closely related to SOM characteristics.
The impact of social media intervention based on functional motivation on repeat blood donation behavior: A prospective randomized controlled trial study
Authors: Gao Chang , Mei Haokun , Mao Xiaofang
Published: May 2024

Background

Blood plays an irreplaceable role in medical care. Low retention rate among blood donors is the major issue in China. Various functional motivations can encourage blood donors to participate in blood donation. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research studies on re‐donate behavior based on functional motivations. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of social media intervention based on functional motivation, to discover effective intervention methods to improve re‐donate rate among nonregular blood donors.

Methods

In 2022–2023, 726 adults aged 18–55 years were randomized into the intervention or control group. Over 6 months, the intervention group received science popularization via social media. After the follow‐up period, re‐donate rate and functional motivation were assessed. Statistical analyses included t‐test, chi‐square test, logistic regression analysis, and analysis of variance.

Results

Five hundred and sixty‐eight participants completed the intervention survey. Overall, the repeat blood donation rate in the intervention group (18.1%) was significantly higher than the control group (4.2%) (p < .001). After the intervention, understanding, protection, sensation, and values motivation increased (p < .001). The changes in functional motivations vary across different age groups. In the 18–30 age group, understanding motivation increased (p < .001), while in the 31–45 and 46–55 age groups, protection motivation increased (p < .001). In the groups donating blood 3 time and 4 time, protection motivation increased (p < .05), and in the group donating blood 4 times, the values motivation increased (p < .05).

Conclusion

Social media intervention based on functional motivation can effectively increase the re‐donate rate. Understanding, protection, sensation, and values motivations can directly influence the re‐donate behavior.
In vitro evaluation of a hybrid negative pressure system for wound therapy
Authors: Davey Jack S. , Chong Wye Li , Fountain Jake , Heller Jane , Sul Rui , Jermyn Kieri , Michelsen Jacob , Ho Eckart Louisa
Published: May 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess whether negative pressure could be maintained accurately and repeatably with a wall‐suction‐based hybrid negative pressure wound therapy (h‐NPWT) system by comparing it with a commercial negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) device.

Study design

In vitro experimental study.

Methods

A commercial NPWT device (control) and three h‐NPWT devices, with 0, 3, and 6 meters of additional tubing using the hospital‐wall suction (groups 1, 2, and 3 respectively), were applied sequentially to a commercial NPWT dressing on a silicone skin substrate and set to run at a continuous pressure of −125 mmHg. The pressure within the wound space was monitored at 10 second intervals for 24 h. The process was repeated five times for each group.

Results

The commercial NPWT device produced an average pressure variance of 3.02 mmHg, and the h‐NPWT produced average variances of 4.38, 4.24 and 4.20 mmHg for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively. All groups produced an average pressure within 0.15 mmHg of −125 mmHg over the 24‐hour period, and the h‐NPWT systems produced the smallest range with all values remaining within a ±5% variation from −125 mmHg.

Conclusion

The h‐NPWT system achieved negative pressures that were comparable to those of a commercial control NPWT device. The addition of tubing between the skin substrate and the canister did not affect the pressure applied at the wound site.

Clinical significance

The h‐NPWT device tested in this study can be considered as an alternative for negative wound therapy when a commercial device cannot be used.
Cooled feline intestine and fresh intestine did not differ in enterotomy leak pressure testing or in gross wall thickness measurement
Authors: Miller Annellie K. , Regier Penny J. , Vilaplana Grosso Federico R. , Daly Edward J. , Carroll Bailey N. , Colee James C.
Published: May 2024

Objective

To report gross anatomical gastrointestinal measurements and compare enterotomy leak pressures between fresh and cooled feline cadavers.

Study Design

Ex vivo, randomized study.

Animals

Fresh feline cadavers (n = 20).

Methods

Jejunal segments (8 cm) were harvested on the same day as euthanasia. From each cadaver, one segment was randomly assigned to control (C), fresh enterotomy (FE), and cooled enterotomy (CE) groups. Enterotomy construction and leak testing were performed within 12 h of euthanasia for the C and FE groups and after 17–29 h of cooling for the CE group. Initial leak pressure (ILP) and maximum intraluminal pressure (MIP) were compared. Gastrointestinal wall thickness and intraluminal diameter were measured on harvested applicable gastrointestinal divisions at up to three time points: day 1 fresh, day 2 cooled, and day 3 cooled.

Results

The mean (± SD) ILPs for the C, FE, and CE constructs were 600 (± 0.0), 200.3 (± 114.7), and 131.3 (± 92.6) mmHg, respectively. The C ILP was higher (p < .001) than the FE and CE ILP. The ILP (p = .11) and the MIP (p = .21) did not differ between the FE and CE constructs. Wall thickness (measured in mm) did not differ between duodenum day 1 fresh and day 2 cooled groups (p = .18) or between any jejunum day groups (p = .86). The intraluminal diameters (mean ± SD) for the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were 5.7 (± 0.7), 5.8 (± 0.8), and 7.2 (± 2.2) mm, respectively.

Conclusion

No difference was appreciated between FE and CE ILP and MIP. Wall thickness measurements did not differ between days for duodenum or jejunum.

Clinical relevance

Cadaveric feline intestine cooled for up to 29 h may be used for determining intestinal leak pressures.