bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interventions in Small Island Developing States to improve diet, with a focus on the consumption of local, nutritious foods: a systematic review
Authors: Haynes Emily , Augustus Eden , Brown Catherine R , Guell Cornelia , Iese Viliamu , Jia Lili , Morrissey Karyn , Unwin Nigel
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Food security in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) is an international policy priority. SIDS have high rates of nutrition-related non-communicable diseases, including obesity and type 2 diabetes, micronutrient deficiencies and, in many, persistent childhood stunting. This is associated with an increasing reliance on imported processed food of poor nutritional quality. Calls have been made for strengthening local food systems, resilient to climate change, to increase the consumption of nutritious locally produced food. We aimed to systematically review interventions intended to improve diet in SIDS, and specifically explore whether these interventions applied a local food approach.

Methods

The search strategy was applied to 11 databases, including in health, social science and agriculture. Screening of titles, abstracts and data extraction was undertaken in duplicate. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane tools. Narrative synthesis of the results was undertaken. The study protocol was registered (PROSPERO registration number: 2020CRD42020201274).

Results

From 26 062 records, 154 full texts were reviewed and 24 were eligible. Included studies were from the Caribbean, Pacific, Mauritius and Singapore. Five were a randomised study design, one an interrupted time series analysis, eight controlled and ten uncontrolled pre-test and post-test. Nine studies included some aspect of a local food approach. Most interventions (n=15) included nutrition education, with evidence of effectiveness largely limited to those that also included practical skills training, such as vegetable gardening or food preparation. Three studies were considered low risk of bias, with the majority (n=13) of moderate risk.

Conclusion

There is a lack of robust evidence on interventions to improve diet in SIDS. The evidence suggests that multifaceted approaches are likely to be the most effective, and local food approaches may promote effectiveness, through mechanisms of cultural and contextual relevance. Further development and evaluation of interventions is urgently required to increase the comparability of these studies, to help guide policy on improving nutrition in SIDS.
Cohort profile: the ECHO prenatal and early childhood pathways to health consortium (ECHO-PATHWAYS)
Authors: LeWinn Kaja Z , Karr Catherine J , Hazlehurst Marnie , Carroll Kecia , Loftus Christine , Nguyen Ruby , Barrett Emily , Swan Shanna H , Szpiro Adam A , Paquette Alison , Moore Paul , Spalt Elizabeth , Younglove Lisa , Sullivan Alexis , Colburn Trina , Byington Nora , Sims Taylor Lauren , Moe Stacey , Wang Sarah , Cordeiro Alana , Mattias Aria , Powell Jennifer , Johnson Tye , Norona-Zhou Amanda , Mason Alex , Bush Nicole R , Sathyanarayana Sheela
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Exposures early in life, beginning in utero, have long-term impacts on mental and physical health. The ECHO prenatal and early childhood pathways to health consortium (ECHO-PATHWAYS) was established to examine the independent and combined impact of pregnancy and childhood chemical exposures and psychosocial stressors on child neurodevelopment and airway health, as well as the placental mechanisms underlying these associations.

Participants

The ECHO-PATHWAYS consortium harmonises extant data from 2684 mother–child dyads in three pregnancy cohort studies (CANDLE [Conditions Affecting Neurocognitive Development and Learning in Early Childhood], TIDES [The Infant Development and Environment Study] and GAPPS [Global Alliance to Prevent Prematurity and Stillbirth]) and collects prospective data under a unified protocol. Study participants are socioeconomically diverse and include a large proportion of Black families (38% Black and 51% White), often under-represented in research. Children are currently 5–15 years old. New data collection includes multimodal assessments of primary outcomes (airway health and neurodevelopment) and exposures (air pollution, phthalates and psychosocial stress) as well as rich covariate characterisation. ECHO-PATHWAYS is compiling extant and new biospecimens in a central biorepository and generating the largest placental transcriptomics data set to date (N=1083).

Findings to date

Early analyses demonstrate adverse associations of prenatal exposure to air pollution, phthalates and maternal stress with early childhood airway outcomes and neurodevelopment. Placental transcriptomics work suggests that phthalate exposure alters placental gene expression, pointing to mechanistic pathways for the developmental toxicity of phthalates. We also observe associations between prenatal maternal stress and placental corticotropin releasing hormone, a marker of hormonal activation during pregnancy relevant for child health. Other publications describe novel methods for examining exposure mixtures and the development of a national spatiotemporal model of ambient outdoor air pollution.

Future plans

The first wave of data from the unified protocol (child age 8–9) is nearly complete. Future work will leverage these data to examine the combined impact of early life social and chemical exposures on middle childhood health outcomes and underlying placental mechanisms.
Experience and response to a randomised controlled trial of extended-release injectable buprenorphine versus sublingual tablet buprenorphine and oral liquid methadone for opioid use disorder: protocol for a mixed-methods evaluation
Authors: Lowry Natalie , Cowden Fiona , Day Edward , Gilvarry Eilish , Johnstone Stacey , Murray Robbie , Kelleher Mike , Mitcheson Luke , Marsden John
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a debilitating and persistent disorder. The standard-of-care treatment is daily maintenance dosing of sublingual buprenorphine (BUP-SL) or oral methadone (MET). Monthly, extended-release, subcutaneous injectable buprenorphine (BUP-XR) has been developed to enhance treatment effectiveness. This study aims to investigate the experiences of participants who have been offered BUP-XR (evaluation 1), health-related quality-of-life among participants who have opted to receive BUP-XR longer term (evaluation 2) and the experiences of participants allocated to receive BUP-XR or BUP-SL or MET with the offer of adjunctive personalised psychosocial intervention (evaluation 3).

Methods and analysis

Three qualitative–quantitative (mixed-methods) evaluations embedded in a five-centre, head-to-head, randomised controlled trial of BUP-XR versus BUP-SL and MET in the UK. Evaluation 1 is a four-centre interview anchored on an OUD-related topic guide and conducted after the 24-week trial endpoint. Evaluation 2 is a two-centre interview anchored on medications for opioid use disorder-specific quality-of-life topic guide conducted among participants after 12–24 months. Evaluation 3: single-centre interview after the 24-week trial endpoint. All evaluations include selected trial clinical measures, with evaluation 2 incorporating additional questionnaires. Target participant recruitment for evaluations 1 and 2 is 15 participants per centre (n=60 and n=30, respectively). Recruitment for evaluation 3 is 15 participants per treatment arm (n=30). Each evaluation will be underpinned by theory, drawing on constructs from the behavioural model for health service use or the health-related quality-of-life model. Qualitative data analysis will be by iterative categorisation.

Ethics and dissemination

Study protocol, consent materials and questionnaires were approved by the London-Brighton and Sussex research ethics committee (reference: 19/LO/0483) and the Health Research Authority (IRAS project number 255522). Participants will be provided with information sheets and informed written consent will be obtained for each evaluation. Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Trial registration number

2018-004460-63.
Improving handwashing among parent-attendants visiting a newborn unit practising family participatory care
Authors: Maria Arti , Sooden Ankur , Wadhwa Rashmi , Kaur Ravleen , Gaur Indu , Lhamo Kalsang , Nagaratna Vallamkonda
Published: October 2022

In our newborn intensive care unit (NICU), we practise family participatory care, where the unit staff encourage parents and attendants of sick newborns to partner with them and be involved in care for their babies. There remains a concern that this practice may increase the risk of nosocomial infections being carried into the unit by parent-attendants. Staff observed that handwashing behaviours were suboptimal and inconsistent among parent-attendants. With facilitation from an improvement coach, we formed a quality improvement team of NICU staff to improve hand hygiene practices among attendants. From a baseline estimate of around 20% of attendants adhering to hand hygiene standards, the team planned to reach a target of 80% over 8 weeks by introducing a series of changes. At the end of 9 weeks, 80% of attendants were following standard hand hygiene practices.
Differentiating vaccine reactions from invasive bacterial infections in young infants presenting to the emergency department in the 4CMenB era: a retrospective observational comparison
Authors: Channon-Wells Samuel William , Tough Emily , So Neda , O'Connor Daniel , Snape Matthew D
Published: October 2022

Background

Differentiating infants with adverse events following immunisation (AEFIs) or invasive bacterial infection (IBI) is a significant clinical challenge. Young infants post vaccination are therefore often admitted to the hospital for parenteral antibiotics to avoid missing rare cases of IBI.

Methods

During a service evaluation project, we conducted a single-centre retrospective observational study of infants with IBI, urinary tract infection (UTI) or AEFI from two previously published cohorts. All patients presented to hospital in Oxfordshire, UK, between 2011 and 2018, spanning the introduction of the capsular group-B meningococcal vaccine (4CMenB) into routine immunisation schedules. Data collection from paper and electronic notes were unblinded. Clinical features, including National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) ‘traffic light’ risk of severe illness and laboratory tests performed on presentation, were described, and comparisons made using regression models, adjusting for age and sex. We also compared biochemical results on presentation to those of well infants post vaccination, with and without 4CMenB regimens.

Results

The study included 232 infants: 40 with IBI, 97 with probable AEFI, 24 with possible AEFI, 27 with UTI and 44 post vaccination ‘well’ infants. C-reactive protein (CRP) was the only discriminatory blood marker, with CRP values above 83 mg/L only observed in infants with IBI or UTI. NICE risk stratification was significantly different between groups but still missed cases of IBI, and classification as intermediate risk was non-differential. Fever was more common in probable AEFI cases, while seizures and rashes were equally frequent. Diarrhoea and clinician-reported irritability or rigours were all more common in IBI.

Conclusions

Clinical features on presentation may aid risk stratification but cannot reliably differentiate IBI from AEFI in infants presenting to the emergency department. Blood results are generally unhelpful due to post vaccination inflammatory responses, particularly in children receiving 4CMenB vaccination. Improved biomarkers and clinical prediction tools are required to aid management in febrile infants post vaccination.
Antitumor strategies targeting macrophages: the importance of considering the differences in differentiation/polarization processes between human and mouse macrophages
Authors: Monnier Marine , Paolini Léa , Vinatier Emeline , Mantovani Alberto , Delneste Yves , Jeannin Pascale
Published: October 2022

Macrophages are the immune cells that accumulate the most in the majority of established tumors and this accumulation is associated with a poor prognosis. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) produce inflammatory cytokines and growth factors that promote tumor expansion and metastasis. TAMs have recently emerged as targets of choice to restore an efficient antitumor response and to limit tumor growth. Many molecules targeting TAMs are actually evaluated in clinical trials, alone or in combination. While these molecules induce tumor regression and stimulate cytotoxic responses in mouse models of tumor development, results from early clinical trials are less impressive. In this review, we list the biological differences between human and mouse macrophages that help explain the different efficacy of antitumor strategies targeting TAMs between human and animal studies. Differences in the impact of survival and polarization factors and in the cytokines produced and markers expressed as well as the limitations of extrapolations based on in vitro models of TAM-like generation should be considered in order to improve the design and efficacy of antitumor drugs targeting TAMs.
Neoadjuvant durvalumab for resectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC): results from a multicenter study (IFCT-1601 IONESCO)
Authors: Wislez Marie , Mazieres Julien , Lavole Armelle , Zalcman Gérard , Carre Olivier , Egenod Thomas , Caliandro Raffaele , Dubos-Arvis Catherine , Jeannin Gaelle , Molinier Olivier , Massiani Marie-Ange , Langlais Alexandra , Morin Franck , Le Pimpec Barthes Francoise , Brouchet Laurent , Assouad Jalal , Milleron Bernard , Damotte Diane , Antoine Martine , Westeel Virginie
Published: October 2022

Background

The IONESCO (IFCT-1601) trial assessed the feasibility of neoadjuvant durvalumab, for early-stage resectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

In a multicenter, single-arm, phase II trial, patients with IB (≥4 cm)-IIIA, non-N2, resectable NSCLC received three doses of durvalumab (750 mg every 2 weeks) and underwent surgery between 2 and 14 days after the last infusion. The primary endpoint was the complete surgical resection rate. Secondary endpoints included tumor response rate, major histopathological response (MPR: ≤10% remaining viable tumor cells), disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS), durvalumab-related safety, and 90-day postoperative mortality (NCT03030131).

Results

Forty-six patients were eligible (median age 60.9 years); 67% were male, 98% were smokers, and 41% had squamous cell carcinoma. Regarding tumor response, 9% had a partial response, 78% had stable disease, and 13% had progressive disease. Among the operated patients (n=43), 41 achieved complete resection (89%, 95% CI 80.1% to 98.1%)), and eight achieved MPR (19%). The 12-month median OS and DFS rates were 89% (95% CI 75.8% to 95.3%) and 78% (95% CI 63.4% to 87.7%), respectively (n=46). The median follow-up was 28.4 months (12.8–41.1). All patients in whom MPR was achieved were disease-free at 12 months compared to only 11% of those with >10% residual tumor cells (p=0.04). No durvalumab-related serious or grade 3–5 events were reported. The unexpected 90-day postoperative mortality of four patients led to premature study termination. None of these four deaths was considered secondary to direct durvalumab-related toxicity.

Conclusions

Neoadjuvant durvalumab given as monotherapy was associated with an 89% complete resection rate and an MPR of 19%. Despite an unexpectedly high rate of postoperative deaths, which prevented us from completing the trial, we were able to show a significant association between MPR and DFS.
Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion discrepancy between randomised trials and clinical practice
Authors: Kümler Thomas , Strange Jarl Emanuel , Andersen Niels Holmark
Published: October 2022

In patients with atrial fibrillation and previous episodes of bleeding on oral anticoagulant treatment, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) has emerged as an alternative way to decrease the risk of stroke.

The use of the procedure has been on the rise, and the news coverage has been dominated by an uncritical acceptance of the benefit of this procedure, which probably have contributed to the increasing number of procedures.

This commentary is a presentation and critical appraisal of the available evidence on the efficacy and safety of left atrial appendage closure as stroke prophylaxis.

We illustrate that LAAO is supported by limited randomised data risk of serious complications, which we do not believe supports the current widespread use.
Radiological evolution of spinal disease in alkaptonuria and the effect of nitisinone
Authors: Imrich Richard , Sedláková Jana , Úlehlová Mária , Gornall Matthew , Jackson Richard , Olsson Birgitta , Rudebeck Mattias , Gallagher James , Lukáčová Oľga , Mlynáriková Vanda , Stančík Roman , Vrtíková Eva , Záňová Elizabeth , Zaťková Andrea , Arnoux Jean-Baptiste , Rovenský Jozef , Luangrath Emily , Bygott Helen , Khedr Milad , Ranganath Lakshminarayan R
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Ochronotic spondyloarthropathy represents one of the main clinical manifestations of alkaptonuria (AKU); however, prospective data and description of the effect of nitisinone treatment are lacking.

Methods

Patients with AKU aged 25 years or older were randomly assigned to receive either oral nitisinone 10 mg/day (N=69) or no treatment (N=69). Spine radiographs were recorded yearly at baseline, 12, 24, 36 and 48 months, and the images were scored for the presence of intervertebral space narrowing, soft tissue calcifications, vacuum phenomena, osteophytes/hyperostosis and spinal fusion in the cervical, thoracic and lumbosacral segment at each of the time points.

Results

At baseline, narrowing of the intervertebral spaces, the presence of osteophytes/hyperostosis and calcifications were the three most frequent radiographic features in AKU. The rate of progression of the five main features during the 4 years, ranked from the highest to lowest was as follows: intervertebral spaces narrowing, calcifications, vacuum phenomena, osteophytes/hyperostosis and fusions. The rate of progression did not differ between the treated and untreated groups in any of the five radiographic parameters except for a slower rate of progression (sum of all five features) in the treatment group compared with the control group (0.45 (1.11) nitisinone vs 0.74 (1.11) controls, p=0.049) in the thoracic segment.

Conclusion

The present study shows a relatively slow but significant worsening of radiographic features in patients with AKU over 4 years. Our results demonstrate a modest beneficial effect of 10 mg/day of nitisinone on the slowly progressing spondylosis in AKU during the relatively limited follow-up time.

Trial registration number

NCT01916382.
Risk of lung cancer in rheumatoid arthritis and in relation to autoantibody positivity and smoking
Authors: Chatzidionysiou Katerina , di Giuseppe Daniela , Soderling Jonas , Catrina Anca , Askling Johan
Published: October 2022

Objective

Lung cancer is a common malignancy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Since smoking is a risk factor for both (seropositive) RA and lung cancer, it remains unclear whether RA, in itself, increases lung cancer risk.

Methods

We performed a population-based cohort study of patients with RA and individually matched general population reference individuals identified in Swedish registers and from the Epidemiological Investigation of RA early RA study, prospectively followed for lung cancer occurrence 1995–2018. We calculated incidence rates and performed Cox regression to estimate HRs including 95% CIs of lung cancer, taking smoking and RA serostatus into account.

Results

Overall, we included 44 101 patients with RA (590 incident lung cancers, 56 per 100 000), and 216 495 matched general population individuals (1691 incident lung cancers, 33 per 100 000), corresponding to a crude HR (95% CI) of 1.76 (1.60 to 1.93). In subset analyses, this increased risk remained after adjustment for smoking (HR 1.77, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.97). Compared with general population subjects who were never smokers, patients with RA who were ever smokers had almost seven times higher risk of lung cancer. In RA, seropositivity was a significant lung cancer risk factor, even when adjusted for smoking, increasing the incidence 2–6 times. At 20 years, the risk in patients with RA was almost 3%, overall and over 4% for patients who were ever smokers and had at least one RA autoantibody.

Conclusions

Seropositive RA is a risk factor for lung cancer over and above what can be explained by smoking, although residual confounding by smoking or other airway exposures cannot be formally excluded. There is a need for increased awareness and potentially for regular lung cancer screening, at least in a subset of patients with RA.
Sacroiliac joint radiographic progression in axial spondyloarthritis is retarded by the therapeutic use of TNF inhibitors: 12-year data from the SCQM registry
Authors: Micheroli Raphael , Kissling Seraphina , Bürki Kristina , Exer Pascale , Bräm René , Nissen Michael J , Möller Burkhard , Andor Michael , Distler Oliver , Scherer Almut , Ciurea Adrian
Published: October 2022

Objectives

To analyse the effect of tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi) on sacroiliac joint (SIJ) radiographic progression in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).

Methods

Patients with axSpA in the Swiss Clinical Quality Management cohort with up to 12 years of follow-up and radiographic assessments every 2 years were included. SIJs were scored by two readers according to the modified New York criteria blinded to chronology. The relationship between TNFi use before or during a 2-year radiographic interval and SIJ progression was investigated using generalised estimating equation models with adjustment for potential confounding. Progression was defined as worsening of ≥1 grade in ≥1 SIJ and ignoring a change from 0 to 1 over 2 years, if both readers agreed. A third reading of radiographs was integrated in sensitivity analyses.

Results

A total of 515 patients with axSpA contributed to data for 894 radiographic intervals (24 progression events). In patients with complete covariate data, prior use of TNFi reduced the odds of progression (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.65). A comparable effect was found for use of TNFi for ≥1 year within a 2-year radiographic interval (OR 0.21, 95% CI 0.08 to 0.55). The inhibitory impact of TNFi was confirmed if progression was demonstrated in 2/3 readings: OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.89 and OR 0.46, 95% CI 0.27 to 0.78 for TNFi treatment before and for ≥1 year within the interval, respectively.

Conclusion

TNFi are associated with deceleration of SIJ radiographic progression in patients with axSpA if treatment is continued for ≥1 year.
Differential expansion of T peripheral helper cells in early rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis synovium
Authors: Murray-Brown William , Guo Yanxia , Small Annabelle , Lowe Katie , Weedon Helen , Smith Malcolm D , Lester Susan E , Proudman Susanna M , Rao Navin L , Hao Ling-Yang , Nagpal Sunil , Wechalekar Mihir D
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)-expressing T cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. A subset of CXCR5−T cells, termed T peripheral helper (Tph) cells, which drive B cell differentiation, have been identified in ectopic lymphoid structures in established rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue. Here, we aimed to characterise these in treatment-naïve, early rheumatoid arthritis to determine whether these cells accumulate prior to fully established disease.

Methods

Fresh dissociated tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) suspensions were stained with Zombie UV, followed by anti-CD45RO, PD-1, CD3, ICOS, CD8, CD4, CD20, CXCR5, TIGIT and CD38 antibodies prior to analysis. For histology, rheumatoid arthritis synovial sections were prepared for Opal multispectral immunofluorescence with anti-CD45RO, CD20, PD-1 and CXCR5 antibodies. Images were acquired on the Perkin Elmer Vectra V.3.0 imaging system and analysed using InForm Advanced Image Analysis software.

Results

Flow cytometry revealed T cell infiltration in the rheumatoid arthritis synovium with differential expression of PD-1, CD45RO, ICOS, TIGIT and CD38. We observed a higher frequency of PD1hiCXCR5−Tph in rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue and PBMCs versus controls, and no significant difference in T follicular helper cell frequency. Microscopy identified a 10-fold increase of Tph cells in early rheumatoid arthritis synovial follicular and diffuse regions, and identified Tph adjacent to germinal centre B cells.

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that PD-1hiTph cells are present in early rheumatoid arthritis, but not osteoarthritis synovium, and therefore may provide a target for treatment of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.
Simple suture whipstitch closure is a reasonable option for many patients requiring temporary abdominal closure for blunt or penetrating trauma
Authors: Collins Reagan , Dhanasekara Chathurika Samudani , Morris Erin , Marschke Brianna , Dissanaike Sharmila
Published: October 2022

Objectives

Multiple temporary abdominal closure (TAC) techniques are currently used to manage the open abdomen (OA) in severely injured trauma patients, with variability in efficacy and cost. We evaluated the clinical outcomes of two commonly used TAC methods: ABTHERA Negative Pressure Therapy System and whipstitch suture closure (WC).

Methods

We conducted a retrospective review of patients who had blunt or penetrating trauma from 2015 to 2021 with OA managed using either ABTHERA, WC, or both. Primary outcomes included overall and intensive care unit length of stay, ventilator days, number of laparotomies, time to definitive fascial closure, and complications (bleeding, evisceration, wound dehiscence, and reoperation). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to compare baseline characteristics, outcomes, and complications. Potential mediators of the relationship between the type of TAC and outcomes were explored using mediation analyses.

Results

A total of 112 TAC were analyzed; 86 patients had a single type of TAC placement (either WC or ABTHERA), whereas 26 had both types. A majority of patients had blunt trauma in both WC (77%) and ABTHERA (76%) cohorts. There were no differences in baseline characteristics, including injury severity (27.5±12.4 and 27.5±12.0 for ABTHERA and WC, respectively). There was no statistically significant difference among individual complications and overall complications (OR=0.622 (0.274 to 1.412)). No differences were found between the outcomes, and any apparent differences seen were mediated by factors such as a higher number of laparotomies.

Conclusion

WC is a low-cost option for TAC in trauma, with similar clinical outcomes and complications to ABTHERA.

Level of evidence

Level III therapeutic/care management study.
The effects of extrusion on nutrient content of Canadian pulses with a focus on protein and amino acids
Authors: Cargo-Froom Cara L. , Newkirk Rex W. , Marinangeli Christopher P.F. , Shoveller Anna K. , Ai Yongfeng , Columbus Daniel A.
Published: October 2022

Alternative sources of protein will be required in both human and animal nutrition to support ingredient sustainability and nutrient demands of a growing world population. Extrusion is one technique utilized to process pulses and is reported to increase starch and protein digestibility but also has the potential to transform nutrients into non-nutritious compounds. This study sought to compare the effects of extrusion on nutrient composition in Amarillo peas, Dun peas, lentils, chickpeas, and faba beans, with soybean meal (control). Each pulse was extruded at 18% or 22% moisture and 110, 130, or 150 °C. Compared to whole samples, extrusion increased crude protein content of Amarillo and Dun peas, and lentils, and it decreased in soybean meal ( P < 0.05). Compared with whole samples, extrusion increased methionine content in chickpeas and lentils ( P < 0.05), with no effect in Amarillo or Dun peas, faba beans, and soybean meal. Cysteine content increased in extruded Amarillo peas compared with whole pulses, and decreased in soybean meal ( P < 0.05). Results suggest that extrusion can positively affect protein and amino acid content of pulses, however, specific changes differ by pulse/legume type.
AAC Aberdeen field pea
Authors: Bing Deng-Jin , Beauchesne Don , Cuthbert Richard , Naeem Hamid
Published: October 2022

AAC Aberdeen is a semi-leafless, yellow cotyledonary field pea ( Pisum sativum L.) cultivar developed at Lacombe Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe, AB, Canada. It has a maturity of 98 days, 1000-seed weight of 243 g, and a lodging score of 3.3 on the scale of 1–9. The seed crude protein content of AAC Aberdeen is 20.1%. AAC Aberdeen is resistant to powdery mildew (caused by Erysiphe pisi D.C.) and moderately susceptible to mycosphaerella blight (caused by Mycosphaerella pinodes) and Fusarium root rot (caused by Fusarium avenaceum (Fr.) Sacc.).
Enzyme activity after applying alkaline biosolids to agricultural soil
Authors: Sun Bingjie , Kallenbach Cynthia M. , Boh Michael Y. , Clark O. Grant , Whalen Joann K.
Published: October 2022

Municipal wastewater biosolids are nutrient-rich residuals with potential as crop fertilizer, if their alkalinity does not adversely affect soil biochemical processes. This study assessed the potential soil enzyme activity after three annual applications of biosolids in a conventionally tilled field under silage corn ( Zea mays L.). Biosolids were municipal wastewater sludge treated by mesophilic anaerobic digestion, lime stabilization, or composting, compared with urea fertilizer and an unfertilized control. Generally, the potential soil enzyme activity did not change with biosolids application, but the N-acetylglucosaminidase activity increased in soil amended with lime-stabilized biosolids, which also had higher soil pH and greater soil NH4 + concentration.
Complexity analysis of heartbeat-related signals in brain MRI time series as a potential biomarker for ageing and cognitive performance
Authors: López Pérez David , Bokde Arun L. W. , Kerskens Christian M.
Published: October 2022

Getting older affects both the structure of the brain and some cognitive capabilities. Until now, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) approaches have been unable to give a coherent reflection of the cognitive declines. It shows the limitation of the contrast mechanisms used in most MRI investigations, which are indirect measures of brain activities depending on multiple physiological and cognitive variables. However, MRI signals may contain information of brain activity beyond these commonly used signals caused by the neurovascular response. Here, we apply a zero-spin echo (ZSE) weighted MRI sequence, which can detect heartbeat-evoked signals (HES). Remarkably, these MRI signals have properties only known from electrophysiology. We investigated the complexity of the HES arising from this sequence in two age groups; young (18–29 years) and old (over 65 years). While comparing young and old participants, we show that the complexity of the HES decreases with age, where the stability and chaoticity of these HES are particularly sensitive to age. However, we also found individual differences which were independent of age. Complexity measures were related to scores from different cognitive batteries and showed that higher complexity may be related to better cognitive performance. These findings underpin the affinity of the HES to electrophysiological signals. The profound sensitivity of these changes in complexity shows the potential of HES for understanding brain dynamics that need to be tested in more extensive and diverse populations with clinical relevance for all neurovascular diseases.
Qigong and Tai Chi on Human Health: An Overview of Systematic Reviews
Authors: Lee Su Hyeon , Jeon Yerim , Huang Ching-Wen , Cheon Chunhoo , Ko Seong-Gyu
Published: October 2022

Qigong and Tai chi are traditional methods of physical and mental training and exercises in East Asia. Their health-promoting effects against various diseases have been studied for a long time, and they have been the subject of many clinical trials and systematic reviews (SRs). The present study aimed to comprehensively evaluate all published SRs on Qigong and Tai chi and to summarize the supporting evidence. The following databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Research Information Sharing Service, and Korean Studies Information Service System. The selection and extraction processes were performed by two independent reviewers, and a qualitative synthesis was conducted. There were 58 SRs of randomized controlled trials on Qigong and Tai chi. There have been many studies on patients with cardiovascular diseases and different cancers, and a number of other studies in which mobility, quality of life, blood lipids, and blood pressure were outcome measurements. Thus, Qigong and Tai chi for various diseases and medical conditions have been accumulated. Based on current evidence, the number of publications of Qigong and Tai chi-related articles showed an increasing trend, and most of them were performed in China. Qigong and Tai chi have shown beneficial effects in different age groups and health conditions, including decreasing blood lipid level, reducing blood pressure, facilitating mobility, preventing falls, and improving overall quality of life.
Berberine Attenuates Hyperuricemia by Regulating Urate Transporters and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Shan Baixi , Wu Mingyu , Chen Ting , Tang Weiwei , Li Ping , Chen Jun
Published: October 2022

Hyperuricemia (HUA) and its associated metabolic diseases seriously threaten human health, and commensal microbiota has been identified as one of the environmental triggers of HUA. The role of berberine (BBR) in the treatment of HUA has begun to receive attention in recent years. However, how BBR modulates the microbiota to slow HUA progression is unclear. In this study, we showed that BBR alleviated potassium oxonate (PO)-induced HUA in mice by suppressing the expression of xanthine oxidase (XOD) in the liver and urate transporter 1 (URAT1) and glucose transporter 9 (GLUT9) in the kidney. The BBR also improved renal inflammation by inhibiting the expression of TNF-[Formula: see text], IL-1[Formula: see text], and caspase-1. Subsequently, we evaluated whether the observed anti-HUA effects of BBR were associated with changes in gut microbial structure in mice. 16S rRNA sequencing data showed that BBR significantly altered the community compositional structure of the gut microbiota. Specifically, BBR enriched the abundance of Coprococcus, Bacteroides, Akkermansia, and Prevotella. Antibiotic treatment can reverse the anti-HUA effects of BBR that further supports the role of the gut microbiota. In conclusion, our study provides evidence that BBR ameliorates PO-induced HUA by modulating the gut microbiota.
HOW DO PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS AFFECT INNOVATION AND ADOPTION DECISIONS?
Authors: STROH TIM , MENTION ANNE-LAURE , DUFF CAMERON
Published: October 2022

Interest in the significant impact of psychological factors on innovation outcomes is growing rapidly. Our understanding of cognitive processes is, however, evolving, and research on the specific forms and role of these factors within innovation-related decisions is limited. We propose a theory of decision-making that offers consilience across research areas, is grounded in both physical and social sciences, explains the constructs already established by innovation, adoption and resistance research, and serves the needs of innovation researchers and practitioners as a pragmatic tool. Using a variety of established research tools in novel ways including semantic field and bibliometric analysis and by drawing on research from diverse disciplines, we identify evolved psychological mechanisms as influences on adoption decision processes. We conclude that Evolutionary Choice Theory, defined as the collective influence of these evolved psychological mechanisms, should be adopted by innovation practitioners and researchers and provide specific pragmatic applications to inform this adoption.
Practical Saccade Prediction for Head-Mounted Displays: Towards a Comprehensive Model
Authors: Arabadzhiyska Elena , Tursun Cara , Seidel Hans-Peter , Didyk Piotr
Published: October 2022

Eye-tracking technology has started to become an integral component of new display devices such as virtual and augmented reality headsets. Applications of gaze information range from new interaction techniques that exploit eye patterns to gaze-contingent digital content creation. However, system latency is still a significant issue in many of these applications because it breaks the synchronization between the current and measured gaze positions. Consequently, it may lead to unwanted visual artifacts and degradation of the user experience. In this work, we focus on foveated rendering applications where the quality of an image is reduced towards the periphery for computational savings. In foveated rendering, the presence of system latency leads to delayed updates to the rendered frame, making the quality degradation visible to the user. To address this issue and to combat system latency, recent work proposes using saccade landing position prediction to extrapolate gaze information from delayed eye tracking samples. Although the benefits of such a strategy have already been demonstrated, the solutions range from simple and efficient ones, which make several assumptions about the saccadic eye movements, to more complex and costly ones, which use machine learning techniques. However, it is unclear to what extent the prediction can benefit from accounting for additional factors and how more complex predictions can be performed efficiently to respect the latency requirements. This paper presents a series of experiments investigating the importance of different factors for saccades prediction in common virtual and augmented reality applications. In particular, we investigate the effects of saccade orientation in 3D space and
smooth pursuit eye-motion (SPEM)
and how their influence compares to the variability across users. We also present a simple, yet efficient post-hoc correction method that adapts existing saccade prediction methods to handle these factors without performing extensive data collection. Furthermore, our investigation and the correction technique may also help future developments of machine-learning-based techniques by limiting the required amount of training data.
After the Storm: Regeneration, Repair, and Reestablishment of Homeostasis Between the Alveolar Epithelium and Innate Immune System Following Viral Lung Injury
Authors: Planer Joseph D. , Morrisey Edward E.
Published: October 2022

The mammalian lung has an enormous environmental-epithelial interface that is optimized to accomplish the principal function of the respiratory system, gas exchange. One consequence of evolving such a large surface area is that the lung epithelium is continuously exposed to toxins, irritants, and pathogens. Maintaining homeostasis in this environment requires a delicate balance of cellular signaling between the epithelium and innate immune system. Following injury, the epithelium can be either fully regenerated in form and function or repaired by forming dysplastic scar tissue. In this review, we describe the major mechanisms of damage, regeneration, and repair within the alveolar niche where gas exchange occurs. With a focus on viral infection, we summarize recent work that has established how epithelial proliferation is arrested during infection and how the innate immune system guides its reconstitution during recovery. The consequences of these processes going awry are also considered, with an emphasis on how this will impact postpandemic pulmonary biology and medicine.
Introduction to the Theme “Development of New Drugs: Moving from the Bench to Bedside and Improved Patient Care”
Authors: Blaschke Terrence F. , Insel Paul A. , Amara Susan G. , Meyer Urs A.
Published: October 2022

Investigations in pharmacology and toxicology range from molecular studies to clinical care. Studies in basic and clinical pharmacology and in preclinical and clinical toxicology are all essential in bringing new knowledge and new drugs into clinical use. The 30 reviews in Volume 63 of the Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology explore topics across this spectrum. Examples include “Zebrafish as a Mainstream Model for In Vivo Systems Pharmacology and Toxicology” and “Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Lead-to-Candidate Decision-Making and Beyond.” Other reviews discuss components important for drug discovery and development and the use of pharmaceuticals in a variety of diseases. Air pollution continues to increase globally; accordingly, “Air Pollution–Related Neurotoxicity Across the Life Span” is a timely and forward-thinking review. Volume 63 also explores the use of contemporary technologies such as electronic health records, pharmacogenetics, and new drug delivery systems that help enhance and improve the utility of new therapies.
Sex differences in microvascular function and arterial hemodynamics in nondialysis chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kirkman Danielle L. , Ramick Meghan G. , Muth Bryce J. , Stock Joseph M. , Townsend Raymond R. , Edwards David G.
Published: October 2022

There are limited data regarding the physiological mechanisms of potential sex differences in central hemodynamics and vascular function in chronic kidney disease (CKD). We report that older female patients with nondialysis CKD have higher central pulse pressures compared with male patients with CKD. In addition, older females with CKD have lower microvascular function compared with their male counterparts, and oxidative stress contributes to the lower microvascular function in older female patients with CKD.
Physiological impacts of computed tomography airway dysanapsis, fractal dimension, and branch count in asymptomatic never smokers
Authors: Maetani Tomoki , Tanabe Naoya , Terada Satoru , Shiraishi Yusuke , Shima Hiroshi , Kaji Shizuo , Sakamoto Ryo , Oguma Tsuyoshi , Sato Susumu , Masuda Izuru , Hirai Toyohiro
Published: October 2022

This study showed that fractal dimension and total airway count of the airway tree on computed tomography are associated with lung function on spirometry independent of a smaller airway for a given lung size (dysanapsis) in asymptomatic never smokers without a history of lung diseases. In addition to dysanapsis, the morphometric complexity of the airway tree and the airway branch count may cause a substantial variation of lung function in these subjects.
Spike-Based Approximate Backpropagation Algorithm of Brain-Inspired Deep SNN for Sonar Target Classification
Authors: Liu Yang , Tian Meng , Liu Ruijia , Cao Kejing , Wang Ruiyi , Wang Yadi , Zhao Wei , Zhou Yi
Published: October 2022

With the development of neuromorphic computing, more and more attention has been paid to a brain-inspired spiking neural network (SNN) because of its ultralow energy consumption and high-performance spatiotemporal information processing. Due to the discontinuity of the spiking neuronal activation function, it is still a difficult problem to train brain-inspired deep SNN directly, so SNN has not yet shown performance comparable to that of an artificial neural network. For this reason, the spike-based approximate backpropagation (SABP) algorithm and a general brain-inspired SNN framework are proposed in this paper. The combination of the two can be used for end-to-end direct training of brain-inspired deep SNN. Experiments show that compared with other spike-based methods of directly training SNN, the classification accuracy of this method is close to the best results on MNIST and CIFAR-10 datasets and achieves the best classification accuracy on sonar image target classification (SITC) of small sample datasets. Further analysis shows that compared with artificial neural networks, our brain-inspired SNN has great advantages in computational complexity and energy consumption in sonar target classification.
Cytotoxicity of Particulate Matter PM10 Samples from Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Guissou Joelle Nicole , Baudrimont Isabelle , Ouattara Abdoul Karim , Simpore Jacques , Sakande Jean
Published: October 2022

Particulate matter (PM) is one of the main air pollutants with 257,000 deaths per year in Africa. Studying their toxic mechanisms of action could provide a better understanding of their effects on the population health. The objective of this study was to describe the PM10 toxic mechanism of action collected in 3 districts of Ouagadougou. Once per month and per site between November 2015 and February 2016, PM10 was sampled for 24 hours using the MiniVol TAS (AirMetrics, Eugene, USA). The collected filters were then stored in Petri dishes at room temperature for in vitro toxicological studies using human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAEC) at the Bordeaux INSERM-U1045 Cardio-thoracic Research Center. The three study districts were classified based on PM10 level (high, intermediate, and low, respectively, for districts 2, 3, and 4). PM10 induced a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability. A significant decrease in cell viability was observed at 1 µg/cm2, 10 µg/cm2, and 25 µg/cm2 for, respectively, districts 2, 3, and 4. A significant increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was observed at 10 µg/cm2 for district 2 versus 5 µg/cm2 and 1 µg/cm2 for districts 3 and 4, respectively. Finally, a significant production of IL-6 was recorded from 5 µg/cm2 for district 4 versus 10 µg/cm2 for districts 2 and 3. Consequently, Ouagadougou is subjected to PM10 pollution, which can induce a significant production of ROS and IL-6 to cause adverse effects on the health of the population.
Shuttle Bus Rerouting and Rescheduling Problem considering Daily Demand Fluctuation
Authors: Wang Yuqiang , Shang Pan
Published: October 2022

In an urban shuttle system, shuttle buses need to pick up passengers waiting at predetermined stops according to their planned schedules (routes and timetables). However, in practice, passenger demand is unstable and has fluctuations, which means that passenger demand at a specific stop is likely to increase or decrease, causing low service quality, long passenger waiting times, and imbalanced utilization of bus capacity. Therefore, we introduce the shuttle bus rerouting and rescheduling strategy, based on which the operator can change the visited stops and arrival times of the shuttle buses and can operate backup buses to handle the passenger demand fluctuations. A three-dimensional space-time-state network is formulated to depict shuttle routes, timetables, and passenger-loading states, and the proposed problem can be formulated as a multicommodity network-flow optimization problem. To solve the model efficiently, we adopt the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) decomposition method to decompose the original problem into several single shuttle routing subproblems. We test the model and algorithm in the 9-node network with three stops, and a larger scale Chicago sketch network is also adopted to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed model and algorithm. The rerouting and rescheduling results for the Chicago case represent a 5.7% improvement relative to the results with the planned schedules.