bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theft: Grave robbery, territorial conquest, and irrigation
Authors: Mott Carrie
Published: December 2022

This paper explores the process of settler colonialism in Washington State's Yakima Valley in the early twentieth century as an example of a regional power bloc that sought to maximize white access to natural resources while dispossessing Native Americans of their lands and access to water. Through a multiscalar approach, I consider how colonization and white supremacy were normalized through infrastructural projects crucial to agricultural development and economic prosperity in the US West. A discussion of a 1906 Native American grave robbery operates as an anchor for a larger analysis of how irrigation infrastructure and other reclamation projects served the colonizing aims of the US federal government. In the US West, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Bureau of Reclamation (BoR) were both federal agencies that played critical roles in an era where public lands were being converted to private property and allotted Native American reservation land was significantly diminished after being sold to non-Natives. The grave robbery itself and ensuing trial serve as indications of everyday life in the Yakima Valley in 1906, revealing the interconnections between infrastructural advancements, white supremacist settler colonialism, and grave robbery.
Environmental implications of Ptolemaic Period rodents and shrews from the Sacred Falcon Necropolis at Quesna, Egypt (Mammalia: Muridae and Soricidae)
Authors: Woodman Neal , Ikram Salima , Rowland Joanne
Published: December 2022

Background

Assemblages of mummified and preserved animals in necropoleis of Ptolemaic Period Egypt (ca. 332–30 BC) document some aspects of the ceremonial and religious practices of the ancient Egyptians, but study of these animal remains can also provide insight into the local environments in which the animals and humans lived.

Results

Excavations of the Sacred Falcon Necropolis at Quesna in the Nile Delta have yielded many thousands of animal remains, mostly of raptors, but also of a lesser number of small, wild mammals. Among the latter, we identified four species of murid rodents (Rodentia: Muridae) and five species of shrews (Eulipotyphla: Soricidae). The soricids are of particular interest because they represent a more diverse assemblage of species than occurs in the delta today. They include one species, Crocidura gueldenstaedtii (Pallas, 1811), that no longer occurs in the delta and another, C. fulvastra (Sundevall, 1843), that is now extirpated from Egypt.

Conclusions

The coexistence of this diverse small mammal community suggests that a greater availability and variety of mesic habitats were present during the Ptolemaic Period than occur there now. The local mammal faunas recovered at Quesna and other well-studied ancient Egyptian sites together provide evidence of a richer, more complex regional environment along the Nile Valley. They also provide important insight regarding the biogeography of the individual species comprising the faunas and about the extent of faunal turnover since the Ptolemaic Period.
Associations of environmental factors with total cholesterol level of middle-aged and elderly people in China
Authors: Li Hao , Ge Miao , Pei Zehua , He Jinwei , Wang Congxia
Published: December 2022

Background

Dyslipidemia is a key factor causing cardio cerebrovascular diseases, and the total cholesterol (TC) is an important lipid indicator among them. Studies have shown that environmental factors have a strong association with TC levels. Previous studies only focused on the seasonal variation of TC level and the short-term effects of some environmental factors on TC level over time, and few studies explored the geographical distribution of TC level and quantified the impact of environmental factors in space.

Methods

Based on blood test data which was from China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (Charls) database, this study selected the TC level test data of middle-aged and elderly people in China in 2011 and 2015, and collected data from 665 meteorological stations and 1496 air pollutant monitoring stations in China. After pretreatment, the spatial distribution map of TC level was prepared and the regional statistics were made. GeoDetector and geographically weighted regression (GWR) were used to measure the relationship between environmental factors and TC level.

Results

The TC level of middle-aged and elderly in China was higher in females than in males, and higher in urban areas than in rural areas, showing a clustered distribution. The high values were mainly in South China, Southwest China and North China. Temperature, humidity, PM10 and PM2.5 were significant environmental factors affecting TC level of middle-aged and elderly people. The impact of pollutants was more severe in northern China, and TC level in southern China was mainly affected by meteorological factors.

Conclusions

There were gender and urban-rural differences in TC levels among the middle-aged and elderly population in China, showing aggregation in geographical distribution. Meteorological factors and air pollutants may be very important control factors, and their influencing mechanism needs further study.
Effect of different surface treatments on resin-matrix CAD/CAM ceramics bonding to dentin: in vitro study
Authors: Fathy Hanan , Hamama Hamdi H. , El-Wassefy Noha , Mahmoud Salah H.
Published: December 2022

Background

Evaluating the effect of different surface treatment methods on the micro-tensile bond strength (µTBS) of two different resin-matrix computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) ceramics (RMCs).

Methods

A standardized inlay preparations were performed on 100 intact maxillary premolars. According to the type of the restorative material, the teeth were randomly divided into two equally sized groups (n = 50): (polymer-infiltrated ceramic (Vita Enamic) and resin-based composites (Lava Ultimate)). The inlays were fabricated using CAD/CAM technology. In each group, the specimens were randomly assigned to five subgroups (n = 10) according to the surface treatment method: group 1 used was the control group (no surface treatment); group 2, was treated with air abrasion with 50 μm Al2O3(A) and universal adhesive (UA); group 3, was treated with air abrasion with 50 μm Al2O3(A) and silane coupling agent (S); group 4, was treated with hydrofluoric acid (HF) and universal adhesive (UA) and group 5, was treated with Hydrofluoric acid (HF) + silane coupling agent (S). The inlays were then cemented to their respective preparations using dual-cure self-adhesive resin cement (RelyX U200, 3 M ESPE) according to the manufacturer’s instructions. The µTBS test was conducted in all groups, and stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope were used to inspect the failure mode. The data were statistically analyzed using a two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey’s post-hoc multiple comparison tests at a significance level ofp < 0.05.

Results

Surface treatments significantly increased the µTBS of the materials compared to the control group (p < 0.05). For CAD/CAM RBCs, the µTBS value highest in group 2 whereas, for PICN, the µTBS value was highest in group 3. Cohesive failure of CAD/CAM restorative material was the most predominant mode of failure in all treated groups, whereas adhesive failure at restoration-cement interface was the most predominant failure mode in the control group.

Conclusion

Surface treatments increase the µTBS of resin-matrix CAD/CAM ceramics to tooth structure. Air abrasion followed by universal adhesive and hydrofluoric acid followed by silane application appears to be the best strategies for optimizing the bond strength of CAD/CAM RBCs and PICN respectively.
An evaluation of registered nurses’ experiences of person-centered care and competence after participating in a course in digital competence in care
Authors: Carlsson Malin , Alm Annika Kjällman , Rising Malin Holmström
Published: December 2022

Background

Health care’s rapid transition from in-person visits to more digital care meetings has challenged nurses to find new, sustainable ways of using digital technology.

Methods

The aim was to describe registered nurses’(RN) experiences with person-centred care (PCC) and competence after participating in a course in Digital Competence in Care (DCC). In this study, a qualitative descriptive design was used, and 16 individual interviews were carried out with RNs. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. The COREQ checklist was used in this study.

Results

The results were presented in four categories: being open to change and new ways of working with patients; struggling to handle requirements; developing new ways of working and focusing on patients despite the distance.

Conclusions

The DCC course helped develop RNs' skills and practice of PCC in digital care meetings. Training in digital care theory increased RNs' competence and facilitated the creation of new knowledge. The RNs' professional role was strengthened by participating in the changing of work routines. Digital care meetings were shown to be distance bridging and complementary to physical care meetings contributing to PCC. The increased availability of health care via digital means has affected the consumption of care and tailored education needs for RNs must be met by nursing education programs. Digital care is accessible, efficient and enables care regardless of geographical conditions, its innovative development needs to be based on science and experience and RNs are key personnel in this process.

Trial registration

Not applicable.
Culture of equine intestinal epithelial stem cells after delayed tissue storage for future applications
Authors: Stewart Amy Stieler , Schaaf Cecilia R. , Veerasammy Brittany , Freund John M. , Gonzalez Liara M.
Published: December 2022

Background

Equine intestinal epithelial stem cells (ISCs) serve as potential targets to treat horses with severe intestinal injury. The ability to isolate and store ISCs from intestinal biopsies creates an opportunity for both in vitro experiments to study ISC dynamics in a variety of intestinal diseases, and, in the future, utilize these cells as a possible therapy. If biopsies could be successfully stored prior to processing for ISCs, this would increase the availability of sample repositories for future experimental and therapeutic use. However, delayed culture of equine ISCs following prolonged sample storage has not been described. The objective of this study was to describe the isolation and culture of equine ISCs following delayed tissue storage. Small intestinal full thickness biopsies were collected post euthanasia. Fresh tissue was immediately processed or stored at 4 °C for 24, 48 and 72 h (H) before processing. Intestinal stem cells (crypts) were dissociated and cultured. Size, growth efficiency and proliferation potential were compared between resultant enteroids (“mini-guts”) derived from each storage timepoint. In a separate study, growth efficiency of cryopreserved crypts was compared to cryopreserved enteroid fragments to investigate prolonged storage techniques.

Results

Intestinal crypts were successfully isolated and cultured from all timepoints. At 72H post initial collection, the intestine was friable with epithelial sloughing; resultant dissociation yielded more partial crypts. Enteroids grown from crypts isolated at 72H were smaller with less proliferative potential (bud units, (median 6.5, 3.75–14.25)) than control (median 25, 15–28, p < 0.0001). No statistical differences were noted from tissues stored for 24H compared to control. Following cryopreservation, growth efficiency improved when cells were stored as enteroid fragments (median 81.6%, 66.2–109) compared to crypts (median 21.2%, 20–21.5, p = 0.01). The main limitations included a small sample size and lack of additional functional assays on enteroids.

Conclusions

Equine ISCs can be isolated and cultured after prolonged tissue storage. Resultant enteroids had minimal differences even after 24-48H of whole tissue storage. This suggests that ISCs could be isolated for several days from samples properly stored after procedures, including surgery or necropsy, and used to create ISC repositories for study or therapy of equine intestinal diseases.
Understanding patient barriers and facilitators to uptake of lung screening using low dose computed tomography: a mixed methods scoping review of the current literature
Authors: Cavers Debbie , Nelson Mia , Rostron Jasmin , Robb Kathryn A. , Brown Lynsey R. , Campbell Christine , Akram Ahsan R. , Dickie Graeme , Mackean Melanie , van Beek Edwin J. R. , Sullivan Frank , Steele Robert J. , Neilson Aileen R. , Weller David
Published: December 2022

Background

Targeted lung cancer screening is effective in reducing mortality by upwards of twenty percent. However, screening is not universally available and uptake is variable and socially patterned. Understanding screening behaviour is integral to designing a service that serves its population and promotes equitable uptake. We sought to review the literature to identify barriers and facilitators to screening to inform the development of a pilot lung screening study in Scotland.

Methods

We used Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review methodology and PRISMA-ScR framework to identify relevant literature to meet the study aims. Qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods primary studies published between January 2000 and May 2021 were identified and reviewed by two reviewers for inclusion, using a list of search terms developed by the study team and adapted for chosen databases.

Results

Twenty-one articles met the final inclusion criteria. Articles were published between 2003 and 2021 and came from high income countries. Following data extraction and synthesis, findings were organised into four categories: Awareness of lung screening, Enthusiasm for lung screening, Barriers to lung screening, and Facilitators or ways of promoting uptake of lung screening. Awareness of lung screening was low while enthusiasm was high. Barriers to screening included fear of a cancer diagnosis, low perceived risk of lung cancer as well as practical barriers of cost, travel and time off work. Being health conscious, provider endorsement and seeking reassurance were all identified as facilitators of screening participation.

Conclusions

Understanding patient reported barriers and facilitators to lung screening can help inform the implementation of future lung screening pilots and national lung screening programmes.
Advancing environmental health sciences through implementation science
Authors: Neta Gila , Martin Lindsey , Collman Gwen
Published: December 2022

Background

Environmental health sciences have identified and characterized a range of environmental exposures and their associated risk for disease, as well as informed the development of interventions, including recommendations, guidelines, and policies for mitigating exposure. However, these interventions only serve to mitigate exposures and prevent disease if they are effectively disseminated, adopted, implemented, and sustained.

Main body

Numerous studies have documented the enormous time lag between research and practice, noting that dissemination and implementation are not passive processes but rely on active and intentional strategies. Implementation science seeks to build the knowledge base for understanding strategies to effectively disseminate and implement evidence and evidence-based interventions, and thus, bridge the research-to-practice gap.

Conclusion

Environmental health researchers are well positioned to advance health promotion and disease prevention by incorporating implementation science into their work. This article describes the rationale for and key components of implementation science and articulates opportunities to build upon existing efforts to advance environmental health supported by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and National Institutes of Health broadly.
Factors that influence scope of practice of the five largest health care professions in Australia: a scoping review
Authors: Wiggins Desmond , Downie Aron , Engel Roger M. , Brown Benjamin T.
Published: December 2022

Introduction

A well-functioning health system delivers quality services to all people when and where they need them. To help navigate the complex realm of patient care, it is essential that health care professions have a thorough understanding of their scope of practice. However, a lack of uniformity regarding scope of practice across the regulated health professions in Australia currently exists. This has led to ambiguity about what comprises scope of practice in some health care professions in the region.

Objective

The objective of this review was to explore the literature on the factors that influence scope of practice of the five largest health care professions in Australia.

Methods

This study employed scoping review methodology to document the current state of the literature on factors that influence scope of practice of the five largest health care professions in Australia. The search was conducted using the following databases: AMED (Allied and Complementary Medicine Database), CINAHL (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Cochrane Library, EMBASE (Excerpta Medica Database), MANTIS (Manual, Alternative and Natural Therapy Index System), MEDLINE, PubMed, and SCOPUS. Additional data sources were searched from Google and ProQuest.

Results

A total of 12 771 publications were identified from the literature search. Twenty-three documents fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were included in the final analysis. Eight factors were identified across three professions (nursing & midwifery, pharmacy and physiotherapy) that influenced scope of practice: education, competency, professional identity, role confusion, legislation and regulatory policies, organisational structures, financial factors, and professional and personal factors.

Conclusion

The results of this study will inform a range of stakeholders including the private and public arms of the healthcare system, educators, employers, funding bodies, policymakers and practitioners about the factors that influence scope of practice of health professions in Australia.
Identification of comutation in signaling pathways to predict the clinical outcomes of immunotherapy
Authors: Qiu Jiayue , Li Xiangmei , He Yalan , Wang Qian , Li Ji , Wu Jiashuo , Jiang Ying , Han Junwei
Published: December 2022

Background

Immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) have emerged as a promising treatment for cancer. Recently, tumour mutational burden (TMB) and neoantigen load (NAL) have been proposed to be potential biomarkers to predict the efficacy of ICB; however, they were limited by difficulties in defining the cut-off values and inconsistent detection platforms. Therefore, it is critical to identify more effective predictive biomarkers for screening patients who will potentially benefit from immunotherapy. In this study, we aimed to identify comutated signaling pathways to predict the clinical outcomes of immunotherapy.

Methods

Here, we comprehensively analysed the signaling pathway mutation status of 9763 samples across 33 different cancer types from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) by mapping the somatic mutations to the pathways. We then explored the comutated pathways that were associated with increased TMB and NAL by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis and multiple linear regressions.

Results

Our results revealed that comutation of the Spliceosome (Sp) pathway and Hedgehog (He) signaling pathway (defined as SpHe-comut+) could be used as a predictor of increased TMB and NAL and was associated with increased levels of immune-related signatures. In seven independent immunotherapy cohorts, we validated that SpHe-comut+patients exhibited a longer overall survival (OS) or progression-free survival (PFS) and a higher objective response rate (ORR) than SpHe-comut−patients. Moreover, a combination of SpHe-comut status with PD-L1 expression further improved the predictive value for ICB therapy.

Conclusion

Overall, SpHe-comut+was demonstrated to be an effective predictor of immunotherapeutic benefit in seven independent immunotherapy cohorts and may serve as a potential and convenient biomarker for the clinical application of ICB therapy.
Associations between life’s essential 8 and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease among US adults
Authors: Wang Lili , Yi Jiayi , Guo Xinli , Ren Xiangpeng
Published: December 2022

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely associated with Cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aim to examine the association of Life’s Essential 8 (LE8), the recently updated measurement of cardiovascular health (CVH), with the presence of NAFLD among US adults.

Methods

This population-based cross-sectional study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey in 2017–2018 and included adults 20 years or older. LE8 score (range 0–100) was measured according to American Heart Association definitions and was categorized into low (0–49), moderate (50–79), and high (80–100) CVH. NAFLD was determined by transient elastography measured hepatic steatosis in the absence of other liver diseases and excess alcohol use. Multivariable logistic and restricted cubic spline models were used to assess the associations.

Results

Among 3588 participants included (weighted mean age, 48.0 years; 95% confidence interval [CI] 46.4–49.7 years), 1839 were female (weighted percentage, 51.6%; 95% CI 49.0–54.2%) and 1483 were determined to have NAFLD (weighted percentage, 36.5%; 95% CI 33.3–39.7%). The weighted mean LE8 score of the study population was 67.9 (95% CI 66.6–69.2). After the adjustment of potential confounders, higher LE8 scores were associated with reduced odds of NAFLD (odds ratio [OR] for per 10 score increase, 0.67; 95% CI 0.59–0.76) and a nonlinear dose–response relationship was observed. Similar patterns were also identified in the association of health behavior and health factor scores with NAFLD. The inversed association of LE8 score and NAFLD was significantly stronger among younger, Asian, and participants with higher education and income level.

Conclusions

LE8 and its subscales scores were negatively associated with the presence of NAFLD in non-linear fashions. Promoting adherence to optimal CVH levels may be beneficial to reduce the burden of NAFLD as well as CVD.
Donor support for Health Policy and Systems Research: barriers to financing and opportunities for overcoming them
Authors: Kentikelenis Alexander , Ghaffar Abdul , McKee Martin , Dal Zennaro Livia , Stuckler David
Published: December 2022

Background

The vast investments that have been made in recent decades in new medicines, vaccines, and technologies will only lead to improvements in health if there are appropriate and well-functioning health systems to make use of them. However, despite the growing acceptance by major global donors of the importance of health systems, there is an enthusiasm gap when it comes to disbursing funds needed to understand the intricacies of how, why and when these systems deliver effective interventions. To understand the reasons behind this, we open up the black box of donor decision-making vis-à-vis Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR) financing: what are the organizational processes behind the support for HPSR, and what are the barriers to increasing engagement?

Methods

We conducted 27 semi-structured interviews with staff of major global health funders, asking them about four key issues: motivations for HPSR financing; priorities in HPSR financing; barriers for increasing HPSR allocations; and challenges or opportunities for the future. We transcribed the interviews and manually coded responses.

Results

Our findings point to the growing appreciation that funders have of HPSR, even though it is often still seen as an ‘afterthought’ to larger programmatic interventions. In identifying barriers to funding HPSR, our informants emphasised the perceived lack of mandate and capacities of their organizations. For most funding organisations, a major barrier was that their leadership often voiced scepticism about HPSR’s long time horizons and limited ability to quantify results.

Conclusion

Meeting contemporary health challenges requires strong and effective health systems. By allocating more resources to HPSR, global donors can improve the quality of their interventions, and also contribute to building up a stock of knowledge that domestic policymakers and other funders can draw on to develop better targeted programmes and policies.
Sinonasal mucosal melanoma with smooth muscle differentiation: a potential pathological diagnostic pitfall
Authors: Tang Hao , He Yutao , Chen Ying , Xu Wenfeng , Xu Yujuan , Li Xianyun , Guo Deyu
Published: December 2022

Background

Sinonasal mucosal melanoma (SNMM) is a rare malignant melanoma originating from melanocytes derived from multipotent neural crest cells. Its incidence accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant melanomas, with five-year survival rate about 25 %. Occasionally, it is incredibly formidable to make a compelling diagnosis when malignant melanoma with other diverse differentiation.

Case presentation

Herein, we presented a 54-year-old male case of SNMM with smooth muscle differentiation, defined by histopathology and positive immunostaining for the smooth muscle specific markers of a-SMA, H-caldesmon, calponin and Desmin, as well as specific melanocyte markers of HMB-45, Melan-A, SOX10, and PNL2.

Conclusions

Mucosal melanoma with smooth muscle differentiation is remarkably infrequent, and reported only 4 cases to date. It would be a potential pathological diagnostic pitfall. It is important to understand this variation of malignant melanoma for avoiding misdiagnosis.
Achilles tendon thickness reduces immediately after a marathon
Authors: Scott Isabelle , Malliaras Peter , Tardioli Alex , Hales Sarah , Morrissey Dylan , Migliorini Filippo , Maffulli Nicola
Published: December 2022

Background

The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the immediate effect of running a marathon on Achilles tendon anteroposterior thickness.

Methods

In 25 runners who took part in the London marathon, ultrasonography was used to measure the Achilles tendon thickness pre- and immediately post-marathon and to identify any structural abnormalities indicating tendinopathy. Pain was recorded using a numerical rating scale at baseline and post-marathon. Twenty-one participants were included in the final analysis.

Results

Running a marathon resulted in a significant decrease (− 13%, p < 0.01) in anteroposterior diameter of the Achilles tendon immediately following the marathon. There was no change in the proportion of Achilles tendons with structural abnormalities (34%) or pain (12%) following the marathon (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Running a marathon resulted in an immediate reduction in anteroposterior diameter of the Achilles tendon. This finding may have implications for injury prevention and recovery following a marathon.
Histopathological and radiographical evaluation of caprine demineralized bone matrix in a critical ulnar defect in a rabbit model
Authors: Alimi Olawale Alimi , Abubakar Adamu Abdul , Yakubu Abubakar Sadiq , Shehu Sani Abdullahi , Abdulkadir Salman Zubairu
Published: December 2022

Background

Caprine species satisfy the conditions of an ideal donor animal when compared to bovine species that has been extensively studied and commercialized for bone xenograft. Histopathological and radiological evaluations of caprine demineralized bone matrix (CDBM) were therefore carried out for fracture healing properties for its possible use in bone grafting procedures.

Materials and methods

Twenty-four rabbits were used for this study and were divided randomly into three groups of eight (n = 8) rabbits each. Critical bone defect was created on the ulnar diaphysis under xylazine-ketamine anaesthesia for autogenous bone graft (ABG) group, CDBM group and the last group was left unfilled as negative control (NC). Immediate post-grafting radiograph was taken and repeated on days 14, 28, 42 and 56 to monitor the evidence of radiographic healing. The animals were euthanized on day 56 and defect sites were harvested for histopathology.

Results

There was a progressive evidence of radiographic healing and bone formation in all the groups with significance difference (P = 0.0064). When compared with ABG, NC differ significantly (P < 0.0001) whereas the CDBM did not differ significantly (P = 0.6765). The histopathology sections of ABG and CDBM showed normal bone tissue while the NC section was predominated by fibrous connective tissue. There was therefore an overall significant difference (P = 0.0001) in which CDBM did not differ from ABG (P = 0.2946) while NC did (P = 0.0005).

Conclusion

The ABG and CDBM groups showed a similar healing effect in the critical bone defect. Therefore, CDBM could be used as an effective alternative to ABG in orthopaedics to circumvent the limitations and complications associated with it.

Level of evidence

Not applicable.
TREM2 dependent and independent functions of microglia in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Hou Jinchao , Chen Yun , Grajales-Reyes Gary , Colonna Marco
Published: December 2022

Microglia are central players in brain innate immunity and have been the subject of extensive research in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In this review, we aim to summarize the genetic and functional discoveries that have advanced our understanding of microglia reactivity to AD pathology. Given the heightened AD risk posed by rare variants of the microglial triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2), we will focus on the studies addressing the impact of this receptor on microglia responses to amyloid plaques, tauopathy and demyelination pathologies in mouse and human. Finally, we will discuss the implications of recent discoveries on microglia and TREM2 biology on potential therapeutic strategies for AD.
Effect of high-flow oxygen versus T-piece ventilation strategies during spontaneous breathing trials on weaning failure among patients receiving mechanical ventilation: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lee Hong Yeul , Lee Jinwoo , Lee Sang-Min
Published: December 2022

Background

A spontaneous breathing trial (SBT) is used to determine whether patients are ready for extubation, but the best method for choosing the SBT strategy remains controversial. We investigated the effect of high-flow oxygen versus T-piece ventilation strategies during SBT on rates of weaning failure among patients receiving mechanical ventilation.

Methods

This randomized clinical trial was conducted from June 2019 through January 2022 among patients receiving mechanical ventilation for ≥ 12 h who fulfilled the weaning readiness criteria at a single-center medical intensive care unit. Patients were randomized to undergo either T-piece SBT or high-flow oxygen SBT. The primary outcome was weaning failure on day 2, and the secondary outcomes were weaning failure on day 7, ICU and hospital length of stay, and ICU and in-hospital morality.

Results

Of 108 patients (mean age, 67.0 ± 11.1 years; 64.8% men), 54 received T-piece SBT and 54 received high-flow oxygen SBT. Weaning failure on day 2 occurred in 5 patients (9.3%) in the T-piece group and 3 patients (5.6%) in the high-flow group (difference, 3.7% [95% CI, − 6.1–13.6]; p = 0.713). Weaning failure on day 7 occurred in 13 patients (24.1%) in the T-piece group and 7 patients (13.0%) in the high-flow group (difference, 11.1% [95% CI, − 3.4–25.6]; p = 0.215). A post hoc subgroup analysis showed that high-flow oxygen SBT was significantly associated with a lower rate of weaning failure on day 7 (OR, 0.17 [95% CI, 0.04–0.78]) among those patients intubated because of respiratory failure (p for interaction = 0.020). The ICU and hospital length of stay and mortality rates did not differ significantly between the two groups. During the study, no serious adverse events were recorded.

Conclusions

Among patients receiving mechanical ventilation, high-flow oxygen SBT did not significantly reduce the risk of weaning failure compared with T-piece SBT. However, the study may have been underpowered to detect a clinically important treatment effect for the comparison of high-flow oxygen SBT versus T-piece SBT, and a higher percentage of patients with simple weaning and a lower weaning failure rate than expected should be considered when interpreting the findings.

Clinical trial registration This trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov (number NCT03929328) on April 26, 2019.
Dietary and lifestyle associations with microbiome diversity
Authors: Watson Katherine M. , Siemens Kyla N. , Anand Sudarshan , Gardner Ivy H. , Sharpton Thomas J. , Dewey Elizabeth N. , Martindale Robert , Gaulke Christopher A. , Tsikitis Vassiliki Liana
Published: December 2022

Background

Microbial dysbiosis has been closely linked with colorectal cancer development. However, data is limited regarding the relationship of the mucosal microbiome, adenomatous polyps and dietary habits. Understanding these associations may elucidate pathways for risk stratification according to diet.

Results

Patients undergoing screening colonoscopy were included in our prospective, single center study and divided into adenoma or no adenoma cohorts. Oral, fecal, and mucosal samples were obtained. Microbial DNA was extracted, and amplicon libraries generated using primers for the 16S rRNA gene V4 region. Patient and dietary information was collected. Of 104 participants, 44% presented with polyps, which were predominantly tubular adenomas (87%). Adenoma formation and multiple patient dietary and lifestyle characteristics were associated with mucosal microbiome diversity. Lifestyle factors included age, body mass index, adenoma number, and dietary consumption of red meats, processed meats, vegetables, fruit, grain, fermented foods and alcohol.

Conclusion

In this study we showed associations between dietary habits, adenoma formation and the mucosal microbiome. These early findings suggest that ongoing research into diet modification may help reduce adenoma formation and subsequently the development of CRC.
Job scheduling problem in fog-cloud-based environment using reinforced social spider optimization
Authors: Kuppusamy P. , Kumari N. Marline Joys , Alghamdi Wael Y. , Alyami Hashem , Ramalingam Rajakumar , Javed Abdul Rehman , Rashid Mamoon
Published: December 2022

Fog computing is an emerging research domain to provide computational services such as data transmission, application processing and storage mechanism. Fog computing consists of a set of fog server machines used to communicate with the mobile user in the edge network. Fog is introduced in cloud computing to meet data and communication needs for Internet of Things (IoT) devices. However, the vital challenges in this system are job scheduling, which is solved by examining the makespan, minimizing energy depletion and proper resource allocation. In this paper, we introduced a reinforced strategy Dynamic Opposition Learning based Social Spider Optimization (DOLSSO) Algorithm to enhance individual superiority and schedule workflow in Fog computing. The extensive experiments were conducted using the FogSim simulator to generate the dataset and an energy-efficient open-source tool utilized to model and simulate resource management in fog computing. The performance of the formulated model is ratified using two test cases. The proposed algorithm attained the optimized schedule with minimized cost function concerning the CPU processing period and assigned memory. Our simulation outcomes show the efficacy of the introduced technique in handling job scheduling issues, and the results are contrasted with five existing metaheuristic techniques. The results show that the proposed method achieves 10% - 15% better CPU utilization and 5%-10% less energy consumption than the other techniques.
Sodium butyrate alleviates deoxynivalenol-induced hepatic cholesterol metabolic dysfunction via RORγ-mediated histone acetylation modification in weaning piglets
Authors: Zong Qiufang , Qu Huan , Zhao Yahui , Liu Haoyu , Wu Shenglong , Wang Shuai , Bao Wenbin , Cai Demin
Published: December 2022

Background

Cholesterol is an essential component of lipid rafts in cell plasma membrane, which exerts a hepatoprotective role against mycotoxin exposure in pigs, and cholesterol metabolism is vulnerable to epigenetic histone acetylation. Therefore, our present study aimed to investigate whether a histone deacetylase inhibitor (sodium butyrate [NaBu]) could protect the porcine liver from deoxynivalenol (DON) exposure by modulating cholesterol metabolism. Herein, we randomly divided 28 pigs into four groups, which were fed an uncontaminated basal diet, contaminated diet (4 mg DON/kg), uncontaminated diet supplemented with 0.2% NaBu or 4 mg/kg DON contaminated diet (4 mg DON/kg) supplemented with 0.2% NaBu for 28 d.

Results

We found that the serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were all increased in pigs exposed to DON, indicative of significant liver injury. Furthermore, the cholesterol content in the serum of DON-exposed pigs was significantly reduced, compared to the healthy Vehicle group. Transcriptome analysis of porcine liver tissues revealed that the cholesterol homeostasis pathway was highly enriched due to DON exposure. In which we validated by qRT-PCR and western blotting that the cholesterol program was markedly activated. Importantly, NaBu effectively restored parameters associated with liver injury, along with the cholesterol content and the expression of key genes involved in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. Mechanistically, we performed a ChIP-seq analysis of H3K27ac and showed that NaBu strongly diminished DON-increased H3K27ac genome-wide enrichment. We further validated that the elevated H3K27ac and H3K9ac occupancies on cholesterol biosynthesis genes were both decreased by NaBu, as determined by ChIP-qPCR analysis. Notably, nuclear receptor RORγ, a novel regulator of cholesterol biosynthesis, was found in the hyperacetylated regions. Again, a remarkable increase of RORγ at both mRNA and protein levels in DON-exposed porcine livers was drastically reduced by NaBu. Consistent with RORγ expression, NaBu also hindered RORγ transcriptional binding enrichments on these activated cholesterol biosynthesis genes like HMGCR, SQLE, and DHCR24. Furthermore, we conducted an in vitro luciferase reporter assay to verify that porcine RORγ directly bonds to the promoters of the above target genes.

Conclusions

Collectively, our results demonstrate the utility of the natural product NaBu as a potential anti-mycotoxin nutritional strategy for regulating cholesterol metabolism via RORγ-mediated histone acetylation modification.
Data analytics for crop management: a big data view
Authors: Chergui Nabila , Kechadi Mohand Tahar
Published: December 2022

Recent advances in Information and Communication Technologies have a significant impact on all sectors of the economy worldwide. Digital Agriculture appeared as a consequence of the democratisation of digital devices and advances in artificial intelligence and data science. Digital agriculture created new processes for making farming more productive and efficient while respecting the environment. Recent and sophisticated digital devices and data science allowed the collection and analysis of vast amounts of agricultural datasets to help farmers, agronomists, and professionals understand better farming tasks and make better decisions. In this paper, we present a systematic review of the application of data mining techniques to digital agriculture. We introduce the crop yield management process and its components while limiting this study to crop yield and monitoring. After identifying the main categories of data mining techniques for crop yield monitoring, we discuss a panoply of existing works on the use of data analytics. This is followed by a general analysis and discussion on the impact of big data on agriculture.
Development of miniaturized pick-up amplification circuit for plasma particle detectors on board satellites
Authors: Kikukawa Motoyuki , Asamura Kazushi , Zushi Takahiro , Kurita Satoshi , Kojima Hirotsugu
Published: December 2022

Plasma particles and waves are important observation targets in space plasmas for understanding the mechanisms of energy and momentum transfer between waves and particles because space plasmas are essentially collisionless. Multi-point observations are crucial for understanding the spatial–temporal variations of space plasmas. To realize such observations by a large number of satellites, onboard instruments should be miniaturized to reduce their required resources. This paper proposes a small amplifier for plasma particle detectors onboard satellites. This charge-sensitive amplifier converts an electron cloud emitted from the detector, for example a microchannel plate, to a current pulse that can be handled by a time-of-flight measurement circuit to determine the particle velocity and thus mass. The amplifier is realized using application-specific integrated circuit technology to minimize size. Its dimensions are estimated to be $$2120\,\mathrm{ \mu m }\times 1680\,\mathrm{ \mu m}$$

2120

μ
m

×
1680

μ
m

, which are much smaller than those of a conventional amplifier. The response time of the proposed amplifier has a variation of less than $$1.2\,\mathrm{ ns}$$

1.2

ns

over the range of expected input levels. The amplifier can handle up to $$2\times {10}^{7}$$

2
×

10

7

signals per second and has a sensitivity of $$1.5\,\mathrm{ V}/\mathrm{pC}$$

1.5

V
/
pC

at $$20\,\mathrm{^\circ{\rm C} }$$

20

∘

C

.

Graphical Abstract
Early biomarkers of extracapsular extension of prostate cancer using MRI-derived semantic features
Authors: Guerra Adalgisa , Alves Filipe Caseiro , Maes Kris , Joniau Steven , Cassis João , Maio Rui , Cravo Marília , Mouriño Helena
Published: December 2022

Background

To construct a model based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features and histological and clinical variables for the prediction of pathology-detected extracapsular extension (pECE) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa).

Methods

We performed a prospective 3 T MRI study comparing the clinical and MRI data on pECE obtained from patients treated using robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) at our institution. The covariates under consideration were prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, the patient’s age, prostate volume, and MRI interpretative features for predicting pECE based on the Prostate Imaging–Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) version 2.0 (v2), as well as tumor capsular contact length (TCCL), length of the index lesion, and prostate biopsy Gleason score (GS). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were applied to explore the statistical associations and construct the model. We also recruited an additional set of participants—which included 59 patients from external institutions—to validate the model.

Results

The study participants included 185 patients who had undergone RARP at our institution, 26% of whom were pECE+ (i.e., pECE positive). Significant predictors of pECE+ were TCCL, capsular disruption, measurable ECE on MRI, and a GS of ≥7(4 + 3) on a prostate biopsy. The strongest predictor of pECE+ is measurable ECE on MRI, and in its absence, a combination of TCCL and prostate biopsy GS was significantly effective for detecting the patient’s risk of being pECE+. Our predictive model showed a satisfactory performance at distinguishing between patients with pECE+ and patients with pECE−, with an area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.90 (86.0–95.8%), high sensitivity (86%), and moderate specificity (70%).

Conclusions

Our predictive model, based on consistent MRI features (i.e., measurable ECE and TCCL) and a prostate biopsy GS, has satisfactory performance and sufficiently high sensitivity for predicting pECE+. Hence, the model could be a valuable tool for surgeons planning preoperative nerve sparing, as it would reduce positive surgical margins.
The effect of piglet vitality, birth order, and blood lactate on the piglet growth performances and preweaning survival
Authors: Uddin Md Karim , Hasan Shah , Peltoniemi Olli , Oliviero Claudio
Published: December 2022

Background

Litter size is going up in modern pig production. Due to large litter size and increased farrowing duration, newborn piglets, during parturition, can suffer from asphyxiation. This alters their blood energy parameters and can contribute to their reduced vitality at birth, which is detrimental to their growth performance and survival. We aimed to evaluate the effects of vitality score, piglets’ umbilical cord blood lactate, glucose, and butyrate, and birth order on growth performance and the preweaning mortality of piglets.

Results

The more vital (vitality score 2, VS2) piglets had higher umbilical cord blood glucose and butyrate, lower blood lactate, and higher colostrum intake (CI) at birth, and showed higher body weight at birth and at weaning than did less vital piglets (vitality score 1, VS1). Umbilical cord lactate negatively correlated with vitality, colostrum intake, and growth before weaning. Among the four birth-order groups (BOGs), piglets born earlier during parturition had a higher mean vitality score than those born later. BOG1 and BOG2 had significantly higher CI (p < 0.05) than BOG3 and BOG4.

Conclusion

Changes in piglets’ body weight, colostrum intake, and umbilical cord lactate are associated with piglet vitality and asphyxiation during farrowing. In addition, asphyxiation induced higher umbilical cord lactate may serve as an indicator of low vitality and low colostrum consumption. Overall, improvement in piglets’ vitality and in the farrowing process can help in reducing piglet mortality.