bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of the ability of recombinant oncolytic adenovirus, doxorubicin and tamoxifen to inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells
Authors: Li Shanzhi , Li Zhuoxin , Li Yiquan , Zhu Yilong , Han Jicheng , Li Wenjie , Jin Ningyi , Fang Jinbo , Li Xiao , Zhu Guangze
Published: September 2022

In this study, we compared the inhibitory effects of recombinant oncolytic adenovirus (Ad‐apoptin‐hTERTp‐E1a, Ad‐VT) with that of doxorubicin (DOX), a first‐line chemotherapy drug, and tamoxifen (TAM), an endocrine therapy drug, on the proliferation of breast cancer cells. We found that Ad‐VT could effectively inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells (p < 0.01); the inhibition rate of Ad‐VT on normal mammary epithelial MCF‐10A cells was less than 20%. DOX can effectively inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells and also has a strong inhibitory effect on MCF‐10A cells (p < 0.01). TAM also has a strong inhibitory effect on breast cancer cells, among which the oestrogen‐dependent MCF‐7 cell inhibition was stronger (p < 0.01), At higher concentrations, TAM also had a high rate of inhibition (>70%) on the proliferation of MCF‐10A cells. We also found that both recombinant adenovirus and both drugs could successfully induce tumour cell apoptosis. Further Western blot results showed that the recombinant adenovirus killed breast cancer cells through the endogenous apoptotic pathway. Analysis of the nude mouse subcutaneous breast cancer model showed that Ad‐VT significantly inhibited tumour growth (the luminescence rate of cancer cells was reduced by more than 90%) and improved the survival rate of tumour‐bearing mice (p < 0.01). Compared with DOX and TAM, Ad‐VT has a significant inhibitory effect on breast cancer cells, but almost no inhibitory effect on normal breast epithelial cells, and this inhibitory effect is mainly through the endogenous apoptotic pathway. These results indicate that Ad‐VT has significant potential as a drug for the treatment of breast cancer.
The influence of sodium alginate and sodium alginate/WPI as coating material on microcapsules of Jujube extract produced by spray dryer
Authors: Khoshdouni Farahani Zahra , Mousavi Mohamad , Seyedain Ardebili Mahdi , Bakhoda Hossein
Published: September 2022

The aim of the research was to study the impact of various carrier types (sodium alginate and blend of sodium alginate with WPI) on the physicochemical, structural, and thermal characteristics of Jujube extract powder fabricated by spray drying. TPC and antioxidant activity, solubility, moisture, EE, powder yield, DSC, particle size, and morphology of powders were surveyed. The use of WPI resulted in powders with less moisture (10%), lower solubility (98.04%), and better powder yield (22.50%). WPI‐produced powders showed the best retention of polyphenolic compounds (2949.2 mg/L) and the highest activity of the encapsulation efficiency (70.93%), and moreover, they had a higher Tg (68.50°C), indicating powders that were more stable during storage. All samples showed a large number of spherical particles along with a number of indented particles, and these indentations were more common in protein capsules. In terms of particle diameter, the particles produced with alginate were smaller (6.51 μm). It can be stated that the particles containing proteins can have more effective and efficient outcomes.

Novelty impact statement

Both sodium alginate and sodium alginate/WPI powders were loaded with jujube extract (JE) by spray dryer. The encapsulation efficiency of jujube extract in sodium alginate/WPI powders was more. Incorporation of WPI to sodium alginate increased yield, moisture, solubility, and TPC and preserved jujube extract effectively.
Water sorption isotherms of different sodium alginates: Thermodynamic evaluation and influence of mannuronate‐guluronate copolymers
Authors: Montes Leticia , Gisbert Mauro , Moreira Ramón
Published: September 2022

Water desorption isotherms of three alginates with different structural features were determined at 25, 37, and 50°C. The Halsey model was selected to fit the equilibrium water sorption data. Differential and integral enthalpy and entropy were estimated for tested alginates. Optimal storage conditions of tested alginates (moisture content from 0.15 to 0.20 kg water/kg dry solid and relative humidity from 35% to 50%) were determined from the maximum and minimum integral enthalpy and entropy values, respectively. A model was proposed to estimate the water sorption isotherms of alginates based on the alginate monomers (mannuronate, M, and guluronate, G) at low water activity (<0.4). M fraction was mainly responsible for the hygroscopicity of alginates. Alginates with similar G fraction showed different hygroscopic features by the presence of more homopolymeric G blocks that could form helical structures at low moisture content, decreasing the water affinity.

Practical applications

Determination of water sorption isotherms is fundamental to determine the optimal storage conditions at different temperatures. Their knowledge is essential for designing drying equipment, selecting adequately drying conditions (temperature and relative humidity of air) and drying time. Mathematical models are useful to estimate equilibrium moisture content in wide ranges of water activity and temperature. The thermodynamic study also provides valuable information about energy consumption and consequently operational costs. In this case, high content of mannuronate, M, increases the hygroscopic character of alginates, but the optimal moisture content of dried alginates to achieve maximum stability during storing varies in a narrow interval (0.15–0.20 kg water/kg dry solid).
Nutritional, technological, and sensory changes induced by different drying methods on purees made with Andean grains
Authors: Jimenez Dolores , Lobo Manuel , Mota Carla , Castanheira Isabel , Sammán Norma
Published: September 2022

A fresh baby puree (FP) was elaborated with quinoa and amaranth flours (native and germinated), and the nutritional, technological, and sensory changes induced by different drying methods were investigated: lyophilization (LD), forced convection (CD), and extrusion (ED). FP had an amino acids content appropriate for baby consumption; ED had lower digestibility (75%) compared with CD (82%) and LD (83%). ED had the highest water absorption capacity (2.2 g/g). Rehydrated LD had the lightest color (L* = 67), while rehydrated ED (L* = 59) was the darkest. Rehydrated ED had the highest hardness (335 N), adhesiveness (1199 N.m), and chewiness (209 N). Both rehydrated LD and CD were described as having an intense, bitter, and strange flavor; while rehydrated ED was described as dark, consistent, sweet, fruity, and presented the best acceptability. Therefore, the appropriate method to obtain dehydrated baby purees was extrusion.

Novelty impact statement

Babies are a vulnerable age group because they have an underdeveloped digestive system; therefore, the use of nutritionally improved foods, such as those obtained from germination, could give added value to the products developed for them. In this study, the characteristics of a gluten‐free baby puree formulated with germinated Andean grains were highlighted; furthermore, as the dehydration could increase the shelf life and availability of the puree, it was dried by different methods. The rheological, textural, and sensory characteristics of the rehydrated puree were studied, leaving for later publications the study of the generation of anti‐nutritional or toxic compounds during drying.
The diagnostic yield of pan‐enteric capsule endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tamilarasan Aravind Gokul , Tran Yvonne , Paramsothy Sudarshan , Leong Rupert
Published: September 2022

Background and Aim

Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a non‐invasive diagnostic modality enabling real time video imaging of the gastrointestinal (GI) mucosa. Pan‐enteric capsule endoscopy (PCE) is now able to thoroughly assess the entire GI tract, including for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of PCEs in IBD.

Methods

We comprehensively searched electronic databases (MEDLINE, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) for studies comparing the diagnostic accuracy of PCE with endoscopic evaluation, intestinal ultrasound or magnetic resonance enterography (MRE). Data were analyzed by calculating forest plots and the use of the I2 statistic for heterogeneity.

Results

Fourteen studies were identified, with seven studies evaluating PCE diagnostic yield in Crohn's disease (CD) and seven studies in ulcerative colitis (UC). In CD, there was a trend to superiority of PCE over MRE and colonoscopy with a pooled odds ratio (OR) of 1.25 (95% CI, 0.85–1.86%) for the detection of CD. This translates to an increased diagnostic yield of 5% and 7% for PCE compared with MRE and colonoscopy, respectively. PCEs had a diagnostic sensitivity for the detection of UC of 93.8% (95% CI, 87.6–97.0%) and a specificity of 69.8% (95% CI, 38.2–89.6%).

Conclusion

PCEs have a comparable diagnostic yield to colonoscopy and MRE in Crohn's disease. The major difficulty remains standardization of PCE scoring systems and the lack of transmural assessment. In UC, PCE has an excellent diagnostic sensitivity and positive predictive value, but there are limitations to its use including the lack of histologic assessment and poor specificity.
Which therapist perceptions best predict client outcomes? A naturalistic examination
Authors: Wu Qiong , McWey Lenore M. , Ledermann Thomas
Published: September 2022

Examining associations between therapists' perceptions of therapy sessions and client‐reported outcomes in naturalistic settings (real‐life therapy settings) can provide valuable guidance for the assessment, treatment, and monitoring of clients. This study included data of 1334 sessions from 127 clients (86 individual and 41 couple cases) and 15 therapists, collected at a therapy training center. Clients reported their personal functioning and individual symptoms before each session. Therapists rated clients' participation, receptivity, session progress, goal progress, and therapeutic alliance at the end of each therapy session. Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling analyses revealed that therapist‐rated client participation and goal progress predicted better personal functioning, beyond clients' previous personal functioning scores. In contrast, none of therapist‐rated session variables predicted clients' individual symptoms, beyond previous symptom scores. Power analyses suggested sufficient statistical power to detect small effect sizes. Findings of the current study have clinical implications for treatment planning and progress monitoring.
Exploring the combination of tumor‐stroma ratio, tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes, and tumor budding with WHO histopathological grading on early‐stage oral squamous cell carcinoma prognosis
Authors: Silva Gabriela Vivili Domingues , da Silva Dolens Eder , Paranaíba Lívia Máris Ribeiro , Ayroza Ana Lúcia Carrinho , Gurgel Rocha Clarissa Araujo , Almangush Alhadi , Salo Tuula , Brennan Peter A. , Coletta Ricardo D.
Published: September 2022

Background

While the relevance of the World Health Organization histopathological grading system as a prognostic tool for oral squamous cell carcinoma has received many critics, other histopathological features such as tumor‐stroma ratio, tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes, and tumor budding are displaying promising results. Here, we evaluated the prognostic impact of the incorporation of tumor‐stroma ratio, tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes, and tumor budding into World Health Organization histopathological grading for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Methods

A total of 95 patients with early‐stage oral squamous cell carcinoma were enrolled in the study, and World Health Organization tumor grading, tumor‐stroma ratio, tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes, and tumor budding were evaluated in surgical slides stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Survival analyses for cancer‐specific survival and disease‐free survival were performed using Cox regression models, and receiver operating characteristic curves were applied for assessment of the performance of the combinations.

Results

Tumor‐stroma ratio (stroma‐rich) was significantly and independently associated with both shortened cancer‐specific survival and poor disease‐free survival, individually and in combination with World Health Organization histopathological grading. The combination of tumor‐stroma ratio with World Health Organization grading did not improve the discriminatory ability compared to tumor‐stroma ratio alone. Although low tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes were associated with shortened cancer‐specific survival, the association did not withstand multivariate analysis. However, in combination with World Health Organization grading, low tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes were independently associated with poor cancer‐specific survival. The combination of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes and World Health Organization histopathological grading displayed a better discrimination of poor cancer‐specific survival than tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes alone, but not at a significant level.

Conclusion

Our findings support tumor‐stroma ratio as a potential prognostic marker for patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma, and the incorporation of tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes into the World Health Organization grading system improves the prognostic ability of the tumor grading alone.
Noradrenaline use for neonatal circulatory support
Authors: Hong Lisa , Davies Mark , Whitfield Karen
Published: September 2022

Aim

Noradrenaline (NA) has been used in preterm and term infants for circulatory support due to conditions including sepsis and pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Treatment in neonates varies widely between institutions and respective neonatologists. The aim of this study is to determine the indications, use and effects of NA in preterm and term infants requiring circulatory support at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital neonatal intensive care unit. We also aim to determine whether there were any differences between neonates who survived versus those who died after NA treatment.

Methods

Data were collected from Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital neonatal unit database including preterm and term infants between 1 January 2016 and 31 May 2021. Analysis included indication for use, blood pressure response, perfusion parameters, haemodynamic indicators and adverse effects.

Results

NA treatment was documented in 37 patients requiring treatment of cardiovascular compromise. In 11 (30%) of these infants the indication for use was due to sepsis, 19 (51%) infants had pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, and 7 (19%) infants were diagnosed with hypotension prior to NA administration. Infants who subsequently died (49%) represented a younger gestational age population and exhibited worse cardiac compromise prior to NA administration. Tachycardia occurred in 15 (31%) infants and 1 (2.7%) infant developed transient hypertension. Overall improvement in poor tissue perfusion was seen after NA use.

Conclusion

NA use in treating neonates requiring circulatory support appears to be effective. Further prospective trials into NA use as a first‐ or second‐line inotropic agent would be valuable.
Canonical and noncanonical pyroptosis are both activated in periodontal inflammation and bone resorption
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wu Zhiwu , Li Mingming , Yang Jin , Cheng Ran , Hu Tao
Published: September 2022

Background and Objective

Pyroptosis has both a caspase‐1‐dependent canonical pathway and a caspase‐4/‐5/‐11‐dependent noncanonical pathway. They play an important role in inflammatory damage and related diseases. Canonical pyroptosis was reported to be involved in periodontitis. However, knowledge of caspase‐4/‐5/‐11‐dependent noncanonical pathway involvement remains limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the outcomes of pyroptosis inhibition on periodontitis as well as the possible mechanism, in order to provide a potential target for alleviating periodontitis.

Methods

Human and rat periodontitis tissues were collected for immunohistochemistry (IHC). Micro‐computed tomography was used to assess alveolar bone loss in experimental periodontitis model. Pyroptosis‐related proteins were tested by western blot. propidium iodide staining and lactate dehydrogenase release were used to verify pyroptosis activation. RNA sequencing was applied to investigate the preliminary mechanism of the reduced periodontal inflammation induced by YVAD‐CHO.

Results

Both canonical‐ and noncanonical‐related proteins were detected in human and rat periodontitis tissue. The pyroptosis‐inhibited group demonstrated less inflammatory response and bone absorption. In vitro, pyroptosis was activated by lipopolysaccharide and inhibited by YVAD‐CHO. RNA sequencing demonstrated that the expression of A20 and IκB‐ζ was increased and verified by western blot in vitro and IHC in vivo.

Conclusion

These results suggest that inhibition of pyroptosis‐reduced inflammation and alveolar bone resorption in periodontitis.
Risk of drug‐induced liver injury in chronic hepatitis B and tuberculosis co‐infection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chou Christina , Veracruz Nicolette , Chitnis Amit S. , Wong Robert J.
Published: September 2022

Patients with tuberculosis (TB) disease treated with multi‐drug regimens are at risk of developing drug induced liver injury (DILI), and DILI risk might be even higher in patients with underlying liver disease. We aimed to evaluate whether underlying chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and TB co‐infection are associated with a higher risk of TB therapy‐related DILI. We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis using MEDLINE/PubMed from inception to 31 December 2021. Primary outcome assessed was development of DILI following multi‐drug TB treatment. Meta‐analysis using random‐effects models were utilized to evaluate whether underlying chronic HBV was associated with increased risk of DILI in patients undergoing active TB treatment. A total of 10 studies met inclusion criteria to be analysed, among which 520 patients had HBV‐TB co‐infection and 2988 patients had active TB disease without HBV. Prevalence of DILI was 21.9% in HBV‐TB co‐infected patients and 11.9% in TB patients without HBV. On meta‐analysis, HBV‐TB co‐infected patients had significantly higher risk of DILI when treated with TB therapies compared with TB patients without HBV (pooled risk ratio 1.98, 95% CI 1.38–2.83, I2 = 68%). Sub‐analysis of prospective cohort studies conducted after year 2000 detected a pooled risk ratio of 2.75 (95% CI 2.10–3.59, I2 = 0%). In conclusion, HBV‐TB co‐infected patients undergoing multi‐drug TB therapy have 2–3 times higher risk of DILI compared with TB patients without HBV. Routine HBV screening prior to initiation of TB therapy is critical for early identification of HBV‐TB co‐infection, so that clinicians can modify TB and HBV treatment and management to reduce risks of DILI.
Supporting women with learning disabilities in infant feeding decisions: UK health care professionals' experiences
Authors: Dowling Sally , Douglass Emma , Lucas Geraldine , Johnson Clare
Published: September 2022

Women with learning disabilities are less likely to breastfeed than other women. They may find it hard to understand or learn feeding techniques or know that they have infant feeding choices. This population may be supported during their pregnancies by a range of professionals with differing priorities and responsibilities towards both the mother and the baby. This puts considerable pressure on health care professionals including, but not limited to, midwives, infant feeding specialists, health visitors and learning disability nurses. Those who support women with learning disabilities through their journey into motherhood have a responsibility to ensure the women in their care have the information they need to make decisions about a range of issues, including infant feeding. In the absence of dedicated lactation consultants, this is one of many issues to be discussed within time‐limited appointments. Little is known about the experience of supporting women with learning disabilities to make infant feeding decisions from the point of view of health professionals. Using a qualitative descriptive research design, we conducted online, semistructured interviews with seven UK health professionals about their experience of supporting women with learning disabilities in infant feeding. Thematic analysis identified three themes: the importance of health professionals' having unconditional, positive regard; the need for an individualised approach to supporting women to make infant‐feeding decisions; and being part of the support network. This suggests that women with learning disabilities can make and put into practice infant feeding decisions if they have access to the right support at the right time.
Reflections on the nursing theory movement
Authors: Thorne Sally
Published: September 2022

This manuscript represents one segment of a philosophical conversation held in a virtual webinar in February 2021 to consider some of the current debates in nursing theory, education and practice, and their relationship to philosophy. The webinar was sponsored by the International Philosophy of Nursing Society and the Centre for Nursing Philosophy at University of California, Irvine as an opportunity provide a venue for important philosophical and theoretical thinking to a wide audience of nurse educators and practitioners around the world.
Foraging personalities modify effects of habitat fragmentation on biodiversity
Authors: Rohwäder Marie‐Sophie , Jeltsch Florian
Published: September 2022

Habitat loss undeniably poses a substantial threat to biodiversity, but whether fragmentation per se drives the loss of species is still widely debated. While negative consequences from fragmentation are often anticipated, many empirical studies report positive effects. However, the intrinsic mechanisms governing species' persistence in fragmented landscapes are not yet understood. In this study we investigated consistent personality‐dependent differences in foraging behavior among individuals as a possible mechanism underlying the discrepancy of reported fragmentation effects. We devised a mechanistic individual‐based model simulating the home range behavior of a competitive small mammal community based on the availability of a shared resource. Thereby, an individual's risk‐taking behavior dictates its foraging decisions at risky habitat edges, an inherent property of fragmentation per se. Our simulations show that differences in risk‐taking while foraging are potentially a further mechanism contributing to reconcile the fragmentation debate. The first scenario considering risk‐seeking communities showed a neutral response towards fragmentation, while the second scenario featuring risk‐avoiding communities confirmed the negative effects of fragmentation. Notably, the third scenario, simulating behaviorally diverse communities including risk‐avoiding and risk‐seeking individuals, demonstrated a positive influence of fragmentation on biodiversity. Intraspecific differences in behavior could also enhance the temporal species coexistence (coviability) of communities threatened by an ongoing habitat loss. Our study highlights the importance of recognizing the behavioral composition of populations and communities for estimating fragmentation effects, because differences in risk‐taking can influence the coping abilities of animal communities in light of fragmentation.
Photodynamic Therapy for Bladder Cancers, A Focused Review†
Authors: Rahman Kazi Md Mahabubur , Giram Prabhanjan , Foster Barbara A. , You Youngjae
Published: September 2022

Bladder cancer is the first cancer for which PDT was clinically approved in 1993. Unfortunately, it was unsuccessful due to side effects like bladder contraction. Here, we summarized the recent progress of PDT for bladder cancers, focusing on photosensitizers and formulations. General strategies to minimize side effects are intravesical administration of photosensitizers, use of targeting strategies for photosensitizers and better control of light. Non‐muscle invasive bladder cancers are more suitable for PDT than muscle invasive and metastatic bladder cancers. In 2010, the FDA approved blue light cystoscopy, using PpIX fluorescence, for photodynamic diagnosis of non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer. PpIX produced from HAL was also used in PDT but was not successful due to low therapeutic efficacy. To enhance the efficacy of PpIX‐PDT, we have been working on combining it with singlet oxygen‐activatable prodrugs. The use of these prodrugs increases the therapeutic efficacy of the PpIX‐PDT. It also improves tumor selectivity of the prodrugs due to the preferential formation of PpIX in cancer cells resulting in decreased off‐target toxicity. Future challenges include improving prodrugs and light delivery across the bladder barrier to deeper tumor tissue and generating an effective therapeutic response in an In vivo setting without causing collateral damage to bladder function.
Current knowledge about the processes of luteolysis and maternal recognition of pregnancy in camelids
Authors: Bianchi Carolina Paula , Gallelli Maria F. , Herrera Juan Manuel , Benavente Micaela A. , Rossetto Liliana , Aba Marcelo Alfredo
Published: September 2022

Camelids have many unique reproductive features that considerably differ from those of other domestic species. Females are induced ovulators with subsequent development of a corpus luteum (CL) with a short lifespan. Plasma progesterone concentration starts to increase on day 4, peaks on day 8–9 and, in non‐pregnant animals, basal concentration is reached around day 10–11 post‐induction of ovulation. Luteolytic pulses of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) are firstly detected on day 7 or 8 (approximately on day 5–6 after ovulation), with maximal luteolytic peaks observed between days 9 and 11 post‐mating, in coincidence with a high endometrial expression of cyclooxygenase 2, a limiting enzyme in prostaglandins synthesis. Unlike other species, oxytocin seems not to be involved in the luteolytic process in these species. The CL is the main source of progesterone secretion, and its function is required to support pregnancy. Despite constant research efforts, aspects of reproduction and maternal recognition of pregnancy in camelids remain not fully understood. A transient decrease and subsequent recovery in plasma progesterone concentration are observed after day 9 post‐mating in pregnant animals in association with a pulsatile release of PGF2α and a transitory decrease in CL vascularization. Thus, embryo recognition should occur between days 8 and 12 post‐mating. In camels, conceptus tissues exhibit aromatizing activity with the capacity to synthesize large amounts of oestradiol. Similarly, llama blastocysts secrete oestradiol‐17β during the preimplantation stage, with a higher production during the elongation period. An increase in the endometrial expression of oestrogen receptor α is also observed on day 12 post‐mating. All these evidences suggest that oestrogen could be the signal released by the embryo at the time of its recognition in camelids. Besides, nearly 98% of pregnancies are carried out in the left horn. A decrease in the endometrial expression of mucin 1 and 16 genes has been reported, suggesting that these changes are crucial for successful embryo implantation; however, no differences have been observed between horns. Thus, maternal recognition of pregnancy in camelids is a particularly complex process that must occur in a concise time to allow the rescue of the CL and embryo survival.
Land–sea linkages depend on macroalgal species, predator invasion history in a New Zealand archipelago
Authors: Jones Holly P. , Borrelle Stephanie B. , Rankin Lyndsay L.
Published: September 2022

Seabirds on islands create a circular seabird economy—they feed in the ocean, transport marine‐derived nutrients onshore to their breeding colonies, and then seabird‐derived nutrients runoff into the ocean, enriching nearshore ecosystems. Invasive predators reduce seabird‐driven nutrient subsidies; thus, predator eradication is critical for restoring seabird islands. Terrestrial recovery of seabird nutrients following predator eradication can take mere decades or longer, but few studies have linked nearshore marine recovery to terrestrial ecosystem attributes. We tested the influence of season, seabird variables, terrestrial abiotic variables, and marine variables on nearshore algal communities surrounding islands in a New Zealand island archipelago. The link from terrestrial to marine proved strong, with over 40% of the variation in macroalgae community composition being driven by a combination of seabird and terrestrial abiotic variables. Season and depth were the strongest contributors to nitrogen enrichment. Two macroalgae species had seabird‐derived nitrogen levels similar on eradicated and never invaded islands, but four more had lower seabird‐derived nitrogen on eradicated versus never invaded islands. Our results suggest seabird land–sea linkages are disrupted when predators invade, and are not restored three decades after invasive predator removal in the studied archipelago. Moreover, some marine algae species are better indicators of seabird influence than others. This study provides baseline information about which abiotic and ecological variables are important when studying the linkages from land to sea in island ecosystems.
Optimising Precision and Power by Machine Learning in Randomised Trials with Ordinal and Time-to-Event Outcomes with an Application to COVID-19
Authors: Williams Nicholas , Rosenblum Michael , Díaz Iván
Published: September 2022

The rapid finding of effective therapeutics requires efficient use of available resources in clinical trials. Covariate adjustment can yield statistical estimates with improved precision, resulting in a reduction in the number of participants required to draw futility or efficacy conclusions. We focus on time-to-event and ordinal outcomes. When more than a few baseline covariates are available, a key question for covariate adjustment in randomised studies is how to fit a model relating the outcome and the baseline covariates to maximise precision. We present a novel theoretical result establishing conditions for asymptotic normality of a variety of covariate-adjusted estimators that rely on machine learning (e.g., ℓ1-regularisation, Random Forests, XGBoost, and Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines [MARS]), under the assumption that outcome data are missing completely at random. We further present a consistent estimator of the asymptotic variance. Importantly, the conditions do not require the machine learning methods to converge to the true outcome distribution conditional on baseline variables, as long as they converge to some (possibly incorrect) limit. We conducted a simulation study to evaluate the performance of the aforementioned prediction methods in COVID-19 trials. Our simulation is based on resampling longitudinal data from over 1500 patients hospitalised with COVID-19 at Weill Cornell Medicine New York Presbyterian Hospital. We found that using ℓ1-regularisation led to estimators and corresponding hypothesis tests that control type 1 error and are more precise than an unadjusted estimator across all sample sizes tested. We also show that when covariates are not prognostic of the outcome, ℓ1-regularisation remains as precise as the unadjusted estimator, even at small sample sizes (n=100). We give an R package adjrct that performs model-robust covariate adjustment for ordinal and time-to-event outcomes.
Stereotactic body radiation therapy as an alternative to adrenalectomy for the treatment of pheochromocytomas in 8 dogs
Authors: Linder Teresa , Wakamatsu Cory , Jacovino Joseph , Hsieh Yu Hung , Mueller Maureen
Published: September 2022

The objective of this report is to describe the use and outcome of stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for treatment of pheochromocytomas in 8 dogs. Pheochromocytomas are an uncommon but challenging tumour to manage. Adrenalectomy is the standard of care for treatment of pheochromocytomas in both animals and humans; however, unpredictable catecholamine secretion from the tumour and vascular and local invasion of the tumour and thrombi can pose life‐threatening perioperative and anaesthetic risks. SBRT has been investigated as an alternative to adrenalectomy in human patients with pheochromocytomas. Eight dogs with clinical signs, an adrenal mass, and cytology and/or urine normetanephrine/creatinine ratios consistent with pheochromocytoma were treated with SBRT in lieu of adrenalectomy. Three dogs presented with acute hemoabdomen. Seven dogs had caval tumour invasion, 3 with extension into the right atrium. Following SBRT, all dogs had complete resolution of clinical signs and reduced urine normetanephrine/creatinine ratio and/or tumour size. No significant anaesthetic complications were encountered. Acute radiation toxicity was limited to grade I gastrointestinal signs in 3 dogs and resolved within 1–2 days of symptomatic therapy. Five of 8 dogs were alive at the time of follow up, with a median follow up time of 25.8 months. SBRT resulted in a favourable outcome and mitigated the life‐threatening risks of adrenalectomy in these 8 dogs. SBRT may be a safe and effective alternative to adrenalectomy for pheochromocytomas in dogs with non‐resectable tumours, or for owners averse to the risks of surgery.
Serum acute‐phase protein concentrations following uncomplicated total hip arthroplasty in dogs
Authors: Carvajal Jose L. , Kim Stanley E.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To establish preoperative and postoperative serum C reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) levels in dogs undergoing uncomplicated total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Study design

Prospective clinical trial.

Animals

Eighteen client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Dogs undergoing THA were recruited. Serum CRP and SAA levels were measured in all dogs the day prior to surgery, and 3 and 6 months following surgery. All dogs received a physical examination and underwent radiography at each visit, and dogs with complications were excluded from the study. For continuous numeric data, histograms were generated and evaluated for normality. A 1‐way repeated measures ANOVA was performed to find differences between time points.

Results

No complications were encountered in any of the recruited dogs. Median age was 30 months (12‐66), and the median bodyweight was 27.3 kg (22.3‐40.2). Mean CRP concentrations in the preoperative, 3‐month, and 6‐month periods were 3.8 mg/L ± 4.4, 0.8 mg/L ± 1.9, and 1.4 mg/L ± 1.4, respectively. The mean SAA concentrations in the preoperative, 3‐month, and 6‐month periods were 13.9 mg/L ± 8.8, 14.1 mg/L ± 12.6, and 18.4 mg/L ± 15.1, respectively. There were no differences for each parameter between time points.

Conclusion

C‐reactive protein and SAA levels were consistent with levels previously established for noninflammatory and normal conditions in dogs.

Clinical significance

Postoperative CRP and SAA concentrations were low by 3 months following uncomplicated THA.
Aerobic glycolysis is important for zebrafish larval wound closure and tail regeneration
Authors: Scott Claire A. , Carney Tom J. , Amaya Enrique
Published: September 2022

The underlying mechanisms of appendage regeneration remain largely unknown and uncovering these mechanisms in capable organisms has far‐reaching implications for potential treatments in humans. Recent studies implicate a requirement for metabolic reprogramming reminiscent of the Warburg effect during successful appendage and organ regeneration. As changes are thus predicted to be highly dynamic, methods permitting direct, real‐time visualisation of metabolites at the tissue and organismal level would offer a significant advance in defining the influence of metabolism on regeneration and healing. We sought to examine whether glycolytic activity was altered during larval fin regeneration, utilising the genetically encoded biosensor, Laconic, enabling the spatiotemporal assessment of lactate levels in living zebrafish. We present evidence for a rapid increase in lactate levels within min following injury, with a role of aerobic glycolysis in actomyosin contraction and wound closure. We also find a second wave of lactate production, associated with overall larval tail regeneration. Chemical inhibition of glycolysis attenuates both the contraction of the wound and regrowth of tissue following tail amputation, suggesting aerobic glycolysis is necessary at two distinct stages of regeneration.
The Strategy of Chaos: Brazilian Foreign Policy under Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022)
Authors: Santos Vieira de Jesus Diego
Published: September 2022

The aims of the article are to identify the main factors that have defined Brazil’s international insertion during Jair Bolsonaro’s administration as well as to explain the main foreign policy changes from 2019 to 2022. I argue that, although the alignment with the Donald Trump’s administration structured the main axes of Bolsonaro’s foreign policy and the ideological discourse in foreign policy has not been abandoned by the Brazilian government during Bolsonaro’s term, some adjustments were necessary in sensitive topics such as relations with China and the Venezuelan crisis to adapt to the interests of relevant segments of Brazilian politics. Bolsonaro’s foreign policy depends heavily on the outcome of the struggle between the pragmatic economic and military members of his administration on one side, and the religious and conservative ideologists on the other. The conclusions indicate that domestic interests – particularly the need to please Bolsonaro’s political base, which turned Brazil into a violator of indigenous, LGBTQIAP+, and other minorities’ rights – are more important than global commitments Brazil has previously assumed.
Investigating the Critical Factors of Employees’ Retention: A Medium Family Business in Egypt
Authors: Elsafty Ashraf , Albadry Sara
Published: September 2022

A model of 9 Employee Retention factors (6 dependent variables and 3 demographics as moderators) is developed in the context of Family business Medium Egyptian Company. A qualitative method is used via structured interviews with 4 managers working in the company and reveals that only 5 dependent and one moderator are impacting Employee Retention which are: Salary, Benefits, Supervisor Support, Working Environment and Career Opportunities plus experience. monetary and non-monetary factors are important for employees retention, however, considering medium company inside a developing country like Egypt, how is this applied? In most of studies; salary and benefits were mentioned combined in one factor such as “compensation” or “remuneration”, which known as strong retention factor, in this study it must be separated according to the problem, as provided benefits having different effect on employees’ retention than basic salary. Another question was; are the employees demographics having effect on employees deciding wither benefits are more important than salary that impacting their retention? Results approved the necessity of separation between salary and benefits, plus they showed only experience as a moderator matters, in addition, the effect of family business which mainly concerns with work environment factor was not critical as other factors.The goal of this research is to investigate the critical factors between provided ones. The research also examines (gender, marital status, experience) if they have influence on the employees’ decision-choosing between benefits and salary. The importance of current study is to make a guide for similar contexts to find a way to consider important factors that will help to retain valuable employees. The value of this research is conducting the investigation on non-family members, with disregard of personal reasons or out of control reasons like force majeure.
THE ULTRASTRUCTURE OF THE SHELL FORMING REGION OF THE OVIDUCT AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SHELL OF GALLUS DOMESTICUS
Authors: Wyburn G. M. , Johnston H. S. , Draper M. H. , Davidson Maida F.
Published: September 2022

In the hen's oviduct, the granular epithelial cells of the red region and shell gland secrete the protein carbohydrate substance of the mammillae and organic shell matrix, and the glycogen contributes the increased glucose content first noted when the egg is in the red region. The gland cells transport the 15 g of water required for ‘plumping’ the egg, and the calcium for the crystal formation which commences in the mammillae. The mammillae first appear in the red region and remain discrete until the shell matrix is added in the shell gland. The fibres of the external fibre membrane form a lattice within the substance of a mammilla. These are the nucleation sites of calcite crystals. The so called ‘mammillary’ cores are not in the substance of the mammillae but are intimately related to a fibre of the external shell membrane, and the ordered arrangement of their substance is in continuity with the fibre lattice pattern. No developing shell was obtained with an uncalcified organic matrix.
CHOLINE ACETYLTRANSFERASE AND SECRETORY RESPONSES OF THE RAT'S SALIVARY GLANDS AFTER LIQUID DIET
Authors: Ekström J.
Published: September 2022

When rats are maintained on liquid diet for a period varying from 4 to 21 days the parotid but not the submaxillary and sublingual glands are reduced in weight. Although the weight decrease is profound the response of the parotid to sialagogue agents and the maximal secretory capacity are the same as those of the control gland, except for a slightly smaller response to adrenaline. The synthesis of acetylcholine in the parotid gland, judged by the activity of choline acetyltransferase, is lowered after only 4 days. The result seems to indicate that the synthesis of transmitter is dependent on the secretory impulses to the gland.
Solution-Based Mesh Adaption Criteria Development for Accelerating Flame Tracking Simulations
Authors: Shrivastava Sourabh , Verma Ishan , Yadav Rakesh , Nakod Pravin
Published: September 2022

Solution-based mesh adaption approaches have been widely studied and tested by different research groups to generate the required finer meshes in the critical regions on the fly while keeping the overall mesh count to a manageable level. However, these approaches are typically applicable for a set of problems, and therefore, there is a need for a generic approach suitable for a broader range of problems. This work explores various parameters and specific weightage factors to predict correct flame-tracking outcomes for different types of flames. The selections of flow quantities (flow variables, their gradients, curvatures) are performed using simple flames and flow configurations. The functions based on selected flow-quantities derived from these studies are then tested to predict the results for the more complex set of published flames like the Engine Combustion Network (ECN) spray flame and Knowledge for Ignition, Acoustics, and Instabilities (KIAI) five-burner configuration (liquid and gas fuel). Derived adaption criteria are found to predict the correct flame tracking behavior in terms of transient evolution of flame front, flame propagation, and ignition timing of burners. The parameters used for the study are identified keeping genericity as the key point, and thus making sure that the derived adaption functions can be applied across different types of fuel blends, combustion systems (gaseous or liquid fuel-based systems) and combustion models, for example, species transport or mixture fraction-based models.
Subcutaneous Drug Delivery: A Review of the State-of-the-Art Modeling and Experimental Techniques
Authors: Sharma Paramveer , Gajula Kishore , Dingari Naga Neehar , Gupta Rakesh , Gopal Sharath , Rai Beena , Iacocca Ronald G.
Published: September 2022

Delivery of drug formulations through the subcutaneous route is a widely used modality for the treatment of several diseases, such as diabetes and auto-immune conditions. Subcutaneous injections are typically used to inject low-viscosity drugs in small doses. However, for new biologics, there is a need to deliver drugs of higher viscosity in large volumes. The response of subcutaneous tissue to such high-volume doses and higher viscosity injections is not well understood. Animal models have several drawbacks such as relevance to humans, lack of predictive power beyond the immediate population studied, cost, and ethical considerations. Therefore, a computational framework that can predict the tissue response to subcutaneous injections would be a valuable tool in the design and development of new devices. To model subcutaneous drug delivery accurately, one needs to consider: (a) the deformation and damage mechanics of skin layers due to needle penetration and (b) the coupled fluid flow and deformation of the hypodermis tissue due to drug delivery. The deformation of the skin is described by the anisotropic, hyper-elastic, and viscoelastic constitutive laws. The damage mechanics is modeled by using appropriate damage criteria and damage evolution laws in the modeling framework. The deformation of the subcutaneous space due to fluid flow is described by the poro-hyperelastic theory. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the methodologies used to model each of the above-mentioned aspects of subcutaneous drug delivery. We also present an overview of the experimental techniques used to obtain various model parameters.