bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of cytokine response to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Liu Tom , Amos Shayna H. , Ganga Anil L. , Bullins Charles M. , Jennings Cathy D. , Arnold W. Scott , Joseph Mark 
Published: October 2021

AbstractRationaleIncreased cytokine response is common in patients receiving extracorporeal life support and is often a poor prognostic indicator. There is interest in using adjunctive cytokine adsorption technologies to reduce inflammatory burden, However, it is debated whether extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) itself provides therapeutic benefit beyond gas exchange. Thus, we sought to characterize the inflammatory profile of ECMO in the first 72–96 h of and quantify its effect on cytokine levels in a case series of patients undergoing ECMO.MethodsEight patients initiating ECMO were studied. Of these, we measured cytokines pre‐ and post‐oxygenator over 96 h. Comparisons of cytokine levels were made across the oxygenator and over time.ResultsThe average age of patients was 64.3 years with 62% being male. Centrally cannulated patients had higher IL‐6 levels (820.43 vs. 6907.53 pg/ml, p < 0.03), whereas peripherally cannulated patients had higher IL‐12p70 levels (7.73 vs. 2.59 pg/ml, p < 0.05). Cytokine levels on day one included IL‐12p70 (4.17 ± 2.56), IL‐6 (4971.23 ± 8569.88), TNF (undetected), IL‐8 (346.68 ± 670.18), IL‐1B (undetected), and IL‐10 (72.27 ± 87.9). Cytokine levels increased over 96 h; however, no significant differences were appreciated despite blood product transfusion. On day 3, IL‐12p70 levels were significantly lower post‐oxygenator (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe inflammatory profile of ECMO does not change significantly over the early course of illness when accounting for transfusion. However, the decrease in IL‐12p70 specifically at day 3 of ECMO may indicate adsorption of specific inflammatory markers by the oxygenator although the clinical significance of this is still unknown. Further investigation of the oxygenator on cytokine response is warranted.
Dietary glucose oxidase and/or catalase supplementation alleviates intestinal oxidative stress induced by diquat in weaned piglets
Authors: Sun Xiaojiao , Piao Longguo , Jin Haifeng , Nogoy Kim Margarette C. , Zhang Junfang , Sun Bin , Jin Yi , Lee Dong Hoon , Choi Seongho , Li Xiangzi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of dietary exogenous glucose oxidase (GOD) and/or catalase (CAT) on the intestinal antioxidant capacity and barrier function in piglets under oxidative stress. Sixty pigs assigned randomly to five treatment groups—CON: basal diet; DIQ: basal diet; GOD: basal diet + 40‐U GOD/kg diet; CAT: basal diet + 50‐U CAT/kg diet; and GC: basal diet + 40‐U GOD/kg diet + 50‐U CAT/kg diet—were analyzed. On Day 14, the CON group was injected with saline, and the others were treated with diquat. The results showed that in diquat‐treated piglets, supplementation of dietary GOD and CAT elevated the superoxide dismutase and CAT activities and attenuated the malondialdehyde level in plasma and intestinal mucosa, enhanced the duodenal villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio, upregulated ZO‐1 mRNA level, and attenuated the apoptosis of the epithelial cells and caspase‐3 mRNA level in the intestine. Additionally, the supplementation upregulated mRNA expression of the intestinal NF‐E2‐related factor 2‐regulated genes in diquat‐treated piglets. However, GOD combined with CAT could not alleviate oxidative damage better than supplementation of CAT or GOD alone under oxidative stress. Overall, the study provides a potential alternative that could relieve the weaning stress in piglets and help formulate antibiotic‐free diets.
A national evaluation of the use and survival impact of adjuvant chemotherapy in Stage II colon cancer from the national cancer database
Authors: Reif de Paula Thais , Gorroochurn Prakash , Simon Hillary L. , Haas Eric M. , Keller Deborah S. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimStage II colon cancers are a heterogeneous category, with controversy over use of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC). Patients with high‐risk features may benefit from AC to improve overall survival (OS). Current guidelines do not routinely recommend AC in low‐risk cases, but the actual use and benefit on OS in this cohort have not been fully examined on a national scale. We aimed to evaluate the use and impact of AC on OS in low‐risk Stage II colon cancer.MethodsThe national cancer database was reviewed for Stage II colon cancers undergoing curative resection (2010–2015). Cases with preoperative radio‐chemotherapy or high‐risk features were excluded. Cases were stratified into ‘AC’ and ‘no AC’ cohorts, and then propensity score matched. Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression analysed OS. The main outcome measures were the incidence and impact of AC on OS in low‐risk Stage II colon cancer.ResultsOf 39 926 patients evaluated, 8.2% (n = 3275) received AC. Matching resulted in 3275 cases per cohort. AC significantly improved 1‐, 3‐ and 5‐year OS versus no AC (P = 0.0017). The 5‐year absolute risk reduction was 2.6%, relative risk reduction 12%, with a number needed to treat of 38. In the Cox model, AC remained significantly associated with increased OS (hazard ratio 0.816; 95% CI 0.713–0.934; P < 0.003).ConclusionsFrom this dataset, AC was associated with improved OS in low‐risk Stage II disease. These findings from a large‐scale sample question current guidelines and the need for better risk stratification. Further study with more robust variables is warranted to determine AC best practices.
Long‐term (64 years) annual burning lessened soil organic carbon and nitrogen content in a humid subtropical grassland
Authors: Abdalla Khatab , Chivenge Pauline , Ciais Philippe , Chaplot Vincent 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTBurning has commonly been used to increase forage production and nutrients cycling in grasslands. However, its long‐term effects on soil organic carbon (SOC) and nitrogen (N) pools within the aggregates and the relation between aggregates‐associated SOC and soil CO2 emissions need further appraisal. This study evaluated the effects of 64 years of annual burning on SOC and N dynamics compared to annual mowing and undisturbed treatments in a grassland experiment established in 1950. Soils were sampled from four depths representing the upper 30 cm layer and fractionated into macroaggregates, microaggregates and silt + clay fractions. The macroaggregates were further fractionated into three occluded fractions. The SOC in the bulk soil and aggregates were correlated to soil CO2 effluxes measured under field conditions. Compared to the undisturbed treatment, annual burning decreased aggregates stability, SOC and N in the upper 30 cm layer by 8%, 5% and 12%, respectively. Grassland mowing induced greater aggregates stability than burning only in the upper 5 cm. Burning also decreased SOC in the large macroaggregates (e.g., 0–5 cm) compared to mowing and the undisturbed grasslands but proportionally increased the microaggregates and their associated SOC. Soil N associated with aggregates decreased largely following grassland burning, for example, by 8.8‐fold in the microaggregates within the large macroaggregates at 20–30 cm compared to the undisturbed grassland. Burning also increased soil CO2 emissions by 33 and 16% compared to undisturbed and mowing, respectively. The combustion of fresh C and soil organic matter by fire is likely responsible for the low soil aggregation, high SOC and N losses under burned grassland. These results suggested a direct link between grass burning and SOC losses, a key component for escalating climate change severity. Therefore, less frequent burning or a rotation of burning and mowing should be investigated for sustainable grasslands management.
A pilot‐scale evaluation of using gaseous chlorine dioxide for decontamination of foodborne pathogens on produce and low‐moisture foods
Authors: Tan Jing Ni , Hwang Cheng‐An , Huang Lihan , Wu Vivian C. H. , Hsiao Hsin‐I 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSmall‐scale studies have shown that chlorine dioxide gas, ClO2(g), was effective for decontamination of produce, nuts, and spices. This study conducted a pilot‐scale evaluation to identify effective ClO2(g) treatment parameters for commercial‐scale applications. The gas was produced by a generator utilizing sodium chlorite and chlorine gas for decontamination of Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella inoculated on tomatoes, blueberries, baby‐cut carrots, almonds, and peppercorns. Inoculated samples and 45 kg tomatoes in a 1,246‐L treatment chamber were exposed to various ClO2(g) concentrations (mg/L) and times 9 (hr) at 70–95% RH to determine the treatment effects on the pathogen reductions. Results showed that the treatment caused higher reductions on produce. A ClO2(g) treatment of 1 mg/L‐3 hr at 70% RH reduced 4.9–6.8, 5.1–5.6, and 4.2–6.3 log CFU/g of STEC, L. monocytogenes, and Salmonella, respectively, on produce, with the highest reductions on baby‐cut carrots. For almonds and peppercorns, ClO2(g) treatments under higher RH caused higher reductions. The treatment of 2 mg/L‐9 hr or 3 mg/L‐4 hr at 95% RH reduced >4.0 log of STEC and Salmonella on almonds, and 1 mg/L‐5 hr at 85% RH achieved >5.0 log reductions on peppercorns. Applying moisture to the surfaces of almonds caused >4.0 log reductions using 1 mg/L‐5 hr at 95% RH. This study identified effective ClO2(g) treatment parameters for achieving >4.0 log reductions of common pathogens on tomatoes, blueberries, baby‐cut carrots, almonds, and peppercorns and showed that ClO2(g) generator is suitable for large‐scale decontamination. These findings can be used for pilot‐scale ClO2(g) decontamination of these products and for testing using ClO2(g) for commercial‐scale decontamination trials.
Perceptions of private practice dietitians regarding the collection and use of outcomes data in primary healthcare practices: A qualitative study
Authors: Clark Peter W. , Williams Lauren T. , Kirkegaard Amy , Brickley Bryce , Ball Lauren 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundDietitians working in private practices in primary settings provide nutrition care to support individuals with the prevention and management of chronic disease. A better understanding of the type and usage of data collected by dietitians in this setting may provide insights to optimise the effectiveness and impact of the workforce. The present study explored the perceptions of leading Australian private practice dietitians on the collection and usage of data in their practice.MethodsA qualitative descriptive study of Australian private practice dietitians, recruited by snowball sampling, was conducted on their perceptions and attitudes towards collecting and using data. Data were collected by semi‐structured interviews and all interview data were thematically analysed.ResultsTwenty‐three dietitians participated. Five themes emerged: (i) collecting data is challenging, nuanced, unclearly defined and therefore not routinely carried out; (ii) consistent data collection processes are impeded by the diversity of practise and practices; (iii) business‐related data collection is essential for sustainable dietetic services; (iv) clinical outcomes are fundamental to dietetic services; and (v) standardised, integrated systems are needed to enable routine data collection and synthesis.ConclusionsOur findings demonstrate the rudimentary role business acumen has in practice viability and provides evidence to potentially re‐shape the future of dietetic education in Australia. Private practice dietitians may benefit from tools and training that enable consistent collection of data about their services. Such data could enable benchmarking across the workforce and contribute to a broader understanding of dietetic impact on public health.
Similar heterotrophic communities but distinct interactions supported by red and green‐snow algae in the Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Ji Mukan , Kong Weidong , Jia Hongzeng , Ding Chen , Anesio Alexandre M. , Wang Yanfen , Zhu Yong‐Guan 
Published: October 2021

Summary

Snow algae are predicted to expand in polar regions due to climate warming, which can accelerate snowmelt by reducing albedo. Green snow frequently occurs near penguin colonies, and red snow distributes widely along ocean shores. However, the mechanisms underpinning the assemblage of algae and heterotrophs in colored snow remain poorly characterized.

We investigated algal, bacterial, and fungal communities and their interactions in red and green snows in the Antarctic Peninsula using a high‐throughput sequencing method.

We found distinct algal community structure in red and green snows, and the relative abundance of dominant taxa varied, potentially due to nutrient status differences. Contrastingly, red and green snows exhibited similar heterotrophic communities (bacteria and fungi), whereas the relative abundance of fungal pathogens was substantially higher in red snow by 3.8‐fold. Red snow exhibited a higher network complexity, indicated by a higher number of nodes and edges. Red snow exhibited a higher proportion of negative correlations among heterotrophs (62.2% vs 3.4%) and stronger network stability, suggesting the red‐snow network is more resistant to external disturbance.

Our study revealed that the red snow microbiome exhibits a more stable microbial network than the green snow microbiome.
A probabilistic analysis of cross‐examination using Bayesian networks
Authors: Di Bello Marcello 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe legal scholar Henry Wigmore asserted that cross‐examination is ‘the greatest legal engine ever invented for the discovery of truth.’ Was Wigmore right? Instead of addressing this question upfront, this paper offers a conceptual ground clearing. It is difficult to say whether Wigmore was right or wrong without becoming clear about what we mean by cross‐examination; how it operates at trial; what it is intended to accomplish. Despite the growing importance of legal epistemology, there is virtually no philosophical work that discusses cross‐examination, its scope and function at trial. This paper makes a first attempt at clearing the ground by articulating an analysis of cross‐examination using probability theory and Bayesian networks. This analysis relies on the distinction between undercutting and rebutting evidence. A preliminary assessment of the truth‐seeking function of cross‐examination is offered at the end of the paper.
Middle Permian (Late Murgabian) Fusulinids of the Jamal Formation, Tabas Area, Iran
Authors: Yarahmadzahi H. , Leven E. Ja. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract—Numerous fusulinids were found in the middle part of the Jamal Formation (Ney Eshkiny section) in the Tabas region of Central Iran. The assemblage includes 12 species of 12 genera (Zarodella, ?Grovesella,Pseudoendothyra,Nankinella,Schubertella,Dunbarula,Yangchienia,Chusenella,Verbeekina,Pseudodoliolina,Neoschwagerina, andSumatrina. This association characteristic of the upper part of the Murgabian Stage is found in many Permian sections in the Tethyan Realm.
Structural Investigations of RNA–Protein Complexes in Post-Ribosomal Era
Authors: Tishchenko S. V. , Mikhailina A. O. , Lekontseva N. V. , Stolboushkina E. A. , Nikonova E. Yu. , Nikonov O. S. , Nikulin A. D. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Structural studies of RNA–protein complexes are important for understanding many molecular mechanisms occurring in cells (e.g., regulation of protein synthesis and RNA-chaperone activity of proteins). Various objects investigated at the Institute of Protein Research of the Russian Academy of Sciences are considered. Based on the analysis of the structures of the complexes of the ribosomal protein L1 with specific regions on both mRNA and rRNA, the principles of regulation of the translation of the mRNA of its own operon are presented. The studies of the heterotrimeric translation initiation factor IF2 of archaea and eukaryotes are described, and the data on the interaction of glycyl-tRNA-synthetase with viral IRES are reported. The results of studying the interaction of RNA molecules with one of functionally important sites of the Hfq protein are presented, and the differences in the RNA-binding properties of the Hfq and archaeal Lsm proteins are revealed.
Six-year incidence of age-related macular degeneration and correlation to OCT-derived drusen volume measurements in a Chinese population
Authors: Tan Anna CS , Chee Miao Li , Fenner Beau J , Mitchell Paul , Tham Yih Chung , Rim Tyler , Teo Kelvin , Sim Shaun S , Cheng Ching Yu , Wong Tien Yin , Chakravarthy Usha , Cheung Chui Ming Gemmy 
Published: October 2021

AimsTo report the 6-year incidence of optical coherence tomography (OCT)-derived age-related changes in drusen volume and related systemic and ocular associations.MethodsChinese adults aged 40 years and older were assessed at baseline and 6 years with colour fundus photography (CFP) and spectral domain (SD) OCT. CFPs were graded for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) features and drusen volume was generated using commercially available automated software.ResultsA total of 4172 eyes of 2580 participants (mean age 58.12±9.03 years; 51.12% women) had baseline and 6-year follow-up CFP for grading, of these, 2130 eyes of 1305 participants had gradable SD-OCT images, available for analysis. Based on CFP grading, 136 (3.39%) participants developed incident early AMD and 10 (0.25%) late AMD. Concurrently, retinal pigment epithelial-Bruch’s membrane (RPE-BrC) volumes decreased, remained stable and increased in 6.8%, 78.5% and 14.7%, respectively, over 6 years. In eyes where RPE-BrC volumes were >0 mm3at baseline, this was associated with two-fold higher prevalence rate of any AMD at baseline (p<0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that when compared with eyes where RPE-BrC volume was unchanged, volume decrease was significantly associated with older age (OR=1.30; p<0.001), smoking (OR=2.21; p=0.001) and chronic kidney disease (OR=3.4, p=0.008), while increase was associated with older age (OR=1.36; p<0.001) and hypertension (OR=1.43; p=0.016).ConclusionAMD incidence detected at 6 years on CFP and correlated OCT-derived drusen volume measurement change is low. Older age and some systemic risk factors are associated with drusen volume change, and our data provide new insights into relationship between systemic risk factors and outer retinal morphology in Asian eyes.
Anaesthetic protocol for paediatric glaucoma examinations: the prospective EyeBIS Study protocol
Authors: Pirlich Nina , Grehn Franz , Mohnke Katja , Maucher Konrad , Schuster Alexander , Wittenmeier Eva , Schmidtmann Irene , Hoffmann Esther M 
Published: October 2021

IntroductionNeonates and young infants with diagnosed or highly suspected glaucoma require an examination under anaesthesia to achieve accurate intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, since crying or squinting of the eyes may increase IOP and lead to falsely high values. IOP considerably depends on perioperative variables such as haemodynamic factors, anaesthetics, depth of anaesthesia and airway management. The aim of this paper is to report the design and baseline characteristics of EyeBIS, which is a study to develop a standardised anaesthetic protocol for the measurement of IOP under anaesthesia in childhood glaucoma, by investigating the link between the magnitude of IOP and depth of anaesthesia.Methods and analysisThis is a single-centre, prospective cohort study in 100 children with diagnosed or highly suspected glaucoma all undergoing ophthalmological examination under general anaesthesia. 20 children, who undergo general anaesthesia for other reasons, are included as controls. The primary outcome measure is the establishment of a standardised anaesthetic protocol for IOP measurement in childhood glaucoma by assessing the relationship between IOP and depth of anaesthesia (calculated as an electroencephalography variable, the bispectral index), with special emphasis on airway management and haemodynamic parameters. The dependence of IOP under anaesthesia on airway management and haemodynamic parameters will be described, using a mixed linear model. Restricting the model to patients with healthy eyes will allow to determine a 95% reference region, in which 95% of the measurement values of patients with healthy eyes can be expected.Ethics and disseminationThe study has been approved by the local ethics committee of the Medical Association of Rhineland-Palatine (Ethik-Kommisssion der Landesaerztekammer Rheinland-Pfalz), Germany (approval number: 2019-14207). This work will be disseminated by publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts, presentation in abstract form at national and international scientific meetings and data sharing with other investigators.Trial registration numberClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT03972852).
Oncology patients’ experiences in experimental medicine cancer trials: a qualitative study
Authors: Sawyer Chelsea , Preston Laurie , Taylor Sally , Davies Michelle , Carter Louise , Krebs Matthew , Cook Natalie , Graham Donna , Thistlethwaite Fiona , Yorke Janelle 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesThe study aimed to explore patients’ experiences of experimental cancer medicine (ECM) clinical trials.DesignThe study’s design was qualitative. Two focus groups with patients were undertaken followed by semistructured interviews, to explore patients’ experiences of ECM clinical trials. Interviews and focus groups were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.SettingA regional cancer centre (tertiary care) in North-West England.ParticipantsTwelve patients (aged 52–79) participated in one of the two focus groups and 22 patients (aged 42–83) participated in interviews.Primary outcome measurePatients’ experiences of an ECM trial.ResultsFour main themes were identified from the analysis: decision making, information needs, the experience of trial participation and impact of trial participation. Subthemes are presented in the manuscript.ConclusionTo make fully informed decisions about trial participation, patients required the simplification of trial information and wanted more information about side effects, their response to trial treatment and the overall trial progress throughout the trial. Patients highlighted the need for improvement for the support provided to their family and friends.