bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel synbiotic protects against DSS-induced colitis in mice via anti-inflammatory and microbiota-balancing properties
Authors: Yang Yong , Qiao Yuyu , Liu Ge , Zhang Ting , Fan Weiping , Tong Mingwei 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic immune-inflammatory disease. Gut microbes, intestinal immunity, and gut barrier function play a critical role in IBD. Growing evidence suggests that synbiotics may offer therapeutic benefits for individuals with colitis, suggesting an alternative therapy against colitis. With this in mind, we creatively prepared a new synbiotic combination consisting of a probiotic strain (Lactobacillus reuteri) along with one prebiotic Chitooligosaccharides (COS). The protective effect of the synbiotics on DSS-induced colitis and the underlying mechanisms were investigated. We demonstrated that the synbiotics ameliorated colitis in mice, which was evidenced by a significant reduction in body weight, shortening of the colon, and an increase in the DAI index. Notably, synbiotics reduced the intestinal inflammation and injury by synergistically decreasing inflammatory factors, inhibiting TLR4/Myd88/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling, preventing macrophages infiltration, and enhancing the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Moreover, synbiotics selectively promoted the growth of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Akkermansia, Lactobacilus) but decreased the pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Helicobacter). BugBase's analysis supported its ameliorated role in reducing pathogenic bacteria. Collectively, our findings revealed the novel synbiotic had a potential to treat colitis, which was associated with its anti-inflammatory and microbiota-balancing properties. This study will contribute to the development of functional synbiotic products for the treatment of IBD and will provide valuable insights into their mechanisms.
WITHDRAWN: An eco-extraction procedure for solvent free extraction of plant phenolics using microwave hydro diffusion and gravity (MHG) model
Authors: Sinha Anjli , Mukherjee Souvik , Chouhan Kavi Bhushan Singh , Mahato Kashinath , Khan Altamash , Dwivedi Apoorva , Pal Riya , Patra Arjun , Mandal Vivekananda 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The full text of this preprint has been withdrawn by the authors due to author disagreement with the posting of the preprint. Therefore, the authors do not wish this work to be cited as a reference. Questions should be directed to the corresponding author.
Establishment and validation of a nomogram for predicting intravenous immunoglobulin resistance and coronary artery lesions involvement in Kawasaki disease: A retrospective study
Authors: Gao Yuan , peng lu , liu jianglin , zhao cuifen 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective
We aimed to develop a useful nomogram for early identification of Kawasaki disease (KD) children at a high risk of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) resistance and coronary artery lesions (CAL) complications to improve KD management. Methods: Clinical data from 400 patients treated at our hospital between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2023, were collected. Lasso regression was utilized to screen risk factors for IVIG resistance and CAL involvement. Subsequently, a Logistic regression model incorporating parameters screened by Lasso regression was established and visualized as a nomogram. The discrimination, calibration, clinical applicability, and universality of the model were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, decision curve analysis (DCA), and internal validation.
Results
NEU%, HDL-C and MHR were identified as predictors of IVIG resistance by Lasso regression, with C-index of the Logistic model being 0.886 for the training set and 0.855 for the validation set. For predicting CAL development, sex, fever date before the first IVIG administration, KD type, the level of HDL-C and MHR were the optimal variables, yielding C-index of 0.915 and 0.866 for the training and validation set, respectively. Calibration curves for both validation sets performed well, indicating strong predictive abilities of the models.
Conclusions
We established two nomograms for predicting IVIG resistance and CAL complications in KD patients, based on the Lasso-Logistic regression model. These nomograms were of guiding significance for screening KD children at high risk of developing IVIG resistance and CAL complications, thereby improving prognosis.
Immune accentuations as a prognostic factor for adaptation in Antarctic conditions
Authors: Dubrovskyi Ievgen , Zabara Dariia , Anoshko Yaroslava , Kozeretska Iryna , Deyneka Igor , Khytryi Andrii , Matkovskyi Vasyl , Martynenko Dmytro , Dons'koi Boris 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Human presence and work in Antarctica occur under challenging climatic, psychophysiological, and social conditions. The health of expedition participants is a critical factor, and a pre-expedition medical assessment is extremely important. The immune system plays a crucial role in maintaining satisfactory health and in the successful adaptation to adverse living conditions. In the current study, we evaluated the prognostic significance of previously identified accentuations on the health status of participants and their adaptation to Antarctic conditions. Immunophenotyping was performed on 43 male Ukrainian antarctic expedition (UAE) members before the expedition and after their return, assessing the dynamics of laboratory indicators and conducting a detailed analysis of their health status throughout the entire expedition. According to the results, UAE participants with favorable and unfavorable adaptation showed differences in immunophenotypic indicators. The majority of UAE participants with favorable adaptation had T-helper (CD3 + CD4+) levels (> 35%), balanced (< 24%) expression of HLA-DR on cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CD4 + CD8+), and proportions and absolute levels of NK-lymphocytes (5–18% and 100–400). In contrast, UAE participants with unfavorable adaptation exhibited balanced levels significantly less frequently. NK cell levels within the reference (favorable) range (5–18%) were virtually absent in UAE participants with unfavorable adaptation (1/12), whereas they were typical in participants with favorable adaptation. The combination of two diagnostically significant immune parameters yields higher accuracy. Increased expression of HLA-DR on cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and elevated NK-lymphocyte content significantly enhance the prognostic value of the diagnostic algorithm. Thus, in the group of participants with favorable adaptation, only 9 (30%) had one of these accentuations, while in the group with unfavorable adaptation, all 12 participants had one of these accentuations (P < 0.0001, OR = 59.211). In all Antarctic expedition participants, cortisol levels significantly increased in the first quarter compared to baseline values, followed by dynamic fluctuations throughout the expedition. Cortisol levels returned to baseline after the expedition. The results demonstrate that staying in Antarctica requires adaptive processes that are directly dependent on the balanced function of the immune system. Chronic stress, in conjunction with immune accentuations, complicates successful adaptation. Further investigation into immune processes and adaptation characteristics will allow for the prediction of the risk of adverse adaptation processes, improve participant selection, and facilitate the implementation of proactive measures to prevent the deterioration of the health status of polar expedition members.
Thoracic T2 and T3 Ganglia Locations Relative to Their Corresponding Ribs: Implication during Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy
Authors: Talsma Joel , Peirce Crystal C. , Tarfusser Ivo , Kim Subin , Idowu Olajire , Kim Sunghoon 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Understanding the precise anatomy of the upper thoracic sympathetic trunk is crucial for the effective treatment of palmar hyperhidrosis using the surgical technique of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). The variability in the location of T2 and T3 ganglia in relation to the ribs may contribute to inconsistent clinical outcomes following ETS. Traditionally, a rib-oriented approach has been used, relying on the positions of the second, third, and fourth ribs as landmarks rather than the actual ganglia positions, potentially leading to incomplete or inaccurate ganglion destruction. This study is undertaken to advocate for a ganglion-oriented approach to ETS, which necessitates an accurate anatomical understanding of the T2 and T3 ganglia locations.
Methods
For the study, 40 human cadaveric thoraces were dissected to map the locations of T2 and T3 ganglia relative to the ribs.
Results
The findings showed a high percentage of T2 ganglion is located near the superior border of the third rib, while the T3 ganglion is situated near the fourth rib. Specifically, 43% of the right T2 ganglia and 38% of the left T2 ganglia were in contact with the superior part of the third rib. These results indicate a significant risk of inadvertently damaging the T2 ganglion when using a rib-oriented approach at the third rib level leading to compensatory hyperhidrosis.
Conclusion
Due to the proximity of the T2 ganglion to the third rib, accidental thermal injury to the ganglion may occur when third rib-oriented ETS is performed. A ganglion-oriented T3 ETS can be performed by using the white ramus communicans as a guide to accurately locate the T3 ganglion, ensuring precise sympathectomy and preserving sympathetic innervation to the heart and face. Adopting the ganglion-oriented sympathectomy could standardize ETS procedures and enhance the comparability of surgical outcomes.
The INTOXICATE study: Methodology, experience and preliminary results of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Zwaag Samanta M. , Hengel-Koot Irma S. van den , Baker Stuart , Druwé Patrick , Elhadi Muhammed , Dufol Ana Ferrer , Forsberg Sune , Halacli Burcin , Jung Christian , Sakalauskienė Gabija Laubner , Lindqvist Elin , Moreno Rui , Rabe Christian , Reiter Nanna , Rezar Richard , Țincu Radu , Topeli Arzu , Wood David M. , de Lange Dylan W. , Hunault Claudine C. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
No practice-based, multicenter database of poisoned patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) exists. The INTOXICATE study, endorsed by the ESICM and EAPCCT, aimed to collect detailed data on such patients. We hypothesized that the proportion of ICU intoxicated patients requiring genuine intensive care would be greater than previously reported.
Methods
Ethical approval was obtained for this multicenter, prospective study, and data-sharing contracts were signed. An electronic case report form was used to collect patient demographics, exposure, clinical features, investigations, treatment, and in-hospital mortality. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who received mechanical ventilation and/or vasopressors in the first 24 h after ICU admission, and/or who died in the hospital. A one-proportion z test was used to test the difference in outcome in this study compared with the proportion of 6.5% previously observed in a large study.
Results
Seventy-eight ICUs, mainly from Europe, but also from Australia and the Eastern Mediterranean, participated. The median time to sign a data sharing agreement between a unit and the coordinating center was 17 months. A total of 2,275 patients were enrolled between November 2020 and June 2023. The median patient age was 41 years, 72% of whom were exposed to human drugs; neurological symptoms were the most common clinical feature (83% of admissions), and the ICU mortality rate was 3.7%. The observed proportion of patients with the primary outcome (requiring ICU treatment) was 40% versus 6.5% as previously mentioned (p-value < 0.001).
Conclusions
This study collected high-quality detailed clinical data from a large cohort of acutely intoxicated ICU patients. The proportion of intoxicated patients admitted to the ICU and requiring ICU treatment was much greater than previously mentioned. The challenges identified during the study setup and data collection will enable modifications of these processes for future data collection studies.
Trial registration
OSF registration ID: osf.io/7e5uy
Structural Evaluation of Mass Concrete Damage: A Case Study of Concrete Mill Stands
Authors: Attiyah Ali N. , Al-Wazni Saad , Al-Tameemi Ali , Al-Ansari Luay 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Mass concrete is designed and constructed commonly to avoid early-age cracks, but in some cases, damage is caused by service loads, where machine foundations can be considered as examples of such cases. The present study evaluated the structural performance of the concrete Roller Mill Stand, where cracks were seen after several years of operation. The vertical Roller Mill is one of the main components of a cement plant. The evaluation was based on the following main steps: estimation of the concrete strength, analysis of loading scenarios, structural analysis based on the preceding two steps, analysis and evaluation of the structure performance. Finite element results showed that cracks were initiated in mill concrete stands when the mill was operated under maximum extraordinary loading case, and then these cracks gradually grew. The field investigation agreed with the numerical analysis that the mill was operated under maximum extraordinary operation conditions, which caused the observed cracks in the reinforced concrete stands. It was concluded that the mass concrete of the stands to be strong enough to transfer forces from the mill to the foundation. Also, the compression fatigue failure is not potential for the assumed loading cases in the analysis, while the fatigue due to shear stresses is not verified in some sections near the openings of stands, therefore, the shear and fatigue capacities are essential for dynamic loading demands.
Time for Managed Wildfire in Europe: The Pioneering Integrated Fire Management Plan of the Aran, Pyrenees
Authors: Oliveres Jordi , Castellnou Marc , Castellarnau Xavi , Rosas-Casals Martí , Brotons Lluis , Duane Andrea 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Recent extreme wildfire events in countries with high investments in fire extinction indicate that strategies focusing exclusively on fire suppression are ineffective. Although upgrading analytical capacities and technological-based solutions in emergency management is needed, shifting from fire suppression to strategic fire management in a resilience context is crucial to tackling climate change impacts. The present research aims to operationalize this adaptation gap by applying a new transdisciplinary approach based on conceptualizing the environmental fire flow, a novel standard proposed to scale up integrated fire management. Under this approach, unplanned ignited fires represent a window of opportunity where emergency responders can turn wildfires into managed wildfires to, counter-intuitively, increase social and ecological resilience in the medium-long term.
Results
Based on landscape modeling and assisted with technical expertise, we identify the environmental fire flows in the Aran region (~600km2 in the Spanish Pyrenees) and the critical environmental factors that can be impacted. This strategic innovation accomplishes specific social demands and ecological objectives in pre-defined areas outlined in a fire management plan.
Conclusions
This fire management plan represents the first official policy approved in Europe including monitoring and limited or no-suppression strategies (managed wildfire options). Although the framework is designed specifically for the Aran, this transdisciplinary approach may have a broader application in the Pyrenees and other European regions sharing similar challenges and opportunities.
Generation of the First Transgenic Line of the Iconic Coral Reef Fish Amphiprion ocellaris
Authors: Graham Gabriel , Ibanez Emma , Mitchell Laurie , Weis Karen , Raetzman Lori , Cortesi Fabio , Rhodes Justin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

The common clownfish, Amphiprion ocellaris, is an iconic coral reef fish, ubiquitous in the marine aquarium hobby and useful for studying a variety of biological processes (e.g., mutual symbiosis, ultraviolet vision, and protandrous sex change). Recently, CRISPR/Cas9 methods were developed for knocking out specific genes for mechanistic studies. Here, we expand the genetic toolkit for A. ocellaris by creating the first transgenic line using the Tol2 transposon system. Fertilized eggs were co-injected with Tol2 transposase mRNA and a plasmid encoding an Elongation factor 1 α (Ef1α): Green fluorescent protein (GFP) cassette at various concentrations, needle tip dimensions and timepoints post-fertilization. We compared various injection parameters and sterilization methods to maximize the survival of injected eggs. F0s (n = 10) that were genotyped GFP + were then raised to 6 months of age and crossed with wild-type (WT) females to confirm germline transmission. F1 offspring were also raised and crossed in the same manner. The highly efficient Tol2 transposon system resulted in a 37% rate of transgenesis for surviving eggs amounting to a 2.7% yield of all injected eggs surviving and being GFP+ (n = 160). Of these, 10 were raised to adulthood, 8 spawned, and 5/8 (62.5%) produced GFP + offspring. Further, two F1s crossed with WT females produced 53.8% and 54.2% GFP + offspring respectively, confirming the creation of a stable line. This is, to our knowledge, the first generation of a transgenic line in any coral reef fish. The ability to express transgenes of interest in the iconic anemonefish opens the door to a new era of exploration into their fascinating biology.
Health-related quality of life and patient experiences regarding care transitions in hospitalized older patients with chronic diseases: a cross-sectional survey study
Authors: Leithaus Merel , Flamaing Johan , Goderis Geert , Verbeek Hilde , Deschodt Mieke 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Poorly performed care transitions from the hospital back home can lead to negative consequences, such as replication of services, missed diagnosis or incorrect treatment, medication errors, dissatisfaction among patients, rehospitalization, emergency department visits, or mortality. Implementing integrated care services can improve the quality of care transitions for older chronically ill patients who experience frequent transitions between care settings. The aim of this study was 1) to assess health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and person-centred care experiences with transitional care in older patients and 2) to compare these outcomes between patients who were living within or outside an integrated care region in Belgium.
Methods
This cross-sectional survey study was part of the European TRANS-SENIOR project. We included patients aged 65 years and older who were discharged home from one of six different acute hospital wards of the University Hospitals Leuven in Belgium. We measured HRQOL using the EQ-5D-5L and a Visual Analogue Scale ranging from 0 to 100, and patient experiences using the ‘Experiences with Hospital Care, Admission and Discharge’ instrument. Descriptive statistics were applied on the total sample. Comparative analyses were done for patients living inside or outside an integrated care region. Level of statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results
A total of 119 questionnaires were completed. The patients had a mean age of 81 years, and 54.2% were female. Over 70% of the participants reported having problems with mobility, pain/discomfort, daily activities and self-care. Patients reported high scores for the patient experience dimensions hospital accessibility, hospital safety and care received by doctors and nurses. However, lower patient experience scores were observed for treatment communication, admission conversation and hospital discharge. There were no statistically significant differences in terms of HRQOL or most patient experience dimensions between patients living within or outside an integrated care region.
Conclusion
Our survey identified potential areas for improving patient-centred care experiences with transitional care. This information can support hospitals and health care professionals in changing the discharge, transferring and postdischarge processes for older patients with chronic diseases.
Erosion degradation analysis of rice husk ash-rubber-fiber concrete under hygrothermal environment
Authors: Wang Heng , Pang Jianyong , Zou Jiuqun , Xu Yihua , Han Jihuan 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

To study the resistance of rice husk ash-rubber-fiber reinforced concrete (RRFC) to dry-wet cycle/chloride erosion under a hygrothermal environment, the optimal combination was selected by an orthogonal test. The peak strain, residual strain, and fatigue damage strength of the optimal group of RRFC samples under cyclic loading and unloading after dry-wet cycle/chloride erosion under different environments and temperatures were compared and analyzed. At the same time, the principle of energy conversion was given. After that, microscopic analysis and anti-erosion mechanism analysis were carried out. The results show that the axial peak and residual strain of RRFC specimens increase continuously during the repeated loading-unloading process, and the increase of axial peak and residual strain in the first five cycles is the most obvious. Among them, RRFC has the most significant increase in axial peak strain after 14 dry-wet cycles, which is 11.73%. The rice husk ash reacted with Ca(OH)2 in the specimen to precipitate C-S-H gel, which improved the specimen's corrosion resistance and fatigue resistance. The rubber in the specimen has high elasticity, which reduces the fatigue damage of the specimen during cyclic loading and unloading, thus showing higher fatigue failure strength.
Comparison of the impact of native (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) and invasive (Carassius auratus gibelio) omnivorous fish on plankton and bethic algae communities, water quality and submerged macrophytes
Authors: Vladimir Razlutskij , Mei Xueying , Tang Yali , Maisak Natallia , Karpaeva Anastasiya , Goncharik Ruslan G. , Jeppesen Erik , Zhang Xiufeng 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Shallow lakes are often rich in submerged macrophytes that play an important role in functioning of shallow lake ecosystems. Omnivorous fish can intensify eutrophication by enhancing the growth of phytoplankton, leading to higher water turbidity and light attenuation with negative effect on the growth of submerged macrophytes. However, the effects of different omnivorous fish species on aquatic ecosystem are not necessarily the same. A 70-day outdoor experiment was conducted in mesocosms containing meadow-forming arrowhead (Sagittaria sagittifolia) and canopy-forming clasping leaf pondweed (Potamogeton perfoliatus) to test the hypothesis that different species of omnivorous fish, the native species Rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus) and invasive Prussian carp (Carassius auratus gibelio) have different effects on plankton and benthic algae communities, water quality and submerged macrophytes growth. Both fish species increased the phytoplankton biomass and the concentrations of total and inorganic suspended solids and decreased water transparency and Prussian carp had a stronger effect than Rudd. The fish also changed the phytoplankton composition decreased the densities of zooplankton, except rotifers with more pronounced impact by the Prussian carp. Rudd decreased the dry weight of the above-ground part of arrowhead and of pondweed roots, while Prussian carp decreased the biomass of the whole pondweed. Canonical analyses showed that impact of all studied factors on pondweed growth was 2.6 times greater in Prussian carp than in Rudd treatments. Our findings thus showed differential effects of the two omnivorous fish species on plankton communities, water quality and submerged macrophytes, with Prussian carp having more pronounced impact than Rudd.