bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of UAV-based photogrammetry products for high-locality fragmented rockfall volume estimation
Authors: huang jian , Huang Xiang , Hales Tristram C. , Ju Nengpan , He Zicheng 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Empirical-statistical and field measurement schemes for high-locality fragmental rockfall volume estimation are challenging to obtain an accurate and reliable result. The flexible and adaptive statistical method using remote sensing technology may improve the quality of rockfall volume estimation which is important for hazard assessment. In this study, a hybrid methodology for the volume estimation in fragmental rockfall events is presented. The image recognition techniques combined with an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) are used to estimate the block sizes in the deposit area. Compared to field-measured values, the relative errors are less than 6 % indicating the feasibility of the proposed method in a rockfall block size estimation. Therefore, the fragmental rockfall volume can be determined based on the rockfall block size distribution (RBSD). The RBSD of fragmental rockfall can be well-fitted by a power-law distribution (y=0.01V0-1.14}). Then, the estimated volume is compared to the result from pre- and post-failure changes in the surface elevation by the digital surface model (DSM). The mean ratio is up to 82.26% based on the depletion volume, and 90.65% on the deposition volume. The estimation accuracy is better than the ratio of 57% to empirical formulas for the rockfall volume estimation. Even though there are still uncertainties in the volume estimation, the results show that the proposed method may be helpful for such kind of hazard assessment and mitigation.
Impact of total fat mass and skeletal muscle mass index on the occurrence of perioperative hypothermia in Japanese male patients undergoing open gastrectomy: a single institution retrospective cohort study
Authors: Amada Ayako , Amada En , Inagaki Yoshimi , Kumagai Koshi , Nunobe Souya , Mitobe Yuta , Kurahashi Kiyoyasu 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Perioperative hypothermia occurs in patients undergoing general anesthesia. Hypothermia is defined as a core body temperature of lower than 36℃. There are few reports on the relationship between patient body composition and occurrence of hypothermia. Therefore, this study was aimed to clarify the relationship between patient body composition and hypothermia. Patients undergoing open gastrectomy were enrolled in the study. Patients whose bladder temperature was lower than 36℃ for more than 1 minute were allocated to the hypothermia group, and the other patients were allocated to the control group. The patient’s body composition was evaluated by the bioelectrical impedance analysis. Of sixty-eight patients enrolled in this study, thirty-four patients were allocated to the hypothermia group. Body surface area per body weight was significantly high in the hypothermia group. Body composition factors such as total fat mass, skeletal muscle mass index, and basal metabolic rate were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the hypothermia group. Body fat percentage and visceral fat mass were similar between the two groups. Multivariate analysis demonstrated total fat mass less than 11.2 kg (HR 4.51 (95%CI: 1.35–15.03), p = 0.014) and skeletal muscle mass index less than 10.06 kg/m2 (HR 5.61 (95%CI: 1.86–16.93), p = 0.002) as independent risk factors for hypothermia. Low total fat mass and low skeletal muscle mass index will be likely to be risk factors for perioperative hypothermia in open gastrectomy.
Clostridiosis as the cause of deaths in hand-reared parrot chicks.
Authors: Ledwoń Aleksandra , Dolka Izabella , Stefańska Ilona , Rzewuska Magdalena , Kwiecień Ewelina , Świda Magdalena Kizerwetter- , Szotowska Ines , Żabicka Dorota , Szeleszczuk Piotr 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

A parrot breeder reported a problem with hand-reared chicks’ deaths. Pale skin and mucous membranes, sometimes convulsions, growth retardation and diarrhoea were observed in these birds. Post-mortem examination showed changes in the liver in two chicks, paleness or mottling of the kidneys, dilation of the proventriculus and gizzard, and bloating of the intestines in some birds. Microscopic examination of stained preparations from the intestinal content showed the presence of numerous spore-forming bacilli. Histopathological examination revealed degenerative and necrotic hepatocytes, lymphocyte depletion of spleen, bursa of Fabricius, and thymus and damage to the intestinal mucosa. Microbiological and direct molecular investigation of intestinal specimens showed the presence of Clostridium saudiense/Clostridium disporicum, in most samples tested, and Clostridium perfringens in one parrot. However, our study demonstrated that protein extract-based MALDI-TOF spectra, along with 16S rDNA sequencing, although commonly used for the reliable identification of many bacterial species, were not effective in distinguishing between C. saudiense and C. disporicum. Although the isolated clostridia, excluding C. perfringens, are not obligatory pathogenic bacteria, and they are a part of the intestinal microbiota in mammals.
Implementing Early Rehabilitation Strategies for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients Undergoing Mechanical Ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Khwaja Sajad Ahmad , Habib Mohammad Anwar , Gupta Rajesh , Singla Deepika , Basista Ruchi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Patients afflicted with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) frequently manifest acute respiratory failure (ARF), characterized by hypercapnia, hypoxia, malnutrition, muscle weakness, heightened work of breathing (WOB), recurrent acute exacerbations, reliance on mechanical ventilation (MV), and difficulties in the weaning phase. Early implementation of rehabilitation interventions holds promise in mitigating prolonged mechanical ventilation and consequently, reducing intensive care unit (ICU) morbidity and mortality.
METHODOLOGY:
A prospective study was undertaken involving COPD type 2 respiratory failure patients receiving MV in an ICU setting. Random assignment was employed to allocate patients to either the experimental or control groups. Both groups received chest physiotherapy, range-of-motion exercises, and standard medical and nursing care. The experimental group additionally underwent early active rehabilitation exercises, including limb strength training and progressive mobility tasks. Various parameters such as Mechanical ventilator duration, ICU length of stay (LOS), mortality, and occurrence of adverse events were documented. Group differences were analyzed using independent t-tests.
RESULTS
Among fifty-two patients, 33 were assigned in a random manner to each group using sealed envelopes. After withdrawals, 15 patients remained in each group. The experimental group had significantly shorter durations of mechanical ventilation (2.29 ± 0.611 vs 2.86 ± 0.663 days; 95% CI − 1.067 to − 0.076, t = − 2.371, P = 0.025) and ICU stay (7.667 ± 1.1751 vs 8.867 ± 1.6847 days; 95% CI − 2.2864 to − 0.1136, t = − 2.263, P = 0.032) compared to the control group. ICU mortality rates were similar between groups (1.933 ± 0.2582 vs 1.933 ± 0.2582; 95% CI − 0.1931 to 0.1931, t = 0.000, P = 1.000). The experimental group had a higher incidence of non-serious adverse events (0.667 ± 0.4880 vs 0.267 ± 0.4577 events; 95% CI − 0.0461 to − 0.7539, t = 2.316, P = 0.028), primarily transient physiological changes.
CONCLUSION
Engaging the early active rehabilitation exercises for mechanically ventilated COPD patients is practical and results in a reduction in MV duration, consequently shortening the ICU LOS.
Isolation and characterization of bacteriophages against Burkholderia species
Authors: Shetty Varsha Prakash , Rai Praveen , Raj Juliet Roshni Mohan , Rohit Anusha , Deekshit Vijaya Kumar 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc) is a potent nosocomial pathogen mainly encountered in immunocompromised, cystic fibrosis and chronic granulomatous patients. They are innately resistant to the broad spectrum of antibiotics and thus need an alternative therapeutic approach, one of which is phage therapy. Therefore, our study aimed at isolating the bacteriophages against Burkholderia spp isolated from non-cystic fibrosis patients and characterizing these bacteriophages for therapeutic intervention. Initially, the hospital and environmental effluents were collected and screened for the presence of bacteriophages against Burkholderia spp. The obtained phages were then enriched and characterized by RAPD. Host range activity of phages were evaluated, and the cocktails of phages were screened for their synergistic effect. The morphology of the bacteriophages was examined using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Four bacteriophages were isolated and characterised against three different strains of Burkholderia. These, four phages were found to be strain specific and they did not show lytic activity against other species of Gram-negative isolates during host range analysis. Cocktail ;lassay –denoted that cocktail A showed broad host range activity against multiple species of Burkholderia. None of the phages showed any banding pattern for RAPD assay. TEM analysis revealed that phages belonged to Straboviridae family. The isolated phages against Burkholderia spp were found to be strain specific and active against Burkholderia cenocepacia, Burkholderia vietnamiensis and Burkholderia pseudomultivorans. This study has been a modest attempt to isolate bacteriophages against different genomovars of Burkholderia. The lytic activity of phages observed against the host determines the narrow spectrum activity of these phages and supports the theory of bacteriophage being one of the best alternatives for personalised clinical treatment of bacterial infections.
The Role of Community Health Workers in the Management of Hypertension in Nigeria
Authors: OSENI Tijani Idris Ahmad , OLAWUMI Abdulgafar Lekan , SALAM Tawakalit Olubukola , ISSA Amudalat , ABISO Mohammed Abubakar , SANUSI Ibraheem , ILORI Temitope 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
Hypertension is the number one risk factor for cardiovascular death worldwide and its prevalence has been on the increase in LMICs including Nigeria. There is an increasing awareness and recognition of the contributions of the community health workers (CHWs) in the healthcare system. This study assessed their current role in the management of hypertension and patient satisfaction with the care received.
Methods
A mixed method study (cross-sectional study and key informant interview) across five states in different geopolitical zones of Nigeria where 381 CHWs were selected for the study using multi-stage random sampling method and 14 patients with hypertension through purposive sampling method for key informant interview (KII) to assess the level of satisfaction with services of CHWs. Chi-square test was used to assess relationship between categorical variables. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Thematic analysis of the text data from the KII was done using Nvivo® version 12 pro.
Results
A total of 381 CHWs completed the study. They were predominantly males (63%) with mean age of 40.96 ± 12.51 years. Only about one-third of the CHWs (31%) could correctly diagnose hypertension while only 15% knew the base-line investigations to be requested. Being female (FE = 9.205, p = 0.008) and resident in northwest geopolitical region (χ2 = 20.920, p < 0.001) had statistically significant associations with appropriate diagnostic skills for hypertension. Being supervised by doctors is associated with appropriate knowledge of baseline investigations for hypertension (χ2 = 5.534, p = 0.019). Mostly, hypertensive patients reported positive experiences and satisfaction with the services provided by the CHWs.
Conclusions
Community health workers currently have critical contributions in the management of hypertension in Nigeria. Hypertensive patients generally reported satisfactory experience with CHWs managing them. The services rendered by CHWs can be improved upon by adequate supervision and training.
Giant icebergs increase mixing and stratification in upper-ocean layers
Authors: Lucas Natasha , Brearley James , Hendry Katherine , Spira Theo , Braakmann-Folgmann Anne , Abrahamsen Einar Povl , Meredith Michael , Tarling Geraint 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Ice sheet mass loss is one of the clearest manifestations of climate change, with Antarctica discharging mass into the ocean via the melting of glacial ice or through calving. This calving produces icebergs which can modify ocean water properties, often at great distances from source. This affects upper ocean physics and primary productivity, with implications for atmospheric carbon drawdown. Detailed understanding of iceberg modification of ocean waters has hitherto been hindered by a lack of proximal measurements. Here, unique measurements of a giant iceberg from an underwater glider quantifies meltwater effects on the physical and biological processes in the upper layers of the Southern Ocean, a region disproportionately important for global heat and carbon sequestration. Iceberg basal melting erodes seasonally-produced Winter Water (WW) layer stratification, normally forming a strong potential energy barrier to vertical exchange of surface and deep waters, whilst freshwater runoff increases and shoals near-surface stratification. Nutrient-rich deeper waters, incorporating terrigenous loaded meltwater, are ventilated to below this stratification maxima, providing a potential mechanism for alleviating critical biological limiting components. Regional historical hydrographic data demonstrates similar stratification changes during the passage of another large iceberg, suggesting that they may be an important pathway of aseasonal WW modification.
Network-based global analysis of the cellular senescence process and senescence phenotype in the peripheral sensory neurons of the dorsal root ganglia
Authors: Kawabata Sora , Iijima Hirotaka , Kanemura Naohiko , Murata Kenji 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Accumulation of senescent neurons in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is an important tissue phenotype that causes age-related degeneration of peripheral sensory nerves. Senescent neurons are neurons with arrested cell cycle that have undergone cellular senescence but remain in the tissue and play various biological roles. To understand the accumulation of senescent neurons in the DRG during aging, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism that induces cellular senescence in DRG neurons and the role of senescent DRG neurons. We integrated multiple public transcriptome datasets for DRGs, which represent cell bodies in neurons, and sciatic nerve, which represents axon in neurons, using network medicine-based bioinformatics analysis to account for axon-cell body interaction involved in cellular senescenc. Network medicine-based bioinformatics analysis revealed that age-related Mapk3 decline leads to impaired cholesterol metabolism and biosynthetic function in axons, resulting in compensatory upregulation of Srebf1, a transcription factor involved in lipid and cholesterol metabolism, which in turn leads to CDKN2A-mediated cellular senescence. Furthermore, this analysis revealed that senescent DRG neurons develop a senescence phenotype characterized by activation of antigen-presenting cells via upregulation of Ctss as a hub gene. B cells inferred as antigen-presenting cells activated by Ctss, and CD8-positive T cells inferred as cells that receive antigen presentation from the B cells.
Hepatic fibroblast growth factor 21 is required for curcumin or resveratrol in exerting their metabolic beneficial effect in male mice
Authors: Jin Tianru , Feng Jia Nuo , Shao Weijuan , Yang Lin , Pang Juan , Ling Wenhua , Liu Dinghui , Wheeler Michael , He Housheng 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Conclusion and significance: We conclude that hepatic FGF21 is required for curcumin or resveratrol in exerting their major metabolic beneficial effect. The recognition that FGF21 as the common target of dietary interventions brings us a novel angle in understanding metabolic disease treatment and prevention. It remains to be explored how various dietary interventions regulate FGF21 expression and function, via certain common or unique gut-liver or gut-brain-liver axis.
Background: Our mechanistic understanding on metabolic beneficial effects of dietary polyphenols has been hampered for decades due to the lack of functional receptors for those compounds and their extremely low plasma concentrations. Recent studies by our team and others have suggested that those dietary polyphenols may target gut microbiome and gut-liver axis and that hepatic fibroblast factor 21 (FGF21) serves as a common target for various dietary interventions.
Methods: Utilizing liver-specific FGF21 null mice (lFgf21-/-), we are asking a straightforward question: Is hepatic FGF21 required for curcumin or resveratrol, two typical dietary polyphenols, in exerting their metabolic beneficial effect in obesogenic diet-induced obese mouse models.
Results: On low-fat diet feeding, no appreciable defect on glucose disposal was observed in male or female lFgf21-/- mice, while fat tolerance was impaired in male but not in female lFgf21-/- mice, associated with elevated serum triglyceride (TG) level, reduced hepatic expression of the Ehhadh and Ppargc1a, which encodes the two downstream effectors of FGF21. On high-fat-high-fructose (HFHF) diet challenge, Fgf21fl/fl but not lFgf21-/- mice exhibited response to curcumin intervention on reducing serum TG, and on improving fat tolerance. Resveratrol intervention also affected FGF21 expression or its downstream effectors. Metabolic beneficial effects of resveratrol intervention observed in HFHF diet-challenged Fgf21fl/fl mice were either absent or attenuated in lFgf21-/- mice.
BECC-engineered live-attenuated Shigella vaccine candidates display reduced endotoxicity with robust immunogenicity in mice
Authors: Ernst Robert , Sherman Matthew , Michalski Jane , Das Sayan , Yang Hyojik , Chandrasekaran Lakshmi , O'Meara Timothy , Dowling David , Levy Ofer , Barnoy Shoshana , Venkatesan Malabi 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Shigella spp. infection contributes significantly to the global disease burden, primarily affecting young children in developing countries. Currently, there are no FDA-approved vaccines against Shigella, and the prevalence of antibiotic resistance is increasing, making therapeutic options limited. Live-attenuated vaccine strains WRSs2 (S. sonnei) and WRSf2G12 (S. flexneri 2a) are highly immunogenic, making them promising vaccine candidates, but possess an inflammatory lipid A structure on their lipopolysaccharide (LPS; also known as endotoxin). Here, we utilized bacterial enzymatic combinatorial chemistry (BECC) to ectopically express lipid A modifying enzymes in WRSs2 and WRSf2G12, as well as their respective wild-type strains, generating targeted lipid A modifications across the Shigella backgrounds. Dephosphorylation of lipid A, rather than deacylation, reduced LPS-induced TLR4 signaling in vitro and dampened endotoxic effects in vivo. These BECC-modified vaccine strains retained the phenotypic traits of their parental strains, such as invasion of epithelial cells and immunogenicity in mice without adverse endotoxicity. Overall, our observations suggest that BECC-engineered live attenuated vaccines are a promising approach to safe and effective Shigella vaccines.
A unique and biocompatible corneal collagen crosslinking in vivo
Authors: Gulzar Ayesha , Kaleli Humeyra Nur , Köseoğlu Gülsüm Deniz , Hasanreisoğlu Murat , Yıldız Ayşe , Şahin Afsun , Kizilel Seda 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Corneal crosslinking (CXL) is a widely applied technique to halt the progression of ectatic diseases through increasing the thickness and mechanical stiffness of the cornea. This study investigated the biocompatibility and efficiency of a novel CXL procedure using ruthenium and blue light in rat corneas and evaluated parameters important for clinical application. To perform the CXL procedure, the corneal epithelium of rats was removed under anaesthesia, followed by the application of a solution containing ruthenium and sodium persulfate (SPS). The corneas were then exposed to blue light at 430 nm at 3 mW/cm2 for 5 minutes. Rat corneas were examined and evaluated for corneal opacity, corneal and limbal neovascularization, and corneal epithelial regeneration on days 0, 1, 3, 6, 8, and 14. On day 28, the corneas were isolated for subsequent tissue follow-up and analysis. CXL with ruthenium and blue light showed rapid epithelial healing, with 100 % regeneration of the corneal epithelium and no corneal opacity on day 6. The ruthenium group also exhibited significantly reduced corneal (p<0.01) and limbal neovascularization (p<0.001). Histological analysis revealed no signs of cellular damage or apoptosis, which further confirms the biocompatibility and nontoxicity of our method. Confocal and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images confirmed high density of collagen fibrils, indicating efficient crosslinking and enhanced structural integrity. This study is unique that demonstrates in vivo safety, biocompatibility, and functionality of ruthenium and blue light CXL. This approach can prevent toxicity caused by UV-A light and can be an immediate alternative compared to the existing crosslinking procedures that have side effects and clinical risks for the patients.
Comparative responses to demethylating therapy in animal models of osteosarcoma
Authors: Huang Shan , Ren Ling , Beck Jessica A. , Patkar Sushant , Osuna Maria Angeles Lillo , Cherukuri Aswini , Mazcko Christina , Krum Susan A. , LeBlanc Amy K. 
Published: June 2024

Abstract

Background
The demethylating agent decitabine (DAC) effectively inhibits tumor growth and metastasis by targeting ESR1 methylation to restore estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) signaling and promoting cellular differentiation in models of human osteosarcoma (OSA). Whether this pathway can be targeted in canine OSA patients is unknown.
Methods
Canine OSA tumor samples were tested for ERα expression and ESR1 promoter methylation. Human (MG63.3) and canine (MC-KOS) OSA cell lines and murine xenografts were treated with DAC in vitro and in vivo, respectively. Samples were assessed using mRNA sequencing and tissue immunohistochemistry.
Results
ESR1 is methylated in a subset of canine OSA patient samples and the MC-KOS cell line. DAC treatment led to enhanced differentiation as demonstrated by increased ALPL expression, and suppressed tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. Metastatic progression was inhibited, particularly in the MG63.3 model, which expresses higher levels of DNA methyltransferases DNMT1 and 3B. DAC treatment induced significant alterations in immune response and cell cycle pathways.
Conclusion
DAC treatment activates ERα signaling, promotes bone differentiation, and inhibits tumor growth and metastasis in human and canine OSA. Additional DAC-altered pathways and species- or individual-specific differences in DNMT expression may also play a role in DAC treatment of OSA.