bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chronic inflammation does not mediate the effect of adiposity on grip strength: results from a multivariable Mendelian Randomization study
Authors: Norris Tom , Sanderson Eleanor , Cooper Rachel , Garfield Victoria , Pereira Snehal M Pinto 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

The relationship between adiposity and grip strength (GS) is complex. We investigated whether one pathway through which adiposity affects GS was via chronic inflammation. 367,583 UK Biobank participants had body mass index (BMI), waist-hip-ratio (WHR), C-reactive protein (CRP) and GS data. Univariable and multivariable Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses (inverse variance weighted (MR-IVW), MR-Egger) estimated total, direct and indirect effects of adiposity traits on GS using genetic instruments for BMI and WHR (exposures) and CRP (mediator). Observational findings suggested higher BMI was associated with stronger grip, e.g., in males, per standard deviation (SD) higher BMI, GS was higher by 0.48kg (95%CI:0.44,0.51), independent of CRP. For males MR estimates were directionally consistent; for females, estimates were consistent with the null. Observational findings for WHR suggested that higher WHR was associated with weaker grip. In multivariable MR-IVW analyses, effects in males were consistent with the null. In females, there were consistent effects, e.g., 1-SD higher WHR was associated with 1.25kg (MVMR-Egger; 95% CI:0.72,1.78) stronger grip, independent of CRP. Across sexes and adiposity indicators, CRP’s mediating role was minor. Greater adiposity may increase GS in early old age, but effects vary by sex and adiposity location. There was no evidence that inflammation mediated these effects.
Effect of ciprofol- and propofol-induced sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopy on pharyngeal swallowing function: A prospective experimental study
Authors: He Bin , Lv Shun , Liao Jinsong , Wang Xiong , Jiang Min , Song Wen , Zhang Qiuyu 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background Ciprofol and propofol are equally safe and effective in enabling patients to undergo painless gastroscopy. However, the effects of ciprofol on swallowing have not been reported. We aimed to compare the effects of ciprofol and propofol on pharyngeal swallowing function in patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy. Methods We randomly divided 237 patients aged 22–64 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists class I–II undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy into the ciprofol (Group C, n = 116) or propofol (Group P, n = 121) group. Patients in Group C and Group P received an intravenous bolus injection of 0.6 mg/kg ciprofol and 2.5 mg/kg propofol, respectively, with the injection time exceeding 30 s. Endoscopy was performed when the Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation score was ≤ 1. The primary outcome was the incidence of severe dysphagia. The Penetration and Aspiration Scale score, Dysphagia Severity Score, occurrence of laryngeal adductor reflex, and arytenoid joint laxity were recorded. The secondary outcomes included the time spent in the post-anesthesia care unit, postoperative recovery time, and incidence of gag reflex, body movement, respiratory depression, hypotension, and postoperative dizziness. Results Group C had a significantly higher incidence of the laryngeal adductor reflex than Group P (54.2% vs. 34.2%, < 0.05), while the incidence of severe dysphagia in Group C was lower than that in Group P (12.9% vs. 33.1%, P < 0.05). The incidence of body movements in Group C was lower than that in Group P (15.5% vs. 31.4%, P < 0.05). Conclusions Compared with propofol, ciprofol may be more beneficial in retaining partial pharyngeal swallowing function to reduce body movements and the risk of aspiration; however, the mechanism requires further investigation. Trial registration: This trial was registered with the China Clinical Trials Centre (Registration Number: ChiCTR2100054446, registration date: 17/12/2021).
Seasonal study on the Aquatic and Terrestrial Habitat of Edayar region, Ernakulam, Kerala, India
Authors: Syamlal Chandni Asha , Sayantan D. 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This study examines the plant diversity and physicochemical characteristics of both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in the industrialized region of Edayar, Kadungalloor, Ernakulam, Kerala, India. The research is conducted seasonally, encompassing the four seasons of Kerala: southwest monsoon, northeast monsoon, winter season, and summer season. Edayar is home to approximately 400 industries. The main objective of this study is to assess the plant diversity, with a specific focus on herb and macrophyte diversity, in the Edayar region, along with analyzing the physicochemical properties of soil and water. Random sampling using quadrat techniques is employed to collect data on species diversity. Diversity indices, such as the Simpson Index and Shannon-Wiener Index, are utilized to analyze the recorded species diversity. Scoparia dulcis L. among herb species and Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms among macrophytes were found dominating in all the seasons. The results for the physico-chemical analysis of water and soil were found approaching to the threshold of standard limits.The findings provide valuable insights into plant diversity and ecological dynamics of the Edayar region, which have been significantly impacted by industrial activities. The outcomes serve as a basis for the development and implementation of effective conservation and management strategies to mitigate potential ecological risks associated with industrial activities in the region.
The impact of care coordination for children with medically complex cerebral palsy: a protocol for a multiple methods study
Authors: Harvey Adrienne , Shepherd Daisy , Gibb Susan , D'Aprano Anita , Babic Rose , Hunter Frances , Jealous Gretta , Carter Rob , Reddihough Dinah , Baikie Gordon , Imms Christine 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background: Children with medically complex cerebral palsy have severe functional limitations and multiple medical comorbidities requiring frequent hospital appointments and admissions and input from many clinical specialties over the course of each year. Complex care programs, which coordinate care for children with medical complexity, are growing in number internationally, however there is little evidence to guide their design and implementation, particularly in the Australian health care setting. This paper reports on a protocol for a study that will explore: 1) the impact of receiving support from a complex care service on service utilisation and costs, and 2) the experiences and perspectives of caregivers of children with medically complex cerebral palsy and health care professionals involved in the care of these children. Information obtained will be used to co-design improved care pathways to optimise access, experiences and outcomes of health services for this vulnerable group.
Methods: This study will use a multiple-methods, three-phase, observational design through an integrated knowledge translation approach. Phase 1 will examine: 1) existing quantitative data regarding in- and out-patient hospital service utilisation, and 2) health, disability and socio-demographic characteristics of children with medically complex cerebral palsy, and their families. Phase 2 will: 1) use qualitative methods to explore the perceptions, experiences and cost impacts from family and the service provider perspectives, and 2) synthesise evidence for an outcome framework through a systematic review. Phase 3 will use information gained to co-design (with parents, clinicians and researchers) the crucial components of care-processes and methods for evaluating care outcomes, that can be embedded and tested within the clinical setting, including cost-effectiveness.
Discussion: This co-designed multiple-methods study aims to enhance outcomes for children with medically complex cerebral palsy and their families. The results will influence the way healthcare services are delivered to this population locally, with transferability to other healthcare services nationally and internationally. Findings will contribute to the limited evidence currently available and therefore provide much needed guidance for service providers to optimise the way healthcare is delivered to this vulnerable and complex population of children.
Trial Registration: This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials
Registry. (ACTRN12622000678796p).
Temperature-dependent phase composition and mechanical properties of heat-treated nickel-titanium rotary endodontic instruments at room and body temperatures
Authors: Kasuga Yuka , Kimura Shunsuke , Maki Keiichiro , Unno Hayate , Omori Satoshi , Hirano Keiko , Ebihara Arata , Okiji Takashi 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the phase composition, phase transformation temperatures, bending property, and cyclic fatigue resistance of differently heat-treated nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments with the same tip diameter and taper at room (RT; 25 ± 1 °C) and body (BT; 37 ± 1 °C) temperatures. Methods Five heat-treated NiTi rotary instruments, HyFlex EDM (EDM), HyFlex CM (CM), Vortex Blue (VB), RE file CT (RE) and JIZAI, and a non-heat-treated NiTi rotary instrument (Mtwo) with a size 40, 0.04 taper were investigated. Temperature-dependent phase transformation was examined with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The bending loads of the instruments at RT and BT were evaluated using a cantilever-bending test. Cyclic fatigue resistance at RT and BT was measured using a dynamic test, during which the instruments were rotated in combination with a 2-mm back-and-forth motion in an artificial curved canal, and the number of cycles to failure (NCF) was determined. The results were analyzed using two-way repeated measures analysis of variance, a simple main effect test, and the Bonferroni test (α = 0.05). Results DSC results indicated that EDM and Mtwo were primarily composed of martensite/R-phase and austenite, respectively, while the other heat-treated instruments were composed of a mix of martensite/R-phase and austenite at the tested temperatures. Regardless of the temperature setting, the bending loads of heat-treated instruments were significantly lower than those of Mtwo (p < 0.05). EDM showed the lowest bending loads and highest NCF at both temperatures (p < 0.05). CM, VB, and JIZAI showed significantly higher bending loads at BT than at RT (p < 0.05). The NCF of all the heat-treated instruments, except VB, was lower at BT than at RT (p < 0.05). At BT, the NCF of CM, RE, and JIZAI were not significantly higher than that of Mtwo (p > 0.05). Conclusions Heat-treated NiTi instruments exhibited lower bending loads and higher NCF values than Mtwo. However, this tendency was less pronounced at BT than at RT, particularly in instruments composed of a mix of martensite/R-phase and austenite.
Educational attainment, severity, and prognosis of intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Yechoor Nirupama , Rist Pamela , Ganbold Alena S , Kourkoulis Christina , Mora Samantha , Mayerhofer Ernst , Parodi Livia , Rosenfeld Lindsay , Anderson Christopher D. , Rosand Jonathan 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background and Objectives:
Despite advances in acute stroke management, the prevalence and incidence of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) are increasing, warranting study beyond biological and clinical determinants to improve primary and secondary prevention. Educational attainment is a critical social determinant of health that impacts risk of all-cause mortality, acute cardiovascular events, as well as severity of incident ischemic stroke, but less is known of its impact on ICH. The objective of this study is to determine whether educational attainment is associated with ICH severity and prognosis.
Methods
Subjects were enrolled in a prospectively ascertained cohort of patients with primary ICH from 1994 until 2020 at the Massachusetts General Hospital Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit. Educational attainment, medical history of ICH risk factors, ICH volume, and ICH score were obtained on admission. The primary outcomes were ICH volume and the ICH score.
Results
Of 2,539 patients eligible for analysis, the median age of the sample was 74 (IQR 64–82) and 2,159 (85%) had high school only education, including diplomates and those with some high school education. 1655 (65%) presented with an ICH volume less than or equal to 30mL and 1,744 (69%) presented with an ICH score less than 30. In multivariable logistic regression analyses controlling for age, income bracket, employment history, and pre-stroke diagnoses of hypertension and coronary artery disease, patients with high school-only education were more likely to have an ICH volume greater than 30mL compared to college diplomates (odds ratio 1.61, 95% 1.24, 2.08) and also more likely to have an ICH score of 3 or greater compared to college diplomates (odds ratio 2.37, 95% CI 1.77, 3.19).
Discussion
Pre-stroke educational attainment carries an independent association with ICH severity and prognosis, with lower educational attainment associated with larger ICH volumes and higher ICH scores. These results suggest that primary and secondary prevention strategies should consider the important social determinant of educational attainment as an independent risk factor for ICH, in addition to traditional clinical risk factors. Future studies are needed to examine how educational attainment impacts exposures to traditional clinical risk factors, healthcare access, and health-related behaviors.
Modeling and parametric performance analysis of Field Emission Electric Propulsion
Authors: Gadisa Dinaol , Bang Hyochoong 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
This article provides an overview of parametric performance analysis of field emission electric propulsion. The change in thrust of the thruster over time and over applied voltage was analyzed utilizing various types of propellant, and assuming the fuel mass is equal to the atomic mass of the propellant , wet mass of the spacecraft is assumed to be 6kg, and the charge of an ion is assumed to be 1.602 × 10 −19 while the applied voltage is up to 10 kV. The simulation results show that the thrust value of the FEEP thruster over time ranges from 0.213µN to 211mN during stable ion flow rate and mass expulsion of indium propellant, implying that the result is comparable to realistic FEEP parameters. Furthermore, as expected, increasing the voltage between emitter and extractor electrodes and decreasing the mass expulsion of the propellant increased the thrust value of the FEEP thruster.
Protective effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate against ultraviolet radiation caused keratinocyte injury: targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome priming and activation
Authors: Luo Zhu-Lin , Zhang Qi-Xiong , Du Min , Wang Qian , Liu Yi , Ren Jian-Dong 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Inflammatory response occurring after ultraviolet (UV) exposure is regarded as one of the major causes of skin photodamage. As a crucial mediator of inflammatory cascades, the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been reported to be responsible for UV radiation (UVR) evoked inflammation in keratinocytes, emerging as a promising target for therapeutic intervention. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the most abundant polyphenol in green tea, has been found to afford protection against UVR-caused keratinocyte injury, but mechanism clarifying its precise target still awaits further exploration. The aim of this study was to examine whether EGCG had the ability to inhibit UVR-triggered NLRP3 inflammasome activation in keratinocytes which accounted for the protection against cell damage. The results showed EGCG prevented HaCaT cells from UVR-induced DNA insults by counteracting oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines production. NLRP3 inflammasome activation in response to UVR was markedly suppressed by EGCG. Moreover, EGCG inhibited the induction of new mtDNA synthesis by downregulating the expression of IRF-1, CMPK2 and phosphorylated STAT1. Meanwhile, EGCG reduced the excessive production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and ox-mtDNA in UV-exposed cells so that both deubiquitination of NLRP3 and the binding of ox-mtDNA to NLRP3 were suppressed, resulting in impaired NLRP3 inflammasome priming and activation. Our results have identified the potent activity of EGCG to ameliorate NLRP3 inflammasome-driven photodamage in keratinocytes caused by UVR. Apart from the mtROS-scavenging activity which enabled EGCG to antagonize mtROS-triggered NLRP3 inflammasome activation, a novel antioxidation-independent mechanism of EGCG in NLRP3 inhibition was revealed.
Automated high-content image-based characterization of microorganism behavioral diversity and distribution
Authors: Lupatelli Carlotta Aurora , Attard Agnès , Kuhn Marie-Line , Cohen Celine , Thomen Philippe , Noblin Xavier , Galiana Eric 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background Microorganisms evolved complex systems to respond to environmental signals. Gradients of particular molecules alter microbe behavior and distribution within their environment. Microdevice tools coupled to automated image-based methods are now employed to analyze instantaneous distribution and motion behaviors of microbial species in controlled environments at small temporal scales, mimicking to some extent macro conditions. Such technologies have already been adopted for investigations mainly on individual species. Similar versatile approaches must now be developed for the characterization of multiple and complex interactions between the microbial community and environment.
Results Here, we provide a comprehensive step-by-step method for the characterization of species-specific behavior of a synthetic mixed microbial suspension in response to an environmental driver. By coupling accessible microfluidic devices with automated image analysis approaches, we evaluated the behavior response of three morphologically different telluric species (Phytophthora parasitica, Vorticella microstoma, Enterobacter aerogenes) to a potassium gradient driver. Using the TrackMate plug-in algorithms, we performed morphometric and then motion analysis to characterize each microbial species response to the driver. Such approach enabled us to confirm the different shape features of the three species, and to simultaneously characterize their particular motion adaptation to the driver, as well as their co-interaction dynamics.
Conclusions The results obtained demonstrated the feasibility of the method to screen mixed-species suspension dynamics at high spatial and temporal scale. By increasing the complexity of suspensions, this approach could be integrated to support conventional omics methods, contributing to characterizing how the main drivers operate at the microbiota-host-environment interfaces. In its current advances, the method can integrate screening strategy, for example, for biocontrol agent evaluation, enlightening possible beneficial-pathogenic interactions based on co-colonization of micro habitats.
Shotgun Metagenomics Unravels the Bacterial Diversity, Resistome Profile and Genetic Exchange in a Tropical Urban Environment
Authors: Nimaichand Salam , Philip Jamiema Sara , Prasad Roshny , Nori Sai Ravi Chandra , Divakaran Soumya Jaya , Ramaraj Subakamakshi Krishnawami , John Jiffy , Chereddy Padma , Patel Neha P , Nelson-Sathi Shijulal 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Background
The environmental microbiome has a direct influence on human health and disease. Previous reports suggest that urbanization and anthropogenic activities can alter natural microbial flora and potentially spread infectious disease-causing agents by emergence of pathogenic strains of bacteria. The nature of microbes present in urban settings and the flow of genetic elements between environmental and clinically relevant pathogenic bacteria, however, remains largely unknown.
Results
To unravel the bacterial diversity and resistome profile of multiple hotspot setups of a tropical urban system such as transport hubs, wet markets, hospital surroundings, waste dumps, and urban coastal area (beaches) metagenomics analyses of sediment samples from around Thiruvananthapuram city were done. Our study revealed the presence of 3,735 species belonging to 46 phyla of bacteria and archaea. The phylum Pseudomonadota was the most abundant bacterial community, followed by Bacteriodota and Actinomycetota. The genus Cloacibacterium had the highest overall relative abundance, while Pseudomonas was the most prevalent bacterial genus in hospital surroundings and coastal area (beaches) settings. We identified 291 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) in the urban resistome, conferring resistance to more than 15 drug classes. The hospital settings had the highest number of ARGs across different drug classes. From the culturomics microcosm setups, we reconstructed 62 high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) which shows high resemblance to pathogenic bacterias such as Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli and Acinetobacter baumannii etc. The ARGs detected in these genomes include genes encoding antibiotic-modifying enzymes (ArnT, eptA, eptB), beta-lactamase (ampC, ampC1, ampH), transcription regulating proteins (KpnE, KpnF, KpnG), efflux pumps (oqxA, oqxB). Furthermore, eight MAGS belonging to Acinetobacter kookii, Acinetobacter pitti, Acinetobacter baumannii, Acinetobacter gerneri, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Klebsiella quasipneumoniae were found to contain virulence factors such as siderophores (acinetobactin, aerobactin, enterobactin etc.), capsule, secretion systems belonging to type III group) (T3SS, TTSS etc) or type II (T2SS), fimbriae (type 3 and I), efflux pump (AdeFGH), or quorum sensing (abaR) associated with pathogenicity.
Conclusions
The study provides insights into bacterial composition, antimicrobial resistance, and virulence potential in urban environments, highlighting the importance of monitoring and managing antimicrobial resistance in urban ecosystems.
Thermal threshold for localized Blood-Brain-Barrier disruption
Authors: Bär Sébastien , Buchholz Oliver , Münkel Christian , Schlett Paul , Levan Pierre , von Elverfeldt Dominik , Hofmann Ulrich 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe Blood-Brain Barrier is the gatekeeper of the CNS. It effectively shields the brain from blood-borne harm but simultaneously represents a significant challenge for treating neurological diseases. Altering its permeability enables increasing the local drug concentration and thereby improving the therapeutic effect. Although permeability increase is achieved by raised tissue temperature, the determination of the thermal dosage suffers from imprecise thermometry during hyperthermia application. Knowledge of the thermal dosage is crucial for improving hyperthermia related interventions of the CNS. Here we show an approach to determine the thermal threshold for localized Blood-Brain Barrier disruption estimated by MR thermometry. Using an IR laser (λ = 1470nm) we showed that highly localized Blood-Brain-Barrier opening can be achieved with mild to moderate hyperthermia. Non-invasive MR thermometry has been used to determine the temperature at the heating site. Blood-Brain Barrier opening has been monitored by DCE-MRIin vivoand post mortem via Evan’s Blue extravasation. The Blood-Brain-Barrier permeability can be altered locally with minimal thermal dosages. Thus mild hyperthermia represents a promising approach to making the brain accessible for therapeutic interventions.