bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biomechanical Comparison of Different Surgical Approaches for the Treatment of Adjacent Segment Diseases after Primary Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Ke Wencan , Zhang Teng , Wang Bingjin , Hua Wenbin , Wang Kun , Cheung Jason Pui Yin , Yang Cao 
Published: August 2023

Background and objectiveAdjacent segment disease (ASD) is a well‐known complication after interbody fusion. Revision surgery is necessary for symptomatic ASD to further decompress and fix the affected segment. However, no optimal construct is accepted as a standard in treating ASD. The purpose of this study was to compare the biomechanical effects of different surgical approaches for the treatment of ASD after primary transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF).MethodsA finite element model of the L1‐S1 was conducted based on computed tomography scan images. The primary surgery model was developed with a single‐level TLIF at L4‐L5 segment. The revision surgical models were developed with anterior lumbar interbody fusion (ALIF), lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF), or TLIF at L3‐L4 segment. The range of motion (ROM), intradiscal pressure (IDP), and the stress in cages were compared to investigate the biomechanical influences of different surgical approaches.ResultsThe results indicated that all the three surgical approaches can stabilize the spinal segment by reducing the ROM at revision level. The ROM and IDP at adjacent segments of revision model of TLIF was greater than those of other revision models. While revision surgery with ALIF and LLIF had similar effects on the ROM and IDP of adjacent segments. Compared among all the surgical models, cage stress in revision model of TLIF was the maximum in extension and axial rotation.ConclusionThe IDP at adjacent segments and stress in cages of revision model of TLIF was greater than those of ALIF and LLIF. This may be that direct extension of the surgical segment in the same direction results in stress concentration.
Effects of proline on survival, locomotion and amino acid haemolymph composition of Osmia cornuta (Latreille, 1805)
Authors: Tafi Elena , Sagona Simona , Coppola Francesca , Meucci Valentina , Galloni Marta , Bortolotti Laura , Bogo Gherardo , Nepi Massimo , Felicioli Antonio 
Published: August 2023

AbstractFlower nectar, a sugar‐rich solution containing amino acids as major secondary solutes, is the primary energy source for bees. Proline is one of the most abundant protein nectar amino acids, showing several effects on bee physiology. Mason bees are outstanding pollinators, often preferred to Apis mellifera for pollination of fruit trees. Among them, Osmia cornuta (Latreille) is one of the most successfully managed species on a commercial scale. In this work, the effects of 10 mM proline‐enriched diet administration on O. cornuta feed consumption, survival, behaviour and haemolymph amino acid composition were investigated. Feed intake was higher for the proline diet, while survival rate was not affected. Behaviour was affected only in the senescence of the mason bees with a reduction in locomotor activity induced by proline intake. Proline diet also affected the haemolymph amino acid composition, decreasing concentration of tyrosine, methionine, leucine and phenylalanine after 10 days of feeding. These results were discussed in relation to the potential involvement of proline in oxidative stress in insects and proline's ability to be converted to other amino acids. Further investigations are necessary to better understand the molecular mechanisms of proline effects on locomotion and oxidative stress.
Bringing COVID‐19 vaccine to medically underserved populations utilizing a community‐guided mobile vaccine program
Authors: Ketel Christian , Clouse Kate , Jordan Heather , Uroza Sarah , Kirby Justin , Adams Keri , Davis Tiffany , Janbakhsh Diane , Green Michael , Hopkins Paige , James Barbara , Rahman Nadia , Thomas Ally , Plummer Carrie 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBetween March 23, 2021, and December 31, 2022, the Mobile Vaccine Program (MVP) vaccinated 5044 individuals from medically‐underserved communities in Middle Tennessee identified through and guided by a collaboration of local community agencies. The primary objective of the MVP was to vaccinate individuals for COVID‐19 who had barriers to traditional mass vaccine strategies through community‐guided strategies and partnerships. Three strategies were developed and implemented with community partners and their affiliated community health workers (CHWs). The strategies included pop‐up vaccination clinics at community partner events, CHW‐guided door‐to‐door in‐home vaccination, and community partner‐initiated homebound referrals for vaccination.
Decolonising and decriminalising child marriage in Africa
Authors: Nyamutata Conrad 
Published: August 2023

AbstractChild marriages, often attributed to culture and gender inequality, are prevalent across Africa. Several countries have moved to criminalise the practice. At the core of the criminalisation debate are the fundamental tensions between statutory (state) law on the one hand, and religious and customary law on the other. The growing momentum towards punishment, targeted almost invariably at male offenders, is meant to address the conflict between cultural practices that lead to child marriage and the protection of children's rights. However, some countries have not criminalised child marriage. Thus, the outlawry of child marriages is not universal on the continent. The agitation towards criminalisation—I describe this as ‘popular punitvism’ ‐ as a panacea, is animated by Western penological justifications, principally, deterrence. However, Western criminological and penological theories may not fully account for a phenomenon in other social and geographical spaces. The paper argues for decolonising and decriminalising child marriages in Africa but not legalising it.
‘Being and becoming a practice educator’: An AHP online programme
Authors: Hislop Jane , Lane Judith , Hegarty David , Thomas Janet 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundFive higher education institutions (HEIs) in Scotland with qualifying allied health professional (AHP) programmes developed an online programme in practice education. This paper focuses on the design, development and evaluation of this programme.ApproachThe programme was developed using the ADDIE approach for instructional design and was launched on TURAS (NHS e‐learning platform) in November 2020. In November 2021, an online questionnaire was distributed to evaluate the e‐learning programme and AHPs' preferences for future practice education training.EvaluationOf the 407 responses, 95% (n = 388) were working in the NHS. There was no preference for online or face‐to‐face format of training. For the majority, having flexibility of time and place was deemed to be important to manage learning particularly given high workloads and staff shortages. Out of the 29% (n = 118) who answered questions regarding the programme, more than 60% (n > 75) of respondents reported it was well organised, the content relevant and would support their learning. Free text comments suggested a desire for networking opportunities to discuss learning.ImplicationsAn e‐learning programme for new and existing AHP practice educators in Scotland was developed and launched in November 2020. Key feedback from participants was that they wanted to have opportunities for interaction with other learners to discuss and share their learning whether this was online or face‐to‐face. The programme now forms the foundation education in practice education for AHPs in Scotland and is supplemented with networking opportunities through synchronous online training with HEIs and via NHS Education for Scotland's virtual community.
An open‐label clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of an elemental diet for the diagnosis of adverse food reactions in dogs
Authors: Tinsley Jeffrey , Griffin Craig , Sheinberg Galia , Griffin Joya , Cross Emily , Gagné Jason , Romero Anahi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe diagnosis of cutaneous adverse food reactions (CAFR) in dogs is dependent on a diet trial and provocative challenge.Hypothesis/ObjectivesTo evaluate the efficacy of an elemental diet for the diagnosis of CAFR in dogs.AnimalsSixty‐two client‐owned nonseasonally pruritic dogs.Materials and MethodsA prospective, uncontrolled, observational elimination diet trial study. Dogs were fed a commercially available elemental canine diet (Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental Canine Formula, Nestlé Purina PetCare Company) for up to eight weeks. Pruritus was assessed using a validated Visual Analog Scale (PVAS), lesions with the Canine Atopic Dermatitis and Severity Index, 4th iteration (CADESI‐04) and gastrointestinal (GI) signs with a client questionnaire. All dogs were challenged with their previous diet for up to 14 days. Treats were added from Day (D)7 to D14.ResultsForty‐five dogs completed the study. Eighteen (40%) of these were diagnosed with CAFR and 27 (60%) were diet‐nonresponsive (NR). Dogs with CAFR flared on provocative challenges within 14 days. The smallest volume of previous diet that induced a CAFR flare was one teaspoon in two dogs (11.1%). The mean number of days leading to a provocation of clinical signs was 4.88 days. Gastrointestinal signs improved in both groups. Eight of the dogs with CAFR (44.4%) were subsequently maintained on the elemental diet alone.Conclusion and Clinical RelevancePro Plan Veterinary Diets EL Elemental Canine Formula is efficacious for the diagnosis of canine CAFR. One teaspoon of the offending diet may induce clinical signs in some dogs with CAFR.
Effect of CH4 Addition on Soot Formation in C2H4 Diffusion Flame
Authors: Liu Bing , Wang Chengjing , Zhang Yindi , Si Mengting , Luo Guang 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Studying the effect of co-combustion of multiple fuels on soot formation has become a hot spot in the investigation of soot particles. In this paper, the influence of methane blending on soot formation in ethylene flame combustion is studied experimentally and numerically. The visible spectrum of flame image processing technology was used for the in situ measurement of laminar flame temperature and carbon smoke volume points in the experiment. The effects of different methane blending ratios on particle nucleation, coalescence, surface growth, and oxidation process of soot were analyzed based on the piecewise particle dynamics soot model of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using CoFlame Code. Results indicate that the synergistic effect promoted the increasing rate of nucleation and addition reaction of hydrogen extraction at a low methane blending ratio, and the increase in the total mass of soot was mainly due to the PAH condensation rate. The total amount of soot generation gradually decreases with increasing blending ratio. The overall trend of condensation, surface growth rate, and soot nucleation in the flame decreases with increasing blending ratio. And the nucleation rate gradually shifts from a single peak to a double peak and increases slightly at the initial stage of the flame combustion reaction. It is worth mentioning that the change of three PAH precursors (secondary benzo(a)pyrenyl, benzo(a)pyrene, and benzo(ghi)fluoranthene) and the temperature explains the change of nucleation rate from unimodal to bimodal.
Microstructural Evolution and Room Temperature Mechanical Properties in Additively Manufactured Mar M 509 With Short Cycle Heat Treatment
Authors: Sahu Shreehard , Kumar Bikash , Sahoo Siba Sundar , Jaya Balila Nagamani , Srinivasan Dheepa 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The Co-based superalloy Mar M 509, known for its high-temperature oxidation and hot corrosion resistance, is processed via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). Microstructure and mechanical properties of Mar M 509 in as-printed (As-P) and heat-treated (HT) states are compared based on two build orientations (longitudinal (L) and transverse (T)) to establish structure-property links with heat treatment. The As-P condition displays a distinct cellular microstructure (500–600 nm) with 50–60 nm carbide particles adorning cell boundaries. Longitudinal (L) build has columnar grains (8–35 μm along the major axis) with a grain aspect ratio of 4, while transverse (T) orientation exhibits equiaxed, bimodal microstructure (5–10 μm and 15–25 μm grain sizes). Strong &lt;001&gt; texture is noted in L. Mechanical properties at room temperature differ between L and T; T (569 ± 12 HV) has 15% higher hardness compared to L (489 ± 18 HV) and 34% higher 0.2% yield strength (YS), but 30% lower elongation than L. Post a short heat treatment cycle at 1250 °C, weld bead structure and cell boundaries break down. Both L (25–33 μm along the major axis) and T orientations (5–42 μm) experience grain growth, and carbides coarsen (250–350 nm). Post-heat treatment, dislocation density decreases, indicating recrystallization; lattice parameter of matrix reduces, implying solute depletion contributing to carbide enrichment. Yield strength drops from 860 MPa to 740 MPa in L and from 1150 MPa to 840 MPa in T, with ductility rising from 14% to 23% in L.
Proton pump inhibitor treatment aggravates bacterial translocation in patients with advanced cirrhosis and portal hypertension
Authors: Sturm Lukas , Hirose Misa , Stolz Laura , Schultheiss Michael , Zoldan Katharina , Reincke Marlene , Huber Jan Patrick , Kaeser Rafael , Boettler Tobias , Thimme Robert , Albert Elisabeth , Busch Hauke , Künstner Axel , Bettinger Dominik 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Recent studies have linked proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment to increased complications of cirrhosis, such as bacterial infections and hepatic encephalopathy. However, the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. The present study investigated the hypothesis that PPI treatment may promote adverse effects in patients with advanced cirrhosis by affecting subclinical bacterial translocation (BT) from the gut into the portal venous bloodstream. Blood samples from the portal vein were obtained during implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in a total of 80 cirrhosis patients with PPI treatment (PPI group,
n
= 57) and without PPI treatment (no-PPI group,
n
= 23). BT was identified using a 16S ribosomal RNA gene (V1V2 region) polymerase chain reaction. The microbiota composition in the portal venous blood samples was further analyzed by deep amplicon sequencing. Indeed, the prevalence of BT was significantly higher in the PPI group compared to the no-PPI group (86.0% vs 52.2%,
P
= 0.001). Importantly, this effect was not attributable to group differences in the severity of cirrhosis, parameters of portal hypertension, or medication. Microbiome analyses showed significantly increased alpha-diversity (Shannon) in the portal venous blood of the PPI group. Taxonomic analyses revealed significantly increased
Streptococcus
abundances in these patients. The present study reveals aggravated BT in patients with advanced cirrhosis and portal hypertension receiving PPI therapy. Increased BT could be an important pathomechanism contributing to the adverse effects of PPI treatment in patients with cirrhosis.

IMPORTANCE
Long-term prescription of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients with cirrhosis is common practice. However, in recent years, several observational studies have reported increased complications and negative prognostic effects of PPI treatment in these patients. Judging the significance of these associations is complicated by the fact that a plausible underlying pathomechanism has not been identified so far. In the present study, we address this important issue by investigating the impact of PPI treatment on subclinical bacterial translocation from the gut into the blood stream in patients with advanced cirrhosis and portal hypertension. Indeed, we report significantly aggravated bacterial translocation in cirrhosis patients receiving PPI treatment. This finding is highly relevant, as bacterial translocation is known to promote the development of complications and impair prognosis in patients with cirrhosis. Hence, the present study could establish a plausible link between PPI treatment and adverse effects in cirrhosis.
The timing of transcription of RpoS-dependent genes varies across multiple stresses in
Escherichia coli
K-12
Authors: Adams Josephine , Hoang Johnson , Petroni Emily , Ashby Ethan , Hardin Johanna , Stoebel Daniel M. 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

The alternative sigma factor RpoS regulates transcription of over 1,000 genes in
Escherichia coli
in response to many different stresses. RpoS levels rise continuously after exposure to stress, and the consequences of changing levels of RpoS for the temporal patterns of expression of RpoS-regulated genes have not been described. We measured RpoS levels at various times during the entry to stationary phase, or in response to high osmolarity or low temperature, and found that the time required to reach maximum levels varied by several hours. We quantified the transcriptome across these stresses using RNA-seq. The number of differentially expressed genes differed among stresses, with 1,379 DE genes identified in stationary phase, 633 in high osmolarity, and 302 in cold shock. To quantify the timing of gene expression, we fit sigmoid or double sigmoid models to differentially expressed genes in each stress. During the entry into stationary phase, genes whose expression rose earlier tended to be those that had been found to respond most strongly to low levels of RpoS. The timing of individual gene’s expression was not correlated across stresses. Taken together, our results demonstrate
E. coli
activates RpoS with different timing in response to different stresses, which in turn generates a unique pattern of timing of the transcription response to each stress.

IMPORTANCE
Bacteria adapt to changing environments by altering the transcription of their genes. Specific proteins can regulate these changes. This study explored how a single protein called RpoS controls how many genes change expression during adaptation to three stresses. We found that: (i) RpoS is responsible for activating different genes in different stresses; (ii) that during a stress, the timing of gene activation depends on the what stress it is; and (iii) that how much RpoS a gene needs in order to be activated can predict when that gene will be activated during the stress of stationary phase.
Identification of a common secondary mutation in the
Neurospora crassa
knockout collection conferring a cell fusion-defective phenotype
Authors: Montenegro-Montero Alejandro , Goity Alejandra , Canessa Paulo F. , Larrondo Luis F. 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Gene-deletion mutants represent a powerful tool to study gene function. The filamentous fungus
Neurospora crassa
is a well-established model organism, and features a comprehensive gene knockout strain collection. While these mutant strains have been used in numerous studies, resulting in the functional annotation of many Neurospora genes, direct confirmation of gene-phenotype relationships is often lacking, which is particularly relevant given the possibility of background mutations, sample contamination, and/or strain mislabeling. Indeed, spontaneous mutations resulting in phenotypes resembling many cell fusion mutants have long been known to occur at relatively high frequency in
N. crassa
, and these secondary mutations are common in the Neurospora deletion collection. The identity of these mutations, however, is largely unknown. Here, we report that the Δ
ada-3
strain from the
N. crassa
knockout collection, which exhibits a cell fusion defect, harbors a secondary mutation responsible for this phenotype. Through whole-genome sequencing and genetic analyses, we found a ~30-Kb deletion in this strain affecting a known cell fusion-related gene,
so
/
ham-1
, and show that it is the absence of this gene—and not of
ada-3
—that underlies its cell fusion defect. We additionally found three other knockout strains harboring the same deletion, suggesting that this mutation may be common in the collection and could have impacted previous studies. Our findings provide a cautionary note and highlight the importance of proper functional validation of strains from mutant collections. We discuss our results in the context of the spread of cell fusion-defective cheater variants in
N. crassa
cultures.

IMPORTANCE

This study emphasizes the need for careful and detailed characterization of strains from mutant collections. Specifically, we found a common deletion in various strains from the
Neurospora crassa
gene knockout collection that results in a cell fusion-defective phenotype. This is noteworthy because this collection is known to contain background mutations—of a largely unclear nature—that produce cell fusion-defective phenotypes. Our results describe an example of such mutations, and highlight how this common genetic defect could have impacted previous studies that have used the affected strains. Furthermore, they provide a cautionary note about the use of Neurospora strains with similar phenotypes. Lastly, these findings offer additional details relevant to our understanding of the origin and spread of cell fusion-defective cheater variants in
N. crassa
cultures.
Boiling-induced extreme Cu isotope fractionation in sulfide minerals forming by active hydrothermal diffusers at the Aegean Kolumbo volcano: Evidence from in situ isotope analysis
Authors: Zegkinoglou Nikolaos N. , Mathur Ryan , Kilias Stephanos P. , Godfrey Linda , Pletsas Vasilios , Nomikou Paraskevi , Zaronikola Nina 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
We analyzed the first Cu isotopes in primary cupreous pyrite and orpiment, from modern CO2-degassing, seafloor massive sulfide diffuser vents (“KCO2Ds”), from the Kolumbo submarine volcano, Hellenic volcanic arc. Samples came from six KCO2Ds that are actively boiling. Pyrite comprises colloform pyrite-I and euhedral pyrite-II, which occur erratically distributed within the KCO2Ds and are contemporaneous with barite and spatially concurrent with the chalcopyrite that is lining narrow internal conduits, respectively. Orpiment occurs on the outer walls of the KCO2Ds with barite and stibnite. The δ65Cupyrite-I values show high variability, ranging from +2.93‰ to +6.38‰, whereas the δ65Cupyrite-II and δ65Cuchalcopyrite values vary from −0.94‰ to +0.25‰ and −0.45‰ to –0.09‰, respectively. The range of δ65Cuorpiment between +1.90‰ and +25.73‰ is the most extreme ever reported from any geological setting. Pyrite-I is concentrically layered, with a core comprising random crystallites, whereas the mantle crystallites have grain-size, shape, and orientation variability between layers. Pyrite-II forms aggregates of uniform euhedral pyrite crystals. Pyrite-I has higher concentrations of Cu (≤21,960 ppm) compared to pyrite-II (≤4963 ppm), and both have incompatible and volatile metal(loid)-rich composition and low Sb/Pb (&lt;0.5) and Tl/Pb (&lt;0.03) ratios. When combined with evidence for significant magmatic contributions at Kolumbo and geochemical and micro-textural evidence for recurrent intense boiling and/or flashing or gentle and/or non-boiling, the measured extreme δ65Cu values are consistent with transport of Cu by vapor that is preferentially enriched by heavy 65Cu and controlled by continuous Rayleigh distillation–type Cu fractionation. Boiling-induced Cu vapor transport can generate extreme Cu isotope fractionation.