bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Route to Synthesize Ionizable Lipid ALC-0315, a Key Component of the mRNA Vaccine Lipid Matrix
Authors: Boldyrev I. A. , Shendrikov V. P. , Vostrova A. G. , Vodovozova E. L. 
Published: May 2023

Abstract—
The ionizable lipid ALC-0315, ((4-hydroxybutyl)azanediyl)bis(hexane-6,1-diyl)bis(2-hexyldecanoate), is a component of the lipid matrix of the prophylactic SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine produced by Pfizer/BioNTech. This lipid ensures efficient vaccine assembly, protects the mRNA from premature degradation, and promotes the release of the nucleic acid into the cytoplasm for its further processing after endocytosis. The present work describes a simple and economical method for the synthesis of the ALC-0315 lipid, which can be taken advantage of in mRNA vaccine production.
Follow-up of Kangaroo Mother Care programmes in the last 28 years: results from a cohort of 57 154 low-birth-weight infants in Colombia
Authors: Charpak Nathalie , Montealegre-Pomar Adriana 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundKangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is an evidence-based intervention focused on premature and low-birth-weight (LBW) infants. In different healthcare systems, outpatient KMC programmes (KMCPs) have been pioneers in the follow-up of these high-risk newborns.Here, we describe an overview analysis performed in an unprecedented data set comprising Colombian infants and spanning 28 years.MethodsCohort study of 57 154 infants discharged home in kangaroo position (KP) for follow-up in four KMCPs between 1993 and 2021.ResultsAt birth and at hospital discharge to a KMCP, median gestational age and weight were 34.5 and 36 weeks, 2000 g and 2200 g, respectively. Chronological age at admission was 8 days. Over time, anthropometric measures at birth and somatic growth during follow-up improved; on the other hand, percentages of mechanical ventilation, intraventricular haemorrhage and need for intensive care decreased as neuropsychomotor, sensory disorders and bronchopulmonary dysplasia incidence at 40 weeks. Risk of cerebral palsy and teenage mothers’ frequency was higher in the poorest population. Early home discharge in KP in less than 72 hours was possible in 19% of the cohort. During the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed a more than twofold increase in exclusive breast feeding at 6 months and a reduction in readmission rates.ConclusionThis study provides a general overview of KMCPs follow-up during the last 28 years within the Colombian healthcare system. These descriptive analyses have allowed us to structure KMC as an evidence-based method. KMCPs allow close monitoring with regular feedback about preterm or LBW infants’ perinatal care, quality of care over time and health status during their first year of life. Monitoring these outcomes is challenging but guarantees access to high-risk infants’ care with equity.
Conversion between B-type natriuretic peptide and N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide in perioperative risk assessment: protocol for a prospective cohort study
Authors: Davidson Taryn , Parlow Joel , King Ben , DuMerton Deborah , Roshanov Pavel S , Devereaux P J , Leitch Jordan 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionBoth B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-pro-BNP) are used to identify patients at risk of perioperative vascular events, but prognostic thresholds have been established in a large prospective cohort for NT-pro-BNP only. We designed this study to inform perioperative risk interpretation of BNP values. Our primary objective is to validate a formula to convert BNP to NT-pro-BNP concentrations before non-cardiac surgery. The secondary objective is to determine the association between BNP categories (established based on conversion from NT-pro-BNP categories) and a composite outcome of myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS) and vascular death.Methods and analysisThis is a single-centre, prospective cohort study in patients undergoing non-cardiac surgery who are >65 years old, Revised Cardiac Risk Index ≥1 or >45 years old with significant cardiovascular disease. BNP and NT-pro-BNP will be measured preoperatively, and troponin measurements will be analysed on postoperative days 1, 2 and 3. MINS and vascular death will be ascertained up to 30 days after surgery. The primary analyses will compare measured NT-pro-BNP values to those predicted by an existing formula (from a non-surgical population) based on BNP concentrations and patient characteristics, and recalibrate and update the formula with additional variables. Secondary analyses will estimate the relationship between categories of measured BNP (corresponding to established NT-pro-BNP thresholds) and the composite of MINS and vascular death. The target sample size of 431 patients is based on our primary analysis (assessing the conversion formula).Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been obtained by the Queen’s University Health Sciences Research Ethics Board, and all participants will provide informed consent for participation in the study. The results will be submitted for publication in conferences and in a peer-reviewed journal, and will inform perioperative vascular risk interpretation of preoperative BNP.Trial registration numberNCT05352698.
Effectiveness of a projection-based augmented reality exposure system in treating cockroach phobia: study protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Grimaldos Jorge , Bretón-López Juana , Palau-Batet María , Díaz-Sanahuja Laura , Quero Soledad 
Published: May 2023

BackgroundDespite being the treatment of choice for phobic disorders, in vivo exposure treatment (IVET) presents some important limitations related mainly to low acceptance and high drop-out rates. Augmented reality (AR) technologies can help to overcome these limitations. Evidence supports the use of AR in exposure treatment for small animal phobia. A new projection-based AR exposure treatment system (P-ARET) that offers the possibility of projecting the animals in a natural and non-intrusive environment has been developed. There are no randomised controlled trials (RCTs) available that have tested the efficacy of this system in cockroach phobia. This paper aims to present the protocol of an RCT that evaluates the efficacy of the P-ARET, versus an IVET group and a waiting list control group (WL), in carrying out exposure treatment for cockroach phobia.Methods/designParticipants will be randomly allocated to one of three conditions: (1) P-ARET, (2) IVET and (3) WL. Both treatment conditions will follow the ‘one-session treatment’ guidelines. As a diagnostic measure, the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Health Disorders-Version 5 will be used. The Behavioral Avoidance Test will be used as the primary outcome measure. Secondary outcome measures will include an attentional biases task (measured using eye-tracking technology), the Fear of Cockroaches Questionnaire, Cockroach Phobia Beliefs Questionnaire, Fear and Avoidance Scales, Beck Depression Inventory second edition, Disgust Propensity and Sensitivity Scale-Revised-12, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, Clinician Severity Scale, and Expectation and Satisfaction with the Treatment Scale. The evaluation protocol will include pretreatment and post-treatment evaluations and 1, 6 and 12 months of follow-ups. Intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses will be performed.Ethics and disseminationThis study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Universitat Jaume I (Castellón, Spain; 13 December 2019). The results of the presented RCT will be disseminated in presentations at international scientific meetings and peer-reviewed scientific journals.Trial registration numberNCT04563390.
Improving the efficacy of exposure therapy using projection-based augmented reality for the treatment of cockroach phobia: a randomised clinical trial protocol
Authors: Palau-Batet María , Bretón-López Juana , Grimaldos Jorge , Díaz-Sanahuja Laura , Quero Soledad 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionIn vivo exposure is the treatment of choice for specific phobia (SP), but this technique presents limitations related to access and acceptability. Augmented reality (AR) offers advantages like maximising strategies such as ‘variability’ (varying stimuli, durations, levels of intensity or the order of the items), control by the therapist, or ‘exposure to multiple contexts’, which can produce positive effects in terms of fear renewal and generalisation of the results. The aim of this study is to test the efficacy of varying the phobic stimuli during treatment with AR: using multiple stimuli (MS) versus a single stimulus (SS) in participants with SP.Methods and analysisParticipants (N=80) with a diagnosis of an SP of cockroaches will be randomised into two conditions: (1) projection-based AR exposure therapy with MS (P-ARET MS); (2) P-ARET with an SS (P-ARET SS). The measures are related to the efficacy results (fear, avoidance and negative thoughts, performance on the behavioural avoidance test (BAT) and preferences). The primary outcome measure is the BAT, and the secondary outcome measures are the BAT through AR, Fear of Cockroaches Questionnaire, Cockroach Phobia Beliefs Questionnaire, Fear and Avoidance Scales Patient’s Improvement Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory Second Edition. Five evaluation moments will be included: preintervention, postintervention, and 1-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups. The treatment will follow the guidelines of the ‘one-session treatment’. Student’s t-tests to compare the two groups on the post-test will be applied. In addition, two-way analysis of variances with repeated measures in one of the two factors (pretest, post-test and follow-ups) will be carried out to compare intragroup differences.Ethics and disseminationThe Universitat Jaume I Ethics Committee (Castellón, Spain) granted approval for the study (CD/64/2019). Dissemination will include publications and presentations at national and international conferences.Trial registration numberNCT04563403.
Realist synthesis of factors affecting retention of staff in UK adult mental health services
Authors: Long Jaqui , Ohlsen Sally , Senek Michaela , Booth Andrew , Weich Scott , Wood Emily 
Published: May 2023

ObjectivesThe shortage of healthcare staff is a global problem. UK mental health services have, on average, a higher turnover of staff than the NHS. Factors affecting retention of this staff group need to be explored in more depth to understand what is working for whom, for what reasons and in what circumstances. This review aims to conduct a realist synthesis to explore evidence from published studies, together with stakeholder involvement to develop programme theories that hypothesise how and why retention occurs in the mental health workforce and identify additional evidence to explore and test these theories thereby highlighting any persistent gaps in understanding. This paper develops programme theories that hypothesise why retention occurs and in what context and tests these theories thereby highlighting any persistent gaps in understanding.MethodsRealist synthesis was used to develop programme theories for factors affecting retention of UK mental health staff. This involved: (1) stakeholder consultation and literature scoping to develop initial programme theories; (2) structured searches across six databases to identify 85 included relevant literature relating to the programme theories; and (3) analysis and synthesis to build and refine a final programme theory and logic model.ResultsPhase I combined findings from 32 stakeholders and 24 publications to develop six initial programme theories. Phases II and III identified and synthesised evidence from 88 publications into three overarching programme theories stemming from organisational culture: interconnectedness of workload and quality of care, investment in staff support and development and involvement of staff and service users in policies and practice.ConclusionsOrganisational culture was found to have a key underpinning effect on retention of mental health staff. This can be modified but staff need to be well supported and feel involved to derive satisfaction from their roles. Manageable workloads and being able to deliver good quality care were also key.
Study protocol of the InterVitaminK trial: a Danish population-based randomised double-blinded placebo-controlled trial of the effects of vitamin K (menaquinone-7) supplementation on cardiovascular, metabolic and bone health
Authors: Kampmann Freja Bach , Thysen Sanne Marie , Nielsen Camilla Friis Bryde , Kofoed Klaus Fuglsang , Køber Lars , Pham Michael Huy Cuong , Vaag Allan , Jørgensen Niklas Rye , Petersen Janne , Jacobsen Rikke Kart , Kårhus Line Lund , Diederichsen Axel , Frimodt-Møller Marie , Linneberg Allan 
Published: May 2023

IntroductionVitamin K has been suggested to have protective effects against progression of vascular calcification and development of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, few well-powered randomised controlled trials have examined whether vitamin K prevents progression of vascular calcification in individuals from the general population. The aim of the InterVitaminK trial is to investigate the effects of vitamin K supplementation (menaquinone-7, MK-7) on cardiovascular, metabolic, respiratory and bone health in a general ageing population with detectable vascular calcification.Methods and analysisThe InterVitaminK trial is a randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, trial. A total of 450 men and women aged 52–82 years with detectable coronary artery calcification (CAC), but without manifest CVD, will be randomised (1:1) to receive daily MK-7 (333 µg/day) or placebo tablets for 3 years. Health examinations are scheduled at baseline, and after 1, 2 and 3 years of intervention. Health examinations include cardiac CT scans, measurements of arterial stiffness, blood pressure, lung function, physical function, muscle strength, anthropometric measures, questionnaires on general health and dietary intake, and blood and urine sampling. The primary outcome is progression of CAC from baseline to 3-year follow-up. The trial has 89% power to detect a between-group difference of at least 15%. Secondary outcomes are bone mineral density, pulmonary function and biomarkers of insulin resistance.Ethics and disseminationOral MK-7 supplementation is considered safe and has not been found to cause severe adverse events. The Ethical Committee of the Capital Region (H-21033114) approved the protocol. Written informed consent is obtained from all participants and the trial is conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki II. Both negative and positive findings will be reported.Trial registration numberNCT05259046.
Modelling growing season carbon fluxes at a low-center polygon ecosystem in the Mackenzie River Delta
Authors: Skeeter June , Christen Andreas , Henry Greg 
Published: May 2023

A temporal upscaling study was conducted to estimate net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of carbon dioxide and net methane exchange (NME) for a low-center polygon (LCP) ecosystem in the Mackenzie River Delta, for each of the 11 growing seasons (2009–2019). We used regression models to create a time series of flux drivers from in situ weather observations (2009–2019) combined with ERA5 reanalysis and satellite data. We then used neural networks that were trained and validated on a single growing season (2017) of eddy covariance data to model NEE and NME over each growing season. The study indicates growing season NEE was negative (net uptake) and NME was positive (net emission) in this LCP ecosystem. Cumulative carbon (C) uptake was estimated to be −46.7 g C m−2 (CI95% ± 45.3) per growing season, with methane emissions offsetting an average 5.6% of carbon dioxide uptake (in g C m−2) per growing season. High air temperatures (>15 °C) reduced daily CO2 uptake and cumulative NEE was positively correlated with mean air growing season temperatures. Cumulative NME was positively correlated with the length of the growing season. Our analysis suggests warmer climate conditions may reduce carbon uptake in this LCP ecosystem.
A propagation technique for native tundra bryophytes for Arctic ecosystem restoration
Authors: Lamarre Jasmine J.M. , Dhar Amalesh , Naeth M. Anne 
Published: May 2023

Extreme environmental conditions and limited understanding of ecosystem processes and community dynamics pose significant challenges for Arctic ecosystem restoration activities. As pioneer species, bryophytes are critical to the function and structure of northern ecosystems and play an important role in facilitating soil and microhabitat development. A total of 11 bryophytes species were collected from a mixed community near Lac de Gras in the Northwest Territories, Canada, and a 12 week laboratory study was conducted. Three propagule types (large = 2.1–40 mm, medium = 1.0–2 mm, and small = <1 mm phyllids) and three slurries (distilled water, beer, and buttermilk) were used to determine effective bryophyte propagation techniques and slurries for species introduction in Arctic restoration sites. Medium-size fragments were more effective than large or small for propagating bryophytes as they led to greater bryophyte plant count and cover. Water and beer were more effective than buttermilk, although their effects decreased after 12 weeks. Bryum pseudotriquetrum Hedw. was the most abundant species propagated, followed by Aulacomnium turgidum (Wahlenb.) Schwägr. and Ceratodon purpureus (Hedw.) Brid. This study suggests that propagation with medium-size fragments and distilled water would be most efficient for field application in Arctic ecosystem restoration if bryophyte revegetation is a focus.
An experimental investigation into soil–structure interactions of integral bridge abutments due to cyclic translations
Authors: Sigdel Lila Dhar , Lu Minghao , Leo Chin Jian , Liyanapathirana Samanthika , Hu Pan , Doan Van , Al-qarawi Ahmed 
Published: May 2023

Integral bridges are built without expansion joints to avoid many of the persistent issues with joint degradation and maintenance problems regularly experienced by traditional bridges. In the absence of expansion joints, the cyclic thermal displacements of the integral bridge would be transferred unmitigated by the joints to the abutment resulting in accentuated soil–structure interactions. Previous studies have mainly focussed on the rotational mode of integral abutment movement while the translational mode of movement and backfill deformations have received much less attention. This paper presents the results of laboratory tests conducted on a semiscale (1:2) physical model, which was designed using dimensional analysis to achieve field stress and strain similarity with a full-scale 1.92 m high-prototype integral abutment. The comparative effects from five tests covering low to high cyclic translation amplitude on backfill surface settlement and heave, and lateral earth pressures behind the abutment were investigated over assumed 120 seasonal cycles. Asymptotic settlement depth of the backfill was obtained in each test. Full passive failure surface was observed when the cyclic translation amplitude of the test exceeded the threshold amplitude. The findings also suggest that the settlement depth seemed to be linked to the development of passive failure surface in the following sense—the asymptotic settlement depth in those tests which developed full passive failure surface would attain the same (ultimate) asymptotic depth; conversely, when the passive failure surface had not or only partially developed in that test, the asymptotic settlement depth was dependent on the cyclic translation amplitude, but it was less than the ultimate observed for full passive failure surface. Lateral earth pressure only stabilized to an asymptotic state for the test with the lowest cyclic translation amplitude during the 120 cycles. Shakedown limit state was observed for this case. At larger cyclic translation amplitudes, the lateral earth pressure did not stabilize but continued to evolve with the elapsed cycles, and shakedown limit state was not observed for these cases.
Porphyromonas gingivalis induces cardiovascular dysfunction
Authors: Stanisic Dragana , Jeremic Nevena , Singh Mahavir , Pushpakumar Sathnur , Mokshagundam Sri Prakash L. , Tyagi Suresh C. 
Published: May 2023

Porphyromonas gingivalis ( P. gingivalis) is one of the most responsible periodontopathogenic bacteria in the development of periodontal disease (PD); however, its role in the development of other diseases still needs to be understood, specially its implications in the causation of cardiovascular pathogenesis. The aim of this study is to determine whether there is a direct association between P. gingivalis-induced PD with that of the development of cardiovascular disease, and whether a long-term administration of probiotic(s) could help improve the cardiovascular disease outcome. To test this hypothesis, we employed four different experimental groups of mice, designated as: Group I: Wild-type (WT) mice (C57BL/6J); Group II: Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) (WT mice treated with a probiotic; LGG), Group III: PD (WT mice treated with P. gingivalis), and Group IV: PD + LGG (WT mice treated with P. gingivalis and LGG). PD was created by injecting 2 µL (i.e., 20 µg) of P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intragingivally between the 1st and 2nd mandibular molars, two times a week for a total period of 6 weeks. The PD (LGG) intervention was done orally employing 2.5 × 105 CFU/day for a continuous period of 12 weeks. Immediately before the mice were sacrificed, echocardiography of the heart was performed, and after sacrifice, we collected serum samples, hearts, and the periodontal tissue. Histological assessment, cytokine analysis, and zymography of the cardiac tissue were performed. Results revealed inflammation of the heart muscle in the PD group that was marked by infiltration of neutrophils and monocytes, followed by fibrosis. Cytokine analysis of the mice sera revealed significantly elevated levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17A in the PD group along with LPS-binding protein, and CD14. Most importantly, we observed elevated levels of P. gingivalis mRNAs in the heart tissues of PD mice. Zymographic analysis demonstrated matrix remodeling as revealed by increasing content of MMP-9 in the heart tissues of PD mice. Interestingly, LGG treatment was able to mitigate most of the pathological effects. The findings suggest that P. gingivalis could lead to cardiovascular system disorder and that probiotic intervention could alleviate, and most likely prevent bacteremia and its harmful effect(s) on the cardiovascular function.
Observational constraints and preheating in cuscuton inflation
Authors: Channuie Phongpichit , Karwan Khamphee , Sangtawee Jakkrit 
Published: May 2023

AbstractWe study cuscuton inflation for the models where the potential of the cuscuton takes quadratic and exponential forms. We find that for the quadratic potential, a scalar spectral index $$n_s$$

n
s

is not affected by cuscuton at the leading order in the slow-roll inflation models. However, a tensor-to-scalar ratio r can be suppressed. For the exponential potential of cuscuton, we find the condition for which the inflation has a graceful exit. Under this condition, the observational predictions in this model differ by a few percent from those found in standard inflation. We also examine the particle production due to parametric resonances in both models. We find that in Minkowski space the stage of parametric resonances can be described by the Mathieu equation. For the case where the cuscuton has quadratic potential, the amplitude of the driving force in the Mathieu equation has a similar form as that in standard inflation. Nevertheless, in the case of exponential potential, the amplitude of the driving force decreases faster than that in the standard case. However, parametric resonances in our models can be sufficiently broad possible for the exponential growth of the number of particles. We briefly discuss the case in which the expansion of space is taken into account.