bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methodological and statistical approaches for the assessment of foot shape using three‐dimensional foot scanning: a scoping review
Authors: Allan Jamie J. , Munteanu Shannon E. , Bonanno Daniel R. , Buldt Andrew K. , Choppin Simon , Bullas Alice , Pearce Natalie , Menz Hylton B. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractObjectiveThe objectives of this study were to: (i) review and provide a narrative synthesis of three‐dimensional (3D) foot surface scanning methodological and statistical analysis protocols, and (ii) develop a set of recommendations for standardising the reporting of 3D foot scanning approaches.MethodsA systematic search of the SCOPUS, ProQuest, and Web of Science databases were conducted to identify papers reporting 3D foot scanning protocols and analysis techniques. To be included, studies were required to be published in English, have more than ten participants, and involve the use of static 3D surface scans of the foot. Papers were excluded if they reported two‐dimensional footprints only, 3D scans that did not include the medial arch, dynamic scans, or derived foot data from a full body scan.ResultsThe search yielded 78 relevant studies from 17 different countries. The available evidence showed a large variation in scanning protocols. The subcategories displaying the most variation included scanner specifications (model, type, accuracy, resolution, capture duration), scanning conditions (markers, weightbearing, number of scans), foot measurements and definitions used, and statistical analysis approaches. A 16‐item checklist was developed to improve the consistency of reporting of future 3D scanning studies.Conclusion3D foot scanning methodological and statistical analysis protocol consistency and reporting has been lacking in the literature to date. Improved reporting of the included subcategories could assist in data pooling and facilitate collaboration between researchers. As a result, larger sample sizes and diversification of population groups could be obtained to vastly improve the quantification of foot shape and inform the development of orthotic and footwear interventions and products.
BDNF promotes mouse follicular development and reverses ovarian aging by promoting cell proliferation
Authors: Liu Bin , Liu Yongjie , Li Shuman , Chen Pingping , Zhang Jun , Feng Liping 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an important role in ovarian function including follicle development and oocyte maturation, and embryonic development. However, whether BDNF treatment can reimpose ovarian aging and impaired fertility remains elusive. In this study, we investigated the reproductive outcomes of BDNF treatment and potential mechanisms in aged mice.

Method
“Aged” mice (35–37 weeks old, n = 68) were treated with recombinant human BDNF protein (rhBDNF, 1 µg/200 µL) through daily intraperitoneal (IP) injection for 10 days with/without ovulation induction. Reproductive age mice (8–10 weeks old, n = 28) were treated with ANA 12 (a selective BDNF receptor, TrkB antagonist) through daily IP injection for 5 days with/without ovulation induction. Ovarian function was assessed by ovarian weight, number of follicles, and sex hormone productions. Following induction of ovulation, the number of total oocytes or abnormal oocytes, and blastocyst formation were assessed. Reproductive functions of the mice were evaluated, including pregnancy rate, mating duration for conception, implantation sites, litter size, and weight of offspring. Finally, the molecular mechanism of the effects of BDNF on ovarian cell functions in mice were examined by Western blot and immunofluorescence.

Results
rhBDNF treatment increased the ovarian weight, number of follicles, number and quality of oocytes including increased blastocysts formation, blood estrogen levels, and pregnancy rate in 35-37-week-old mice. Conversely, BDNF receptor antagonist, ANA 12, treatment decreased the ovarian volume and number of antral follicles and increased the proportion of abnormal oocytes in 8-10-week-old mice. We further demonstrated that BDNF treatment promoted ovarian cell proliferation as well as activation of TrkB and cyclinD1-creb signalling.

Conclusion
We demonstrated that ten consecutive days of daily IP injection of rhBDNF rescued ovarian function in aged mice. Our results further indicate that TrkB and cyclin D1-creb signaling may underlie the BDNF function in ovaries. Targeting BDNF-TrkB signaling is a potential novel therapeutic strategy to reverse ovarian aging.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in dogs with Dirofilaria immitis
Authors: Adin Darcy B. , Spalla Meaghan , Walden Heather , Gruntmeir Jeff , Hernandez Jorge A. , Long Maureen 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Infection by the canine heartworm, Dirofilaria immitis, causes significant cardiopulmonary disease, with progression impacted by increasing parasite numbers and duration of infection. The renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) is an important mediator of cardiac and pulmonary disease. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) mitigates the maladaptive effects of angiotensin II by converting it to angiotensin (1-7). We hypothesized that circulating ACE2 activity would be altered in dogs with high heartworm infection intensities relative to dogs without heartworms.

Methods
Frozen serum samples (−80 °C) from 30 dogs euthanized at Florida shelters were analyzed for ACE2 activity using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectroscopy and a kinetics approach with and without an ACE2 inhibitor. A convenience sample of 15 dogs without heartworms (HW0) and 15 dogs with > 50 heartworms (HW>50) was included. Heartworm number and microfilariae presence were determined at necropsy. The effects of heartworm status, body weight, and sex on ACE2 were evaluated using regression analysis. Values of P < 0.05 were considered significant.

Results
All HW0 dogs were D. immitis microfilariae-negative and all HW>50 dogs were D. immitis microfilariae-positive with a median adult worm count of 74 (minimum = 63, maximum = 137). The ACE2 activity of HW>50 dogs (median = 28.2 ng/ml; minimum = 13.6, maximum = 76.2) was not different from HW0 dogs (median 31.9 ng/ml; minimum = 14.1, maximum = 139.1; P = 0.53). The ACE2 activity was higher in dogs with high body weight (median 34.2 ng/ml minimum = 14.1, maximum = 76.2) than in dogs with low weight (median 27.5 ng/ml; minimum = 16.4, maximum = 139.1; P = .044).

Conclusions
Heartworm infection did not impact ACE2 activity in shelter dogs with or without heartworms, but heavier dogs had higher ACE2 activity compared to lighter dogs. Comprehensive RAAS evaluation and additional clinical information would aid in understanding how ACE2 activity relates to the entire cascade and clinical status in dogs with heartworm disease.

Graphical Abstract
Increasing temperature denatures canine IgG reducing its ability to inhibit heartworm antigen detection
Authors: Gruntmeir Jeff M. , Abbott Jeff R. , Kima Peter E. , Long Maureen T. , Blagburn Byron L. , Walden Heather S. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Immune complexing of target antigen to high affinity host antibody is recognized to impact the sensitivity of commercial heartworm antigen tests. Published information describing the effect of heat on interfering canine host antibodies is lacking. Immune complex dissociation (ICD) by heat treatment of serum for samples initially testing negative for heartworm antigen increases sensitivity of commercial antigen tests, particularly for single sex or low adult infection intensities. In this study the stability and nature of the targeted epitope and mechanism of heat ICD were examined.

Methods
Canine IgG was isolated using protein-A columns from serum originating from four dogs evaluated after necropsy: one dog with evidence of previously cleared infection and three dogs with confirmed heartworm infections. These dogs were expected to have an excess of antibodies based on negative antigen test and to have no or low antigen optical density, respectively, following heat treatment. Interference of antigen detection on (non-heated) positive serum was evaluated, following 1:1 mixing of antibody/PBS solutions previously heated at 25 °C, 65 °C, 75 °C, 85 °C, 95 °C and 104 °C, compared to positive serum/PBS control measured by optical density using a commercial heartworm antigen ELISA and protein quantification. Live heartworms incubated in media for 72 h provided excretory/secretory antigen for antigen stability studies following heat, endopeptidase digestion and disulfide bond reduction.

Results
Mixing antigen-positive heartworm serum with antibody solutions demonstrated a significant inhibition of antigen detection for antibody solutions previously heated at 25 °C and 65 °C relative to positive serum/PBS control. Antigen detection optical density was restored at or above the control when positive serum was mixed with solutions previously heated at 75 °C, 85 °C, 95 °C and 104 °C. Significant changes occurred in protein levels for antibody solutions heated at 75 °C, 85 °C, 95 °C and 104 °C. Relative stability of antigen from live heartworms in culture was demonstrated following heat, chemical and enzymatic treatment.

Conclusions
Significant changes in protein levels and antigen binding ability occurred in IgG solutions heated above 65 °C. The findings confirm heat denaturation of antibodies as the suspected mechanism of heat ICD at 104 °C for antigen diagnosis of heartworm. No significant change occurred in antigen detection following heat, chemical or enzymatic digestions supporting a heat-stable linear nature of the epitope.

Graphical Abstract
Emerging role of bacterial outer membrane vesicle in gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Tian Cheng-mei , Yang Mei-feng , Xu Hao-ming , Zhu Min-zheng , Zhang Yuan , Yao Jun , Wang Li-sheng , Liang Yu-jie , Li De-feng 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBacteria form a highly complex ecosystem in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In recent years, mounting evidence has shown that bacteria can release nanoscale phospholipid bilayer particles that encapsulate nucleic acids, proteins, lipids, and other molecules. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are secreted by microorganisms and can transport a variety of important factors, such as virulence factors, antibiotics, HGT, and defensive factors produced by host eukaryotic cells. In addition, these EVs are vital in facilitating communication between microbiota and the host. Therefore, bacterial EVs play a crucial role in maintaining the GI tract’s health and proper functioning. In this review, we outlined the structure and composition of bacterial EVs. Additionally, we highlighted the critical role that bacterial EVs play in immune regulation and in maintaining the balance of the gut microbiota. To further elucidate progress in the field of intestinal research and to provide a reference for future EV studies, we also discussed the clinical and pharmacological potential of bacterial EVs, as well as the necessary efforts required to understand the mechanisms of interaction between bacterial EVs and gut pathogenesis.
Assessment of lung injury severity using ultrasound in critically ill COVID-19 patients in resource limited settings
Authors: Beye Seydina Alioune , Diallo Boubacar , Keita Modibo , Cissoko Yacouba , Ouattara Khadidia , Dicko Hammadoun , Shabani Majaliwa , Sidibé Amadou , Berthé Modibo , Coulibaly Yaya Ibrahim , Diani Nouhoum , Keita Mohamed , Toloba Yacouba , Dao Sounkalo , Suttels Veronique , Coulibaly Youssouf , Mekontso Dessap Armand 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Lung ultrasound is a non-invasive tool available at the bedside for the assessment of critically ill patients. The objective of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of lung ultrasound in assessing the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in critically-ill patients in a low-income setting.

Methods
We conducted a 12-month observational study in a university hospital intensive care unit (ICU) in Mali, on patients admitted for COVID-19 as diagnosed by a positive polymerase chain reaction for SARS-CoV-2 and/or typical lung computed tomography scan findings.

Results
The inclusion criteria was met by 156 patients with a median age of 59 years. Almost all patients (96%) had respiratory failure at admission and many needed respiratory support (121/156, 78%). The feasibility of lung ultrasound was very good, with 1802/1872 (96%) quadrants assessed. The reproducibility was good with an intra-class correlation coefficient of elementary patterns of 0.74 (95% CI 0.65, 0.82) and a coefficient of repeatability of lung ultrasound score < 3 for an overall score of 24. Confluent B lines were the most common lesions found in patients (155/156). The overall mean ultrasound score was 23 ± 5.4, and was significantly correlated with oxygen saturation (Pearson correlation coefficient of − 0.38, p < 0.001). More than half of the patients died (86/156, 55.1%). The factors associated with mortality, as shown by multivariable analysis, were: the patients’ age; number of organ failures; therapeutic anticoagulation, and lung ultrasound score.

Conclusion
Lung ultrasound was feasible and contributed to characterize lung injury in critically-ill COVID-19 patients in a low income setting. Lung ultrasound score was associated with oxygenation impairment and mortality.
Heterogeneous scene matching based on the gradient direction distribution field
Authors: Li Qingge , Lu Ruitao , Yang Xiaogang , Wang Siyu , Shen Tong , Xia Wenxin , Wei Zhaoying 
Published: April 2023

AbstractHeterogeneous scene matching is a key technology in the field of computer vision. The image rotation problem is popular and difficult in the field of heterogeneous scene matching. In this paper, a heterogeneous scene matching method based on the gradient direction distribution field is proposed, and distributed field theory is introduced into heterogeneous scene matching for the first time. First, the distribution field of the gradient direction is constructed and fuzzified, and then the effective regions are selected. Then, the distribution field of the main direction is defined to solve the matching errors due to the existence of rotational transformations between heterogeneous source images. Third, the chi-square distance is introduced as a similarity measure. Finally, the hill-climbing method search strategy, which greatly improves the efficiency of the algorithm, is adopted. Experimental results on 8 pairs of infrared and visible heterogeneous images demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms the other state-of-the-art region-based matching methods in terms of the robustness, accuracy, and real-time performance.
Community—Minimal Invasive Tissue Sampling (cMITS) using a modified ambulance for ascertaining the cause of death: A novel approach piloted in a remote inaccessible rural area in India
Authors: Satav Ashish , Wairagkar Niteen , Khirwadkar Shubhada , Dani Vibhawari , Rasaily Reeta , Agrawal Usha , Thakar Yagnesh , Raje Dhananjay , Siraj Fouzia , Garge Pradyot , Palaskar Sameer , Kumbhare Shraddha , Simões Eric A. F. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Melghat in India is a hilly, forested, difficult to access, impoverished rural area in northeast part of Maharashtra (Central India) with difficult healthcare access. Melghat has very high Mortality rates, because of grossly inadequate medical facilities. (1) Home deaths contribute to 67% of deaths,(2) which are difficult to track and where cause of death is mostly unknown.

Methods
A feasibility study was carried out in 93 rural villages and 5 hospitals to assess feasibility of tracking real-time community mortality and to ascertain cause of death in 0–60 months and 16–60 years age group using Minimal Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS) in purpose-modified ambulance. We used the network of village health workers (VHW)s, to establish real-time community mortality tracking. Upon receipt of reports of home death, we performed MITS within 4 h of death in the vicinity of the village.

Results
We conducted 16 MITS. Nine, in MITS ambulance in community and seven at MAHAN hospital. The acceptance rate of MITS was 59.26%. Standard operating procedure (SOP) of conducting community MITS in an ambulance, is established. Major challenges were, Covid19 lockdown, reluctance of tribal parents for consent for MITS due to illiteracy, superstitions and fear of organ removal. Ambulance was an easy to reach transport means in remote area, provided a well-designed and discrete facility to perform MITS in community, winning the confidence of bereaved family. This has reduced time interval between time of death and performing MITS.

Conclusions
MITS in purpose-modified Ambulance can be used worldwide for community MITS especially in areas which are remote and lack healthcare access. This solution needs to be assessed in different cultural settings to document culture specific issues.
Adoption of improved rice technologies in major rice producing areas of Ethiopia: a multivariate probit approach
Authors: Assaye Abebaw , Habte Endeshaw , Sakurai Seiichi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
The need for adopting improved rice technologies and practices has become more important in Ethiopia as the national self-sufficiency gap has increased. This article examines the adoption level and factors governing the adoption of improved rice technology packages and practices using data collected from 594 rice-producing household heads in Ethiopia. A multivariate probit (MVP) model involving a system of five equations was used to assess the determinant for the decision to adopt improved rice technologies and practices.

Results
The results showed that the adoption levels of improved rice varieties, row planting, recommended rate of urea fertilizer, recommended rate of DAP/NPS fertilizer, and recommended weeding frequency was 24.4%, 23.4%, 40.9%, 38.6%, and 52.4%, respectively. The model results attested that improved rice production technology packages are complementary. This finding implies that farm-level policies that affect the use of one improved agricultural technology can have a positive effect on the other technologies. The various demographic, socioeconomic, and institutional variables were found to influence the decisions to adopt different technologies of improved rice technology packages with different signs.

Conclusions
Therefore, the government should devise ways to ease the accessibility of improved seeds and fertilizers along with the introduction of labor-saving technologies to promote row planting and achieve wider adoption of the technologies. Policies and interventions that are informed about such factors are required to accelerate the adoption of improved rice technology packages in Ethiopia to realize green revolution and secure self-sufficiency of rice sustainably.
The mediating role of early maladaptive schemas in the relationship between attachment styles and loneliness
Authors: Jalilian Kosar , Momeni Khodamorad , Jebraeili Hashem 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
As with the increasing prevalence of loneliness among college students, it seems necessary to investigate the early grounds of its formation. Therefore, the present study was conducted to examine the relationship between attachment styles and loneliness through the mediating role of early maladaptive schemas (EMS).

Methods
This research was correlational, of structural equations modeling (SEM) type. The statistical population included all the college students of the universities of Kermanshah in the academic year 2020–2021, of whom 338 were selected using convenience sampling. The measures used in this study included DiTomasso et al.’s social and emotional loneliness of adults, Hazan and Shaver’s adult attachment, and Young’s schema scales. For data analysis, Pearson’s correlation coefficient and SEM were used in Lisrel 8.8 and SPSS-22 software.

Results
The results illustrated that the hypothesized model of the study has a good fit in the studied sample. It was also found that both the avoidant and ambivalent attachment styles are related to loneliness through two EMS of disconnection-rejection and other-directedness.

Conclusions
Based on the findings, measures are recommended to increase information regarding the basic and underlying factors affecting loneliness for therapists and psychological specialists.
Comparison of cardiac index measurements in intensive care patients using continuous wave vs. pulsed wave echo-Doppler compared to pulse contour cardiac output
Authors: Parulekar Prashant , Powys-Lybbe James , Bassett Paul , Roques Seb , Snazelle Mark , Millen Gemma , Harris Tim 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Cardiac index (CI) assessments are commonly used in critical care to define shock aetiology and guide resuscitation. Echocardiographic assessment is non-invasive and has high levels of agreement with thermodilution assessment of CI. CI assessment is derived from the velocity time integral (VTI) assessed using pulsed wave (PW) doppler at the level of the left ventricular outflow tract divided by body mass index. Continuous wave (CW) doppler through the aortic valve offers an alternative means to assess VTI and may offer better assessment at high velocities.

Methods
We performed a single centre, prospective, observational study in a 15-bed intensive care unit in a busy district general hospital. Patients had simultaneous measurements of cardiac index by Pulse Contour Cardiac Output (PiCCO) (thermodilution), transthoracic echocardiographic PW-VTI and CW-VTI. Mean differences were measured with Bland–Altman limits of agreement and percentage error (PE) calculations.

Results
Data were collected on 52 patients. 71% were supported with noradrenaline with or without additional inotropic or vasopressor agents. Mean CIs were: CW-VTI 2.7 L/min/m2 (range 0.78–5.11, SD 0.92). PW-VTI 2.33 L/min/m2 (range 0.77–5.40, SD 0.90) and PiCCO 2.86 L/min/m2 (range 1.50–5.56, SD 0.93). CW-VTI and PiCCO mean difference was − 0.16 L/min/m2 PE 43.5%. PW-VTI and PiCCO had a mean difference of − 0.54 L/min/m2 PE 38.6%. CW-VTI and PW-VTI had a mean difference of 0.38 L/min/m2 PE 46.0%.

Conclusions
CI derived from both CW-VTI and PW-VTI methods underestimate CI compared to PiCCO, with the CW-VTI method having closer values overall to PiCCO. CW-VTI may offer a more accurate assessment of CI. If using Critchley’s PE cutoff of 30%, none of the doppler methods may accurately reflect the actual cardiac index.