bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laboratory Study and Field Application of Salt-Tolerant Nano-Emulsion for Enhanced Spontaneous Imbibition Oil Recovery
Authors: Wu Wenming , Hou Jirui , Xiao Lixiao , Qu Ming , Wang Weiju , Stephenraj Infant Raj , Wen Yuchen , Wu Weipeng , Liang Tuo 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Spontaneous imbibition is an effective method to improve the oil recovery of tight reservoirs.The development and research of nano-emulsion provide a new technical direction for improving spontaneous imbibition oil recovery (SIOR) in tight reservoirs.The salinity has a significant effect on the properties and spontaneous imbibition of nano-emulsion, but the effect on the imbibition mechanisms is still unclear.In the paper, thelower nano-emulsion system with core-shell structures, called HS-LNE,is prepared by nano-emulsion dilution method.Afterwards,the properties and imbibition mechanisms of HS-LNE under different salinitiesare studied.Firstly,the particalsize andstability of the HS-LNE system are evaluated by centrifugation and spectroscopy. What's more, the interfacial tension (IFT), wettability,and adsorption experiments under diffierent salinitiesare carried out, and the salinity influences on the physicochemical properties of the HS-LNE system is systematically analyzed.At the same time, the SIORvariationlaw of the HS-LNE system under different salinitiesis comprehensively explored through static spontaneous imbibition experiments.The experimental results show that the HS-LNE system has excellent stability at high salinity. Moreover, as the salinity increasing, the IFT of the HS-LNE system decreased, and the wettability alternationincreased.However, the adsorption on solid interfaceswas not significantly changed and SIOR reached the highest value of 50.27% at the optimal salinity (50×103mg/L). Finally, the HS-LNE system with the optimal salinity was selected for the field test forpermeability enhancement and flooding in Well Gan 128 in Jilin Oilfield. The oil production was increased by 450 t after 5 months, with an estimated validity period of 24 months and a cumulative oil production increase of 1900 t.
Inspiratory muscle training combined with Tai Ji improves balance after stroke:a protocol for a Single-center randomized controlled trial
Authors: Lei Wang Xiao , Su Jian-Qing , Zhu Lin , Wu Rui-Ren , Wang Wu , Feng Wei 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background Balance dysfunction is the main manifestation of patients after stroke in clinic, which leads to unstable gait and seriously affects the prognosis of patients. The first prerequisite to improve the balance dysfunction is to increase the exercise of lower limbs. Previous clinical studies have found that besides Chinese traditional Tai Ji training, inspiratory muscle training can enhance the intra-abdominal pressure, promote the stability of spine and pelvis, and improve the balance function of patients by enhancing their cardiopulmonary function. However, it still needs further proof from large sample research. The overall goal of this experiment is to further evaluate the clinical effect of inspiratory muscle training combined with Tai Ji to further improve the balance function of patients after stroke. Methods/design This trial is a randomized controlled trial, which will compare the superiority of Tai Ji training and inspiratory muscle combined with Tai Ji training in improving the balance function of stroke patients. Patients are randomly divided into two groups, namely Tai Ji group and inspiratory muscle training group. Recruit 62 inpatients with stroke who meet the test criteria, and observe the improvement of balance function after 4 weeks of intervention. The first evaluation index is American balance manager balance test system. The second evaluation index is diaphragm ultrasound, berg balance scale and trunk injury scale.Discussion: To evaluate the efficacy of inspiratory muscle training combined with Tai Ji in improving balance function of patients after stroke. The results of this study will provide more evidence for the clinical application of this therapy in the future.Trail registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR)， ID：ChiCTR2100054576，Registered on 20 December 2021.
Cold-induced asthma exacerbation through disruption of murine airway epithelial barrier
Authors: Zhou Tingyang , Liao Wenjing , Wang Xiaofen , Wang Yiyan , Yang Pingchang , Zuo Li , Zhong Nanshan , Han Demin , Zhang Xiaowen 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background: Cold exposure is a common factor to trigger asthma attacks. However, the underlying mechanism has not been thoroughly elucidated. We aimed to investigate the hypothesis that low temperature reduces occludin expression and compromises the epithelial barrier function in airways, which in turn, results in asthma exacerbation. Methods: We examined occludin expression in Beas-2B cells exposed to either 29 °C or 37 °C. The following drugs were administered prior to cold treatment: MG132 (a proteasome inhibitor), cycloheximide (a protein synthesis inhibitor), HC-067047 plus GSK2193874 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 [TRPV4] antagonists), or C4-ceramide (a glucocorticoid-inducible kinase [SGK1] activator). siNedd4-2 was transfected into Beas-2B cells to investigate the role that Nedd4-2 plays in mediating occludin instability induced by cold. In animal experiments, we treated ovalbumin (OVA)-induced asthmatic mice with a thermoneutral temperature of 30 °C or cold exposure (10 °C, 6 h/day) for 2 weeks. MG132, GSK2193874 or C4-ceramide was administered during the cold treatment. Occludin expression of the lung, pulmonary permeability, serum IgE levels, and lung inflammation were assessed. Results: Treatment at 29 °C for 1-9 h significantly reduced the expression of occludin in Beas-2B cells, which was rescued upon treatment with MG132, HC-067047 plus GSK2193874, C4-ceramide, or Nedd4-2 knockdown. Low temperatures affected occludin stability through SGK1/Nedd4-2-dependent proteolysis. In vivo mice data revealed that cold exposure compromised the airway epithelial barrier function, decreased occludin expression, and exacerbated lung inflammation, which was attenuated by the GSK2193874 or C4-ceramide injection. Conclusion: We identified a new mechanism underlying cold-induced asthma exacerbation involving Nedd4-2-mediated occludin proteolysis and epithelial barrier disruption.
Inhaled nitric oxide in premature infants for preventing bronchopulmonary dysplasia: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Yi , Wu Qi , Han Shuping 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
The effectiveness of NO in the treatment of BPD is debatable. To conduct a meta-analysis to guide clinical decision making regarding the efficacy and safety of inhaled nitric oxide in the treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in premature infants.
Methods
Data from clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTS) published in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, CNKI, and VIP databases for premature infants were searched from the database's inception to March 2022. Review Manager 5.3 statistical software was used for heterogeneity analysis.
Results
There were 905 references in total, with 11 RCTS that met the screening criteria being meta-analyzed. The incidence of BPD was recorded in both the iNO and control groups, with the iNO group having a lower incidence (RR = 0.91, 95%CI 0.85–0.97, P = 0.006). At the initial dose of 5ppm, subgroup analysis revealed no significant difference in the incidence of BPD between two groups (P = 0.09). The group treated with 10 ppm iNO had a lower incidence of BPD (RR = 0.90, 95%CI 0.81–0.99, P = 0.03). The iNO group increased the incidence of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (RR = 1.33, 95%CI 1.04–1.71, P = 0.03). At the initial dose of 10 ppm, subgroup analysis revealed no significant difference in the incidence of NEC between the two groups (P = 0.41). NEC was more pervasive in the 5 ppm iNO initial dosage group than in the control group (RR = 1.41, 95%CI 1.03–1.91, P = 0.03). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of in-hospital mortality, intracranial hemorrhage (all grades) or leukomalacia, and pulmonary hemorrhage (PH).
Conclusions
INO can reduce the risk of BPD in preterm infants with a gestational age of ≤ 34 weeks who require respiratory support, but it has no statistically significant impact on BPD mortality and no serious adverse responses, although it may raise the risk of NEC. Simultaneously, when the initial dose of iNO ≥ 10ppm, the effect of lowering the incidence of BPD while lowering the incidence of NEC can be realized. However, scarcity of multi-center large-sample clinical research is still needed.
Agricultural Land Suitability Assessment towards Promoting Community Crop Production in Tolon-Ghana
Authors: Antwi Effah Kwabena , Setiawati Martiwi Diah , Tetteh Jacob Doku , Boakye-Danquah John , Owusu-Banahene Wiafe , (Apronti) Priscilla Toloo Yohuno 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Continuous use of agricultural land without periodic assessment of its suitability or performance for the cultivation of a specific crop could degrade soil fertility and compromise the long-term sustainability of the land to support production. Our aim is to use an integrated approach to assess agricultural land suitability in a small-scale farming system in the semi-arid region of northern Ghana, identify limiting factors for optimum crop production, and recommend intervention options towards sustainable farm management. We developed a data-driven model for land suitability analysis based on the Generalized Additive Models (GAM) approach. We validated the model with the actual yield data for six food crops (maize, pepper, yam, rice, peanut, and cowpea) under various biological, physical and chemical soil conditions across six communities. The result showed that the farmlands across the communities were highly suitable for maize and pepper but not suitable for cowpea. A qualitative validation method based on the contingency table showed the accuracy percentage of 84–100% for POD (Probability of Detection) and 6–21% for FAR (False alarm ratio) for all crops type. Hence, our model could be considered excellent to predict land suitability for different crop types. We recommend that stakeholders in the agricultural value chain should collaborate to develop low-cost and effective means of helping farmers determine the suitability of soils for specific crops to ensure that farmlands are not of depleted nutrients. In addition, periodic farmer training on appropriate farm management practices, including the right use of fertilizers, is needed.
Effects of Feeding Artemia sp. and Artificial Feed Enriched with Bacillus sp. NP5 to Catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus on Growth Performance, Immune Responses, and Resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila Infection
Authors: Widanarni Widanarni , Aswandi Diar Setiawan , Rahman Rahman , Munaeni Waode 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Motile Aeromonad Septicemia (MAS) is caused by Aeromonas hydrophila and often attacks juvenile catfish. Probiotics could be an alternative to prevent MAS disease. This study aims to determine the dose of probiotics to improve the survival, growth performance, and immune response of juvenile catfish Pangasianodon hypophthalmus to the A. hydrophila infection. This probiotic was contained in Artemia sp. and artificial feed enriched with Bacillus sp. NP5 at concentrations of 106 CFU.mL-1, 107 CFU.mL-1, 108 CFU.mL-1, and the control. Larvae with an average weight of 1.52 ± 0.06 mg and an average length of 0.46 ± 0.007 cm were reared for 28 days in aquariums filled with 10 L of water and a stocking density of 15 individuals.L-1. After the rearing period, the fish was challenged by the immersion of A. hydrophila with a concentration of 107 CFU.mL-1. This study has revealed that probiotics could increase the fish’s survival, length growth, daily growth rate, and feed conversion ratio. The total bacterial count in larvae and probiotics in juvenile fish is higher than those in the control. After the fish had been challenged with the probiotics at a concentration of 108 CFU.mL-1, they had a better survival rate and immune responses (including leukocyte differential, phagocytosis activity, and respiratory burst activity) than the positive control. Probiotic Bacillus sp. NP5 is effectively administered through bioencapsulated Artemia sp. and commercial feed.
Brucine-induced neurotoxicity by targeting caspase 3: Involvement of PPARγ/NF- κB/apoptosis signaling pathway
Authors: Lei Yaying , Hou Fangqin , Wu Xiaoyu , Yi Yang , Xu Fan , Gong Qihai , Gao Jianmei 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Brucine, a weak alkaline indole alkaloid, is one of the main bioactive and toxic constituents of Strychnos nux-vomica L., which exerts multiple pharmacological activities, such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic effect. However, its potential toxic effects limited its clinical application, especially central nervous system toxicity. The present study was designed to investigate the neurotoxicity and mechanism of brucine. Our results showed that brucine significantly induced Neuro-2a cells and primary astrocytes death, as evidenced by MTT assay and LDH release. Moreover, transcriptome analysis indicated that PPAR/NF-κB and apoptosis signaling pathways were involved in the brucine-induced cytotoxicity in Neuro-2a cells. Subsequently, in fact, brucine evidently inhibited PPARγ, promoted phosphorylation of NF-κB. Furthermore, PPARγ inhibitor aggravated the neurotoxicity, while, NF-κB inhibitor substantially reversed brucine-induced neurotoxicity. Moreover, brucine also significantly induced neuronal apoptosis and triggered increase in ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, level of cleaved caspase-3, as well as its activity as evidenced by TUNEL staining and Western blot. Furthermore, molecular docking analysis predicted that brucine directly bound to caspase 3. Intriguingly, a caspase 3 inhibitor (Z-DEVE-FMK) largely abolished the neurotoxicity of brucine. Our results reveal that brucine-induced neurotoxicity via activation of PPARγ/NF-κB/caspase 3-dependent apoptosis pathway. These findings will provide a novel strategy against brucine-induced neurotoxicity.
Disutility of climate change damages warrants much stricter climate targets
Authors: Kulkarni Shridhar , Hof Andries , Wijst Kaj-Ivar van der , Vuuren Detlef van 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Cost-benefit integrated assessment models (IAMs) inform the policy deliberation process by determining cost-optimal greenhouse gas emission reduction pathways based on economic considerations. These models seek to maximise economic utility and treat estimates of climate impacts (damages) and mitigation costs at par as GDP losses, having the same impact on utility reduction. However, prospect theory suggests that a certain level of climate damages could be valued higher by society than the same level of mitigation costs, as climate damages often occur as sudden unexpected events. In this paper, we show how this concept could be taken into account in cost-benefit IAMs and explore possible consequences on optimal mitigation pathways. Our results suggest that compared to the standard utility approach, capturing explicit aversion to climate impact incidence shows optimal pathways with earlier and deeper emission reduction, lowering both net-negative emissions and mid-century temperature peaks in line with stringent Paris Agreement targets.
Smoking-induced subgingival dysbiosis precedes clinical signs of periodontal disease
Authors: Wang Gary , Tamashiro Ryan , Strange Leah , Schnackenberg Kristin , Santos Janelle , Gadalla Hana , Zhao Lisa , Li Eric , Hill Emilie , Hill Brett , Sidhu Gurjit , Kirst Mariana , Walker Clay 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Smoking accelerates periodontal disease and alters the subgingival microbiome. However, the relationship between smoking-associated subgingival dysbiosis and progression of periodontal disease is not well understood. Here, we sampled 233 subgingival sites longitudinally from 8 smokers and 9 non-smokers over 6-12 months, analyzing 804 subgingival plaque samples using 16 rRNA sequencing. At equal probing depths, the microbial richness and diversity of the subgingival microbiome was higher in smokers compared to non-smokers, but these differences decreased as probing depths increased. The overall subgingival microbiome of smokers differed significantly from non-smokers at equal probing depths, which was characterized by colonization of novel minority microbes and a shift in abundant members of the microbiome to resemble periodontally diseased communities enriched with pathogenic bacteria. Temporal analysis showed that microbiome in shallow sites were less stable than deeper sites, but temporal stability was not significantly affected by smoking status. We identified 5 taxa – Olsenella sp. 807, Streptococcus cristatus, Atopobium rimae, Prevotella sp. 301 and 308 that were significantly associated with progression of periodontal disease. Taken together, these results suggest that subgingival dysbiosis in smokers precedes clinical signs of periodontal disease, and support the hypothesis that smoking accelerates subgingival dysbiosis to facilitate periodontal disease progression.
Assessment on a blended teaching model for surgical laboratory course among international medical students in response to the COVID-19 pandemic: a case study in a Chinese university
Authors: Wang Xin , Wang Yi , Liu Yuping , Xie Zhe , Li Jingfeng , Liu Xinliang 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background
With the ongoing crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic in China and the increasing online teaching platforms, the blended teaching model for international medical students is necessary. Our study aims at assessing the effectiveness of the combination of online and classroom teaching in surgical laboratory course among international medical students in a Chinese university.
Methods
This was a cross-sectional study conducted in a Chinese university. All international medical students enrolled in 2016–2019 were included in our study and were all third year undergraduate students majoring in Clinical Medicine for a 5-year program. At the final stage of the surgical laboratory course learning, the scores of OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination) and the performance of usual learning and the skills practice from 2019 to 2022 were used as measures to assess the effectiveness. STATA 14 software was applied to conduct the relevant descriptive and statistical analysis. The statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.
Results
A total of 29 international medical students from 14 developing countries were included in our study. The mean age of them was 25.5 ± 2.2 years. The mean scores of OSCE was 76.55 ± 21.91, and it was 76.80 ± 22.05 for the usual learning and skill practice among all the international medical students. The mean scores of OSCE was 75.69 ± 21.40 for the international medical students in the blended teaching model, close to that (77.47 ± 23.21) in the traditional teaching model. Besides, the mean scores of usual learning and skill practice for the international medical students in the blended teaching model was 74.40 ± 20.92, lower than that (77.43 ± 23.18) in the traditional teaching model (P > 0.0.05).
Conclusions
Our study as a preliminary study confirmed that a blended teaching model was effective like the traditional teaching model, which can reduce the disruption for the international medical students’ study during the COVID-19 pandemic. Online interactions between international medical students and instructors positively contribute to global health education. Better coordination of online and face-to-face blended teaching models is an important direction for global medical education.
Paramedic Practice in England with Adrenaline Following Return Of Spontaneous Circulation (ROSC)
Authors: Webb Liam 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background Post-resuscitation shock is a condition witnessed by paramedics following out of hospital cardiac arrest. Paramedic practice within England is largely influenced by clinical guidelines from the Joint Royal Colleges Ambulance Liaison Committee (JRCALC). Currently JRCALC recommend local Ambulance Services to produce guidance for administration of adrenaline following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in out of hospital card arrest. Aims To understand what current practice is undertaken for adrenaline administration by non-specialist paramedics within England following ROSC. Methods An electronic anonymous survey shared on social media that is open to non-specialist paramedics in England. The survey involved frequency distribution questions, Likert ratings and a clinical scenario. Results The survey was fully completed by 98 non-specialist paramedics. The majority (75% n = 74) reported that they had a clinical guideline to follow from their employer. Paramedics experience of patients achieving ROSC varied. The survey found 83.67% ( n = 82) reported ROSC one or more times in the last 12 months. Over half of the respondents have given adrenaline following ROSC (57.14%, n = 56 ). A proportion of paramedics ( n = 8) have given adrenaline following ROSC without any local guideline available. Paramedics reported high levels of confidence in their ability to administer adrenaline in ROSC. However, the absence of a clinical guideline is the primary reason paramedics do not administer adrenaline. Following this respondents primarily chose to transport the patient to hospital. The majority of patients chose to administer 250ml sodium chloride within the first 5 minutes. The dose of adrenaline varies across paramedic practice. The main doses were 10mcg and 100mcg selected to be administered. Conclusion Non-specialist paramedic practice for post ROSC adrenaline administration is undertaken by paramedics within England. However, the availability of a local clinical guideline varies and reduces paramedics ability to administer this as a treatment option. Dosing of adrenaline in paramedic practice has a large variance from 10mcg to 100mcg. The standardisation of paramedic practice in a national clinical guideline should be explored further to ensure safe and equal availability of care to for patients across England.
Diabetic Retinopathy Progression from referral to treatment or vision loss: Development and Internal Validation of a Multivariable Prediction Model
Authors: Haider Sajjad , Subramanian Anuradhaa , Adderley Nicola , Snell Kym , Toulis Konstantinos , Moore David , Nirantharan Krish , Price Malcolm Price Malcolm 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Background/ObjectivesPatients with referable diabetic retinopathy are treated or regularly observed for the need and timing of treatment and to prevent vision loss under hospital eye service/surveillance clinics. A small proportion progress, but presently there is no mechanism to easily identify these patients at higher risk of the outcome in this population. We aimed to develop and internally validate a risk prediction model for progression of retinopathy in patients with referable diabetic retinopathy population.Methods Anonymized data on 13,691 patients with diabetes joining the IQVIA Medical Research database (a structured primary care routine practice database with over 15 million patient records) from 2004 to 2018 were used to fit a Cox regression model. We used backward elimination with p< 0.2 to select predictors. Internal validation was performed using bootstrapping. Predictive performance was evaluated using the C-statistic and D statistic for discrimination as well as assessing calibration using the calibration slope and calibration plot at 5 years.ResultsThere were a total of 2079 outcome events in our dataset. The prediction model included Diabetic Retinopathy stage, eGFR, HbA1c, Cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, Insulin and Statin as final predictors, retinopathy stage being the strongest. The model had good discrimination (C-statistic=0.74) and very little optimism in the internal validation due to the large sample size.ConclusionThis new algorithm can calculate the absolute risk of progression from referable retinopathy based on an individual’s risk factors. External validation and net clinical benefit analysis will be required before use in clinical practice.