bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression Profiles of Immune Cells after Propofol or Sevoflurane Anesthesia for Colorectal Cancer Surgery: A Prospective Double-blind Randomized Trial
Authors: Oh Chung-Sik , Park Hyun-Jun , Piao Liyun , Sohn Kyo-Min , Koh Seong-Eun , Hwang Dae-Yong , Kim Seong-Hyop 
Published: January 2022

Background
The antitumor effects of natural killer cells, helper T cells, and cytotoxic T cells after cancer surgery were reported previously. This study hypothesized that propofol-based anesthesia would have fewer harmful effects on immune cells than volatile anesthetics–based anesthesia during colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods
In total, 153 patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery were randomized and included in the analysis. The primary outcome was the fraction of circulating natural killer cells over time in the propofol and sevoflurane groups. The fractions of circulating natural killer, type 1, type 17 helper T cells, and cytotoxic T cells were investigated. The fractions of CD39 and CD73 expressions on circulating regulatory T cells were investigated, along with the proportions of circulating neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes.

Results
The fraction of circulating natural killer cells was not significantly different between the propofol and sevoflurane groups until 24 h postoperatively (20.4 ± 13.4% vs. 20.8 ± 11.3%, 17.9 ± 12.7% vs. 20.7 ± 11.9%, and 18.6 ± 11.6% vs. 21.3 ± 10.8% before anesthesia and after 1 and 24 h after anesthesia, respectively; difference [95% CI], –0.3 [–4.3 to 3.6], –2.8 [–6.8 to 1.1], and –2.6 [–6.2 to 1.0]; P = 0.863, P = 0.136, and P = 0.151 before anesthesia and after 1 and 24 h, respectively). The fractions of circulating type 1 and type 17 helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and CD39+ and CD73+ circulating regulatory T cells were not significantly different between the two groups. The neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio in both groups remained within the normal range and was not different between the groups.

Conclusions
Propofol-based anesthesia was not superior to sevoflurane-based anesthesia in terms of alleviating suppression of immune cells including natural killer cells and T lymphocytes during colorectal cancer surgery.

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Plausible pathway for a host–parasite molecular replication network to increase its complexity through Darwinian evolution
Authors: Kamiura Rikuto , Mizuuchi Ryo , Ichihashi Norikazu 
Published: January 2022

AbstractHow the complexity of primitive self-replication molecules develops through Darwinian evolution remains a mystery with regards to the origin of life. Theoretical studies have proposed that coevolution with parasitic replicators increases network complexity by inducing inter-dependent replication. However, the feasibility of such complexification with biologically relevant molecules is still unknown owing to the lack of an experimental model. Here, we investigated the plausible complexification pathway of host–parasite replicators using both an experimental host–parasite RNA replication system and a theoretical model based on the experimental system. We first analyzed the parameter space that allows for sustainable replication in various replication networks ranging from a single molecule to three-member networks using computer simulation. The analysis shows that the most plausible complexification pathway from a single host replicator is the addition of a parasitic replicator, followed by the addition of a new host replicator that is resistant to the parasite. We also provide evidence that the pathway actually occurred in our previous evolutionary experiment. These results provide both a theoretical basis and experimental evidence that a single replicator spontaneously develops into multi-replicator networks through coevolution with parasitic replicators, which might be the first complexification step toward to the emergence of life.
Environmental paleomicrobiology: using DNA preserved in aquatic sediments to its full potential
Authors: Capo Eric , Monchamp Marie‐Eve , Coolen Marco J. L. , Domaizon Isabelle , Armbrecht Linda , Bertilsson Stefan 
Published: January 2022

SummaryIn‐depth knowledge about spatial and temporal variation in microbial diversity and function is needed for a better understanding of ecological and evolutionary responses to global change. In particular, the study of microbial ancient DNA preserved in sediment archives from lakes and oceans can help us to evaluate the responses of aquatic microbes in the past and make predictions about future biodiversity change in those ecosystems. Recent advances in molecular genetic methods applied to the analysis of historically deposited DNA in sediments have not only allowed the taxonomic identification of past aquatic microbial communities but also enabled tracing their evolution and adaptation to episodic disturbances and gradual environmental change. Nevertheless, some challenges remain for scientists to take full advantage of the rapidly developing field of paleo‐genetics, including the limited ability to detect rare taxa and reconstruct complete genomes for evolutionary studies. Here, we provide a brief review of some of the recent advances in the field of environmental paleomicrobiology and discuss remaining challenges related to the application of molecular genetic methods to study microbial diversity, ecology, and evolution in sediment archives. We anticipate that, in the near future, environmental paleomicrobiology will shed new light on the processes of microbial genome evolution and microbial ecosystem responses to quaternary environmental changes at an unprecedented level of detail. This information can, for example, aid geological reconstructions of biogeochemical cycles and predict ecosystem responses to environmental perturbations, including in the context of human‐induced global changes.
Time budgets and activity patterns of the southern gelada (Theropithecus gelada obscurus) in a human‐modified landscape, Wollo, Ethiopia
Authors: Kifle Zewdu , Bekele Afework 
Published: January 2022

AbstractUnderstanding the behavioural ecology of primates in human disturbance areas is crucial to developing conservation management plan. Southern geladas (Theropithecus gelada obscurus) are endemic subspecies of geladas that are threatened by habitat loss and degradation in the Ethiopian Highlands. During the 18‐months period, we conducted this intensive study in an unprotected area of human‐modified landscape to examine the diurnal time budgets and activity patterns of southern geladas. We quantified the time budget data from a band of southern gelada using instantaneous scan sampling method. Southern geladas had an overall diurnal activity budget of 49.5% feeding, 17.5% resting, 16.2% moving, 13.0% grooming and 3.0% socialising. The band spent significantly more time feeding during the dry season than the wet season. However, the band spent significantly more time during the wet season than the dry season in resting and grooming activities. We observed variations in the trend of activity patterns during the daylight hours between the wet and dry seasons. We found consistent relationships between monthly time budget and food availability. Our results contribute to improve our knowledge on the behavioural ecology of gelada populations in human‐modified landscape across the Ethiopian Highlands.
The Family‐Centred Practices Scale: Psychometric properties of the Spanish version for use with families with children with Down syndrome receiving early childhood intervention
Authors: Robles‐Bello María Auxiliadora , Sánchez‐Teruel David 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe Family‐Centred Practices Scale (FCPS) assesses the degree to which staff in early childhood intervention and development centres use this therapeutic approach. However, there is no adaptation of this scale to families of children with Down syndrome, which is one of the most prevalent intellectual disabilities in early intervention.ObjectivesTo validate and analyse the psychometric properties of the FCPS in Spanish parents with children with Down syndrome receiving early childhood intervention.MethodsDescriptive analyses, exploratory factor analysis (n = 131), confirmatory factor analysis (n = 126) and scale reliability analyses were performed. In addition, the invariance of the scale by parents' age and gender was assessed, and a longitudinal analysis of the scores was performed.ResultsA new scale was obtained with a two‐factor structure, similar to the original version, but with fewer items. Goodness‐of‐fit indices were excellent (root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] [95% confidence interval {CI}] = 0.02 [0.01; 0.04]; comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.98; Tucker–Lewis index [TLI] = 0.97; root mean residual [RMR] = 0.02; goodness‐of‐fit index [GFI] = 0.91; adjusted GFI [AGFI] = 0.90). However, the measure was not gender invariant. Additionally, internal consistency of the two dimensions showed high values in this sample, and comparing the means between the two measurement time points (initial and at about 6 months) showed no differences; the test was powerful but had a very small effect size.ConclusionsThe psychometric properties of this FCPS are adequate, and it uses fewer items, which makes it faster to apply and gives it better clinical applicability. This new version of the scale is a valid, reliable tool for evaluating family‐centred practices in Spanish families with children with Down syndrome.
Truth and Responsibility in Expert Witnessing
Authors: Duncan Whitney L. , Reyes‐Foster Beatriz 
Published: January 2022

AbstractProviding expert testimony in asylum proceedings for mentally ill Mexicans, we are regularly asked to reduce individual subjects to diagnostic categories and an entire country to one of its most dysfunctional institutions. How, attorneys and judges ask us, does Mexican “culture”—through its institutions and psychiatric hospitals—treat the mentally ill? To adjudicators of asylum claims, there must be a clear and often singular “truth.” As Nikolas Rose has argued, however, “Truth is always enthroned in acts of violence.” This essay grapples with a question inherent to this work: to whom—and to what truths—are anthropological expert witnesses responsible?
Three‐year extraction experience of a novel substernal extravascular defibrillation lead in sheep
Authors: Thompson Amy E. , Marshall Mark , Lentz Linnea , Mazzetti Hector 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe extravascular implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (EV ICD) with lead implantation in the substernal space may provide an alternative to transvenous and subcutaneous systems. This is the first‐reported chronic extraction experience for EV ICD leads. The aim of the study is to evaluate the chronic encapsulation and extractability of EV ICD leads.MethodsTwo EV ICD leads and one transvenous lead were implanted in each of 24 mature sheep. A subset of animals was evaluated yearly for histology and lead extractability. Extractions were performed using simple traction or extraction tools. Histology evaluated the encapsulating tissue.ResultsAt 1 year, extraction was performed successfully for two of five EV ICD leads with traction alone using ≤3.1 kg‐force (kgf) and the remainder extracted successfully with extraction tools; no transvenous leads were removed with traction alone. At 2 years, no EV ICD or transvenous leads were extracted with traction alone, while at 3 years, one of eight EV ICD leads and two of four transvenous leads were extracted with traction (0.8 and ≤2.3 kgf, respectively). There was one observation of hemopericardium resulting in tamponade with EV ICD extraction but without injury to cardiovascular structures and related to the unique implant tract. Among transvenous leads, inversion of the ventricle with loss of cardiac output resulted in abandonment of traction for two animals.ConclusionsChronic extraction of EV ICD leads from the substernal space was successfully performed using traction and simple tools through 3 years in sheep with one observation of hemopericardium that did not originate from cardiovascular injury.
Incidence of superficial abdominal organ identification is similar using high‐frequency linear (transrectal) and low‐frequency curvilinear (abdominal) transducers in clinically healthy horses: A pilot study
Authors: Haardt Hanna , Romero Alfredo E , Boysen Søren R , Lohnherr Anika , Tan Jean‐Yin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAbdominal organ displacement is a potentially life‐threatening condition in horses. Primary care veterinarians commonly make referral decisions based on a combination of clinical and ultrasonographic findings. However, published studies describing the effects of transducer on identifying abdominal organ locations in horses are currently lacking. The objective of this prospective, methods comparison, pilot study was to compare organ identification using a high‐frequency linear (transrectal) transducer and a low‐frequency curvilinear (abdominal) transducer for transcutaneous abdominal ultrasonography of healthy horses. Twelve clinically normal adult horses owned by the University of Calgary were enrolled in the study. Abdominal ultrasonography was performed by four practitioners, each randomly assigned to an alternating rotation of transrectal or abdominal transducer and left or right side of a horse. Using a Chi square test or Fisher's exact test, the frequency of identification for each organ was compared between both transducers. There was no significant difference in organ identification on the right side of the abdomen. On the left side, the stomach, liver, and kidney were less likely to be detected with the transrectal transducer. Compared with a low‐frequency abdominal transducer, a high‐frequency linear transrectal transducer delivers images that allow for organ identification in transcutaneous ultrasonography of the equine abdomen except for the left kidney, left liver, and stomach.
Modified Savonius Wind Turbine for Wind Energy Harvesting in Urban Environments
Authors: Le Anh Dinh , Minh Duc Banh , Van Hoang Tam , The Tran Hung 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
The flow-induced rotation of the modified Savonius rotor, for which the blade consists of a semicircular profile and an elliptical shape, is studied using a series of unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. This study first concentrates on the validation of the numerical scheme against Blackwell's experimental data of the conventional rotor. The computed flow physics around the modified rotor with the same diameter is then analyzed and compared with that of the conventional rotor during one rotation cycle. As the result, the modified rotor is outperforming the conventional one but keeping its unique features. The modified rotor offers exceeding performance at a tip speed ratio (TSR) greater than 0.8. The new peak of the power coefficient Cp is reached at TSR = 1.4 which is a typical operating condition of the wind turbine in urban areas. The remarkable finding is that the suppression of the flow separation on the blade is an effective way to improve the rotor's aerodynamic performance. As expected, the additional elliptical profile plays a key role in increasing the positive torque and in preventing the flow separation on the blade, especially at high TSR &gt; 0.8. Finally, this study points to not only advances the fundamental understanding of flow mechanism around the rotor but also proposes a good practical energy harvesting application in urban environments.
Narratives of veterinary drug use in northern Tanzania and consequences for drug stewardship strategies in low-income and middle-income countries
Authors: Caudell Mark , Mangesho Peter E , Mwakapeje Elibariki R , Dorado-García Alejandro , Kabali Emmanuel , Price Cortney , OleNeselle Moses , Kimani Tabitha , Fasina Folorunso O 
Published: January 2022

IntroductionAwareness-raising campaigns play a central role in efforts to combat drug resistance. These campaigns assume that knowledge deficits drive poor practices that increase resistance. Therefore, increasing awareness will promote prudent practices and reduce resistance. However, most awareness campaigns have been developed and evaluated in high-income and public health settings. Consequently, it is not clear whether these campaigns are effective in low-income and middle-income countries and/or within animal health settings.MethodsFocus group discussions and in-depth interviews were used to collect narratives of veterinary drug use among Maasai pastoralists (n=70), animal health professionals (n=10) and veterinary drug sellers (n=5). Thematic analysis was used to identify recurring themes across narratives and groups.ResultsNarratives of Maasai and animal health professionals indicated that Maasai treated their livestock with limited input from the professional sector and that non-prudent treatment practices were observed (eg, using antimicrobials as ‘energizers’). Professionals linked these practices to knowledge and attitudinal deficits among the Maasai, while Maasai narratives highlighted the importance of climatic uncertainties and cultural beliefs surrounding veterinary care.ConclusionNarratives of veterinary drug use from animal health professionals are consistent with the knowledge deficit assumption guiding awareness-raising efforts. In contrast, Maasai narratives highlight how animal health practices are patterned by cultural norms interacting with factors largely outside of Maasai control, including a constrained professional veterinary sector. If these cultural and structural contexts remain unconsidered in awareness-raising strategies, current campaigns are unlikely to motivate practices necessary to limit drug resistance, especially within low-income and middle-income settings.
Clinical outcome of non-curative endoscopic submucosal dissection for early colorectal cancer
Authors: Spadaccini Marco , Bourke Michael J , Maselli Roberta , Pioche Marhieu , Bhandari Pradeep , Jacques Jérémie , Haji Amyn , Yang Dennis , Albéniz Eduardo , Kaminski Michal Filip , Messmann Helmut , Herreros de Tejada Alberto , Sferrazza Sandro , Pekarek Boris , Rivory Jerome , Geyl Sophie , Gulati Shraddha , Draganov Peter , Shahidi Neal , Hossain Ejaz , Fleischmann Carola , Vespa Edoardo , Iannone Andrea , Alkandari Asma , Hassan Cesare , Repici Alessandro 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in a curative intent for submucosa-invasive early (T1) colorectal cancers (T1-CRCs) often leads to subsequent surgical resection in case of histologic parameters indicating higher risk of nodal involvement. In some cases, however, the expected benefit may be offset by the surgical risks, suggesting a more conservative approach.DesignRetrospective analysis of consecutive patients with T1-CRC who underwent ESD at 13 centres ending inclusion in 2019 (n=3373). Cases with high risk of nodal involvement (non-curative ESD: G3, submucosal invasion>1000 µm, lymphovascular involvement, budding or incomplete resection/R1) were analysed if follow-up data (endoscopy/imaging) were available, regardless of the postendoscopic management (follow-up vs surgery) selected by the multidisciplinary teams in these institutions. Comorbidities were classified according to Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI). Outcomes were disease recurrence, death and disease-related death rates in the two groups. Rate of residual disease (RD) at both the previous resection site and regional lymph nodes was assessed in the surgical cases as well as from follow-up in the follow-up group.ResultsOf 604 patients treated by colorectal ESD for submucosally invasive cancer, 207 non-curative resections (34.3%) were included (138 male; mean age 67.6±10.9 years); in 65.2% of cases, no complete resection was achieved (R1). Of the 207 cases, 60.9% (n=126; median CCI: 3; IQR: 2–4) underwent surgical treatment with RD in 19.8% (25/126), while 39.1% (n=81, median CCI: 5; IQR: 4–6) were followed up by endoscopy in all cases. Patients in the follow-up group had a higher overall mortality (HR=3.95) due to non-CRC causes (n=9, mean survival after ESD 23.7±13.7 months). During this follow-up time, tumour recurrence and disease-specific survival rates were not different between the groups (median follow-up 30 months; range: 6–105).ConclusionFollowing ESD for a lesion at high risk of RD, follow-up only may be a reasonable choice in patients at high risk for surgery. Also, endoscopic resection quality should be improved.Trial registration numberNCT03987828.
Stimulatory MAIT cell antigens reach the circulation and are efficiently metabolised and presented by human liver cells
Authors: Lett Martin J , Mehta Hema , Keogh Adrian , Jaeger Tina , Jacquet Maxime , Powell Kate , Meier Marie-Anne , Fofana Isabel , Melhem Hassan , Vosbeck Jürg , Cathomas Gieri , Heigl Andres , Heim Markus H , Burri Emanuel , Mertz Kirsten D , Niess Jan Hendrik , Kollmar Otto , Zech Christoph J , Ivanek Robert , Duthaler Urs , Klenerman Paul , Stroka Deborah , Filipowicz Sinnreich Magdalena 
Published: January 2022

ObjectiveMucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are the most abundant T cells in human liver. They respond to bacterial metabolites presented by major histocompatibility complex-like molecule MR1. MAIT cells exert regulatory and antimicrobial functions and are implicated in liver fibrogenesis. It is not well understood which liver cells function as antigen (Ag)-presenting cells for MAIT cells, and under which conditions stimulatory Ags reach the circulation.DesignWe used different types of primary human liver cells in Ag-presentation assays to blood-derived and liver-derived MAIT cells. We assessed MAIT cell stimulatory potential of serum from healthy subjects and patients with portal hypertension undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt stent, and patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).ResultsMAIT cells were dispersed throughout healthy human liver and all tested liver cell types stimulated MAIT cells, hepatocytes being most efficient. MAIT cell activation by liver cells occurred in response to bacterial lysate and pure Ag, and was prevented by non-activating MR1 ligands. Serum derived from peripheral and portal blood, and from patients with IBD stimulated MAIT cells in MR1-dependent manner.ConclusionOur findings reveal previously unrecognised roles of liver cells in Ag metabolism and activation of MAIT cells, repression of which creates an opportunity to design antifibrotic therapies. The presence of MAIT cell stimulatory Ags in serum rationalises the observed activated MAIT cell phenotype in liver. Increased serum levels of gut-derived MAIT cell stimulatory ligands in patients with impaired intestinal barrier function indicate that intrahepatic Ag-presentation may represent an important step in the development of liver disease.