bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agricultural livelihoods, adaptation, and environmental migration in sub-Saharan drylands: a meta-analytical review
Authors: Hoffmann Roman , Wiederkehr Charlotte , Dimitrova Anna , Hermans Kathleen 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Drylands in sub-Saharan Africa are strongly affected by the impacts of climate change. Temperature increases, changes in rainfall patterns, and land degradation pose serious threats to food security, health, and water availability in the region. The increase in livelihood insecurity can in turn trigger migration as a way to adapt or cope with stress. Based on 89 original case studies, this study uses review and meta-analytical techniques to systematically explore the relationship between environmental change, adaptation, and migration in rural areas in sub-Saharan drylands. We show that households use a diverse range of strategies to respond to environmental hardships in different livelihood and ecological contexts. While migration is common in some communities, it is of less relevance to others, and it can take various forms. Our findings indicate that migration is often used as a complementary strategy to other forms of adaptation, which can vary depending on situational needs. We use cluster analysis to identify adaptation clusters and show how linked response strategies differ by socioeconomic conditions. We find that migration can serve as a last resort measure for highly vulnerable groups, or be used in combination with in-situ strategies for diversifying income and adapting agricultural practices. Our results have important implications highlighting the role of local conditions and complementary forms of coping and adaptation for understanding environmental migration.
Abrasive wear resistance of idler roll polymeric materials
Authors: Kouketsu Fernanda , Pacholok Daniel , Cousseau Tiago , da Silva Carlos Henrique 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Idler rolls are an integral part of belt conveyors. Recently, steel idler rolls have been replaced with polymeric ones in low to middle load applications, bringing several advantages due to the polymer’s lightweight and low abrasiveness in the conveyor belt. However, using polymeric material for high load application brings challenges, particularly presenting similar structural and abrasion resistance to steel. This work puts forwards a methodology using a rubber-wheel tribometer to evaluate the abrasion resistance of polymeric idler rolls in their most severe operating condition (halted idler roll) and defines a threshold limit based on the results obtained with steel idler rolls. The methodology was applied to 07 different polymeric materials. To further understand materials abrasions resistance, scratching tests were performed, and the main wear mechanisms, verified by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and abrasion factor (FAB), were discussed along with the material properties. The main conclusions are: i) some polymeric materials present abrasion resistance similar to steel rolls; ii) the wear micromechanisms, verified by SEM and FAB, are good indicators of abrasion resistance of the materials but insufficient because they do not include temperature and fatigue effects resulting from multi abrasive events; iii) the additive fillers significantly altered the abrasive resistance of materials, although they do not change the material properties significantly.
Solving Poisson equation with slowing-down equilibrium distribution for global gyrokinetic simulation
Authors: ZHONG Qi , XIAO Yong 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Fusion-born alpha particles in burning plasmas are usually regarded as have a slowing-down distribution, which differs significantly from the Maxwellian distribution of thermal particles in velocity space. A generalized multi-point average method has been developed for gyrokinetic Poisson equation with slowing-down equilibrium distribution using optimization in Fourier space. Its accuracy is verified in both long and short wavelength limits. The influence of changing equilibrium distribution from Maxwellian to slowing-down on gyrokinetic Poisson equation is analyzed to illustrate the significance of the new method. The effect of critical speed in the slowing-down distribution on the field solver is also presented. This method forms an important basis for global gyrokinetic simulation of low-frequency drift Alfvénic turbulence in burning plasmas.
Copying safety and liveness properties of computational artefacts
Authors: Angius Nicola , Primiero Giuseppe 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
This paper shows how safety and liveness properties are not necessarily preserved by different kinds of copies of computational artefacts and proposes procedures to preserve them, which are consistent with ethical analyses on software property rights infringement. Safety and liveness are second-order properties that are crucial in the definition of the formal ontology of computational artefacts. Software copies are analysed at the level of their formal models as exact, inexact and approximate copies, according to the taxonomy in [3]. First, it is explained how exact copies are the only kind of copies that preserve safety and liveness properties, and how inexact and approximate copies do not necessarily preserve them. Secondly, two model checking algorithms are proposed to verify whether inexact and approximate copies actually preserve safety and liveness properties. Essential properties of termination, correctness and complexity are proved for these algorithms. Finally, contraction and expansion algorithmic operations are defined, allowing for the automatic design of safety- and liveness-preserving approximate copies. As a conclusion, the relevance of the present logical analysis for the ongoing debates in miscomputation and computer ethics is highlighted.
Osteoporosis
Authors: Harvey Nicholas C. , Compston Juliet , Cooper Cyrus 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
Osteoporosis is characterized by a reduction in bone mass and disruption of bone architecture, resulting in increased bone fragility and fracture risk, with fractures of the distal radius (Colles’ fracture), spine, and proximal femur being most characteristic. One in two women and one in five men over the age of 50 years will suffer an osteoporotic fracture during their remaining lifetime, with massive cost to healthcare services. Osteoporotic fractures are termed fragility fractures (defined as occurring after a fall from standing height or less). They may occur at several skeletal sites but fractures of the distal radius (Colles’ fracture), spine, and proximal femur are most characteristic. The incidence of osteoporotic fractures increases markedly with age; in women, the median age for Colles’ fractures is 65 years and for hip fracture, 80 years.
COVID-19 in pregnancy
Authors: Nana Melanie , Nelson-Piercy Catherine 
Published: August 2022

Abstract
In January 2020 the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a global pandemic of COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has since been established that pregnant women appear no more or less likely to contract this disease than the background population. However, as is the case with other viral illnesses including influenza and varicella, they may be at increased risk of developing severe disease compared to their non-pregnant counterparts, particularly in the third trimester. Pregnant women who contract SARS-CoV-2 are at higher risk of developing severe disease requiring admission to an intensive care unit and invasive ventilation than those who are not pregnant, particularly if infected with the Delta variant of concern. Their commonest presenting symptoms are cough, fever, dyspnoea or myalgia. Risk factors for severe disease, typically a phenomenon of the late second or third trimester, reflect those in the non-pregnant population. There is an increased risk of pre-term birth and Caesarean section.
Mechanisms of pulmonary endothelial permeability and inflammation caused by extracellular histone subunits H3 and H4
Authors: Ramasubramanian Baalachandran , Kim Junghyun , Ke Yunbo , Li Yue , Zhang Chen‐Ou , Promnares Kamoltip , Tanaka Kenichi A. , Birukov Konstantin G. , Karki Pratap , Birukova Anna A. 
Published: August 2022

AbstractExtracellular DNA‐binding proteins such as histones are danger‐associated molecular pattern released by the injured tissues in trauma and sepsis settings, which trigger host immune response and vascular dysfunction. Molecular events leading to histone‐induced endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction remain poorly understood. This study performed comparative analysis of H1, H2A, H2B, H3, and H4 histone subunits effects on human pulmonary EC permeability and inflammatory response. Analysis of transendothelial electrical resistance and EC monolayer permeability for macromolecues revealed that H3 and H4, but not H1, H2A, or H2B caused dose‐dependent EC permeability accompanied by disassembly of adherens junctions. At higher doses, H3 and H4 activated nuclear factor kappa B inflammatory cascade leading to upregulation EC adhesion molecules ICAM1, VCAM1, E‐selectin, and release of inflammatory cytokines. Inhibitory receptor analysis showed that toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4 but not TLR1/2 or receptor for advanced glycation end inhibition significantly attenuated deleterious effects of H3 and H4 histones. Inhibitor of Rho‐kinase was without effect, while inhibition of Src kinase caused partial preservation of cell–cell junctions, H3/H4‐induced permeability and inflammation. Deleterious effects of H3/H4 were blocked by heparin. Activation of Epac‐Rap1 signaling restored EC barrier properties after histone challenge. Intravenous injection of histones in mice caused elevation of inflammatory markers and increased vascular leak. Post‐treatment with pharmacological Epac/Rap1 activator suppressed injurious effects of histones in vitro and in vivo. These results identify H3 and H4 as key histone subunits exhibiting deleterious effects on pulmonary vascular endothelium via TLR4‐dependent mechanism. In conclusion, elevation of circulating histones may represent a serious risk of exacerbated acute lung injury (ALI) and multiple organ injury during severe trauma and infection.
Mechanical Power Differs Between Pressure-Controlled Ventilation and Different Volume-Controlled Ventilation Modes
Authors: Rietveld Petra J. , Snoep Jacob W. M. , Lamping Marjolein , van der Velde Franciska , de Jonge Evert , van Westerloo David W. , Schoe Abraham 
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVES:
Mechanical power (MP) is a way of estimating the energy delivered by the ventilator to the patient. For both volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) and pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) methods have been described to calculate the MP. The pressure-volume (PV) loop, from which the MP is calculated, is different for VCV compared with PCV. We aimed to compare the MP of VCV with zero pause time (VCV-0), VCV with 10% pause time (VCV-10), and PCV within patients in different patient categories based on severity of lung injury.

DESIGN:
In a proof-of-concept study, we enrolled 46 mechanically ventilated patients without spontaneous breathing efforts. Baseline measurements were done in pressure-controlled mode. Subsequently, measurements were done in VCV-0 and VCV-10. Tidal volume and all other settings were kept the same.

SETTING:
ICU, single university medical center.

PATIENTS:
Fifty-eight cases in 46 patients on controlled ventilation modes.

INTERVENTIONS:
Comparison between the MP of PCV, VCV-0, and VCV-10.

MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS:
The mean MP of VCV-0, VCV-10, and PCV was 19.30, 21.80, and 20.87 J/min, respectively (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). The transpulmonary MP of VCV-0, VCV-10, and PCV was 6.75, 8.60, and 7.99 J/min, respectively (p < 0.05 for all comparisons).

CONCLUSIONS:
In patients ventilated in a controlled mode, VCV without pause time had the lowest MP followed by PCV. VCV with 10% pause time had the highest MP.
Estrogen therapy and breast cancer in randomized clinical trials: a narrative review
Authors: Pan Kathy , Lavasani Sayeh , Aragaki Aaron K. , Chlebowski Rowan T. 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Importance and Objective
In the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) randomized trial with 10,739 postmenopausal women with prior hysterectomy, conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) alone significantly reduced breast cancer incidence and breast cancer mortality. In contrast, epidemiological studies in a meta-analysis from the Collaborative Group on Hormonal Factors in Breast Cancer (Collaborative Group) with 108,647 breast cancers and the Million Women’s Study cohort significantly associated estrogen-alone therapy with higher breast cancer incidence and breast cancer mortality. The Collaborative Group included a meta-analysis of five smaller randomized trials and the WHI randomized trial; however, findings were restricted to the Collaborative Group appendix. Our objective is to facilitate understanding of these discordant results.

Methods
Data sources supporting our review findings include the randomized WHI CEE-alone trial and the meta-analysis of five smaller randomized trials evaluating estrogen alone. We summarize the smaller randomized trials’ details of breast cancer relevance and place the findings in clinical context. We review findings of the WHI randomized trial evaluating CEE alone in the context of issues raised by Collaborative Group and the Million Women Study authors. We trace the evolution of the time-from-menopause, “window of opportunity” concept and augment the Collaborative Group meta-analysis by including the most recent WHI findings.

Discussion and Conclusions
Consideration of the smaller randomized trials evaluating estrogen alone with breast cancer signals that the WHI findings of lower breast cancer incidence and lower breast cancer mortality with CEE-alone use are not a “stand-alone” outcome or due to the play of chance. The serial reports of consistent favorable breast cancer findings through 20 years of cumulative follow-up suggest CEE-alone use initiates changes that persist. After full consideration of risks and benefits, randomized trial evidence provides reassurance for postmenopausal women with prior hysterectomy who are close to menopause considering estrogen alone for climacteric symptom management.
Physical activity on cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risk in premenopausal and postmenopausal women: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Ruiz-Rios Maitane , Maldonado-Martin Sara 
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Importance
The apparent cardioprotective effects of endogenous estrogens to prevent cardiovascular disease in premenopausal women are reduced with the loss of estrogen post-menopause. Cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risk factors are closely related to physical activity levels.

Objective
This study conducted a critical assessment of studies for health prevention that analyze the effects of physical activity programs on cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risk factors in women, comparing premenopausal and postmenopausal states, through a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

Evidence Review
A computerized literature search was performed to include articles up until December 2021 in the following online databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, SportDiscus, and Web of Science. Regarding physical activity intervention, women of all ages were engaged. The PEDro scale and Oxford's evidence levels were used for the assessment of the risk of bias in the included articles.

Findings
Fourteen scientific articles met the inclusion criteria. Great variability was found in physical activity variables. All the studies found an improvement in at least one variable. The risk of bias was high, with all the articles obtaining a low methodological quality, except two with high methodological quality. Only one article considered the differences in the menopausal state observing the effects of physical activity intervention and highlighting the importance of physical activity in both states.

Conclusions and Relevance
To strengthen the evidence for the benefits of physical activity programs in women and to observe the effects depending on their menopausal state, there is an ongoing need for more rigorous randomized controlled trials of appropriate length and dose, with individualized exercise intensity.
A Systematic Review of Muscle Synergies during a Walking Gait to Define Optimal Donor-Recipient Pairings for Lower Extremity Functional Reconstruction
Authors: Magrath Walker J. , Qiu Cecil S. , Hanwright Philip J. , Tuffaha Sami H. , Khavanin Nima 
Published: August 2022

Background:
Functional lower extremity reconstruction primarily aims to restore independent ambulation. We sought to define the synergies recruited during a walking gait to inform donor selection for various motor deficits. With these findings, we discuss the functional neuromuscular components of independent gait with the goal of informing lower extremity reconstruction.

Methods:
A systematic review was performed using MEDLINE for articles published between January 2000 and December 2020. Search terms included (1) “motor module(s),” “synergy,” “motor pattern,” or “motor primitive” and (2) “gait,” “walking,” “ambulation,” or “locomotion.” Abstracts/full texts were reviewed by two independent reviewers.

Results:
A total of 38 studies were selected. The average reported number of synergies and variance accounted for was 4.5 ± 0.9 and 88.6% ± 7.7%, respectively. Four motor modules were conserved across nearly all studies.

Conclusions:
Walking can be reduced to the sequential activation of four motor modules. Activities during the stance phase are critical for both standing stability and forward progression and should be prioritized for reconstruction with the goal of preserving efficient gait. Muscles recruited during swing, except those used for ankle dorsiflexion, are less prone to injury and benefit from greater redundancy, less often necessitating reconstruction. With the emphasis on stability during stance, several synergistic or sometimes even antagonistic tendons can be used to replace their counterparts and restore efficient, independent ambulation. With a finite supply of donor tissues, and in the absence of well-defined clinical outcomes data, this research allows us to effectively prioritize reconstructive goals and maximize patient outcomes.
Radial Nerve Fascicular Transfer Preserving Long Head through Anterior Incision for Transhumeral Targeted Muscle Reinnervation
Authors: Chopan Mustafa , Spencer Nichols David , Chim Harvey 
Published: August 2022

Summary:
New developments in targeted muscle reinnervation promise better options for treatment of neuropathic pain and improved prosthetic control. For transhumeral amputations, the traditional approach involves an anterior incision to access the median and ulnar nerves and a second posterior incision to access the radial nerve. This is necessitated as exposure of motor branches of the radial nerve distal to the branch to the long head of the triceps is difficult from the anterior approach. Herein, we describe a technique for transferring the radial nerve proper distal to the long head branch to a motor branch to the medial or lateral head of the triceps through internal neurolysis and fascicular transfer. This allows all surgical steps to be performed through a single incision while preserving native motor branches to the biceps and triceps muscles.
Increasing angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 regulated by histone 3 lysine 27 hyperacetylation in high-fat diet-induced hypertensive rat kidney
Authors: Lin Ying , Li Ya-qi , Wang Hui , Wu Hao-jie , Bai Bao-ling , Ma Li-juan , Zou Ji-zhen , Zhang Qin , Shi Lin 
Published: August 2022

Background:
Obesity is a key risk factor of hypertension. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1) is a key enzyme involved in the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS), which contributes to obesity-related hypertension (OrHTN). Emerging evidence has shown that histone acetylation is also involved in OrHTN. As kidney is an effector organ that activates the RAAS by secreting renin after hypertension occurs, this study aimed to explore the regulatory role of histone acetylation on renal RAAS expression.

Methods:
Nineteen male Wistar rats were randomly divided into a control group (n = 9, fed normal chow) and a high-fat diet (HFD) group (n = 10, fed HFD for 16 weeks). The renal transcriptome and histone acetylation spectrum was analyzed by RNA sequencing and tandem mass spectrometry and was further confirmed by RT-qPCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Then, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-qPCR analysis was performed for the detection of DNA–protein interaction.

Results:
After 16-week HFD, the rats became obese with increased plasma triglyceride and high blood pressure. Increased ACE1 and histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) expression levels were found in OrHTN rat kidneys. The following ChIP-qPCR analysis illustrated that the upregulation of ACE1 transcription was mediated by increased H3K27ac.

Conclusion:
H3K27ac could be an important histone acetylation site that activates renal ACE1 in HFD-induced hypertensive rats.
Cyclooxygenase-2 is a critical determinant of angiotensin II-induced vascular remodeling and stiffness in resistance arteries of ouabain-treated rats
Authors: França-Neto Aldair de , Couto Gisele Kruger , Xavier Fabiano Elias , Rossoni Luciana Venturini 
Published: August 2022

Objective:
To investigate the role of angiotensin II/AT1 receptor signaling and/or cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) activation on vascular remodeling and stiffening of the mesenteric resistance arteries (MRA) of ouabain-treated rats.

Methods:
Ouabain-treated (OUA, 30 μg kg/day for 5 weeks) and vehicle (VEH)-treated Wistar rats were co-treated with losartan (LOS, AT1R antagonist), nimesulide (NIM, COX-2 inhibitor) or hydralazine hydrochloride plus hydrochlorothiazide. MRA structure and mechanics were assessed with pressure myography and histology. Picrosirius red staining was used to determine the total collagen content. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of collagen I/III, MMP-2, Src, NFκB, Bax, Bcl-2 and COX-2. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and plasma angiotensin II levels were measured by fluorescence and ELISA, respectively.

Results:
Blockade of AT1R or inhibition of COX-2 prevented ouabain-induced blood pressure elevation. Plasma angiotensin II level was higher in OUA than in VEH. LOS, but not hydralazine hydrochloride with hydrochlorothiazide, prevented inward hypotrophic remodeling, increased collagen deposition and stiffness, and oxidative stress in OUA MRA. LOS prevented the reduction in the total number of nuclei in the media layer and the Bcl-2 expression induced by OUA in MRA. The higher pSrc/Src ratio, NFκB/IκB ratio, and COX-2 expression in OUA MRA were also prevented by LOS. Likewise, COX-2 inhibition prevented vascular remodeling, mechanical changes, oxidative stress and inflammation in OUA MRA.

Conclusion:
The results suggest that, regardless of hemodynamic adjustments, the angiotensin II/AT1R/pSrc/ROS/NFκB/COX-2 pathway is involved in the development of MRA inward hypotrophic remodeling and stiffness in ouabain-treated rats.