bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Racism And Antiracism In Nursing Education: Confronting The Problem Of Whiteness
Authors: Hantke Sharissa , Graham Holly 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Systemic racism in Canadian healthcare may be observed through racially inequitable outcomes, particularly for Indigenous people. Nursing approaches intending to respond to racism often focus on culture without critically addressing the roots of racist inequity directly. In contrast, the approach used in this study identifies whiteness as the underlying problem; a system of racial hierarchy that accords value to white people while it devalues everyone else. Methods: This qualitative study seeks to add depth to the understanding of how whiteness gets performed by nursing faculty and poses antiracism education as a necessary tool in addressing the systemic racism within Canadian healthcare. The methodology of discourse analysis is used to explore the research question: how do white nursing faculty draw on common discourses to produce themselves following introductory antiracism education? Results: Analysis of data reveals common patterns of innocent and superior white identity constructions including benevolence, neutrality, Knowing, and exceptionalism. While these patterns are established in other academic fields, the approaches and results of this study are not yet common in nursing literature. Conclusions: The findings highlight the need for antiracism education at personal and policy levels beginning in nursing programs.
Modulation of central nociceptive transmission by manual pressure techniques in patients with migraine: an observational study
Authors: De Hertogh Willem , Amons Andreas , daele Lise Van , Vanbaelen Ellen , Castien René 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background Manual pressure techniques are used in the upper cervical spine to provoke and reduce the familiar headache in patients with migraine. So far, information is scarce on which segmental levels and myofascial structures provocation and reduction occur. Also, the required dosage (amount of pressure, number of repetitions and duration) has not been objectified yet. Therefore, we assessed the controlled application of manual pressure to provoke and reduce headache in patients with migraine. Methods Thirty patients with migraine were examined interictally. Manual pressure was applied at four sites being the posterior arch of C1, the articular pillar of C2, the Rectus Capitis Posterior Major muscle and the Obliquus Capitis Inferior muscle, bilaterally. Pressure was constantly measured via force sensors. On sites where the familiar headache was provoked, the pressure was sustained to induce pain reduction. This was repeated three times. Provocation of familiar headache (yes/no), headache intensity (numerical pain rating scale), time to obtain reduction of the headache (seconds) and applied pressure (g/cm²) were recorded. Results Provocation of the familiar headache occurred on at least one of the posterior arches in 92 % of cases, one of the articular pillars of C2 in 65.3%, one of the Rectus Capitus Major muscles in 84.6% and one of the Oblique Capitis Inferior muscles in 76.9%. The applied mean pressure ranged from 0.82 kg/cm² to 1.2 kg/cm2 across all measurements. Maintaining the pressure resulted in a significant reduction in headache pain intensity between the start and the end of each of three consecutive trials (p<0.04). This reduction was obtained more rapidly in the third application than in the first application (p=0.03).Conclusion Manual pressure at the upper cervical segments provokes familiar referred headache in migraine, with a low pressure. Maintaining the pressure reduces the referred head pain significantly, indicating modulation of central nociceptive transmission. The underlying neurophysiological mechanisms need to be further elucidated.
Significant Mechanism of Lorentz Force in Energy Transfer Phenomena Involving Viscous Dissipation via Numerical Strategy
Authors: Hou Enran , Jabbar Norman , Nazir Umar , Sohail Muhammad , Javed Muhammad Bilal , Shah Nehad Ali , Chung Jae Dong 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Transport of heat in two dimensional fluid model is reported in this exploration. The flow is assumed to be two dimensional and incompressible. The involvement of variable magnetic field is considered to retard the flow to study its characteristics. The flow model is developed in Cartesian coordinates system. The transport of heat is considered under the inspiration of viscous dissipation and Joule heating effects with thermal and velocity slips at boundary. Theory of boundary layer is considered in order to derive the flow presenting expressions in the form of coupled partial differential equations system (PDEs). Conversion is made under useful transformation which gives us the set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The converted ODEs have been solved numerically via shooting procedure. The impact of numerous involved parameters is noted against velocity and temperature by sketching the graphs and their behavior is explained.
In vitro activity of therapeutic antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.1 and BA.2
Authors: Touret Franck , Baronti Cécile , Pastorino Boris , Villarroel Paola Mariela Saba , Ninove Laetitia , Nougairède Antoine , de Lamballerie Xavier 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The replacement of the Omicron BA.1 variant of SARS-CoV-2 by the BA.2 sub lineage, which has a different set of mutations in the spike glycoprotein, alters the spectrum of activity of therapeutic antibodies. In this study, we compared the neutralising power of monoclonal antibodies against the Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 variants, with an ancestral strain (D614G) and a Delta variant as reference. Sotrovimab is less active against BA.2 than against BA.1 (fold change reduction ~1,5). Within the Evusheld/ AZD744 cocktail, Cilgavimab is more active against BA.2 than against BA.1 (fold change increase ~32), whilst activity of Tixagevimab remains very low. In total, the activity of Evusheld is significantly improved (fold change increase ~10 compared to BA.1).
Succinic and citric acids production from renewable biomass (waste cooking oil and crude glycerol) through oleophilic yeast strain of Yarrowia lipolytica ATCC 20177
Authors: Mitrea Laura , Călinoiu Lavinia-Florina , Teleky Bernadette-Emőke , Szabo Katalin , Martău Adrian-Gheorghe , Ștefănescu Bianca-Eugenia , Dulf Francisc-Vasile , Vodnar Dan-Cristian 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Organic acids like succinic and citric acids are of great interest as platform organic products that play important roles as precursors for a wide range of bio-based materials. Succinic and citric acids can be successfully produced biotechnologically from renewable resources of both hydrophilic and hydrophobic nature through efficient microbiological conversion. Yarrowia lipolytica represents one of the most versatile microbial factories in terms of organic acids production, as it easily develops and produced metabolites starting from glucidic-based and/or lipid-based substrates.
Results
The purpose of this work was to investigate the ability of Y. lipolytica to adapt to hydrophilic and hydrophobic sources and to biosynthesize important platform chemicals like succinic and citric acids. The selected strain was monitored during a batch cultivation for 192 h on 100 g/L carbon source: pure glycerol as a hydrophilic source, sunflower waste cooking oil as a hydrophobic source, and crude glycerol deriving from biodiesel production as a mixture of hydrophilic and hydrophobic sources. Cellular viability, biomass accumulation, and metabolites formation in terms of succinic acid and citric acid was monitored, and the highest results were registered for cultivations performed on waste cooking oil [10.35 ± 0.29 (log10) CFU/mL, 8.15 g/L cell dry weight, 3.50 ± 0.04 g/L citric acid, and 21 ± 0.16 g/L succinic acid].
Conclusion
The results obtained in this work outline the industrial potential of the oleaginous yeast strain of Y. lipolytica to bioconvert lipidic residual biomass into valuable organic compounds with wide-range applicability.
Identifying tsunami traces beyond sandy tsunami deposits using terrigenous biomarkers: a case study of the 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami in a coastal pine forest, northern Japan
Authors: Shinozaki Tetsuya , Sawai Yuki , Ikehara Minoru , Matsumoto Dan , Shimada Yumi , Tanigawa Koichiro , Tamura Toru 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
The distributions of sandy tsunami deposits do not reflect the true extents of tsunami inundation areas, leading to underestimates of inundation by past tsunamis and thus the magnitudes of their associated tsunamigenic earthquakes. To archive the sedimentological and geochemical features of the 2011 Tohoku-oki tsunami deposit, we performed visual observations and computed-tomography, grain-size, water content, and organic geochemical analyses of sediments from a coastal forest at Oirase Town, northern Japan. Stratigraphic observations revealed the 2011 tsunami deposit to be a landward-thinning interbedded sand and soil layer that became ambiguous in landward locations. The sediment samples from the inundated area did not contain marine-sourced biomarkers; instead, peak concentrations of isolongifolene, an organic compound derived from Pinus in the forest, were observed within or just above the sandy tsunami deposits in sediment sections. Peak isolongifolene concentrations were also detected in landward soils inundated by the tsunami in which no sand layer was observable, but were not observed beyond the inundation limit. Although this characteristic biomarker is unique to this and similar depositional environments, these results suggest that lateral changes of the concentrations of environment-specific biological proxies in the sedimentary column may record tsunami inundation.
Analysis of Factors Affecting Railway Embankment Settlement due to Liquefaction Using 1-g Shaking Table Model Tests
Authors: Ha Ik-Soo , Oh I-Tae , YOO MINTAEK 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Herein, 1-g shaking table tests were performed under test by changing the embankment height and non-liquefiable layer thickness below the embankment for the same input seismic load. Accelerometers, pore water pressure transducers, and linear variable differential transformers were embedded inside the foundation ground or installed on the embankment surface to measure their responses to shaking. The testing procedure for analyzing the behavior of a two-dimensional embankment-ground system and well-documented experimental data are presented. The results show that the settlement of the railway embankment placed on the liquefiable sand ground due to ground liquefaction is greatly affected by the embankment height and non-liquefaction layer thickness, which determine the degree of liquefaction and lateral flow of the foundation ground. The embankment settlement increased with the embankment height due to the liquefaction of the ground and increased by twice the settlement of the ground without embankment when the embankment height was approximately 20% of the total liquefiable sand layer. Moreover, the settlement was reduced by over 20% compared to that without a layer when the layer thickness was 50% of the embankment height. Furthermore, the settlement decreased to a negligible level when it was approximately 1.4 times the height of the embankment.
Efficacy of Density Gradient Centrifugation Technique (DGC) in Enhancing Sperm Cell DNA Quality for Assisted Reproductive Technique
Authors: Ali Assila Hadj , Ajina Tesnim , Ali Maroua Ben , Mehdi Meriem 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Objective: Density-gradient centrifugation (DGC) is commonly used for sperm preparation before Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) procedures. This technique separates superior motile spermatozoa with normal morphology from the total sperm population. However, there is still controversy as to the effects of this sperm separation technique on sperm cell DNA integrity which is a determining element in the process of fertilization and embryonic development.The objective of this study was to determine the effects of DGC on sperm cell DNA integrity as assessed by a novel association between two cytogenetic tests.Study Designs: Semen samples were collected from 30 fertile donors and 40 patients being candidates for ART treatmemt. Each sample was divided into two parts: the first portion was subjected to selection by two layers of DGC (45% and 90%) and the second fraction was rinsed with phosphate buffered saline solution and centrifuged without density gradient.Abnormal sperm chromatin structure as evaluated by sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) test and DNA denaturation as assessed by acridine orange (AO) test were monitored in the initially washed sample and in the different layers of the density gradient centrifugation.Results: DGC significantly improved the proportion of sperm progressive motility, total motility, and sperm morphology. Moreover, following density gradient centrifugation, the proportion of spermatozoa with denaturated DNA significantly decreased when compared with whole semen (p< 0.001). In addition, we found that spermatozoa isolated in the 90% layer possessed a significantly lower percentage of sperm chromatin decondensation when compared with those remaining in the 45% layer and unprocessed semen (p<0.001). Conclusions: Using double cytogenetic tests, our study shows that semen processing by density gradient centrifugation is useful in selecting sperm with higher double-strand DNA integrity and recommended to be used in sperm preparation for assisted reproduction.
Hypothesized pathways for the association of vitamin D status and insulin sensitivity with resting energy expenditure: a cross sectional mediation analysis in Australian adults of European ancestry.
Authors: Soares Mario , Calton Emily , Pathak Kaveri , Zhao Yun 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
The role of vitamin D in human energy expenditure requires confirmation. We explored whether insulin sensitivity (IS)/insulin resistance (IR) mediated the association of vitamin D status (25OHD) on resting energy expenditure (REE).
Methods
REE, body composition (assessed via DEXA), and clinical biochemistry of 155 Australian men and women were collated. A hypothesised mediation pathway through IS/IR on the direct association between 25OHD and REE was modelled, using three surrogate indices of IS/IR: McAuley’s insulin sensitivity index (McA), Quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI) and triglyceride to glucose ratio (TYG). The modelling was performed on PROCESS SPSS Macro (version 4.0) based on 5000 bootstrapped samples, with and without the adjustment for covariates.
Results
Unadjusted models indicated a sizeable negative mediation by all indices but no significant direct effect of 25OHD on REE. On adjustment for covariates, a negative indirect mediation effect of McA [β coefficient (SE) -2.1(0.821); bootstrapped 95% CI:-3.934, -0.703; p < 0.05] and a similar negative mediation of TYG [-1.935 (0.780); bootstrapped 95% CI: (-3.679, -0.622; p < 0.05] was observed. These models also showed a positive direct effect of 25OHD on REE. In contrast, QUICKI made a smaller contribution to total effect but was in the same direction as the other two measures [-0.783 (0.534); bootstrapped 95% CI: (-1.939, 0.134; P > 0.05].
Conclusions
A sizeable, partial, negative mediation of IS/IR on the direct relationship between 25OHD and REE, dampened the total effect of vitamin D on REE. Validation of the proposed causal framework would clarify vitamin D’s role in human energy metabolism.
From cognitive MR-targeted fusion prostate biopsy to radical prostatectomy: Incidence and predictors of Gleason Grade Group upgrading in a Chinese cohort
Authors: Yan Huaqing , Wu Yiming , Cui Xiaobo , Zheng Sinian , Zhang Peng , Li Rubing 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Purpose: To access the incidence and predictors of Gleason grade group upgrading from cognitive MR-targeted fusion prostate biopsy to radical prostatectomy in a Chinese cohort.Materials and Methods: We included 199 patients in our institution between January 2016 and June 2021. Multivariable logistic regression model and nomograms was utilized to analysis the collected data.Results: The concordance rate of biopsy Gleason grade group and radical prostatectomy was. Upgrading occurred in 80 (40.2%) patients and 37 (68.5%) patients have an upgrading Gleason grade group when the biopsy Gleason grade group was 1. Multivariable logistic regression models were established to analyze the incidence and predictors of Gleason grade group upgrading from cognitive MR-targeted fusion prostate biopsy to radical prostatectomy. Biopsy Gleason grade group, PV and patient year were confirmed to be individual predictors of upgrading. Based on the logistic regression models, nomograms for predicting probability of prostate Gleason grade group upgrading were generated.Conclusions: The incidence and predictors associated with Gleason grade group upgrading may help physicians improve the accuracy of prostate cancer diagnosis and provide a more precise treatment for patients.
Acupuncture in multidisciplinary treatment of post-COVID-19 Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Trager Robert J. , Brewka Elise C. , Kaiser Christine M. , Patterson Andrew J. , Dusek Jeffery A. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Post-COVID syndrome (PCS) is a complex, multisystem illness that may follow SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 infection. As there is limited evidence for individual therapies and no singular treatment for PCS, guidelines endorse a multidisciplinary approach. This case describes a post-COVID patient benefiting from acupuncture within a comprehensive approach alongside symptom-titrated physical activity (STPA).Case: A 50-year-old woman presented upon Long-COVID Clinic referral to an outpatient hospital-affiliated acupuncturist with 8 months of fatigue, anosmia, chest pressure, palpitations, and other symptoms following mild assay-confirmed COVID-19. Prior/concurrent medical testing demonstrated multisystem-inflammatory involvement (pericardial effusion, thyroid dysfunction, elevated D-dimers). Cardiology/pulmonology cleared the patient for exercise to tolerance considering serious pathology was absent. The acupuncturist’s Traditional Chinese Medicine impression was of Qi deficiency of the Heart, Lung, Spleen, and Kidney. The patient received 7 sessions of scalp, auricular, and body acupuncture. Physical therapist (PT) led STPA began 1-week post-acupuncture, involving six 30-minute exercise sessions while monitoring heart rate, with as-needed rest.Results: Chest pressure and palpitations resolved after 1 acupuncture treatment. With 6 additional treatments spanning 9 weeks, overlapping with physical therapist-led SPTA, the patient completely recovered and resumed normal exercise habits.Conclusions: In this case, acupuncture appeared to facilitate PCS recovery. However, the independent effects of acupuncture are less clear given the concurrent STPA/exercise therapy, and should be explored using larger study designs. Acupuncture is an attractive potential PCS therapy, considering its holistic approach and that it may be added to a multidisciplinary, guideline-concordant regimen.
Prognostic significance of metabolomic biomarkers in patients with diabetes mellitus and coronary artery disease
Authors: Karagiannidis Efstratios , Moysidis Dimitrios V. , Papazoglou Andreas S. , Panteris Eleftherios , Deda Olga , Stalikas Nikolaos , Sofidis Georgios , Kartas Anastasios , Bekiaridou Alexandra , Giannakoulas George , Gika Helen , Theodoridis George , Sianos Georgios 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) and coronary artery disease (CAD) constitute inter-related clinical entities. Biomarker profiling emerges as a promising tool for the early diagnosis and risk stratification of either DM or CAD. However, studies assessing the predictive capacity of novel metabolomics biomarkers in coexistent CAD and DM are scarce.Methods: This post-hoc analysis of the CorLipid trial (NCT04580173) included 316 patients with CAD and comorbid DM who underwent emergency or elective coronary angiography due to acute or chronic coronary syndrome. Cox regression analyses were performed to identify metabolomic predictors of the primary outcome, which was defined as the composite of major adverse cardiovascular or cerebrovascular events (MACCE: cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, major bleeding), repeat unplanned revascularizations and cardiovascular hospitalizations. Linear regression analyses were also performed to detect significant predictors of CAD complexity, as assessed by the SYNTAX score. Results: After a median 2-year follow up period (IQR=0.7 years), the primary outcome occurred in 69 (21.8%) of patients. Acylcarnitine ratio C4/C18:2, apolipoprotein (Apo) B, history of heart failure (HF), age>65 years and presence of acute coronary syndrome were independent predictors of the primary outcome in diabetic patients with CAD (aHR=1.89 [1.09, 3.29]; 1.02 [1.01, 1.04]; 1.28 [1.01, 1.41]; 1.04 [1.01, 1.05]; and 1.12 [1.05-1.21], respectively). Higher levels of ceramide ratio C24:1/C24:0, acylcarnitine ratio C4/C18:2, age>65 and peripheral artery disease were independent predictors of higher CAD complexity (adjusted β= 7.36 [5.74, 20.47]; 3.02 [0.09 to 6.06]; 3.02 [0.09, 6.06], respectively), while higher levels of Apo-A1 were independent predictors of lower complexity (adjusted β= -0.65 [-1.31, -0.02]). Conclusion: In patients with comorbid DM and CAD, novel metabolomic biomarkers and metabolomics-based prediction models could be recruited to predict clinical outcomes and assess the complexity of CAD, thereby enabling the integration of personalized medicine into routine clinical practice.
An Immunoinformatic strategy to develop new Mycobacterium tuberculosis multi-epitope vaccine
Authors: Ghandadi Morteza 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes a life-threatening disease known as tuberculosis (TB). In 2021, tuberculosis was the second cause of death after COVID-19 among infectious diseases. Latent life cycle and development of multidrug resistance in one hand and lack of an effective vaccine in another hand have made TB a global health issue. Here, a multi-epitope vaccine have been designed against TB using five new antigenic protein and immunoinformatic tools. To do so, immunodominant MHC-I/MHC-II binding epitopes of Rv2346, Rv2347, Rv3614, Rv3615 and Rv2031 antigenic proteins have been selected using advanced computational procedures. The vaccine was designed by linking ten epitopes from the antigenic proteins and flagellin and TpD as adjuvant. Three-dimensional (3D) structure of the vaccine was modeled, refined and evaluated using bioinformatics tools. The 3D structure of the vaccine was docked into the toll-like-receptors (TLR3, 4, 8) to evaluated potential interaction between the vaccine and TLRs. Evaluation of immunological and physicochemical properties of the constructed vaccine have demonstrated the vaccine construct can induce significant humoral and cellular immune responses, the vaccine is non-allergenic and can be recognized by TLR proteins. The immunoinformatic results reported in the present study demonstrates that it is worth to follow the designed vaccine by experimental investigations.