Conectar
by Sylwia Bloch, Natalia Lewandowska, Joanna Zwolenkiewicz, Paulina Mach, Aleksandra Łukasiak, Mikołaj Olejniczak, Logan W. Donaldson, Grzegorz Węgrzyn, Bożena Nejman-Faleńczyk
The 24B_1 small non-coding RNA molecule has been identified in Escherichia coli after induction of Shiga toxin-converting bacteriophage Φ24B. In this work, we focused on its direct role during phage and bacterial host development. We observed that in many aspects, this phage sRNA resembles herpesviral microRNAs. Similar to microRNAs, the mature 24B_1 is a short molecule, consisting of just 20 nucleotides. It is generated by cleaving the 80-nt long precursor transcript, and likely it undergoes a multi-step maturation process in which the Hfq protein plays an important role, as confirmed by demonstration of its binding to the 24B_1 precursor, but not to the 24B_1 mature form. Moreover, 24B_1 plays a significant role in maintaining the prophage state and reprogramming the host’s energy metabolism. We proved that overproduction of this molecule causes the opposite physiological effects to the mutant devoid of the 24B_1 gene, and thus, favors the lysogenic pathway. Furthermore, the 24B_1 overrepresentation significantly increases the efficiency of expression of phage genes coding for proteins CI, CII, and CIII which are engaged in the maintenance of the prophage. It seems that through binding to mRNA of the sdhB gene, coding for the succinate dehydrogenase subunit, the 24B_1 alters the central carbon metabolism and causes a drop in the ATP intracellular level. Interestingly, a similar effect, called the Warburg switch, is caused by herpesviral microRNAs and it is observed in cancer cells. The advantage of the Warburg effect is still unclear, however, it was proposed that the metabolism of cancer cells, and all rapidly dividing cells, is adopted to convert nutrients such as glucose and glutamine faster and more efficiently into biomass. The availability of essential building blocks, such as nucleotides, amino acids, and lipids, is crucial for effective cell proliferation which in turn is essential for the prophage and its host to stay in the lysogenic state.by Priscila Ceolin Meneghetti, Junying Li, Paulo Sérgio Borella, Gustavo Mendonça, Luiz Henrique Burnett Jr
This study aimed to compare the accuracy of full-arch digital implant impressions using seven different scanbodies and four intraoral scanners. A 3D-printed maxillary model with six implants and their respective multi-unit abutments was used for this study. Seven scanbodies (SB1, SB2, SB3, SB4, SB5, SB6, and SB7) and four intraoral scanners (Primescan®, Omnican®, Trios 3®, and Trios 4®) were assessed. Each combination group was scanned ten times and a dental lab scanner (D2000, 3Shape) was used as a reference. All scans were exported as STL files, imported into Convince software (3Shape) for alignment, and later into Blender software, where their 3D positions were analyzed using a Python script. The 3D deviation, angular deviation, and linear distance between implants #3 and #14 were also measured. Accuracy was measured in terms of “trueness” (scanbody 3D deviation between intraoral scan and desktop scan). Kruskal-Wallis followed by the Bonferroni correction was used to analyze the data (⍺ = .05). The study found statistically significant differences in digital impression accuracy among the scanners and scanbodies (pby Jia-Xi Tang, Ling Wang, Ju Ouyang, Xixi Tang, Mengxiao Liu, Hongliang Liu, Fang Xu
BackgroundModified combined short and long axis method (MCSL) can replace oblique axis in-plane method (OA-IP) for internal jugular vein cannulation (IJVC). This randomized, non-inferiority study estimated the efficacy of MCSL compared with OA-IP in right IJVC.
MethodsPatients (18–75 yr. old) undergoing right IJVC under local anesthesia were randomly assigned to MCSL or OA-IP group. The primary outcome is the event of first needle pass without posterior vessel wall puncture (PVWP). Secondary outcomes included needle attempts, success rate, puncture and cannulation time, needle visualization, probe placement difficulty and complications.
ResultsAmong 190 randomized patients, 187 were involved in the analysis. The first needle pass without PVWP was 85(89.47%) in the MCSL and 81 (85.26%) in the OA-IP (p = 0.382), with a mean rate difference of 4.2% (95% confidence interval: -5.2–13.6), which confirmed the non-inferiority with the margin of -8%. MCSL group exhibited shorter procedure time and lower complications than OA-IP group. No significant differences were discovered between groups in needle attempts, success rate, incidence of probe placement difficulty and needle visualization.
ConclusionsMCSL is non-inferior to OA-IP in first needle pass without PVWP in adults who underwent elective right IJVC and associate with less complications and shorter operating time.
Clinical trial registrationChiCTR, ChiCTR2100046899.
by Robin Wollast, Éric Lacourse, Geneviève A. Mageau, Mathieu Pelletier-Dumas, Anna Dorfman, Véronique Dupéré, Jean-Marc Lina, Dietlind Stolle, Roxane de la Sablonnière
The COVID-19 pandemic has produced unprecedented changes in the lives of many people. Although research has documented associations between concerns related to COVID-19 and poor mental health indicators, fewer studies have focused on positive factors that could help people better cope with this stressful social context. To fill this gap, the present research investigated the trajectories of self-compassion facets in times of dramatic social change. Using a longitudinal research design, we described the trajectories of self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness during the first eight months of the COVID-19 pandemic, in a representative sample of Canadian adults (N = 3617). Relying on a multi-trajectory group-based approach, we identified clusters of individuals following persistently low (4.0%), moderate-low (39.3%), moderate-high (46.7%), and high (10.0%) levels of self-kindness, common humanity, and mindfulness. Interestingly, we found that compassionate self-responding trajectories were mainly stable over time with minor fluctuations for some groups of individuals, in line with the epidemiological situation. In terms of covariates, we observed that older women were more likely to follow trajectories of high compassionate self-responding, as compared to the other age and gender groups. In terms of mental health indicators, we demonstrated that trajectory groups with high levels of compassionate self-responding were associated with greater life satisfaction, more happiness, better sleep quality, higher sleep quantity, and fewer negative emotions, as compared to lower trajectory groups. The results supported the idea that self-compassion during the COVID-19 pandemic could have favored better mental health indicators and could possibly be promoted as a psychological intervention in the general population.by Marcos Antonio Matiucci, Iza Catarini dos Santos, Natallya Marques da Silva, Patricia Daniele Silva dos Santos, Gislaine Gonçalves Oliveira, Stefane Santos Corrêa, Elder dos Santos Araujo, Rafaela Said, Jaqueline Ferreira Silva, Ana Paula Sartório Chambó, Talita Aparecida Ferreira de Campos, Oscar Oliveira Santos, Claudete Regina Alcalde, Maria Luiza Rodrigues de Souza, Andresa Carla Feihrmann
The effect of the use of Nilo tilapia filleting residues in the production of pâtés with the addition of oregano essential oil stored for 90 days at 4 °C was evaluated. For that, 5 treatments were performed as follows: TSA—control treatment; TES with the addition of sodium erythorbate; and formulation TOE1 with 600 ppm oregano essential oil; TOE2 with 1000 ppm essential oil; and TOE3 with 1400 ppm essential oil. The pâtés showed adequate technological and physicochemical characteristics and microbiological counts within the legislation standards. No significant differences were observed in the luminosity of the pâté formulations during storage, and the addition of oil contributed to the increase in a* values and stability of b* values. Regarding the lipid and protein oxidation, TOE3 showed lower values at the end of the shelf-life. The addition of essential oil did not affect the hardness and cohesiveness of the products. The fatty acids in greater amounts in the samples were linoleic, oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. The analysis of biogenic amines indicated that only the treatments with the highest amounts of sodium erythorbate (TES and TOE1) showed losses of spermidine. It was observed that decreasing the inclusion of sodium erythorbate and increasing the inclusion of oregano essential oil resulted in a drop in cadaverine values. A total of 46 volatile compounds were detected in the samples with the highest amount of free fatty acids and all the formulations were well accepted sensorially.by Eveline Schollaert, Shana Mertens, Frederik Anseel, Tom Kluijtmans, Marie Servaes, Saskia Crucke
Traditional performance management systems are increasingly seen as ill-conceived for today’s dynamic organizational landscape. Researchers and practitioners advocate for agile PM systems that emphasize continuous monitoring, learning, and feedback. We present the ‘event preview’, a novel approach that is designed to address several shortcomings of traditional performance management practices. Event previews consist of five fixed questions, which are discussed among team members before an event, instigating a detailed reflection and mental simulation of upcoming events or projects in order to achieve the desired outcomes. In doing so, event previews support teams to utilize their projects as learning opportunities. This study provides the theoretical basis for the event preview and empirically tests its effectiveness. A sample of 119 teams participated in the experiment in which they were asked to solve as many puzzles as possible within a fixed time frame. One condition conducted an event preview beforehand, the other condition did not. Our findings, which were based on a comparison of the averages of the two conditions, suggest that the event preview holds promise for improving team performance and communication. As such, the event preview presents an additional instrument to the changing performance management landscape. This simple practice can be incorporated in the performance management cycle, emphasizing adaptability and continuous improvement in organizations.by Xiaoxian Pei, Ling Zhang, Dan Liu, Yajuan Wu, Xiaowei Li, Ying Cao, Xiangdong Du
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs worldwide and is associated with high mortality and disability rate. Apoptosis induced by TBI is one of the important causes of secondary injury after TBI. Notoginsenoside R1 (NGR1) is the main phytoestrogen extracted from Panax notoginseng. Many studies have shown that NGR1 has potent neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties and is effective in ischemia-reperfusion injury. Therefore, we investigated the potential neuroprotective effects of NGR1 after TBI and explored its molecular mechanism of action. A rat model of TBI was established using the controlled cortical impact (CCI) method. The expression levels of Bcl-2, Bax, caspase 3, and ERK1/2-related molecules in the downstream pathway were also detected by western blotting. The expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were detected by real-time quantitative PCR. Nissl staining was used to clarify the morphological changes around the injury foci in rats after TBI. Fluoro-Jade B (FJB) and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) fluorescence staining were used to detect the apoptosis of neural cells in each group of rats. The results showed that NGR1 administration reduced neurological deficits after TBI, as well as brain edema and brain tissue apoptosis. It also significantly inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, NGR1 decreased the expression levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and p-RSK1, which are phosphorylated after trauma. This study suggests that NGR1 can improve neuronal apoptosis in brain injury by inhibiting the ERK signaling pathway. NGR1 is a potential novel neuroprotective agent for the treatment of secondary brain injury after TBI.by Dzifa Dordunoo, Jacqueline Limoges, Patrick Chiu, Rebecca Puddester, Lindsay Carlsson, April Pike
ObjectiveThe objective of this scoping review is to map the available evidence on strategies that nurses can use to facilitate genomics-informed healthcare to address health disparities.
IntroductionAdvancements in genomics over the last two decades have led to an increase in the delivery of genomics-informed health care. Although the integration of genomics into health care services continues to enhance patient outcomes, access to genomic technologies is not equitable, exacerbating existing health disparities amongst certain populations. As the largest portion of the health workforce, nurses play a critical role in the delivery of equitable genomics-informed care. However, little is known about how nurses can help address health disparities within the context of genomics-informed health care. A review of the literature will provide the necessary foundation to identify promising practices, policy, and knowledge gaps for further areas of inquiry.
Inclusion criteriaWe will include papers that explore strategies that nurses can undertake to facilitate genomics-informed care to address health disparities.
MethodsThis review will be conducted using JBI methodology for scoping reviews. We will search electronic databases including MEDLINE (OVID), EMBASE, Cochrane Library, PsychInfo, and CINAHL for quantitative and qualitative studies, systematic reviews and grey literature. Theses, books, and unavailable full-text papers will be excluded. The search will be limited to papers from 2013 and beyond. Two reviewers will screen titles and abstracts followed by full-text and disagreements will be resolved by a third reviewer. We will use a data extraction tool using Microsoft Excel and analyse data using descriptive statistics and conventional content analysis. Findings will be presented in the form of evidence tables and a narrative summary. We will report findings using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR).
DiscussionGenomics will continue to transform all aspects of health care across the wellness continuum from prevention, assessment, diagnosis, management, treatment, and palliative care. The identification of nursing strategies to address health disparities will build the foundation for policy and practice to ensure that the integration of genomic technologies benefits everyone.
by Nelio N. Veiga-Junior, Caroline Eugeni, Beatriz D. Kajiura, Priscilla B. F. Dantas, Caroline B. Trabach, Aline A. Junqueira, Carina C. Nunes, Luiz F. Baccaro
BackgroundManagement of uterine evacuation is essential for increasing safe abortion care. Monitoring through surveillance systems tracks changes in clinical practice and provides information to improve equity in abortion care quality.
ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the frequency of manual vacuum aspiration (MVA) and medical abortion (MA), and identify the factors associated with each uterine evacuation method after surveillance network installation at a Brazilian hospital.
MethodsThis cross-sectional study included women admitted for abortion or miscarriage to the University of Campinas Women’s Hospital, Brazil, between July 2017 and November 2020. The dependent variables were the use of MVA and MA with misoprostol. The independent variables were the patients’ clinical and sociodemographic data. The Cochran–Armitage, chi-square, and Mann–Whitney U tests, as well as multiple logistic regression analysis, were used to compare uterine evacuation methods.
ResultsWe enrolled 474 women in the study, 91.35% of whom underwent uterine evacuation via uterine curettage (78.75%), MVA (9.46%), or MA (11.54%). MVA use increased during the study period (Z = 9.85, p Conclusion
MVA use increased following the installation of a surveillance network for good clinical practice. Being part of a network that encourages the use of evidence-based methods provides an opportunity for healthcare facilities to increase access to safe abortions.
by Kerry A. Sewell, Jana Schellinger, Jamie E. Bloss
IntroductionThe PRISMA guidelines were published in 2009 to address inadequate reporting of key methodological details in systematic reviews and meta-analyses (SRs/MAs). This study sought to assess the impact of PRISMA on the quality of reporting in the full text of dental medicine journals.
MethodsThis study assessed the impact of PRISMA (2009) on thirteen methodological details in SRs/MAs published in the highest-impact dental medicine journals between 1993–2009 (n = 211) and 2012–2018 (n = 618). The study further examined the rate of described use of PRISMA in the abstract or full text of included studies published post- PRISMA and the impact of described use of PRISMA on level of reporting. This study also examined potential effects of inclusion of PRISMA in Instructions for Authors, along with study team characteristics.
ResultsThe number of items reported in SRs/MAs increased following the publication of PRISMA (pre-PRISMA: M = 7.83, SD = 3.267; post-PRISMA: M = 10.55, SD = 1.4). Post-PRISMA, authors rarely mention PRISMA in abstracts (8.9%) and describe the use of PRISMA in the full text in 59.87% of SRs/MAs. The described use of PRISMA within the full text indicates that its intent (guidance for reporting) is not well understood, with over a third of SRs/MAs (35.6%) describing PRISMA as guiding the conduct of the review. However, any described use of PRISMA was associated with improved reporting. Among author team characteristics examined, only author team size had a positive relationship with improved reporting.
ConclusionFollowing the 2009 publication of PRISMA, the level of reporting of key methodological details improved for systematic reviews/meta-analyses published in the highest-impact dental medicine journals. The positive relationship between reference to PRISMA in the full text and level of reporting provides further evidence of the impact of PRISMA on improving transparent reporting in dental medicine SRs/MAs.
by Pauline Rasset, Benoît Montalan, Jessica Mange
There is a great deal of indirect evidence suggesting that people with facial difference (FD) may be dehumanized. This research aimed to provide direct evidence of the dehumanization of people with FD based on the stigmatizing reactions they elicit. More precisely, previous findings revealed that the specific way people with FD are looked upon is related to the feelings of disgust they elicit. Since disgust fosters dehumanization, our aim was to confirm the modified pattern of visual attention towards people with FD and to determine whether it was also related to humanness perception. For that purpose, a preregistered eye-tracking study (N = 97) using a former experimental design extended to humanity attributions was conducted. This research replicates findings showing that the face of people with FD is explored differently in comparison with other human faces. However, the hypothesis that people with FD were given fewer humanity attributions was not supported. Therefore, the hypothesis of a "dehumanizing gaze" towards people with FD–beyond humanity-related attributions–is discussed in light of these findings.by Duong Thi Thuy Doan, Colin Binns, Andy Lee, Yun Zhao, Minh Ngoc Pham, Hoa Thi Phuong Dinh, Chuong Canh Nguyen, Ha Thi Thu Bui
IntroductionBreastfeeding has many benefits for mothers, children, and the environment over both the short and longr-term. Prenatal intention to breastfeed is a powerful predictor of short-term breastfeeding outcomes.
ObjectiveThis study aims to analyze breastfeeding intentions, including the intention to feed infants with breastmilk only and to continue exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months among pregnant mothers in Hanoi, Vietnam.
MethodsThe analysis included 1230 singleton mothers, between 24- and 36-weeks’ gestation, who attended antenatal clinics in two hospitals in Hanoi in 2020.
ResultsThe proportion of mothers with an “breastfeeding intention” (i.e., intention to feed an infant with breastmilk only) and “exclusive breastfeeding intention” to 6 months was 59.9% and 41.7%, respectively. Mothers who were 25 years or older (aOR = 1.35, 95%CI:1.00–1.81), had an undergraduate educational degree or higher (aOR = 1.38, 95%CI: 1.08–1.76), had observed another woman breastfeeding (aOR = 1.43, 95%CI: 1.03–2.00), were not living with parents-in-law (aOR = 1.34, CI: 1.05–1.70), and were multiparous (aOR = 1.60, 95%CI: 1.16–2.19) had higher odds of “exclusive breastfeeding intention” to 6 months. Among primiparous women, those who thought their husbands support breastfeeding were more likely to intend to feed an infant with breastmilk only. Among multiparous women, feeding the previous child with breastmilk exclusively before the introduction of complementary foods and not giving solid foods together with water until 6 months, were significant predictors for both breastfeeding intentions.
ConclusionMothers without exclusive breastfeeding experience should be provided with greater support to promote exclusive breastfeeding intention and outcomes.
by Chengchao Wang, Xianqiang Song, Dongshen Luo, Xu Dan, Tingting Lin
Landscape changes driven by cash crop plantations have been prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide in recent decades. Investigating the landscape changes and concluding livelihood outcomes are fundamental to figure out the solutions for rural sustainability. This paper examined the landscape changes which was caused by land use changes in tea plantations as well as investigated the resultant livelihood impacts, based on a case study in Fuding City, Southeast China. A questionnaire survey of 114 rural households in four sampled villages was conducted. Results demonstrated that expansion and intensification of tea plantations were two major proximate causes of landscape changes in recent decade. Our survey indicated that some existing intensively-managed tea plantations had derived from intensification and expansion of tea plantations, respectively. We identified four underlying driving forces of landscape changes, including economic benefit, governmental policies, wildlife destruction on grain crops, and rural return migration. Our study confirmed that landscape changes have significant positive effects on farmers’ livelihoods, including increasing employment and incomes, raising living standards, enhancing livelihood assets and livelihood sustainability. Especially, the aged rural populations could have a relatively decent living standard. Meanwhile, the excessive expansion of tea plantations may impair livelihood resilience. Lastly, three policy suggestions based on different time scales have been put forward to promote rural households’ livelihood sustainability and resilience.by Timothy R. Elliott, Yu-Yu Hsiao, Kathleen Randolph, Randall J. Urban, Melinda Sheffield-Moore, Richard B. Pyles, Brent E. Masel, Tamara Wexler, Traver J. Wright
Debilitating symptoms of fatigue and accompanying “brain fog” are observed among patients with various chronic health conditions. Unfortunately, an efficient and psychometrically sound instrument to assess these co-occurring symptoms is unavailable. Here, we report the development and initial psychometric properties of the Fatigue and Altered Cognition Scale (the FACs), a measure of self-reported central fatigue and brain fog. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) was chosen to model and develop the FACs due to research team expertise and established links between TBI and the symptom complex. Potential items were generated by researchers and clinicians with experience treating these symptoms, drawing from relevant literature and review of patient responses to measures from past and current TBI studies. The 20 candidate items for the FACs—ten each to assess altered cognition (i.e., brain fog) and central fatigue–were formatted on an electronic visual analogue response scale (eVAS) via an online survey. Demographic information and history of TBI were obtained. A total of 519 participants consented and provided usable data (average age = 40.23 years; 73% female), 204 of whom self-reported a history of TBI (75% reported mild TBI). Internal consistency and reliability values were calculated. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) examined the presumed two-factor structure of the FACs and a one-factor solution for comparison. A measurement invariance test of the two latent constructs (altered cognition, fatigue) among participants with and without TBI was conducted. All items demonstrated normal distribution. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients indicated good internal consistency for both factors (α’s = .95). Omega reliability values were favorable (α’s = .95). CFA supported the presumed two-factor model and item loadings which outperformed the one-factor model. Measurement invariance found the two-factor structure was consistent between the two groups. Implications of these findings, study limitations, and potential use of the FACs in clinical research and practice are discussed.by Wenbo An, Xuechun Hu, He Chen, Qiqi Wang, Yonglin Zheng, Jiahui Wang, Junzhen Di
The inhibition and toxicity of high acidity and heavy metals on sulfate-reducing bacteria in acid mine drainage (AMD) were targeted. Highly active SRB immobilized particles were prepared using SRB, warm sticker wastes (iron powders), corncobs, and Maifan stones as the main matrix materials, employing microbial immobilization technology. The repair ability and reusability of highly active immobilized particles for AMD were explored. The results indicate that the adaptability of immobilized particles to AMD varied under different initial conditions, such as pH, Mn2+, and SO42-. The adsorption process of immobilized particles on Mn2+ follows the quasi-second-order kinetic model, suggesting that it involves both physical and chemical adsorption. The maximum adsorption capacity of immobilized particles for Mn2+ is 3.878 mg/g at a concentration of 2.0 mg/L and pH 6. On the other hand, the reduction process of immobilized particles on SO42- adheres to the first-order reaction kinetics, indicating that the reduction of SO42- is primarily driven by the dissimilation reduction of SRB. The maximum reduction rate of SO42- by immobilized particles is 94.23% at a concentration of 800 mg/L and pH 6. A layered structure with a flocculent appearance formed on the surface of the immobilized particles. The structure’s characteristics were found to be consistent with sulfate green rust (FeII4FeIII2(OH)12SO4·8H2O). The chemisorption, ion exchange, dissimilation reduction, and surface complexation occurring between the matrices in the immobilized particles can enhance the alkalinity of AMD and decrease the concentration of heavy metals and sulfates. These results are expected to offer novel insights and materials for the treatment of AMD using biological immobilization technology, as well as improve our understanding of the mechanisms behind biological and abiotic enhanced synergistic decontamination.by Jakub Glowacki, Tomasz Bartkowiak, Piotr Paczos, Patryk Mietlinski, Pawel Zawadzki, Lukasz Lapaj
PurposePolyaxial locking plates rely on the alignment between the thread-to-thread connections of the screw head and the plate hole. These implants have provided substantial support for surgeons. In particular, extended screw positioning have proven to be beneficial in the fixation of challenging fractures. This study aimed to investigate the mechanical properties of ChM 5.0 ChLP polyaxial screws inserted in off-axis trajectories, including multiple insertions and to correlate these parameters with the screw head and the plate hole thread-to-thread engagement.
MethodsPolyaxial locking screws were inserted into the plates at various angles (0°,10°,15°, -15° off-axis). Multiple time inserted screws were placed firstly at 15°, then 0° and finally -15° off-axis in the same plate hole. A microCT scan of the plate-hole and screw-head interface was conducted before destructive tests. Representative screws from each group were also examined by Scanning Electron Microscope.
ResultsThe standard insertion at 0° sustained the greatest maximum bending strength without relocation in the screw hole. Screws inserted at 10° and 15° (one time) showed a significant reduction in load-to-failure of up to 36% and 55%, (p = 0.001) (p = 0.001) respectively. Screws inserted at -15° after a maximum of three multiple insertions with angle shift, showed a total reduction in force of up to 70% (p = 0.001). A microCT analysis of thread engagement showed significant correlations. However, the results obtained for multiple insertions were highly variable.
ConclusionsChM 5.0 ChLP polyaxial locking system has valuable properties that foster fracture fixation, providing various surgical options. Nevertheless, the freedom of off-axis placement and multiple insertions of the screws comes at the price of reduced force. When possible surgeons should minimize the angles of insertions.
by Ben Liu, Yu Lin
Large datasets with noisy labels and high dimensions have become increasingly prevalent in industry. These datasets often contain errors or inconsistencies in the assigned labels and introduce a vast number of predictive variables. Such issues frequently arise in real-world scenarios due to uncertainties or human errors during data collection and annotation processes. The presence of noisy labels and high dimensions can significantly impair the generalization ability and accuracy of trained models. To address the above issues, we introduce a simple-structured penalized γ-divergence model and a novel meta-gradient correction algorithm and establish the foundations of these two modules based on rigorous theoretical proofs. Finally, comprehensive experiments are conducted to validate their effectiveness in detecting noisy labels and mitigating the curse of dimensionality and suggest that our proposed model and algorithm can achieve promising outcomes. Moreover, we open-source our codes and distinctive datasets on GitHub (refer to https://github.com/DebtVC2022/Robust_Learning_with_MGC).by Linda J. Paul, Aaron C. Ericsson, Frank M. Andrews, Zachary McAdams, Michael L. Keowen, Michael P. St Blanc, Heidi E. Banse
Equine glandular gastric disease (EGGD) is a common disease among athletic horses that can negatively impact health and performance. The pathophysiology of this EGGD remains poorly understood. Previous studies using controlled populations of horses identified differences in the gastric glandular mucosal microbiome associated with disease. The objective of this study was to compare the gastric microbiome in horses with EGGD and those without across multiple barns and differing management practices. We hypothesized that alterations in the microbiome of the gastric glandular mucosa are associated with EGGD. A secondary objective was to perform a risk factor analysis for EGGD using the diet and management data collected. Microbial populations of biopsies from normal pyloric mucosa of horses without EGGD (control biopsies), normal pyloric mucosa of horses with EGGD (normal biopsies) and areas of glandular mucosal disruption in horses with EGGD (lesion biopsies) were compared. Lesion biopsies had a different microbial community structure than control biopsies. Control biopsies had a higher read count for the phylum Actinomycetota compared to lesion biopsies. Control biopsies also had an enrichment of the genera Staphylococcus and Lawsonella and the species Streptococcus salivarius. Lesion biopsies had an enrichment of the genera Lactobacillus and Actinobacillus and the species Lactobacillus equigenerosi. These results demonstrate differences in the gastric glandular microbiome between sites of disrupted mucosa in horses with EGGD compared to pyloric mucosa of horses without EGGD. Risk factor analysis indicated that exercise duration per week was a risk factor for EGGD.by Tsung-Jung Ho, Ching-Fang Lin, Jhong-Kuei Chen, Yen-Lun Kung, Li-Kung Wu, Chen-Ying Chang Chien, Chun-Ping Huang
Pain is strongly associated with neuro-immune activation. Thus, the emerging role of the endocannabinoid system in neuro-inflammation is important. Acupuncture has been used for over 2500 years and is widely accepted for the management of pain. Our study aimed to investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on the regulation of cannabinoid receptor type 1 within the peripheral nervous system. Inflammatory pain was induced by injecting Complete Freund’s adjuvant to induce mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Electroacupuncture significantly attenuated the mechanical and thermal sensitivities, and AM251, a cannabinoid receptor type 1 antagonist, eliminated these effects. Dual immunofluorescence staining demonstrated that electroacupuncture elevated expression of cannabinoid receptor type 1, co-localized with Nav 1.8. Furthermore, electroacupuncture significantly reduced levels of Nav 1.8 and COX-2 by western blot analysis, but not vice versa as AM251 treatment. Our data indicate that electroacupuncture mediates antinociceptive effects through peripheral endocannabinoid system signaling pathway and provide evidence that electroacupuncture is beneficial for pain treatment.by Evan R. Polzer, Ryan Holliday, Carly M. Rohs, Suzanne M. Thomas, Christin N. Miller, Joseph A. Simonetti, Lisa A. Brenner, Lindsey L. Monteith
AimsFirearms have become an increasingly common method of suicide among women Veterans, yet this population has rarely been a focus in firearm suicide prevention research. Limited knowledge is available regarding the preferences, experiences, or needs of women Veterans with respect to firearm lethal means counseling (LMC), an evidence-based suicide prevention strategy. Understanding is necessary to optimize delivery for this population.
MethodOur sample included forty women Veterans with lifetime suicidal ideation or suicide attempt(s) and firearm access following military separation, all enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration. Participants were interviewed regarding their perspectives, experiences, and preferences for firearm LMC. Data were analyzed using a mixed inductive-deductive thematic analysis.
ResultsWomen Veterans’ firearm and firearm LMC perspectives were shaped by their military service histories and identity, military sexual trauma, spouses/partners, children, rurality, and experiences with suicidal ideation and attempts. Half reported they had not engaged in firearm LMC previously. For those who had, positive aspects included a trusting, caring relationship, direct communication of rationale for questions, and discussion of exceptions to confidentiality. Negative aspects included conversations that felt impersonal, not sufficiently comprehensive, and Veterans’ fears regarding implications of disclosure, which impeded conversations. Women Veterans’ preferences for future firearm LMC encompassed providers communicating why such conversations are important, how they should be framed (e.g., around safety and genuine concern), what they should entail (e.g., discussing concerns regarding disclosure), whom should initiate (e.g., trusted caring provider) and where they should occur (e.g., safe spaces, women-specific groups comprised of peers).
DiscussionThis study is the first to examine women Veterans’ experiences with, and preferences for, firearm LMC. Detailed inquiry of the nuances of how, where, why, and by whom firearms are stored and used may help to facilitate firearm LMC with women Veterans.
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