Open Research Oklahoma (Oklahoma State Univ.)
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Effects of pinto bean and resistant starch supplementation on bone parameters in a mouse model of estrogen deficiency
No full textObjective: Estrogen plays a role in regulating bone metabolism and a decrease in estrogen compromises bone health. Pinto beans (PB) are good sources of plant-derived estrogens (i.e., phytoestrogens) and fiber that can be fermented by the gut bacteria to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) that have been shown to play a role in bone health. This project aims to compare the effects of PB and isolated fiber (i.e.., retrograded resistant starch, RS3 and chemically modified, RS4) on bone parameters and to understand the role of the gut bacteria in maintaining bone health in a mouse model of estrogen deficiency.
Methods: One hundred twenty 3m-old female C57BL/6 mice were made estrogen deficient by injecting with either vinyl cyclohexene diepoxide (VCD, 160 mg/kg bw in sesame oil) or sesame oil (vehicle) for 30 days. After confirmation of estrogen status with vaginal cytology, mice were assigned to one of eight treatment groups for 16 weeks in 4x2 factorial design with diet (Control [AIN-93M], 10% (wt/wt) PB, 5% (wt/wt) RS3 or 5% RS4) and estrogen status (sesame oil or VCD) as factors. The dose of RS is equivalent to the fiber content of the 10% PB. At the end of treatment, fecal samples were collected, body composition was assessed, and femur and L4 vertebrae were collected. Dual energy x-ray absorptiometry was used to assess whole body composition as well as bone mineral area (BMA), content (BMC) and density (BMD) of the femur and L4 vertebrae. Micro-computed (uCT) x-ray tomography was also used for microarchitectural analysis of the femur and L4 vertebrae. Fecal samples were analyzed for the concentrations of SCFAs acids using gas chromatography while the activity of the estrogen-deconjugating enzyme, -glucuronidase, was assessed by colorimetric method. Cecal bacteria was analyzed via 16S rDNA sequencing to assess gut microbial diversity. Data were analyzed using 2-way ANOVA and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: VCD has no effect on whole body BMA but significantly reduce whole body BMC (PVCD = 0.014) and BMD (PVCD = 0.021). However, there was a significant diet effect on whole body BMC (Pdiet = 0.021) with the RS groups having the highest BMC. Despite the effects of VCD on whole body bone parameters, it has no effect on the bone densitometric parameters of the isolated femur and L4 vertebra. Similar to the whole-body BMC, there was a significant dietary effect on L4 vertebral BMA (Pdiet = 0.003), BMC (Pdiet < 0.0001), and BMD (Pdiet < 0.0001) as well as femoral BMD (Pdiet = 0.007). There was a significant dietary effect on femoral Tb. Th and Tb. N (p = 0.0003, 0.0077 respectively), with RS treatment diets tending to have highest measurements. Mice that were on the RS diets also displayed a significant dietary effect, regardless of estrogen status, on the L4 BV/TV (p = 0.0001), Tb. Sp (p = 0.029), Tb. Th (p = 0.0008) and Th. N (p = 0.0112). Mice that received the RS4 diet had the highest vertebral and femoral BMD followed by RS3 and the PB group had the lowest. The effects of RS treatment on fecal SCFAs concentrations follow the same pattern as its effects on bone. There was a significant dietary effect on total SCFA levels (Pdiet < 0.0001) with RS4 group having the highest total SCFAs followed by RS3 group. Similarly, there was a significant dietary effect on β-glucuronidase activity (Pdiet = 0.0031), specifically RS3 tending (P = 0.059) to have higher β-glucuronidase activity than the control group. Mice in the RS dietary groups, regardless of estrogen status, had an increase in microbiome Beta Diversity and Genus Abundance.
Summary: Our findings demonstrate that RS supplementation made more notable improvements in bone densitometric parameters. uCT analysis will give us further insight on the effects of treatment on bone microarchitectural parameters. Moreover, data on gut bacterial diversity will provide more insight of its role on bone health. This study highlights the importance of fiber that are considered as prebiotic and its influence on the gut-bone axis and how this could be utilized to help alleviate conditions related to estrogen deficiency such as osteoporosis.Lew Wentz FoundationNutritional Science
Bone protection in estrogen-treated rats versus oil-treated rats: An exploratory microarray analysis
No full textIntroduction/Objectives: As aging and menopause occur, a decrease in estrogen leads to a variety of physiologic changes. Bone maintenance is one of the major factors effected by decreased estrogen. Using an exploratory microarray analysis, we examined the arcuate nucleus (ARC) of the hypothalamus in estrogen-treated and oil-treated rats to identify differences in estrogen-related gene expression.Methods: Six Sprague-Dawley rats underwent bilateral ovariectomies and were allowed a seven-day recovery period, after which three rats received oil injections, and three rats received estrogen injections. Biopsies were obtained from the ARC of the hypothalamus of each of the six rats and isolated ribonucleic acid (RNA) was sent to the Thermo Fischer Scientific-Microarray Research Service Lab for examination. Finally, we interpreted the results of the microarray analysis using the Transcriptome Analysis Console (TAC 4.0) software.Results: Estrogen-treated rats displayed higher levels of parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) and S100 calcium-binding protein G compared to oil-treated rats.Conclusions: Based on our exploratory microarray analysis, we determined that the ARC of the hypothalamus of estrogen-treated rats showed increased expression of PTHrP and S100 calcium-binding protein G, hormones related to bone health and bone maintenance. Keywords: arcuate nucleus, estrogen-treated, oil-treate
Osseointegration’s effect on balance and perceived function in lower leg amputees: A critically appraised topic
No full textClinical Scenario: Lower extremity amputees commonly experience socket prosthesis (SP) complications that interfere with their perceived function and quality of life. Osseointegration (OI) is a new technique that requires implantation of the prosthesis directly into the intramedullary shaft of the residual limb. This alternative may be an answer for amputees who struggle with their SP and desire to regain comfortable and confident function with their prosthesis.Clinical Question: Does OI provide better functional and balance outcomes in lower extremity amputees than socket-prosthesis users?Summary of Findings: Participants with OI prostheses showed improvements in perceived balance and disability. There was little to no improvement in spatiotemporal measures during the 10-meter walk tests. However, all studies showed clinically important differences in ABC scores (d=-1.36 p=0.01)¹⁰ and 8.86 point improvement (MCID= 5.36)⁹.Clinical Bottom Line: Patients with lower extremity amputations may explore the option of OI as an alternative to SP. The outcomes measured show that OI produces the same functional ability as those with an SP, however it provides an increase in perceived balance and function which may positively affect their quality of life. OI does have its risks, but depending on the patient those risks may still be an improvement from the difficulties experienced with their SP.Strength of Recommendation: Consistent CEBM Level 3 findings support OI is an appropriate alternative to SP in providing increase perceived balance and function in lower extremity amputees
Current trends in Artificial Intelligence use in otorhinolaryngology research: A cross-sectional analysis
No full textBackground: Artificial intelligence (AI) is enhancing otorhinolaryngology research by improving data analysis, systematic reviews, and clinical applications. However, the use of AI in research practice raises concerns regarding transparency, ethical use, and reproducibility when compared to human authorship. This study evaluates how leading otorhinolaryngology journals address these challenges and opportunities through their specific author instructions and policies regarding AI use in content generation, image generation, proofreading, and other relevant tasks.Methods: A cross-sectional review of the top 100 peer-reviewed otorhinolaryngology journals ranked by the 2023 SCImago SJR indicator was conducted. Data were extracted from each journal’s “Instructions for Authors” to evaluate AI-related policies, including AI-specific reporting guidelines, authorship criteria, and the use of AI in manuscript preparation and image generation. Correlational analyses were performed to explore the relationship between AI policies and journal characteristics.Results: Of the 100 journals evaluated, 54% addressed AI use in their instructions, with 52% prohibiting AI authorship while requiring disclosure of AI involvement in submissions. No journals discussed adherence to an AI-specific reporting guideline, despite 82% of journals reporting adherence to ICMJE guidelines. AI-generated content was allowed by 24% of journals, while 10% approved of AI-generated images. Journals with higher impact factors were more likely to include detailed AI policies, but significant gaps in standardization and guidance remain.Conclusion: While many otorhinolaryngology journals recognize AI’s role in research, few endorse AIspecific research guidelines, limiting the standardization and transparency of AI use. While many journals allow for the use of AI for the purpose of proofreading, most require the disclosure of AI use, regardless of its purpose in the research process. Moreover, most journals failed to address AI policies in any capacity, potentially leading to unregulated and undisclosed use within the field of otorhinolaryngology research. We recommend the adoption of comprehensive guidelines to ensure ethical, reproducible, and high-quality research in an age of continued AI developments
Race in dermatology clinical guidelines: A systematic review of impacts on health equity
No full textIntroduction: Clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) synthesize evidence to guide dermatologic care and improve outcomes. However, the use of race in CPGs has the potential to perpetuate or mitigate health inequities. Race is a sociopolitical construct rather than a biological determinant of health, and its misuse in clinical recommendations may reinforce structural inequities. This study systematically reviews the use of race in dermatology CPGs to assess its impact on health care equity and identify opportunities for improvement.Methods: This study included dermatology CPGs published between January 1, 2019, and April 30, 2024, providing guidelines for patients aged 18 years or older in the United States. CPGs not published in English, irrelevant to dermatology, or aimed at populations outside the United States were excluded. A comprehensive search was conducted, and identified CPGs were organized into Rayyan or a Google Sheet. Duplicate records were removed. Two authors independently screened all CPGs for eligibility in a masked, duplicate manner. Discrepancies were resolved through discussion, with a third-party reviewer mediating unresolved disagreements.Results (Expected): Preliminary analysis anticipates dermatology CPGs utilizing race in their recommendations or background. It is expected that a proportion of these will use race in a manner that could negatively affect health care equity, such as conflating race with biological risk factors or perpetuating stereotypes. Conversely, a proportion is expected to use race positively by addressing health disparities or promoting inclusivity. Final results will be compiled, analyzed and finalized by January 20, 2025, in preparation for the symposium.Conclusions: This study anticipates highlighting critical opportunities for improving the use of race in dermatology CPGs to enhance health equity. The findings are expected to inform recommendations for national medical organizations to develop guidelines that address systemic inequities and promote equitable dermatologic care. A finalized conclusion will be presented at the symposium upon completion of the analysis
Adoption of artificial intelligence guidelines in anesthesia journals: A cross-sectional analysis
No full textIntroduction/Objectives: Artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing research in Anesthesia and Pain Medicine by improving data analysis, systematic reviews, and clinical applications. However, its adoption brings up concerns about transparency, ethical considerations, and reproducibility. This study examines how top Anesthesia and Pain Medicine journals tackle these issues and opportunities through their author guidelines and policies.Methods: A cross-sectional review was conducted of the top 100 peer-reviewed Anesthesia and Pain Medicine journals, ranked according to the 2023 SCImago SJR indicator. Data were extracted from the "Instructions for Authors" sections of each journal to assess AI-related policies, including reporting guidelines specific to AI, criteria for authorship, and the incorporation of AI in manuscript preparation and image generation. Correlational analyses were then performed to examine the relationship between these AI policies and the characteristics of the journals.Results: Of the 100 journals evaluated, 63% addressed AI use in their instructions, with most prohibiting AI authorship while requiring disclosure of AI involvement in submissions. AI-generated content was allowed by 31% of journals, while 29% approved of AI-generated images. Journals with higher impact factors were more likely to include detailed AI policies, but significant gaps in standardization and guidance remain.Conclusion: Although many Anesthesia and Pain Medicine journals acknowledge the role of AI in research, only a few support AI-specific reporting guidelines, which hampers the standardization and transparency of AI usage. We advocate for implementing comprehensive guidelines to promote ethical, reproducible, and high-quality research in the age of AI-driven innovation
Invasion of the ecosystem snatchers: The effect of plant invasion on arbuscular mycorrhizae composition
No full textTallgrass prairies are degraded ecosystems vulnerable to invasion. Lespedeza cuneata (sericea) is an invasive plant overtaking prairies through biological mechanisms, such as abundant seed production, associations with nitrogen-fixers, and allelopathy. Using above-to-below-ground linkages, sericea can alter the composition of belowground microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). AMF boost plant success by improving nutrient uptake, defense, and growth in exchange for carbon. A homogeneous AMF composition from sericea monocultures could continue degrading prairies. As prairies are heterogeneous with variations in plant composition and edaphic conditions, large-scale studies are needed to understand ecosystem-level invasion effects. We combined hyperspectral imagery with vegetation and soil fungal datasets for this large-scale study.
I hypothesize: (1) high sericea invasion homogenizes AMF composition when compared with low sericea invasion as monodominance alters the fungal community, (2) AMF abundance will be lower in high invasion areas due to sericea’s allelopathy limiting fungal development, and (3) hyperspectral imagery will detect changes in belowground communities. We studied sericea invasion at the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. Plant surveys assessed invasion levels across 100 plots from which soil samples were collected to determine belowground characteristics. Soil samples were sieved to extract spores. Fungal DNA was extracted from each soil sample using a Qiagen PowerPro Soil Kit and was sent for DNA sequencing using Illumina sequencing and fungal-specific primers. From this, operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were filtered and clustered. Total spore counts and DNA read numbers were analyzed using regression analyses. A multivariate test analyzed spore and OTU composition. A Mantel test determined if hyperspectral imagery detected changes in spore composition, and a linear regression tested if hyperspectral diversity correlated with spore abundance.
Sericea invasion significantly reduced the abundance of certain AMF families, and hyperspectral diversity was significantly correlated with spore abundance. These results indicate that sericea significantly alters fungal communities of tallgrass prairies across large spatial scales, and hyperspectral imagery detects certain changes. AMF improve plant success, and when interactions are disrupted, native diversity is worsened. Our results demonstrate the potential for hyperspectral imagery to detect invasion and below-ground impacts.Lew Wentz FoundationPlant Biology, Ecology and Evolutio
Sonic fatigue in closely-spaced rectangular nozzle exhausts under realistic conditions
No full textJet coupling in closely spaced nozzles has been extensively studied in idealized conditions, particularly for supersonic rectangular twin jets operating under identical parameters. However, this symmetry does not reflect the reality of aircraft operation, where discrepancies in engine health, wear, or manufacturing variations often lead to non-identical nozzle conditions. As a result, the coupling mechanisms between non-identical jets remain poorly understood. This research aims to investigate the aeroacoustic interactions between two closely spaced rectangular nozzles operating at slightly different conditions. By examining how variations in operating parameters influence jet coupling, this study seeks to improve the understanding of real-world jet interactions and their implications for noise generation and structural fatigue in aerospace applications.Lew Wentz FoundationMechanical and Aerospace Engineerin
LEAN healthcare identifying easy target to improving referral management efficiency at a midsized urban hospital: Digital blindness
No full textIntroduction/Objectives: Systemic operational inefficiencies in health systems can threaten patient care; therefore, health systems are motivated to identify common barriers that are quick to resolve. In a study focused on reducing referral processing wait times, common systemic barriers to efficient referral, prior authorization (PA) management and scheduling were revealed. Their magnitude of burden to overall process efficiency was measured and compared. Of particular interest was measuring the burden from digital blindness (DB), a condition describing when frontline workers are blind to information needed to coordinate patient care optimally because the information is not visible on their software systems or access approved user interface.Methods: A LEAN healthcare team commissioned by a midsized urban hospital investigated root causes to delays in the referral management processes. Eight osteopathic medical students and one graduate student were trained in LEAN methods via lecture and simulation. The team observed and interviewed staff, gathered insights and current protocols of related departments, and created a list of all process delays. Using systemic barrier typologies from Erdmann, et al 2024, the team identified which common barrier types contributed to each delay on the list. The team calculated the burden of each type by dividing each barrier’s unique contribution frequency by total number of delays.Results: Process mapping identified four relevant departments to referral management - Admissions Scheduling, Admissions Authorizations, Outpatient Rehabilitation, and Interventional Radiology. Across departments, nine employee workflows were identified as directly contributing to 73 total delays. In total, 30.1% (22/73) delays were driven by ‘External System Influences,’ factors beyond the control of hospital staff or hospital administration purview such as insurance prior authorization processes. 69.9% of delays were ‘Internal Systemic Barriers.’ Internal barriers included technology-based and management-based barriers. Technology-based barriers 39.7% (29/73) were caused by DB (19.1%; 14/73) and technology system settings (20.5%; 15/73). Management contributed to PA delays in 61.6% (45/73) of cases, consisting of workforce shortage factors and delays caused by policies and procedures. IT staff identified DB as the simplest issue to resolve, after implementation, simple software ‘fixes’ immediately improved workflows and interdepartmental collaboration.Conclusions: While referral management is plagued with external influences, most delays originated from within the hospital system. While management-based barriers such as training lapses and insufficient workforce contributed to more delays, the easier-to-resolve technology-based barriers contributed to 40% wherein system settings hindered staff from managing work queues optimally and DB hindered staff by limiting their knowledge of referrals’ true status. Addressing DB can be a low effort solution with significant impacts that exponentially improves outpatient referral and PA outflow times
Chemical plant electrification for optimization
No full textChemical manufacturing and refining produce crucial materials for everyday life but also release over 325 million tons of greenhouse gases (GHGs) annually in the United States. Most of these emissions are from the production of process heat. Ethylene is one of the most common chemical precursors for plastics and packaging and its market is expected to grow by 60% over the next decade. Ethylene is produced from endothermic reactions, commonly in steam cracking processes, which require massive quantities of heat and demand 8% of the global chemical industry’s energy use. However, process heat can be produced and managed using alternative methods. Heat integration can reduce but not eliminate external energy demand. Electrification enables heat generation without direct emissions but may create indirect emissions depending on the electricity’s source. Current power grids produce some electricity from renewable sources but still rely heavily on fossil fuels. Renewable sources can generate electricity at the plant, but differences between electricity production and plant demand timing require the plant to store energy. Fossil-fuel-based generators at the plant may reliably produce electricity quickly but also produce emissions. A combination of these sources could balance reductions in costs and GHG emissions. This presentation examines various methods of process electrification and their potential effects on operation within an ethylene production plant on the U.S. Gulf Coast. The primary operations within the ethylene plant include reactions, separations, and energy storage, which have been modeled using a differential-algebraic equation (DAE) optimization model and an Aspen HYSYS process simulation. Electrified reactors, electrolytic hydrogen production, and heat pump-assisted distillation (HPAD) were explored as plant electrification methods. HPAD was found to require approximately 17% less total energy than conventional ethane-ethylene distillation. Electrifying the ethylene plant by 20% was found to optimize sustainability with respect to total expected cost, reducing GHG emissions by 19%. The cost of renewable energy generation and storage was found to limit the viability of complete electrification and decarbonization. Expected future developments include operation optimization using a multi-objective model that considers plant data security and heat integration.Chemical Engineerin