bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aviação civil e sustentabilidade no brasil: o papel dos combustíveis sustentáveis de aviação (SAF)
Authors: Dos Santos Estevo Jefferson , Forti Thomaz Laís , Duarte Gondim Amanda
Published: December 2024

Este artigo analisa o desenvolvimento e a utilização de combustíveis sustentáveis de aviação (SAF) no Brasil, destacando seu potencial e o progresso atual. A aviação civil representa cerca de 2% das emissões globais de Gases do Efeito Estufa, com um recente compromisso assumido na Organização Internacional da Aviação Civil (ICAO), para alcançar a neutralidade de carbono até 2050. A principal abordagem para mitigar as emissões da aviação é a adoção de SAF. Este estudo é dividido em duas partes: a primeira examina a mitigação na aviação civil e o entendimento do SAF, enquanto a segunda parte analisa o potencial e os esforços em andamento para SAF no Brasil, suas perspectivas e possibilidades de fabricação e utilização. O estudo trabalha com três eixos principais: produção de biocombustíveis, políticas nacionais e ações das companhias do setor, para redução de emissões. O Brasil possui vasto conhecimento em tecnologia para produção de biocombustíveis, o que auxilia para a sua produção, sobretudo pelas rotas ATJ e FT, com potencial nacional de até 9 bilhões de litros de SAF. A pesquisa utilizará revisão de literatura, análise de discursos oficiais, relatórios sobre SAF, dados de produção de combustíveis e observação de pautas e políticas nacionais sobre o tema. A principal contribuição é estimular a compreensão sobre esta pauta, que recente ganhou relevância com o projeto de Lei Combustível do Futuro e a RBQAV.
Cláusulas de força maior para eventos climáticos: estudo no setor ferroviário
Authors: Antonacci Barone Santos Leonardo , Ferreira de Souza Mariana Caroline
Published: December 2024

O artigo avalia cláusulas de força maior e sua aplicação no tratamento de eventos climáticos em contratos de concessão no setor ferroviário. Foi adotado estudo empírico com análise documental dos contratos em vigor no Brasil, o que gerou uma categorização de três grupos de diferentes regimes contratuais para a força maior e riscos climáticos. Sugere-se que a falta de uma abordagem explícita e específica para os riscos climáticos nos contratos pode gerar incentivos inadequados para a proteção dos projetos de infraestruturas ferroviárias. São elaboradas propostas de melhorias para o tratamento contratual de eventos climáticos, enfatizando a necessidade de uma regulação mais robusta que incentive a mitigação e adaptação às mudanças climáticas.
Maternal Sepsis and associated factors: A multi-central study from two tertiary care hospitals of South Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Parveen Rashida , Hajra Sultana  , Sadia Nazir
Published: December 2024

Objective: To determine the risk factors and outcomes of maternal sepsis.
Methods: This case-control study was performed at the departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Nishtar Hospital, Multan, and Ghazi Khan Hospital, Dera Ghazi Khan, Pakistan, from June 2023 to May 2024. Cases were comprised of females aged 18-45 years diagnosed with maternal sepsis, and admitted during the study period. Controls were randomly selected females reporting during the study period and undergoing delivery. Sepsis was labeled on the basis of positive blood culture report. Crude and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence interval were reported regarding various risk factors of maternal sepsis as well as maternal and fetal outcomes taking p<0.05 as significant. Mortality was noted from the onset of labor until seven days postpartum.
Results: In a total of 74 women (37 in each group), the mean age and, gestational age were 30.64±5.12 years, and 36.19±1.84 weeks, respectively. Multivariate binary logistic regression showed that gestational age below 37 weeks (AOR: 5.22; 95% CI: 1.35-19.67; p=0.015), unbooked cases (AOR: 5.34; 95% CI: 1.19-24.2; p=0.029), and anemia (AOR: 8.13; 95% CI: 1.05-63.10; p=0.045) were significant predictors of maternal sepsis. E. coli was the most common etiological agent among cases, affecting 14 (37.8%) cases. Mortality was significantly high among females with maternal sepsis versus those without maternal sepsis (32.4% vs. 2.7%, p=0.008).
Conclusion: Gestational age below 37 weeks, lack of antenatal booking, and anemia were found to be significant predictors of maternal sepsis. E. coli was the most common pathogen identified. High mortality rate in maternal sepsis highlights the need for early identification, effective management, and close monitoring to reduce maternal mortality from sepsis.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.1.10423
How to cite this: Parveen R, Sultana H, Nazir S. Maternal Sepsis and associated factors: A multi-central study from two tertiary care hospitals of South Punjab, Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(1):281-285. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.1.10423
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for Influence of Variation in Dental Implant Dimensions (Length and Diameter) on Peri-implant Bone Stress/Strain Distribution: A Systematic Review
Authors: Arshad Jamal Sayed  , Mohsin Syed Fareed , Kamlesh Kumar Garg  , Muhammad Atif Saleem Agwan  , Sabahat Ullah Khan Tareen  , Mohammed Sulaiman Alruthea  , Sasankoti Mohan
Published: December 2024

Background & Objective: Currently, there are many implants in clinical use, making it hard to choose the right one for the patient. The success rate of an implant depends on its diameter, length, and direction of insertion in bone. In implant dentistry, Finite Element Analysis (FEA) simulates intraoral conditions in vitro and analyzes the effects of implant material, diameter, size, and other components related to oral structure on the implant and peri-implant tissues. The objective of the present systematic review was to evaluate the influence of variation in Dental Implant dimensions on Peri-implant Bone Stress/strain distribution, where Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is used as a method of analysis.
Method: Research papers published in PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL database from January 2012 until December 2022 using the keywords, (finite element analysis) AND (dental implant) AND (length) AND (diameter). The modified CONSORT checklist was used to assess the quality of the included research.
Result: Total hits from the original search were 402 (PubMed:127, Web of Science: 135 and CINHAL:22, EBSCO: 96, ProQuest:22). After duplicates were removed and titles and abstracts were screened, 371 articles were (n =371) selected for review. Of these, 342 were excluded and removed after initial screening, and 33 entire texts met the initial eligibility as per inclusion criteria. Four articles were further excluded in the final eligibility process and a total of 31 in vitro study articles were included for qualitative synthesis.
Conclusion: The evidence from the most recent literature suggests that the use of FEA showed promising results in understanding the stress distribution surrounding the implant. It was discovered that the material of the dental implant and the prosthesis, the type of loading, the direction and magnitude of force (axial or non-axial), the quality and quantity of the bone that surrounds the implant, as well as other factors, all play a role in the maintenance of bone around dental implants.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.1.8991
How to cite this: Sayed AJ, Mohsin SF, Garg KK, Agwan MAS, Tareen SUK, Alruthea MS, et al. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) for Influence of Variation in Dental Implant Dimensions (Length and Diameter) on Peri-implant Bone Stress/Strain Distribution: A Systematic Review. Pak J Med Sci. 2025;41(1):318-330. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.41.1.8991
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Typology and Provenance of Early Roman Cooking Ware from the Residential Quarter of Nea Paphos (Cyprus)
Authors: Miziołek Monika , Marzec Edyta
Published: December 2024

This paper concerns the early Roman cooking ware uncovered at Maloutena – the residential quarter of Nea Paphos, Cyprus. All registered diagnostic fragments were subjected to macroscopic, typological and quantitative examinations, and a selection of samples was analysed with petrographic and elemental analyses. The results show that locally produced cooking ware is predominant and diverse in terms of typology. Among imports, pottery from north-western Cyprus, Asia Minor, Italy, and Africa is identified, but it constitutes a small part of the assemblage. These indicate that Nea Paphos participated in broader networks of goods circulation, but at the same time, the city’s inhabitants preferred locally produced cooking ware.
Bordering Power: Reinterpreting Three First Cataract Inscriptions of King Merenra
Authors: Siegel Oren , Hainline Brendan , Nicolini Serena , Gatto Maria Carmela
Published: December 2024

This paper reconsiders three royal inscriptions of King Merenra (Sixth Dynasty) in the region of the First Nile Cataract. They have long been known to scholars but have not received extensive treatment beyond translations. The inscriptions appear to be among the first explicit royal statements addressing the limits of Egyptian territory and the beginnings of foreign lands. The paper situates the inscriptions within more comprehensive scholarship related to border studies, the geographic setting of the First Cataract region, and the historical context of the late Old Kingdom. We argue these inscriptions provide key information about political border-making during this period.
Intersectional Peer Effects at Work: The Effect of White Coworkers on Black Women’s Careers
Authors: Linos Elizabeth , Mobasseri Sanaz , Roussille Nina
Published: December 2024

This paper investigates how having more White coworkers influences the subsequent retention and promotion of Black women relative to other race-gender groups. Studying 9,037 new hires at a professional services firm, we first document large racial turnover and promotion gaps: Even after controlling for observable characteristics, Black employees are 6.7 percentage points (32%) more likely to turn over within two years and 18.7 percentage points (26%) less likely to be promoted on time than their White counterparts. The largest turnover gap is between Black and White women, at 8.9 percentage points (51%). We argue that initial assignment to project teams is conditionally random based on placebo tests and qualitative evidence. Under this assumption, we show that a one-standard-deviation (20.8 percentage points) increase in the share of White coworkers is associated with a 15.8-percentage-point increase in turnover and an 11.5-percentage-point decrease in promotion for Black women. We refer to these effects as intersectional: Black women are the only race-gender group whose turnover and promotion are negatively impacted by White coworkers. We explore potential causal pathways through which these peer effects may emerge: Black women who were initially assigned to Whiter teams are subsequently more likely to be labeled as low performers and report fewer billable hours, both of which are predictors of higher turnover and lower promotion for all employees. Our findings contribute to the literature on peer effects, intersectionality, and the practice of managing race and gender inequality in organizations.

This paper was accepted by Isabel Fernandez-Mateo, organizations.

Funding: The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Center for Equity, Gender, and Leadership at University of California, Berkeley-Haas, Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research, and the Hub for Equal Representation at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.02010 .
Preparing for the future
Authors: Taplin Jill Tina
Published: December 2024

In the second article in this series focusing on Rudolf Steiner, philosopher and thinker, Jill Tina Taplin, NESWEC Course Coordinator, outlines some of the key principles and approaches comprising Steiner Waldorf education.
Learning by doing
Authors: Bowen Mollie
Published: December 2024

This month we caught up with Mollie Bowen, who was joint winner of the Early Years Apprentice of the Year awards at the Nursery World Awards 2024. She discusses her education journey and what inspires her to create enriching experiences for children
Playing to learn
Authors: Willis Richard
Published: December 2024

Richard Willis, visiting professor at the University of South Wales, reviews a book that discusses playwork and how it can be used across the children's workforce in practice
New Year reads
Authors: Barclay Meg
Published: December 2024

Meg Barclay, education consultant and early years reviewer for the School Library Association, reviews picturebooks that introduce children to shapes, nursery rhymes and the human body
Grant Puts Electric Start-Up on Runway Towards Net Zero Aviation
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: December 2024

Flux Aviation looks set to decarbonise light aircraft with electric propulsion system
Project to Develop Aluminium Shape Casting for Aerospace
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: December 2024

Sylatech project awarded ATI funding to develop innovative castings
Alexander Graham Bell: Founding Father of Audio Communications
Authors: Smith Nick
Published: December 2024

Holder of one of the most valuable patents ever issued, Alexander Graham Bell is credited with the invention of the telephone. But it’s a story that still causes controversy today.
Tower to The People
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: December 2024

Visitors to a horticultural show in Germany had the best view of proceedings from the Dortmund Tower
Pulled into The Sidings
Authors: Ford Jason
Published: December 2024

The first diesel-electric Pullmans, conceived to woo the wealthy back onto trains, turned out to be the last of their kind
REPRESENTAÇÕES DE MENINAS NEGRAS BRASILEIRAS: LITERATURAS INFANTIS COMO LUGARES SEGUROS
Authors: Chaves Rosa Silvia Lopes , Finco Daniela
Published: December 2024

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar a questão da construção identitária das meninas negras nas literaturas infantis negras contemporâneas no Brasil. Os procedimentos metodológicos envolvem entrevistas com quatro escritoras negras de literatura infantil: Sonia Rosa, Lucimar Dias, Kiusam de Oliveira e Odara Delé. Buscou-se identificar os processos de criação e construção identitária de suas personagens. Pensar na literatura infantil protagonizada por personagens de meninas negras revela-se como possibilidade de refletir sobre os aspectos materiais e simbólicos, sob os quais os processos identitários étnico-raciais e de gênero vão sendo constituídos na infância. Tem como referencial teórico os estudos negros, que interseccionalizam as questões de gênero e étnico-raciais (hooks, 2017; Collins, 2019; 2019; Gomes, 2019a, 2019b). Os resultados revelam como as literaturas infantis podem dar ênfase aos processos de resistência e contra-hegemônicos de construção das identidades, evidenciando processos de empoderamento, desde as primeiras relações na educação da pequena infância.
O ESPAÇO ESCOLAR É NOSSO: TRANSGENERIDADES DISCENTES E DOCENTES
Authors: De Jesus Felisbino Docimar , Di Deus Eduardo
Published: December 2024

A abordagem educacional de Paulo Freire, conhecida como Pedagogia do Oprimido, teve impacto significativo na educação brasileira. Ao adaptar essa teoria para atender às necessidades das pessoas trans-travestis, podemos promover mudança na sociedade, incorporando todas as diversidades em um movimento interseccional que abrange as diversas experiências. Isso se dá através da implementação dessas práticas dentro das salas de aula. O propósito deste trabalho é apresentar abordagens educacionais que possam integrar a comunidade trans, a fim de incentivar gestões escolares e docentes a adotarem práticas pedagógicas inclusivas. O estudo foi conduzido através de entrevistas realizadas com quatro egressas de escolas, um professor e três professoras trans-travestis, que vivem e trabalham tanto na região do entorno sul do Distrito Federal quanto no DF. A abordagem freiriana destacada enfatiza a importância de profissionais da educação repensarem suas práticas, a fim de obterem recursos e saberes necessários para formar indivíduos libertos e libertadores.
Evaluating browsing damage to selected taxa in a trial plantation within the Lungmanis Forest Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: MAJAPUN RICHARD J. , PAUL VIVIANNYE , SUIS MOHD. AMINUR FAIZ , KHOO EYEN , GUANIH VERONICA S. , KELVIN PANG KAT NYEN , EN CHEN THAU , AJIK MARIA
Published: December 2024

Abstract. Majapun RJ, Paul V, Suis MAF, Khoo E, Guanih VS, Kelvin PKN, En CT, Ajik M. 2024. Evaluating browsing damage to selected taxa in a trial plantation within the Lungmanis Forest Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia. Biodiversitas 25: 3540-3554. The study assessed the impact of wildlife pests on seven tree taxa, including Acacia crassicarpa, Eucalyptus pellita, Falcataria moluccana, Khaya ivorensis, Neolamarckia cadamba, Terminalia copelandii, and Swietenia macrophylla, in trial plantations within Sabah's Lungmanis Forest Reserve, Sabah, Malaysia. Browsing damage was measured for all taxa at two time points (t1 and t2) using three indices (H-Index, S-Index, and PS-Index). The study revealed that E. pellita, A. crassicarpa, and K. ivorensis resisted browsing damage. At the same time, other species, such as N. cadamba and F. moluccana, suffered significant damage, with tree height losses between 50% and 70% due to wildlife pest activity. The study recorded high damage intensity for the PS-Index in the "Shooting" category. It also showed that subplot configurations with open (D) and fenced (A) plots exhibited similar levels of "Shooting," uncovering that some wildlife pests, like Sambar deer (Rusa unicolor (Kerr, 1792)) and pig-tailed macaques (Macaca nemestrina (Linnaeus, 1766)), were not entirely deterred by fencing and repeatedly browsed their preferred taxa. Additionally, N. cadamba was more susceptible to pest defoliators following the browsing damage than other taxa. The research highlights the limitations of fencing as a mitigation measure for wildlife-induced tree damage and underscores the need for a comprehensive wildlife management approach in forest plantations. This includes understanding wildlife behavior and human impact factors beyond population density and emphasizes the importance of species selection and plot configuration in managing wildlife-induced damage.
The relationship between health-related quality of life, oral health, and depression in seniors aged 65 or older
Authors: Shin Myong-Suk , Lee Sun-Mi
Published: December 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to analyze the impact of health-related quality of life and oral health on depression in seniors aged 65 and older, proposing measures to improve their quality of life and prevent depression. Methods: Data from the 2022 Community Health Survey, conducted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, were analyzed, focusing on 79,441 seniors. Results: Of the participants, 57.2% were female, and 42.8% were male. Poor oral health was associated with worse general health perception. Depression was linked to stress, suicidal thoughts, chewing discomfort, and cognitive impairment, while happiness and positive health perceptions were protective factors. Conclusions: Managing stress and enhancing positive health perceptions are key to reducing depression among the elderly.
The use of interdental care products in Korean adolescents aged 12–18 years and factors affecting their use: Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013-2022
Authors: Han Su-Jin
Published: December 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the use of interdental care products among Korean adolescents and identify factors affecting their use. Methods: The study included data of 3,999 adolescents aged 12-18 years from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) conducted between 2013 and 2022. The usage rates of interdental care products were analyzed based on participant characteristics for each KNHANES cycle, and multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the factors influencing their use. Results: The overall usage rate of interdental care products among adolescents was 21.1%, which remained consistent from the 6th to 8th survey periods and increased to 27.6% during the 9th period (2022). Factors associated with the use of interdental care products included household income, frequency of brushing, use of mouthwash, and experience with dental checkups. Conclusions: Although the use of interdental care products among adolescents aged 12-18 years has increased, 72.4% of adolescents still do not use these products. Oral health experts should emphasize the necessity of interdental cleaning when providing oral health education to patients.
Quality assessment of YouTube videos on dental caries and nutrition
Authors: Hwang Sun-Hee , Kim Min-Young
Published: December 2024

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the content, quality, and reliability of YouTube videos related to dental caries and nutrition. Methods: On October 1, 2024, six keywords associated with dental caries and nutrition were used to search YouTube, yielding 472 videos. After screening, 28 videos were included for analysis. The quality and reliability of these videos were assessed. Results: The analysis of information sources revealed that most videos were created by doctors or hospitals (61.0%), followed by for-profit websites or individual users (21.0%), with the least amount of content coming from medical websites or broadcast channels (18.0%). Reliability scores based on the information source showed that videos from medical websites or broadcast channels had the highest reliability (average score of 4.60), followed by videos from doctors or hospitals (average score of 3.88). Conclusions: Videos produced by medical websites, broadcast channels, doctors, and hospitals tend to provide reliable, high-quality information. Continuous monitoring, collaboration, and input from dental professionals are recommended for future content.
The importance of documenting the casualties of armed conflict
Authors: Ward Emily , Hamourtziadou Lily
Published: December 2024

This article highlights the importance of documenting casualties of armed conflicts. It looks at the Oxford Research Group’s list of legal obligations of states to document casualties. This list has been compiled from multiple different laws that are currently in place for conflicts but are often ignored or forgotten due to other pressing matters. It will also look at how mass deaths have been recorded strategically by states, by comparing the record keeping from the COVID-19 pandemic to record keeping in armed conflicts. It examines the work of NGOs, such as Iraq Body Count, and addresses the issue of accountability. Finally, it uses the Bouderbala Commission as a positive example of a government working together with its citizens to help create documentation of a conflict.
Therapeutic dose prediction of α5-GABA receptor modulation from simulated EEG of depression severity
Authors: Guet-McCreight Alexandre , Mazza Frank , Prevot Thomas D. , Sibille Etienne , Hay Etay
Published: December 2024

Treatment for major depressive disorder (depression) often has partial efficacy and a large portion of patients are treatment resistant. Recent studies implicate reduced somatostatin (SST) interneuron inhibition in depression, and new pharmacology boosting this inhibition via positive allosteric modulators of α5-GABAA receptors (α5-PAM) offers a promising effective treatment. However, testing the effect of α5-PAM on human brain activity is limited, meriting the use of detailed simulations. We utilized our previous detailed computational models of human depression microcircuits with reduced SST interneuron inhibition and α5-PAM effects, to simulate EEG of individual microcircuits across depression severity and α5-PAM doses. We developed machine learning models that predicted optimal dose from EEG with high accuracy and recovered microcircuit activity and EEG. This study provides dose prediction models for α5-PAM administration based on EEG biomarkers of depression severity. Given limitations in doing the above in the living human brain, the results and tools we developed will facilitate translation of α5-PAM treatment to clinical use.
Does disability modify the association between poor mental health and violence victimisation over adolescence? Evidence from the CoVAC cohort study in Uganda
Authors: Carter Daniel J. , Pitcairn Charlie F. M. , Eldred Emily , Knight Louise , Nakuti Janet , Mirembe Angel , Atuhaire Lydia , Allen Elizabeth , Bhatia Amiya , Naker Dipak , Parkes Jenny , Devries Karen
Published: December 2024

We aimed to estimate the impact of poor mental health in early adolescence on subsequent poor mental health, depression, and violence victimisation in late adolescence and to determine whether young people living with disabilities experienced a stronger relationship between mental health and these outcomes. Data from two waves of a longitudinal cohort study of 2773 Ugandan adolescents were used to assess the impact of mental health difficulties in early adolescence (aged 11–14) on presence of subsequent mental health difficulties, depression and past year violence victimisation in later adolescence (aged 15–18). We used g-computation to examine how these outcomes changed dependent on levels of poor mental health in early adolescence and explored functional difficulties as an effect modifier. This study demonstrates high prevalence of mental health difficulties in adolescence. There is a positive association between mental health difficulties in early adolescence and experience of mental health difficulties, depression, and past year violence in later adolescence. The risk of poor outcomes is greater for individuals experiencing poorer mental health in early adolescence. The relationships between early mental health difficulties and both mental health difficulties in later adolescence and past year violence are stronger in young people with functional difficulties. Poor mental health in early adolescence is associated with depression and violence victimisation in later adolescence, and the association is stronger among adolescents living with disabilities. School-aged adolescents would benefit from violence prevention and mental health promotion interventions which are inclusive and engage and respond to the needs and rights of adolescents with disabilities.
Phenome-wide association network demonstrates close connection with individual disease trajectories from the HUNT study
Authors: Hall Martina , Skinderhaug Marit K. , Almaas Eivind
Published: December 2024

Disease networks offer a potential road map of connections between diseases. Several studies have created disease networks where diseases are connected either based on shared genes or Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) associations. However, it is still unclear to which degree SNP-based networks map to empirical, co-observed diseases within a different, general, adult study population spanning over a long time period. We created a SNP-based phenome-wide association network (PheNet) from a large population using the UK biobank phenome-wide association studies. Importantly, the SNP-associations are unbiased towards much studied diseases, adjusted for linkage disequilibrium, case/control imbalances, as well as relatedness. We map the PheNet to significantly co-occurring diseases in the Norwegian HUNT study population, and further, identify consecutively occurring diseases with significant ordering in occurrence, independent of age and gender in the PheNet. Our analysis reveals an overlap far larger than expected by chance between the two disease networks, with diseases typically connecting within their own category. Upon examining the sequential occurrence of diseases in the HUNT dataset, we find a giant component consisting of mostly cardiovascular disorders. This allows us to identify sequentially occurring diseases that are genetically linked and co-occur frequently, while also highlighting non-sequential diseases. Furthermore, we observe that survivors of severe cardiovascular diseases subsequently often face less severe conditions, but with a reduced time until their next fatal illness. The HUNT sub-PheNet showing both genetically and co-observed diseases offers an interesting framework to study groups of diseases and examine if they, in fact, are comorbidities. We find that the HUNT sub-PheNet offers the possibility to pinpoint exactly which mutation(s) constitute shared cause of the diseases. This could be of great benefit to both researchers and clinicians studying relationships between diseases.
Postural control patterns in gravid women—A systematic review
Authors: Forczek-Karkosz Wanda , Masłoń Agata
Published: December 2024

Background

Postural stability is essential for functional independence in the pregnant population. The contradictions between existing studies and the lack of consistent characteristics in the strategies used by pregnant women for postural control demonstrate the need for further investigation.

Objectives

The aim was to review the available literature on postural strategies throughout pregnancy in both static and dynamic conditions and to provide an assessment of the quality of these studies in terms of methodological issues to identify the reasons for the inconsistencies in findings between research centers.

Methods

Literature searches were conducted using PubMed and EBSCOhost Research Databases. The latest search was performed on September 01, 2024. The review was restricted to longitudinal, cross-sectional, case-control, and descriptive studies focused on the effect of pregnancy on the stability of future mothers, with the following criteria: healthy pregnant women and singleton pregnancies. Trials were excluded if they were restricted to multiple pregnancies or considered various kinds of interventions. The methodological quality was evaluated using the criteria proposed by Downs and Black. Data items such as information on study design, characteristics of the study sample, equipment used, stability task performance, and outcome measures were presented.

Results

The final analysis comprised 22 articles, including a total of 641 pregnant and 296 nonpregnant women. Research results in both static and dynamic conditions are inconclusive, showing either a decrease, no change, or improvement in postural equilibrium as pregnancy advances. Importantly, the results indicate that women in advanced pregnancy may be at increased risk of falling when their vision is compromised.

Discussion

A lack of homogeneity in the study groups and a small number of longitudinal analyses were observed. The methodologies applied and the postural indices used to measure body sway varied across the studies. Our findings can serve as basic data for health promotion programs to encourage safe daily activities in pregnant women.
The most uniform distribution of points on the sphere
Authors: Del Bono Luca Maria , Nicoletti Flavio , Ricci-Tersenghi Federico
Published: December 2024

How to distribute a set of points uniformly on a spherical surface is a longstanding problem that still lacks a definite answer. In this work, we introduce a physical measure of uniformity based on the distribution of distances between points, as an alternative to commonly adopted measures based on interaction potentials. We then use this new measure of uniformity to characterize several algorithms available in the literature. We also study the effect of optimizing the position of the points through the minimization of different interaction potentials via a gradient descent procedure. In this way, we can classify different algorithms and interaction potentials to find the one that generates the most uniform distribution of points on the sphere.
Heterogeneity and permeability estimation of pore-throat structure at different scales in deep tight sandstone reservoirs: A case study of Paleogene Hetaoyuan Formation in Anpeng area, Nanxiang Basin, China
Authors: Zhu Yan , Yang Yunfei , Zhang Yuheng , Liu Lin , Li Hengquan , Sang Qin
Published: December 2024

Clarifying the pore-throat size and pore size distribution of tight sandstone reservoirs, quantitatively characterizing the heterogeneity of pore-throat structures, is crucial for evaluating reservoir effectiveness and predicting productivity. Through a series of rock physics experiments including gas measurement of porosity and permeability, casting thin sections, scanning electron microscopy, and high-pressure mercury injection, the quality of reservoir properties and microscopic pore-throat structure characteristics were systematically studied. Combined with fractal geometry theory, the effects of different pore throat types, geometric shapes and scale sizes on the fractal characteristics and heterogeneity of sandstone pore throat structure are clarified. On this basis, the estimation model of tight sandstone permeability was established. The results indicate that the reservoir physical properties in the study area are poor, the pore types are mainly dissolved pores, and the pore size is mainly distributed in the nano to submicron range. The fractal dimension fitting curve obtained based on the non-wetting phase model has obvious turning points, indicating that the pore-throat structure has multi-scale characteristics. The turning point of fractal dimension divides the pore-throat structure of tight sandstone into large-scale pore-throats with good connectivity (reticular or beaded pore-throats) and small-scale pore-throats with poor connectivity (dendritic or capillary pore-throats), indicating that tight sandstone has binary pore structure characteristics. The geometry of large-scale pore-throat is complex, which is difficult to meet the self-similar characteristics, with the average fractal dimension is 3.72. The small-scale pore-throat morphology is close to the capillary and has obvious fractal characteristics, with the average fractal dimension is 2.22. There are many small pores and micropores in the reservoir, and the pore volume has a significant positive correlation with the total porosity of the rock, but the contribution to the permeability is low. The development degree of large-scale pore throat is an important factor affecting the physical properties of tight sandstone. The turning point radius of fractal curve and the comprehensive fractal dimension can be used as good indicators for permeability estimation.
Effects of immersion bathing in Lactobacillus plantarum CLY-05 on the growth performance, non-specific immune enzyme activities and gut microbiota of Apostichopus japonicus
Authors: Li Bin , Wang Jinjin , Ge Jianlong , Liao Meijie , Rong Xiaojun , Wang Jinyan , Wang Yingeng , Zhang Zheng , Wang Chunyuan , Yu Yongxiang
Published: December 2024

In order to study the optimal use of Lactobacillus plantarum in sea cucumber (Apostichopus japonicus), 49 days feeding trial was conducted to determine the influence of immersion bathing in different concentrations of Lactobacillus plantarum CLY-05 on body weight gain rate and non-specific immune activities. The potential effect of CLY-05 on gut microbiota was also analyzed during the immersion bathing at the optimum concentration. The results showed that the body weight growth rate of all bathing groups was higher than that of control. The highest specific growth rate (4.58%) and weight gain rate (25.35%) was achieved at the bacterial concentration of 1×103 CFU/mL. The activities of non-specific immune enzymes (ACP, AKP, SOD and LZM) of all bathing groups increased after immersion bathing, and the enzyme activities of groups bathed with the bacterium at 1×103 and 1×104 CFU/mL reached the highest. Therefore, 1×103 CFU/mL was considered as the optimum concentration of L. plantarum CLY-05 for A. japonicus pond culture. The results of gut microbiota analysis showed that the gut microbiota changed with the addition of L. plantarum CLY-05, and the richness and diversity of the gut microbiota peaked on day 14 and day 21, respectively. The correlation analysis revealed that the non-specific immune enzyme activities were significantly correlated to some gut bacteria (in the phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes) after immersion bathing in L. plantarum CLY-05. These findings provide the theoretical foundation for probiotic application in sea cucumber farming.
One Health initiative in India: Genesis and hurdles in establishing the first consortium
Authors: Hegde Nagendra R. , Talari Malathi , Majumdar Subeer S.
Published: December 2024

There are several challenges in implementing a meaningful One Health program. These include (a) understanding the language, intricacies, idiosyncrasies, and outcome indicators for each sector in multi-sectoral collaborations, (b) requirement of each partner to be trained outside their area of expertise, (c) absence of analysis of economics and long-term benefits, (d) complexities of the coordination and hand-holding of the various partners, and (e) uninterrupted financing of large consortia. There is, however, a clear understanding of the need for a team effort to support sustainable and progressive development. To achieve such an effort in India, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology, through prolonged deliberation, initiated a One Health project to understand the pervasiveness of the ten most critical zoonotic diseases through a nationwide study of the prevalence of these diseases in animals and to estimate the burden of the same diseases in clinical syndromes encountered in hospital settings. At the end of the project, we hope to map the spread and potential hotspots of the various diseases studied to undertake further collaborative studies focusing on diseases specific to particular geographic locations in the future. This review outlines the One Health initiatives in India and describes the difficulties in implementing the DBT One Health Consortium project.

Keywords: One Health, transboundary animal diseases, zoonoses.
The optimal combination of cooling and equilibration durations, along with the addition of melatonin, gamma-oryzanol, and canthaxanthin, for improving swamp buffalo semen cryopreservation quality
Authors: Inyawilert Wilasinee , Liao Yu-Jing , Ndi Oswald Nfor , Pradithera Koranit , Saengtun Atchawut , Saengwong Sureeporn , Intawicha Payungsuk , Wuthijaree Kunlayaphat , Hanthongkul Vorawatt , Kamdee Kaikaew , Khieokhajonkhet Anurak , Amporn Chalothon , Tiantong Attapol , Lumsangkul Chompunut
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim: The success of semen cryopreservation relies on several aspects, including breed, age, season, collection method, extender composition, cooling rate, equilibration period, freezing rate, and thawing rate. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cooling and equilibration duration, as well as the addition of antioxidants to the semen extender, on the cryopreservation of swamp buffalo semen.

Materials and Methods: Semen collected from swamp buffalo bulls was subjected to four different conditions: (T1) 2-h cooling and 2-h equilibration, (T2) 1.5-h cooling and 1.5-h equilibration, (T3) 1-h cooling and 1-h equilibration, and (T4) 0.5-h cooling and 0.5-h equilibration. Spermatozoa motility was evaluated using a computer-assisted semen analyzer. Moreover, this study also investigated the effect of antioxidant supplementation during cryopreservation using tris-citrate egg yolk extenders enriched with various antioxidants: Control (Con), 1 mM melatonin (ML), 0.5 mM gamma-oryzanol (GO), 10 μM canthaxanthin (CX), 1 mM melatonin + 0.5 mM gamma-oryzanol (ML + GO), and 1 mM melatonin + 10 μM canthaxanthin (ML + CX).

Results: Results showed that the (T1) 2-h cooling and 2-h equilibration and (T2) 1.5-h cooling and 1.5-h equilibration groups achieved higher progressive motility than the (T3) 1-h cooling and 1-h equilibration and (T4) 0.5-h cooling and 0.5-h equilibration groups. The ML-treated group exhibited superior progressive motility and total motility.

Conclusion: The optimal approach for cryopreserving swamp buffalo bull semen involves a 1.5-h cooling period followed by a 1.5-h equilibration period, with the incorporation of ML into the semen extender.

Keywords: antioxidant, cryopreservation, equilibration, semen, and swamp buffalo.
Occurrence and molecular phylogeny of Fasciola species in camels of southwestern Iraq
Authors: Essa Isra’a M. , Azzal Ghazi Y.
Published: December 2024

Background and Aim: Fasciola spp. are important trematodes of public health concern in various animals, including camels. This study aimed to determine the occurrence of liver flukes in camels, to determine the molecular confirmation of Fasciola, and to perform phylogenetic analysis of study isolates to identify the species of Fasciola.

Materials and Methods: In total, 107 slaughtered camels were inspected to collect liver flukes that were examined molecularly using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to confirm Fasciola species. Then, the study isolates were sequenced, submitted to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database, and analyzed phylogenetically to identify the species of each study isolate.

Results: Liver flukes were detected in 17.67% of the camels. Regarding the migratory stages of the collected worms, juvenile worms (73.91%) were significantly more prevalent than adult worms (26.09%). Regarding the risk factors, a significantly greater occurrence rate and risk of infection was detected in Al-Najaf compared with Al-Muthanna, as well as in younger camels (1–4 years) compared with older camels. Although the occurrence rate of liver flukes was insignificantly different between females (9.38%) and males (6.98%), females appeared to be at a significantly higher risk of infection than males. Molecularly, 33.33% of the worm samples were positive for species in the Fasciola genus. Phylogenetic analysis of all positive PCR products (total no = 19) confirmed that 63.16% of the local Fasciola spp. isolates were related to the NCBI-Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (NCBI-BLAST) Saudi Arabian Fasciola hepatica isolate at an identity range of 95.94%–99%; while 36.84% of the local Fasciola spp. isolates were related to the NCBI-BLAST Iranian F. gigantica isolate at an identity range of 97.73%–99%.

Conclusion: This study found a 17.67% occurrence of Fasciola spp. in camels, with juvenile worms being more common than adult worms. Molecular analysis revealed that 63.16% of the isolates were related to F. hepatica from Saudi Arabia, while 36.84% matched F. gigantica from Iran. Younger camels and those from Al-Najaf were at higher risk, highlighting the need for targeted control measures.

Keywords: camel trematode, conventional polymerase chain reaction, fascioliasis, one-humped camel, phylogenetic analysis.
Ethnobotanical Study of Wild-Edible Plants in Simada District, South Gondar Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Wassie Kindye Belaye
Published: December 2024

This study was conducted in the Simada district, South Gondar Zone, Ethiopia, to investigate the ethnobotanical properties of wild edible plant species. Ethnobotanical data were collected through individual interviews, focus group discussions, guided field walks, and semi-structured questionnaires at markets. The data were analyzed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 29.0.2.0. Data were further verified using preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, and informant consensus with buyers, sellers, cooks, and elderly users. A total of 45 edible wild plants from various families were recorded in this investigation. Among the identified wild edible plants, fruit was the most used part (60%), followed by leaves (13%). Most (82%) of the wild edible plants in the study area were consumed raw. There was a significant difference in the number of wild edible plants reported by different informant groups (p<0.05). Opuntia ficus indica was the most frequently used wild edible plant, reported by 69.6% of respondents. Simada District has abundant wild edible plants that poor residents consume and sell to supplement their needs. Strengthening conservation, value addition, and market linking methods will improve local livelihoods and promote sustainable wild edible plant resources management.
Double Whammy: A Case Report of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Colitis and Concomitant Cytomegalovirus Colitis in a Patient on Nivolumab
Authors: Gautam Misha , Jahagirdar Vinay , Mahadevia Himil , Sanders Kimberly , Campbell John P. , Sylvestre Pamela B. , Chhabra Rajiv , Clarkston Wendell , Jonnalagadda Sreenivasa S.
Published: December 2024

Immune checkpoint inhibitors commonly cause gastrointestinal immune-related adverse effects. These patients also carry an increased risk of concomitant infections. This 66-year-old man with immune checkpoint inhibitor colitis was discovered to have concurrent Yersinia and Cytomegalovirus colitis. Such infections may mimic or complicate disease course. Hence, clinicians must monitor patient symptoms, have a low threshold for infectious testing and colonoscopy, and consider treatment strategies to mitigate their risk.
Acute Hepatitis B Infection in a Patient With Confirmed Immunity on Long-Acting Cabotegravir/Rilpivirine
Authors: Boateng William K.B. , Carlin Neil , Spira Etan , Szabela Maria E. , Ezeh Kosisochukwu J.
Published: December 2024

Long-acting injectable formulation of cabotegravir/rilpivirine (CAB/RPV) is a promising novel maintenance therapy for HIV infection. However, coinfection with active hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a contraindication to initiating this therapy. Despite guidelines, patients with HBV immunity can still contract acute HBV infection. We report a case of a 30-year-old man with HIV who transitioned from antiretroviral therapy to CAB/RPV and had confirmed HBV immunity. The patient, though asymptomatic, showed significantly elevated liver function tests (LFTs) before his monthly CAB/RPV injection. He was hospitalized and diagnosed with acute HBV infection. His LFTs improved, and he was taken off CAB/RPV and returned to antiretroviral therapy for the treatment of HIV and HBV. During subsequent follow-ups as an outpatient, the patient's LFTs normalized, and his HBV viral load significantly decreased. This case highlights the potential need for routine HBV testing in patients on CAB/RPV therapy.