bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The hair tales of women of color in Northern Manhattan: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Vilfranc Chrystelle L. , Houghton Lauren C. , Tsui Felice , Barrett Emily , Llanos Adana A. M. , Pennell Kurt , Walker Desiree A. H. , Martinez Micaela , Morton Beaumont , Shepard Peggy , Terry Mary Beth , McDonald Jasmine A.
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), such as phthalates, can negatively impact maternal and child health, contributing to impaired fetal growth, preterm birth, and pregnancy complications, as well as increased downstream risks of cardiometabolic disease and breast cancer. Notably, women of color (WOC) are the largest consumers of personal care products, which are a common source of EDC exposure.

Methods

The Let's Reclaim Our Ancestral Roots (Let's R.O.A.R) Pilot Study developed an educational intervention delivered during pregnancy to promote reduced use of phthalate-containing hair care products (HCPs). This mixed-methods study included: (1) a quantitative analysis and (2) a qualitative analysis of the educational sessions and the semi-structured focus groups to evaluate the factors that influenced the hair care practices and product choices of WOC at various stages of life, including their current pregnancy (hereafter referred to as the hair journey). During the sessions, participants learned about EDCs (with a focus on phthalates), the unequal burden of exposure for WOC, adverse implications of exposure, and exposure reduction strategies. Focus group sessions provided insight into participants' hair journeys from childhood to the current pregnancy and explored factors during their hair product selection process. All sessions were transcribed and imported into NVivo Version 12 for coding and thematic analysis.

Results

A total of 46 individuals were enrolled in the study, and 31 participated in an educational session. This current work synthesizes the qualitative analysis of this study. We identified two important life stages (before and after gaining agency over hair care practices and product choices) and three dominant themes related to HCP use: (1) products that impacted the hair journey, which involved all mentions of hair products, (2) factors that influenced the hair journey, which included individuals or entities that shaped participants' hair experiences, and (3) the relationship between hair and sense of self, where sense of self was defined as the alignment of one's inner and outer beauty.

Conclusion

The themes intersected and impacted the participants' hair journey. Cultural integration was a sub-theme that overlapped within the dominant themes and participants discussed the effect of traditions on their hair experiences.
Exploring the future: introduction of a new paradigm to examine intergroup experiences
Authors: Schäfer Sarina J.
Published: March 2024

Intergroup contact theory, as one of the most established research strands in social psychology, has mostly relied on overall measured averages of intergroup contact over larger time spans. Yet, in everyday life, intergroup contact experiences are far more complex: they are sequential and cumulative and may vary on a range of dimensions, such as, for example, their perceived valence. In this article, I introduce a new experimental paradigm, primarily developed as a research manipulation, to examine intergroup contact, manipulated on the unit of single interactions in a video-game setting, which can also be run from a web server, so that participants can join from their home computers. Depending on experimental condition, in a first study, participants rated the perceived quality of multiple positive or negative intergroup interactions with an alien species and intergroup attitudes in a storytelling questionnaire setting (Pilot Study, N = 242). Study 1 implemented these positive and negative interactions in a video game, which was played in the laboratory (N = 44), and examined their effects on the perceived contact quality and intergroup attitudes. Study 2 (N = 64) utilized a web-based version of the video game to test the effects on intergroup attitudes. In all three studies participants in the positive condition evaluated the interactions, as well as the overall outgroup, more positive than participants in the negative condition. Furthermore, Study 1 and 2 explored participants' perception of the virtual environment and previous experiences with video games. The results suggest that specifically developed video games offer new pathways to study intergroup interactions.
Uncovering the heterogeneity of a solar flare mechanism with mixture models
Authors: Do Bach Viet , Chen Yang , Nguyen XuanLong , Manchester Ward
Published: March 2024

The physics of solar flares occurring on the Sun is highly complex and far from fully understood. However, observations show that solar eruptions are associated with the intense kilogauss fields of active regions, where free energies are stored with field-aligned electric currents. With the advent of high-quality data sources such as the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) and Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)/Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI), recent works on solar flare forecasting have been focusing on data-driven methods. In particular, black box machine learning and deep learning models are increasingly being adopted in which underlying data structures are not modeled explicitly. If the active regions indeed follow the same laws of physics, similar patterns should be shared among them, reflected by the observations. Yet, these black box models currently used in the literature do not explicitly characterize the heterogeneous nature of the solar flare data within and between active regions. In this paper, we propose two finite mixture models designed to capture the heterogeneous patterns of active regions and their associated solar flare events. With extensive numerical studies, we demonstrate the usefulness of our proposed method for both resolving the sample imbalance issue and modeling the heterogeneity for rare energetic solar flare events.
The International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health Framework (ICF): a new approach to enhance sport and physical activity participation among people with disabilities in Scotland
Authors: Carlin Liz , McPherson Gayle , Davison Richard
Published: March 2024

This research provides a pilot study of the International Classification of Functioning Disability and Health Framework (ICF) involving persons with disabilities (PWD) with and without lived experience of sport participation in Scotland. National surveys in Scotland provide limited information on the nature of individual disability restricting the understanding of the relationship between disability and sport and physical activity participation. The ICF is a framework that aims to describe and classify functioning and thus can be used as a tool to provide a more detailed description of impairment for PWDs beyond their clinical condition. This knowledge has the potential to enhance the development of policies to increase the participation levels in this group. The ICF has also been used to inform the current IPC classification system at a competitive and elite level. As part of a larger study, 450 participants aged between 12 and 70 years completed an online questionnaire examining attitudes to, and participation in, sport and physical activity as well as completing the structural and functional components of the ICF. Subsequently, 18 people participated in focus groups aged between 13 and 61 years. The focus groups examined four meta-theme areas: physical, social, psychological, and sport-specific factors. The results confirm that the ICF provided a more detailed indicator of the key impairments that could have an impact on sport and physical activity participation. There was a clear lack of awareness of the links between the ICF and the classification system for competitive parasport. We concluded that a modified ICF-based assessment tool, incorporating social and environmental factors, has the potential to predict the likelihood of participation and offers a more comprehensive picture of both individual and national disability characteristics. This allows for the development of targeted policies and strategies to assist those with a disability to participate in sport. The overall framework presents a shift in thinking, in policy terms, for those in public health and in sport governance and delivery. The significance of this work is especially concerned with public health and wellbeing and sport development policy as pathways from recreational sport user to elite athlete parasport classification and performance.
Determinants of animal disease and nontherapeutic antibiotic use on smallholder livestock farms
Authors: Emes Eve , Kagambèga Assèta , Dione Michel
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Reducing nontherapeutic antibiotic use (ABU) in livestock animals has been identified as an important way of curbing the growth of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). However, nontherapeutic ABU may be important for managing animal disease. In order to reduce nontherapeutic ABU, farmers may need to implement other complementary interventions to safeguard animal health and minimize risk. We should therefore investigate if nontherapeutic ABU is associated with better animal health outcomes before advocating to reduce it. We should also investigate non-antibiotic factors which protect animal health and can make nontherapeutic use less necessary, as well as factors which can encourage farmers to improve their antibiotic stewardship.

Methods

The study investigated these questions using data from the AMUSE survey, which is designed to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to AMR in smallholder livestock farms. The sample included 320 animal herds from 216 smallholder livestock farms in Burkina Faso, with livestock species including poultry, small ruminants, and cattle. The determinants of the occurrence of animal disease and nontherapeutic ABU were investigated using binary logistic regression.

Results

Results revealed that nontherapeutic ABU was positively associated with animal disease, although the potential reverse causality of this relationship should be investigated further. Going primarily to a public veterinarian for animal health services, and having a higher level of formal education, were negatively associated with the occurrence of disease. Going primarily to a community animal health worker was positively associated with using antibiotics nontherapeutically, whereas going primarily to a public veterinarian was negatively associated with this outcome. Having an animal health professional (of any kind) provide diagnosis and treatment was positively associated with nontherapeutic antibiotic use for goats and sheep.

Discussion

These findings support the expansion of education access and public veterinary services as a way to encourage better antibiotic stewardship while guarding against any animal health risks associated with doing so. They also highlight that animal health professionals other than public veterinarians may prioritize animal health outcomes over antibiotic stewardship goals.
Revisiting the genotypes of Theileria equi based on the V4 hypervariable region of the 18S rRNA gene
Authors: Nehra Anil Kumar , Kumari Ansu , Moudgil Aman Dev , Vohra Sukhdeep
Published: March 2024

Introduction

Equine theileriosis, an economically important disease that affects horses and other equids worldwide, is caused by a tick-borne intracellular apicomplexan protozoa Theileria equi. Genotyping of T. equi based on the 18S rRNA gene revealed the presence of two, three, four or five genotypes. In previous published reports, these genotypes have been labelled either alphabetically or numerically, and there is no uniformity in naming of these genotypes. The present study was aimed to revisit the phylogeny, genetic diversity and geographical distribution of T. equi based on the nucleotide sequences of the V4 hypervariable region of the 18S rRNA gene available in the nucleotide databases.

Methods

Out of 14792 nucleotide sequences of T. equi available in the GenBank™, only 736 sequences of T. equi containing the complete V4 hypervariable region of the 18S rRNA gene (>207 bp) were used in multiple sequence alignment. Subsequently, a maximum likelihood phylogenetic tree was constructed based on the Kimura 2-parameter model (K2+I).

Results

The phylogenetic tree placed all the sequences into four distinct clades with high bootstrap values which were designated as T. equi clades/ genotypes A, B, C and D. Our results indicated that the genotype B of Nagore et al. and genotype E of Qablan et al. together formed the clade B with a high bootstrap value (95%). Furthermore, all the genotypes probably originated from clade B, which was the most dominant genotype (52.85%) followed by clades A (27.58%), and C (9.78%) and D (9.78%). Genotype C manifested a comparatively higher genetic diversity (91.0-100% identity) followed by genotypes A (93.2-99.5%), and B and D (95.7-100%). The alignment report of the consensus nucleotide sequences of the V4 hypervariable region of the 18S rRNA gene of four T. equi genotypes (A-D) revealed significant variations in one region, between nucleotide positions 113-183, and 41 molecular signatures were recognized. As far as geographical distribution is concerned, genotypes A and C exhibited far-extending geographical distribution involving 31 and 13 countries of the Asian, African, European, North American and South American continents, respectively. On the contrary, the genotypes B and D exemplified limited distribution with confinement to 21 and 12 countries of Asian, African and European continents, respectively. Interestingly, genotypes A and C have been reported from only two continents, viz., North and South America. It was observed that genotypes A and C, and B and D exhibit similar geographical distribution.

Discussion

The present study indicated the presence of only four previously described T. equi genotypes (A, B, C and D) after performing the molecular analyses of all available sequences of the complete V4 hypervariable region of the 18S rRNA gene of T. equi isolates in the GenBank™.
Positive correlation between persistence of medical nutrition therapy and overall survival in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Molnár Andrea , Pálfi Erzsébet , Belák Barbara , Blasszauer Célia , Reibl Dániel , Lövey József
Published: March 2024

Background: Several factors can affect overall survival of head and neck cancer (HNC) patients, including characteristics of the cancer disease and response to treatments. However, patients’ nutritional status and the effectiveness of medical nutrition therapy (MNT) can also impact overall survival. The primary goal of our research was to collect real-life data on the use of MNT in HNC patients and to specifically investigate the correlation between survival and the duration of uninterrupted (persistent) nutrition.

Method: The data of this retrospective, analytical, cohort study was collected from electronic healthcare records from the Hungarian National Health Insurance Fund Management. Overall, 38,675 HNC patients’ data of the period between 2012 and 2021 was used. We applied multi-step exclusions to identify patient groups accurately and to avoid biasing factors. Statistical analysis was done by the Kaplan-Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox regression analysis.

Results: Throughout the investigated period 16,871 (64%) patients received MNT therapy out of 26,253 newly diagnosed patients (≥18 years). In terms of the persistence of MNT, we divided the patients into three groups (1–3; 4–6; ≥7-month duration of MNT). When comparing these groups, we found that patients receiving long-term (≥7 months) MNT had a significantly longer overall survival (p < 0.0001) than those who received MNT for a shorter duration, both in locally advanced and recurrent/metastatic cases.

Conclusion: The main outcome of the study is that there is a positive correlation between the persistence of MNT and the overall survival in HNC patients when nutritional intervention lasts several months. It highlights the responsibility of the specialists during the patient journey to use MNT early and to continue its use for as long as it is beneficial to the patients.
Modeling of Some Classes of Extended Oscillators: Simulations, Algorithms, Generating Chaos, and Open Problems
Authors: Kyurkchiev Nikolay , Zaevski Tsvetelin , Iliev Anton , Kyurkchiev Vesselin , Rahnev Asen
Published: March 2024

In this article, we propose some extended oscillator models. Various experiments are performed. The models are studied using the Melnikov approach. We show some integral units for researching the behavior of these hypothetical oscillators. These will be implemented as add-on sections of a thoughtful main web-based application for researching computations. One of the main goals of the study is to share the difficulties that researchers (who are not necessarily professional mathematicians) encounter in using contemporary computer algebraic systems (CASs) for scientific research to examine in detail the dynamics of modifications of classical and newer models that are emerging in the literature (for the large values of the parameters of the models). The present article is a natural continuation of the research in the direction that has been indicated and discussed in our previous investigations. One possible application that the Melnikov function may find in the modeling of a radiating antenna diagram is also discussed. Some probability-based constructions are also presented. We hope that some of these notes will be reflected in upcoming registered rectifications of the CAS. The aim of studying the design realization (scheme, manufacture, output, etc.) of the explored differential models can be viewed as not yet being met.
Evaluating the Path to the European Commission’s Organic Agriculture Goal: A Multivariate Analysis of Changes in EU Countries (2004–2021) and Socio-Economic Relationships
Authors: Krajewski Stefan , Žukovskis Jan , Gozdowski Dariusz , Cieśliński Marek , Wójcik-Gront Elżbieta
Published: March 2024

This study comprehensively analyzed the dynamic landscape of organic farming in the European Union (EU) from 2004 to 2021, investigating the shifts in dedicated agricultural areas influenced by evolving preferences and the priorities of farmers and consumers. Examining the impact of socio-economic factors, including gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, the human development index (HDI), and human population density, this study established multivariate relationships through country-level analyses based on correlations, principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and panel analysis. Despite a universal increase in the organic agriculture areas across all the EU countries during the study period, the production levels exhibited negative correlations with the human population density, GDP per capita, and HDI. Notably, the Baltic countries and Austria led in organic farming production, while Malta, the Netherlands, Belgium, Ireland, and Luxemburg formed a distinct group in the cluster analysis with less intensive organic agriculture per capita. These insights are crucial for supporting the resilience and sustainability of organic farming as it continues to evolve. Predictions of organic agriculture share for 2030 based on trends evaluated using linear regression in the years 2004–2021 estimated about 12% of utilized agricultural area, which was much lower than the target share of the European Commission at 25%. Predictions based on linear regression showed that achieving the European Green Deal target of a 25% share of organic agriculture in unlikely in most EU countries by 2030. The target is only highly probable to be obtained in Austria, Estonia, and Sweden. The EU countries varied significantly across various indices characterizing organic agriculture, including organic agriculture area share. It should be noted that the study was conducted on the data obtained prior to the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, which could potentially alter the previous trends in the development of organic agriculture in the EU.
Abnormal Calcium Accumulation and ROS Homeostasis-Induced Tapetal Programmed Cell Death Lead to Pollen Abortion of Petaloid-Type Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Camellia oleifera
Authors: Gao Xiaolei , Yang Ying , Ye Jiawei , Xiong Huan , Yuan Deyi , Zou Feng
Published: March 2024

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) plays a crucial role in the utilization of heterosis. The petaloid anther abortion in oil tea (Camellia oleifera Abel.) constitutes a CMS phenomenon, which is of great value for the hybrid breeding of oil tea. However, as the mechanism of its CMS is still poorly understood, it is necessary to study the cytology and physiological characteristics of anther abortion. In this study, a C. oleifera cultivar, Huashuo (HS), and its petalized CMS mutant (HSP) were used as materials to explore this mechanism. Compared with HS, cytological analysis demonstrated that HSP showed early-onset tapetum programmed cell death (PCD) and an organelle disorder phenotype during the tetrad stage. In HSP, anthers exhibited elevated levels of calcium deposition in anther wall tissues, tapetum layers, and microspores, and yet calcium accumulation was abnormal at the later stage. The contents of hydrogen peroxide and MDA in HSP anthers were higher, and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) were lower than those of HS, which resulted in an excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Real-time quantitative PCR confirmed that the transcription levels of CoPOD and CoCAT genes encoding key antioxidant enzymes in HSP were downregulated compared with HS in early pollen development; the gene CoCPK, which encodes a calcium-dependent protein kinase associated with antioxidase, was upregulated during the critical period. Thus, we suggest that excessive ROS as a signal breaks the balance of the antioxidant system, and along with an abnormal distribution of calcium ions, leads to the early initiation of PCD in the tapetum, and ultimately leads to pollen abortion for HSP. These results lay a cytological and physiological foundation for further studies on the CMS mechanism, and provide information for breeding male-sterile lines of C. oleifera.
Mitochondrial Variation of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Canary Islands Suggests a Key Population for Conservation with High Connectivity within the North-East Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Gómez-Lobo Daniel A. , Monteoliva Agustín P. , Fernandez Antonio , Arbelo Manuel , de la Fuente Jesús , Pérez-Gil Mónica , Varo-Cruz Nuria , Servidio Antonella , Pérez-Gil Enrique , Borrell Yaisel J. , Miralles Laura
Published: March 2024

In recent decades, worldwide cetacean species have been protected, but they are still threatened. The bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) is a vulnerable keystone species and a useful bioindicator of the health and balance of marine ecosystems in oceans all over the world. The genetic structure of the species is shaped by their niche specialization (along with other factors), leading to the classification of two ecotypes: coastal and pelagic. In this study, the genetic diversity, population structure, and ecotypes of bottlenose dolphins from the Canary Islands were assessed through the analysis of 49 new samples from biopsies and from stranded animals using the 636 bp portion of the mitochondrial control region and 343 individuals from databases (n = 392). The results reveal high genetic diversity in Canarian bottlenose dolphins (Hd = 0.969 and π = 0.0165) and the apparent lack of population genetic structure within this archipelago. High genetic structure (Fst, Φst) was found between the Canary Islands and coastal populations, while little to no structure was found with the pelagic populations. These results suggest that Canarian bottlenose dolphins are part of pelagic ecotype populations in the North Atlantic. The studied Special Areas of Conservation in the Canary Islands may correspond to a hotspot of genetic diversity of the species and could be a strategic area for the conservation of the oceanic ecotype of bottlenose dolphins.
Novel Microsatellite Tags Hold Promise for Illuminating the Lost Years in Four Sea Turtle Species
Authors: Candela Tony , Wyneken Jeanette , Leijen Peter , Gaspar Philippe , Vandeperre Frederic , Norton Terry , Mustin Walter , Temple-Boyer Julien , Turla Emily , Barbour Nicole , Williamson Sean , Guedes Rui , Graça Gonçalo , Beltran Ivan , Batalha Joana , Herguedas Andrea , Zailo Davide , Baboolal Vandanaa , Casella Francesca , Shillinger George L.
Published: March 2024

After hatching, sea turtles leave the nest and disperse into the ocean. Many years later, they return to their natal coastlines. The period between their leaving and their returning to natal areas, known as the “Lost Years”, is poorly understood. Satellite tracking studies aimed at studying the “Lost Years” are challenging due to the small size and prolonged dispersal phases of young individuals. Here, we summarize preliminary findings about the performance of prototype microsatellite tags deployed over a three-year period on 160 neonate to small juvenile sea turtles from four species released in the North Atlantic Ocean. We provide an overview of results analyzing tag performance with metrics to investigate transmission characteristics and causes of tag failure. Our results reveal that, despite certain unfavorable transmission features, overall tag performance was satisfactory. However, most track durations were shorter than those observed on individuals of similar size in other studies and did not allow for detailed analyses of trajectories and turtle behavior. Our study further suggests that tracking durations are correlated with the targeted species, highlighting a lack of robustness against some neritic behaviors. Unprecedented diving data obtained for neonate sea turtles in this study suggest that the vertical behaviors of early juveniles are already too strenuous for these miniaturized tags. Our findings will help to inform the biologging research community, showcasing recent technological advances for the species and life stages within our study.
Effect of Different Dilution Methods and Ratios of Ram Semen on Sperm Parameters after Cryopreservation
Authors: Zhang Liuming , Wang Xuyang , Jiang Caiyu , Sohail Tariq , Sun Yuxuan , Sun Xiaomei , Wang Jian , Li Yongjun
Published: March 2024

The dilution method and ratio were tested to assess their effects on the Hu ram semen after cryopreservation. Experiment I aimed to explore the effect of various dilution ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4) of diluent I (Tris-based and egg yolk) under the condition of 1:1 dilution of diluent II (diluent I and glycerol) on the Hu ram semen preserved in liquid nitrogen regarding spermatozoa motility and kinetic parameters. Experiment II aimed to investigate the effect of various dilution ratios (1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4) of diluent I under the condition of 1:2 dilution of diluent II to the Hu ram semen for cryopreservation on spermatozoa motility and kinetic parameters. The purpose of experiment III is to assess the effect of various dilution methods and ratios on the cryopreservation of Hu ram semen by detecting spermatozoa motility, kinetic parameters, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Experiment III includes four groups: one-step dilution method and two-step dilution method. The two-step dilution method includes two groups: 1:2, 1:1 and 1:3, 1:2, and the one-step dilution method includes two groups: 1:5 and 1:11. The results indicated that the post-thawed spermatozoa total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM) and average motion degree (MAD) were highest in the 1:2 group and significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the 1:1 and 1:4 groups under the condition of 1:1 dilution of diluent II. The post-thawed spermatozoa TM and PM of the 1:3 group were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those of the other groups under the condition of 1:2 dilution of diluent II. The post-thawed spermatozoa TM, PM, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity of the two-step group (1:3, 1:2) were the highest and significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the other groups. Additionally, the post-thawed spermatozoa ROS level of the two-step group (1:3, 1:2) was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than that in the one-step groups (1:5 and 1:11). Therefore, a two-step dilution (1:3, 1:2) was found to be the most suitable method and ratio for diluting the Hu ram semen after cryopreservation.
Use of a Custom-Made Patellar Groove Replacement in an American Staffordshire Terrier Puppy with a Severe Bone Defect in the Femoral Trochlea Caused by Hematogenous Osteomyelitis
Authors: Panichi Enrico , Sassaroli Sara , Ciccarese Giorgio Maria , Riccio Valentina , Balestriere Caterina , Barbaccia Marco , Cappellari Fulvio , Burkhan Ekaterina , Palumbo Piccionello Angela
Published: March 2024

An 8-month-old male American Staffordshire terrier was referred for a no-weightbearing lameness of the right pelvic limb, hyperthermia, lethargy and inappetence. Two months before, endocarditis was diagnosed and treated in another veterinary hospital. Orthopedic, radiographic and tomographic examinations revealed a bone sequestrum of 4 × 1.4 cm and active periosteal reaction of the caudo-lateral cortical in the metaphysis and the distal third of the right femoral diaphysis, medullary osteolysis and interruption of the cranio-medial cortical profile, with involvement of the femoral trochlea leading to a secondary medial patella luxation. Hematogenous osteomyelitis was the suspected diagnosis. Once skeletally mature, after 4 months from surgical debridement and aggressive antibiotic therapy against Klebsiella oxytoca revealed by a bacteriological exam, the patient underwent prosthetic surgery for the application of a custom-made patellar groove replacement (PGR) to fill the bone defect and restore the femoral trochlea surface. Despite the serious injury that afflicted the right pelvic limb, the surgery had satisfactory outcomes until the last 18-month postoperative follow up.
Deep Learning Methods for Tracking the Locomotion of Individual Chickens
Authors: Yang Xiao , Bist Ramesh Bahadur , Paneru Bidur , Chai Lilong
Published: March 2024

Poultry locomotion is an important indicator of animal health, welfare, and productivity. Traditional methodologies such as manual observation or the use of wearable devices encounter significant challenges, including potential stress induction and behavioral alteration in animals. This research introduced an innovative approach that employs an enhanced track anything model (TAM) to track chickens in various experimental settings for locomotion analysis. Utilizing a dataset comprising both dyed and undyed broilers and layers, the TAM model was adapted and rigorously evaluated for its capability in non-intrusively tracking and analyzing poultry movement by intersection over union (mIoU) and the root mean square error (RMSE). The findings underscore TAM’s superior segmentation and tracking capabilities, particularly its exemplary performance against other state-of-the-art models, such as YOLO (you only look once) models of YOLOv5 and YOLOv8, and its high mIoU values (93.12%) across diverse chicken categories. Moreover, the model demonstrated notable accuracy in speed detection, as evidenced by an RMSE value of 0.02 m/s, offering a technologically advanced, consistent, and non-intrusive method for tracking and estimating the locomotion speed of chickens. This research not only substantiates TAM as a potent tool for detailed poultry behavior analysis and monitoring but also illuminates its potential applicability in broader livestock monitoring scenarios, thereby contributing to the enhancement of animal welfare and management in poultry farming through automated, non-intrusive monitoring and analysis.
Pan-Genome Plasticity and Virulence Factors: A Natural Treasure Trove for Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Karampatakis Theodoros , Tsergouli Katerina , Behzadi Payam
Published: March 2024

Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative pathogen responsible for a variety of community- and hospital-acquired infections. It is recognized as a life-threatening pathogen among hospitalized individuals and, in particular, immunocompromised patients in many countries. A. baumannii, as a member of the ESKAPE group, encompasses high genomic plasticity and simultaneously is predisposed to receive and exchange the mobile genetic elements (MGEs) through horizontal genetic transfer (HGT). Indeed, A. baumannii is a treasure trove that contains a high number of virulence factors. In accordance with these unique pathogenic characteristics of A. baumannii, the authors aim to discuss the natural treasure trove of pan-genome and virulence factors pertaining to this bacterial monster and try to highlight the reasons why this bacterium is a great concern in the global public health system.
Current Therapeutic Approaches for Multidrug-Resistant and Extensively Drug-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infections
Authors: Rafailidis Petros , Panagopoulos Periklis , Koutserimpas Christos , Samonis George
Published: March 2024

The treatment of Acinetobacter baumannii infections remains a challenge for physicians worldwide in the 21st century. The bacterium possesses a multitude of mechanisms to escape the human immune system. The consequences of A. baumannii infections on morbidity and mortality, as well on financial resources, remain dire. Furthermore, A. baumannii superinfections have also occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. While prevention is important, the antibiotic armamentarium remains the most essential factor for the treatment of these infections. The main problem is the notorious resistance profile (including resistance to carbapenems and colistin) that this bacterium exhibits. While newer beta lactam/beta-lactamase inhibitors have entered clinical practice, with excellent results against various infections due to Enterobacteriaceae, their contribution against A. baumannii infections is almost absent. Hence, we have to resort to at least one of the following, sulbactam, polymyxins E or B, tigecycline or aminoglycosides, against multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant (XDR) A. baumannii infections. Furthermore, the notable addition of cefiderocol in the fight against A. baumannii infections represents a useful addition. We present herein the existing information from the last decade regarding therapeutic advances against MDR/XDR A. baumannii infections.
Post-COVID-19 Pandemic Rebound of Macrolide-Resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection: A Descriptive Study
Authors: Xing Fan-Fan , Chiu Kelvin Hei-Yeung , Deng Chao-Wen , Ye Hai-Yan , Sun Lin-Lin , Su Yong-Xian , Cai Hui-Jun , Lo Simon Kam-Fai , Rong Lei , Chen Jian-Liang , Cheng Vincent Chi-Chung , Lung David Christopher , Sridhar Siddharth , Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo , Hung Ivan Fan-Ngai , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: March 2024

The rebound characteristics of respiratory infections after lifting pandemic control measures were uncertain. From January to November 2023, patients presenting at a teaching hospital were tested for common respiratory viruses and Mycoplasma pneumoniae using a combination of antigen, nucleic acid amplification, and targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS) tests. The number and rate of positive tests per month, clinical and microbiological characteristics were analyzed. A rapid rebound of SARS-CoV-2 was followed by a slower rebound of M. pneumoniae, with an interval of 5 months between their peaks. The hospitalization rate was higher, with infections caused by respiratory viruses compared to M. pneumoniae. Though the pediatric hospitalization rate of respiratory viruses (66.1%) was higher than that of M. pneumoniae (34.0%), the 4094 cases of M. pneumoniae within 6 months posed a huge burden on healthcare services. Multivariate analysis revealed that M. pneumoniae-infected adults had more fatigue, comorbidities, and higher serum C-reactive protein, whereas children had a higher incidence of other respiratory pathogens detected by tNGS or pathogen-specific PCR, fever, and were more likely to be female. A total of 85% of M. pneumoniae-positive specimens had mutations detected at the 23rRNA gene, with 99.7% showing A2063G mutation. Days to defervescence were longer in those not treated by effective antibiotics and those requiring a change in antibiotic treatment. A delayed but significant rebound of M. pneumoniae was observed after the complete relaxation of pandemic control measures. No unusual, unexplained, or unresponsive cases of respiratory infections which warrant further investigation were identified.
Bee Bread: A Promising Source of Bioactive Compounds with Antioxidant Properties—First Report on Some Antimicrobial Features
Authors: Ilie Cornelia-Ioana , Spoiala Angela , Geana Elisabeta-Irina , Chircov Cristina , Ficai Anton , Ditu Lia-Mara , Oprea Eliza
Published: March 2024

Bee bread has received attention due to its high nutritional value, especially its phenolic composition, which enhances life quality. The present study aimed to evaluate the chemical and antimicrobial properties of bee bread (BB) samples from Romania. Initially, the bee bread alcoholic extracts (BBEs) were obtained from BB collected and prepared by Apis mellifera carpatica bees. The chemical composition of the BBE was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and the total phenols and flavonoid contents were determined. Also, a UHPLC-DAD-ESI/MS analysis of phenolic compounds (PCs) and antioxidant activity were evaluated. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of BBEs was evaluated by qualitative and quantitative assessments. The BBs studied in this paper are provided from 31 families of plant species, with the total phenols content and total flavonoid content varying between 7.10 and 18.30 mg gallic acid equivalents/g BB and between 0.45 and 1.86 mg quercetin equivalents/g BB, respectively. Chromatographic analysis revealed these samples had a significant content of phenolic compounds, with flavonoids in much higher quantities than phenolic acids. All the BBEs presented antimicrobial activity against all clinical and standard pathogenic strains tested. Salmonella typhi, Candida glabrata, Candida albicans, and Candida kefyr strains were the most sensitive, while BBEs’ antifungal activity on C. krusei and C. kefyr was not investigated in any prior research. In addition, this study reports the BBEs’ inhibitory activity on microbial (bacterial and fungi) adhesion capacity to the inert substratum for the first time.
Systemic Oxidative Stress in Subacute Stroke Patients Undergoing Rehabilitation Treatment
Authors: Cocco Carola , Siotto Mariacristina , Guerrini Alessandro , Germanotta Marco , Galluccio Caterina , Cipollini Valeria , Cortellini Laura , Pavan Arianna , Lattanzi Stefania , Insalaco Sabina , Ruco Elisabetta , Mosca Rita , Campana Biagio , Aprile Irene
Published: March 2024

The imbalance in oxidative stress in acute stroke has been extensively studied; on the contrary, its investigation in the subacute phase is limited. The aim of this study was to analyse the variation in the systemic oxidative status in subacute post-stroke patients before (T0) and after a six-week rehabilitation treatment (T1) and to investigate the relationship between systemic oxidative status and rehabilitation outcomes. We enrolled 109 subjects in two different centres, and we analysed their serum hydroperoxide levels (d-ROMs), biological antioxidant power (BAP), thiol antioxidant components (-SHp), and relative antioxidant capacity (OSI and SH-OSI indices). Activity of Daily Living (ADL), hand grip strength, and walking endurance were evaluated using the modified Barthel Index, the Hand Grip test, and the 6-min walk test, respectively. At T0, most of the patients showed very high levels of d-ROMs and suboptimal levels of the BAP, OSI, and SH-OSI indices. Comparing the T1 and T0 data, we observed an improvement in the rehabilitation outcomes and a significant decrease in d-ROMs (549 ± 126 vs. 523 ± 148, p = 0.023), as well as an improvement in the OSI and SH-OSI indices (4.3 ± 1.3 vs. 4.7 ± 1.5, p = 0.001; 11.0 ± 0.4 vs. 1.2 ± 0.4, p < 0.001). In addition, significant correlations were seen between the oxidative stress parameters and the rehabilitation outcomes. These results suggest monitoring the systemic oxidative stress status in post-stroke patients in order to plan a tailored intervention, considering its relationship with functional recovery.
Investigation of Disc Cutter Wear in Tunnel-Boring Machines (TBMs): Integration of Photogrammetry, Measurement with a Caliper, Weighing, and Macroscopic Visual Inspection
Authors: Janc Blaž , Vižintin Goran , Pal Andrej
Published: March 2024

During the construction of tunnels using tunnel-boring machines (TBMs), the wear of disc cutters is an unavoidable process. The timely replacement of worn disc cutters can have a positive effect on construction time and therefore on costs. The wear of disc cutters can be assessed using various measurement methods. The aim of this article is to show different methods of measuring and evaluating the wear of disc cutters and to present their main advantages and disadvantages. In this study, four different wear-measuring methods were used and applied to a worn double disc cutter: a macroscopic visual inspection, profile measurement with a caliper, weighing, and close-range photogrammetry. The results of the measurements showed that the worn disc cutter was subject to normal abrasive wear, with local steel chipping occurring. Based on the close-range photogrammetry measurements, a profile of the worn disc cutter was also created and compared with the original profile. It was found that the best results for the wear assessment of a disc cutter can be achieved by using several measurement methods simultaneously. The integration of different measurement and evaluation methods is therefore recommended for a comprehensive understanding of disc cutter wear.
High-Risk HPV Cervical Lesion Potential Correlations Mining over Large-Scale Knowledge Graphs
Authors: Zhou Tiehua , Xu Pengcheng , Wang Ling , Tang Yingxuan
Published: March 2024

Lesion prediction, a very important aspect of cancer disease prediction, is an important marker for patients before they become cancerous. Currently, traditional machine learning methods are gradually applied in disease prediction based on patient vital signs data. Accurate prediction requires a large amount and high quality of data, however, the difficulty in obtaining and incompleteness of electronic medical record (EMR) data leads to certain difficulties in disease prediction by traditional machine learning methods. Secondly, there are many factors that contribute to the development of cervical lesions, some risk factors are directly related to it while others are indirectly related to them. In addition, risk factors have an interactive effect on the development of cervical lesions; it does not occur in isolation, a large-scale knowledge graph is constructed base on the close relationships among risk factors in the literature, and new potential key risk factors are mined based on common risk factors through a subgraph mining method. Then lesion prediction algorithm is proposed to predict the likelihood of lesions in patients base on the set of key risk factors. Experimental results show that the circumvents the problems of large number of missing values in EMR data and discovered key risk factors that are easily ignored but have better prediction effect. Therefore, The method had better accuracy in predicting cervical lesions.
Highlight Removal Emphasizing Detail Restoration
Authors: Jiang Shengrui , Cheng Li , Yuan Haiwen , Li Xuan
Published: March 2024

In existing highlight removal methods, research on highlights on metal surfaces is relatively limited. Therefore, this paper proposes a new, simple, effective method for removing highlights from metal surfaces, which can better restore image details. Additionally, the approach presented in this paper is highly effective for highlight removal in everyday real-world highlight scenarios. Specifically, we first separate the image’s illumination space based on the Retinex model and generate a highlight mask using the mean plus standard deviation method. Then, based on the mask, we transform the original image and the image at the corresponding mask position to the V channel of the HSV space, achieving the effective elimination of highlights. To enhance the details of the restored image, this paper introduces a method involving adaptive Laplacian sharpening operators and gradient fusion for detail enhancement at highlight removal positions. Finally, a highlight-free image with well-preserved details is obtained. In the experimental phase, we validate the proposed method using real welding seam highlight datasets and real-world highlight datasets. Compared with the existing methods, the proposed method achieves high-quality qualitative and quantitative evaluation.
A Study of the Bond Strength and Mechanism between Basalt Fibers and Asphalt Binders
Authors: Sun Zhiwei , Kou Changjiang , Lu Yu , Wu Zhengguang , Kang Aihong , Xiao Peng
Published: March 2024

The bond strength between basalt fibers and asphalt binders is an important parameter that can be used to evaluate the influence of basalt fibers on the mechanical properties of asphalt binders and asphalt mixtures. To date, however, there remains a lack of methods that can be used to assess the bond strength between basalt fibers and asphalt binders. This study employed a fiber-asphalt pull-out tester (POT). Significant upward, peak, and downward stages were observed from the relationship curves between the pull-out force (POF) and displacement, corresponding to the holding stage and reaching the maximum POF stage and the sliding or failure stage between fibers and asphalt binders. Maximum POF is recommended to calculate the bond strength between basalt fibers and asphalt binders. The types of asphalt binders suitable for basalt fibers and the appropriate fiber embedding depths for different types of asphalt binders guiding the selection of fiber length are recommended based on the influence of fiber embedding depth and asphalt binders on the fiber–asphalt bond strength. In addition, surface energy was used to calculate the bond strength as well. Surface energy was determined from contact angle measurements using the sessile drop method. Furthermore, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was employed to examine the bond mechanism between asphalt binders and basalt fibers. These experiments showed how basalt fibers serve to reinforce asphalt mixtures by bonding with asphalt binders.