bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Disminución de plomo de residuos anódicos MnO2 por descomposición térmica y lixiviación con acetato de amonio
Authors: Avalo Cortez Orfelinda , Martínez Coronel Miguel Jaime , Martínez Aguilar David Pedro , Yoplac Castromonte Edwilde , Uza Teruya Julio
Published: January 2025

Introducción: El dióxido de manganeso (MnO2) es un subproducto generado en el proceso de electrólisis durante la obtención de zinc catódico. Este se adhiere a los ánodos de Pb-Ag, formando costras que pueden dificultar su reutilización. Para resolver esto, se realiza un ciclo de lavado mediante cepillado y planchado, generando residuos de MnO2 con Pb. Metodología: El pretratamiento consistió en la descomposición térmica del MnO2 alfa, lo que provocó cambios de fase y aumentó la cristalinidad y el tamaño de partícula. Se realizaron pruebas de lixiviación usando acetato de amonio para lixiviar PbSO4 a temperatura ambiente, aplicando agitación magnética y baño de ultrasonido a diferentes temperaturas (300, 500 y 900°C). Resultados: La descomposición térmica del α-MnO2 cambió su estructura a Mn2O3 y Mn3O4, aumentando su tamaño de cristalito de 14,82 nm a 256,9 nm. En las pruebas de lixiviación, la cantidad de Pb en el residuo anódico se redujo en un 61%, pasando de 4,84% a 1,89% de Pb. Discusión: Se observaron cambios significativos en la morfología y el tamaño de partícula del MnO2 antes y después de la descomposición térmica, facilitando la remoción del Pb y reduciendo el contenido de Mn en la solución lixiviada. Conclusiones: Se logró reducir el plomo en el residuo anódico en un 61%, generando PbO casi puro como subproducto, y un efluente con contenidos de Pb y Mn dentro de la normativa ambiental.
4.000 años de historia a un click de distancia
Authors: Mesa Guzmán Tomás
Published: January 2025

Introducción: Esta investigación aborda el impacto de los procesos investigativos en la sociedad contemporánea, con el objetivo de comprender cómo se produce el conocimiento y el avance tecnológico en el siglo XXI a través de tres ejes temáticos: la información en la sociedad digitalizada, la evolución de la producción científica y el concepto de “conocimiento sostenible”. Metodología: Se utilizó un enfoque mixto, analizando el impacto del conocimiento sostenible mediante testimonios de expertos. La investigación, de alcance descriptivo, exploró fenómenos relacionados con el objeto de estudio. El diseño fue no experimental y se utilizó una entrevista semiestructurada como instrumento de recolección de datos. Resultados: Se identificó una falta de claridad respecto a los actores involucrados en el dinamismo de la información y la producción del conocimiento, lo que afecta la comprensión del proceso de creación y difusión del conocimiento. Discusión: La investigación subraya la necesidad de abordar el conocimiento sostenible como un proceso integral, que no solo involucre la producción y difusión del conocimiento, sino también su resonancia intelectual en la sociedad. Conclusiones: Para lograr un desarrollo sostenible, es esencial dirigir la producción y difusión del conocimiento, y fomentar procesos de resonancia intelectual que perduren en el tiempo.
Análisis de la narrativa audiovisual, la violencia y el discurso de odio en los dibujos animados infantiles
Authors: Rivera Martín Beatriz , Martínez de Bartolomé Rincón Ireide
Published: January 2025

Introducción: La comunicación audiovisual tiene un impacto directo en la audiencia, sirviendo de referente sobre costumbres, identidades, instituciones y cómo funciona la sociedad en general. Cuando esa audiencia está compuesta por colectivos vulnerables, en los que se enmarca a la infancia, el discurso y la narrativa audiovisual cobran mayor protagonismo en su percepción del mundo que les rodea. El objetivo de la presente investigación es detectar y analizar el discurso de odio de los guiones y narrativas audiovisuales de los dibujos animados infantiles, El asombroso mundo de Gumball y Bob Esponja, emitidos en horario protegido, en canales temáticos en abierto y en plataformas de vídeo bajo demanda en España. Metodología: Se ha recurrido al análisis crítico del discurso (ACD) para desentrañar la estructura, los elementos y el significado profundo de una producción audiovisual de animación para menores. Resultados: Como conclusiones preliminares se señala el exceso de violencia en las interacciones entre los personajes de las series analizadas, tanto a nivel oral como físico, normalizando la agresividad como modelo de resolución de conflictos. Conclusiones: La exposición a la violencia en los dibujos animados puede ser, en definitiva, perjudicial en edades tempranas, y fomentar sociedades violentas, no inclusivas y poco tolerantes.
Midiendo salud mental en estudiantes universitarios de Chile: construcción y validación de un cuestionario
Authors: Olivares Peña Karen , Díaz Herrera Claudio
Published: January 2025

Introducción: A partir de los cambios que el confinamiento pandémico trajo consigo, la salud mental en el sector educación pasó a ser relevante, toda vez que, estas alteraciones de las prácticas académicas de este periodo están evidenciando secuelas en la salud mental de los estudiantes. Objetivo: Construir y validar un instrumento que mida la salud mental desde una perspectiva socioeconómica, la cual concibe la salud mental como un emergente social. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo, no experimental y transversal. La muestra fue de 313 estudiantes universitarios. Desde una perspectiva teórica socioeconómica, el instrumento se configuró en siete dimensiones, distribuidas en 24 ítems, los cuales fueron medidos a través de una escala de tipo Likert. Resultados: 309 sujetos completaron el instrumento correctamente. El cuestionario creado mostró adecuados índices psicométricos. Las siete dimensiones que se han definido teóricamente son: Salud Mental (SM); Carga Académica (CA); Rendimiento Académico (RA); Apoyo familiar (AF); Relación entre Pares (RP); Disposición docente hacia la salud mental del/la estudiante (DD); y Oferta Programática Institución (OP). Estas dimensiones pueden explicar el 68,7% de la varianza del constructo. Conclusión: La escala de percepción de salud mental para estudiantes universitarios posee validez y fiabilidad, por lo tanto, permite su aplicación como un instrumento adecuado y pertinente.
Metodología para generación de entorno de realidad virtual de espacio turístico para alcanzar competencias de estudiantes de Turismo y Hotelería
Authors: Silva Fernández Jesús Martín , Benites Cuba Marisol , Hancco Mamani Roxana
Published: January 2025

Introducción: La realidad virtual (RV) es una herramienta útil en la formación universitaria, especialmente en carreras como Turismo y Hotelería (TH). Este estudio propone una metodología para crear un entorno de RV de un espacio turístico, permitiendo a los estudiantes familiarizarse con él sin la necesidad de viajes de estudio presenciales. Metodología: Se desarrolla un sistema de RV adaptado al modelo pedagógico conectivista, que facilita el aprendizaje virtual de los estudiantes de TH. Se integra un espacio turístico delimitado, permitiendo a los estudiantes interactuar repetidamente con el entorno hasta alcanzar los objetivos de aprendizaje. Resultados: La creación de entornos de RV permite a los estudiantes familiarizarse con los espacios turísticos, superar barreras de recursos y acceder a lugares en condiciones de preservación. Además, la metodología permite evaluar su aprendizaje y medir la mejora en sus conocimientos. Discusión: La metodología propuesta demuestra ser efectiva para simular visitas de estudio, optimizando el proceso educativo y permitiendo a los estudiantes repetir la experiencia para interiorizar los contenidos. Conclusiones: La integración de RV en la formación de estudiantes de Turismo y Hotelería ofrece una alternativa valiosa para superar limitaciones logísticas y mejorar el aprendizaje práctico.
El Servicio de Inspección SOIVRE, sus controles a la importación y la relación con el reglamento de reconocimiento mutuo
Authors: Álvarez García Ana María
Published: January 2025

Desde la constitución del mercado interior en el año 1993, la Unión Europea ha reforzado los procedimientos para mejorar la aplicación del principio de reconocimiento mutuo, esencial para garantizar la libre circulación de mercancías en el mercado interior. A pesar de su importancia, este principio está condicionado en su utilización y, recientemente, se ha confirmado que no se aplica a los productos procedentes de terceros países que se controlan en frontera.
Pengaruh Pemberian Cashew Yogurt terhadap Status Gizi Anak di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Adiarsa Kabupaten Karawang
Authors: Susian Ai , Sutarno Maryati
Published: January 2025

ABSTRAK Prevalensi  permasalahan  gizi  balita di  Indonesia  menunjukkan  angka  gizi kurang  (13,8%),  gizi  buruk  (3,9%),  gizi lebih   (8,0%),   dan   gizi   kurus   sebesar (6,7%) (SSGI, 2022). Masalah gizi secara  langsung  disebabkan oleh faktor kurangnya asupan makanan dan penyakit infeksi, sedangkan secara tidak langsung disebabkan oleh ketersediaan pangan, sanitasi, pelayanan kesehatan, pola asuh, kemampuan daya beli keluarga, pendidikan, dan pengetahuan. Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pemberian Cashew Yogurt terhadap Status Gizi Anak Di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Adiarsa Kabupaten Karawang Tahun 2024. Metode penelitian ini merupakan metode analitik dengan pendekatan Cross Sectional. Penelitian dilakukan di Puskesmas Adiarsa Karawang. Data penelitian menggunakan lembar Kuesioner. Jumlah responden sebanyak 100 orang. Analisis data menggunakan Uji Chi Square. Hasil uji statistik diperoleh nilai p value = 0.004 artinya nilai p value < 0,05, sehingga dapat disimpulkan ada pengaruh  pemberian chesew yogurt terhadap status gizi anak. Orang tua responden atau ibu anak perlu memperhatikan asupan nutrisi dalam meningkatkan status gizi anak. Dengan pemberian chasew yogurt ini orang tua khususnya ibu anak dapat berinovasi dalam memberikan makan kepada anak. Kata Kunci: Cashew Yogurt, Status Gizi Anak  ABSTRACT The prevalence of under-five nutrition problems in Indonesia shows rates of undernutrition (13.8%), malnutrition (3.9%), overnutrition (8.0%), and undernutrition of (6.7%) (SSGI, 2022) . Nutritional problems are directly caused by insufficient food intake and infectious diseases, while indirectly caused by food availability, sanitation, health services, parenting patterns, family purchasing power, education and knowledge. This research was conducted to determine the effect of giving Cashew Yogurt on the Nutritional Status of Children in the Adiarsa Health Center Working Area, Karawang in 2024. This research method is an analytical method with a Cross Sectional approach. The research was conducted at the Adiarsa Karawang Community Health Center. Research data uses a questionnaire sheet. The number of respondents was 100 people. Data analysis used the Chi Square Test. The statistical test results obtained a p value = 0.004, meaning the p value < 0.05, so it can be concluded that there is an effect of giving cheese yoghurt on the nutritional status of children. Respondent parents or children's mothers need to pay attention to nutritional intake in improving their children's nutritional status. By serving this yogurt, parents, especially mothers of children, can innovate in feeding their children. Keywords: Cashew Yogurt, Nutritional Status of Children
Implementation of Polyester Concrete Grout in Dowel-Bar Retrofit of Jointed Plain Concrete Pavements
Authors: Shatnawi Shakir
Published: January 2025

Dowel bar-retrofit (DBR) has been used in United States and elsewhere over the past 20 years. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) started implementing the dowel bar retrofit program in 1998 with the construction of a demonstration project on Interstate 80 near Colfax, California which was followed by a series of projects on various roads throughout California. Afterwards, and within few years, distresses were observed on projects that were constructed by various contractors using different cementitious grouts. The types of distresses observed included cracking of the grout material, surface erosion, debonding at the grout-pavement interface and grout pop-out. Most of these problems could be attributed to construction quality issues. The extent of the damage resulted in an investigation and halted the dowel bar retrofit program for several years. Laboratory tests using the bending beam test superior performance with the use of polyester polymer concrete (PPC) grout. As a result of these efforts, over 60,000 dowels were successfully installed on US Highway 50 using polyester concrete grout. The paper will focus on the successful implementation of polyester concrete grout in the dowel bar retrofit of jointed plain concrete pavement on highway US 50 near Sacramento, California. Lessons learned from this implementation are presented in this paper.
Properties of Modern Flowable Fill Incorporating Rapid-Setting Cements: Laboratory and Field Studies of Dry Placement Method
Authors: Griffin Jonathon R. , Priddy Lucy P. , Pittman David W.
Published: January 2025

Timely maintenance and rehabilitation is critical to ensuring the long-term sustainability of transportation infrastructure. Full-depth pavement repairs represent a significant investment of both time and money, but such repairs become necessary where localized pavement failures have occurred as a result of inadequate performance of the underlying support system. Subsurface layers are traditionally repaired using compacted lifts of aggregate. While this approach is relatively inexpensive, it is labor-intensive, time-consuming, and can lead to premature repair failure if the layer is not adequately constructed. Rapid-setting (RS) flowable fill provides a backfilling material option that flows under gravity to fill subsurface voids, self-consolidates, and sets rapidly to facilitate the early placement of surfacing material. The dry placement method is a novel technique in which the blended RS flowable fill is placed in its dry state and water is added without mixing. The performance of three commercially available RS flowable fill materials placed using the dry method was investigated using both laboratory and accelerated full-scale vehicle trafficking. Results from these experiments indicate that reduced repair time and in-place cost, as compared to traditional repair techniques, can be achieved when flowable fill containing RS cement is employed using the dry placement method.
Field Investigation of Dowel Misalignment and Potential for Joint Lock-Up
Authors: Mallela J. , Rao S. , Littleton P.
Published: January 2025

A field investigation was performed to determine the impact of dowel misalignment on joint movements and potential for joint lockup on a section of a newly constructed concrete pavement in Florida. This section of the pavement exhibited various types and degrees of dowel misalignment. Lacking a widely accepted rejection criteria, the joint score methodology published by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) was used to identify joints that were considered problematic. Joint scores were computed for each of the joints as indicated in the procedure. The scores generally ranged from 1 to 40 with a joint score of 1 indicating perfectly aligned dowel bars at a joint and 40 indicating a joint with a high degree of misalignment in multiple bars. The rejection criteria were initially planned to be based on the Joint Scores, however, based on a meeting between the owner, the designer, and the builder, a novel approach to arriving at the criteria based on direct measurements of the joint movements in the field was followed. This approach included measuring movements of joints with severely misaligned dowels and well-aligned dowels over a 48-hour period. The resulting data showed unexpected but conclusive evidence that suggested that more work needs to be done in establishing rejection criteria and corrective actions when dowel misalignment is detected in the field.
Ben Schoeman CRCP: Findings from an Accelerated Pavement Test on the Shoulder of a 23 year-Old Pavement
Authors: De Vos ER , Weidemann JJS
Published: January 2025

Findings from an accelerated pavement test conducted with the Heavy Vehicle Simulator on the shoulder of a 23-year old Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP) are presented in the paper. The Ben Schoeman Freeway connects the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria in South Africa. The freeway is one of the most trafficked freeways in South Africa, with sections carrying up to 150 000 vehicles per day. It is the first and only freeway in South Africa where a CRC overlay was applied over the full width of the carriageway using a side form paver. The APT test comprised 2750 200 load repetitions predominantly at load levels of 80 and 100 kN, using a dual-wheel loading configuration. Environmental conditioning entailed the artificial watering of the test section for a two-day period, followed by six dry days. All other environmental conditions throughout the test were ambient. Pavement performance was characterised in terms of surface deflection, relative movement and permanent deformation at transverse cracks under repeated loading. Falling Weight Deflectometer tests were conducted before and after the test. The test section did not suffer structural failure through punchout. Diagnostic evaluation indicated the stripping and washing away of fines from the 30 mm open-graded asphalt overlay which formed the bond with the CRC.
Sustainable Concrete Pavements with Blended Cements
Authors: Buffenbarger Julie K. , Kazanis Ken G. , Miltenberger Matthew A.
Published: January 2025

Transportation infrastructure management has traditionally focused on the safety and reliability without deliberately incorporating sustainability considerations. Recently, national, state and municipal governing bodies, the engineering community and society as a whole, are realizing the enormous investment of materials, energy, capital, and social costs affiliated with infrastructure system design, construction and maintenance. Approaches to help achieve higher infrastructure sustainability and resiliency include design and construction techniques to provide longer-lasting pavements, use of recycled materials in construction, and increasing the use of supplemental cementitious materials (SCMs) and portland limestone cements in concrete mixture designs. Concrete materials manufactured with blended cements intrinsically reduce greenhouse gas emissions by reducing portland cement usage. In addition, blended cement concretes containing SCMs may substantially increase the pavement service life providing the most cost-effective method to reducing the economic, environmental and societal impacts (triple bottom line) of surface transportation.
Transverse Joint Distress and Mid-slab Cracking Distress in PCC Pavements: A Petrographer’s Perspective
Authors: Lankard David
Published: January 2025

A forensic investigation was conducted on twenty jointed plain concrete and reinforced concrete pavements in the Ohio Department of Transportation system that have shown above average performance to date (Lankard, 2010). Included are three Interstate pavements, six US routes, and eleven State routes. The oldest pavement in the study was constructed in 1946 and the youngest in 1997. Petrographic examinations and concrete property measurements were made on cores that were taken (in 2009) through transverse control joints and through mid-slab cracks where they were present. The 10 cm (4 in) diameter, full-depth cores were taken at sites where no deterioration was manifest on the wearing surface at the time of coring. However, eighty percent of the joint cores showed some level of sub-surface cracking distress; as did seventy percent of the cores taken through a mid-slab crack. The origin, evolution, and consequences of this distress are discussed.
The Development of Structural Design Method of Composite Pavement in Japan
Authors: Kazuto Takayuki , Kamiya Keizo , Takashi Shigeki , Nishizawa Tatsuo
Published: January 2025

Zero-maintenance pavements must be a big goal for road administrators around the world. As part of the challenges, a new design of composite pavement that is able to sustain heavy traffic loadings with minimum maintenance for long years was developed in Japan. The new design comprises a porous asphalt surface and continuously reinforced concrete base, which was adopted in the country's alternative beltway project, Shin (New) - Tomei Expressway, connecting Tokyo and Nagoya. The new route was opened to service in April 2012. The design concept of the new pavement is to combine both advantages of asphalt surface and continuously reinforced concrete base; the former assures better riding quality and easier repair job, while the latter provides higher durability for a longer service life. However, it took more than 15 years to finally develop a reliable design method for the pavement. In the process, several full scale test composite pavements were constructed and comprehensively investigated in terms of design, materials, construction and performance. This paper describes the investigation results of the test pavements and the structural design method of the composite pavement that takes into consideration the thermal stress reduction due to asphalt surface and fatigue impact on CRC base.
MnROAD SHRP2 R21 Composite Concrete Section Performance after Five-Years of Service
Authors: Tompkins Derek , Khazanovich Lev , Darter Michael I.
Published: January 2025

The Strategic Highway Research Program (SHRP2) R21 project “Composite Pavements,” completed in 2010 at MnROAD I-94, included both long-term full-scale pavement experiments and the development of new tools for pavement design and analysis. The R21 research focused on both asphalt-over-concrete and concrete-over-concrete (PCC-PCC) pavement systems. This paper focuses on the full-scale PCC-PCC results of the R21 project. Results show that these sections performed very well with no transverse or longitudinal cracking, minimal joint faulting, low IRI values and no obvious durability problems after five years of I-94 traffic. This evaluation also includes analysis of pavement data and a comparison of the PCC-PCC response relative to a conventional single-lift slab. Results indicate very similar performance for similar PCC total thickness and joint design. In addition, the paper also presents the predicted performance of these sections using the AASHTO M-E procedure to the field results at the MnROAD R21 PCC-PCC field sections. This discussion highlights challenges and opportunities in M-E design and performance modeling for PCC-PCC projects.
Possibility of breast-conserving surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with hormone-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer
Authors: Zanozina E. A. , Zikiryakhodzhaev A. D. , Bolotina L. V. , Rasskazova E. V. , Maksimov K. V. , Sipki V. N.
Published: January 2025

The aim of the study was to search for data on the effectiveness of neoadjuvant therapy hormone-positive HER2-negative breast cancer.

Material and methods. The literature search was conducted in PubMed and RISC databases. Publications from 2012 to 2024 were found. The keywords used were: “breast cancer”, “bneoadjuvant chemotherapy”, “bsurgery”, “bluminal tumors”, “bhormone-dependent tumors”, “bbreast-conserving surgery”.

Results. The indications for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with hormone-positive HER2-negative breast cancer are discussed, considering the possibility of achieving clinical and pathological response with the assessment of the number of performed breast-conserving surgeries as the main task when prescribing preoperative treatment in this group of patients, as well as the influence of pathological response on survival rates.

Conclusion. Data on the effectiveness of neoadjuvant chemotherapy for hormone-positive HER2-negative breast cancer are contradictory. The rate of complete pathological response is 2.0–16.2%, with its prognostic role being ambiguous. However, most studies have shown no correlation of pCR with overall and disease-free survival. The execution of breast-conserving surgery after neoadjuvant chemotherapy is possible in 50% of cases, if other contraindications are excluded.
Predicted indirectly recognizable HLA epitopes scores and clinical outcomes after haploidentical stem cell transplantation in pediatric patients with relapsed neuroblastoma
Authors: Seo Eun Seop , Jeong In Hwa , Ju Hee Young , Hyun Ju Kyung , Lee Ji Won , Yoo Keon Hee , Heo Won Young , Sung Ki Woong , Cho Hee Won , Kang Eun-Suk
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The Predicted Indirectly ReCognizable HLA Epitopes (PIRCHE) model is a recently developed algorithm that predicts indirect T-cell recognition by calculating the number of such epitopes in donor-recipient pairs.

Methods

In this study, the clinical significance of PIRCHE was evaluated in pediatric patients with relapsed/progressed neuroblastoma undergoing haploidentical stem cell transplantation (haplo-SCT).

Results

A higher PIRCHE-I score was associated with faster platelet recovery (P = 0.007) and lower incidence of hemorrhagic cystitis (13% vs. 41%, P = 0.028) and invasive fungal infections (0% vs. 18%, P = 0.045). Additionally, a higher PIRCHE-I score was significantly associated with better overall survival (OS) (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34-0.97, P = 0.038). A higher PIRCHE-II score was associated with better OS (HR 0.57, 95% CI 0.34-0.94, P = 0.028) and reduced progression (HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.30-0.77, P = 0.002). When combined, the PIRCHE-I and PIRCHE-II scores demonstrated an even stronger association with improved OS (HR 0.35, 95% CI 0.15-0.82, P = 0.016). Multivariable analysis confirmed that a higher combined PIRCHE-I and PIRCHE-II score was independently associated with improved OS (combined PIRCHE score HR 0.22, 95% CI 0.06-0.79, P = 0.021), and a higher PIRCHE-II score was significantly associated with reduced progression (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.25-0.70, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In conclusion, higher PIRCHE-I and PIRCHE-II scores are linked to better survival outcomes and reduced complications in pediatric haplo-SCT neuroblastoma patients. Incorporating PIRCHE scores into donor selection is expected to optimize transplant outcomes.
Age-related immunosenescence and Epstein–Barr virus-positive mucocutaneous ulcer presenting as oral cancer: a case report
Authors: Ye Jiayuan , Ji Shengqiang , Wu Zhouxiao , Ma Genhua , Chen Jing , Wu Shimin , Xie Yilian
Published: January 2025

Epstein–Barr virus-positive mucocutaneous ulcer (EBVMCU) is a rare condition characterized by skin or mucosal lesions resulting from defective immune surveillance of EBV due to immunosuppression, which can be iatrogenic or age-related. It represents a benign lymphoproliferative disorder that clinically may mimic malignant tumors. However, EBVMCU typically progresses slowly and often resolves spontaneously without specific treatment, emphasizing the critical need for differential diagnosis from malignancies. In this study, we report a case of EBVMCU in an elderly patient demonstrating ulcers on the oral mucosa, buccal area, and maxillary mucosa, with associated bone destruction, which was initially suspected to be an oral malignancy but was confirmed as EBVMCU through biopsy. This case underscores the importance of considering EBVMCU in elderly patients with unexplained persistent mucosal ulcers to exclude malignancies. In addition, attention should be given to unhealthy lifestyle habits such as smoking and drinking, as well as poor oral hygiene, which are potential factors that increase the risk of this disease and contribute to worse prognoses.
The immune landscape and viral shedding of Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants implicate immune escape
Authors: Zhang Weilong , Gai Xiaoyan , Duan Zhonghui , Yan Changjian , Huang Chunyuan , Wu Chaoling , Zheng Siping , Lin Zixiang , Zhou Qingtao , Dai Lili , Yang Ping , Bao Fang , Jing Hongmei , Cai Chao , Ma Yingmin , Sun Yongchang
Published: January 2025

Background

Three years into the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the virus continues to mutate despite widespread vaccination, posing ongoing challenges for epidemic prevention and control. The relationship between viral shedding and immune escape remains under investigation. This study aims to examine the association between viral shedding and immune escape in the BA.4/5 and BF.7 variants.

Method

We included 542 patients infected with the Omicron variant from Beijing Xiaotangshan shelter hospital. Based on the viral strain, patients were divided into BA.4/5 group and BF.7 group. Additionally, we categorized patients into rapid viral shedding and slow viral shedding groups according to their viral shedding rates. We explored the relationship between viral shedding and immune-related clinical indicators during this period.

Result

Of the 542 patients, 118 were infected with BA.4/5 variant, and 424 were infected with BF.7 variant. The viral shedding duration differed significantly between BA.4/5 and BF.7 groups (p < 0.0001). However, there was no statistically significant correlation between viral shedding duration and immune-related indicators, such as WBC, Hb, PLT, Neu, Lym, CRP, allergy, fever, and vaccination status (p > 0.05). Furthermore, viral shedding duration was not associated with vaccination status, intervals between vaccinations, or vaccine types (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

The duration of viral shedding in patients infected with Omicron variants BA.4/5 and BF.7 is not associated with WBC, Hb, Lym, CRP, fever, allergy, or vaccine-related indicators. This lack of association may be attributed to immune escape mechanisms.
The frequency of mutations in the penA, mtrR, gyrA and parC genes of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, the presence of tetM gene and antibiotic resistance/susceptibility: a systematic review and meta-analyses
Authors: Mendes Ana Clara , de Souza Renan Pedra , Bahia Diana
Published: January 2025

Gonorrhoea is currently one of the most important sexually transmitted infections (STIs) due to the increasing spread of multidrug-resistant strains of N. gonorrhoeae. The aim of this study was to analyse the association between resistance or decreased susceptibility to antibiotics in N. gonorrhoeae and the presence of mutations in the penA, mtrR, gyrA and parC genes, and the presence of tetM gene. We conducted a systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines. We selected 19 studies for the penA gene, 23 for gyrA and parC, 18 for mtrR and 12 for tetM using the Science Direct and PubMed databases. Meta-analyses of isolates resistant to penicillin, cefixime and ceftriaxone showed that more than 50% of isolates had mutations in the penA and mtrR genes. More than 50% of azithromycin-resistant isolates had mutations in the mtrR gene, while more than 50% of ciprofloxacin-resistant and intermediate-resistant isolates had mutations in gyrA. Less than 50% of the isolates with intermediate resistance to ciprofloxacin had mutations in parC. The plasmid containing the tetM gene was found in more than 50% of tetracycline-resistant isolates. Infection surveillance and genetic studies are important for controlling the spread of the disease, which can improve the quality of life of infected people and reduce the financial burden on public health systems.
Cost-effective whole-cell biosynthesis of ursodeoxycholic acid using engineered Escherichia coli with a multienzyme cascade
Authors: Zhang Xue , Xin Jiagang , Liu Mengyu , Zhang Yue , Luan Haoni , Feng Wei , Wang Fei , Xu Wei , Song Peng
Published: January 2025

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) can be used as a drug to treat various liver and bile diseases. Currently, the biological synthesis of UDCA is predominantly conducted via a two-step enzymatic process in which synthesis is catalyzed by 7α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (7α-HSDH) and 7β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (7β-HSDH) in succession, utilizing chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) as the substrate. In this study, an engineered Escherichia coli (E. coli) strain, designated UCA23, was constructed. This strain coexpressed four enzymes under the control of three independent T7 promoters: lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) derived from Lactobacillus delbrueckii, glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) derived from Priestia megaterium, 7α-HSDH derived from E. coli, and 7β-HSDH derived from Ruminococcus torques, enabling the whole-cell catalytic synthesis of UDCA from CDCA. This study systematically optimized the reaction parameters, including temperature, pH, and the addition of organic solvents and surfactants, for the whole-cell catalytic synthesis of UDCA by UCA23, and at the 2 L level, a UDCA conversion rate of 99% was achieved with 100 mM CDCA in 2 h, which is the highest level of conversion of a high-concentration CDCA substrate reported to date.
Association between oxidative balance score and gallstone disease: a population-based study from NHANES
Authors: Zhang Mengmeng , Yang Aiming
Published: January 2025

Background

Oxidative stress has been reported to participant in the pathogenesis of gallstones. Oxidative balance score (OBS) represents pro-oxidant and antioxidant exposures to diet and lifestyle, closely associated with multiple metabolic disorders. However, the relationship between OBS and gallstones remains unclear.

Methods

This study analyzed cross-sectional data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017–2020. OBS was calculated based on the 24-h recall interviews or questionnaires. We used weighted logistic regression, restricted cubic splines (RCS), weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression and the Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) model to identify the relationship between OBS and gallstones. Subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were used to explore potential heterogeneity and stability of the results. Mediation analysis was performed to assess the mediating effects of serum lipid in the association between OBS and gallstones.

Results

A total of 7,618 participants were finally included in this study. Weighted logistics regression showed that total OBS was associated with gallstones risk (OR = 0.98, p = 0.03), particularly in individuals who were under 60 years old, Hispanic, educated below high school, non-smokers, had hypertension or malignancy. Dietary and lifestyle OBS independently contribute to the protection against gallstones. RCS analysis indicated a non-linear relationship between OBS and gallstones (p = 0.03). WQS and BKMR model identified that BMI, vitamin E, vitamin B6, magnesium and carotene played relatively important role among 20 components. Mediation analysis showed serum TG and HDL as mediators of the association between OBS and gallstones.

Conclusion

Higher OBS or increased oxidative balance are positively associated with reduction of gallstone risk. This findings provide valuable insights for surveillance and interventions targeting for antioxidant-rich diet and lifestyle for gallstone disease.
Testing a multi-behavioral intervention to improve oral health behaviors in the pediatric dental surgery population: protocol for the PROTECT trial
Authors: Buscemi Joanna , Borowski Teresa G. , Avenetti David , Tussing-Humphreys Lisa , Martin Molly , Atkins Marc S. , Marshall Teresa , Berbaum Michael , Lee Helen H.
Published: January 2025

Severe early childhood caries (S-ECC) is a common disease within marginalized pediatric populations. S-ECC is often treated under general anesthesia to facilitate extensive treatment in young children, but treatment does not address etiology of an infectious disease that is rooted in health behaviors. Without behavior changes related to toothbrushing and sugar consumption, many children experience recurrent disease, and some require subsequent surgeries. To improve post-surgery oral health, we developed PROTECT (Preventing Recurrent Operations Targeting Early Childhood Caries Treatment), a community health worker (CHW)-delivered behavioral intervention for caregivers that focuses on children’s oral health behaviors. This study aims to test the efficacy of the PROTECT intervention compared to Usual Care (UC), to improve behavioral oral health outcomes. We will conduct a randomized clinical trial to test the efficacy of PROTECT (n = 210) compared to UC (n = 210) in the pediatric DGA (dental surgery under general anesthesia) population. We developed PROTECT through an iterative process, incorporating feedback from caregivers, dentists, and community health workers and through a small pilot trial. Caregivers will be recruited at their dental clinic and then will engage in a 10-session intervention with a community health worker. Topics covered will include education about toothbrushing and sugar consumption, behavioral strategies (e.g., goal setting, problem solving, self-monitoring), positive parenting and stress management and maintenance. Our two primary outcomes are parental assisted toothbrushing (twice/day, 2 min each time) and reduced added sugar consumption (less than 10% of overall daily caloric intake). Proposed mechanisms of change are self-efficacy and positive parenting. The ultimate goal of PROTECT is to prevent subsequent surgical events for children presenting with S-ECC to prevent further chronic disease and reduce costs and stress for families who already experience high levels of systemic barriers to their health.
Current practices and key challenges associated with the adoption of resilient, circular, and sustainable food supply chain for smallholder farmers to mitigate food loss
Authors: Vásquez Neyra Jessika Milagros , Cequea Mirza Marvel , Schmitt Valentina Gomes Haensel
Published: January 2025

Introduction

In response to increasing global food insecurity, resilient, circular, and sustainable practices hold significant potential to enhance food supply chain performance and reduce food loss. This study examines the current practices and key challenges faced by Peruvian smallholder farmers in managing a resilient, circular, and sustainable food supply chain, proposing a hybrid model that integrates ancestral agricultural knowledge with modern innovations.

Methods

Using a qualitative approach, in-depth interviews were conducted with 16 smallholder farmers from various regions of Peru. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, focusing on farmers who apply organic agricultural techniques. Data were analyzed using content analysis techniques supported by ATLAS.ti 23 software to identify patterns in practices and challenges.

Results

The findings reveal that farmers operate within short supply chains, without intermediaries, applying intuitive practices aligned with circular economy principles, including Rethink, Redesign, Reduce, Replace, Reuse, Repurpose, and Recycle, but excluding Recovery. While social and economic dimensions are prioritized, current practices are insufficient to ensure long-term sustainability. Key challenges include technological limitations, restricted market access, and low consumer awareness.

Discussion

A hybrid model is proposed, combining resource-efficient technologies with culturally rooted practices, fostering multi-stakeholder collaboration. This approach addresses identified gaps and contributes to food security, environmental sustainability, and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals 1 (No Poverty), 2 (Zero Hunger), and 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).
Understanding Fairness: How Pakistani Children Make Fairness Judgments
Authors: Hamid Rida , Nawaz Sumbal
Published: January 2025

This study aims to contribute to the existing literature by adding a qualitative investigation into children’s reasonings for their fairness judgements. Fairness is an integral part of children’s moral development. This paper includes the qualitative part of the sequential explanatory design study aimed at children’s fairness understanding. We conducted open-ended interviews with 150 Pakistani children (3 to 6 years old) to explore their justifications for their fairness decisions. Our findings suggest that Pakistani children predominantly employed desired-based reasonings for their judgments. However, morality-based- and norm-based reasonings were also invoked by children to justify their acceptance or rejection of an attractive offer of toffees in a game-type scenario where they had to compare with three different relationships: sibling, friend, or stranger. We found that different relation dynamics did have an impact on the different justifications provided by children.
Inheritance of Drought Tolerance in a F3 Biparental Population of Pinto Saltillo (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) × Tepary Cafe (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray)
Authors: Cília-García Marcela , Jiménez-Galindo José Cruz , Peña-Valdivia Cecilia Beatriz , Uscanga-Mortera Ebandro , García-Esteva Antonio , Padilla-Chacón Daniel
Published: January 2025

Drought is the most significant negative factor affecting common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production. Scarce studies about the genetic control of drought tolerance in beans impedes a more effective exploitation of these traits in plant breeding. The Tepary bean (Phaseolus acitifolius A. Gray) is considered a valuable source of drought-resistant genes for improving commercial varieties that are susceptible to drought. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the germination and seedling growth components in response to drought stress simulated with polyethylene glycol (PEG-6000). We developed a F3 biparental population from the cross between the susceptible P-saltillo variety and drought-tolerant T-cafe, which allowed the study of drought-tolerance genetics in beans. The F3 biparental population showed wide variability for the traits studied, i.e., from 0.0 to 2.4 for hypocotyl length, from 0.3 to 3.9 and 7.5 to 97.5 for germinated seeds (n and % hypocotyls, respectively), from 0.3 to 3.9 and 7.5 to 97.5 for germinated seeds (n and % roots, respectively), from 0.3 to 4.5 for root length, and from 0.0 to 4.8 for total length. The heritabilities for hypocotyl length (cm), germinated seeds (n hypocotyl), germinated seeds (% hypocotyl), root length (cm), germinated seeds (n roots), and germinated seeds (% roots) were moderate from 0.32 to 0.47. The heritability for root length was low with a value of 0.20. The most important positive and significant genetic correlations (0.80) were found between the hypocotyl length (cm) and root length, which means that the longer the hypocotyls, the longer the root. All variables studied have normal distribution, which is why they are considered quantitative inheritance. The results highlight lines that can be candidates for the registration of new drought-tolerant varieties or used as sources of drought tolerance in future common bean improvement programs. Our results indicate that multiple genetic factors are involved in the drought tolerance response of the F3.
Development of Soil Wetting Front Estimation Models in Sandy Soil with a Hard Pan Under Drip Irrigation Using Empirical and Response Surface Methodologies
Authors: Faloye Oluwaseun Temitope , Ezeh Amanda , Kamchoom Viroon , Abioye Oluwaseyi Matthew , Ikubanni Peter Pelumi
Published: January 2025

An accurate estimation of a soil wetting front is important for improving water-use efficiency under drip irrigation. This study is aimed at determining the wetting front of sandy soil under drip irrigation using the existing and modified empirical equations and optimizing the input parameters using the response surface methodology (RSM). This study was conducted during the dry season in sandy soil containing a hard pan at a soil depth of about 30 cm. The soil wetting front was measured using measuring tape at two emitter discharges under a point-source drip irrigation system type. An evaluation of the models for the wetting fronts during calibration and validation showed that the coefficient determination (r2) ranged between 77–98% and 79–99% for the empirical and modified models, respectively. The normalized root mean square error (NRMSE) was less than 20% and greater than 20% for the modified and existing equations, respectively, thus emphasizing that the modified model produced a better result. Using the RSM approach, the linear + interaction produced the best result, and the optimization result revealed an optimum irrigation time and volume of 75 min and 225 cm3, corresponding to a maximum wetting depth and width of 26.8 and 21.7 cm, respectively.
Biochar in the Bioremediation of Metal-Contaminated Soils
Authors: Majewska Małgorzata , Hanaka Agnieszka
Published: January 2025

Biochar is produced from a wide variety of feedstocks (algal biomass, forest, agricultural and food residues, organic fraction of municipal waste, sewage sludge, manure) by thermochemical conversion. In general, it is a dark, porous material with a large surface area, low density, high cation exchange capacity, and alkaline pH. By reducing the content of harmful substances in the soil, the application of biochar increases the activity, number, and diversity of microorganisms and improves plant growth in contaminated areas. The aim of the review was to explore the advantages and drawbacks of biochar use in soil bioremediation. General issues such as methods of biochar production, its physical and chemical properties, and various applications are presented. As biochar is an efficient adsorbent of heavy metals, the review focused on its benefits in (I) soil bioremediation, (II) improvement of soil parameters, (III) reduction of metal toxicity and bioaccumulation, (IV) positive interaction with soil microorganisms and soil enzymatic activity, and (V) promotion of plant growth. On the other hand, the potential risks of biochar formulation and utilization were also discussed, mainly related to the presence of heavy metals in biochar, dust hazard, and greenhouse gases emission.
Stem-Leaf Segmentation and Morphological Traits Extraction in Rapeseed Seedlings Using a Three-Dimensional Point Cloud
Authors: Sun Binqian , Zain Muhammad , Zhang Lili , Han Dongwei , Sun Chengming
Published: January 2025

Developing accurate, non-destructive, and automated methods for monitoring the phenotypic traits of rapeseed is crucial for improving yield and quality in modern agriculture. We used a line laser binocular stereo vision technology system to obtain the three-dimensional (3D) point cloud data of different rapeseed varieties (namely Qinyou 7, Zheyouza 108, and Huyou 039) at the seedling stage, and the phenotypic traits of rapeseed were extracted from those point clouds. After pre-processing the rapeseed point clouds with denoising and segmentation, the plant height, leaf length, leaf width, and leaf area of the rapeseed in the seedling stage were extracted by a series of algorithms and were evaluated for accuracy with the manually measured values. The following results were obtained: the R2 values for plant height data between the extracted values of the 3D point cloud and the manually measured values reached 0.934, and the RMSE was 0.351 cm. Similarly, the R2 values for leaf length of the three kinds of rapeseed were all greater than 0.95, and the RMSEs for Qinyou 7, Zheyouza 108, and Huyou 039 were 0.134 cm, 0.131 cm, and 0.139 cm, respectively. Regarding leaf width, R2 was greater than 0.92, and the RMSEs were 0.151 cm, 0.189 cm, and 0.150 cm, respectively. Further, the R2 values for leaf area were all greater than 0.98 with RMSEs of 0.296 cm2, 0.231 cm2 and 0.259 cm2, respectively. The results extracted from the 3D point cloud are reliable and have high accuracy. These results demonstrate the potential of 3D point cloud technology for automated, non-destructive phenotypic analysis in rapeseed breeding programs, which can accelerate the development of improved varieties.