bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multiple independent losses of crossover interference during yeast evolutionary history
Authors: Dutta Abhishek , Dutreux Fabien , Garin Marion , Caradec Claudia , Friedrich Anne , Brach Gauthier , Thiele Pia , Gaudin Maxime , Llorente Bertrand , Schacherer Joseph
Published: September 2024

Meiotic recombination is essential for the accurate chromosome segregation and the generation of genetic diversity through crossover and gene conversion events. Although this process has been studied extensively in a few selected model species, understanding how its properties vary across species remains limited. For instance, the ancestral ZMM pathway that generates interference-dependent crossovers has undergone multiple losses throughout evolution, suggesting variations in the regulation of crossover formation. In this context, we first characterized the meiotic recombination landscape and properties of the Kluyveromyces lactis budding yeast. We then conducted a comprehensive analysis of 29,151 recombination events (19, 212 COs and 9, 939 NCOs) spanning 577 meioses in the five budding yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces paradoxus, Lachancea kluyveri, Lachancea waltii and K. lactis. Eventually, we found that the Saccharomyces yeasts displayed higher recombination rates compared to the non-Saccharomyces yeasts. In addition, bona fide crossover interference and associated crossover homeostasis were detected in the Saccharomyces species only, adding L. kluyveri and K. lactis to the list of budding yeast species that lost crossover interference. Finally, recombination hotspots, although highly conserved within the Saccharomyces yeasts are not conserved beyond the Saccharomyces genus. Overall, these results highlight great variability in the recombination landscape and properties through budding yeasts evolution.
Validity of handgrip strength for assessing cognition and psychotic symptoms in hospitalized patients with stable schizophrenia
Authors: Pu Jianlin , Wang Binyou , Wang Yilin
Published: September 2024

Background and objectives

A correlation between low handgrip strength (HGS), HGS asymmetry, and low cognitive performance has been demonstrated. However, it remains unclear whether low HGS is associated with psychotic symptoms and whether HGS asymmetry is associated with cognitive and psychotic symptoms in hospitalized patients with schizophrenia. This study aimed to investigate the validity of HGS as a measure for assessing cognition and psychotic symptoms in hospitalized patients with stable schizophrenia.

Methods

A total of 235 inpatients with stable schizophrenia were recruited between August 1, 2023, and August 31, 2023. The highest HGS values from three tests on the dominant hand were used to determine low HGS (male < 28 kg, female < 18 kg), and HGS asymmetry was identified when the non-dominant HGS/dominant HGS ratio was outside 0.9–1.1. Cognition and psychotic symptoms were assessed using the Chinese Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA-C) and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Generalized linear model analyses examined the relationship between HGS and scale scores.

Results

Covariate-adjusted generalized linear models confirmed a strong association between low HGS alone and the MoCA-C score (OR = 0.819, 95% CI = 0.710‒0.945, p = 0.006) and PANSS score (OR = 1.113, 95% CI = 1.036‒1.239, p = 0.006). Similarly, the combination of low and asymmetric HGS was strongly associated with both MoCA-C (OR = 0.748, 95% CI = 0.653‒0.857, p<0.001) and PANSS scores (OR = 1.118, 95% CI = 1.032‒1.211, p = 0.006).

Conclusions

The results suggest that hospitalized patients with schizophrenia and low HGS, with or without asymmetry, are likely to have lower MoCA-C scores and higher PANSS scores. Screening stable schizophrenia patients with low HGS, with or without asymmetry, could be a valuable and straightforward approach to identifying those with lower cognition and severe psychotic symptoms.
Clinicians’ use of the structured professional judgement approach for adult secure psychiatric service admission assessments: A systematic review
Authors: Bowden Jana , Logan Caroline , Robinson Louise , Carey Jon , McDonald James , McDonald Ruth , Shaw Jennifer , Senior Jane , Leonard Sarah
Published: September 2024

The structured professional judgement (SPJ) approach was initially developed to support risk assessment and management decisions. The approach is now being adapted and applied to admission assessments for adult secure services. This systematic review aims to summarise the evidence for the effectiveness and acceptability of the SPJ approach in admission assessments of this kind. A comprehensive electronic search strategy was used to identify studies indexed in PubMed, PsycInfo, Medline and Cochrane Library (January 2007 –January 2024). Two search strategies included terms (and synonyms) for psychiatric patients (quantitative) or clinicians and clinicians’ experiences (qualitative), structured professional judgement, admission, and secure services. Twelve quantitative articles (published 2007–2020) were identified. SPJ-informed guidance included were the DUNDRUM-1, DUNDRUM-2, DUNDRUM-3, DUNDRUM-4, and the HCR-20. While findings were variable, the overall pattern indicated that ratings suggestive of more problems were associated with increased likelihood of admission or movement to higher security levels. There is emerging evidence for the use of SPJ guidance to support admission decision-making. Specifically, it should be used as an adjunct to existing decision-making processes rather than as a replacement for those processes. Further research, both quantitative and qualitative, across a wider range of settings and populations is recommended.
Addressing disparity in attitudes and utilization of family planning among married couples in the pastoralist community of Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Beyene Sena Adugna , Garoma Sileshi , Belachew Tefera
Published: September 2024

Background

Despite progress in national reproductive health programs, pastoralist regions like Fentale District in Eastern Ethiopia face challenges with low contraceptive coverage, attributed to insufficient positive attitudes and uptake among couples.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted from October 1 to December 25, 2021, in Fentale District, Eastern Ethiopia. It involved 1,496 couples selected using multistage sampling. Data were entered into EPI Data and analyzed with SPSS (v23.0) and STATA (v14.0), employing descriptive statistics, bivariate analysis, and binary logistic regression to identify predictors of contraceptive attitudes and use.

Results

The study’s response rate was 93.8%, with 1,404 pastoralist couples participating, equally split between women and men. A nomadic-pastoralist lifestyle was common (64.6%), and family planning discussions were rare (93.2%). Gender disparities in contraceptive attitudes and use were evident. Contraception use was reported by 27.4%, with women (41.2%) outnumbering men (13.5%). Women showed more positive attitudes towards contraception (87.9% vs. 31.9% for men). Only 33% had favorable attitudes towards different contraceptive methods, with women more likely to be positive. Modern contraception use was low (18.2%), with women (34.8%) predominating over men (1.7%). Among users, women had a more favorable attitude (78.5% vs. 6.6% for men). Health extension workers were key information providers. Predictors of contraceptive attitudes and use included sex, education, occupation, electronic device ownership, migration frequency, treatment preferences, and family planning discussions.

Conclusion

The limited positive attitude towards and use of family planning in Fentale District may stem from unfavorable attitudes, low adoption, and couple disparities. Key factors include gender, education, occupation, electronic device ownership, migration, treatment preferences, and family planning discussions. Targeted educational campaigns for men are needed to address these issues and reduce the gender gap in contraceptive attitudes and use.
Single-nuclei transcriptome analysis of channel catfish spleen provides insight into the immunome of an aquaculture-relevant species
Authors: Aldersey Johanna E. , Lange Miles D. , Beck Benjamin H. , Abernathy Jason W.
Published: September 2024

The catfish industry is the largest sector of U.S. aquaculture production. Given its role in food production, the catfish immune response to industry-relevant pathogens has been extensively studied and has provided crucial information on innate and adaptive immune function during disease progression. To further examine the channel catfish immune system, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing on nuclei isolated from whole spleens, a major lymphoid organ in teleost fish. Libraries were prepared using the 10X Genomics Chromium X with the Next GEM Single Cell 3’ reagents and sequenced on an Illumina sequencer. Each demultiplexed sample was aligned to the Coco_2.0 channel catfish reference assembly, filtered, and counted to generate feature-barcode matrices. From whole spleen samples, outputs were analyzed both individually and as an integrated dataset. The three splenic transcriptome libraries generated an average of 278,717,872 reads from a mean 8,157 cells. The integrated data included 19,613 cells, counts for 20,121 genes, with a median 665 genes/cell. Cluster analysis of all cells identified 17 clusters which were classified as erythroid, hematopoietic stem cells, B cells, T cells, myeloid cells, and endothelial cells. Subcluster analysis was carried out on the immune cell populations. Here, distinct subclusters such as immature B cells, mature B cells, plasma cells, γδ T cells, dendritic cells, and macrophages were further identified. Differential gene expression analyses allowed for the identification of the most highly expressed genes for each cluster and subcluster. This dataset is a rich cellular gene expression resource for investigation of the channel catfish and teleost splenic immunome.
PPARγ agonist alleviates calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis by regulating mitochondrial dynamics in renal tubular epithelial cell
Authors: Liu Junfa , Liu Xingyang , Guo Lizhe , Liu Xiongfei , Gao Qian , Wang E. , Dong Zhitao
Published: September 2024

Background

Kidney stone formation is a common disease that causes a significant threat to human health. The crystallization mechanism of calcium oxalate, the most common type of kidney stone, has been extensively researched, yet the damaging effects and mechanisms of calcium oxalate crystals on renal tubular epithelial cells remain incompletely elucidated. Regulated mitochondrial dynamics is essential for eukaryotic cells, but its role in the occurrence and progression of calcium oxalate (CaOx) nephrolithiasis is not yet understood.

Methods

An animal model of calcium oxalate-related nephrolithiasis was established in adult male Sprague‒Dawley (SD) rats by continuously administering drinking water containing 1% ethylene glycol for 28 days. The impact of calcium oxalate crystals on mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells was investigated using HK2 cells in vitro. Blood samples and bilateral kidney tissues were collected for histopathological evaluation and processed for tissue injury, inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress detection, and mitochondrial dynamics parameter analysis.

Results

Calcium oxalate crystals caused higher levels of mitochondrial fission and apoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells both in vivo and in vitro. Administration of a PPARγ agonist significantly alleviated mitochondrial fission and apoptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells, and improved renal function, accompanied by reduced levels of oxidative stress, increased antioxidant enzyme expression, alleviation of inflammation, and reduced fibrosis in vivo.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that increased mitochondrial fission in renal tubular epithelial cells is a critical component of kidney injury caused by calcium oxalate stones, leading to the accumulation of reactive oxygen species within the tissue and the subsequent initiation of apoptosis. Regulating mitochondrial dynamics represents a promising approach for calcium oxalate nephrolithiasis.
Combination of bortezomib and venetoclax targets the pro-survival function of LMP-1 and EBNA-3C of Epstein-Barr virus in spontaneous lymphoblastoid cell lines
Authors: Tam Kam Pui , Xie Jia , Au-Yeung Rex Kwok Him , Chiang Alan K. S.
Published: September 2024

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) manipulates the ubiquitin-proteasome system and regulators of Bcl-2 family to enable the persistence of the virus and survival of the host cells through the expression of viral proteins in distinct latency patterns. We postulate that the combination of bortezomib (proteasome inhibitor) and venetoclax (Bcl-2 inhibitor) [bort/venetoclax] will cause synergistic killing of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) through targeting the pro-survival function of latent viral proteins such as latent membrane protein-1 (LMP-1) and EBV nuclear antigen-3C (EBNA-3C). Bort/venetoclax could synergistically kill spontaneous lymphoblastoid cell lines (sLCLs) derived from patients with PTLD and EBV-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis by inducing DNA damage response, apoptosis and G1-S cell cycle arrest in a ROS-dependent manner. Bortezomib potently induced the expression of Noxa, a pro-apoptotic initiator and when combined with venetoclax, inhibited Mcl-1 and Bcl-2 simultaneously. Bortezomib prevented LMP-1 induced proteasomal degradation of IκBα leading to the suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Bortezomib also rescued Bcl-6 from EBNA-3C mediated proteasomal degradation thus maintaining the repression of cyclin D1 and Bcl-2 causing G1-S arrest and apoptosis. Concurrently, venetoclax inhibited Bcl-2 upregulated by either LMP-1 or EBNA-3C. Bort/venetoclax decreased the expression of phosphorylated p65 and Bcl-2 at serine 70 thereby suppressing the NF-κB signaling pathway and promoting apoptosis, respectively. These data corroborated the marked suppression of the growth of xenograft of sLCL in SCID mice (p<0.001). Taken together, the combination of bortezomib and venetoclax targets the pro-survival function of LMP-1 and EBNA-3C of Epstein-Barr virus in spontaneous lymphoblastoid cell lines.
Characterization of Positive Operators
Authors: Fassarella Lucio
Published: September 2024

A characterization of positive operators on finite dimensional complex vector spaces, developed from the Routh-Hurwitz criterion with review of some basic concepts and results.
Model Theory Inspired by Modern Algebraic Geometry
Authors: Bittencourt Rios Gabriel , Luiz Mariano Hugo
Published: September 2024

In this survey, we expound sheaf representations of categories in the context of categorical logic. Namely, we present classifying topoi of coherent theories in terms of equivariant sheaves of groupoid (and then explore the generalization of this technique to a more general categorical context); expose a representation of Grothendieck topoi as global sections of sheaf and, finally, show a quick introduction to logical schemes, a proposed model-theoretic analogue to the schemes of Algebraic Geometry.
An Evasive Liver Mass in a Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-Positive Patient
Authors: Berezovskiy Reanay , Crawford James M. , Rishi Arvind , Khurana Sohil , Kern Joshua , Morscher Stefani , Satapathy Sanjaya K.
Published: September 2024

IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD) is an autoimmune syndrome that is characterized by elevated levels of serum IgG4 and infiltration of various tissue types by IgG4 immunoreactive plasma cells. The IgG4-RD can result in systemic disease and the formation of inflammatory mass lesions, frequently addressed as pseudotumors. While IgG4-RD can manifest in various organs, liver involvement is rare, and because it is an immune-mediated inflammatory process, it is uncommon in patients who are immunocompromised. Furthermore, despite IgG4-RD responding well to immunosuppressive treatment, cases of spontaneous remission are exceedingly rare in the literature. In this report, we present the unique case of a self-resolving IgG4-RD lesion of the liver in a HIV positive patient.
Successful Endoscopic Drainage of Acute Duodenal Diverticulitis Complicated by Abscess
Authors: Liane Billy-Joe , Quiles John
Published: September 2024

Duodenal diverticulitis complicated by abscess formation is a rare clinical entity, albeit may, in some cases, be associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We present a unique case that elucidates the success of endoscopic management of duodenal diverticulitis complicated by an abscess in the third part of the duodenum, through forward-viewing endoscopic maneuvers. Although surgery has been the primary interventional strategy for complicated duodenal diverticulitis beyond medical management, endoscopy is shown to be a safe and effective alternative in the clinically stable patient and/or poor surgical candidate, for this uncommon sequela of duodenal diverticulosis.
Efecto de la sintomatología ansiosa y depresiva sobre los estilos de alimentación de la población chilena
Authors: Hun Nelson , Urzúa Alfonso , Acuña Valentina , Barraza Karen , Leiva-Gutiérrez José
Published: September 2024

Antecedentes: existe una estrecha relación entre salud mental y estilos de alimentación. Indicadores de salud mental como sintomatología ansiosa y depresiva han reportado efectos directos sobre estilos de alimentación que promueven la malnutrición por exceso como la alimentación emocional o restrictiva. Se analizó el efecto de la sintomatología ansiosa y depresiva sobre los estilos de alimentación en mujeres y hombres del norte y centro de Chile. Método: participaron 910 adultos residentes en el norte y centro de Chile; se aplicó el Cuestionario Holandés de Conducta Alimentaria (DEBQ), así como el Inventario de Ansiedad de Beck (BAI) y el Inventario de Depresión de Beck-II (BDI-II). El análisis del modelo global de la relación entre variables se realizó mediante modelos de ecuaciones estructurales. Resultados: el modelo global presentó adecuados indicadores de bondad de ajuste; la sintomatología ansiosa tuvo un efecto directo y significativo sobre la alimentación emocional, alimentación externa y alimentación restrictiva. Por su parte, la sintomatología depresiva no presentó efectos significativos sobre ningún estilo de alimentación. Conclusiones: a medida que aumentan los niveles de ansiedad, aumentan los niveles de todos los estilos de alimentación. La depresión podría interactuar mediando la relación por el contexto emocional que genera la sintomatología depresiva.
Effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines on urothelial cell adenosine triphosphate release and breakdown
Authors: Kaleska Belinda , Sluyter Ronald , Chen Zhuoran , Mansfield Kylie J
Published: September 2024

Objectives: Urinary symptoms of urgency, frequency, and pain are thought to be the result of inflammation in several bladder pathologies although the cause of these symptoms remains uncertain. Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) released from the bladder urothelium during normal bladder stretch is believed to bind to purinergic receptors on afferent nerves to signal bladder sensation. This study examined pro-inflammatory cytokines in the urine of women with detrusor overactivity (DO) with or without urinary tract infection (UTI) compared to controls and then determined the effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines on ATP signaling (release and breakdown) from the urothelium. Methods: The urinary concentrations of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were determined in women with DO with or without UTI compared to female controls. The effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β) on control and hypotonic-induced ATP release using human UROtsa urothelial cells was examined, as was the effect of these cytokines on nucleotide (ATP, adenosine diphosphate and adenosine monophosphate) breakdown. Results: Urinary concentrations of IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-1β were increased in women with DO and UTI. Pre-treatment of urothelial cells with individual cytokines stimulated a decrease rather than an increase in ATP release whereas pre-treatment with a cocktail of all three cytokines stimulated a small but significant increase in hypotonic-induced ATP release. Pre-treatment of urothelial cells with cytokines significantly enhanced nucleotide breakdown. Conclusion: Using a simple cell culture model we have demonstrated that the response of the urothelium to pro-inflammatory cytokines is complex, affecting both release and breakdown of ATP.
Mineralogy and geochemical signatures for provenance and palaeoweathering conditions of the upper Albian Abakaliki Shale in south-eastern Nigeria
Authors: Afolabi Olukayode Adegoke , Ogungbesan Gbenga Olakunle , Ajibade Olumuyiwa Michael
Published: September 2024

Mineralogical and geochemical studies of the Abakaliki Shale have been undertaken in order to constrain source rock composition and palaeoweathering conditions, as well as to deduce the provenance terrane types. The mineralogical analysis using X-ray diffraction has revealed an abundance of quartz and clay minerals (illite, chlorite and illite/smectite mixed layer) with a minor content of albite and gypsum. Geochemical data have demonstrated a depletion in SiO2, MnO, Y, Zr, Hf, U, Y, Cu, Ni, V, Ba and Cr and an enrichment in Rb, Sr, Th, Sc, Co, Zn and Pb in the Abakaliki Shale in comparison to the Post-Archean Australian Shale (PAAS; a proxy for the upper continental crust). Rare earth element contents generally show LREE fractionation and enrichment (LaN/YbN = 16.08–35.75 and LaN/SmN = 3.61–6.16, respectively) with a strong negative Europium anomaly (Eu/Eu* = 0.56–0.73). These geochemical characteristics suggest that the provenance of the Albian Abakaliki Shale lay in ancient upper continental crust composed mainly of felsic basement rocks with a minor contribution from mafic rocks. This is in contrast to earlier studies which suggested possible contribution of mafic components from Jurassic volcanigenic terrane as source rocks of the Albian shale in the southern Benue Trough. Moderate chemical weathering of the source rocks with mixed granite-granodiorite compositions is indicated by the value of the chemical index of alteration (average CIA 76.60); the plagioclase index of alteration (average PIA 85.20) and the index of compositional variability (average ICV 0.88), as well as by the Rb/Sr (0.32–0.92), K/Rb (125.36–193.55) and K/Na (1.13–2.70) ratios.
A bibliometric and content analysis of research trends in paver blocks: Mapping the scientific landscape
Authors: Choudhary Hemant , Rajput Sarvesh P. S. , Mandal Amit
Published: September 2024

This study presents a novel integration of bibliometric and content analysis to comprehensively examine the research trends and scientific landscape of paver blocks. The investigation of 379 articles and reviews published across 174 journals reveals a steady growth in research output, with a notable surge in publications and citations from 2016 to 2024, underlining the increasing importance of this field. India, Malaysia, and the United States emerge as major contributors, with India leading in publication count (143) and the United States demonstrating high research impact through total citations (1,312) and citations per paper (48.59). Keyword examination highlights the prominence of sustainable materials, waste utilization, and innovative design strategies, while an in-depth review of highly cited papers unveils the potential for incorporating various waste streams to produce high-quality, eco-friendly paver blocks. Over the years, the research focus has expanded from conventional materials to recycled aggregates, permeable designs, and photocatalytic applications. This study identifies research gaps, such as the need for long-term performance assessment and life cycle analysis, and recommends future directions, including integrating paver blocks into urban planning and design strategies. The findings guide researchers and policymakers in the development of sustainable, resilient, and multifunctional paver block solutions.
Reflections on Attacks on Linking and the Thinking-Function in the Writings of W. R. Bion
Authors: Landau Gila
Published: September 2024

This article revisits W. R. Bion's theory of thinking by highlighting how thinking and linking are attacked. The author's theoretical reflections and clinical vignettes draw attention to the fact that patients may attack the analyst's thinking-function in two particular states: when they experience the analyst as attacking them precisely when the analyst is able to create a link, but one that is too threatening, painful, unsettling and frustrating or in response to the analyst's failure to create the link the patient had been expecting. How the analyst deals with and reacts to the complexity of the analytic relationship and to these two kinds of attacks is what will be internalized. In turn, it will affect the methods of communication within the psyche and with the environment and the development of a patient's emotional thinking.
Psychoanalysis in Extension: Can the Conference as a Genre Be Properly Psychoanalytic?
Authors: Royal Jason
Published: September 2024

This reflection problematizes the notion and practice of the psychoanalytic conference, a genre that, while useful, also embodies deadness. By first reminding what is at stake in conferences as usually staged—readings of texts—the reflection is focused on what is at stake in the prospect of psychoanalytic conferences that function psychoanalytically. Using an event he helped imagine and execute as both a matrix of thinking and a source of examples, the author examines the challenges and potentials of new forms of participation, co-existence, and exchange in the psychoanalytic field.
Políticas públicas como instrumentos de concretização de direitos fundamentais e desenvolvimento econômico
Authors: Barile da Silveira Daniel , Durães Cintya Nishimura
Published: September 2024

O presente artigo analisa a relação estabelecida entre os direitos fundamentais e o desenvolvimento econômico no Estado brasileiro, sob a ótica principiológica da Constituição Federal. Inicialmente destaca-se a positivação dos direitos fundamentais na Lei Maior, passando pela concepção, características, evolução e efetividade desses direitos. Em seguida o desenvolvimento econômico no ordenamento jurídico nacional será objeto de estudo, buscando-se uma compreensão acerca dos seus aspectos fundamentais, assim como a ligação existente entre este e os direitos fundamentais. Analisar-se-á como a colisão entre os direitos fundamentais e o desenvolvimento econômico interfere na prestação de obrigações por parte do Estado aos cidadãos, resultando em escolhas estatais desalinhadas com os objetivos expressos na Lei Maior da República. Verifica-se como as políticas públicas podem funcionar como instrumentos adequados em casos de impossibilidade de fruição concomitante de direitos fundamentais e desenvolvimento econômico. Observa-se a posição da jurisprudência do Supremo Tribunal Federal acerca da problemática.
Behavioral and Neural Mechanisms of Face-Specific Attention during Goal-Directed Visual Search
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhu Xiaocang , Zhou Huihui , Wang Shuo
Published: September 2024

Goal-directed visual attention is a fundamental cognitive process that enables animals to selectively focus on specific regions of the visual field while filtering out irrelevant information. However, given the domain specificity of social behaviors, it remains unclear whether attention to faces versus nonfaces recruits different neurocognitive processes. In this study, we simultaneously recorded activity from temporal and frontal nodes of the attention network while macaques performed a goal-directed visual search task. V4 and inferotemporal (IT) visual category-selective units, selected during cue presentation, discriminated fixations on targets and distractors during the search but were differentially engaged by face and house targets. V4 and IT category-selective units also encoded fixation transitions and search dynamics. Compared with distractors, fixations on targets reduced spike–LFP coherence within the temporal cortex. Importantly, target-induced desynchronization between the temporal and prefrontal cortices was only evident for face targets, suggesting that attention to faces differentially engaged the prefrontal cortex. We further revealed bidirectional theta influence between the temporal and prefrontal cortices using Granger causality, which was again disproportionate for faces. Finally, we showed that the search became more efficient with increasing target-induced desynchronization. Together, our results suggest domain specificity for attending to faces and an intricate interplay between visual attention and social processing neural networks.
Monosynaptic Inputs to Ventral Tegmental Area Glutamate and GABA Co-transmitting Neurons
Authors: Prévost Emily D. , Phillips Alysabeth , Lauridsen Kristoffer , Enserro Gunnar , Rubinstein Bodhi , Alas Daniel , McGovern Dillon J. , Ly Annie , Hotchkiss Hayden , Banks Makaila , McNulty Connor , Kim Yoon Seok , Fenno Lief E. , Ramakrishnan Charu , Deisseroth Karl , Root David H.
Published: September 2024

A unique population of ventral tegmental area (VTA) neurons co-transmits glutamate and GABA. However, the circuit inputs to VTA VGluT2+VGaT+ neurons are unknown, limiting our understanding of their functional capabilities. By coupling monosynaptic rabies tracing with intersectional genetic targeting in male and female mice, we found that VTA VGluT2+VGaT+ neurons received diverse brainwide inputs. The largest numbers of monosynaptic inputs to VTA VGluT2+VGaT+ neurons were from superior colliculus (SC), lateral hypothalamus (LH), midbrain reticular nucleus, and periaqueductal gray, whereas the densest inputs relative to brain region volume were from the dorsal raphe nucleus, lateral habenula, and VTA. Based on these and prior data, we hypothesized that LH and SC inputs were from glutamatergic neurons. Optical activation of glutamatergic LH neurons activated VTA VGluT2+VGaT+ neurons regardless of stimulation frequency and resulted in flee-like ambulatory behavior. In contrast, optical activation of glutamatergic SC neurons activated VTA VGluT2+VGaT+ neurons for a brief period of time at high frequency and resulted in head rotation and arrested ambulatory behavior (freezing). Stimulation of glutamatergic LH neurons, but not glutamatergic SC neurons, was associated with VTA VGluT2+VGaT+ footshock-induced activity and inhibition of LH glutamatergic neurons disrupted VTA VGluT2+VGaT+ tailshock-induced activity. We interpret these results such that inputs to VTA VGluT2+VGaT+ neurons may integrate diverse signals related to the detection and processing of motivationally salient outcomes.
Evaluation of Hematological, Biochemical Parameters and CRP and PCT Levels in Dogs with Leishmania Infantum Detected by ELISA
Authors: Arslan Sezai , Vicil Sinan , Oncel Taraneh
Published: September 2024

Aim: Leishmaniasis, a zoonotic disease caused by Leishmania spp., follows a symptomatic or asymptomatic course in dogs due to the influence of various factors. Although hematological and serum biochemical parameters have a limited role in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis, they can be used to evaluate the clinical condition of the animal, the severity of the lesions and the prognosis of the disease. Procalcitonin (PCT), as a disease biomarker, is released by monocytes, neutrophils, liver, spleen, kidneys and lungs during sepsis. Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) increases significantly and rapidly in pathological conditions. This study aimed to examine PCT and CRP levels in dogs with Leishmaniasis. Materials and Methods: The leishmaniasis group of the study consisted of 9 dogs that tested positive for the disease using the ELISA method, among 157 dogs showing leishmaniasis symptoms. The healthy group consisted of seven dogs living in the same area, which were determined to be healthy through clinical examination, had normal hemogram and routine biochemical parameters, and tested negative in the ELISA test. Results: : The results showed that RBC, Hgb, HCT, MCV and MCHC values differed significantly between groups. The positive group had higher total protein and globulin levels, while the negative group had lower albumin, A/G ratio, sodium, and chloride values, biochemical measurements revealed. These differences between the groups were statistically significant, however serum PCT and CRP results were not different between the groups. Conclusion: Further research is required before PCT and CRP can be used as a clinical biomarker in dogs with leishmaniasis.
Calculation of Intracranial Volume in Akkaraman and Kangal Akkaraman Sheep by Stereology and Computed Tomography
Authors: Bas-Ekici Hacer , Besoluk Kamil
Published: September 2024

Aim: Knowing the intracranial volume of sheep breeds is important for breed segregation and clinical sciences. The aim of this study is to compare the intracranial volumes and measurement methods of Akkaraman and Kangal Akkaraman sheep breeds, which constitute the majority of sheep in Turkey. Materials and Methods: In the study, the heads of 10 healthy male Akkaraman and 10 Kangal Akkaraman sheep aged 6-8 months were used. The sheep heads were imaged in the rostral-caudal direction, perpendicular to the hard palate to provide reference for the section orientation, in the axial (transversal) plane with a detector thickness of 0.6 mm. Reconstruction of the axial images was done with a slice thickness of 0.65 mm. Intracranial volumes of the sheep heads were measured using computerized tomography (CT) images with the Cavalieri principle. In addition, three-dimensional models of the intracranial area were created with the Slicer 5.3 program and the volume was calculated with the program tools. The data obtained from volume measurement were analyzed with the t-test in independent groups, and comparison between methods was analyzed with the Bland-Altman analysis in the SPSS 26.0 package program. Results: : The mean values of intracranial volume of Akkaraman sheep were found to be statistically significant and greater than Akkaraman sheep (P<0.01). As a result of statistical comparison of intracranial volumes calculated with stereological method and CT models, no difference was found between the two methods (P>0.05). Conclusion: Accurate calculation of intracranial volume is of great importance in the diagnosis and treatment of brain and nervous system diseases. The results of this study show that the determination of intracranial volume in Akkaraman and Kangal Akkaraman sheep can provide significant contributions to clinical sciences in the diagnosis of diseases. Therefore, it can also provide important guidance for veterinarians and researchers in better understanding diseases and developing effective treatment methods. Therefore, the results of the study can guide research in veterinary medicine and related disciplines and provide an important basis for clinical applications.
Influence of acid systems on bottomhole zone decolmatization and set cement stability
Authors: Stavychnyi Ye.M. , Rudyi S.M. , Femiak Ya.M. , Tershak B.A. , Piatkivskyi S.A. , Klymyuk M.M. , Kindrat V.V.
Published: September 2024

The state of the bottomhole zone during drilling was assessed on the example of well No. 47 Stynava. Based on the study of the impact of drilling fluid on the filtration and capacitance characteristics of the core material, it was found that the colmatation screen on the core material can be eliminated by acid treatment.
The studies and results of operations at wells of PJSC “Ukrnafta” have confirmed the effectiveness of oil recovery enhancement methods, among which the acid treatment of formations, whichare used both for cleaning of well bottomhole zone and forintensification.
The main technological parameters of a few cementing materials and mixtures, as well as the physical-and-mechanical properties of set cement based on them, were studied. The effect of acid treatment used during intensification on set cement was evaluated. It has been established that base cements and mixtures based on them are subjected to a significant aggressive effect of acids, which provokes the destruction of set cement.
The results of the study substantiate the expediency of using composite plugging cements for well cementing in difficult conditions where the set cement of the insulating ring can be exposed to acid exposure.
Expert assessment of competitive activities of highly qualified field hockey players
Authors: Kostiukevych Viktor , Vozniuk Tetiana , Perepelytsia Maxim , Bohuslavska Viktoriia , Voitenko Sergey , Svirshchuk Natalia
Published: September 2024

Background and study aim. In team game sports, including field hockey, one of the most effective types of control over competitive activities is expert evaluation. Purpose of the study is to develop a methodology for expert assessment of competitive activities of highly qualified field hockey players.

Material and methods. The study involved 16 highly qualified field hockey players, aged from 19 to 37 years. The average age of the players is 27.3±5.06 years. Sports Qualification: Master of sports of Ukraine. All players were given informed consent to participate in the study. The study was conducted in 2024 during the 2024 Olympic field hockey qualification competition (the city of Valencia, Spain). The research was carried out on the basis of the following methods: theoretical analysis and generalization of scientific and methodological literature; pedagogical observation; video recording of competitive activities; method of expert assessments; methods of Mathematical Statistics.

Results. The author's methodology for expert assessment of competitive activity of field hockey players has been developed based on a 10-point scale, consisting of 5 criteria in the ball ownership phase and 5 criteria in the ball picking up phase.

Each of the criteria is rated from 1 to 10 points. The fluctuation of the average values of the expert assessment of players of the national team of Ukraine in the matches of the Olympic qualification 2024 is in the range from 4.2±0.45 to 6.6±0.49 points.

Conclusions. The developed methodology of expert assessment of competitive activity of highly qualified field hockey players is appropriate for effective management influences in the process of competitive activity of club and national teams in the Olympic sport – field hockey.
Evaluación físico-química del banano maqueño (Mussa acuminata) en dos zonas de cultivo en Ecuador.
Authors: Chevez Véliz Hernán Humberto , Tuarez García Diego Armando , Erazo Solórzano Cyntia Yadira , Revilla Escobar Karol Yannela , Aldas Jhonnatan , Guapi Álava Gina Mariuxi
Published: September 2024

Ecuador es uno de los mayores productores y exportadores de banano a nivel mundial y cumple con estándares de mercados para la Unión Europea y Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, el banano maqueño, “red dacca”, es muy poco explotado, debido al desconocimiento de la funcionalidad del material. Esta materia prima tiene la piel púrpura rojizo, contiene mayores nutrientes que el banano convencional (amarillo) y se caracteriza por la gran adaptación a zonas húmedas y resistencia a la sigatoka negra (Mycosphaerella fijiensis), sin necesidad de ningún tratamiento químico. Por esta razón, el objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar las características físicas y químicas del banano maqueño “red dacca” (Mussa acuminata) en dos zonas de cultivo en Ecuador. Para ello, se utilizó un diseño completamente al azar (DCA) con arreglo factorial A*B, y las variables estudiadas fueron: físicas (firmeza, longitud y relación pulpa/cáscara) y químicas (acidez, pH, cenizas, °Brix, grasa, proteína, fibra total y polifenoles). Los resultados físicos y químicos mostraron diferencia significativa (p < 0,05) entre la media de los tratamientos, y determinaron que los días de maduración influyen en la disminución de longitud, la relación pulpa/cáscara, el pH y en el aumento del contenido de acidez, humedad, cenizas, °Brix, grasas, proteína y fibra total; mientras que las zonas de estudio influyeron en la reducción del parámetro de firmeza y en la variación del contenido de polifenoles totales.
Propiedades mecánicas de películas obtenidas a partir de pellets de almidón termoplástico almacenados en diferentes condiciones
Authors: Chantre López Adriana Rocío , Villada Castillo Hector Samuel , Palechor Trochez Jhon Jairo , Montilla Buitrago Camilo Elías , Gómez López Rudy Alberto
Published: September 2024

El desarrollo de materiales biodegradables como reemplazo de los plásticos convencionales se ha estudiado y analizado hasta su punto de producción, sin embargo, existe pocos estudios sobre la determinación del tiempo de vida útil de los pellets a partir de almidón para obtener materiales biodegradables, la mayoría se han realizado con base a pellets de madera, utilizando recubrimientos, pretratamientos térmicos, aditivos, etc., con el fin de aumentar la vida útil o tiempo en almacenamiento. En este sentido, el objetivo de este estudio se basó en determinar los efectos de las condiciones de empaque y almacenamiento sobre las propiedades finales de los pellets y las películas producidas a partir de almidón de yuca termoplástico (TPS) y ácido poliláctico (PLA). Los pellets se almacenaron en tres tipos de empaque (celulosa multicapa, polietileno y papel), tres humedades relativas (70 %, 26 % y 10 %) y se procesaron en los días 0, 8, 20, 40 y 75 para obtener las películas flexibles y realizar una medición a sus propiedades mecánicas como variable de respuesta. Se obtuvo que los factores tipo de empaque y tiempo de almacenamiento de los pellets afectan significativamente las propiedades mecánicas de tracción de las películas obtenidas a partir de los pellets almacenados, presentando una disminución del esfuerzo en el sentido longitudinal de las películas de 15 MPa a 10 MPa y un aumento del porcentaje de deformación de aproximadamente 20 % con respecto a la muestra control, debido al proceso de retrogradación y plastificación que sufre el almidón cuando es almacenado. Los empaques de celulosa multicapa y el polietileno mostraron ser dos posibles tipos de empaque para almacenar los pellets por 20 días.
Technological and socioeconomic characterization of Cucurbita argyrosperma Huber production systems in Champotón, Campeche, Mexico
Authors: Kuyoc-Chan Hilda Cecilia , Candelaria-Martinez Bernardino , Cadena-Iñiguez Jorge , Flota-Bañuelos Carolina , Rosales-Martinez Verónica , Fraire-Cordero Silvia
Published: September 2024

The state of Campeche, Mexico, occupies first place in the production of Cucurbita argyrosperma Huber, with the municipality of Champotón contributing 7% of state production. Chihua squash production systems were characterized based on their technological and socioeconomic level by applying a semi-structured questionnaire to those responsible for the Chihua squash production systems. The data were analyzed using principal components, clusters, and comparison of means with the Tukey test (P≤0.05). Three groups of producers were identified: G1, G2, and G3, grouping 28, 100, and 8 people, respectively. G1 has intermediate land availability, intermediate salaried labor, producer organizations, seed processing, average purchase-sale contract, medium use of technologies, higher income per unit of area, and represents 20.58% of producers; G2 has lower land availability, lower number of salaried labor, low organization of producers, seed processing, no purchase-sale agreement, low use of technologies, lower income per unit of area and utility, and concentrates 73.53% of producers; G3 has greater availability of land, greater number of salaried labor and producer organizations, does not process seeds, has greater purchase-sale agreement, high use of technologies, average income values, and represents 5.88% of the producers. The group with the highest technological index was not the one with the highest profitability, which was determined by producer organizations and the availability of land.
Evaluation of top-dressing fertilization with nitrogen for the morphophysiology of wheat crops
Authors: Mieth Fernanda Maria , Damm dos Santos Emilso , Follmann Diego Nicolau , Crestani Pereira Anderson , Raddatz Ricardo Ismael
Published: September 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different management of nitrogen fertilization in top dressing on the morphophysiology of spring wheat cultivars in a low-altitude subtropical environment of Brazil. The experiment was carried out in 2022 in a greenhouse. The experiment had a randomized block design. We evaluated 10 wheat cultivars with two different applications of nitrogen with three replicates. The variables evaluated included the number of fertile tillers, plant height, length of the main spike and tiller, number of spikelets in the main spike and tiller, number of grains in the main spike and tiller, number of grains per plant and mass of grains in the main spike and tiller. For wheat cultivated in a low-altitude subtropical environment, nitrogen installments have no influence on the number of fertile tillers, plant height, or crop yield components. It was possible to infer that the difference obtained in the tillering pattern of the cultivars tested was due to their genetic potential.
Eventos naturales y crecimiento urbano informal en zonas costeras de Ecuador
Authors: Baque Solís Byron Simón , Álava Rosado Derlí Francisco , Panchana Vera Rosa Elena , Zamora Sanchez Diego Javier , Alcivar Castro Jaime Ricardo
Published: September 2024

Ecuador es un país susceptible y vulnerable a las amenazas de eventos naturales, en especial a lo largo de su perfil costero. Un tercio del total de eventos registrados en el Ecuador ocurren en las provincias del margen costero, siendo las inundaciones y deslizamientos de tierra los acontecimientos que con mayor frecuencia se presentan. Guayas, Manabí y Esmeraldas se identifican como aquellas provincias en las que se ha evidenciado la mayor cantidad de eventos. La vulnerabilidad frente a las amenazas por desastres se eleva si a la ecuación se añade la expansión de la mancha urbana en zonas de riesgo, caracterizadas por el escaso acceso a servicios básicos, la precariedad, la inseguridad y la pobreza. Como objetivo de estudio, se exponen las principales estrategias adoptadas por el gobierno de Ecuador a fin de minimizar tanto los efectos derivados de los eventos naturales, como de los generados por el crecimiento urbano informal. Se concluye que más allá de cualquier política y estrategias establecidas por cada gobierno de turno sobre el tema, la acción y esfuerzos conjuntos de la sociedad civil, son fundamentales para establecer correctivos, crear conciencia y modificar aquellos hábitos que se contraponen en detrimento del deterioro del medio ambiente.
La relación EDUSI-Agenda Urbana Española. Una aproximación metodológica para su evaluación
Authors: Álvarez Del Valle Lucas , Camerin Federico , Díez Bermejo Ana , Rodríguez Suárez Iván
Published: September 2024

Este artículo pone en relación los dos últimos enfoques impulsados por la Unión Europea para canalizar y desarrollar procesos y acciones de desarrollo urbano sostenible en España: las Estrategias Integradas de Desarrollo Urbano Sostenible (EDUSI) y la Agenda Urbana Española (AUE). En el apartado sobre la metodología se explican los fundamentos y criterios utilizados para llevar a cabo la valoración de las EDUSI en base a los objetivos estratégicos de la AUE, a través de 32 casos de estudio y del cuadro de sinergias propuesto por el Ministerio de Transportes, Movilidad y Agenda Urbana (MITMA). En los resultados, se detallan las principales características de las EDUSI y de la AUE, comparando sus contenidos y analizando sus sinergias a través de la casuística elegida. Las dos herramientas se dirigen no solo a los sectores urbanos vulnerables, sino también a las ciudades y/o áreas metropolitanas, para permitir estrategias de desarrollo urbano más amplias que aborden cuestiones urbanas a múltiples escalas. En el apartado de discusión, se habla de la vinculación de las EDUSI con la AUE, con particular énfasis en los 32 casos de estudio y, finalmente, en las conclusiones se evidencian las lecciones aprendidas y futuras líneas de investigación.