bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term outcomes of lung transplantation with ex vivo lung perfusion technique
Authors: Buttar Sana N. , Schultz Hans Henrik L. , Møller-Sørensen Hasse , Perch Michael , Petersen Rene Horsleben , Møller Christian H.
Published: February 2024

Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) has demonstrated encouraging short- and medium-term outcomes with limited data available on its long-term outcomes. This study assesses (1) EVLP long-term outcomes and (2) EVLP era-based sub-analysis in addition to secondary outcomes of recipients with EVLP-treated donor lungs compared with recipients of conventionally preserved donor lungs in unmatched and propensity score-matched cohorts. Double lung transplants performed between 1st January 2012 and 31st December 2021 were included. A total of 57 recipients received EVLP-treated lungs compared to 202 unmatched and 57 matched recipients who were subjected to non-EVLP-treated lungs. The EVLP group had a significantly lower mean PaO2/FiO2 ratio and significantly higher mean BMI than the non-EVLP group in the unmatched and matched cohorts. The proportion of smoking history in the unmatched cohort was significantly higher in the EVLP group, while a similar smoking history was demonstrated in the matched cohorts. No difference was demonstrated in overall freedom from death and retransplantation between the groups in the unmatched and matched cohorts (unmatched: hazard ratio (HR) 1.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.79–2.07, P = 0.32; matched: HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.59–1.89). P = 0.89). In the unmatched cohort, overall freedom from chronic allograft dysfunction (CLAD) was significantly different between the groups (HR 1.64, 95% CI 1.07–2.52, P = 0.02); however, the cumulative CLAD incidence was similar (HR 0.72, 95% CI 0.48–1.1, P = 0.13). In the matched cohort, the overall freedom from CLAD (HR 1.69, 95% CI 0.97–2.95, P = 0.06) and cumulative CLAD incidence (HR 0.91, 95% CI 0.37–2.215, P = 0.83) were similar between the groups. The EVLP era sub-analysis of the unmatched cohort in 2012–2014 had a significantly higher cumulative CLAD incidence in the EVLP group; however, this was not demonstrated in the matched cohort. All secondary outcomes were similar between the groups in the unmatched and matched cohorts. In conclusion, transplantation of marginal donor lungs after EVLP evaluation is non-detrimental compared to conventionally preserved donor lungs in terms of mortality, retransplantation, cumulative CLAD incidence, and secondary outcomes. Although the unmatched EVLP era of 2012–2014 had a significantly higher cumulative CLAD incidence, no such finding was demonstrated in the matched cohort of the same era.
Wearing Your Heart (Monitor) on Your Sleeve: Will Data Be the New Doctor?
Authors: Debad Susan J. , Ganz Ariel , Snyder Michael
Published: February 2024

Imagine wearing a shirt or a wristband that tells you how hard you are exercising or warns you if you are getting sick. These are simple examples of wearable medical devices that could transform healthcare—either by helping people to manage serious diseases that they already have, or by spotting the early signs of a disease so that it can be treated before the person even feels sick. This article will focus on two examples of wearables: one for the management of diabetes and another that may be able to prevent heart attacks. Wearables like these and many others that are being developed could greatly improve human health. However, these technologies come with some big challenges, because they collect a lot of personal data. We need to find ways to protect people’s privacy by keeping that sensitive data safe. In the future, wearables will certainly help doctors do their jobs… but might they even replace doctors altogether?
Bioinformatics: Using “Big” Data to Solve Health Mysteries
Authors: Debad Susan J. , Apweiler Rolf
Published: February 2024

Health data—information from sources like medical records, surveys, and even electronic devices like smartwatches—are becoming increasingly important for keeping people healthy. Computers and the internet make it easy to store and share health data. Scientists and researchers can use these data to understand and prevent diseases or to develop better treatments. To do so, they combine biology, computer science, and math to understand data and find patterns. But using health data is not easy. Scientists must first find the right information among the many data sources available. They also need to make sure the data are “clean” and correct. Once health data are collected and checked, scientists analyze those data to make important discoveries. Health data are both personal and valuable, so they must be kept safe and private. By protecting people’s privacy, we encourage even more data sharing, which helps scientists learn even more and continue to improve human health.
Aortobifemoral Bypass in Kidney Transplant Candidates: A Ten-Year Experience
Authors: Bonnin Pascaline , Kuntz Salomé , Caillard Sophie , Chakfé Nabil , Lejay Anne
Published: February 2024

In patients with severe aorto-iliac calcifications, vascular reconstructions can be performed in order to allow kidney transplantation. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of kidney transplant candidates who underwent an aortobifemoral bypass (ABFB) for aorto-iliac calcifications. A retrospective study including all kidney transplant candidates who underwent an ABFB between 2012 and 2022 was performed. Primary outcome was 30-day morbidity-mortality after ABFB. Secondary outcome was accessibility to kidney transplant waiting list. Twenty-two ABFBs were performed: 10 ABFBs in asymptomatic patients presenting severe aorto-iliac circumferential calcifications without hemodynamic consequences, and 12 ABFBs in symptomatic patients in whom aorto-iliac calcifications were responsible for claudication or critical limb threatening ischemia. Overall 30-day mortality was 0%. Overall 30-day morbidity was 22.7%: 1 femoral hematoma and 1 retroperitoneal hematoma requiring surgical drainage in the asymptomatic group, and 2 digestive ischemia requiring bowel resection and 1 femoral hematoma requiring surgical drainage in the symptomatic group. Among the 22 patients, 20 patients could access to kidney waiting list and 8 patients underwent a kidney transplantation, including 3 living-donor transplantations. Aorto-iliac revascularization can be an option to overcome severe calcifications contraindicating kidney transplantation.
The Importance of Considering Levels of P and N Fertilization to Promote Beneficial Interaction between Rapeseed and Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria
Authors: Amy Charlotte , Avice Jean-Christophe , Laval Karine , Trinsoutrot-Gattin Isabelle , Bressan Mélanie
Published: February 2024

Biointrants constitute a promising opportunity to lower mineral input on rapeseed, characterized by high nutrient requirements. As bio-inoculants, phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) could increase the amount of available P in a soil solution. However, the deployment of these bio-inoculants in fields is not always successful. Disentangling the factors conditioning their reliability is necessary. Because the activities of microorganisms are particularly subject to nutrient availability, the N fertilization level could represent a key factor for the success of PSB inoculation in the early stages of plant growth. In this study, Pfaba (Pseudomonas sp.), a promising plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) strain isolated from soil, was inoculated on rapeseed grown in rhizotrons under two N fertilization levels (N160 or N80) in P labile or P complexed conditions. Pfaba confirmed its PSB potential to solubilize recalcitrant P complexed forms for the benefit of plant growth, but only when the N supply is adequate (N80). In a P complexed environment, Pfaba tended to increase root and shoot biomass (respectively, from 2.17 ± 0.47 g for control modality to 2.88 ± 0.85 g, and from 6.06 ± 1.67 g for control modality to 8.33 ± 1.70 g), increase the P and N contents in roots (respectively, from 0.15 ± 0.09 mg for control modality to 0.70 ± 0.51 mg, and from 37.90 ± 11.09 mg for control modality to 41.34 ± 14.16 mg), and restore root length at a comparable level than plants supplemented with labile P. Conversely, these positive effects were inhibited with lower levels of N fertilization. Our results highlight the importance of nutrient availability to promote beneficial interaction between plants and microorganisms. These findings could also contribute to ensuring the successful deployment of microbial biointrants.
Digestate Application Methods and Rates with Regard to Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Crop Conditions
Authors: Korba Jaroslav , Šařec Petr , Novák Václav , Brož Pavel , Dolan Antonín , Dědina Martin
Published: February 2024

Digestate is commonly used as a liquid organic fertilizer, as it contains nutrients that are important for plant growth and thus help reduce usage of mineral fertilizers. Since the digestate application leads to the release of greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere, it is necessary to find a suitable application method and fertilizer rate with minimal gas emissions while providing sufficient nutrients to crops. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between selected GHGs and ammonia (NH3) release into the atmosphere and different rates of digestate applied, i.e., 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 m3 ha−1. Two digestate incorporation methods were used, i.e., a disc application unit (D) and strip-till (S). The fluxes, i.e., methane (CH4), ammonia, and carbon dioxide (CO2), were monitored using the wind tunnel method. Crop growth and potential nutrient utilization by silage maize were assessed through stand condition monitoring by the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and the Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) using remote sensing. Under the given conditions, the digestate rates and the compared application methods had significant effects on the level of fluxes. The rate of digestate was confirmed to affect the yield of silage maize. The yield increased by more than 8% when using the disc applicator. Based on our results, it is advisable to apply digestate by strip-till technology at rates of approximately 20 m3 ha−1.
Estimation of Garden Chrysanthemum Crown Diameter Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-Based RGB Imagery
Authors: Zhang Jiuyuan , Lu Jingshan , Zhang Qiuyan , Qi Qimo , Zheng Gangjun , Chen Fadi , Chen Sumei , Zhang Fei , Fang Weimin , Guan Zhiyong
Published: February 2024

Crown diameter is one of the crucial indicators for evaluating the adaptability, growth quality, and ornamental value of garden chrysanthemums. To accurately obtain crown diameter, this study employed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a RGB camera to capture orthorectified canopy images of 64 varieties of garden chrysanthemums at different growth stages. Three methods, namely RGB color space, hue-saturation-value (HSV) color space, and the mask region-based convolutional neural network (Mask R-CNN), were employed to estimate the crown diameter of garden chrysanthemums. The results revealed that the Mask R-CNN exhibited the best performance in crown diameter estimation (sample number = 2409, R2 = 0.9629, RMSE = 2.2949 cm). Following closely, the HSV color space-based model exhibited strong performance (sample number = 2409, R2 = 0.9465, RMSE = 3.4073 cm). Both of the first two methods were efficient in estimating crown diameter throughout the entire growth stage. In contrast, the RGB color space-based model exhibited slightly lower performance (sample number = 1065, R2 = 0.9011, RMSE = 3.3418 cm) and was only applicable during periods when the entire plant was predominantly green. These findings provide theoretical and technical support for utilizing UAV-based imagery to estimate the crown diameter of garden chrysanthemums.
An Assessment of the Epidemiology and Herd-Level Impact of the Fractured Humerus Epidemic in New Zealand Dairy Cattle, 2007–2015: Results from Four Studies
Authors: Hunnam Jaimie C. , Lawrence Kevin , Rashid Zul Bahar A. , Hitchcock Ben , McDougall Scott , Wehrle-Martinez Alvaro , Weston Jenny F.
Published: February 2024

A multi-method approach integrating data from four independent sources was used to describe some key features of the epidemiology and estimate the herd and within-herd incidence of fractured humeri in New Zealand dairy cattle for the period 2007–2015. The first dataset was from a national case series where cases of humeral fractures in dairy cattle were identified by veterinarians across New Zealand between the 2007/2008 and 2011/2012 lactation seasons. The second dataset was from a pet food company based in the Waikato region, which collated the number of casualty first- and second-lactation cows found to have a fractured humerus post-slaughter in the 2014/2015 lactation season, and the third dataset was a case series conducted by veterinarians employed in a Waikato veterinary business, also from the 2014/2015 lactation season. For the final dataset, 505 randomly selected New Zealand dairy farmers completed a phone survey on the incidence of non-responsive, non-weight-bearing forelimb lameness in first- and second-lactation cows in the 2014/2015 lactation season. Using the telephone survey results, the within-herd and herd-level incidence of cases for first- and second-lactation dairy animals was calculated. The national case series reported 149 cases of humeral fractures in 22 dairy herds; the pet food case series identified 61 cases from 41 farms; and the practice-based case series found 14 cases from 10 farms. Humeral fractures exclusively affected first- and second-lactation dairy cows and had a peak incidence between calving and early mating. The national telephone survey found that non-weight-bearing forelimb lameness requiring euthanasia of first- or second-lactation cows occurred in 11.7% of herds, with a mean within-herd incidence of 2.6% for first lactation cows and 2.8% for second-lactation cows for affected herds. These combined datasets demonstrate that humeral fractures in young, lactating dairy cattle are more common than previously suspected and that they occur nationally and over multiple years on some farms. Further work on this condition is urgently required in New Zealand to establish cost-effective management practices that will reduce unnecessary animal suffering and waste.
A Survey of Public Opinion on Community Cats’ General Health and Relationship Quality with Residents in Urban China
Authors: Gu Xuan , Zhang Zilin , Peng Guo , Ni Anru , Wang Bo , Xiong Xiufan , Liu Yujie , Wang Li
Published: February 2024

The management and coexistence of community cats in urban areas is a growing concern amid global urbanization. Through a survey-based investigation, we examine the residents’ perceptions of the general health of community cats and human-cat relationships in urban China. The data from 5382 participants revealed that approximately 70% of participants perceived community cats as being in good health, and 60% reported harmonious or non-conflict coexistence between residents and these cats. Around 45% of the participants rescued or helped community cats, 38% expressed their intention to adopt, and 18% complained about the issues of community cats to management staff. Linear, logistic, and multilevel-logistic regressions were employed to examine the associations between the types of cities and communities or the participants’ socio-demographics and the perceived well-being of community cats or human-cat relationships. The results show that the cats in fourth-tier cities (e.g., county-level cities) had poorer living conditions than in first-tier cities (e.g., Beijing), while the cats in urban village communities (e.g., villages in the city) were less likely to exhibit good health than in ordinary commercial housing communities. The results also show that socio-demographic variables, such as educational attainment, marital status, and income level, predicted participants’ relationships with community cats. This study is the first of its kind. It provides valuable insights for stakeholders to develop effective policies and interventions on cat management, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies in diverse urban settings and populations.
Influence of Area, Age and Sex on Per- and Polyfluorinated Alkyl Substances Detected in Roe Deer Muscle and Liver from Selected Areas of Northern Italy
Authors: Draghi Susanna , Curone Giulio , Pavlovic Radmila , Di Cesare Federica , Cagnardi Petra , Fornesi Silva Claudia , Pellegrini Alberto , Riva Federica , Arioli Francesco , Fidani Marco
Published: February 2024

Due to their physicochemical properties, per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) persist and bioaccumulate in living organisms, causing adverse health effects. Since exposure to xenobiotics is influenced by factors related to both the living organism and the considered compounds, biomonitoring PFASs’ presence in the environment is of crucial importance. This study aimed to detect and quantify 15 PFASs in the muscle and liver of 40 roe deer from a specific area in Northern Italy by UPLC-HRMS. In the roe deer, liver PFAS concentrations were higher than those seen in muscle (p < 0.05). Although PFAS content in animals from urbanized areas was higher than those found in deer from rural areas, this difference was not statistically significant. In female roe deer, the concentration was higher than in males (p < 0.05); moreover, older animals showed higher concentrations of PFASs in the liver than younger animals (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the amount of PFASs was higher in tissues from roe deer belonging to urbanized areas, showing that this species might serve as a good bioindicator due to its territorial behavior. PFAS content was significantly higher in female roe deer, although the reason is not fully known. Finally, PFAS concentration was higher in the liver of older animals, probably due to compromised hepatic function.
Age-Related Variations in the Apparent Metabolizable Energy of Meat and Bone Meal for Broilers
Authors: Khalil Mahmoud M. , Abdollahi M. Reza , Zaefarian Faegheh , Ravindran Velmurugu
Published: February 2024

The influence of broiler age on the apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nitrogen-corrected AME (AMEn) of meat and bone meal (MBM) was investigated. A corn–soy basal diet and an experimental diet wherein 300 g/kg of the basal diet was replaced (w/w) with MBM were developed. The diets, in pellet form, were fed to six replicate cages across six age groups, namely d 1 to 7, 8 to 14, 15 to 21, 22 to 28, 29 to 35 or 36 to 42 d post-hatch. Birds were fed either a starter diet from d 1–21 or a finisher diet from d 22–35. Basal and experimental diets were introduced on d 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and 36 with 10 (d 1–7), 8 (d 8–14) and 6 (d 15–42) birds per replicate. Total collection of excreta was carried out during the last 4 d of each age period. A linear decrease (p < 0.001) in the retention of dry matter and nitrogen was observed with advancing age. The AMEn of MBM showed a linear increase (p < 0.05), rising from 12.56 MJ/kg during d 1–7 to 13.90 MJ/kg during d 29–35, followed by a decline to 13.41 MJ/kg during d 36–42. The current findings showed that the energy utilization of MBM increased with the advancing age of broilers. Age-dependent AMEn values of MBM may need to be considered when MBM is included in feed formulations.
Expression and Variations in EPO Associated with Oxygen Metabolism in Tibetan Sheep
Authors: Ren Yue , Xi Qiming , He Zhaohua , Sun Hongxian , Li Shaobin
Published: February 2024

After a long period of adaptive evolution, Tibetan sheep have adapted to the plateau environment in terms of genetics, physiology and biochemistry, but the mechanism of hypoxia adaptation has not been fully elucidated, and the functional genes and molecular mechanisms regulating the hypoxia adaptation of Tibetan sheep need to be further studied. In this study, Tibetan sheep were selected as the research object, and the mRNA expression levels of the hypoxa-related gene EPO in heart, lung, kidney, liver, spleen and longissimus dorsi muscle of Hu sheep (100 m) and Tibetan sheep at different altitudes (2500 m, 3500 m, 4500 m) were assessed by RT-qPCR. The SNPs loci were detected by sequencing and Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) technology, then the correlation between genetic polymorphism and blood gas was analyzed. The results show that the expression of the EPO gene was the highest in the kidney, indicating that the expression of EPO gene had tissue differences. The expression levels of the EPO gene in the heart, lung and liver of Tibetan sheep at a 4500 m altitude were significantly higher than those in Hu sheep (p < 0.05), and the levels in the hearts of Tibetan sheep increased with the increase in altitude. Three mutations were identified in the EPO gene, the SNPs (g.855 A > C) in exon 1 and the SNPs (g.1985 T > G and g.2115 G > C) in exon 4, which were named EPO-SNP1, EPO-SNP2 and EPO-SNP3, respectively, and all three SNPs showed three genotypes. Correlation analysis showed that g.2115 G > C sites were significantly correlated with pO2 (p < 0.05), and haplotype combinations were significantly correlated with pO2 (p < 0.05). Thesee results suggest that the expression of the EPO gene is altitude-differentiated and organ-differentiated, and the EPO gene variants have significant effects on pO2, which may be beneficial to the adaptation of Tibetan sheep to hypoxia stress.
The Behavioral Cost of Care: Changes in Maintenance Behavior during Equine-Assisted Interventions
Authors: Fournier Angela K. , French Megan , Letson Elizabeth A. , Hanson Joy , Berry Thomas D. , Cronin Sarah
Published: February 2024

This study examined human–animal symbiosis in an animal-assisted intervention through observations of animal maintenance behaviors. The rise of psychotherapy, learning, and recreation incorporating animals warrants exploration of the welfare of the animals involved in these interventions. The analysis of welfare in multispecies engagements can be discussed in terms of symbiosis. Regarding an intervention’s animal provider (e.g., therapy horse) and human recipient (psychotherapy client), the balance of cost and benefit is important. Research describing human and animal interactive behavior during interventions is limited, whether focusing on client outcomes or animal welfare. The present study adapted ethological methods to study humans and animals in an equine-assisted intervention, observing equine maintenance behaviors and equid–human interactive behavior. Maintenance behaviors were recorded before, during, and after equine-assisted (psychosocial) learning sessions with youth, providing 1600 observations. Equine alertness, eating behavior, and ambulation varied significantly before, during, and after the equine-assisted sessions. Such interruptions of typical behavior are an important aspect of welfare and unit of analysis when examining symbiotic relationships. A total of 267 sequences of equid–human approach–response behavior were also recorded, indicating that human–animal interaction was predominantly from humans toward equids. Equids’ dominant response to human approach was no response, followed by avoidance, while humans’ dominant response to equid approach was reciprocation. The findings are discussed in terms of symbiosis and animal welfare.
A 3D Printed Anatomically Pre-Contoured Plate for the Treatment of Y-T Humeral Condylar Fractures: A Feline Cadaveric Study
Authors: Trębacz Piotr , Frymus Jan , Barteczko Anna , Pawlik Mateusz , Kurkowska Aleksandra , Czopowicz Michał
Published: February 2024

(1) Background: Anatomically pre-contoured plates usually require only minimal or even no intraoperative contouring. For complex cases, such plates also assist the surgeon as an anatomical template during fracture reduction. In this study, we present our experience of using a 3D printing technology for the treatment of bicondylar humeral fractures in feline cadavers. (2) Methods: Surgeries were performed on 15 pairs of front limbs amputated at the scapula. The limbs were obtained from 15 adult cats without obvious pathology of the skeleton. After flexion of the elbow and subperiosteal elevation of the anconeus muscle, the humeral Y-T fractures were created using a bone chisel and mallet. A custom-made anatomically pre-contoured interlocking plate was used to reduce and stabilise the medial aspect of the humeral condyle to the humeral diaphysis. After reduction of the humeral condyle, a positional locking screw was then inserted from the medial to the lateral side and a straight 2.4/2.7 interlocking bone plate was used to stabilise the lateral part of the condyle to the humeral diaphysis. (3) Results: The length of the humerus ranged from 98.2 to 107.0 mm and did not differ significantly between the left and right bone. The diameter of the isthmus of the humeral condyle ranged from 5.2 to 5.5 mm and did not differ significantly between the left and right bone. In all 30 limbs, bicondylar fracture was accompanied by epicondylar comminution. In 7/30 limbs (4 left, 3 right) the fracture of the humeral shaft was also present. In the left limbs, the postoperative articular surface defect of the humeral condyle was small (<1 mm) in 11/15 cases, moderate (1–2 mm) in 2/15 cases and large (>2 mm) in 2/15 cases in which the condylar screw was incorrectly inserted. In the right limbs, the postoperative articular surface defect of the humeral condyle was small (<1 mm) in 14/15 cases and moderate (1–2 mm) in 1 case. (4) Conclusions: 3D printing and the technology of metal powder sintering offers a wide range of possibilities for the development of new surgical implants. The anatomically pre-contoured bone plate appears to be a valuable tool in the reduction and stabilisation of Y-T humeral fractures in adult domestic cats weighing 3.0 to 4.5 kg.
Impact of Using Oilseed Industry Byproducts Rich in Linoleic and Alpha-Linolenic Acid in Ruminant Nutrition on Milk Production and Milk Fatty Acid Profile
Authors: Kokić Bojana , Rakita Slađana , Vujetić Jelena
Published: February 2024

Milk contains more than 400 different fatty acids, some of which play a positive role in promoting human health. The profile of fatty acids in milk can be enhanced by providing animals with plant-based resources that possess feeding characteristics adequate for favorable changes in the fatty acid composition and increasing healthy fatty acids in milk. This review summarizes the available 41 research studies on the utilization of oilseed industry byproducts rich in linoleic acid (hemp, pumpkin, sunflower) and alpha-linolenic acid (camelina and linseed) in dairy cow, sheep, and goat nutrition; their impact on milk production characteristics; and potential to improve fatty acid composition of milk through the diet. This review illustrates that incorporating byproducts into the diet for dairy ruminants generally does not have any adverse effects on both milk production and composition. A similar trend of improvement in milk fatty acid profile was observed when ruminants were fed diets supplemented with camelina, linseed, and sunflower byproducts, while no significant changes were noted with pumpkin byproducts. Hempseed byproducts showed potential for use as an alternative ingredient in dairy ruminant diets. Nevertheless, more in-depth research investigating the inclusion of selected byproducts is required before valid conclusions can be drawn regarding their value.
Unveiling the Impact of Rapeseed Meal on Feeding Behavior and Anorexigenic Endocrine in Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Zhou Bo , Ran Hongmei , Zhang Qijun , Chen Hu , Han Fenglu , Xu Chang , Zhao Qun
Published: February 2024

Litopenaeus vannamei, with high plant protein acceptance and high global aquaculture production, is a potential species for rapeseed meal application. However, rapeseed meal has been associated with anorexia in fish, and whether the same occurs in L. vannamei remains unknown. This study demonstrated the effects of rapeseed meal on the feeding and anorexigenic endocrine of L. vannamei based on feeding behavior and transcriptomics. Soybean meal was replaced with fermented rapeseed meal (50%), and a significant increase in remaining diet and dietary discard was observed with a significant reduction in dietary visits. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the pathways involved in rapeseed meal-induced anorexia mainly included signal transduction, the digestive system, the sensory system, the endocrine system, phototransduction–fly, the thyroid hormone signaling pathway and pancreatic secretion. Moreover, this study further analyzed and identified seven neuropeptides involved in rapeseed meal-induced anorexia, and it explored the complex expression regulation strategies of these neuropeptides. In summary, this study confirmed through feeding behavior that rapeseed meal causes anorexia in L. vannamei, and it identified seven neuropeptides that were closely related to the anorexia process.
Effects of Dietary Supplementation with Chitosan on the Muscle Composition, Digestion, Lipid Metabolism, and Stress Resistance of Juvenile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Exposed to Cadmium-Induced Stress
Authors: Zhang Qin , Xie Yi , Zhang Yuanhui , Huang Enhao , Meng Liuqing , Liu Yongqiang , Tong Tong
Published: February 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary chitosan supplementation on the muscle composition, digestion, lipid metabolism, and stress resistance, and their related gene expression, of juvenile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) subjected to cadmium (Cd2+) stress. Juvenile tilapia with an initial body weight of 21.21 ± 0.24 g were fed with a formulated feed containing five different levels (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%) of chitosan for 60 days, while the water in all experimental groups contained a Cd2+ concentration of 0.2 mg/L. The results showed that, compared with the control group (0% chitosan), the contents of crude fat and crude protein in the muscle, the activities of lipase, trypsin, and amylase in the intestine, as well as the relative expression levels of metallothionein (mt), cytochrome P450 1A (cyp1a), carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (cpt-1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (pparα), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (pparγ), hormone-sensitive lipase (hsl), lipoprotein lipase (lpl), malate dehydrogenase (mdh), leptin (lep), fatty acid synthase (fas), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (srebp1), and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (scd) genes in the liver of juveniles were significantly increased (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary chitosan supplementation could alleviate the effects of Cd2+ stress on the muscle composition, digestive enzymes, lipid metabolism, and stress resistance, and their related gene expression, of juvenile tilapia, and to some extent reduce the toxic effect of Cd2+ stress on tilapia.
Characterization of Eighty-Eight Single-Nucleotide Polymorphism Markers in the Manila Clam Ruditapes philippinarum Based on High-Resolution Melting (HRM) Analysis
Authors: Zheng Sichen , Chen Yancui , Wu Biao , Zhou Liqing , Liu Zhihong , Zhang Tianshi , Sun Xiujun
Published: February 2024

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most commonly used DNA markers in population genetic studies. We used the Illumina HiSeq4000 platform to develop single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum using restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) genotyping. Eighty-eight SNP markers were successfully developed by using high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis, with a success rate of 44%. SNP markers were analyzed for genetic diversity in two clam populations. The observed heterozygosity per locus ranged from 0 to 0.9515, while the expected heterozygosity per locus ranged from 0.0629 to 0.4997. The value of FIS was estimated to be from −0.9643 to 1.0000. The global Fst value was 0.1248 (p < 0.001). After Bonferroni correction, 15 loci deviated significantly from the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (p < 0.0006). These SNP markers provide a valuable resource for population and conservation genetics studies in this commercially important species.
Pilot Study on the Efficacy and Safety of Long-Term Oral Imepitoin Treatment for Control of (Thunder)Storm-Associated Noise Phobia/Noise Aversion in Dogs Using an Individualized-Dose Titration Approach
Authors: Muñoz Amezcua Ana C. , Jones Jennifer M. , Griffith Emily H. , Gruen Margaret E.
Published: February 2024

Imepitoin is a low-affinity partial agonist for benzodiazepine binding sites of gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors with anxiolytic effects. It has been shown to reduce anxiety during noise-related events in dogs when given at 30 mg/kg PO BID, although this dose was associated with ataxia and increased appetite in some cases. The objective of this study was to assess its safety and efficacy for storm anxiety when started at 10 mg/kg PO BID and titrated to effect up to 30 mg/kg PO BID during storm season. Significant decreases in anxiety scores were seen in weekly surveys and storm logs (SLs) at 10, 20 and 30 mg/kg PO BID. Serious adverse events (AEs) were not reported in any subject. Ataxia was the most commonly reported non-serious AE (14/33), followed by increased hunger (13/33). The frequency of AEs was higher in the 20 mg/kg PO BID group than in the 10 mg/kg group PO BID. No clinically significant changes were seen in lab work pre- and post-study. In conclusion, Imepitoin given during storm season at doses ranging from 10 to 30 mg/kg PO BID reduced clinical signs of fear and anxiety during storms for the dogs in this study. These findings support the use of an individually titrated dose.
IG-Based Method for Voiceprint Universal Adversarial Perturbation Generation
Authors: Bi Meng , Yu Xianyun , Jin Zhida , Xu Jian
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we propose an Iterative Greedy-Universal Adversarial Perturbations (IGUAP) approach based on an iterative greedy algorithm to create universal adversarial perturbations for acoustic prints. A thorough, objective account of the IG-UAP method is provided, outlining its framework and approach. The method leverages a greedy iteration approach to formulate an optimization problem for solving acoustic universal adversarial perturbations, with a new objective function designed to ensure that the attack has higher accuracy in terms of minimizing the perceptibility of adversarial perturbations and increasing the accuracy of successful attacks. The perturbation generation process is described in detail, and the resulting acoustic universal adversarial perturbation is evaluated in both target-attack and no-target-attack scenarios. Experimental analysis and testing were carried out using comparable techniques and dissimilar target models. The findings reveal that the acoustic generality adversarial perturbation produced by the IG-UAP method can obtain effective attack results even when the audio training data sample size is minimal, i.e., one for each category. Moreover, the human ear finds it difficult to detect the loss of original data information and the addition of adversarial perturbation (for the case of a target attack, the ASR values range from 82.4% to 90.2% for the small sample data set). The success rates for untargeted and targeted attacks average 85.8% and 84.9%, respectively.
Petrophysical Property Prediction from Seismic Inversion Attributes Using Rock Physics and Machine Learning: Volve Field, North Sea
Authors: Pelemo-Daniels Doyin , Stewart Robert R.
Published: February 2024

An accurate petrophysical model of the subsurface is essential for resource development and CO2 sequestration. We present a new workflow that provides a high-resolution estimate of petrophysical reservoir properties using seismic data with rock physics modeling and machine-learning techniques (i.e., deep learning neural networks). First, we compare the sequential prediction of the following petrophysical attributes: mineralogy, porosity, and fluid saturation, with the simultaneous prediction of all of the properties using the Volve field in the Norwegian North Sea as an example. The workflow shows that the sequential prediction produces a more efficient and accurate classification of petrophysical properties (the RMS error between the predicted and the original seismic trace is 50% smaller for the sequential compared to the simultaneous procedure). Next, the seismic amplitude response of the reservoirs was studied using rock physics modeling and amplitude versus offset (AVO) analysis to distinguish the different lithologies and fluid types. To ascertain the optimal hydrocarbon production areas, we performed Bayesian seismic inversion and applied machine learning to estimate the petrophysical properties. We examined how porosity, Vclay, and fluid variations affect the elastic properties. In Poisson’s ratio versus the P-wave impedance domain, a 10% porosity increase decreases the acoustic impedance (AI) by 30%, while a 20% Vclay decrease increases the AI by 12%. The Utsira Formation in the Volve field (5 km north of the Sleipner Øst field) was evaluated as a potential CO2 geological storage unit using Gassmann fluid substitution and seismic modeling. We look to assess the elastic property variation caused by CO2 saturation changes for monitoring purposes and simulate the effect. In the first 10% CO2 substitution, the P-wave velocity decrease is 12%, a subtle effect is observed for higher CO2 saturation values, and S-wave velocity (Vs) increases with CO2 saturation. Our analysis aspires to assist future reservoir studies and CO2 sequestration in similar fields.
High-Temperature Creep and Microstructure Evolution of Alloy 800H Weldments with Inconel 625 and Haynes 230 Filler Materials
Authors: Li Wenjing , Xiao Lin , Walters Lori , Dong Qingshan , Ienzi Maurizio , Sloan Robyn
Published: February 2024

Alloy 800H stands as one of the few code-qualified materials for fabricating in-core and out-of-core components operating in high-temperature reactors. Welding is a common practice for assembling these components; however, the selection of a suitable filler material is essential for enhancing the high-temperature creep resistance of Alloy 800H weldments in high-temperature applications. In this study, Inconel 625 and Haynes 230 filler materials were used to weld Alloy 800H plates by employing the gas tungsten arc welding technique. The high-temperature tensile and creep rupture properties, microstructural stability, and evolution of the weldments after high-temperature exposure were investigated and compared with those of Alloy 800H. The results show that both weldments exhibit enhanced tensile and creep behavior at 760 °C. The creep rupture times of the weldments with Inconel 625 filler and Haynes 230 filler materials were about two and three time longer, respectively, than those of Alloy 800H base metal when tested at 80 MPa and 760 °C. Carbides (MC and M23C6) were commonly observed in the microstructures of both the weld and base metals in the two weldments after high-temperature creep tests. However, the Inconel 625 filler weldment displayed detrimental δ and Laves phases in the fusion zone, and these precipitates could be potential sites for initiating cracks following prolonged high-temperature exposure. This study shows that the weldment with Haynes 230 filler material exhibit better phase stability and creep rupture properties than the one with Inconel 625, suggesting its potential for use as a candidate filler material for Alloy 800H for further investigation. This finding also emphasizes the critical consideration of microstructural evolutions and phase stability in evaluating high-temperature materials and their weldments in high-temperature reactor applications.
Optimization of DLTS Hinges for the Assembly of the Solar Arrays of a Communication CubeSat
Authors: Katsouli Aikaterini , Griffiths Christian Andrew , Langford Euan H.
Published: February 2024

This paper demonstrates the analytical and numerical investigations for the obtainment of the predefined critical parameters of double-layer tape spring (DLTS) hinges. The DLTS hinge is utilized for the coupling between the solar panels to assist the accommodation and formulation of the assumed origami-based pattern of the solar arrays. They are examined for the assurance of safety, durability, non-permanent deformation, and stability from the stowed to the deployment configuration. Von Misses stress (σv) and steady-state moment simulations are investigated by varying the critical hinge design parameters of curvature radius (R), subtended angle (θ) and layer thickness (t). Two optimization models, Taguchi and response surface methodology/RSM, are utilized by employing the computational findings to obtain and validate the modified optimal geometric parameters within this analytical experiment. For the Taguchi method, the optimization of σv and the steady-state moment is accomplished with a t of 1.75–2.25 mm, R of 1.5–2.0 mm, and θ of 1–1.2°. Furthermore, the RSM model shows that the t, R, and θ parameters are determined to be 2.90 mm, 2 mm, and 1.35°, respectively. For optimization of the hinge design, both models should be considered for improved verification and accuracy of the results.
A Framework for Reconstructing Super-Resolution Magnetic Resonance Images from Sparse Raw Data Using Multilevel Generative Methods
Authors: Malczewski Krzysztof
Published: February 2024

Super-resolution magnetic resonance (MR) scans give anatomical data for quantitative analysis and treatment. The use of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in image processing and deep learning research have led to super-resolution reconstruction methods based on deep learning. The study offers a G-guided generative multilevel network for training 3D neural networks with poorly sampled MR input data. The author suggest using super-resolution reconstruction (SRR) and modified sparse sampling to address these issues. Image-based Wasserstein GANs retain k-space data sparsity. Wasserstein Generative Adversarial Networks (WGANs) store and represent picture space knowledge. The method obtains null-valued k-space data and repairs fill gaps in the dataset to preserve data integrity. The proposed reconstruction method processes raw data samples and is able to perform subspace synchronization, deblurring, denoising, motion estimation, and super-resolution image production. The suggested algorithm uses different preprocessing methods to deblur and denoise datasets. Preliminary trials contextualize and speed up assessments. Results indicate that reconstructed pictures have better high-frequency features than sophisticated multi-frame techniques. This is supported by rising PSNR, MAE, and IEM measurements. A k-space correction block improves GAN network refinement learning in the suggested method. This block improves the network’s ability to avoid unnecessary data, speeding reconstruction. A k-space correction module can limit the generator’s output to critical lines, allowing the reconstruction of only missing lines. This improves convergence and speeds rebuilding. This study shows that this strategy reduces aliasing artifacts better than contemporaneous and noniterative methods.
Inhaled Corticosteroids in Subjects with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: An Old, Unfinished History
Authors: Melani Andrea S. , Croce Sara , Fabbri Gaia , Messina Maddalena , Bargagli Elena
Published: February 2024

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the major causes of disability and death. Maintenance use of inhaled bronchodilator(s) is the cornerstone of COPD pharmacological therapy, but inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) are also commonly used. This narrative paper reviews the role of ICSs as maintenance treatment in combination with bronchodilators, usually in a single inhaler, in stable COPD subjects. The guidelines strongly recommend the addition of an ICS in COPD subjects with a history of concomitant asthma or as a step-up on the top of dual bronchodilators in the presence of hospitalization for exacerbation or at least two moderate exacerbations per year plus high blood eosinophil counts (≥300/mcl). This indication would only involve some COPD subjects. In contrast, in real life, triple inhaled therapy is largely used in COPD, independently of symptoms and in the presence of exacerbations. We will discuss the results of recent randomized controlled trials that found reduced all-cause mortality with triple inhaled therapy compared with dual inhaled long-acting bronchodilator therapy. ICS use is frequently associated with common local adverse events, such as dysphonia, oral candidiasis, and increased risk of pneumonia. Other side effects, such as systemic toxicity and unfavorable changes in the lung microbiome, are suspected mainly at higher doses of ICS in elderly COPD subjects with comorbidities, even if not fully demonstrated. We conclude that, contrary to real life, the use of ICS should be carefully evaluated in stable COPD patients.
Deep Learning-Based Culture-Free Bacteria Detection in Urine Using Large-Volume Microscopy
Authors: Iriya Rafael , Braswell Brandyn , Mo Manni , Zhang Fenni , Haydel Shelley E. , Wang Shaopeng
Published: February 2024

Bacterial infections, increasingly resistant to common antibiotics, pose a global health challenge. Traditional diagnostics often depend on slow cell culturing, leading to empirical treatments that accelerate antibiotic resistance. We present a novel large-volume microscopy (LVM) system for rapid, point-of-care bacterial detection. This system, using low magnification (1–2×), visualizes sufficient sample volumes, eliminating the need for culture-based enrichment. Employing deep neural networks, our model demonstrates superior accuracy in detecting uropathogenic Escherichia coli compared to traditional machine learning methods. Future endeavors will focus on enriching our datasets with mixed samples and a broader spectrum of uropathogens, aiming to extend the applicability of our model to clinical samples.
Numerical Investigation into the Strengthening of Concrete-Filled Steel Tube Composite Columns Using Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymers
Authors: Sabih Saba M. , Hilo Salam J. , Hamood Mohammed J. , Salih Salih S. , Faris Marwah M. , Yousif Maysam A.
Published: February 2024

Hollow and concrete-filled steel tubes (CFSTs) are extensively employed as columns in various structural systems, yet they are susceptible to local buckling under axial compression loading. Local buckling tends to manifest near the column ends where moments are the highest. To address this issue and enhance the strength and ductility of CFSTs, carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) emerge as a simple and effective solution, having been successfully utilized in prior studies. This investigation focuses on assessing the axial load behavior of CFRP-strengthened CFST slender columns using the finite element (FE) method. The study begins with a verification phase, followed by comprehensive parametric studies exploring the impact of CFRP layers, numbers, confinement lengths, and positions. The FE results demonstrate that a single CFRP sheet, with a thickness of 1.2 mm, enhances the composite column’s axial load resistance by 8.5%. Doubling the CFRP sheets to a total thickness of 2.4 mm increases the resistance to 23.5%, while three sheets totaling 3.6 mm and four sheets totaling 4.8 mm result in axial load resistances of 35.1% and 44.5%, respectively. Furthermore, the study reveals that varying the lengths of CFRP sheets improves axial load resistance by 8.5%, 4.6%, 0.1%, and 0.5% for length percentages of 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%, respectively. These findings underscore the efficacy of CFRP in strengthening CFST columns and provide valuable insights into optimizing the design parameters for an enhanced structural performance.