bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bats got a place in the sun: new findings of daytime flight in Brazil
Authors: Bôlla Daniela , Morim Novaes Roberto Leonan , Carvalho Fernando
Published: July 2024

La mayoria de las expecies de murciélagos son pequeños y nocturnos.  El hábito nocturno evolucionó principalmente para evitar depredadores y la competencia.  Recientemente, se han registrado murciélagos del suborden Yangochiroptera volando durante el día en la Amazonía y Malasia peninsular.  Describimos nuevos registros de murciélagos neotropicales volando durante el día en regiones tropicales y subtropicales de Brasil.  Todos los registros se realizaron ocasionalmente durante el muestreo de aves y murciélagos con redes de niebla y búsqueda visual.  Proporcionamos información sobre el tiempo de los registros, las respectivas medidas de radiación solar, temperatura del aire, humedad, nebulosidad y velocidad del viento tomadas de las estaciones meteorológicas disponibles más cercanas del Instituto Nacional de Meteorología (INMET).  En el noreste y sur de Brasil, registramos 6 especies/taxones de murciélagos de 4 familias (Molossidae, Noctilionidae, Phyllostomidae y Vespertilionidae) volando durante el día con temperaturas del aire que varían de 23.5 a 35.1 ºC.  Las causas de estos registros diurnos posiblemente pueden explicarse por el tamaño de los individuos, las características de su sitio de descanso y principalmente por la temperatura del aire.  Estos registros refuerzan la necesidad de estudios sobre los mecanismos de termorregulación en murciélagos cerca del ecuador, evidenciando datos sobre su historia natural, ya que estos son esenciales para evaluar cómo las especies de quirópteros se verán influenciadas por el cambio climático en el futuro.
Distinctive characteristics in adult female howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata mexicana) on the Agaltepec island, Veracruz, México
Authors: Gisbrecht Anna , Hernández-Arriaga Erandi Susana , Hernández-Salazar Laura Teresa
Published: July 2024

El interés por la investigación sobre las hembras ha crecido en primatología para comprender aspectos como las interacciones sociales, los cuidados maternos y la salud animal femenina.  La correcta identificación de los sujetos focales es un reto importante en este tipo de estudios.  Las hembras adultas de mono aullador (Alouatta palliata) ilustran bien las limitaciones metodológicas.  Durante un estudio en la isla Agaltepec en Catemaco, Veracruz, México, nos encontramos con este reto.  Al ser una especie estrictamente arborícola, los monos aulladores se encuentran a menudo en los niveles más altos, cubiertos por el dosel, por lo que revelan sólo algunas partes para su identificación.  Además, las hembras con crías en edad infantil tienden a permanecer más alejadas de los observadores, incluso si están completamente habituadas.  Para iniciar una colección de datos precisa, se completó una identificación detallada de todas las hembras adultas.  Se describieron un total de 23 animales.  Las descripciones de las hembras se refieren en particular a las manos, los pies y la cola, las partes del cuerpo que muestran signos de coloración.  La necesidad de reconocer a los animales desanima frecuentemente a los jóvenes científicos y les hacen perder un valioso tiempo de investigación.  Para facilitar a la próxima generación de investigadores de la isla Agaltepec la adquisición de datos, presentamos la composición y descripción detallada de las hembras adultas residentes.  Esperamos proporcionar un apoyo fiable para el inicio eficaz de nuevos proyectos.
First record of Cyttarops alecto in Ecuador
Authors: Vivas-Toro Isabela , Camacho María A. , Burneo Santiago F.
Published: July 2024

Cyttarops alecto Thomas, 1913 es una de las especies neotropicales más raras de encontrar en las colecciones biológicas.  En el presente estudio reportamos el primer registro de C. alecto para Ecuador, que representa un nuevo género y especie de Emballonuridae para el país.  Este registro se realizó a partir de un espécimen de macho adulto proveniente del Parque Nacional Yasuní, Orellana, al noreste de Ecuador, preservado en una colección nacional de mamíferos y que estaba previamente mal identificado como Peropteryx macrotis.  Presentamos una descripción detallada del espécimen y un mapa de distribución actualizado de la especie.  Nuestro trabajo demuestra la importancia de revisar y verificar las identificaciones de los ejemplares en colecciones biológicas pues estos contribuyen al conocimiento histórico de las distribuciones y a la biodiversidad.
Geographic distribution of tropical cacomixtle (Bassariscus sumichrasti) in Puebla, México
Authors: Pozos-López Luis Ángel , González-Ruiz Noé , Ramírez-Pulido José
Published: July 2024

El cacomixtle tropical (Bassariscus sumichrasti) es un carnívoro neotropical raro con una distribución geográfica restringida a la parte tropical sur de México y Centroamérica.  En Puebla esta especie se ha registrado en 2 ocasiones, específicamente en las cercanías de Tehuitzingo y Acatlán.  Durante una revisión cotidiana de la Colección de Mamíferos de la Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana encontramos un ejemplar con las características de B. sumichrasti.  El ejemplar fue colectado cerca de Zacapala, en el extremo suroeste de Puebla en una selva tropical caducifolia.  Nuestro espécimen junto con los registros anteriores de B. sumichrasti en Puebla, se encuentran en la parte norte de la Cuenca del Balsas, donde es posible la simpatría con B. astutus.  Dada la limitada información disponible sobre la especie, este nuevo espécimen es una valiosa adición al conocimiento de la distribución que puede contribuir a una mejor comprensión de la especie.
Notable gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) record in southern México City
Authors: Hernández-Romero Pablo César , Prieto-Torres David Alexander , Botello Francisco , Muench-Spitzer Carlos E.
Published: July 2024

El estudio de la vida silvestre que permanece dentro de las ciudades y en sus zonas de influencia con urbanización es fundamental para su conservación a largo plazo.  Se evaluó la presencia de mamíferos dentro de los parches de vegetación natural y parques urbanos de la Ciudad de México (CDMX) con la finalidad de conocer el estado actual de los mamíferos presentes en la zona.  Se colocaron 20 estaciones de fototrampeo para el registro de los mamíferos presentes en áreas verdes del sur de la CDMX como parte del proyecto “Diversidad de mamíferos en paisajes modificados del sur de la Ciudad de México: importancia de las áreas verdes y la conectividad en contextos urbanos”.  Sin embargo, los registros de la zorra gris solo se hicieron en el Bosque de Tlalpan.  Se obtuvieron 38 registros fotográficos de la zorra gris (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) en 2 sitios ubicados en el bosque de Tlalpan.  Los registros se obtuvieron en un periodo que abarcó del 5 de agosto de 2021 al 29 de marzo de 2022.  El horario de actividad para la especie fue principalmente nocturno con registros que abarcan de las 22:00 hr a la 01:00 hr.  Los nuevos registros de la zorra gris para el sur de la CDMX son importantes ya que demuestran que, a pesar de los altos grados de fragmentación en la ciudad, aún se mantienen mamíferos carnívoros de tamaño medio.  Estos registros son trascendentales para entender el grado de conectividad que puede existir entre las áreas verdes del sur de la ciudad.
Big eyes on the Island: First record of Chiroderma villosum of Cozumel Island, México and bat species richness in the Caribbean islands
Authors: Rivas-Camo Noel A. , Sabido-Villanueva Paulina A. , Medellín Rodrigo A.
Published: July 2024

El registro más cercano de Chiroderma villosum a Isla Cozumel, está documentado en la ciudad de Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo.  En este trabajo documentamos el primer registro del murciélago C. villosum para Isla Cozumel y compilamos la información sobre la riqueza de especies de murciélagos en las Islas del Caribe.  El 5 de mayo de 2021 se realizó una salida de campo, se instalaron redes de niebla a nivel del suelo.  Posteriormente se tomaron los siguientes datos de cada individuo capturado: medidas del antebrazo con un vernier con una precisión de 1 mm, se tomó el peso con una báscula digital con precisión de 1 g, y se identificó la especie siguiendo la clave de murciélagos de México.  Durante la noche de trabajo se capturaron 8 individuos de Artibeus jamaicensis y un ejemplar macho adulto no reproductivo de C. villosum a las 21:45 hr en una red de niebla colocada cruzando una brecha dentro de la selva mediana en el noroeste de la zona arqueológica de San Gervasio.  En Isla Cozumel se han documentado 19 especies de murciélagos correspondientes a 5 familias y 15 géneros.  Con el registro de este espécimen, se incrementa a 20 el número de especies y a 16 géneros de quirópteros presentes en la isla.  Aunque todavía faltan más estudios, es muy probable que esta especie tenga una distribución amplia en todas las áreas de bosque en Cozumel.
OS EFEITOS DA DESESTRUTURAÇÃO DO SISTEMA NACIONAL DE SEGURANÇA ALIMENTAR (2019-2022) SOBRE O CONSELHO DE SEGURANÇA ALIMENTAR DO MUNICÍPIO DO RIO DE JANEIRO (CONSEA Rio)
Authors: Prado Bárbara Casado , Garcia Luciana Silva
Published: July 2024

Diante dos críticos números que indicam que expressiva parte dos brasileiros vive em estado de insegurança alimentar grave e no contexto da desestruturação do Sistema Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (SISAN) durante o quadriênio de 2019-2022, a partir da extinção do Conselho  Nacional de Segurança e Nutricional (CONSEA), buscamos com o presente trabalho analisar os efeitos causados por tal desarranjo sobre as atividades desempenhadas pelo Conselho de Segurança Alimentar do Município do Rio de Janeiro (CONSEA Rio), contribuindo assim para o aumento dos números da fome no  Município carioca. Para o desenvolvimento da análise, foi traçado o histórico do problema da fome no Brasil, abordando as medidas governamentais que foram adotadas para o trato da situação. Posteriormente, apresentamos a estrutura SISAN e sua forma de funcionamento. Abordamos então a maneira como referido sistema foi desestruturado a partir da extinção do CONSEA e, por fim, analisamos os efeitos provocados pela extinção da referida entidade nacional sobre o congênere municipal carioca. Concluímos, assim, que apesar da desestruturação do SISAN, da ausência de monitoramento e avaliação das políticas públicas executadas no período em referência e de todas as dificuldades orçamentárias enfrentadas, o CONSEA Rio conseguiu continuar mobilizando-se para execução e monitoramento de políticas públicas de segurança alimentar, sobretudo durante a pandemia, evitando o incremento dos números da fome no Município e sugerindo a eficácia do modelo sistêmico posto em prática até então, pautado na participação social e na independência de seus componentes que articulados, devem atuar em regime de colaboração.
Palavras-chave: Segurança Alimentar, Participação Social, SISAN, CONSEA Rio.
Reviewing healthcare practice: sharing the good, not just the bad and the ugly
Authors: Clough Isobel
Published: July 2024

Following the introduction of the ‘practice review’ category in the British Journal of Healthcare Management, the editor looks at why it is so important to share experience between managers and learn from each other's success.
Combined voice on youth policy
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: July 2024

Liverpool is latest area to create a youth combined authority as early adopter sites report positive changes
Military Court Trials of Civilians in Pakistan
Authors: Hassan Muhammad
Published: July 2024

The call to try civilians in military courts in 2022 reignited the debate surrounding the legitimacy of quasi-judicial tribunals, and their exercise of jurisdiction over civilians. Regarding trials of civilians in military tribunals, there have been many judgments and academic discourses. There are diverging views either endorsing or condemning this sui generis practice. The higher courts have not decided the matter conclusively. Pakistan does not subscribe to the idea of the direct effect of international treaties. Yet, like any other dualist state, many rights guaranteed in such treaties have been incorporated into its constitution. There is a stark contrast, however, between the case law interpretation of these rights and their international corresponding equivalents in the transnational regimes. The international mechanisms for the protection of rights still pose many questions on the legitimacy of civilians being tried in military courts. More confusion arises with the proliferation of contemporary idea of sustainable justice, which seems divergent and somewhat in contravention of such Pakistani state practices. This qualitative research paper juxtaposes the traditional constitutional interpretations with contestations in relevant international instruments and explores the possibility of harmonization. It lays out a futuristic proposal to predict a direction for proposed future amendments. The same would be done with the increasingly important idea of sustainable justice which directly relates to the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 16. Moreover, as indispensable themes, the paper explores the following: whether the trial of civilians in military courts is a constitutionally sound practice. Does trying civilians in military courts infringe upon Pakistan’s international obligations? And is the expediency behind these specialized courts still prevalent in the country?
Qinqin 親親 as Optimizing Symbiosis: Authenticity and Diversity in Contemporary Chinese Families
Authors: Liang Yuchen
Published: July 2024

This article explores the concept of qinqin 親親 (familial closeness) within Chinese culture, challenging traditional definitions of family through the lens of authenticity and diversity. It critically examines Roger Ames’ concept of optimizing symbiosis and Sun Xiangchen's analysis of qinqin in familial being-between-generations. Through Ames’ concept of zoetological difference, the author exposes possible misunderstandings of qinqin and its root shengsheng 生生 (incessant living, growing, birthing) as something merely biological or dogmatic, as well as practical consequences of those misunderstandings both historically and contemporarily. Ames’ and Sun’s concepts are used to counter these misunderstandings. By analyzing familial relationships beyond mere biological connections and patriarchal dogmas, the author argues for a broader understanding of family that includes non-traditional structures like DINK and LGBTQ families. The article then opens up the possibility of forming non-patriarchal families while preserving the zoetological-existential urge to keep meaning and love flowing between generations.
Queer Beyond Repair: Psychoanalysis and the Case for Negativity in Queer of Color Critique
Authors: Benedicto Bobby
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This essay offers a critical examination of the established opposition between queer of color critique and the antisocial thesis. It challenges the widely rehearsed claim that the ethics of negativity associated with the antisocial thesis is premised on a position of (white gay male) privilege and questions the corollary, conceptual alignment of racialized queer subjects with repair and affirmation. Ultimately, the essay argues that saying no to negativity in the name of race means depriving the "queer of color" of that which allows it to say that it is other than the difference it represents.
Virtual Presents, Future Strangers: The Art of Recategorization in the Work of Leo Bersani and Juan Pablo Echeverri
Authors: Roach Tom
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This essay argues that Bersani's attempts to articulate a non-Cartesian form of knowledge production spur him to speculate anew about epistemology and ontology. Specifically, Bersani's late theory and practice of recategorization, a recursive engagement with thinkers and concepts that reveals thought's virtual potential, affords him the opportunity to conceive of a cognitive temporal unity and an immanentist conception of being. After exploring Bersani's theory of recategorization and his textual recategorizing practice, I turn to the work of multimedia artist Juan Pablo Echeverri to offer a dialogic example of recategorization as aesthetic practice.
Leaving; or, Wide Awake and Staring into Nothing (with Pet Shop Boys)
Authors: Tuhkanen Mikko
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This essay identifies two modes of "escape" in the "gay fugues" of Pet Shop Boys, differentiated by their (non)fascist potential. To trace this potential, the essay engages the work of Lee Edelman, Leo Bersani, and Ernesto Laclau, while extracting further lessons from Stefan Zweig, Village People, Russian history, Fourierism, AIDS eulogies, West Side Story, and the mathematics of zero.
Afterword: The Unkillable Antisocial Thesis in Queer Theory
Authors: Dean Tim
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This Afterword takes stock of the antisocial thesis by reconsidering the significance of Jean Laplanche's influence on Leo Bersani's work. Emphasizing the distinctness of Laplanche's theory of sexuality, the essay differentiates among four positions in the antisocial thesis debate: Bersani's, Lee Edelman's, José Muñoz's, and Dean's own. Contending that the death drive does not exist as such, Dean argues that negation involves more than negativity and therefore should be understood not merely as destructive but also as creative. Discriminating among claims that have tended to become conflated, the essay connects Bersani's version of the antisocial thesis to his account of aesthetic subjectivity.
Symmetry-free routing and spectrum assignment: a universal algorithm based on first-fit
Authors: Rouskas George N.
Published: July 2024

First-fit (FF) is a well-known and widely deployed algorithm for spectrum assignment (SA), but until our recent study [J. Opt. Commun. Netw.14,165(2022)JOCNBB1943-062010.1364/JOCN.445492], investigations of the algorithm had been experimental in nature and no formal properties of the algorithm with respect to SA were known. In this work, we make two contributions. First, we show that FF is auniversalalgorithm for the SA problem in the sense that, for any variant, 1) it can be used to construct solutions equivalent to, or better than, any solution obtained by any other algorithm, and 2) it can construct an optimal solution. This universality property applies to both the min-max and min-frag objectives and to variants of the SA problem with or without guard band constraints. Consequently, the spectrum symmetry-free model of our recent study [J. Opt. Commun. Netw.14,165(2022)JOCNBB1943-062010.1364/JOCN.445492] extends to all known SA variants, which therefore reduce to permutation problems. Second, we extend the spectrum symmetry-free model to the routing and spectrum assignment (RSA) problem in general topologies. This model allows for the design of more efficient algorithms as it eliminates from consideration an exponential number of equivalent symmetric solutions. By sidestepping symmetry, the RSA solution space is naturally and optimally decomposed into a routing space and a connection permutation space. Building upon this property, we introduce a two-parameter, symmetry-freeuniversalalgorithm that can be used to tackle any RSA variant in a uniform manner. The algorithm is amenable to multi-threaded execution to speed up the search process, and the value of the parameters can be adjusted to strike a balance between running time and solution quality. Our evaluation provides insight into the relative benefits of path diversity (which determines the size of the routing space) and connection diversity (which determines the size of the permutation space).
Extension of the k-SPF algorithm for finding SRLG-disjoint primary and backup route pairs in optical networks
Authors: Matsuura Hiroshi , Koshiji Kohjun , Yokoi Hanami , Matsukawa Tatsuya , Fujii Takayuki
Published: July 2024

There is a strong demand for creating primary/backup optical path pairs between a source and a destination node in order to continue a service when the primary path has some disorder. We also have to consider SRLG (shared risk link group)-disjoint primary/backup path settings for achieving robust path protection against possible network problems on primary paths. To deal with these issues, in this study, we use the k-SPF (shortest path first) algorithm to determine primary/backup path routes between a specified source/destination node pair. We demonstrate that the proposed algorithm can find k SRLG-disjoint primary/backup route pairs with much higher probability and with faster speed compared with other algorithms. In addition, the proposed algorithm can find primary/backup routes with nearly minimum route costs.
Pulse repetition-rate effect on the critical power for self-focusing of femtosecond laser in air
Authors: Xu Ying , Yang Chaopeng , Li XianWang , Liu Yaoxiang , Wei Yingxia , Wang Tie-jun , Leng Yuxin
Published: July 2024

The femtosecond laser filamentation is of significant interest due to its remarkable characteristics, and determining the critical power of self-focusing is essential for the process of filamentation. In this work, the critical power for self-focusing of intense femtosecond laser pulses at different repetition rates is experimentally measured according to the focus-shift method. A bimodal fitting method is proposed to more accurately determine the self-focusing critical power. It is found that the self-focusing critical power decreases as the laser repetition rate increases. A numerical simulation of the filamentation process based on the modified nonlinear Schrödinger equation effectively explains the experimental results obtained. This work provides valuable insights for the generation and application of high repetition rate femtosecond laser filamentation.
Optical damage resistant zirconium-diffused lithium tantalate ridge waveguides
Authors: Suntsov Sergiy , Kretschmann Sarah , Hasse Kore , Kip Detlef
Published: July 2024

We report on the study of high-temperature zirconium in-diffusion in congruent z-cut lithium tantalate crystals. Zirconium (Zr) concentration profiles in samples prepared at different diffusion times and temperatures were investigated using secondary neutral mass spectrometry. From the diffusion profiles specific diffusion constant and activation energy were obtained. Zr-induced near-surface refractive index changes were extracted by means of prism-coupler measurements, and their correlation with Zr concentration was studied. Subsequently, low-loss optical ridge waveguides were diced and their resistance to photorefractive optical damage in the blue (405 nm) and green (532 nm) spectral ranges was measured, demonstrating damage thresholds in the multi-MW/cm2 range.
Exome sequencing identifies novel genetic variants associated with varicose veins
Authors: Zhang Dan-Dan , He Xiao-Yu , Yang Liu , Wu Bang-Sheng , Fu Yan , Liu Wei-Shi , Guo Yu , Fei Chen-Jie , Kang Ju-Jiao , Feng Jian-Feng , Cheng Wei , Tan Lan , Yu Jin-Tai
Published: July 2024

Background

Varicose veins (VV) are one of the common human diseases, but the role of genetics in its development is not fully understood.

Methods

We conducted an exome-wide association study of VV using whole-exome sequencing data from the UK Biobank, and focused on common and rare variants using single-variant association analysis and gene-level collapsing analysis.

Findings

A total of 13,823,269 autosomal genetic variants were obtained after quality control. We identified 36 VV-related independent common variants mapping to 34 genes by single-variant analysis and three rare variant genes (PIEZO1, ECE1, FBLN7) by collapsing analysis, and most associations between genes and VV were replicated in FinnGen. PIEZO1 was the closest gene associated with VV (P = 5.05 × 10−31), and it was found to reach exome-wide significance in both single-variant and collapsing analyses. Two novel rare variant genes (ECE1 and METTL21A) associated with VV were identified, of which METTL21A was associated only with females. The pleiotropic effects of VV-related genes suggested that body size, inflammation, and pulmonary function are strongly associated with the development of VV.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the importance of causal genes for VV and provide new directions for treatment.
Blastocystis colonization and associations with population parameters in Thai adults
Authors: Jinatham Vasana , Yowang Amara , Stensvold Christen Rune , Michalopoulou Eleni , Vichasilp Thanakrit , Suwannahitatorn Picha , Popluechai Siam , Tsaousis Anastasios D. , Gentekaki Eleni
Published: July 2024

Background

Blastocystisis a unicellular eukaryote commonly found in the intestinal tract of humans and other animals. The prevalence ofBlastocystishas been investigated in both developed and developing countries, yet its occurrence and distribution in rural locations has been less studied. Herein, we aimed to examine the distribution ofBlastocystiscolonization in Thai adults representing background populations along a rural/peri-urban gradient, as well as associations between colonization and personal characteristics.

Methodology

A total of 238 participants were recruited from rural and peri-urban areas situated in three provinces. The presence ofBlastocystisin feces was evaluated using PCR and qPCR. Information on gender, age, region (province), rural/peri-urban location, and body mass index (BMI) was collected.

Principal findings

The overall rate ofBlastocystiscarriage was 67.2%. Univariate analysis revealed significant associations betweenBlastocystiscarriage and region (p<0.05), location (p<0.001) and age group (p<0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that rural/peri-urban location and BMI were significantly associated withBlastocystiscarriage. Nine subtypes (ST1-ST7, ST10 and ST23) were identified with ST3, ST7 and ST1 as the most abundant ones, in this order. The greatest diversity of subtypes, in terms of numbers, was found in the middle aged group (nine subtypes), while the least diversity was found in the young adult and obese (three subtypes each) groups.

Conclusions

This study increases the understanding of the epidemiology ofBlastocystiscolonization and its association with population parameters and characteristics in middle-income countries.
Determinants of virological failure among HIV clients on second-line antiretroviral treatment at Felege-hiwot and University of Gondar comprehensive specialized hospitals in the Amhara Region, Northwest Ethiopia: A case-control study
Authors: Ayenew Getahun , Agumas Yeshambel , Shibabaw Tebkew , Getaneh Gebremariam , Getie Michael
Published: July 2024

Background

Second-line HIV treatment failure has become increasing worldwide, mainly in sub-Sahara Africa including Ethiopia. Even though the problem becomes increasing, inadequate information was available about its magnitude and associated factors in the current study area.

Objective

To assess the factors of second-line Anti-Retroviral Treatment virological failure among second-line ART users.

Method and materials

Institutional-based unmatched case-control study design was conducted from September to December 2021 at Felege Hiowt and University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospitals; Amhara region, Northwest Ethiopia. A total of 216 patients (60 cases and 156 controls) were recruited by a simple random sampling technique with a 1:3 cases-to-controls ratio. Patients who had two viral load results >1000 copies/ml within a 3-month interval after taking ART drugs for at least 6 months were cases and those who had ≤1,000 copies/ mL were controls. The sample size was calculated by using Epi-Info version 7.2.4. Structured questionnaires were used to gather the required information. SPSS version 26 was used to summarize the findings. In bivariate logistic regression model, Variables with two-tailed P-value ≤ 0.25 at 95% confidence interval were transferred into multivariate binary logistic regression model and P value at ≤ 0.05 was set as statistically significant.

Results

Out of 216 patients recruited, 212 have participated with a response rate of 98.2%. From these participants, 117(55.2%) were males and 187(88.2%) were urban dwellers. Among the total respondents, 208(98.1%) had age > 24 years, 200(94.3) were at HIV clinical stage I, 72(34%) had poor ART adherence and 112(52.8) did not disclose their HIV status. Likewise, most of the patients 147(69.37) didn’t use condoms. The associated factors were not disclosing HIV status (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 1.52–7.79), medium adherence (AOR = 3.7, 95% CI = 1.3–10.7), poor adherence level (AOR = 5.27, 95% CI: 2.2–12.5), not using condoms (AOR = 4.47, 95% CI: 1.63–12.2) and Viral load (>150 copies/ml) when switched to second-line ART (AOR = 3.56, 95% CI: 1.5–8).

Conclusion and recommendations

Non-disclosure, poor or medium adherence, not using condoms and high Viral load (>150 copes/ml) when switched to second-line ART were the main factors for second-line Anti-Retroviral Treatment virological failure. Disclosure about HIV status, using condoms and improving treatment adherence level are crucial to reduce second-line virological failure.
MRI analysis of and factors related to knee injuries in amateur marathon runners
Authors: Shen Yiying , Yao Wanzhen , Huang Yi , Ye Lingxiao , Liu Jie , Liu Mengxiao , Ding Jianping , Zhang Yanjing
Published: July 2024

Background

Marathons are the most challenging form of running, and amateur athletes may be more prone to injury due to a lack of professional knowledge and instruction in running.

Purpose

To analyze the MRI manifestations of and factors related to knee injuries in amateur marathon runners.

Subjects

Data were collected from a hospital database of 105 qualified amateur marathon athletes (65 males,40 females), between May 2018 and December 2021.

Field strength/sequence

1.5T MR: sagittal fs-PDWI, sagittal T1WI and sagittal 3D-DESS sequence.

Assessment

The MRI manifestations of knee joint injury were analyzed and evaluated by two radiologists.

Statistical tests

The inter-observer agreement on MRI readings was analyzed using the kappa coefficient, and binary logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors associated with knee injuries.

Results

The overall prevalence of knee cartilage lesions, meniscus lesions and bone marrow edema among amateur marathon runners was 45.7%, 72.4%, and 49.5% respectively. Our analysis revealed that older age (OR = 1.135, P<0.001), higher BMI (OR = 1.236, P = 0.044), and slower pace (OR = 2.305, P = 0.017) were associated with increased risk of articular cartilage disease. Furthermore, older age (OR = 1.425, P<0.001) was identified as a risk factor for meniscal lesions, while older age (OR = 1.088, P = 0.002) was bone marrow edema. Notably, no significant correlation was observed between knee joint injuries of amateur marathon athletes and gender or the monthly running distance (P>0.05).

Conclusions

The occurrence of knee injuries among amateur marathon athletes was highly prevalent, with the patellofemoral joint cartilage and posterior horn of medial meniscus being frequently affected areas. Moreover, age, BMI, running years and pace were significant risk factors of knee joint injury.
Beyond its preferential niche: Brucella abortus RNA down-modulates the IFN-γ-induced MHC-I expression in epithelial and endothelial cells
Authors: Serafino Agustina , Bertinat Yasmín A. , Bueno Jorgelina , Pittaluga José R. , Birnberg Weiss Federico , Milillo M. Ayelén , Barrionuevo Paula
Published: July 2024

Brucella abortus (Ba) is a pathogen that survives inside macrophages. Despite being its preferential niche, Ba infects other cells, as shown by the multiple signs and symptoms humans present. This pathogen can evade our immune system. Ba displays a mechanism of down-modulating MHC-I on monocytes/macrophages in the presence of IFN-γ (when Th1 response is triggered) without altering the total expression of MHC-I. The retained MHC-I proteins are located within the Golgi Apparatus (GA). The RNA of Ba is one of the PAMPs that trigger this phenomenon. However, we acknowledged whether this event could be triggered in other cells relevant during Ba infection. Here, we demonstrate that Ba RNA reduced the surface expression of MHC-I induced by IFN-γ in the human bronchial epithelium (Calu-6), the human alveolar epithelium (A-549) and the endothelial microvasculature (HMEC) cell lines. In Calu-6 and HMEC cells, Ba RNA induces the retention of MHC-I in the GA. This phenomenon was not observed in A-549 cells. We then evaluated the effect of Ba RNA on the secretion of IL-8, IL-6 and MCP-1, key cytokines in Ba infection. Contrary to our expectations, HMEC, Calu-6 and A-549 cells treated with Ba RNA had higher IL-8 and IL-6 levels compared to untreated cells. In addition, we showed that Ba RNA down-modulates the MHC-I surface expression induced by IFN-γ on human monocytes/macrophages via the pathway of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR). So, cells were stimulated with an EGFR ligand-blocking antibody (Cetuximab) and Ba RNA. Neutralization of the EGFR to some extent reversed the down-modulation of MHC-I mediated by Ba RNA in HMEC and A-549 cells. In conclusion, this is the first study exploring a central immune evasion strategy, such as the downregulation of MHC-I surface expression, beyond monocytes and could shed light on how it persists effectively within the host, enduring unseen and escaping CD8+ T cell surveillance.
Multiple serial correlations in global air temperature anomaly time series
Authors: Gao Meng , Fang Xiaoyu , Ge Ruijun , Fan You-ping , Wang Yueqi
Published: July 2024

Serial correlations within temperature time series serve as indicators of the temporal consistency of climate events. This study delves into the serial correlations embedded in global surface air temperature (SAT) data. Initially, we preprocess the SAT time series to eradicate seasonal patterns and linear trends, resulting in the SAT anomaly time series, which encapsulates the inherent variability of Earth’s climate system. Employing diverse statistical techniques, we identify three distinct types of serial correlations: short-term, long-term, and nonlinear. To identify short-term correlations, we utilize the first-order autoregressive model, AR(1), revealing a global pattern that can be partially attributed to atmospheric Rossby waves in extratropical regions and the Eastern Pacific warm pool. For long-term correlations, we adopt the standard detrended fluctuation analysis, finding that the global pattern aligns with long-term climate variability, such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) over the Eastern Pacific. Furthermore, we apply the horizontal visibility graph (HVG) algorithm to transform the SAT anomaly time series into complex networks. The topological parameters of these networks aptly capture the long-term correlations present in the data. Additionally, we introduce a novel topological parameter, Δσ, to detect nonlinear correlations. The statistical significance of this parameter is rigorously tested using the Monte Carlo method, simulating fractional Brownian motion and fractional Gaussian noise processes with a predefined DFA exponent to estimate confidence intervals. In conclusion, serial correlations are universal in global SAT time series and the presence of these serial correlations should be considered carefully in climate sciences.
Clinical outcomes of ablation of gastric dysplasia with argon plasma coagulation
Authors: Oh Mi Jin , Kim Sang Gyun , Kim Jiyoon , Na Yun Suk , Lee Seunghan , Lee Junhee , Kim Bokyung , Chung Hyunsoo , Cho Soo-Jeong
Published: July 2024

Background

Although several small cohort studies have shown the utility of argon plasma coagulation (APC) in the treatment of gastric dysplasia, its clinical significance has not been established. This study aims to assess the efficacy of APC as a first line treatment for gastric dysplasia, and identify risk factors for residual dysplasia.

Methods

A total of 179 cases of gastric dysplasia were treated with APC and have been followed-up with upper endoscopy within 1 year. The overall incidence and the characteristics of lesions with residual dysplasia in follow-up endoscopy were analyzed by logistic regression.

Results

Among 179 lesions treated with APC, 171 (95.5%) lesions have achieved complete ablation in the follow-up endoscopy. Additional APC was applied for residual dysplasia, achieving complete ablation in 97.77% (175/179). The upper third location of the gastric dysplasia was significantly associated with residual dysplasia, while tumor size, horizontal location, macroscopic morphology and grade of dysplasia showed no significant associations with residual dysplasia following the initial APC.

Conclusions

APC with meticulous follow-up can be recommended as a first line treatment in patients with gastric dysplasia.
LANZA GARCÍA, Ramón (ed.), Los dineros de la Corona: Finanzas y cambio fiscal en la Monarquía Hispánica (siglos XVI-XVII), Granada, Editorial Comares, 2023, 309 pp.
Authors: Amor Martín Francisco
Published: July 2024

Reseña del libro: LANZA GARCÍA, Ramón (ed.), Los dineros de la Corona: Finanzas y cambio fiscal en la Monarquía Hispánica (siglos XVI-XVII), Granada, Editorial Comares, 2023, 309 pp.
Assessment of oral toxicity of Moringa oleifera Lam aqueous extract and its effect on gout induced in a murine model
Authors: Palomino-Pacheco Miriam , Rojas-Armas Juan Pedro , Ortiz-Sánchez José Manuel , Arroyo-Acevedo Jorge Luis , Justil-Guerrero Hugo Jesús , Martínez-Heredia Jaime Teodocio
Published: July 2024

Background and Aim: Although widely employed in traditional remedies globally, the safety and efficacy of Moringa oleifera remain inadequately documented through scientific research. This study evaluated the oral toxicity of M. oleifera leaf aqueous extract (MoAE) and its impact on gout-induced rats.

Materials and Methods: 2000 mg/kg was given in a single dose during the acute oral toxicity test, while 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg were given daily for 28 days in the repeated dose toxicity test. 100 mg/kg, 250 mg/kg, and 500 mg/kg MoAE doses were administered during the assessment of its impact on gout caused by monosodium urate. In the hyperuricemia model induced by oxonic acid, serum uric acid levels were assessed and pain response was measured through acetic acid-induced writhing.

Results: In acute oral and 28-day repeated dose tests, no indications of toxicity were detected, while MoAE alleviated ankle joint swelling and reduced serum uric acid concentrations in arthritic rats, causing a significant reduction in acetic acid-induced contortions.

Conclusion: No acute oral toxicity or toxicity in 28-day repeated doses was found for MoAE, while it exhibited antiarthritic, antihyperuricemic, and pain-relieving effects in the murine model.

Keywords: extract, gout, Moringa oleifera, murine, toxicity.
Registros geológicos de impactos meteoríticos no Brasil: evolução e estágio atual
Authors: Crósta Alvaro Penteado
Published: July 2024

Impactos meteoríticos são um raro tipo de processo geológico que, por suas características extremas de pressão e temperatura, são capazes de promover transformações permanentes em rochas crustais. As marcas resultantes são as estruturas denominadas “crateras de impacto”. Com o passar do tempo as crateras são geralmente modificadas por processos erosivos, tectônicos e sedimentares característicos da dinâmica geológica da Terra, até serem completamente removidas da sua superfície. Por esse motivo, o registro geológico de impactos na Terra é bastante incompleto, com tendência à preservação das crateras de maior porte e relativamente mais jovens. A maioria das crateras conhecidas na Terra se encontra em um estágio parcial de preservação, recebendo a denominação de “astroblemas”. São conhecidas atualmente cerca de 200 estruturas dessa natureza na Terra. Na América do Sul há onze estruturas formadas comprovadamente por impactos meteoríticos, sendo que as nove maiores e mais antigas estão no Brasil. Elas são parte de duas bacias sedimentares intracratônicas fanerozoicas, a do Paraná e a do Parnaíba. Suas idades estimadas variam da transição Permotriássica ao Cretáceo Superior. Neste artigo é apresentada uma síntese sobre o atual estado de conhecimento geológico dessas estruturas, bem com suas principais características geológicas e geofísicas. São feitas também considerações sobre ações específicas de geoconservação e geopatrimônio.
THST Front Matter 47-1
Authors: HASTI
Published: July 2024

Editorial Board listing and Table of Contents
Class Notes from Geometric Physics 101
Authors: Stewart Arthur J
Published: July 2024

Long ago, the author took high school courses in Physics and Geometry.  Our long-suffering teachers tended to talk somewhat faster than we could comfortably write, so inevitably some factual errors crept into our study notes. And we weren’t really very good students at that age, either, which I'm sure didn't help. In any case, in "Class Notes..." I try to capture my sense of things when trying to rapidly learn a lot of new information, while lacking good idea-distillation and writing skills. How many technical errors can you find in this poem?
Play-Doh Volumes: An Experience in Science/Math Lesson Integration
Authors: Engle Shelly , Eggleton Patrick
Published: July 2024

Demonstrates integration of mathematics and science lessons for 5th grade students with preservice teachers. The article shares a lesson where mathematics and science content are fully integrated, allowing students to make sense of conceptual understandings in both subject areas and the lesson also allows students to view mathematics and science as tools to question, analyze, represent, and communicate findings. The lesson is one the authors used in Spring 2022 and Spring 2023 with preservice elementary teachers.  The description of the lesson includes lesson objectives and connections to relevant science, math, and cross-cutting concepts for 5th grade (although it could be adapted for various grade levels).
Birdwatching: A field-based unit or short course
Authors: Winslow Donald
Published: July 2024

I taught Birdwatching for the Indiana Academy’s 2023 May Term. The latitude and flexibility of a standalone course provided opportunities for creative student expression. The focus was on recreational observation of birds with a modest introduction to the science of ornithology. Students gained skills in bird identification, interpretation of behavioral observations, and ecological study design. The only textbook was a field guide. Students were instructed to install and use the free mobile app Merlin. We met each morning for a total of 10 class sessions, each 3-4 hours long. Topics included binocular use, bird identification by sight and sound, the eBird project, avian physiology, notetaking, bird behavior, study design, North American birds, distribution ranges, bird nests, habitat, and subspecies. We took field excursions every morning, usually on foot but with two trips by van to nearby birding hotspots. Students demonstrated their identification skills every morning in field quizzes. Each student kept a journal of field observations. Students worked in pairs to design a study on behavior and one on ecology. The instructor developed a list of questions of interest, and students collected data to answer them by observing birds in the field. Each student wrote two research reports presenting the results of these investigations. On the last day, students completed a final examination. Scores on these assessments indicated that the student learning outcomes were achieved by most students. This course could be adapted as a unit at the end of a spring semester course in biology or zoology.
Art of Science and the Science of Art
Authors: Williams Lael
Published: July 2024

If the curriculum and assessment practices in schools focused on developing the thinking processes and skills related to each discipline/ subject, students would see themselves as practitioners of each discipline and develop a continuing understanding of what practitioners in the work force experience in their daily work.  To be a practitioner of a discipline, an individual has moved from a novice through competent to practitioner and some times an expert. The vocabulary, concepts and processes used by practitioners in the arts and the sciences are critical to develop the thinking skills needed to solve complex problems.  Those complex problems involve both the arts and the sciences in their solutions.  With a focus on practitioner practices and performance assessment, students would be engaged and encountering satisfying experiences as learners in school.
Where to Go
Authors: Stewart Arthur J
Published: July 2024

This summer's anicipated and rare two-brood cicada emergence event is very likely, but the fates of individual cicadas is far less certain.
Assessing Science Learning Objectives with Nature Journals
Authors: Stewart Brooke , Book Kelly
Published: July 2024

Nature journals are an easy way to get your students outside and to practice making observations of the real-world around them. Teachers can formatively assess their student's understanding of learning objectives with nature journal prompts.
Elementary Explorations: Linking Art and Science
Authors: Poindexter Kristen
Published: July 2024

There are so many ways to bring art into science in the elementary classroom.  That can be as simple as sketching a diagram of something a student notices in an outdoor space to designing and building models that show how a science topic works.  As you look through the  NGSS, there are many examples of this across the K-5 spectrum. Included are examples of NGSS standards that show where opportunities for art can be included along with several classroom examples.
Freebies! Free resources for teachers
Authors: HASTI
Published: July 2024

This feature of THST will provide information for teachers aboutfree resources, PD activities, and materials.
Granular Cell Tumor of the Male Breast With Nipple Retraction and Pectoralis Major Invasion Treated With Mastectomy: A Case Report
Authors: Park Sang Chun , Kwon Yong Bin , An Sang Yun , Ma Hye Un , Jung Seo Won , Na Yong Min , Ryu Young Jae , Lee Hyo Jae , Lim Hyo Soon , Lee Ji Shin , Cho Jin Seong , Park Min Ho
Published: July 2024

Granular cell tumor is a rare disease, and it is even rarer in the male breast. Although it is typically a benign tumor, due to its features and image findings, it can be easily misdiagnosed and managed as a malignant tumor. Therefore, the extent of the surgery can inappropriately be expanded. To avoid misdiagnosis and overtreatment, surgeons must perform a careful evaluation. We describe a case of a granular cell tumor of the male breast treated with mastectomy.
S Eliškou Walterovou o minulosti a budoucnosti časopisu Orbis scholae
Authors: Greger David
Published: July 2024

Interview