bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘It just doesn't stop’: Perspectives of women who use drugs on increased overdoses during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Speed Kelsey A. , McNeil Ryan , Hayashi Kanna , Maher Lisa , Boyd Jade
Published: December 2024

Introduction

In Canada, the COVID‐19 pandemic collided with an ongoing overdose crisis driven by a toxic unregulated drug supply. Public health guidance intended to limit transmission of COVID‐19 (e.g., social distancing) directly contradicted guidance responding to the ongoing overdose crisis (e.g., never use drugs alone), exacerbating harms among people reliant on the toxic unregulated drug supply. While existing literature characterises many harms associated with consuming unregulated drugs during COVID‐19, less is known about the specific impacts on women. We explored the perspectives of women who use unregulated drugs and experienced socio‐economic marginalisation on how the COVID‐19 environment shaped their overdose risk in British Columbia, Canada.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews remotely with 45 participants between May 2020 and September 2021, and analysed the data thematically using a social violence framework.

Results

Participants identified contamination of the unregulated drug supply, particularly with benzodiazepines, as a significant driver of overdose and gendered violence among women who use drugs. ‘Social distancing’ guidelines (e.g., guest restrictions in supportive housing, reduced capacity in harm reduction services) compounded these risks and resulted in more women using drugs alone, reducing opportunities for timely overdose intervention. In response, participants practiced individualised acts of caregiving (e.g., establishing informal networks that regularly check on each other) to mitigate the risks of overdose and gendered violence for themselves and their community.

Discussion and Conclusions

These intersecting health crises perpetuated individualised approaches to addressing the risks of overdose and gendered violence, rather than addressing underlying social and structural drivers of these risks.
Form Follows Context: Exploring the Effect of Usage Context on Human‐likeness of Mobile Service Robots Using Generative AI
Authors: Ghim Yong‐Gyun
Published: December 2024

With various types of mobile service robots gradually taking their place in our homes and public spaces, robot designs are diversifying to address a wide range of tasks and usage contexts. While research on robot morphology within human‐robot interaction (HRI) has primarily focused on anthropomorphic design, studies on robot appearance and human perception yield conflicting findings regarding the effect of anthropomorphism and the desired level of human‐likeness across contexts. This study hypothesizes that the optimal level of human‐likeness varies depending on the nature of the context. By exploring the design of mobile service robots across three different service contexts ‐ restaurants, supermarkets, and delivery services ‐ this study examines the relationship between usage context, perceived capabilities, and the desired level of human‐likeness. Generative image artificial intelligence (AI) tools were employed to facilitate the development of design variations and their visualization in context as photorealistic renderings. A total of nine renderings were created and presented in an online survey, from which 36 responses were collected and analyzed. The survey results indicate a preference for low‐level human‐likeness for robots in supermarket and delivery contexts. However, the restaurant context had mixed results, exhibiting no clear preference for a certain human‐likeness level.
Molecular Characteristics of Sweet Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Calabrese Laura , Romagnuolo Maurizio , D'Onghia Martina , Rubegni Pietro , Marzano Angelo V. , Moltrasio Chiara
Published: December 2024

Sweet syndrome (SS), originally described as acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis, is a rare inflammatory skin condition, considered the prototype of neutrophilic dermatoses. It is characterised by the sudden onset of well‐defined tender papules, plaques and nodules often accompanied by fever, neutrophilia and elevated markers of inflammation. Several variants have been described both clinically and histopathologically. Classifications include idiopathic, malignancy‐associated, and drug‐induced SS. The exact pathogenesis of SS is still unclear; however, recent findings have shed light on the role of dermal infiltrating neutrophils—in the context of innate immunity, and signalling pathways related to adaptive immunity. To critically analyse the current molecular landscape of SS and discuss the recent evidence supporting novel potential immune mediators and biological signalling pathways involved in SS pathogenesis. The methodology followed PRISMA guidelines and included two bibliographical databases, searching articles published until 17 December 2023. Titles, abstracts and full text were reviewed independently by two assessors, while other two investigators resolved any opinion differences. Of 3303 records identified through database search, 22 articles met the eligibility criteria for inclusion. We considered experimental studies that performed molecular analysis, in terms of cytokines quantification, gene expression and/or immunofluorescence/immunohistochemistry. As for the latter, only studies aimed at characterising the nature of the inflammatory infiltrate and potential mechanisms leading to distinct forms of cutaneous inflammatory cell influx were included. Overall, we described research on 202 SS patients (177 skin biopsies and 25 blood specimens) revealing the predominant role of neutrophil activation and abnormal proliferation as unifying mechanisms in different SS subtypes. Interestingly, we found that hyperactivation of the IL‐1 pathway might occur only in a subset of SS patients and adaptive immunity could also play a role in the pathogenic scenario of SS, with a potential significant role of IL‐17 axis. This systematic review provides a wealth of evidence on the molecular landscape of SS, although further research is needed to a deeper understanding of the patho‐mechanisms of this rare disease and hopefully lead to targeted therapeutic approaches.
Transcriptional factor ISL1 regulates palate development by tuning the SHH cascade
Authors: Zhang Chujing , Zheng Yuting , Qu Yaping , Huang Ruiqi , Huang Huarong , Li Jianying , Qiu Mengsheng , Li Feixue
Published: December 2024

Cleft palate is one of the most common birth defects in humans, and palate morphogenesis depends on epithelial–mesenchymal interaction. In this study, we report that ablation of Isl1 in the epithelium leads to complete cleft palate. A significant reduction in mesenchymal cell proliferation was detected in the Isl1Pitx2Cre mutant palates, but there was no significant difference in apoptosis between wild‐type and mutant embryos. Fewer rugae structures were observed in Isl1Pitx2Cre mutant embryos. Shh, Sox2, Foxe1, Foxd2, and Msx1 expression was downregulated in the developing palate in Isl1 mutant embryos. We found that ISL1 can directly regulate Shh expression in palatal epithelial cells, suggesting a critical role for ISL1 in epithelial–mesenchymal interactions during palate development. Remarkably, cleft palate defects due to Isl1 deletion were rescued by a conditional transgenic allele (Tg‐pmes‐Ihh), confirming the genetic integration of Hedgehog signaling. Our findings indicate that ISL1 controls palatal shelf morphogenesis by modulating epithelial‐mesenchymal communication via SHH signaling.
A Physical Bottleneck Increases Predation on Atlantic Salmon Smolts During Seaward Migration in an Irish Index River
Authors: Sortland Lene Klubben , Wightman Glen , Flávio Hugo , Aarestrup Kim , Roche William
Published: December 2024

Counting departing smolts and returning adults in index rivers is essential to estimate marine survival and track population trends of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). However, mortalities between counting facilities and a river mouth can skew survival estimates. We used acoustic and radio telemetry to investigate survival, mortality sources and behaviour of wild salmon smolts in the River Erriff, Ireland's index river, and Killary Fjord. Smolts were tagged with acoustic tags in 2017 (n = 40) and 2018 (n = 35) and radio tags in 2018 (n = 30). Survival was low for acoustic‐tagged smolts in 2017 (26%) and 2018 (47%), mainly due to riverine mortality. Terrestrial or avian predators consumed 65% of acoustic‐tagged smolts in 2017 and 67% of radio‐tagged smolts in 2018. Nocturnal migration and ebb tide transportation likely contributed to high estuary survival. High predation on smolts emphasised the importance of assessing freshwater mortality for effective salmon management.
Exploring the formal development of regional policies and their potential to drive local change: Insights on climate change adaptation in Italy
Authors: Colocci Alessandra , Pietta Antonella , Bagliani Marco
Published: December 2024

The growing impacts of climate change are urging effective countermeasures in terms of adaptation, particularly through appropriate policy tools integrated across levels of governance. Local governments, often at the forefront of climate action, play a critical role. The regional level can become a key element in the adaptation chain, connecting higher‐level perspectives to local implementation. The present study aimed to investigate, first, the formal development of regional adaptation policies and, second, their potential to drive local change, focusing on the case study of Italian regions. This study proposed a twofold, qualitative‐quantitative assessment methodology based on the European Regional Adaptation Support Tool framework and a novel approach built on six main factors. Our analysis revealed the underdevelopment of regional adaptation policies, highlighting a critical interruption in the adaptation chain interconnecting European, national and local levels. Furthermore, even when formally issued, regional policies exhibited several significant weaknesses, severely hampering their potential to foster local change. This was especially evident in the generally limited efforts to engage internal and external climate agents through structured mechanisms. In this context, it would be beneficial for regions to embrace the role of coordinating local efforts and actions. Providing actionable solutions, along with related monitoring and evaluation tools, could enhance local climate action and inform the revision of policies across governance levels. Adaptation policies should envisage actions that progressively involve and promote change comprehensively across the territory. We conclude that further efforts should focus on strengthening local climate resilience, not only by developing formal adaptation policies but also by fostering local change.
Changes in Respiratory Syncytial Virus‐Associated Hospitalisations Epidemiology After Nirsevimab Introduction in Lyon, France
Authors: Chauvel Cécile , Horvat Côme , Javouhey Etienne , Gillet Yves , Hassenboehler Juliette , Chakra Claire Nour Abou , Ragouilliaux Corinne , Plaisant Franck , Ploin Dominique , Butin Marine , Casalegno Jean‐Sebastien , Nunes Marta C.
Published: December 2024

Background

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a major health concern, particularly for infants. In France, Nirsevimab, a long‐acting monoclonal antibody to prevent RSV‐associated lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) was available from September 2023. We described RSV‐associated LRTI hospitalisations during the 2023–2024 season among infants younger than six months born at the Hospices Civils de Lyon (HCL), and evaluated the effectiveness of Nirsevimab against RSV‐LRTI hospitalisation.

Methods

This observational study included infants born and hospitalised at the HCL during the 2023–2024 season, along with pre‐COVID‐19 and 2022–2023 seasons. Information on Nirsevimab immunisation status, clinical and perinatal variables were collected through routine care. Infants' characteristics and incidence rate of hospitalisation per 100 births during 2023–2024 were compared with the historical periods overall and by delay between birth and the onset of the RSV season. Nirsevimab effectiveness was computed by the screening method.

Results

During the 2023–2024 season, 83 infants younger than six months were hospitalised with an RSV‐associated LRTI. Compared with the historical periods (640 pre‐COVID‐19 and 123 in 2022–2023), these infants were older. Incidence rate for infants born during the period when immunisation was available were lower than the previous seasons; incidence rate ratios were 0.45 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33; 0.62) in 2023–2024 compared with pre‐COVID‐19 period and 0.53 (95%CI: 0.36; 0.77) compared with 2022–2023 season. Nirsevimab effectiveness was 78.3% (95%CI: 55.9; 89.5) with a coverage of 79.3% in the two main HCL maternities.

Conclusions

High Nirsevimab coverage and effectiveness were estimated in a real‐world setting. A change in the age distribution of RSV‐associated LRTI hospitalisations in 2023–2024 was noted compared with historical seasons.
Singapore's COVID‐19 Genomic Surveillance Programme: Strategies and Insights From a Pandemic Year
Authors: Tan Hao Yi , Khamis Nur Huda , Goh Alvin , Mah Tania K. L. , Yeo Benny , Ngan Jie Yin , Ding Yichen , Lin Cui , Chae Sae‐Rom , Lee Phoebe , Ho Zheng Jie Marc
Published: December 2024

Background

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, genomic surveillance was crucial for monitoring virus spread and identifying variants. Effective surveillance helped understand transmission dynamics. Singapore had success in combating COVID‐19 through its surveillance programmes. This paper outlines Singapore's strategy and its impact on public health during the transition to endemicity over 54 weeks from February 2022 to February 2023.

Methods

In May 2022, Singapore expanded its acute respiratory infections (ARI) surveillance to enhance COVID‐19 detection. COVID‐19–positive samples from ARI cases were sent to the National Public Health Laboratory for whole genome sequencing (WGS). WGS data informed public health actions based on transmission origins and case severity.

Results

Over 54 weeks, NPHL sequenced 18,918 (73%) samples. Analysis showed 29% imported and 71% local cases. Severe cases accounted for 12% and were mostly elderly, specifically those aged 80 years old and above. Variant analysis identified 11 predominant variants and 288 subvariants. Omicron BA.2, BA.5 and XBB were initially dominant, followed by increased variant heterogeneity. Severe cases mirrored these trends.

Conclusion

Genomic surveillance was integral in Singapore's COVID‐19 response, guiding timely public health decisions. Effective variant tracking supported proactive measures. The experience underscores the importance of genomic surveillance for future pandemic preparedness and emerging disease detection, emphasising its role in shaping pandemic responses and global health.
Viral Acute Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (ALRI) in Rural Bangladeshi Children Prior to the COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Reller Megan E. , Mehta Kayur , McCollum Eric D. , Ahmed Salahuddin , Anderson Jack , Roy Arunangshu D. , Chowdhury Nabidul Haque , Saha Samir , Moulton Lawrence H. , Santosham Mathuram , Baqui Abdullah H.
Published: December 2024

Background

Acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRIs) remain the leading infectious cause of death among children < 5 years, with viruses contributing to a large proportion of cases. Little is known about the epidemiology and etiology of viral ALRI in rural Bangladesh.

Methods

We enrolled 3‐ to 23‐month‐old children with ALRIs attending a subdistrict hospital outpatient clinic in Sylhet district in Bangladesh. Trained study physicians ascertained the cases and obtained nasopharyngeal swabs to detect 19 respiratory viruses by multiplex PCR using the Luminex Integrated System NxTAG Respiratory pathogen panel.

Results

Between August 2016 and September 2017, we enrolled 1477 children. Median age was 10 months; 58.1% were male. Forty‐seven percent presented during autumn (mid‐June to mid‐October). About a third had temperature ≥ 101°F, 95.4% had cough in the previous 3 days, 72.0% had fast breathing, and 80.0% had chest indrawing. Alveolar consolidation occurred in 23.9%, and 4.4% were hypoxemic (saturation < 90% on room air). Nineteen percent required hospitalization; 79.1% of them were discharged within 48 h. A respiratory virus was identified in 81.8%, majority (75.8%) with single virus isolation. Rhinoenterovirus was most commonly identified (HRV/HEV, 37.9%), followed by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, 20.2%) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV, 11.7%). Rhinoenterovirus was detected year‐round; RSV was detected during August–November and hMPV during December–March.

Conclusions

Respiratory viruses were identified in a majority (82%) of children under 2 years of age presenting with ALRI in rural hospitals of Bangladesh. These findings have implications for future study and potentially for surveillance, antimicrobial stewardship, vaccine program planning, and policy.
Tubastrine, an antioxidant molecule from Tubastraea tagusensis sun coral, in the reversion of oxidative stress and neuron's death induced by Aβ42
Authors: Silva Amanda G. , Rostirola João Vitor Cerávolo , Speri Filipe Duo , Pina Juliana Guanaes , Kitahara Marcelo V. , Longato Giovanna B. , Sciani Juliana M.
Published: December 2024

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder involving mitochondrial dysfunction and consequent production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), generated after amyloid peptide (Aβ42) accumulation. In this study, we isolated a new antioxidant molecule from the sun coral Tubastraea tagusensis and analysed it in cells exposed to oligomeric amyloid‐beta peptide 1‐42 (oAβ42). The coral was collected and immersed in methanol for the release of compounds, which were submitted to antioxidant DPPH and FRAP activity‐guided fractionation using solid‐phase extraction and HPLC. An active pure molecule was analysed by mass spectrometry and tested in SH‐SY5Y differentiated neurons previously exposed to 5 μM oAβ42. The isolated active molecule was identified as tubastrine, which could significantly inhibit the cell death caused by the amyloid peptide. Moreover, oAβ42 increased the percentage of ROS in neurons‐like from 40% to 65%, and the treatment with tubastrine reduced it to 50%. The antioxidant power of neurons‐like after oAβ42 decreased significantly, while the compound reversed it, reaching similar values to the untreated cells. Therefore, tubastrine can reverse an important pathophysiological mechanism of AD, oxidative stress, by increasing neuronal antioxidant power and reducing ROS levels, able to prevent neuron‐like cell death caused by oAβ42.
Patents Used in Patent Office Rejections as Indicators of Value
Authors: Cotropia Christopher A. , Schwartz David L.
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces a novel approach to measure a patent's economic value by examining whether the patent's disclosure leads to rejection of another pending US patent application. This approach considers the use of the patent by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) in office action rejections on the grounds of novelty or obviousness, as well as its citation as an X or Y reference in a European Patent Office (EPO) search report, which provides analogous information. Unlike conventional citation metrics widely employed by economists, the novel metric is arguably more closely tied to private value, as it is centered on the examiner's rejection of another patent application based on the patent in question. As this metric is not directly influenced by potential strategic behavior by patent lawyers or patent applicants, it is more directly tied to private value. This study evaluates how patents used in novelty and obviousness rejections, and comparable EPO information, correspond to common measures of private value—specifically patent renewal, the assertion of a patent in litigation, the number of independent patent claims, and classification in multiple technological subject matters. We examine rejection data over a defined time period for US patents issued from 1999 to 2007 and then link value data to these patents. A similar analysis is also conducted for EPO search reports. Our findings reveal that rejection uses, as well as X and Y EPO search citations, independently exhibit positive correlations with all of these value measurements. Moreover, when information from both the USPTO and EPO concerning a given patent is combined, further insights about that patent's value are obtained. We also find that rejection uses provide unique insights into additional measures of private value such as the patent being listed in the Orange Book or as a Standard Essential Patent. Accordingly, these rejection use metrics provide another independent tool for evaluating a patent's value.
Liquid Polycaprolactone (PCL) for Reversing PXE's Skin Laxity of Inner Thighs and Knees: A Case Report
Authors: Dimonitsas Emmanouil , Albanopoulou Agni , Neamonitou Foteini , Lakiotaki Eleftheria , Korkolopoulou Penelope , Gazouli Maria
Published: December 2024

Background/Aim

Pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) is a genetic connective tissue disorder that affects the skin with limited treatment options. A recent technology employing particle‐free polycaprolactone (PCL) has shown promising results in treating inner thighs and kness of a 27‐year‐old female patient. This article provides a case report along with our detailed treatment protocol based on the efficacy of PCL in reversing skin laxity that can be easily incorporated into the therapeutic approaches for patients with PXE.

Methods

The pinch test for clinical assessment, photographic documentation as well as satisfaction questionnaire were used in order to evaluate the improvement observed in skin laxity.

Results

After the finish of the protocol, the Pinch test score was diminished from 4 to 2, and the depth of the wrinkles was obviously improved in the photos. All the above, together with the high score of the patient satisfaction questionnaire, verified the efficacy of this novel PCL protocol in reversing PXE‘s skin laxity.

Conclusion

Fully liquid PCL appears to outperform other bio‐stimulators in improving skin quality in PXE, offering longer‐lasting results and a high safety profile. However, further clinical trials with long‐term follow‐up are required to confirm its efficacy in PXE‘s skin laxity.
Initiating and Sustaining GSAs Across the District as Part of a Vision for Equity: A Case Study in Chicago Public Schools
Authors: Jarpe‐Ratner Elizabeth , Little D. , Benomar N. , Magdaleno J. Dominguez , Belcher K. , Liu J. , Marshall B.
Published: December 2024

Background

Increasingly, there are calls for educational equity to explicitly include LGBTQ+ students, including the creation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer/questioning (LGBTQ+) clubs, or Genders and Sexualities Alliances (GSAs), which are associated with positive outcomes for LGBTQ+ students and promote a safer school climate for all students. However, less is known about strategies to initiate and sustain GSAs. Chicago Public Schools (CPS) serves as a case study of how to embrace LGBTQ+ equity through an evaluation of its current practices to support GSAs.

Methods

The study is comprised of two qualitative data strands, including 20 interviews with GSA sponsors and six focus groups with GSA students. Both forms of data were recorded, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Analyses from each set of data were integrated, and overall themes were generated.

Results

Eleven school‐level strategies for initiating and sustaining GSAs were identified and six district‐level strategies were identified.

Implications

CPS is using these evaluation findings to further strengthen their work to support GSAs, and other districts can learn from their experiences, such as creating guidance and training to educate the school community about the rights of students and sponsors and resources, including funding for stipends to sponsors.

Conclusion

Increasing the number of schools with thriving GSAs is essential. CPS provides an illustrative case study of the key strategies at both the school and district levels to ensure that GSAs can serve to affirm, protect, and uplift LGBTQ+ students.
Odor‐Based Recognition of Canine Stress: Investigating Human Olfactory Perception
Authors: Gebele Nomi , Croy Ilona , Bräuer Juliane
Published: December 2024

During the long domestication process, humans and dogs built a strong bond. Attachment in the dog–human relationship is characterized by successful communication and cooperation involving olfactory signals. It is known that dogs are able to smell stress in humans. In this study, we investigate whether humans can also smell stress in dogs and whether dog owners are better at identifying the smell of stressed dogs than non‐dog owners. Odor samples of four dogs were taken during a relaxed and stressed situation. A total of 20 dog owners and 20 non‐dog owners participated in the experiment in which they smelled the odor samples while blindfolded. Our results show that the participants were unable to correctly discriminate the smell of relaxed dogs from that of stressed dogs. Furthermore, dog owners did not perform better than non‐dog owners.
Consumer Perception of Novel Edible Films Produced by Single Cell Protein Derived From Cheese Whey Bio‐Valorization
Authors: Koukoumaki Danai Ioanna , Gkatzionis Konstantinos , Panagiotou Malamatenia , Sarris Dimitris
Published: December 2024

Single cell protein (SCP) refers to dry cells of microorganisms and can be produced through bioprocesses valorizing agricultural by‐products. SCP can be used in the production of edible films which attract growing interest as an environmentally friendly replacement of synthetic packaging materials. However, consumer's perception and acceptability of such alternative packaging require investigation. In this study SCP‐based edible films were developed biotechnologically through valorization of cheese whey and consumer perception was approached holistically including focus groups of the assessment of the edible packaging made from microbes suggesting food applications, packaging information, an online survey, eye‐tracking analysis of yogurt samples with edible films and sensory analysis of biscuits in edible packaging. Texture of SCP‐based edible films scored high; however, lower scores for odor were correlated with “spoiled”/”expired” odor for SCP‐based edible films. This comprehensive study of edible packaging from microorganisms demonstrated positive consumer attitudes and preferences and it could be proposed that the use of edible packaging from microorganisms is enforceable.
3‐Month Melatonin Supplementation to Reduce Brain Oxidative Stress and Improve Sleep in Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial
Authors: Menczel Schrire Zoe , Phillips Craig L. , Duffy Shantel L. , Marshall Nathaniel S. , Mowszowski Loren , La Monica Haley M. , Stranks Lachlan , Gordon Christopher J. , Chapman Julia L. , Saini Bandana , Naismith Sharon L. , Grunstein Ronald R. , Hoyos Camilla M.
Published: December 2024

Melatonin has multiple proposed therapeutic benefits including antioxidant properties, circadian rhythm synchronisation and sleep promotion. Since these areas are also recognised risk factors for dementia, melatonin has been hypothesised to slow cognitive decline in older adults.

Participants with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) were recruited from the community for a 12‐week randomised placebo‐controlled parallel, feasibility trial of 25 mg oral melatonin nightly. Primary outcomes were feasibility, acceptability, and tolerability. Secondary efficacy outcomes were brain oxidative stress, cognition, mood, and sleep at 12 weeks.

Forty participants (mean [SD] age = 68.2 [4.7] years; 19 female) were randomised. Feasibility, defined as those who met eligibility criteria, was 42/389, 11%. Acceptability, determined by the proportion of eligible people who agreed to be randomised, was 40/44, 91%. Tolerability, determined by adherence to the nightly melatonin and completion of the main secondary outcome (Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy scan) was over the pre‐defined 80% threshold for all participants. The study was not powered to detect effectiveness. Accordingly, there were no significant differences between melatonin and placebo interventions in any of the secondary outcomes.

The protocol was developed, and successfully implemented, with the planned number of eligible participants recruited. All participants were able to complete all aspects of the trial, including online visits and assessments, with no differences in adverse events between groups. This is promising for future trials, which should conduct the study with a larger sample size and longer duration to yield necessary efficacy data.
Effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and Galactooligosaccharide Administered In Ovo on Hatchability, Chick Quality, Performance, Caecal Histomorphology and Meat Quality Traits of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Mangan M. , Reszka P. , Połtowicz K. , Siwek M.
Published: December 2024

The presented study explored the promising alternatives of in ovo injection with Lactiplantibacillus plantarum (LP) and galactooligosaccharide (GOS) in the poultry industry. The study aimed to assess the effects of probiotic and prebiotic on various aspects of poultry production. The study involved 300 Ross broiler eggs, individually candled on Day 7 of embryonic development. The eggs were sorted into four groups: negative control (no injection), positive control (0.9% physiological saline injection), GOS 3.5 mg/egg and LP 1 × 106 CFU/egg. The groups used during the incubation period were the same for the animal trial; each pen/group had 25 chickens. At the end of the experiment, 8 chickens from each group were slaughtered for tissue sample collection and 12 chickens were slaughtered to determine slaughter yield, carcass and meat quality. All data were analysed by one‐way ANOVA or repeated measured ANOVA except for the parameters that did not meet the assumption of normality, the Kruskal–Wallis test (Dunn's test) was used. Key findings revealed that hatchability remained unaffected across groups, indicating the safety of the in ovo injections. Both LP and GOS enhanced chick quality, as evidenced by improved body weight, Pasgar score and chick length. The in ovo administration of LP increased the body weight of the chickens during the first‐week post‐hatch (7 days of age) without impacting feed intake and feed conversion ratio in the later stages. The study demonstrated no adverse effects on meat quality due to the in ovo injection of LP and GOS. Additionally, a positive impact on caecal histomorphology was observed and early gut colonization of beneficial bacteria (Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacteria spp.) indicated potential benefits for intestinal health in broilers. In conclusion, the in ovo inoculation of 1 × 106 LP and 3.5 mg of GOS per egg increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp. and showcased promising enhancements in chick quality without compromising growth performance, meat quality and caecal histomorphology. These findings suggest a positive outlook for these substances as a viable alternative for improving poultry health and productivity.
Utilizing the Ellik bladder evacuator during cystoscopic retrieval of urocystoliths in 12 dogs
Authors: Shamoun John , Vaden Shelly L. , Kendall Allison R. , Secoura Patricia L.
Published: December 2024

Background

Urocystolithiasis is a common problem in dogs; many canine uroliths are resistant to medical dissolution. Novel management options would expand, and in some cases improve, current urolith retrieval strategies.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To describe a previously unreported technique by the Ellik bladder evacuator (EE) to assist in minimally invasive, cystoscopic retrieval of canine cystoliths.

Animals

Twelve client‐owned dogs presented with urocystolithiasis.

Methods

In this retrospective study, dog demographics, procedure type and duration, and clinical outcomes of dogs undergoing cystoscopic cystolith retrieval utilizing the EE are described.

Results

Twelve dogs underwent 13 cystoscopic procedures utilizing EE for cystolith retrieval. The EE was used in accordance with previously described techniques via a custom‐made adaptor. Ten dogs were spayed females; 8 different breeds were represented. In 8 of 13 procedures, transurethral cystoscopy alone by EE with or without wire basket or grasping forceps was performed with a median procedure duration of 36 minutes (range, 16‐52). In the other 5 procedures, additional interventions (ie, laser lithotripsy, percutaneous perineal approach, urethral stricture ballooning, ethanol parathyroid ablation) were performed as indicated with a median procedure duration 110 minutes (range, 42‐144). No complications were noted in association with the use of the EE; retrieval of cystoliths was complete in 12 of 13 procedures.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Use of the EE during cystoscopy might aid in minimally‐invasive retrieval of cystoliths. This work provides a starting point for additional discussion regarding its benefit relative to current interventions.
Alban Berg's Op. 5/2 and the Concept of Recomposition
Authors: Lal Rajan
Published: December 2024

This article analyses the connection between two miniature works that are often casually compared but whose harmonic relationship has been theorised in only scant detail by existing scholarship. The second of the Sechs kleine Klavierstücke, Op. 19 (1911), Arnold Schoenberg's most‐discussed nine bars, provides a backdrop for scrutiny of the second piece from Alban Berg's Vier Stücke für Klarinette und Klavier, Op. 5 (1913). Drawing on Jack Boss's referential collection approach to Schoenberg's miniature (2019), this article suggests that the relationship between these two works can be thought of as recomposition. The slippery nature of this term and its myriad uses notwithstanding, in this instance recomposition involves the extraction of salient features from a predecessor work and the manipulation of such features in oblique directions within their new context, pulling apart the earlier entity at its seams to reveal a new stage of life. In essence, the new work stages a pupal eclosion. Though such a notion might appear superficially Bloomian, it in fact involves no anxiety of influence whatsoever. Rather, Op. 5/2 exists as a recomposition of Op. 19/2 because the fundamental tenets of Op. 19/2 were worth placing into chrysalis, a simultaneous acknowledgement of efficacy as old material is adapted for new context.
Glycosyltransferase‐Mediated Modulation of Reactive Oxygen Species Enhances Non‐host Resistance to PstDC3000 in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Liu Yingjun , Zhang Siyi , Sun Min , Hao Xingqian , Jin Pinyuan , Luo Sheng , Chen Jiao , Zhang Ting , Ge Shating , Zhang Huajian
Published: December 2024

Non‐host resistance (NHR) governs defense responses against a broad range of potential pathogen species in contrast with host resistance. To identify specific genes involved in disease resistance, we used a virus‐induced gene‐silencing screen in Nicotiana benthamiana and identified glycosyltransferase (NbGT) as an essential component of NHR. NbGT silencing enhanced the hypersensitivity response, reactive oxygen species response, and callose deposition in N. benthamiana, improving its NHR to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pst) DC3000. NbGT participated in reactive oxygen species accumulation caused by flg22 rather than coronatine and HrcC of Pst DC3000. Analyses of gene expression and enzyme activity demonstrated that NbGT‐silenced plants exhibited enhanced expression and elevated levels of superoxide dismutase, resulting in heightened accumulation of H2O2. In conclusion, NbGT‐silencing increases H2O2 accumulation by regulating superoxide dismutase activity during the immune response to flg22, enhancing resistance to Pst DC3000 in N. benthamiana. This research provides novel insights into the role of glycosyltransferases in NHR.
Upregulation of Urinary Alpha‐2‐HS Glycoprotein During Pregnancy of Murrah Buffaloes
Authors: Prasada Rao T. , Paramesh V. , Pranavi S. , Manasa V. , Kumar T. V. Sai , Padmaja K.
Published: December 2024

Urine samples were systematically collected from inseminated Murrah buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis) on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 (with day 0 representing the day of artificial insemination). Following confirmation of pregnancy via trans rectal palpation 45 days of insemination, the animals were categorised into pregnant and non‐pregnant groups (n = 10 each). The urine samples on 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days of pregnant and one sample from non‐pregnant preferably collected on 28th day was used for SDS‐PAGE after diafiltration. We focused on urine samples obtained on 28th day of insemination as it could contain high fetuin‐A levels associated with pregnancy. Each of the two urine samples from both the pregnant and non‐pregnant groups underwent purification through wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) affinity separation. The resulting fraction/elute was subsequently employed for the determination and validation of fetuin‐A through 1D SDS‐PAGE, western blotting and MALDI‐TOF analysis. The samples were used for measuring the concentration of fetuin‐A by ELISA. Fetuin‐A was significantly higher (1020.50 ± 19.75 mg/L) in pregnant Murrah buffalo urine than their non‐pregnant counterparts (86.5 ± 6.33 mg/L), with a p < 0.05. On SDS‐PAGE analysis, the WGA fractions revealed distinct protein bands, notably between ~54 to 70 kDa and slightly above ~91 kDa, in pregnant Murrah buffaloes compared with their non‐pregnant counterparts. Following confirmation of fetuin‐A at ~58 kDa through western blotting, the corresponding protein band was excised from the SDS gel and subjected to mass spectrometry for MALDI‐TOF analysis. Peptide mass fingerprinting, coupled with protein BLAST, confirmed the upregulated protein as Alpha2‐HS glycoprotein, also known as fetuin‐A. These findings are crucial for elucidating the presence of fetuin‐A in urine samples from pregnant Murrah buffaloes, offering valuable insights into their physiological status.
Mobility and Migration in the Hebrew Bible and Ancient Near East: In Pursuit of Viable Heuristics for Interdisciplinary Study
Authors: Trinka Eric M.
Published: December 2024

Historians of the ancient Near East and Biblical Scholars have shown interest in movement and migration as features of ancient texts and ancient lived experience, but few have appreciatively integrated theoretical groundings from mobility or migration studies in their analyses. Through the addition of both theory and data, mobility and migration studies hold promise as interlocutory fields that can enrich understandings of movement and migration at various scales. Mobility and migration studies admittedly stand as dauntingly large fields. This article, therefore, provides initial guidance on what theoretical groundings from mobility and migration studies can be most useful for modeling and interpreting movement in the ancient Near East and in biblical sources. This necessary (re)focus on fundamental conceptual categories and terminological frameworks will further guide ongoing interdisciplinary studies of mobility and migration in the ancient past.
Robust Assessment of Post‐Localisation Hardening Behaviour in Eurofer97 Using Inverse Finite Element Methods
Authors: Spencer R. , Fletcher L. , Gorley M. , Hamelin C. , Harte A.
Published: December 2024

Constitutive behaviour of fusion‐relevant steels in the post‐necking regime is necessary for detailed design of future fusion device components. A finite element model updating (FEMU) procedure using digital image correlation (DIC), particle swarm optimisation (PSO) and a novel post‐necking constitutive law was developed. A DIC‐like strain filter was introduced within the optimisation loop to reduce cost function errors associated with spatial filtering of the DIC processing. The effects of the DIC process and experimental noise on the uncertainty of optimised parameters were quantified using synthetic image deformation techniques. For large plasticity problems, the effect of measurement system noise was found to be negligible. The FEMU method was applied to small‐scale specimens of Eurofer97 ferritic‐martensitic steel of two thicknesses. Strain rate sensitivity was found to be necessary to explain observed post‐UTS uniform strain due to delayed localisation onset. Local strain data from DIC measurements have been demonstrated to improve the accuracy of the identified constitutive model compared to global data alone. Additionally, DIC strain data can provide information to support the inclusion of additional model physics, such as rate sensitivity.
Uncovering Spatio‐Temporal Activity Patterns of Staying Behavior of Pedestrian Explorers Using Mobile Phone Navigation Trajectory
Authors: Chen Qianqian , Wu Hangbin , Hu Chenyu , Huang Wei , Liu Chun
Published: December 2024

Explorers, who constitute a distinct subset within the mobility group, hold significant importance in mobility research. Explorers use mobile navigation software to navigate unfamiliar territories, with walking navigation users demonstrating superior accuracy in pinpointing unfamiliar locations compared with other transportation modes. This study leveraged the substantial walking navigation trajectories of mobile phones to analyze the activity patterns of explorers. Trajectory data were initially employed to extract walking trajectories using the LightGBM model. Subsequently, geometric feature‐based methods were used to extract the stay points of the walking trajectories. To overcome the limitations of point‐of‐interest (POI) data, this study integrated area of interest (AOI) data. The activity semantics of stay points were discerned using the gravity model and Bayes' rules to analyze the spatiotemporal patterns in exploratory stay point activities. This study combines OpenStreetMap map data and questionnaire responses to analyze and validate the proposed methodology.
Validation of Regional Positioning Service User Connections as Support in Update Cartography
Authors: Torrecillas Cristina , Ramos‐Sánchez Francisco J. , Marín‐Buzón Carmen , Verdú‐Vázquez Amparo
Published: December 2024

The significant demand for highly updated geospatial or cartographic information surpasses the capacity of the official agencies responsible for its generation. The procedure for updating official cartography, in some Spanish regions, can take more than three or 4 years. This long process depends to a large extent on the national planning of aerial flights, but also on actions linked to the updates of changes in their geodatabases. There are alternative non‐cartographic sources of geoinformation that can locate these variations more quickly than waiting for triannual orthophoto generation and reduce these times. This article focusses on a potential option derived from the location of users connections to a regional differential position corrections transmission system in Andalusia (Spain) used by surveyors. Three data selection studies are presented to evaluate this source for the detection of new or altered construction, covering the period 2008–2016. The results show a 95% success rate for new developments, 87% for new linear public works, and 72% for new urban services or facilities, validating its potential usefulness for updating cartography. The main advantages of this source lie in the speed of detection of an area under construction and in the definition of a preliminary boundary. The analysis of temporal statistics from this source, filtered by construction activities, can also be useful in targeting and prioritizing the mapping planning of public agencies and improving the effectiveness of false positive image‐to‐image change detection, reducing the time to update the official cartography.
Ecological Habit Inferences of the Extinct Porcupine Coendou magnus Lund, 1839 (Rodentia, Erethizontidae) from Brazilian Intertropical Region
Authors: Dantas Mário André Trindade , Da Costa João Paulo
Published: December 2024

Through the use of two indices estimated from measurements of the humerus and ulna, we suggested the possible ecological habit of the extinct porcupine Coendou magnus Lund, 1839 from the Late Pleistocene in the Brazilian Intertropical Region. The analyzed specimen was found in Toca da Barriguda cave (Campo Formoso/BA, Brazil), weighed 9 kg, and lived in a low-density forest at 33,171-33,765 cal yr BP. All extant species of the Coendou genus are suspensory, and these indices suggest the same ecological habit for C. magnus.
Below and Beyond
Authors: Abrams Michael
Published: December 2024

Entrepreneurs are looking for ways to drill deeper, cheaper, and more successfully than before by borrowing methods honed by the oil and gas industry. These startups are bringing enhanced geothermal power systems online that promise sustainable, zero-carbon electricity that is not dependent on the time of day or the local weather. The hope is that by capitalizing on more than a century of petroleum-industry expertise, geothermal wells can operate reliably and relatively inexpensively well into the next century.
Hidden Infrastructure for the New Energy Economy
Authors: Lieuwen Timothy C.
Published: December 2024

As the global energy system becomes decarbonized, the way energy is transported and stored will shift in profound ways. What is especially challenging is that these changes must be made while continuing to deliver energy to consumers. It is as if workers needed to replumb and rewire a house while the residents still were living in it.
A Customer Journey Mapping Approach With Mobile Application
Authors: Ding Yiqing , Lattin James M. , Buahin Awua M. , Dweck Gabriella A.
Published: December 2024

Customer journey mapping (CJM) is a product and service design method that is widely used by design researchers and practitioners. It tracks the customer’s or user’s interactions with products and services during experiences and maps out significant changes in those experiences. While CJM has been praised for its ability to understand customer experiences from their perspectives (i.e., empathy building), it suffers from limitations such as limited sample sizes and cognitive biases, mostly due to its reliance on traditional ethnographic methods such as interviews, observations, and surveys. To address these issues, this article presents an approach to performing CJM with mobile applications (apps) and quantitatively analyzing the gathered data. By dividing CJM into data collection and analytics stages, challenges in each stage are tackled separately. In the data collection stage, a custom-built mobile app is designed to gather information on customer experiences. Then, a two-step data analysis approach is developed to gain insights into those experiences. To demonstrate the approach’s effectiveness in tracking customer experiences, it was applied to the errand experiences of students during the pandemic, and the results were compared with those from a parallel study using traditional CJM approaches. The findings demonstrated the feasibility of the proposed approach in performing CJM and showed that additional insights can be obtained through the proposed approach. This work provides a more effective and objective CJM approach for designers to understand their customers, thereby contributing toward the broader effort to develop reliable empathy-building design methods.