bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the hydrodynamic performance and influencing factors of pod propellers
Authors: Luo Yongfu , Hu Yi
Published: January 2025

As one of the main forms of propulsion for electric propulsion ships, the pod thruster has both propulsion and maneuvering functions, can achieve 360° full rotation in the horizontal plane, and has become the mainstream thruster for cruise ships, oceanographic research ships, icebreakers, and other ships. To explore the changes in the hydrodynamic performance of pod propellers under different structural parameters, numerical simulations were conducted using the RANS method and the standard κ-ε turbulence model in Fluent software. The findings show that the numerical simulation method used in this study can effectively predict the hydrodynamic performance of pod propellers, with the error between simulation and experimental results within an acceptable range. Without changing the model’s structural parameters, the thrust and torque coefficients of the pod propeller gradually decrease as the advance coefficient increases, while the open water efficiency first increases and then decreases, peaking at J = 0.8. When the model’s structural parameters are modified, the pitch ratio has a significant effect on the hydrodynamics of the pod propeller, whereas the rake angle and aft taper angle have lesser impacts.
Efficient synthesis of ultra-high molecular weight poly-α-olefins and its drag reduction performance
Authors: Ma Xiaoliang , Deng Yufa , Huang Jiong , Yang Zhijun , Li Wei , Xu Xinyue , Lu Weidong , Liang Shijia , Zhang Shuxin
Published: January 2025

Drag reducers have been widely used in crude oil pipeline transportation to increase oil throughput, save energy, and reduce costs. How to increase the drag reduction rate is a research hotspot currently. Using 1-octene and 1-decene as raw materials and employing a homemade titanium-based metal catalyst, triethylaluminum, and methylcyclohexyl dimethoxysilane as the catalytic system, this study explored the optimal preparation conditions for poly-α-olefins. The experimental results demonstrated that as reaction time increased, both the monomer conversion efficiency and the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the product also increased However, with increasing reaction temperature, both the monomer conversion efficiency and the product’s weight-average molecular weight gradually decreased. At a reaction temperature of -10°C, a reaction time of 12 h, and a molar ratio of 1-octene to 1-decene of 1:1, the monomer conversion efficiency reached 98.9%, and the weight-average molecular weight of the product was 5.97 × 106. Characterization methods such as FT-IR, GPC, XRD, DSC, and TGA demonstrated that the synthesized poly-α-olefin had an ultra-high molecular weight, was amorphous, and had a high thermal decomposition temperature. Loop flow tests indicated that the drag reduction efficiency of poly-α-olefins progressively increased with molecular weight. Compared to commercial drag reducers, the poly-α-olefins synthesized in this study achieved the highest drag reduction rate (50.32%), with the product exhibiting superior drag reduction performance.
Demonstrator system testing and performance for the ATLAS ITk pixel detector for HL-LHC
Authors: Khwaira Y. ,   the ATLAS ITK Pixel group
Published: January 2025

A demonstrator for each slice of the ATLAS pixel detector was built to replicate the real detector and provide early solutions for operating and maintaining its components. This system-level testing of the all-silicon Inner Tracker (ITk) pixel detector for the ATLAS experiment at CERN's HL-LHC encompasses a wide array of system components, which is essential for managing the increased luminosity and radiation levels expected at HL-LHC, thereby enhancing tracking performance. Utilizing advanced silicon sensor technologies, serial powering, and lightweight carbon fiber structures, the demonstrator and assembled components on the support structure will undergo several studies for verification and commissioning. Extensive tests on serial powering, monitoring, and data acquisition were conducted, ensuring the system's robustness and reliability for future high-energy physics experiments. Additionally, three different sub-components will be introduced for the novel ITk pixel detector, specifically designed for the outer barrel (OB), outer end caps (OEC), and inner system (IS) sections.
Observational evidence for arrival and development of Karenia spp. in the Pacific waters off southeast Hokkaido, Japan in 2021
Authors: Taniuchi Yukiko , Kuroda Hiroshi , Kuwata Akira , Watanabe Tsuyoshi , Ohnishi Takuya , Kasai Hiromi , Azumaya Tomonori , Nakanowatari Takuya
Published: January 2025

In September 2021, unprecedented large-scale harmful algal blooms (HABs), primarily composed of Karenia spp., occurred in the southeastern coastal area of Hokkaido (Japan), and had drastic impacts on both the coastal ecosystem and the local fishery industry. So far, the possible sources of causal species and the trigger of the HABs occurrence have been proposed, but there is no direct observational evidence for the arrival and initial development of Karenia spp. before the blooms. In this study, we examined the arrival time and inferred the origin of Karenia spp. in terms of water mass properties by analyzing the in situ monitoring data over the past several years. Microscope analysis to estimate phytoplankton abundances revealed that Karenia spp. emerges in the offshore region of southeastern coastal area of Hokkaido in May, and the substantial amount distributes in early July, and then the HABs occurred in October. In July, Karenia spp. was detected primarily in surface layer of Oyashio water, and that the largest abundance tended to be around 15 °C seawater temperature. We also found that the abundances of major diatom taxa were at quite low level in early July 2021 just before the intensive and extensive marine heatwaves occurred and the decline was maintained to the blooms during October in the continental shelf area which is the hotspot of the HABs 2021. These results suggest that the decline of major diatom taxa cannot be explained solely by marine heatwaves that occurred from mid-July to early August 2021 and raise the possibility of transfer of Karenia spp. from Oyashio water to modified Soya Warm Current water between early July and October.
The Racial or Color Identity Determinants of Japanese Brazilians and Jewish Brazilians
Authors: Ju Angela
Published: January 2025

This chapter engages statistical analysis of government survey data to evaluate how Jewish- and Japanese-heritage Brazilians identify racially and the determinants of racial identity. In addition to findings that the majority of Jewish Brazilians identify as “White” and the majority of Japanese Brazilians identify as “Yellow,” the chapter evaluates the nuances of the determinants of racial identity. This chapter sheds some light onto what factors influence how Japanese Brazilians and Jewish Brazilians choose to identify. These factors include education, age, and income. Brazilians of Japanese origin who were more educated, had higher incomes, and were older were more likely to identify as “non-White” as opposed to “White.” In contrast, Brazilians of Jewish origin who were older and who had higher incomes were more likely to identify as “White” as opposed to “non-White.”
Leveraging Identities in Brazil
Authors: Ju Angela
Published: January 2025

This chapter argues that experiences of racial or ethnic discrimination activate the identity that experiences discrimination and, based on this relevant identity, members of this group engage politically in a way that emphasizes this identity. A central paradox presented in this chapter is that while the majority of Jews in Brazil identify as “White” and have a higher racial status than Japanese Brazilians, the majority of whom identify as “Yellow,” Japanese Brazilians have a higher post-abolition immigrant group status than Jewish Brazilians on public opinion polls. This paradox is consistent with social identity theory, and it explains the higher propensity for ethnic voting among Jewish Brazilian interviewees when compared to Japanese Brazilian interviewees and the greater support for racial quota programs among Japanese Brazilian interviewees when compared to Jewish Brazilian interviewees.
Is a hybrid skin cancer surveillance service for organ transplant recipients feasible?: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Oldham Jaimie , Tookey Pia , Morgan Rebecca , Ravindran Sharumilan , Sosah Aaron , Hasan Zeeshaan-ul , Goiriz Rebeca , Harwood Catherine
Published: January 2025

This is a study looking at the outcomes of organ transplant recipient skin cancer surveillance clinic switching from face to face to virtual over the course of the pandemic. It has shown overall effectiveness, safety and patient acceptability of a virtual-face to face hybrid model in this cohort.
Incidence trends of pediatric psoriasis in 1990-2021: findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Jin Ling , Yang Jingyi , Wan Pengjie , Cheng Ying
Published: January 2025

Background

Pediatric psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that poses unique challenges in diagnosis and management. While studies from high-income countries have reported rising incidence trends, global data on the incidence of pediatric psoriasis remain scarce.

Objective

To provide a comprehensive description of pediatric psoriasis incidence at the global, regional, and national levels.

Method

We analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 to evaluate the incidence trends of pediatric psoriasis from 1990 to 2021. Incidence rates were stratified by age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI). Estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was used to quantify the temporal trends.

Results

In 2021, there were 664,100 cases of pediatric psoriasis globally, with an incidence rate of 33.0 per 100,000 children. Over the study period, the global incidence increased by 0.21% (95% CI 0.18–0.25%) per year, with more pronounced rises observed in low- and middle-SDI regions. The highest incidence rates were recorded in high-SDI regions, such as High-income North America (70.5 per 100,000) and Western Europe (67.5 per 100,000). Notably, the largest increases in incidence occurred in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa. At the national level, 189 countries/territories experienced significant increases in pediatric psoriasis incidence, while only five countries saw a decline. Incidence was higher in girls across all age groups, with the most pronounced rise in children under 5 years old.

Conclusions

The incidence of pediatric psoriasis has significantly increased, particularly in low- and middle-SDI regions, underscoring the need for improved diagnosis, early intervention, and targeted public health strategies.
Long-COVID incidence proportion in adults and children between 2020 and 2024
Authors: Mandel Hannah , Yoo Yun J , Allen Andrea J , Abedian Sajjad , Verzani Zoe , Karlson Elizabeth W , Kleinman Lawrence C , Mudumbi Praveen C , Oliveira Carlos R , Muszynski Jennifer A , Gross Rachel S , Carton Thomas W , Kim C , Taylor Emily , Park Heekyong , Divers Jasmin , Kelly J Daniel , Arnold Jonathan , Geary Carol Reynolds , Zang Chengxi , Tantisira Kelan G , Rhee Kyung E , Koropsak Michael , Mohandas Sindhu , Vasey Andrew , Mohammad Mosa Abu Saleh , Haendel Melissa , Chute Christopher G , Murphy Shawn N , O'Brien Lisa , Szmuszkovicz Jacqueline , Guthe Nicholas , Santana Jorge L , De Aliva , Bogie Amanda L , Halabi Katia C , Mohanraj Lathika , Kinser Patricia A , Packard Samuel E , Tuttle Katherine R , Hirabayashi Kathryn , Kaushal Rainu , Pfaff Emily , Weiner Mark G , Thorpe Lorna E , Moffitt Richard A
Published: January 2025

Background

Incidence estimates of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection, also known as long-COVID, have varied across studies and changed over time. We estimated long-COVID incidence among adult and pediatric populations in three nationwide research networks of electronic health records (EHR) participating in the RECOVER Initiative using different classification algorithms (computable phenotypes).

Methods

This EHR-based retrospective cohort study included adult and pediatric patients with documented acute SARS-CoV-2 infection and two control groups-- contemporary COVID-19 negative and historical patients (2019). We examined the proportion of individuals identified as having symptoms or conditions consistent with probable long-COVID within 30-180 days after COVID-19 infection (incidence proportion). Each network (the National COVID Cohort Collaborative (N3C), National Patient-Centered Clinical Research Network (PCORnet), and PEDSnet) implemented its own long-COVID definition. We introduced a harmonized definition for adults in a supplementary analysis.

Results

Overall, 4% of children and 10-26% of adults developed long-COVID, depending on computable phenotype used. Excess incidence among SARS-CoV-2 patients was 1.5% in children and ranged from 5-6% among adults, representing a lower-bound incidence estimation based on our control groups. Temporal patterns were consistent across networks, with peaks associated with introduction of new viral variants.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that preventing and mitigating long-COVID remains a public health priority. Examining temporal patterns and risk factors of long-COVID incidence informs our understanding of etiology and can improve prevention and management.
TumorAgDB1.0: tumor neoantigen database platform
Authors: Shao Yan , Gao Yang , Wu Ling-Yu , Ge Shu-Guang , Wen Peng-Bo
Published: January 2025

With the continuous advancements in cancer immunotherapy, neoantigen-based therapies have demonstrated remarkable clinical efficacy. However, accurately predicting the immunogenicity of neoantigens remains a significant challenge. This is mainly due to two core factors: the scarcity of high-quality neoantigen datasets and the limited prediction accuracy of existing immunogenicity prediction tools. This study addressed these issues through several key steps. First, it collected and organized immunogenic neoantigen peptide data from publicly available literature and neoantigen databases. Second, it analyzed the data to identify key features influencing neoantigen immunogenicity prediction. Finally, it integrated existing prediction tools to create TumorAgDB1.0, a comprehensive tumor neoantigen database. TumorAgDB1.0 offers a user-friendly platform. Users can efficiently search for neoantigen data using parameters like amino acid sequence and peptide length. The platform also offers detailed information on the characteristics of neoantigens and tools for predicting tumor neoantigen immunogenicity. Additionally, the database includes a data download function, allowing researchers to easily access high-quality data to support the development and improvement of neoantigen immunogenicity prediction tools. In summary, TumorAgDB1.0 is a powerful tool for neoantigen screening and validation in tumor immunotherapy. It offers strong support to researchers.

Database URL: https://tumoragdb.com.cn
Waning immunity drives respiratory virus evolution and reinfection
Authors: Bull James J , Koelle Katia , Antia Rustom
Published: January 2025

Viruses differ in the number and types of host tissues in which they replicate. For example,systemically replicating viruses such as measles infect cells and tissues throughout the body, whereas respiratory viruses such as influenza viruses and coronaviruses replicate only in the respiratory tract. Reinfections with respiratory viruses are thought to be driven by ongoing antigenic immune escape in the viral population. However, this does not explain why antigenic variation is frequently observed in respiratory viruses and not systemically replicating viruses. Here, we argue that the rapid rate of waning immunity in the respiratory tract is a key driver of antigenic evolution in respiratory viruses. Waning immunity results in hosts with immunity levels that protect against homologous reinfection but are insufficient to protect against infection with an antigenically different (heterologous) strain. Thus, when partially immune hosts are present at a high enough density, an immune escape variant can invade the viral population even though that variant cannot infect solidly immune hosts. Invasion can occur even when the variant’s immune escape mutation incurs a fitness cost, although any such cost is likely to be short-lived from compensatory evolution. Thus the mutant lineage may replace the wild-type, and as immunity to it builds, the process will repeat. Our model provides a new explanation for the pattern of successive emergence and replacement of antigenic variants that has been observed in many respiratory viruses. We discuss our model relative to others for understanding the drivers of antigenic evolution in respiratory viruses.
Critical analysis of the 2023 ESC guidelines on cardiomyopathy management
Authors: Perotto Maria , Pio Loco detto Gava Carola , Rossi Maddalena , Rizzi Jacopo Giulio , Lalario Andrea , Dal Ferro Matteo , Paldino Alessia , Merlo Marco , De Luca Antonio , Sinagra Gianfranco
Published: January 2025

The first European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines on the management of cardiomyopathies (CMPs), published 1 year ago, remain highly relevant. These guidelines provide a comprehensive framework to manage the complexity of CMPs, consolidating previous approaches. All CMPs are now addressed systematically in one document. The ESC recommends a ‘CMP-oriented’ approach, emphasizing thorough clinical assessments and phenotype-first categorization into hypertrophic, dilated, arrhythmogenic, restrictive, and non-dilated left ventricular CMP. Despite the utility of this method, certain classifications, such as arrhythmogenic right ventricular CMP and the novel non-dilated left ventricular CMP, raise controversies. Key advances in the guidelines include the use of genetic testing and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging to refine diagnoses and inform treatment, especially for high-risk genotypes. These guidelines advocate for personalized, multidisciplinary care. Overall, they represent a significant step forward but highlight the evolving nature of CMP management as scientific understanding progresses.
5-aza-2-deoxycytidine improves skeletal muscle function in a mouse model for recessive RYR1-related congenital myopathy
Authors: Ruiz Alexis , Noreen Faiza , Meier Hervé , Buczak Katarzyna , Zorzato Francesco , Treves Susan
Published: January 2025

RYR1-related congenital myopathies are rare disorders that severely impair muscle function and the quality of life of patients and their families. To date no pharmacological therapies are available to treat the severe muscle weakness of affected patients. The most severe forms of RYR1-related congenital myopathies are caused by compound heterozygous mutations (nonsense/frameshift in one allele and a missense mutation in the other), leading to reduced RyR1 protein levels and altered biochemical composition of muscles. In this pre-clinical study, we treated a mouse model carrying the RyR1 p.Q1970fsX16 + p.A4329D compound heterozygous pathogenic variants (dHT mice) for 15 weeks with 0.05 mg/kg 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine, an FDA-approved drug targeting DNA methyltransferases. We evaluated muscle strength, calcium homeostasis and muscle proteome and report that drug treatment improves all investigated parameters in dHT mice. Importantly, the beneficial effects were particularly significant in fast twitch muscles which are the first muscles to be impaired in patients. In conclusion, this study provides proof of concept for the pharmacological treatment of patients with recessive RYR1-related congenital myopathies with the FDA approved 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine, supporting its use in a phase 1/2 clinical trial.
Working with Northeastern United States lobster harvesters to develop acoustic trap retrieval in place of buoys and persistent vertical lines to reduce whale entanglements
Authors: Matzen Eric A , Fuller Erica A , Asmutis-Silvia Regina , Milliken Henry , Amico Megan L , Galvez Brian A , Sharp William Brian , Baumgartner Mark F , Moore Michael J
Published: January 2025

Vertical buoy lines (VBLs) between surface markers and bottom fishing gear frequently entangle large whales. These lethal and sublethal entanglements inhibit North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis) recovery. Consequently, the use of persistent VBLs in situations of high entanglement risk off the east coasts of the USA and Canada is periodically prohibited. On demand, acoustic recovery systems make it possible to remove persistent VBLs, reducing entanglement risk, and potentially allowing fisheries to operate in such areas. To address concerns about performance, reliability, and safety, we evaluated numerous on-demand systems under normal fishing conditions. In 2020, conservationists, scientists, engineers, and lobster harvesters designed an experiment to trial on-demand systems in the New England offshore fisheries, using an open and honest dialogue while maintaining the confidentiality of data such as fishing locations. Between 2020 and 2023, 38 captains and their crews completed 5798 hauls using 431 on-demand units representing 10 different prototypes from multiple manufacturers. The geographic area expanded from limited offshore areas in 2020 to inshore, nearshore, and offshore waters in four different lobster management areas in 2022 and 2023. Trawl lengths ranged from 1 to 100 traps per trawl. Recovery success increased from 64% to 90% of hauls through the trials, although challenges remain, especially when fishing in deep waters or high current and tide locales. A parallel study is underway in Canada. The ability to ensure sustainable fisheries while significantly reducing entanglement risk is becoming a reality, with snow crabs and lobsters being sold in Canada and lobsters and Jonah crabs in the USA that were caught using experimental fishing permits and on-demand systems primarily in areas where persistent VBLs are seasonally prohibited for whale conservation.
Quantum Schur–Weyl Duality and q-Frobenius Formula Related to Reflection Equation Algebras
Authors: Gurevich Dimitry , Saponov Pavel
Published: January 2025

We establish a $q$-version of the Schur–Weyl duality, in which the role of the symmetric group algebra is played by the Hecke algebra and the role of the enveloping algebra $U(gl(N))$ is played by the reflection equation (RE) algebra, associated with a skew-invertible Hecke symmetry. Also, in each RE algebra we define analogues of the Schur polynomials and power sums in two forms: as polynomials in generators of the algebra and as polynomials in the so-called eigenvalues of the generating matrix $L$, defined by means of the Cayley–Hamilton identity. It is shown that in any RE algebra the power sums can be expressed via Schur polynomials by means of the characters of the Hecke algebra in the spirit of the classical Frobenius formula.
Rift Valley Fever Virus Infectivity in Milk Stored at a Wide Range of Temperatures
Authors: Dawes Brian E , De La Mota-Peynado Alina , Rezende Izabela M , Buyukcangaz Esra K , Harvey Amanda M , Gerken Keli N , Winter Christabel A , Bayrau Bethel , Mitzel Dana N , Waggoner Jesse J , Pinsky Benjamin A , Wilson William C , LaBeaud A Desiree
Published: January 2025

Background

Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is a zoonotic arbovirus widely distributed across Africa and the Arabian Peninsula, which causes devastating epidemics affecting humans as well as ruminant livestock. The epidemiology of RVFV is difficult to disentangle, as it is transmitted to humans via mosquitos or direct contact with infected animals. Among these direct exposures are milking ruminants and drinking fresh milk, which have been firmly established as risk factors for RVFV exposure. However, no studies to date have addressed the stability of infectious RVFV in milk.

Methods

We assessed the stability of RVFV in milk by spiking cow's and goat's milk with infectious RVFV-MP12 vaccine strain and measuring RNA via quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and infectious viral titers via plaque assay over time in a variety of temperature conditions.

Results

We demonstrate that RVFV remains stable for up to 96 hours in refrigerated milk and up to 2 days in milk stored in warm ambient conditions. We also show that RVFV RNA remained detectable via qRT-PCR in milk at all assessed temperatures for up to 96 hours. Finally, we confirmed that commonly performed pasteurization techniques and boiling of milk fully inactivates RVFV in milk.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate that RVFV contaminated milk in the milk supply chain of endemic regions could represent a widespread public health risk, and much of this risk is mitigatable via pasteurization. We also propose use of RVFV RNA detection in milk as a noninvasive source of RVFV surveillance.
Prevalence of antimicrobial resistance phenotypes and genes in stable fly- and manure-derived bacterial isolates from clinically relevant taxa in dairy settings
Authors: Sommer Andrew J , Kettner Julia E , Worley Travis K , Petrick Jordan , Haynie Caroline , Coon Kerri L
Published: January 2025

Aims

This study aimed to characterize and compare the antimicrobial resistance profiles of clinically relevant bacterial taxa isolated from biting stable flies (Stomoxys spp.) and bovine manure samples collected at a dairy research facility over the course of an entire fly breeding season. The presence of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase and other antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) was also examined.

Methods and results

A total of 606 fly- and 180 manure-derived strains were tested via disk diffusion for susceptibility to commonly administered antibiotics used in veterinary and human medicine. A small percentage of Enterobacterales exhibited resistance to the tested antimicrobials, including ceftiofur and other beta-lactam antibiotics. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase genes (TEM, CTX, OXA, CMY) were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification in ceftiofur-resistant Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter spp. isolates. We additionally identified pirlimycin-resistant Staphylococcus and Mammaliicoccus spp. isolates encoding lnuA, a lincosamide resistance gene found primarily on small mobilizable plasmids.

Conclusions

These findings highlight the significance of stable flies in the carriage of antimicrobial-resistant bacterial strains and plasmid-associated ARGs on dairy farms.
A Comparative Analysis of Analytical Validation Approaches for Quality Assurance: Exploring Holistic Strategies in the Validation of Quantitative Methods—A Case Study of Hesperidin
Authors: EL-Ghaly Wafaa , Zaari Lambarki Lamia , EL Kamli Taha , Benmoussa Adnane , Bakkali Fadil , Bamou Nour-Iddin , Saffaj Taoufiq , Jhilal fayssal
Published: January 2025

Background

Analytical validation is a sequence of operations aiming to evaluate the accuracy, reliability, and cost of analytical results for making informed decisions in method selection and meeting the requirements of regulatory institutions.

Objective

This study aims to perform an analytical validation by comparing three different approaches: the accuracy profile, the uncertainty profile, and the conventional validation to assess the capability of each method in confirming the robustness of the results.

Methods

The accuracy profile offers a comprehensive assessment of analytical performance and integrates systematic and random errors to determine if future results will satisfy the predefined acceptance limits. Meanwhile, the uncertainty profile, which is complementary and innovative, allows the uncertainty estimation from validation data. These approaches were developed after conventional validation that relies on statistical methodologies based on separate evaluations of method criteria to provide a comparative framework for evaluating new methods.

Results

This comparison will give recommendations for best practices related to analytical validation. The uncertainty profile is a graphical decision-making tool for determining full validation by integrating analytical validation and the estimation of measurement uncertainty, evaluating two statistical methods: β-expectation tolerance intervals and β-content, γ-confidence tolerance intervals, using a formula introduced by Saffaj δ Ihssane, predicting that 95% of future results will fall within the acceptance limits of ± 5%, revealing that the tolerance intervals for β-expectation are smaller than β-content, γ-confidence.

Conclusion

The total error approaches offer robust recommendations for optimal methods for routine application.

Highlights

This study highlights the critical need for appropriate analytical validation and the challenges arising from the absence of clear guidelines for that purpose. Different approaches emphasize the significant impact of the choice of an adequate method, which remains pivotal for providing accurate results under real-world scenarios. Concrete examples and simulations illustrate the viewpoints associated with different approaches to making decisions.
Seminal plasma metabolomics and sperm lipidomics profiles of bull semen with different total progressive motile sperm count
Authors: Pang Fanglin , Sheng Yuke , Gao Liu Tao , Rushdi Hossam E , Loor Juan J , Tian Quan Zhao , Liu Shenhe
Published: January 2025

Total progressive motile sperm count (TPMSC) is a reliable index of fecundity evaluation of bull semen. It is an important determinant frozen semen yield and conception rate of females artificially inseminated. Seminal plasma metabolites and sperm lipids are closely related to sperm survival and motility, but their relationship with TPMSC is not well known. In the present study, Simmental bulls with higher (H, n = 6) or lower (L, n = 6) TPMSC (P < 0.01) were selected from a cohort of 100 animals aged 2 to 5 years based on semen quality. Analysis of semen quality and biochemical markers of seminal plasma revealed that H bulls had greater ejaculate volume (P < 0.05), sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity rate (P < 0.01), seminal plasma neutral α-glucosidase (P < 0.05), alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, cortisol and phosphatidylcholine (P < 0.01), and lower sperm malformation rate (P < 0.05) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) (P < 0.01). Semen metabolites and sperm liposome profiles of H and L groups were compared using LC–MS/MS analysis. A total of 120 differentially abundant metabolites (VIP > 1; P < 0.05) and 59 differentially abundant lipids (VIP > 1; P < 0.05) were identified between H and L groups. Oxidative stress, sperm motility and sperm plasma membrane integrity were among the enriched biological pathways. Cyclic ADP-ribose (cADPR), up-regulated in H bulls, is associated with energy for sperm motility and maintenance of membrane stability. Thymidineglycol (Tg), levanbiose, thymidine (Thd), and CE (3M5) were down-regulated in H bulls, and may have negatively affected sperm motility. Correlation analyses revealed that TPMSC and sperm motility were significantly positively correlated with cADPR, while Tg, Levanbiose, Thd and CE (3M5) were significantly negatively correlated with TPMSC and sperm motility. Thus, we speculate that these molecules may be exploited as potential biomarkers for non-invasive evaluation of TPMSC in bull semen.
In vitro fermentation characteristics of dietary fibers using fecal inoculum from dogs consuming commercial or grain kefir
Authors: Metras Breanna N , Oba Patricia M , Holt Dalton A , Bauer Laura L , Miller Michael J , Dilger Ryan N , Swanson Kelly S
Published: January 2025

Traditional grain kefir is produced from the fermentation of milk with yeast- and bacteria-containing cultures. To maintain consistency and adhere to food safety guidelines, commercial kefir products are based on starter bacterial cultures. Bacterial profiles of starter vs. grain kefirs differ, and their influence on health effects is unknown. Our objectives were to determine the in vitro fermentation characteristics of common dietary fibers using fecal inoculum from dogs supplemented with kefir or kefir bacterial culture as inoculum. Healthy adult dogs were allotted to one of 3 treatments and supplemented for 14 d (n=4/treatment): 1) 2% reduced-fat milk treated with lactase (CNTL), 2) starter kefir (S-Kefir), or 3) grain kefir (G-Kefir). After 14 d, fresh fecal samples were collected and frozen in a 20% glycerol solution. For the in vitro experiment, fecal samples were thawed, diluted in an anaerobic diluting solution, and used to inoculate tubes containing semi-defined medium and either cellulose (CEL), pectin (PC), beet pulp (BP), or chicory pulp (CP). Tubes were incubated for 0, 6, 12, or 18 h, with short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), pH, and microbiota measured at each time point. A second in vitro experiment was conducted using similar methods and measurements, but with S-Kefir and G-Kefir as inoculum sources. Effects of treatment (inoculum), time, and treatment*time interactions within fiber source were analyzed statistically using Mixed Models and repeated measures, with P<0.05 being significant. Using fecal inoculum, BP and PC were rapidly fermented, leading to large pH reductions, SCFA increases, and microbiota shifts. pH change was of greater (P<0.05) magnitude (PC) and higher (P<0.05) kinetic rate (CP) when using feces from dogs fed S-Kefir or G-Kefir than controls. Butyrate increases were greater (P<0.05) in tubes inoculated with G-Kefir feces than in S-Kefir or control feces. When PC and BP were fermented, tubes with S-Kefir feces had greater (P<0.05) acetate, propionate, and total SCFA increases than G-Kefir or control feces. Fermentations were slower when using kefir cultures as inoculum, but some differences were noted. Bacterial beta diversity and relative abundances shifted over time within each substrate and were unique to inoculum source. Our data suggest that the activity of kefir bacterial populations differs, and that kefir consumption changes the abundance and activity of the fecal microbiota of dogs, justifying in vivo investigation.
Case report: chronic expanding hematoma becomes angiosarcoma
Authors: Alshalfan Raed , Almalki Sami , Alnasser Mohammed , Alhaqbani Abdullah
Published: January 2025

Chronic expanding hematoma is a hematoma that gradually increases in size over a period. Only a few studies reported a chronic expanding hematoma that turned into a malignancy, we report a rare presentation of a chronically expanding hematoma that after 10 years became an angiosarcoma. This is a 41-year-old gentleman, presented to our Emergency Department, complaining of left upper gluteal pain and bleeding after he underwent hematoma evacuation in a private hospital. The patient was then admitted for infected hematoma evacuation. The patient tolerated the surgery; however, there was a persistent drop of hemoglobin postoperatively. All pathology and culture results were inconclusive. We then proceeded with computer tomography angiogram, which came back negative. Magnetic resonance imaging was then requested, which came with a slight interval change and a suspicious area, and so interventional radiology was involved to take a biopsy, which came back as angiosarcoma and then the patient underwent wide local excision with reconstruction.
Physical Examination
Authors: Murphy Joseph G. , Anavekar Nandan S.
Published: January 2025

Physical examination remains an essential skill in clinical cardiology practice for 3 main reasons: 1) it focuses the clinician in the direction of the correct differential diagnosis, 2) it contributes immensely to an in-depth understanding of the pathophysiologic features of cardiac disease, and 3) it can be a rapid and inexpensive error check on sophisticated cardiac imaging studies. All cardiovascular signs have their own sensitivity and specificity both for the disease process and for the examiner’s skill and always should be interpretated in the wider context of a patient’s clinical symptoms and other diagnostic investigations.
Cardiac Evaluation Before Noncardiac Surgery
Authors: Cullen Michael W.
Published: January 2025

The American College of Cardiology, American Heart Association, and European Society of Cardiology guidelines for the perioperative evaluation and management of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery encompass risk stratification, preoperative testing, perioperative medication management, and special situations in patients with known or suspected cardiac disease. In general, guidelines take a conservative approach to perioperative care, particularly preoperative testing. This chapter reviews the current approach to the cardiac evaluation of patients undergoing noncardiac surgery, focusing on the highest yield recommendations from the most recent guidelines.
Principles of Echocardiography
Authors: Tsay Julie L. , Chandrasekaran Krishnaswamy , Anavekar Nandan S.
Published: January 2025

Current indications for the use of echocardiography are listed within the chapter. The American Society of Echocardiography guidelines updated in 2010 and 2016 are used as a basis for this chapter. Echocardiography is often the recommended initial test in the evaluation of cardiac disease and can provide hemodynamic assessment. The American Society of Echocardiography has recommended that cardiac imaging be performed in 3 orthogonal planes: long-axis, short-axis, and 4-chamber.
Cardiac Radiography
Authors: Breen Jerome F. , Lloyd Margaret A.
Published: January 2025

The conventional upright chest radiograph is obtained with high kilovoltage at maximal inspiration to permit short exposure times, which freeze cardiac motion. Digital chest radiography is performed in a similar manner and provides improved image quality, less overall radiation exposure, increased ease of handling with faster image throughput, and shorter times for image review. The ability to review images electronically at various brightness and contrast levels has decreased the rate of retakes and has provided a much greater dynamic contrast that is helpful for maximizing details of various implanted devices.
Stress Test Selection
Authors: Allison Thomas G.
Published: January 2025

Cardiac stress testing is an integral part of clinical cardiology. This chapter addresses stress testing from the standpoint of making a diagnosis or establishing a prognosis for a patient with suspected or known coronary artery disease. Assessment of patients with complex cardiovascular disease, including chronic heart failure, various forms of cardiomyopathy, valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, pulmonary hypertension, and heart transplant, is best performed by cardiopulmonary exercise testing, discussed elsewhere. Exercise testing generally without cardiac imaging may also be indicated in the evaluation and management of cardiac arrhythmias.
Cardiac Cellular Electrophysiology and Arrhythmogenesis
Authors: DeSimone Christopher V. , Noseworthy Peter A.
Published: January 2025

Ion channels, cardiac action potentials, and arrhythmogenesis are discussed.
Heritable Cardiomyopathies and Channelopathies
Authors: Bos Martijn M. , Ackerman Michael J.
Published: January 2025

The field of sudden death–predisposing genetic heart diseases focuses on an understanding of the heritable cardiomyopathies and channelopathies, identification of preclinical, potentially at-risk family members, and development of new therapeutic options. This chapter discusses the clinical presentations, important genotype-phenotype relationships, and implications for genetic testing, treatment guidelines, and sudden cardiac death risk stratification of the most common heritable cardiovascular diseases: hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, long QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia.
Atrial Fibrillation and Flutter,
Authors: Ahmed Azza M.-E. K. , Madhavan Malini
Published: January 2025

Atrial fibrillation is a supraventricular arrhythmia characterized by uncoordinated electrical activation of the atria and loss of atrial mechanical function. atrial flutter is closely related to atrial fibrillation. Most patients with atrial flutter also have atrial fibrillation at some time. For the purposes of clinical management, atrial flutter and atrial fibrillation can be considered together. In this chapter, information applies to both atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter unless otherwise stated.
Supraventricular Tachycardia,
Authors: Witt Chance M. , Asirvatham Samuel J.
Published: January 2025

Supraventricular tachycardia is a generic term with various definitions. Literally, it may include all fast (>100 beats per minute) heart rhythms involving cardiac tissue above the ventricles (ie, atria, atrioventricular node, His bundle, or accessory pathways). The term is most often used to refer to tachycardias more specifically called paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardias, with atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia, atrioventricular reentrant tachycardia, and atrial tachycardia being the 3 most common forms. This chapter will focus on these 3 types of supraventricular tachycardia, with brief mention of other less-common supraventricular tachycardias.
Pacemakers
Authors: Cha Yong-Mei , Hayes David L.
Published: January 2025

Guidelines for permanent pacemaker implantation were established in 1984 by a joint task force of the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology. The guidelines have been updated multiple times (most recently in 2018). Indications for permanent pacing are divided into 3 classes. The chapter presents the class I, II, and III indications for pacemaker placement for clinical scenarios.
Heart Disease in Athletes
Authors: Hammill Stephen C.
Published: January 2025

The medical community, the public, and athletes all have concerns about identifying, a priori, persons at risk for sudden cardiac death. Physicians are frequently asked to assess the suitability of an athlete to participate in a particular sport. Ideally, identification of persons at risk and any resultant interventions should be aimed at athletes who are younger and for whom it is, thus, easier to alter their lifestyles and redirect their interests to other activities.
Intracardiac Electrophysiology Tracings
Authors: Madhavan Malini , McLeod Christopher J. , Packer Douglas L. , Asirvatham Samuel J.
Published: January 2025

The field of analysis and interpretation of intracardiac electrograms is fascinating but complex and often intimidates the general cardiologist. For the cardiovascular board examination, however, a limited and fundamental knowledge of intracardiac electrogram is expected. In this chapter, the normal intracardiac electrogram sequence is introduced and briefly explained; tracings illustrate the main concepts that may be tested on the cardiovascular board examination. Details of the differential diagnosis for various arrhythmias and maneuvers performed in the electrophysiology laboratory to make an exact diagnosis before ablation are beyond the scope of this chapter and are not tested on the board examinations. This chapter, however, could serve as a basis for the student interested in the field of invasive electrophysiology.
Valvular Stenosis
Authors: El Sabbagh Abdallah , Nishimura Rick A.
Published: January 2025

Aortic stenosis is a disease in which progressive obstruction to left ventricular outflow results in 1) pressure hypertrophy of the left ventricle; 2) symptoms of angina, dyspnea, and syncope; and 3) if untreated, death. The presentation, diagnosis, and eventual treatment of aortic stenosis depend on the cause and severity of the outflow obstruction. The causes can be divided into supravalvular aortic stenosis, fixed subvalvular aortic stenosis, and valvular aortic stenosis. Valvular aortic stenosis has many causes, including congenital unicuspid or bicuspid aortic valve, rheumatic heart disease, and senile degenerative disease. Two-dimensional and Doppler echocardiography can be used to determine reliably the level of obstruction and to assess the severity of obstruction.
The Aorta
Authors: Mahowald Madeline K. , Spittell Peter C.
Published: January 2025

The aorta is the largest arterial conduit arising from the left ventricle. Through its branch vessels, it serves as the foundation of the arterial supply for the entire body. Therefore, the varied and typically insidious diseases affecting the aorta are of importance to the general cardiologist. Aortic disease often first comes to clinical attention in the context of an acute aortic syndrome, which presents in young adults and can be catastrophic. Therefore, understanding the scope and pathogenesis of aortic disease, including clinical presentation, evaluation, surveillance, and treatment strategies, is important for the practicing cardiologist.
Pathophysiology of Arterial Thrombosis
Authors: McBane Robert D. , Wysokinski Waldemar E.
Published: January 2025

Arterial thrombosis is the most common cause of major disability and death in the United States. This process involves platelet-rich thrombus formation over a ruptured atherosclerotic plaque, which results in acute organ ischemia such as myocardial infarction, stroke, or acute limb ischemia. This chapter reviews the basic pathophysiologic mechanisms of arterial thrombosis. For patients with arterial thrombosis in the absence of atherosclerotic plaque, alternative mechanisms are also provided for consideration.
Stroke and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Shields Raymond C. , Rabinstein Alejandro A.
Published: January 2025

Each year, approximately 795,000 first or recurrent strokes occur, from which about 140,000 persons die, making stroke the fifth leading cause of death in the United States. It is estimated that aggressive risk factor modification will prevent an estimated 80% of first strokes. Women have a higher lifetime stroke risk than men but tend to have their first stroke at a later age. Rates of first stroke are higher for African American and Hispanic persons than for white persons, and African American individuals have a comparatively higher related death rate. Stroke also is the leading cause of severe disability in the United States, where about 20% of the more than 6 million stroke survivors require long-term institutional care.
Heart Disease in Women
Authors: Mankad Rekha , Best Patricia J. M. , Hayes Sharonne N.
Published: January 2025

The leading cause of death in women is cardiovascular disease, outnumbering the deaths from all other causes combined. Each year, more than 500,000 women have myocardial infarction, and more than 250,000 die of coronary artery disease. A survey performed a few years ago reported that only 55% of women were aware that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, and fewer than 15% perceived it as an important risk to themselves. Furthermore, the prevalence of cardiovascular disease in women exceeds that in men in the US population older than 55 years. Importantly, increasing prevalence of risk factors for heart disease such as obesity and diabetes mellitus, which affect women to a greater extent than men, likely will make heart disease in women more prevalent at an even younger age in the future.
Heart Disease in Older Adults
Authors: Brenes-Salazar Jorge A.
Published: January 2025

Cardiovascular disease continues to be the largest cause of morbidity and death in older adults in the United States. The parallel growth of life expectancy and the burden of cardiovascular disease in this population have generated interest in geriatric cardiology as a particular discipline because the care of these patients is frequently compounded by major age-associated impairments, multiple comorbidities, and socioeconomic complexities.
Arrhythmic Complications of Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Murphy Joseph G. , Lloyd Margaret A.
Published: January 2025

Arrhythmias after myocardial infarction are common, and approximately 80% of hospitalized patients will have an arrhythmia during the peri-infarct period, of which approximately 10% will be life-threatening.