bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PROCESSABILITY OF MILK IN THE PRODUCTION OF CURD CHEESES ON FAMILY FARMS IN THE SUMMER AND WINTER SEASONS
Authors:   Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assessment, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland, CZYŻAK-RUNOWSKA Grażyna , WÓJTOWSKI Jacek ,   Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assessment, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland, PYTLEWSKI Jarosław ,   Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assessment, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland, ANTKOWIAK Ireneusz R. ,   Department of Animal Breeding and Product Quality Assessment, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań, Poland, CZERNIAWSKA-PIĄTKOWSKA Ewa ,   Department of Ruminant Science, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Poland
Published: June 2024

The aim of the study was to compare quality of curd cheeses produced from raw and pasteurized milk in a family farm in the summer and winter seasons. Conducted analyses showed that the season of the year, in which milk was produced, influenced its chemical composition and selected quality attributes. In terms of milk processability a more advantageous composition and better quality attributes were found in winter compared to summer. Quality of produced curd cheeses was affected by the season of milk production as well as milk type (raw vs. pasteurized). In the winter season the yield of curd cheese was over 1.5-fold greater from pasteurized milk in comparison to the summer season. Curd cheeses produced from raw milk were firmer, more elastic and sliceable, while those produced from pasteurized milk were less cohesive and more suitable was spreads. The organoleptic analysis of curd cheeses showed that more advantageous consumer value was found for cheeses produced in the winter season.
PRELIMINARY DETERMINATION OF THE POSSIBILITY OF REDUCING NITROGEN FERTILIZATION UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF BACTERIAL FORMULATIONS IN THE CULTIVATION OF TRITICUM AESTIVUM L.
Authors:   Faculty of Engineering and Economics, Ignacy Mościcki State University of Applied Sciences in Ciechanów, Ciechanów, Poland, GÓRSKI Rafał , PRZEWODOWSKI Wiktor ,   Faculty of Engineering and Economics, Ignacy Mościcki State University of Applied Sciences in Ciechanów, Ciechanów, Poland, PŁAZA Anna ,   Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Siedlce, Siedlce, Poland
Published: June 2024

The use of microorganisms in agriculture is attracting increasing interest. Thus, the state of knowledge on this issue and biotechnological advances are significantly increasing. A field research was conducted during the 2022–2023 growing season to evaluate the influence of the combined application of bacterial formulation and mineral nitrogen fertilization on grain and straw yield of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and the structure of the obtained yield. The factors of the conducted field experiment were bacterial formulations: control (no application of bacterial formulations), I – Azotobacter and Arthrobacter, II – Bacillus subtillis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus azotofixans, III – Bacillus azotofixans; B – mineral nitrogen fertilization: control (no mineral nitrogen fertilization), 43 kg N·ha−1, 86 kg N·ha−1, 130 kg N·ha−1. Research was conducted demonstrating the most favorable effects after applying a bacterial formulation containing Azotobacter and Arthrobacter bacteria. It was statistically significant increase in grain yield by an average of 17%, number of ears per m2 by 15%, ear length by 5% and thousand grain weight by 3% The application of other formulations also caused an increase in the analyzed traits, but they were lower than those given for Azotobacter and Arthrobacter bacteria. A gradual increase in the level of mineral nitrogen fertilization also had a positive effect on the analyzed traits. The research conducted in the field found a possible reduction in mineral nitrogen fertilization under the conditions of the conducted experiment by about 33% without yield losses when using a bacterial formulation containing Azotobacter and Arthrobacter. Thus, it is appropriate to recommend the use of these bacteria in winter wheat cultivation, but due to the possible variable effectiveness of application under different soil and climatic conditions, the presented research should be continued in different areas both in wheat and other crops.
PRELIMINARY RESEARCH OF SELENIUM AND COPPER CONCENTRATIONS IN BEEF CATTLE FROM DIFFERENT FARM TYPES
Authors:   Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Poland, JUSZCZAK-CZASNOJĆ Marta , SADOWSKA Nikola ,   Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Poland, TOMZA-MARCINIAK Agnieszka ,   Department of Animal Reproduction Biotechnology and Environmental Hygiene, West Pomeranian University of Technology, Szczecin, Poland, PIWOWARCZYK Andrzej ,   Animal Clinic “Różana”, Różana 9, 78-300 Świdwin, Poland
Published: June 2024

To maintain proper beef cattle health and performance, it is essential to provide adequate amounts of trace elements in their diet. A growing body of research has recently assessed the interaction between different microelements and macroelements, especially those needed by the body; such knowledge is important for assessing differences in their bioavailability. The aim of the study was to compare the selenium and copper content in the serum of cows raised on various types of farms, and to examine the interaction between these elements. Selenium content was determined using spectrofluorometry (Shimadzu RF-5001 PC spectrofluorimeter), while copper levels were studied using colorimetry (Marcel Media spectrophotometer). Statistical analysis was performed using Statistica 13.3 PL software. The accuracy of the analytical method was determined using Seronorm Trace Elements Whole Blood L-2 as reference material. The recovery ranged from 95 to 97% of the reference value. Our results found beef cattle from conventional farms to be characterized by higher serum levels of selenium (0.09 ± 0.034 vs. 0.015 ± 0.057 μg·ml−1) and copper (0.834 ± 0.14 vs. 0.658 ± 0.176 μg·ml−1) than those from organic farms. In addition, no statistically significant correlation was found between Se and Cu concentrations for organic or conventional farms. In order to ensure optimal coverage of the demand for essential elements, animal supplementation is recommended.
EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF PHYSIOTHERAPY AFTER CRANIAL CRUCIATE LIGAMENT INJURY IN DOGS
Authors:   Department of Animal Anatomy and Zoology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland, PĘZIŃSKA-KIJAK Katarzyna , BARANOWSKI Piotr ,   Department of Animal Anatomy and Zoology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland
Published: June 2024

The study aims to evaluate if rehabilitation in dogs that had suffered from cranial cruciate ligament rupture and underwent tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) led to their faster recovery than rehabilitation in non-operated dogs. Medical records were analysed of thirty-one dogs representing nineteen breeds, both sexes, and aged from nine months to fifteen years. The dogs were divided into two groups of small (light) and large (heavy) subjects. A statistical analysis was conducted using the Chi-square test (Chi2 ), considering such sources of variation as the body weight (small and large dogs), rehabilitation after the TPLO surgery or rehabilitation with no surgical intervention and the period to restore satisfactory limb function versus the pre-rehabilitation period. The body weight was not the determinant of the dog’s regaining fitness after CCL injury regardless of the treatment method. It was discovered that small dogs recovered faster to reach satisfactory performance, and the pre-rehabilitation period after the injury did not affect their performance. Moreover, the time between the injury and the beginning of rehabilitation and between the injury and surgery did not matter for regaining full fitness.
PROTEINURIA IN DOGS AND CATS – SELECTED ISSUES ON RENAL PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
Authors:   Department of Physiology, Cytobiology and Proteomics, Faculty of Biotechnology and Animal Husbandry, West Pomeranian University of Technology Szczecin, Poland, SKRZYPCZAK Wiesław
Published: June 2024

Protein in the urine of healthy dogs and cats is present in trace amounts. It can occur in larger quantities in the urine of sick animals, as well as during certain physiological conditions. Routinely, proteinuria is assessed using the urine protein to creatinine ratio (UPC), which is a widely recognized prognostic indicator. Under normal conditions, its value is <0.2. Values ranging from 0.2 to 0.4 in cats and from 0.2 to 0.5 in dogs are considered upper limit of normal, whereas UPC values >0.4 in cats and >0.5 in dogs are indicative of proteinuria. When diagnosing the causes of proteinuria in dogs and cats, it is important to consider damage to the glomeruli, renal tubules, interstitial tissue, and progressive loss of nephrons. Protein fractions present in urine, which vary in molecular weight, are sensitive diagnostic indicators of kidney dysfunction. Increased excretion of high molecular weight proteins may indicate damage to the renal glomeruli, while loss of low molecular weight proteins may suggest dysfunction of the renal tubules. If proteinuria persists and/or does not resolve after treating the underlying disease, it is necessary to initiate treatment aimed at reducing proteinuria by >90% in cats and >50% in dogs. The most effective treatment method for reducing proteinuria, while also having nephroprotective and cardioprotective benefits, is the blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (at its different levels). It is also essential to implement a proper diet, particularly by restricting protein and sodium intake.
Scaling Emergency Department Opioid Use Disorder Treatment Across California to Reduce Overdose Deaths, 2019–2023
Authors: Samuels Elizabeth A. , Rosen Allison D. , Speener Melissa , Kaleekal John , Kalmin Mariah M. , Goodman-Meza David , Shoptaw Steve , Clayton Serena , Lin Chunqing , Campbell Arianna , Moulin Aimee , Herring Andrew A.
Published: June 2024

Since April 2019, CA Bridge has worked with emergency departments (EDs) in diverse geographic and emergency care settings across California to scale up low-threshold buprenorphine access, patient navigation programs, harm reduction services, and take-home naloxone. Between April 2019 and June 2023, 268 (81.0%) of 331 acute care hospitals in California received funding and technical assistance from CA Bridge and completed data reporting. These hospitals provided navigation services during 279 025 patient encounters and gave patients buprenorphine in 89 549 ED visits. ( Am J Public Health. 2024;114(9):874–878. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2024.307710 )
The Fate of Bars in Braided Rivers
Authors: Alpheus Safiya , Hajek Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

Ancient river deposits are important archives of past landscape conditions on planetary surfaces. On Earth, they host valuable groundwater, energy resources, and carbon-storage potential. Reconstructing details of paleochannel forms and movements refines our understanding of the controls on river behavior under different climate, landcover, and tectonic conditions, and improves predictions and models of subsurface reservoirs. While studies have shown detailed connections between channel kinematics and bar-deposit architecture in meandering river systems, similar connections between braided river movements and preserved braided river deposits have not been established. Here we explore the potential for connecting braided river deposits to paleochannel movements, form, and flow conditions, and we evaluate the controls on bar preservation using synthetic stratigraphy generated with a numerical morphodynamic model. We investigate how attributes of channel morphodynamics, like channel widening or braiding intensity, impact bar deposits’ preservation, scale, geometry, and architecture. We then assess how the scale, preservation, and facies composition of bar deposits reflect formative flow conditions of the channel. Our results demonstrate that no diagnostic signature of braided channel morphodynamics is recorded in bar-deposit geometry, facies, or preservation patterns. Rather, the unique local history of thread movements combines stochastically to preserve or rework bar deposits, and the timing of channel avulsion is the dominant control on bar preservation. Our results also show that representative paleochannel flow conditions will likely be accurately reflected in aggregate observations of braid bar deposits within channel-belt sandbodies at a regional or member/formation scale. These results demonstrate the need for broad sampling and statistical approaches to subsurface prediction and paleo-flow reconstruction in ancient, braided river deposits.
Extended Aquifer System Pressure Behavior under Carbon Storage
Authors: Mukhtar Muhammad Haseeb , Hatzignatiou Dimitrios Georgios , Ehlig-Economides Christine
Published: June 2024

Most reported carbon storage projects have involved inexpensive carbon dioxide (CO2) capture from gas processing plants or ethanol refineries. However, widespread carbon capture and storage (CCS) application must avoid any risk that high capital investment cost for carbon capture from stationary point sources leads to unanticipated issues related to the aquifer storage. This paper reviews successful and unsuccessful carbon storage projects and explains simple extended aquifer system fundamentals that must be considered in selecting a storage aquifer.

This study begins by evaluating reported carbon storage projects in the context of an extended aquifer system with specific attention to initial formation pore pressure and potential or known hydraulic vertical or lateral communication with hydrocarbon accumulations and/or fresh water. Further study focuses on how the contrast between injection well and aquifer pressure evolution enables understanding of the overall aquifer material balance. Finally, we consider implications of brine migration during and after long-term CO2 injection in unconfined aquifers.

Experience in the petroleum industry with aquifer behavior includes presence or lack of water influx and production from hydrocarbon reservoirs that share a common aquifer. Of particular importance is the observation that hydrostatic initial formation pressure indicates the possibility that a petroleum system, or an extended aquifer system without hydrocarbon accumulation(s), connects to atmospheric pressure through an unconfined aquifer. In such cases, indefinite injection will never increase the regional aquifer pressure. Furthermore, initial formation pressure that exceeds hydrostatic pressure implies a petroleum system or an extended aquifer system that is volumetrically limited. In such cases, injection will increase the system pressure, and pressure monitoring can detect leakage from the system. Finally, CO2 injection into an aquifer will displace brine in the direction of lower pressure that could relate to distant production from the same aquifer or from hydrocarbon reservoirs with which it communicates.

Reasons for known carbon storage project interruptions have included unexpected lateral plume migration or aquifer pressure increase during CO2 injection that might have been anticipated with attention to straightforward consideration of aquifer-enabled hydraulic communication. Such extended aquifer dynamics must be included in long-term models for permanent CO2 storage during and after injection.
Multiobjective History Matching Using Machine Learning Proxies-Assisted Iterative Rejection Sampling
Authors: Wang Zhenzhen , Tanaka Shusei , Zhang Yanfen , Wen Xian-Huan
Published: June 2024

The effectiveness of subsurface assessment for various field development scenarios relies on accurately quantifying uncertainties during production forecasts. This study proposes a new design-of-experiment (DoE)-based multiobjective history matching (HM) workflow using machine learning (ML) proxies-assisted iterative rejection sampling (IRS). The HM target is to improve the HM outcome of all the objectives simultaneously and attain a series of reliable simulation models for production forecasting after a predefined number of iterations. The IRS workflow takes full advantage of various proxies to efficiently explore the solution space via Monte Carlo (MC) sampling. The MC samples are iteratively rejected according to each objective function, and the new simulation designs for the next iteration are intentionally selected from the accepted MC samples to best preserve the subsurface uncertainty.

The strengths of IRS over the other two optimizers commonly used in the oil and gas industry, genetic algorithm (GA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO), are validated through three applications—an analytic six-parameter three-objective minimization problem, a complex 120-parameter five-objective HM for Brugge field, and a 41-parameter three-objective HM study for an offshore asset in the Gulf of Mexico. By comparing the performance against GA and PSO, this study demonstrates that IRS is able to reduce the values of all the objectives rapidly and guarantees a better posterior distribution of simulation samples in the parameter space. Thus, IRS would yield a series of reliable simulation models with a close match to the observation data and preserve a high diversity of model parameters. These models can play an important role in modern reservoir management to facilitate the decision-making process. In addition, the IRS algorithm itself only costs 0.2–0.5% of the computational resource and 1.4–12.0% of the waiting time, according to the field study. To the best of our knowledge, the IRS workflow is the first one that integrates various types of ML proxies into the multiobjective HM process in the literature.
Experimental Study of Microproppant Transportation in a Fracture with Operational Factors and Application in a Shale Gas Field
Authors: Li Jun , Han Xu , He Siyuan , Wu Mingyi , Pu Sijie , Tang Kewen
Published: June 2024

When using hydraulic fracturing technology, microproppants (MPs) are crucial in filling and propping natural and deep-location fracture channels. In the last decades, numerous studies focused on the transportation mechanism of conventional-sized proppants (CPs) with 20/40-mesh, 40/70-mesh, and 70/140-mesh sizes using fracture models with different operational factors such as pump rate, fluid viscosity, proppant size, proppant concentration, inlet number, inlet location, and alternating injection mode. However, the effects of these operational factors on MP transportation mechanisms remain unclear. This study used the experimental method to test how these factors affect proppant placement in the fracture model. Some new findings showed that unlike CPs piling up in the fracture models, MPs exhibited no accumulation/piling-up behavior. Moreover, the change in viscosity of fracturing fluid did not affect the MP transport capacity, making it possible to use slickwater with lower viscosity as the carrier liquid for MPs. Finally, adding MPs with optimal operational parameters to fractures in the case study well significantly improved gas production compared with adjacent wells, proving the feasibility of the proposed approach.
Hybrid Machine Learning Model Based on GWO and PSO Optimization for Prediction of Oilwell Cement Compressive Strength under Acidic Corrosion
Authors: Wang Li , Huang Sheng , Li Zaoyuan , Su Donghua , Liu Yang , Shi Yue
Published: June 2024

It is difficult to solve the problem that the cement sheath of oil and gas wells is corroded by acid gas, and the change in compressive strength (CS) of the cement sheath after corrosion is the key to affecting the sealing capacity of the cement sheath. In this study, we used four traditional machine learning (ML) algorithms—artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine regression (SVR), extreme learning machine (ELM), and random forest (RF)—to establish a model for predicting the CS of corroded cement stone. We used Shapley additive exPlanations (SHAP) to explain the influence process of the input characteristics of the model on the output results, and explored the influence mechanism of various factors on the CS. The results show that SVR and RF are two of the four models with better prediction ability. Particle swarm optimization (PSO) and gray wolf optimization (GWO) algorithms are used to optimize SVR and RF models. After optimization, the prediction accuracy determination coefficient (R2) of the SVR and RF models was higher than 0.90, the R2 of the optimal model PSO-RF was 0.9275, and the root mean square error (RMSE) was 2.6516.
Diet induced insulin resistance is due to induction of PTEN expression
Authors: Rosen Neal , Mukherjee Radha , Pancholi Priya , Sharma Malvika , Solomon Hilla , Timaul Merna , Thant Claire , McGriskin Rory , Hayatt Omar , Markov Vladimir , D'Allara John , Bekker Simona , Candelier Jacqueline , Carrasco Sebastian , de Stanchina Elisa , Vanaja Kiran
Published: June 2024

Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) is a condition that is often associated with obesity and defined by reduced sensitivity of PI3K signaling to insulin (insulin resistance), hyperinsulinemia and hyperglycemia. Molecular causes and early signaling events underlying insulin resistance are not well understood. Insulin activation of PI3K signaling causes mTOR dependent induction of PTEN translation, a negative regulator of PI3K signaling. We speculated that insulin resistance is due to insulin dependent induction of PTEN protein that prevent further increases in PI3K signaling. Here we show that in a diet induced model of obesity and insulin resistance, PTEN levels are increased in fat, muscle and liver tissues. Onset of hyperinsulinemia and PTEN induction in tissue is followed by hyperglycemia, hepatic steatosis and severe glucose intolerance. Treatment with a PTEN phosphatase inhibitor prevents and reverses these phenotypes, whereas an mTORC1 kinase inhibitor reverses all but the hepatic steatosis. These data suggest that induction of PTEN by increasing levels of insulin elevates feedback inhibition of the pathway to a point where downstream PI3K signaling is reduced and hyperglycemia ensues. PTEN induction is thus necessary for insulin resistance and the type 2 diabetes phenotype and a potential therapeutic target.
Naïve Bayes and Random Forest for Crop Yield Prediction
Authors: Maazallahi Abbas , Thota Sreehari , Kondaboina Naga Prasad , Muktineni Vineetha , Annem Deepthi , Rokkam Abhi Stephen , Amini Mohammad Hossein , Salari Mohammad Amir , Norouzzadeh Payam , Snir Eli , Rahmani Bahareh
Published: June 2024

This study analyzes crop yield prediction in India from 1997 to 2020, focusing on various crops and key environmental factors. It aims to predict agricultural yields by utilizing advanced machine learning techniques like Linear Regression, Decision Tree, KNN, Naïve Bayes, K-Mean Clustering, and Random Forest. The models, particularly Naïve Bayes and Random Forest, demonstrate high effectiveness, as shown through data visualizations. The research concludes that integrating these analytical methods significantly enhances the accuracy and reliability of crop yield predictions, offering vital contributions to agricultural data science.
Establishment of an efficient and wide-spectrum droplet-vitrification cryopreservation for raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) germplasm and assessments of genetic integrity and vegetative growth in the regenerants
Authors: Ma Xiao-Yan , Blystad Dag-Ragnar , Wang Qiao-Chun , Tong Lu , Stensbøl Øyvor , Zhang Dong , Hamborg ZHIBO
Published: June 2024

By optimizing size of shoot tips, preculture medium and exposure duration to PVS2, we established an efficient and wide-spectrum droplet-vitrification cryopreservation of shoot tips of raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.). This protocol yielded 80–100% and 67–100% of survival and shoot regrowth levels in cryopreserved shoot tips across 30 raspberry genotypes. Genetic integrity was assessed in cryo-derived regenerants after 3 months of post-cryopreservation using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR), single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), and insertions and deletions (InDels). ISSR did not detect any polymorphic bands in the cryo-derived regenerants. Although the number of SNPs and InDels decreased in the cryo-derived regenerants, variation trends were similar between the cryo-derived regenerants and the control. Plant vegetative growth and root growth were assessed in the cryo-derived plants after 9 weeks of growth in greenhouse. There were no significant differences in plant vegetative growth measured by plant height, number of fully-opened leaved, leaf area, and fresh and dry weight between the cryo-derived plants and the control, although significant differences were observed in root growth measured by root total length, root average diameter and root volume between the two types of plants. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the droplet-vitrification method has great potential for cryopreservation of raspberry germplasm.
A Late Pennsylvanian macrofloral assemblage from wetland deposits in Morocco (Senhaja, Basin): a taxonomic contribution with biostratigraphy and paleogeography implication
Authors: Zouicha Amal , Aassoumi Habiba , Saber Hafid , Attari Ahmed El , Zouheir Tariq , Mazouar Aimad
Published: June 2024

The sedimentary basin that overlies the deformed Variscan basement of the Moroccan Meseta has longtime been attributed to Pennsylvanian–Permian periods, largely based on lithological comparisons. We present a combined sedimentological and palaeontological study introducing a new palaeofloral assemblage from the Senhaja Basin in the Western Jebilet massif of Morocco. As a result, we refine the biostratigraphic age as most likely middle to upper Stephanian. Sedimentological data indicate that the floristic assemblage was fossilized in fine-grained sediments deposited in a lacustrine palaeoenvironment.
The macroflora of the Senhaja Basin provides woods, branches, pith casts, leaves and seeds preserved as compressions and impressions in siltstone and claystone. The fossil assemblage consists mainly of tree ferns dominated by the fossil-genus Pecopteris, various Sphenopsids represented by arborescent forms such as Calamites axes, Asterophyllites and Annularia leaves and the herbaceous form Sphenophyllum. Cordaitaleans are represented by their Cordaites-type leaves and Cardiocarpus-type reproductive organs. Conifer leafy twigs were identified as Walchia.
The taphonomic and sedimentological analyses allows recognition of two different taphofacies. Among them (1) lake deposits characterized by autochthonous and allochthonous elements in varied preservational condition, and (2) transverse bar deposits, which consist only of allochthonous elements showing higher mechanical degradation.
The statistical distribution of the Senhaja Basin macroflora shows preominating pecopterids, accompanied by cordaitaleans and sphenopsids representing mostly hygrophilous communities, which grew in humid lowland areas. Conifer remains are rare but indicate surrounding xerophilous stands. In total, The Senhaja Basin exhibits a macroflora typical for coeval assemblages of the Late Pennsylvanian in Europe and North America.
Mercury Sequestration in Alkaline Salt Low-Level Radioactive Waste
Authors: McCaslin Eric Ryan , Hill Katie Ann
Published: June 2024

Liquid low-level radioactive waste at the Savannah River Site contains several species of mercury, including inorganic, elemental and methylmercury. This waste is solidified and stabilized in a cementitious waste form referred to as saltstone. Soluble mercury is stabilized as β-cinnabar, HgS as the result of reaction between the mercury and sulfur present in blast furnace slag, one of the cementitious regents. In this investigation, Mersorb®, a commercial granular activated carbon impregnated with sulfur, was evaluated as a pretreatment to remove mercury from the solution prior to cementation. Mersorb® was found to remove more than 96 mass percent of the methylmercury in simulated tank waste solution when the mass ratio of Mersorb® to mercury was above 2.5. Slag sequestered relatively more inorganic mercury than organic mercury in simulated tank waste after 24 hours of contact. This is likely due to the mercury-carbon bond being more covalent than the mercury-oxygen bond and therefore more difficult to break and slower to form HgS.
Exploring barriers experienced by elderly living with HIV related to their engagement in activities of daily living.
Authors: Nemakanga Mashudu , Ramano Enos , Mulaudzi Mavis
Published: June 2024

Background
HIV places enormous stress on the well-being of infected elderly people when performing activities of daily living. Surviving with HIV can be extremely challenging at any age, however elderly people living with HIV have to be contended with physical, mental and psychological barriers. Both ageing and HIV infection can work separately or interactively to reduce their human immune response. Unmet needs related to activities of daily living among elderly people with HIV may lead to adverse consequences resulting in deteriorating health outcomes. The purpose of this research study was to explore barriers experienced by elderly living with HIV related to their engagement in activities of daily living.
Methods
An explorative qualitative study was conducted, using a purposive sampling method to recruit participants at three public healthcare district hospitals. The researcher conducted semi-structured Interviews of 10 focus group discussions with elderly people aged 60 years and above who had lived with HIV. The data was analysed thematically.
Results
The key themes that emerged included psychological, physical, and cognitive barriers. Furthermore, other barriers were functional mobility, change in sexual engagement, personal hygiene, eating challenges, and emotions associated with their HIV status.
Conclusions
This study concludes that elderly people living with HIV experience several barriers during their engagement in activities of daily living. Understanding the barriers of the elderly people living with HIV will inform the development of appropriate interventions to improve their well-being, health and quality of life. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop occupational therapy programme to assist in providing appropriate care for the elderly people living with HIV.
A Comparative Assessment of Landslide Prediction Capability of Machine Learning Methods using Frequency Ratio (FR), Shannon Entropy (SE), and Analytical Hierarchy (AHP) Techniques: A Case Study of Uttarakhand, India
Authors: Alam Mohd , Siddiqui Afzal Nadeem , Shamim Syed Kausar , Ahmad Ateeque , Faiz Mohammed
Published: June 2024

Mapping landslide susceptibility is crucial for defining high-risk zones and preventing property and human casualties. The Uttarakhand provision, which comes under the Himalayan region, has a high potential for landslide occurrence. A landslide susceptibility map was created using satellite imagery, in-depth field research, and aerial photos. The historical landslide inventory of the state's 14698 total landslides was randomly bifurcated into 70% (10289) for training purposes and 30% (4409) for data validation. Eleven landslide-causative factors (Slope, Aspect, Curvature, Topographic Position Index (TPI), Topographic Wetness Index (TWI), Geology, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Distance to Road, Distance to Stream, Distance to Fault, and Rainfall) were selected for susceptibility assessment. The landslide susceptibility zonation was created using the Shannon Entropy (SE), Frequency Ratio (FR), and Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) techniques, along with the causative factors. The AHP method is effectively utilized in LSM to prioritize and weigh the importance of different causative factors contributing to landslide occurrence, while Shannon Entropy uses the method of discrete probability distribution to quantify the uncertainty or variability associated with different causative factors. The FR, AHP, and SE models were validated using the AUC curve, yielding 92%, 89%, and 81% success rates and predictive rates of 90%, 87%, and 77%, respectively. The FR model is most suitable, more efficient, and valuable for future planning in the study area.
La-doped Ti/Sb-SnO2 electrode enhanced removal of microplastics by advanced electrocatalysis oxidation process (AEOP) strategy
Authors: Zheng Weikang , Wang Boyan , Liu Zhenzhong , Yang Hongwei
Published: June 2024

Microplastics (MPs) in the aqueous environments has attracted widespread attention because of its potential risk to human health .Its high stability makes it difficult to be degraded and long term presence in the environment. Therefore, it is crucial to find an efficient and clean technology to remove microplastics in water. The advanced electrocatalysis oxidation process (AEOP) shows great potential for application. In this work, We focused on preparing Ti/Sb-SnO2 electrodes doped with different rare earth elements (La, Ce, Sm or Nd) as active layer by sol-gel method. The electrooxidation system has efficiently degraded MPs in aqueous solution. The optimal parameters for the removal of MPs were electrode spacing of 1.5 cm, current density of 46.67 mA cm-2, Na2SO4 electrolyte concentration of 0.22 mol·L-1, and initial solution pH of 7. After 3 h, MPs removal rate by Ti/La-Sb-SnO2 system reached 28.3 %, which was higher than the Ti/Ce-Sb-SnO2, Ti/Sm-Sb-SnO2, Ti/Nd-Sb-SnO2 and Ti/Sb-SnO2 electrode, the removal rates were increased by 8.23 %, 10.13 %, 16.28 % and 77 %, respectively. Electrochemical performance tests and •OH (Hydroxyl radicals) generation results indicated that the surface of Ti/La-Sb-SnO2 electrode had abundant active sites, which promoted the formation of •OH to degrade microplastics effectively. In summary, the rare earth element-doped Ti/Sb-SnO2 electrode provides crucial technological support for the electrooxidative removal of microplastics from water.
Current Mechanisms in Zinc Diffusion-doped Silicon Samples at T = 300 K
Authors: Arzikulov E. U. , Radzhabova M. , Sr S. N. , Mamatkulov N. , Quvondiqov Sh. J. , Pelenovich Vasiliy O. , Yang Bing
Published: June 2024

This work is devoted to the study of current flow in diffusion-doped zinc silicon samples in the dark and when illuminated with integral light with an intensity in the range from 0.6 to 140 lx and at a temperature of 300 K. At T = 300 K and in the dark, the view the current-voltage characteristic (CVC) contained all areas characteristic of semiconductors with deep energy levels. It was found that when illuminated with integral light, the type of CVCs of the studied Si samples depended on the value of the applied voltage, the electrical resistivity of the samples, the light intensity, and their number reached up to 6. In this case, linear, sublinear, and superlinear sections were observed, as well as the switching point (sharp current jump) and areas with negative differential conductivities (NDC). The existence of these characteristic areas of the applied voltage and their character depended on the intensity of the integral light. The experimental data obtained were interpreted in connection with the formation of low dimensional objects with the participation of multiply charged zinc nanoclusters in the bulk of silicon. They changed the energy band structure of single-crystal silicon, which affected generation-recombination processes in Si, leading to the types of CVCs observed in the experiment.
Clinical Characteristics and Factors Associated with Mortality Among Children with Sepsis Admitted to Pediatric ICU at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Theonest Olivia , Muhunzi David , Said Yasser Habresh , Salim Nahya , Shoo Aiko
Published: June 2024

Background
Sepsis is a global burden in the pediatric population with high morbidity and mortality. Clinical characteristics and factors associated with mortality at ICU in our settings are not well documented, hence posing more challenges in its management. This study aimed to assess the clinical characteristics and factors associated with mortality among children with sepsis admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at Muhimbili National Hospital.
Methodology:
A cross-sectional study with longitudinal follow-up was conducted among children with suspected/proven sepsis admitted to the PICU at Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania from July 2022 to January 2023. The diagnosis of sepsis was made within 24 hours of admission after screening using SIRS criteria and thorough clinical examination. Clinical and laboratory characteristics were recorded from hospital software and patient clinical notes. Assessment of the outcome (survival or death) was done on day 10 post-admission. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test was used to assess the association between categorical variables and mortality. Poisson regression was used for multivariate analysis of factors associated with mortality. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
A total of 160 children with suspected or proven sepsis were included in the study, male to female ratio was 1:1. with a median age of 1 year (IQR = 1–14). The respiratory system was the most common focus of infection. The majority of children had sepsis with associated organ dysfunction with respiratory failure being the most common type. Of the study participants, 43.8% had positive culture growth, and the common isolate was Staphylococcus aureus. Death occurred in more than one–third of study participants within ten days of ICU admission. Septic shock and the need for inotropes were associated with an increase in mortality while positive culture growth was associated with a reduced mortality.
Conclusion
Sepsis is a major health challenge among children in the pediatric intensive care unit. Early recognition, prompt management, prevention of septic shock, and optimizing care are crucial in reducing mortality. Prompt identification and targeted treatment of the causative organism may improve outcomes for children with sepsis.
Washing Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms as Adaptation – Insights from a 3-Year Longitudinal Cohort
Authors: Costa Ana Daniela , Raposo-Lima Catarina , Couto Beatriz , Fernandes Afonso , Machado-Sousa Mafalda , Moreira Pedro , Ferreira Sónia , Picó-Pérez Maria , Morgado Pedro
Published: June 2024

Background: Stressful events are one cause for the emergence and/or worsening of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The public health measures employed to prevent the contraction of the COVID-19 virus overlap with common behaviors adopted by people diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Thus, we decided to study the longitudinal impact of the pandemic in the general Portuguese population assessed with the Obsessive-Compulsive Inventory (OCI-R), and the Depressive, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21).
Methods: One hundred and eighty nine participants reported their scores at three different time-points of the pandemic in Portugal: March of 2020, March of 2021, and March of 2022. Non-parametric analysis of repeated measures, were performed on the OCI-R and DASS-21 scores to analyze differences in the levels of symptomatology throughout time.
Results: We found statistically significant differences with time in the OCI-R total and washing subscale scores, as well as in the anxiety subscale of DASS-21 score. For OCI-R total, we found significantly higher scores in 2020 compared to 2021 and 2022, and for the washing subscale we found statistically significant decreases with time. In terms of anxiety scores, we found significantly lower symptoms in 2021 compared to the others.
Conclusions: The reliance on the washing-like behaviors to contain the pandemic spreading explains its augmented scores in the acute phases of the pandemic and thus the continuous decrease of symptomatology with time. For anxiety, both the beginning and the end of the pandemic seem to have posed a threat, leading to an increase in worry and hypervigilance. In general, our results demonstrate the adaptative nature of humans and the instrumental role of pyschological distress to cope with the world around us.
Cyclic di-AMP alleviates periodontitis by activating PI3K/Akt/NrF2 pathways
Authors: Luo Kaihua , Wu Qinrui , Li Zhengyi , Wu Yajie , Su Zhifei , Zhou Fangjie , Li Qinyang , Ren Biao , Li Yuqing , Li Jiyao , Peng Xian
Published: June 2024

Background: Emerging research demonstrates the regulatory effects of c-di-AMP, a bacterial-derived small molecule secondary messenger, on host immune responses and promoting resistance against infection-related diseases. This study aims to elucidate the role of c-di-AMP in the occurrence and development of periodontitis.
Methods: We established ligation-induced periodontitis in mice and assessed the impact of c-di-AMP on alveolar bone resorption. Transcriptomic sequencing of mouse gingival tissues post-c-di-AMP treatment revealed the potential PI3K/Akt pathway. Gingival epithelial cells were treated with c-di-AMP to validate PI3K/Akt pathway activation. Under inflammatory conditions induced by LPS, we evaluated the inflammatory factor release, as well as the Akt and NrF2 activation. 16S rRNA gene sequencing of gingival microbiota in mice assessed microbial composition changes post-c-di-AMP treatment. Data were analyzed via one-way ANOVA.
Results: C-di-AMP effectively reduced alveolar bone resorption in mice. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant upregulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway, as well as an increase in the cGMP/PKG signaling pathway. In vitro, c-di-AMP suppressed inflammatory factor release (e.g., IL-6 and TNF-α) from gingival epithelial cells and activated Akt and NrF2, the key components of the PI3K/Akt pathway.
Conclusion: This study demonstrates that c-di-AMP definitely plays a role in alleviating periodontitis. These findings shed light on the mechanisms through which c-di-AMP can activate the PI3K/Akt pathway and potentially involve the cGMP/PKG pathway, ultimately contributing to improved immune defense and maintenance of bone homeostasis.
Epilepsy combined with post intubation tracheal stenosis: case report and literature review
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Mu Qiaoyu , Niu Shao rui , Xiao Kaibing , Peng Guangbei , Qiu Rongbin
Published: June 2024

Background
One of the most frequent neurological emergencies in clinical practice is status epilepticus for which endotracheal intubation or tracheotomy are typically the emergency treatments. Invasive tracheal manipulation inevitably causes variable degrees of tracheal damage. Following therapy with tracheal intubation or tracheotomy, patients may develop post-intubation tracheal stenosis. This uncommon ailment may develop following an extended period of intubation.
Case presentation
We report a male patient, 19, who was diagnosed with severe PITS three weeks post-intubation and was in the phase of epileptic seizures. Due to significant tracheal stenosis with a low anatomical location, we would not be able to perform emergency therapy by tracheotomy or tracheal intubation if the epilepsy worsened respiratory dysfunction. Ultimately, the choice was made to set up the patient's emergency hospital transfer for treatment.
Conclusion
Combining epilepsy with PITS is an unmanageable, potentially fatal disease with a very high death risk if treatment is not received in a timely manner.Particularly with patients with neurologic disorders, physicians should not be too empirical to focus solely on the head examination at the exclusion of the assessment of airway integrity.because the early symptoms of PITS are not obvious. Early diagnosis and individualized treatment play a key role, all of which improve patients' chances of survival.
Association between use of heated tobacco products and long-term health effects considering smoking history: Internet-based cross-sectional study in Japan
Authors: Kimura Yuki , Sugita Minoru
Published: June 2024

Background
With the use of heated tobacco products (HTPs) becoming more widespread in Japan, interested in the health effects of HTP use have grown. Since the vast majority of HTP users are former smokers, information about the user's smoking history and health status before HTP use is needed when assessing the health effects of HTP use. The limited epidemiological studies available did not consistently considered this information.
Methods
We conducted a cross-sectional study investigating the relationship between HTP use and respiratory chronic diseases and symptoms. A large-scale research panel in Japan managed by Cross Marketing Inc. was randomly sent questionnaires via the Internet, and individuals who met the study criteria and were either current exclusive HTP users, current exclusive cigarette users or those had never used tobacco products were selected. And obtained information about the participants' smoking history and health status before they used HTPs. The effects of participant smoking history prior to HTP use and the impacts on outcomes upon switching to HTP were assessed using a logistic regression model. And the odds ratio (OR) for current exclusive HTP users relative to never tobacco users was calculated. The OR was calculated under two scenarios, either ignoring or taking into account smoking history.
Results
Of the participants from whom responses to the questionnaires were obtained, 17,406 participants were included in the analysis. Almost all participating current exclusive HTP users had a history of long-term smoking (mean: 28.6 years), and the occurrence of outcomes both before and after the start of HTP use were reported. The ORs, without adjustment and with adjustment for smoking history prior to HTP use were, in the case of COPD, 3.23 (95% CI: 1.37–7.61) and 1.85 (95% CI: 0.70–4.89) respectively. These results suggest that smoking history prior to HTP using affects the occurrence of outcomes.
Conclusions
These results underscore the importance of considering smoking history when assessing the health effect of HTP use. Since the duration of HTP use is considerably shorter than that of cigarette use at present, further research, such as follow-up surveys assessing the long-term health effects of HTP use, will be necessary.
Hypoxia drives the formation of lung micropapillary adenocarcinoma through hypoxia-inducible factor-1α
Authors: Nojima Satoshi , Umeda Daisuke , Harada Akikazu , Ukon Koto , Motooka Daisuke , Tahara Shinichiro , Kurashige Masako , Kido Kansuke , Takashima Tsuyoshi , Kiyokawa Hiroki , Matsui Takahiro , Matsumoto Shinji , Shintani Yasushi , Okuzaki Daisuke , Kikuchi Akira , Morii Eiichi
Published: June 2024

Micropapillary adenocarcinoma (MPC) is an aggressive histologic subtype of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). MPC is composed of small clusters of cancer cells exhibiting inverted polarity. However, the mechanism underlying its formation is poorly understood. Here we show that hypoxia is involved in MPC formation. Spatial transcriptome (ST) analysis with human LUAD tissue suggested that hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1 signaling is activated in MPC. Hypoxia induced the formation of MPC-like structures (MLSs) in a three-dimensional culture system using A549 human LUAD cells, and HIF-1α was indispensable for MLS formation. RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that A549 cells forming MLSs exhibited high expression of the MPC signature genes, which were defined by the ST data. Moreover, MLS formation enhanced the resistance of A549 cells to natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Our findings suggest that hypoxia drives lung MPC formation through HIF-1α and that immune escape from natural killer cells might underlie the aggressiveness of MPC.