bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short Crack Behavior of an Additively Manufactured Ti–6Al–4V Alloy Under Ultrasonic High Cycle Fatigue Testing
Authors: Roumina Reza , Rhein Robert K. , Jones J. Wayne , Marquis Emmanuelle A.
Published: November 2024

The high cycle fatigue (HCF) behaviors of an additively manufactured (AM) Ti–6Al–4V alloy with fully lamellar microstructures processed electron beam powder bed fusion (EB‐PBF) and wire‐fed electron beam directed energy deposition (Sciaky) routes were compared. Ultrasonic fatigue (USF) testing at the stress ratio of R = −1 was applied to monitor the growth of small cracks initiated at surface micronotches. Crack growth rates lower than 10−8 (m/cycle) at ΔK = 6 MPa·m1/2 were measured in samples processed by both methods. The finer α lath thickness (~1 μm) of the Sciaky samples resulted in a slower fatigue crack growth rate than the EB‐PBF samples with coarser laths. The interaction of cracks with the lamellar microstructures was characterized by electron backscatter diffraction. Crack propagation largely followed the lath interfaces in the Sciaky samples, whereas cracks cut across colonies in the EB‐PBF samples. Different fatigue fracture surface characteristics were observed for the EB‐PBF and Sciaky samples.
Sustainable intensification of livestock systems using forage legumes in the Anthropocene
Authors: Dubeux Jr Jose C. B. , Jaramillo David M. , Santos Erick R. S. , Garcia Liza , Queiroz Luana M. D. , Bretas Igor L. , de Souza Cleber H. L. , Trumpp Kevin R.
Published: November 2024

Sustainable intensification of livestock systems implies greater efficiency in resource utilization resulting in greater output of products and other ecosystem services per unit of resource input. Integrating forage legumes into livestock systems is a viable way to reduce the input of industrial N fertilizer, reducing the use of fossil fuels and helping to mitigate global warming, a major problem during the Anthropocene. Some forage legumes have greater concentrations of secondary compounds, such as condensed tannins, that might reduce the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG) from ruminant eructation and excreta. Furthermore, forage legumes might enhance cattle performance because of greater nutritive value, resulting in greater production per unit of GHG released. Shortening the production cycle and improving cattle reproductive efficiency could have a major impact on reducing the overall carbon footprint of the system. Grazing systems with more diversified plant species are typically more resistant and resilient, adapting to current climate changes during the Anthropocene. Novel technologies might accelerate the development of future grazing systems using forage legumes as a key component. Breeding efforts for the next‐generation legumes must focus on adaptation and potential use for mitigation of negative environmental impacts. There are examples of successful integration of forage legumes into livestock systems in different regions of the world, with a major reduction in off‐farm inputs and maintaining the system productive. These successful examples could be used to increase adoption and improve the efficiency of current livestock systems.
The Experiences of Implementing a Near‐Peer Teaching Scheme Into an Undergraduate Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy Programme at the University of Sheffield in the United Kingdom
Authors: Peysner Kate , Bingham Emma
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To assess the learning and relationship‐building potential of a near‐peer teaching scheme that is low in faculty financial and time input.

Methods

This longitudinal study collects data via pre‐ and post‐programme questionnaires completed by near‐peer tutors and learners following a six‐week scheme schedule. Qualitative data are analysed using a descriptive analysis model to assess the perceived value of the scheme.

Results

Participants find the scheme to be highly beneficial and rewarding. In the 2023 scheme, as for all previous cohorts, no near‐peer tutees reported any issues of negative cognitive congruence and most found that they had experienced a greater opportunity to ask for clarification on basic knowledge without fear of reproach. Near‐peer tutors valued the opportunity to develop teaching skills in the supportive confines of their own undergraduate diploma, and reflected on their own experience of learning within a prior run of the scheme as being motivational to teach others.

Conclusion

Near‐peer teaching offers a sustainable and effective approach for dental hygiene and dental therapy programmes. It benefits both tutees and tutors, enhancing skills, fostering relationships and preparing students for future teaching roles. The scheme also promotes a positive learning culture and improves overall educational quality.
Thermodynamic modeling of the structure of alkali aluminophosphate glasses and their ionic conductivity
Authors: López‐Grande Alberto , Muñoz Francisco
Published: November 2024

This study presents the structural and ionic conductivity thermodynamic modeling for glasses with compositions in the system 50M2O‐xAl2O3‐(50 − x)P2O5, with M = Li or K. The Shakhmatkin and Vedishcheva thermodynamic model (SVTDM), or associated solutions model, has been previously used in successfully predicting the structure of simple binary phosphate glasses and it has now been employed with the aim to discerning the model's capability to predict the structural changes induced in the phosphate network by the addition of alumina. The results have been furthermore validated through their comparison with literature experimental data on the structural characterization of the glasses by 31P NMR measurements as well as on ionic conductivity determined by impedance spectroscopy. Although this methodology demonstrates good agreement with experimental data on the structure of aluminophosphate glasses, some disparities persist, potentially arising from experimental uncertainties. However, SVTDM faces limitations, including the need for comprehensive knowledge of stable phases and their formation energies. Predictions of ionic conductivity, though promising, exhibit deviations from experimental values, attributed to factors such as the influence of the chemical environment on dielectric properties. To enhance accuracy in conductivity prediction, a deeper understanding of additional variables such as dielectric constant and attempt frequency is imperative.
Healthcare and Pharmacy Staffs' Experiences on Medication Management for Migrants—A Qualitative Exploratory Case Study in Primary Health Care
Authors: Hultin Lisa , Pöder Ulrika , Hedström Mariann , Ekman Anna , Hjelm Katarina
Published: November 2024

Aim

To explore what healthcare staff and staff in pharmacies experiences, as challenges, and possibilities in handling and use medications by foreign‐born persons or their relatives, and how necessary information is exchanged between different units in the healthcare chain to prevent medication errors.

Design

A qualitative explorative single‐unit case study in a primary healthcare centre, with connected home care and pharmacies in an immigrant‐dense area.

Methods

Individual semi‐structured interviews with 17 respondents, including pharmacists, physicians and registered nurses, were conducted between May and December 2022, in Sweden. Inductive qualitative content analysis was applied.

Results

Six categories were identified: limited knowledge about medications, lack of knowledge about the Swedish system for medication prescriptions and pharmacy regulations, insufficient time to develop trusting relations, communication to support medication management, tools for facilitating safe use of medications and problems in exchange of information in the healthcare chain.

Conclusion

Good communication is both a challenge and a prerequisite for safe medication management by well‐informed patients. To ensure patient safety, it is crucial to establish ways to communicate with patients about their medications, regardless of their language skills. Improving communication within the healthcare chain is essential to prevent medication errors.

Implication for the Profession and Patient Care

Understanding the complexity of medication management and preventing medication errors requires staff to communicate effectively with patients at all steps in the healthcare chain to identify their informational and educational needs.

Impact

This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the importance of communication within the healthcare chain, including prescribing physicians, nurses, pharmacists and patients, to prevent medication errors.

Reporting Method

COREQ checklist.

Patient or Public Contribution

This study focused on staff at a healthcare centre and two pharmacies.
Deterioration in ankle reflex is associated with a reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate in patients with type 2 diabetes: A retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Muramatsu Taichi , Yamamuro Daisuke , Kushiyama Akifumi , Kikuchi Takako
Published: November 2024

Aims/Introduction

We investigated the association between the ankle reflex and the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

This was a single‐center, retrospective, observational cohort study. A total of 1,387 patients who underwent an ankle reflex examination between January 2005 and December 2015 were included in the analysis for the primary outcome. The findings of the ankle reflex examination were classified into three groups: normal, decreased, or absent. The primary outcome was defined as the incidence of a 40% loss of eGFR from baseline. A survival time analysis using the Kaplan–Meier method and a regression analysis using a Cox proportional hazards model were conducted to evaluate the association between the ankle reflex test results and loss of eGFR.

Results

The ankle reflex test results were as follows: normal, n = 678 (48.9%); decreased, n = 270 (19.5%); and absent, n = 439 (31.6%) patients. The median follow‐up period was 5.6 years in the observational period. In the univariate regression analysis, decreased and absent ankle reflexes were significantly associated with loss of eGFR. Moreover, decreased ankle reflex (hazard ratio: 1.83, 95% confidence interval: 1.16–2.87) and absent ankle reflex (hazard ratio: 2.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.76–3.76) were independently associated with loss of eGFR after adjusting for prognostic risk factors.

Conclusions

Decreased and absent ankle reflexes are closely and independently associated with loss of eGFR in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Ginger Essential Oil Exerts Antibacterial Activity Against Shewanella putrefaciens by Disrupting Cell Structure and Resisting Biofilm
Authors: Lan Weiqing , Liu Shuting , Chen Xuening , Zhao Hongqiang , Sun Xiaohong
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to elucidate the antibacterial mechanism and antibiofilm activity of ginger essential oil (GEO) against Shewanella putrefaciens. On the basis of minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), alkaline phosphatase (AKPase), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activities were analyzed to evaluate the damage degree of S. putrefaciens on cell wall and membrane, and the microstructure was observed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) to evaluate the action effect against S. putrefaciens. The results showed that the MIC and MBC of GEO against S. putrefaciens were 27.8125 mg/mL and 55.625 mg/mL, respectively. The surface structures and cell membrane of S. putrefaciens were rigorously damaged by 1 MIC and 2 MIC GEO, leading to the leakage of cellular nucleic acids, protein, and β‐galactosidases from the bacterial cells. GEO could not only decrease the biomass of biofilm but also remove mature biofilm. In addition, GEO could reduce the production of exopolysaccharides and extracellular proteins, and could lessen the metabolic activity of biofilm cells. These results demonstrated that GEO exhibited efficient antibacterial characteristics against S. putrefaciens, which could act as a natural antibacterial and antibiofilm agent on the preservation of aquatic products.
Celiac disease care differs significantly between high‐ and low‐middle‐income countries: a global survey of celiac experts from 63 countries
Authors: Agarwal Samagra , Prasad Shubham , Agarwal Ashish , Raja Ali Raja A , Leffler Daniel A , Green Peter H R , Sanders David S , Anderson Robert P , Ahuja Vineet , Mulder Chris J J , Makharia Govind K
Published: November 2024

Background and Aim

Celiac disease (CeD) is increasingly diagnosed but significant disparities exist in awareness, practices, resources, and legislation worldwide. We conducted a global online survey with CeD experts to assess this disparity internationally.

Methods

A 55 questions survey encompassing nine domains relevant to CeD care (awareness, gluten‐free [GF] foods availability/cost/quality, GF labeling, CeD dietician availability, insurance for CeD patients, medical training, research funding, patient support groups, and unmet needs) was generated and sent to CeD experts worldwide electronically. Countries were stratified based on per capita income as high‐income (HIC) and lower‐income countries (LIC) (including upper‐middle‐, lower‐middle‐, and low‐income countries). Survey responses were summarized as a single score using principal component analysis.

Results

Valid responses were obtained from 131(37.4%) [HIC: 71; LIC: 60] of contacted CeD experts from 63 countries. Compared with HIC, LIC experts perceived worse availability (HIC:80% vs LIC: 47%; P < 0.001), quality (52% vs 20%; P < 0.001), and legislation for labeling of GF foods (82% vs 37%; P < 0.001), with unfavorable reimbursement policies (27% vs 12%; P = 0.002), subsidies (32% vs 13%; P < 0.001), and insurance (76% vs 43%; P < 0.001) for CeD patients. LIC also lacked awareness about CeD among general physicians (69% vs 32%; P < 0.001), trained celiac dieticians (39% vs 12%; P = 0.002), and active CeD patient support groups (93% vs 50%; P < 0.001). All experts believed that GF foods were costly (94% vs 87%), frequently contaminated (27% vs 32%), and unfavorably taxed (97% and 93%). The experts agreed on key unmet needs and better research funding. Overall CeD preparedness score (median 58.3 vs 33.0; P < 0.001) was also associated with income.

Conclusions

The present survey highlights the opinion of global experts on the challenges, opportunities, and preparedness related to CeD and differences worldwide by income.
Incorporation of software in the life cycle assessment of an ICT service: A case study of an ICT service for energy efficiency in the transport sector
Authors: Lopez Londoño Bryan , Azizi Shoaib , Finnveden Göran
Published: November 2024

Information communication and technology (ICT) services and solutions can improve resource efficiency in a variety of sector, but also result in direct environmental impacts. This study assesses the direct environmental impacts of an ICT service that improves vehicle fuel efficiency using a cradle‐to‐grave life cycle assessment (LCA). This is one of the first studies to examine the entire life cycle of an ICT service from development to use and maintenance, with a focus on software—an aspect that is typically neglected in previous studies. The results suggest that software development and maintenance and the use of in‐vehicle communicators for data transmission have the largest environmental impacts across multiple categories. Deployed across a fleet of 150,000 vehicles over 5 years, we estimate that the ICT service is responsible for 174 tCO2e. However, this is negligible compared with the total emissions of the fleet and the potential savings from the service, given a single diesel vehicle in this fleet emits around 130 tCO2e over the same period. We explore several scenarios to reduce the footprint of the ICT service. The largest potential reduction of around one‐third is achieved by replacing in‐house servers with cloud computing in a data center located in a region with low‐carbon electricity. The study demonstrates how LCA can be used to assess the environmental impacts of ICT services and the importance of considering software in these assessments.
Rehabilitation of a 13‐Year History of Habitual Tic‐Induced Nail Dystrophy
Authors: Chen Liang , Li Zheyuan , Liu Tianyi
Published: November 2024

Background

Habitual tic nail dystrophy is a prevalent condition among adults; however, it has received limited scholarly attention.

Aims

This study aims to report the case of habitual tic nail dystrophy with a duration of 13 years.

Methods

The patient was advised to modify his lifestyle habits and was followed up regularly over the course of 1 year to assess changes in the appearance of his nails.

Results

The appearance of the nails normalized during the 1‐year follow‐up period.

Conclusions

The appearance of nails in patients with habitual tic nail dystrophy can be significantly improved through lifestyle modifications and by minimizing the stimulation of the nail matrix.
Empirical Testing of a Middle‐Range Theory for Ineffective Breathing Pattern in Children With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Gomes de Souza Nayana Maria , da Silva Viviane Martins , Lopes Marcos Venícios de Oliveira , Gueiros Emanuela Aparecida Teixeira , Lira Ana Luisa Brandão de Carvalho , dos Santos Rosely Leyliane
Published: November 2024

Aim

To test a middle‐range theory (MRT) for the nursing diagnosis of ineffective breathing pattern in children with congenital heart disease (CHD) based on analysis of two general propositions.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study is guided by STROBE. The propositions represent hypotheses about the relationships between the concepts of this MRT to be tested empirically, and thus, log‐linear models were used to verify the structure of the proposition related to the stimuli. Diagnostic accuracy measures, univariate logistic regressions and the Mann–Whitney test were used to analyse the structure of the propositions related to behaviours.

Results

The analysis of the propositions related to the stimuli (eight concepts, four of which were classified as focal stimuli and four as contextual stimuli) suggested a reclassification of the stimulus “deformities in the thoracic wall” which became too focal. In the analysis of the propositions related to behaviours (17 concepts, five of which were classified as acute confirmatory, nine as acute clinical deterioration and three classified as chronic), guided changes in the operationalisation of concepts were suggested after comparing clinical findings; thus, acute confirmatory behaviours now have 10 concepts, while acute clinical deterioration behaviours and chronic behaviours continued with nine and three concepts, respectively, but with reclassifications between them.

Conclusion

Changes in the operationalisation of the classification of the elements of the two propositions occurred after comparing the clinical findings with the theoretical model.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

By establishing precise causal relationships and describing how IBP manifests itself over time in children with CHD, empirical testing of this MRT helps nurses understand clinical reasoning based on temporal logic and spectral interaction between diagnostic components, which in turn will improve the use and accuracy of nursing diagnoses.

Patient Contribution

Children and adolescents with CHD were recruited for this study sharing their clinical history and physical lung examination.
Adolescent dating violence and leader role occupancy
Authors: Cloutier Anika E. , Barling Julian
Published: November 2024

Who becomes a leader is of considerable importance to employees, organizations and society. Recently, researchers have considered whether early life events outside of the workplace affect who occupies leadership roles within organizations. Informed by the lifespan approach to leadership, and the work–home resources model, we investigate whether violence in adolescent dating relationships is associated with leader role occupancy in adulthood. We hypothesize that experiencing psychological aggression and physical violence indirectly lowers the likelihood of occupying a leadership role through depressive symptoms. Moreover, we hypothesize that the indirect effects will be weaker when parent–adolescent relationship quality is higher, when adolescents come from higher household incomes, and stronger for women. Drawing on four waves of ADD Health, results showed that experiencing early psychological aggression in dating relationships increased depressive symptoms, hindering leader role occupancy; however, this effect was buffered by income, and stronger for women. Experiencing physical violence exerted indirect negative effects on leader role occupancy via depressive symptoms, regardless of parent–adolescent relationship quality, income or gender. There were no direct effects of aggression or violence on leader role occupancy. Our findings suggest that early personal relationships can impact young adult's mental health, which in turn can influence leadership outcomes into adulthood.
Phylogenomic insights into species relationships, reticulate evolution, and biogeographic diversification of the ginseng genus Panax (Araliaceae), with an emphasis on the diversification in the Himalayan‐Hengduan Mountains
Authors: Zhang Meng‐Hua , Nie Ze‐Long , Fairbanks Regina A. , Liu Jing , Literman Robert , Johnson Gabriel , Handy Sara , Wen Jun
Published: November 2024

Panax (Araliaceae) is a small genus containing several well known medicinally important species. It has a disjunct distribution between Eastern Asia and Eastern North America, with most species from eastern Asia, especially the Himalayan‐Hengduan Mountains (HHM). This study used the genomic target enrichment method to obtain 358 nuclear ortholog loci and complete plastome sequences from 59 accessions representing all 18 species of the genus. Divergence time estimation and biogeographic analyses suggest that Panax was probably widely distributed from North America to Asia during the middle Eocene. During the late Eocene to Oligocene Panax may have experienced extensive extinctions during global climate cooling. It survived and diverged early in the mountains of Southwest China and tropical Indochina, where some taxa migrated northwestward to the HHM, eastward to central and eastern China, and then onward toward Japan and North America. Gene flow is identified as the main contributor to phylogenetic discordance (33.46%) within Panax. We hypothesize that the common ancestors of the medicinally important P. ginseng + P. japonicus + P. quinquefolius clade had experienced allopolyploidization, which increased adaptability to cooler and drier environments. During the middle to late Miocene, several dispersals occurred from the region of the HHM to contiguous areas, suggesting that HHM acted as a refugium and also served as a secondary diversification center for Panax. Our findings highlight that the interplay of orographic uplift and climatic changes in the HHM greatly contributed to the species diversity of Panax.
Pharmacokinetics of Salbutamol in Thoroughbred Horses After a Single Intravenous or Inhaled Administration
Authors: Nomura Motoi , Kuroda Taisuke , Ohta Minoru , Kusano Kanichi , Minamijima Yohei , Nagata Shunichi
Published: November 2024

Salbutamol is a short‐acting and selective beta‐2 adrenergic agonist. Inhaled (IH) administration of salbutamol is widely used to control lower respiratory tract disease in horses. Here, we estimated the pharmacokinetic parameters of salbutamol after a single intravenous (IV) or IH administration in six horses, and we statistically analysed the detection times with various dosing regimens. Plasma and urine concentrations of salbutamol were measured by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and data were modelled by using a nonlinear mixed effect model followed by Monte Carlo simulation (MCS). With IH salbutamol, the maximum plasma concentration was 0.12 ± 0.06 ng/mL at 0.29 ± 0.17 h after administration. Typical values were, for clearance, 1.53 L/kg/h; distribution volume at steady state, 5.43 L/kg; terminal half‐life, 6.06 h; IH bioavailability, 19.0%; and urine to plasma ratio, 2057. Statistically estimated 95th percentile detection times in the urine at levels below the international screening limit (0.5 ng/mL) proposed by the International Federation of Horseracing Authorities, as simulated in 5000 horses by MCS, were 44 h after 1.6 μg/kg q 24 and 54 h after 1.6 μg/kg q 4 h over a 3‐day IH administration period.
Antimicrobial Pharmacokinetic Studies in Sea Turtles: A Review
Authors: Egelund Eric F. , Jula Alana , Rish Kathleen , Casapao Anthony M.
Published: November 2024

Sea turtles face various threats to survival, primarily due to human activities, such as bycatch, vessel strikes, pollution, and climate change. Many of these activities can lead to illness or injuries, increasing the risk of infection. Treating infections appropriately and effectively requires knowledge of antimicrobial properties and their ability to eradicate microbes without harm to the sea turtle. Robust pharmacokinetic studies, therefore, are important for appropriate dosing. Herein, we review the studies detailing the pharmacokinetic properties of antimicrobials in sea turtles conducted to date.
Practising the nations and national identity: A longitudinal study of independence day in Israel
Authors: Ariely Gal
Published: November 2024

This article focuses on the extent to which participating in Independence Day practices influences people's national identity while taking into consideration the differences between public top‐down practices and private bottom‐up habits. It is a longitudinal study that uses a four‐wave panel survey to inspect levels of national identity across time as well as participation in various Independence Day practices over two successive years. There was an increase in the levels of some dimensions of national identity among those who participated in Independence Day practices – both top‐down and bottom‐up – while there were no changes in these levels among those who did not participate.
Linking proximate drivers and fitness returns of vigilance in a large ungulate
Authors: Déry Florent , Hamel Sandra , Côté Steeve D.
Published: November 2024

Vigilance allows animals to quickly detect threats from conspecifics and predators to avoid or minimize costly encounters. Time spent vigilant is usually traded‐off against other fitness‐enhancing activities, such that fitness returns are expected when allocation to vigilance increases. We assessed the proximate factors influencing vigilance and investigated whether vigilance correlates with fitness in wild mountain goats. We first studied which extrinsic and intrinsic factors influenced alert duration and frequency using focal observations recorded over 12 years on individually‐marked adult females. We found that females increased vigilance in forested areas compared with open areas and were less vigilant when they were surrounded by conspecific neighbours. Reproductive females were more frequently vigilant and for longer periods compared with females without offspring. Mothers also tended to perform longer alerts when their offspring was > 10 m away than at shorter distances, suggesting that variation in offspring's vulnerability to predation influences mother's vigilance. Thus, predation risk and offspring vulnerability were the main mechanisms driving variation in vigilance. To assess fitness returns, we then used a joint modelling framework to estimate the latent correlations at the individual level among vigilance traits (alert duration, alert frequency, and total time spent vigilant) and fitness components (adult female survival and offspring survival) while accounting for the drivers observed to influence vigilance. Contrary to expectations, we found no evidence that vigilance is associated with fitness returns, with only some traits being at best weakly positively correlated with survival of offspring and adult females. This might arise because vigilance incurs costs that outweighs its potential benefits, or because vigilance metrics are not repeatable due to their high plasticity, challenging the commonly assumed positive relationship between vigilance and fitness.
3D‐Printed Talus‐Calcaneus Prosthesis in Treating Ewing's Sarcoma: A Case Report
Authors: Wang Weiyi , An Jingjing , Lu Minxun , He Xuanhong , Li Zhuangzhuang , Wang Yitian , Gong Taojun , Zhou Yong , Min Li , Luo Yi , Tu Chongqi
Published: November 2024

Background

Malignant tumors originating in the talus are rare and present significant challenges in reconstruction. Traditional treatments, such as below‐knee amputation or tbiocalcaneal fusion, often result in significant loss of ankle function. After tumor resection, reconstruction of the talus and calcaneus is necessary to preserve ankle function. However, the intricate anatomical structure and unique location of the talus and calcaneus present significant challenges for prosthetic reconstruction.

Case Presentation

Here, we present the case of an 11‐year‐old adolescent patient diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma of the talus, accompanied by suspected involvement of the calcaneus. Following a comprehensive evaluation, a 3D‐printed talus‐calcaneus prosthesis, which is composed of a ultrahigh‐molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) part and a titanium alloy part, was designed for talus and calcaneus reconstruction. In addition, a porous structure was designed to promote the integration of bone–prosthesis interface. The lesion was completely resected and the prosthesis was precisely installed. After 12 months follow‐up, patients demonstrated favorable function results with the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) score was 27/30, and the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score was 92/100. The range of motion for dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion of the right ankle joint was measured as 10° and 35°, 15°, and 10°, respectively. The postoperative radiograph showed a good position of the prosthesis. No narrowed joint space was observed. Tomosynthesis shimadzu metal artifact reduction technology (T‐SMART) revealed that integration between bone and prosthesis was good.

Conclusion

In this case, we present a case of 3D‐printed talus‐calcaneal prosthesis reconstructing talus and calcaneus. Favorable postoperative function outcome and good integration of the interface were observed. Therefore, this case provides an alternative therapeutic option for the treatment invasive talus tumor accompanied by suspicious contamination of the calcaneus. Nevertheless, a larger cohort study and with longer follow‐up is needed to evaluate the effectiveness and potential complications of this novel prosthesis.
Biomechanical Effects of Different Spacing Distributions Between the Cemented Superior Boundary and Surgical Vertebral Superior Endplates After Percutaneous Vertebroplasty for Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: A Three‐Dimensional Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Meng Xiao , Zhou Chengqiang , Liao Yifeng , Zhou Haibin , Li Hua , Liu Jiayuan , Tang Xuebin , Wang Yunqing
Published: November 2024

Objective

Patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF) treated with vertebroplasty (PVP) are experiencing an increasing number of problems such as pain recurrence, mainly due to recompression fractures of the operated vertebral body within a certain period of time after the operation, which is closely related to the distribution of intraoperative bone cement. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of different spacing distributions between the upper boundary of the cement and the upper endplate of the operated vertebra on the biomechanics of the operated vertebra after percutaneous vertebroplasty for OVCF using finite element analysis (FEA).

Methods

One patient with L1 vertebral body OVCF was selected, and computed tomography (CT) of the thoracolumbar segment was performed. The CT data were extracted to establish an FEA model of the T12–L2 vertebral bodies. Bone cement was injected into the L1 vertebral body. Based on the spacing between the upper boundary of the bone cement and the vertebral body's upper endplates, the model vertebrae were divided into 0, 2, 4, and 6 mm spacing groups, and the human body's upright, flexion–extension, lateral flexion, and rotational positions were simulated. The biomechanical effects of different spacing distributions on the postoperative L1 vertebral body and the injected bone cement were evaluated.

Results

In this paper, we found that the Von Mises stress of the L1 vertebrae was the smallest when the spacing between the upper boundary of the bone cement and the vertebral body's upper endplates was 0 mm. The larger the spacing in a certain range between the upper boundary of the bone cement and the vertebral body's upper endplates, the greater the Von Mises stress of the L1 vertebrae. However, in the stress comparison of the injected bone cement, the Von Mises stress of the bone cement was greatest when the spacing between the upper boundary of the bone cement and the upper endplate of the vertebral body was 0 mm; the larger the spacing, the smaller the Von Mises stress.

Conclusion

When the contact spacing between the upper boundary of the bone cement and the upper endplate of the vertebral body is 0 mm, it can effectively eliminate and transfer the pressure caused by the load, thus reducing the stress on the cancellous bone and further reducing the risk of vertebral refracture after surgery.
Linking stomatal size and density to water use efficiency and leaf carbon isotope ratio in juvenile and mature trees
Authors: Petrík Peter , Petek‐Petrík Anja , Lamarque Laurent J. , Link Roman M. , Waite Pierre‐André , Ruehr Nadine K. , Schuldt Bernhard , Maire Vincent
Published: November 2024

Water‐use efficiency (WUE) is affected by multiple leaf traits, including stomatal morphology. However, the impact of stomatal morphology on WUE across different ontogenetic stages of tree species is not well‐documented. Here, we investigated the relationship between stomatal morphology, intrinsic water‐use efficiency (iWUE) and leaf carbon isotope ratio (δ13C). We sampled 190 individuals, including juvenile and mature trees belonging to 18 temperate broadleaved tree species and 9 genera. We measured guard cell length (GCL), stomatal density (SD), specific leaf area (SLA), iWUE and bulk leaf δ13C as a proxy for long‐term WUE. Leaf δ13C correlated positively with iWUE across species in both juvenile and mature trees, while GCL showed a negative and SD a positive effect on iWUE and leaf δ13C. Within species, however, only GCL was significantly associated with iWUE and leaf δ13C. SLA had a minor negative influence on iWUE and leaf δ13C, but this effect was inconsistent between juvenile and mature trees. We conclude that GCL and SD can be considered functional morphological traits related to the iWUE and leaf δ13C of trees, highlighting their potential for rapid phenotyping approaches in ecological studies.
Investigating the role of community organizations in communicating extreme weather events in New York City: A content analysis
Authors: Gilbert Christine , Li Ruobing , Colle Brian , Moses Josef , Golden Sarah
Published: November 2024

The communication of extreme weather forecasts (e.g., heatwaves and extreme precipitation) is a challenge for weather forecasters and emergency managers who are tasked with keeping residents safe during often unprecedented situations. Weather models have inherent uncertainty, and the ability for potentially life‐saving information to get to the people who need it most (e.g., those who need to evacuate) remains a challenge despite the proliferation of digital access to information and social media sites like Twitter. It is also unclear the role that community‐based organizations and super‐local governmental entities play or may play during weather events in transmitting weather information and providing assistance. In New York City, there remains robust inequality, with communities that are historically disadvantaged often suffering the highest number of deaths and level of destruction following weather events. Results from interviewing 26 New York City community leaders suggest that local organizations often act as intermediaries, passing on official weather information to members of their audience, regardless of the mission statement of their organization. Common challenges for communities in responding to extreme weather include lack of access to information, language barriers, and insufficient resources. Considerations for future weather communication strategies are discussed.
Targeting ATR Kinase as a Strategy for Canine Lymphoma and Leukaemia Treatment
Authors: Henklewska Marta , Pawlak Aleksandra , Obmińska‐Mrukowicz Bożena
Published: November 2024

Ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3‐related (ATR) kinase is one of the main regulators of cell response to DNA damage and replication stress. Effectiveness of ATR targeting in human cancers has been confirmed in preclinical studies and ATR inhibitors are currently developed clinically in human oncology. In the presented study, we tested the anticancer efficacy of ATR inhibitor berzosertib in an in vitro model of canine haematopoietic cancers. Using MTT assay and flow cytometry, we assessed the cytotoxicity of berzosertib in four established canine lymphoma and leukaemia cell lines and compared it with its activity against noncancerous canine cells. Further, we estimated the level of apoptosis in berzosertib‐treated cells via flow cytometry and assessed H2AX phosphorylation as a marker of DNA damage using western blot technique. In flow‐cytometric analysis, we also evaluated potential synergism between berzosertib and chlorambucil and assessed the influence of berzosertib on cell cycle disturbances induced by the drug. The results demonstrated that berzosertib, even without additional DNA damaging agent, can be effective against canine lymphoma and leukaemia cells at concentrations that were harmless for noncancerous cells, although sensitivity of individual cancer cell lines varied greatly. Cell death occurred through caspase‐dependent apoptosis via induction of DNA damage. Berzosertib also acted synergistically with chlorambucil, probably by preventing DNA damage repair as a consequence of S‐phase arrest abrogation. In conclusion, ATR inhibition may provide a new therapeutic option for the treatment of canine lymphomas and leukaemias, but further studies are required to determine potential biomarkers of their susceptibility.
Isolation of Tumour‐Derived Extracellular Vesicles From the Plasma of Dogs Affected by Intracranial Tumours Showing Heterologous and Cross‐Species Tropism: A Pilot Study
Authors: Vincenti Simona , Villa Alessandro , de Mitri Zemira , Maiolini Arianna , Franzé Silvia , Schweizer Daniela , Oevermann Anna , Ciana Paolo
Published: November 2024

Canine and human brain tumours exhibit similar incidence rates and prognoses. Recent studies have demonstrated that extracellular vesicles derived from human patients (PDEVs) can be loaded with contrast agents and exhibit tumour tropism in murine models. We showed in a previous study that gadolinium‐labelled EVs derived from canine gliomas (cPDEVs) can selectively targets murine glioblastoma cells in animal models. As a further step, we investigated the potential heterologous and cross‐species tumour tropism of cPDEVs with brain tumours. With the perspective of imminent clinical application as both markers and drug delivery tools, we have successfully established the isolation protocol for cPDEVs and confirmed the aseptic conditions of the procedure and therefore the sterility of the isolated EVs. To assess the functionality of cPDEVs as drug delivery tool, they were loaded with indocyanine green (ICG) and injected into murine models of cancer for in vivo fluorescence biodistribution studies. Biodistribution analysis in mice revealed that ICG‐loaded cPDEVs injected into murine models of subcutaneous tumours accumulated exclusively in the neoplastic tissue, even when evaluated 24 h post‐injection, thus showing the cross‐species and heterologous selective tumour tropism of the nanoparticles. With these tests, we have established a safe protocol for isolating and loading autologous cPDEVs with various markers, thereby paving the way for the clinical testing phase. These significant findings suggest the potential use of cPDEVs as a theranostic tool in the management of canine brain tumours, with promising implications for translational medicine applications in the future.
Insights from an online survey: Veterinary surgeons' antibiotic practices in ophthalmic surgery in Germany
Authors: Busse Claudia , Raab Anne , Kreienbrock Lothar , Volk Holger Andreas
Published: November 2024

Purpose

To investigate antibiotic usage practices in ophthalmic surgeries in Germany.

Materials and Methods

An online questionnaire was sent to veterinary surgeons (general veterinarians and veterinarians with additional qualification in ophthalmology) inquiring about their antibiotic preferences, administration methods, and factors affecting antibiotic usage in ophthalmic surgical procedures.

Results

A total of 417 questionnaires were analyzed. Postoperative antibiotics (systemic/topical in percent when used) were used all or most of the time by 69% of veterinarians following enucleation (99/6), by 62% after eyelid surgery (54/69), by 68% after third eyelid (TEL) surgery (19/92) and by 80% after keratectomy (6/99). The most commonly used systemic antibiotic was amoxicillin with clavulanic acid and the most commonly used topical antibiotic was chloramphenicol.

WHO “watch‐group” antibiotics were infrequently administered systemically but frequently utilized topically; including in 13% of eyelid surgery, 15% of TEL surgery, and 35% of keratectomies. Factors influencing antibiotic use included fear of complications (67%), personal experience (63%), diagnostic uncertainty (21%), and owner expectations (9%). Participants following institutional guidelines used fewer antibiotics in enucleations (p = .002) and were less likely to choose fluoroquinolones post‐eyelid surgery (p = .044).

Conclusion

The potential for reducing antibiotic use following ophthalmic soft tissue surgery is significant. Addressing barriers such as concerns about postoperative complications and the reliance on individual clinical experience, the implementation of standardized guidelines could facilitate a shift toward more judicious antibiotic practices.
THE IN-CONTROL PERFORMANCE OF THE ROBUST MULTIVARIATE SYNTHETIC CONTROL CHARTS FOR MONITORING MEAN SHIFT
Authors: Gie Xao Ong , Abdul-Rahman Ayu , Abdullah Suhaida
Published: November 2024

Multivariate synthetic control chart enables monitoring of multiple process variable simultaneously and hence, negate the inflation of false alarm rates as can be seen in an individual statistical chart. A robust version of the synthetic chart is necessary to mitigate the issue faces by the traditional multivariate synthetic chart, which is unable to produce reliable parameter estimates when Phase I data are contaminated. Therefore, this study proposed three new robust multivariate synthetic control charts (CMRCD, CWS and CWP) which were constructed via minimum regularized covariance determinant (MRCD) and winsorized modified one-step M-estimator (WMOM) for efficient process monitoring. The effectiveness of the proposed robust charts was evaluated in terms of false alarm rates by comparing their in-control performances to the traditional multivariate synthetic chart, Cmean, which is based on the sample mean. Via extensive simulation studies, the findings indicate that the proposed robust control charts outperform the traditional chart regardless of the dimensions or the level of contaminations in the dataset. The real data study further validates that the CMRCD, CWS and CWP perform better than the Cmean. Specifically, the three robust control charts show significant observations, illustrating better capability in monitoring river water quality when compared to the Cmean, i.e., the traditional multivariate synthetic chart.
CRYSTALLIZATION TEMPERATURE AND SOLVENT COMPOSITION EFFECT FOR ENHANCEMENT OF UNSATURATED FATTY ACIDS FROM PALM OIL USING UREA COMPLEXATION
Authors: Setyawardhani Dwi Ardiana , Ihsani Imam Fadhil , Lestari Sari Ayu Dwi , Zhafirah Haura Rana , Silvia Viana , Fadilah  , Danarto Y. C.
Published: November 2024

Mono and Poly Unsaturated Fatty Acids (MUFAs/PUFAs) are vital nutritional sources for infants, adults, and the elderly. The content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can be enhanced in vegetable oils or animal fats using a range of different techniques. The process of urea complexation is highly effective and efficient for concentrating monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from vegetable oils. This study employed refined palm oil as the raw material that went through saponification and purification processes in order to generate fatty acids mixture. Subsequently, urea was introduced to create a complex chemical in the form of urea complexed fraction (UCF) and leaving the non-urea complexed fraction (NUCF). Gas chromatography was employed to analyze the fatty acid composition obtained from urea complexation. This study investigated the impact of different crystallization temperatures (-4°C, 8°C, 12°C, 22°C, and 30°C) and ethanol concentrations (ranging from 0% to 100%) on enhancing the unsaturated content and yield of fatty acids derived from palm oil. It also conducted predictive equations to determine the yield and fatty acids composition in the non-urea complexed fraction (NUCF) which are important for separation process design in chemical industries. The study revealed that increasing the crystallization temperature resulted in a larger yield in the liquid fraction (NUCF), but a lower concentration of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs).
LATERAL STIFFNESS EVALUATION OF RESIDENTIAL ISO CONTAINER MODULE: FULL-SCALED EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL STUDIES
Authors: Cher Siang Tan , Ling Chie Hui Philip , Lee Yeong Huei
Published: November 2024

International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) containers, designed to protect contents against extreme conditions, are often repurposed as temporary shelters during disasters, conflict, or urbanization. However, modifying these containers for housing greatly affects their structural integrity. Several studies have numerically and experimentally investigated the structural strength of container structures. However, there was limited information on the lateral stiffness of a residential ISO container subjected to lateral load. A piece of valuable information when the container is applied to a multi-story structure. This study proposed to conduct physical tests on two full-scaled residential ISO container structures to evaluate their lateral stiffness. Considering the actual condition of a residential container, both samples were fabricated with different sizes of openings. The finite element models of the samples were developed and analysed employing Abaqus for comparison with other studies and the experimental results. The application for lateral stiffness of ISO containers subjected to wind load was discussed based on the current design standard. The outcome of the study widened the scope of the structural behaviour of an ISO container towards the lateral stiffness of a residential container structure.