bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The role of the arts on community mental health and cultural understanding in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Hearst Mary O. , Belay Melaku , Wilcox Hui
Published: November 2023

Background

In low-and middle-income countries, there are rising rates of depression and anxiety. In Ethiopia, depression and anxiety rates were rising before the COVID-19 pandemic, and the country faces ethnic discord and armed conflict. Novel community-based strategies are needed to improve mental health and cultural unity. The purpose of this research was to describe the role of a cultural center’s art programming in mental health and cultural unity.

Methods

This qualitative study conducted interviews and focus groups with audience members, artists, and staff at Fendika Cultural Center, Addis Ababa, in January 2023. Participants were recruited via word of mouth and purposive sampling. Focus groups and interviews led in English or Amharic were recorded, transcribed, and translated as needed. Questions included participant experiences with Fendika Cultural Center and how experiencing the arts at Fendika influences wellbeing. We used deductive analysis, guided by the Arts and Culture in Public Health Framework.

Results

Two focus groups (n = 11 participants, five females and six males) and five key informant interviews (three females and two males) were completed. Findings suggested that the activities at Fendika were important for addressing individual depression and anxiety through the social and physical environments as well as the inherent cultural support and unity expressed through the arts. The themes were consistent with the Arts and Culture in Public Health Framework.

Conclusion

The arts play an important role in positive mental health and cultural unity. Further research is needed to establish the generalizability, reach, and persistence of the impact of cultural centers on mental health cultural understanding.
Identification of organizational barriers to HPV vaccination uptake in medical students in southern Italy: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sorrentino Michele , Mercogliano Michelangelo , Esposito Federica , Lamberti Agostina Maria , Buonocore Gaetano , Riganti Carla , Triassi Maria , Palladino Raffaele
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Despite proven efficacy, HPV vaccination coverage is still suboptimal. Factors influencing vaccination uptake are education attainment, socio-economic position, and knowledge about HPV. This study aimed to assess HPV vaccination uptake and its correlates among medical students and identify logistic-organizational barriers, knowledge, and attitudes with regard towards HPV vaccination to improve current public health vaccination strategies. Medical students, with their acquired biological knowledge, were selected as a low-risk groups for HPV vaccination uptake. This cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated questionnaire.

Methods

Students in their the first 3 years of study students were preferentially invited. Eventually, the invitation was extended to every medical student. Logistic multivariable regression was used to assess determinants of HPV vaccination uptake. Additional analysis explored determinants of knowledge of and attitude toward HPV vaccination. Finally, a sensitive analysis was conducted to further assess the effect of knowledge and attitude on the HPV vaccination rate.

Results

A total of 882 medical students participated, with 74.5% enrolled in the first 3 years of their training. HPV vaccination uptake was 55.5%, ranging from 78.5% for females to 16.5% for males. Male sex and increasing age were consistently associated with a lower vaccination uptake (males sex: OR 0.03, CI 0.02–0.05; age: OR 0.77, CI 0.68–0.88), whereasilst progress in their academic career was associated with a to higher likelihood of being vaccinated (6th year: OR 3.45, CI 1.24–9.57). These associations were confirmed when considering the knowledge of and attitude towards HPV. Additionally also, an active outreach from healthcare institutions was associated with a higher likelihood of receiving HPV vaccination (OR 1.70, CI 1.09–2.65.

Conclusion

HPV vaccination in medical students was higher than in the general population; however, it was still suboptimal. An active and up-to-date call strategy and extending the free-of-charge offer are essential measures for to improvinge vaccination uptake. The findings support the need to improve public health strategies and increase awareness and knowledge ofregarding HPV vaccination.
Ethical questioning in arts and health-based research: propositions and reflections
Authors: Afolabi Taiwo , Kozak Luba , Smith Calum
Published: November 2023

Ethical questioning is a framework for considering the ethical implications and practices in research and is used as a tool for thinking about the connections between art and health. It enables researchers and practitioners to gain a deeper understanding of the emotional dimensions in the field of art and health. In this paper, we propose that ethical questioning, grounded in the principles of ethics of care, can foster a more reflexive and holistic approach to understanding the concept of well-being. We also propose that adopting ethical questioning as a methodology, which requires intentional self-reflection and recognition of positionality, can expose and challenge conventional knowledge hierarchies, resulting in more ethical research outcomes and relationships between researchers and participants. Ultimately, our hypothesis proposes that ethical questioning holds the potential to offer an actionable practice that demonstrates ethics of care.
Incline and decline running alters joint moment contributions but not peak support moments in individuals with an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction and controls
Authors: Harrison Kenneth , Holmes Hillary H. , Finley Eric B. , Guzman Keven Santamaria , Kimbrough Katherine C. , Roper Jaimie A.
Published: November 2023

Individuals with an anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) commonly exhibit altered gait patterns, potentially contributing to an increased risk of osteoarthritis (OA). Joint moment contributions (JMCs) and support moments during incline and decline running are unknown in healthy young adults and individuals with an ACLR. Understanding these conditional joint-level changes could explain the increased incidence of OA that develops in the long term. Therefore, this knowledge may provide insight into the rehabilitation and prevention of OA development. We aimed to identify the interlimb and between-group differences in peak support moments and subsequent peak ankle, knee, and hip JMCs between individuals with an ACLR and matched controls during different sloped running conditions. A total of 17 individuals with unilateral ACLR and 17 healthy individuals who were matched based on sex, height, and mass participated in this study. The participants ran on an instrumented treadmill at an incline of 4°, decline of 4°, incline of 10°, and decline of 10°. The last 10 strides of each condition were used to compare the whole-stance phase support moments and JMCs between limbs, ACLR, and control groups and across conditions. No differences in JMCs were identified between limbs or between the ACLR and healthy control groups across all conditions. Support moments did not change among the different sloped conditions, but JMCs significantly changed. Specifically, ankle and knee JMCs decreased and increased by 30% and 33% from an incline of 10° to a decline of 10° running. Here, the lower extremities can redistribute mechanics across the ankle, knee, and hip while maintaining consistent support moments during incline and decline running. Our data provide evidence that those with an ACLR do not exhibit significant alterations in joint contributions while running on sloped conditions compared to the matched controls. Our findings inform future research interested in understanding the relationship between sloped running mechanics and the incidence of deleterious acute or chronic problems in people with an ACLR.
SciRAPnano: a pragmatic and harmonized approach for quality evaluation of in vitro toxicity data to support risk assessment of nanomaterials
Authors: Shao Gen , Beronius Anna , Nymark Penny
Published: November 2023

Large amounts of nanotoxicity data from alternative non-animal (in vitro) test methods have been generated, but there is a lack of harmonized quality evaluation approaches for these types of data. Tools for scientifically sound and structured evaluation of the reliability and relevance of in vitro toxicity data to effectively inform regulatory hazard assessment of nanomaterials (NMs), are needed. Here, we present the development of a pragmatic approach to facilitate such evaluation. The tool was developed based on the Science in Risk Assessment and Policy (SciRAP) tool currently applicable to quality evaluation of chemical toxicity studies. The approach taken to develop the tool, referred to as SciRAPnano, included refinement of the original SciRAP in vitro tool through implementation of identified NM-relevant criteria, and further refined based on a set of case studies involving evaluation of 11 studies investigating in vitro toxicity of nano-sized titanium dioxide. Parameters considered cover key physicochemical properties as well as assay-specific aspects that impact NM toxicity, including NM interference with test methods and NM transformation. The final SciRAPnano tool contains 38 criteria for reporting quality, 19 criteria for methodological quality, and 4 guidance items to evaluate relevance. The approach covers essential parameters for pragmatic and harmonized evaluation of NM in vitro toxicity studies and allows for structured use of in vitro data in regulatory hazard assessment of NMs, including transparency on data quality.
Comparison of Doses in Lunar Habitats Located at the Surface and in Crater
Authors: Burahmah Naser T. , Heilbronn Lawrence H.
Published: November 2023

As humanity prepares for extended lunar exploration, understanding the radiation environment on the Moon is important for astronaut safety. This study utilized the Particle and Heavy-Ion Transport code System (PHITS), a stochastic Monte Carlo-based radiation transport code, to simulate the radiation environment inside a habitat, focusing on the impact of galactic cosmic rays (GCRs) interacting with local lunar and habitat material, and to calculate the effective dose equivalent. Placing a lunar base in a crater can provide additional shielding by reducing the GCR flux incident on the base. Furthermore, the secondary radiation field created by GCR interactions may be altered by the local topological features. GCR transport calculations were performed for a hypothetical base on a flat surface and in shallow and deep craters to determine the overall efficacy in dose reduction gained by placing a base in a 100 m diameter crater. Our findings indicate that the depth of lunar habitats significantly influences the effective dose equivalent, with deeper locations offering substantial protection. Specifically, alongside a crater wall at a deep depth (15 m), in solar minimum conditions, the total dose was reduced by approximately 44.9% compared to the dose at the surface. Similarly, at a shallow depth (5 m), a reduction of approximately 10.7% was observed. As the depth of the crater increased, the neutron contribution to the total dose also increased. Comparing the simulated doses to NASA’s lifetime exposure limits provides insights into mission planning and astronaut safety, emphasizing the importance of strategic habitat placement and design.
Condition of Young Japanese Knotweed (Reynoutria japonica Houtt.) Offshoots in Response to Microwave Radiation of Their Rhizomes
Authors: Grygierzec Beata , Słowiński Krzysztof , Mazur Stanisław , Tabor Sylwester , Kliszcz Angelika , Synowiec Agnieszka , Roman Ropek Dariusz , Luty Lidia
Published: November 2023

Invasive Japanese knotweed is one of Poland’s most aggressive and difficult-to-control species. New methods of control are of utmost importance. This study aimed to analyze young knotweed offshoots’ regeneration and physiological condition after treatment of their rhizomes with microwaves of high frequency. The fresh rhizomes were microwaved in the laboratory once for different times (from 5 to 60 s, interval 5 s). Next, in the greenhouse, the growth of offshoots and their biochemical state (spectrophotometry of leaves) were recorded in three measurement series. It was shown that the microwave treatment for 35 s directly destroys knotweed rhizomes of a diameter of 1–3 cm, so it does not produce new offsprings. The treatment times from 5–25 s delay offspring regeneration and growth and development of leaves. The leaves initiate the mechanisms of protection against microwave stress in offshoots grown from the rhizomes exposed to microwaves for 10 s (increase in the anthocyanin index) and the 5 or 20 s treatments (higher values of the photochemical reflectance index). Based on the effective dose (ED50) analysis, the threshold of harmful effects of microwaves on the growth and development of Reynoutria japonica rhizomes was assumed to be 17–19 s.
Suppression of Monilinia Brown Rot by Bacillus spp. Strains
Authors: Hrustić Jovana , Medić Olja , Berić Tanja , Mihajlović Milica , Milijašević-Marčić Svetlana , Stanković Slaviša , Pešić Brankica
Published: November 2023

Brown rot caused by Monilinia spp. is one of the main causes of pre- and postharvest losses in stone and pome fruit production. The use of beneficial microorganisms is considered one of the most promising, safe and effective alternative methods for controlling these pathogens. This study aimed to investigate the antagonistic potential of 33 Bacillus spp. strains, in order to identify the best candidate for brown rot biocontrol. Strains identified as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B-241 and Bacillus subtilis B-313 and B-358 were chosen for further ex situ studies on detached apple fruit. The efficacy of B-241 (87.1–93.7%) did not differ significantly from a commercially available synthetic fungicide (p > 0.05). The putative mode of action of B. amyloliquefaciens B-241 against Monilinia species is competition for nutrients and antibiosis. The ethyl acetate extract of the strain, applied at 5 and 12.5 mg/mL, was bioactive in vitro and ex situ. A HPLC analysis confirmed the presence of surfactin and bacillomycin D in the extract. However, before developing a shelf-stable product and commercial production, the spectrum and efficacy on a larger scale of the B-241 strain should be determined, and its efficacy in combination with commercial biofungicides and fungicides tested in vivo.
Economic Evaluation and Risk Premium Estimation of Rainfed Soybean under Various Planting Practices in a Semi-Humid Drought-Prone Region of Northwest China
Authors: Liao Zhenqi , Pei Shengzhao , Bai Zhentao , Lai Zhenlin , Wen Lei , Zhang Fucang , Li Zhijun , Fan Junliang
Published: November 2023

Economic benefits and risk premiums significantly affect the production system decision making of farmers and government departments. This study evaluated the economic feasibility and estimated the risk premium of 12 rainfed soybean production systems with various planting densities, fertilization rates and planting patterns by considering the impact of soybean price fluctuation. There were two planting densities (D1: 160,000 plants ha−1 and D2: 320,000 plants ha−1), two fertilization rates (F1: 20 kg ha−1 N, 30 kg ha−1 P, 30 kg ha−1 K; F2: 40 kg ha−1 N, 60 kg ha−1 P, 60 kg ha−1 K) and three planting patterns (F+W0: flat cultivation with no irrigation; R+W0: plastic-mulched ridge-furrow cultivation (PMRF) with no irrigation; R+W1: PMRF with supplemental irrigation of 30 mm at the pod-filling stage). Based on the two-year (2019–2020) field data in a semi-humid drought-prone region of northwest China and soybean price fluctuation from January 2014 to June 2021, the net income (NI) was calculated by considering the impact of soybean price fluctuation and assuming constant soybean production costs. The net present value (NPV) method and the stochastic efficiency with respect to a function (SERF) method were used to evaluate the profitability of protective alternatives and the risk of these alternatives. The results showed that the 12 proposed soybean production systems were economically feasible. Reducing the fertilization rate reduced the input costs, but it did not necessarily result in a decrease in soybean yield and NI. The payback period of all production systems was within two years for farmers investing through loans. High-fertilizer and high-density production systems made personal investment obtain the highest economic benefit in this study, which was not the best investment strategy from the perspective of production-to-investment ratio and environmental protection departments. The preferences of farmers with various risk aversion and environmental protection departments in terms of risk premium were also proposed. The economic and risk assessment framework of this study can enhance the understanding of the adjustment of production systems from different perspectives, and provide strategies for promoting the protection of economic, environmental and socially sustainable agricultural systems.
OpenToolFlux: An Open-Source Software for Estimating Gas Fluxes from Automatic Chamber Data
Authors: Galea Carmen , Sanz-Cobeña Alberto , Lassaletta Luis , Monistrol Alba , Vallejo Antonio , Einarsson Rasmus
Published: November 2023

OpenToolFlux 1.0 is an open-source software designed to estimate soil gas fluxes from gas concentration time-series data generated by automatic chamber systems. This paper describes the physical equipment used as well as the software design and workflow. The software is a command-line application that imports tabular time-series data from the analyzer following the instructions specified in a configuration file by the user, performs configurable data-cleaning operations, and outputs a data file with volumetric flux estimates as well as diagnostic plots. The software can be configured according to the specifics of the physical equipment and experimental setups, and it is, therefore, applicable to a wide range of studies.
Butter from Different Species: Composition and Quality Parameters of Products Commercialized in the South of Spain
Authors: Vioque-Amor Montserrat , Gómez-Díaz Rafael , Del Río-Celestino Mercedes , Avilés-Ramírez Carmen
Published: November 2023

Butter is an important product for the dairy industry due to its particular sensory attributes and nutritional value, while the variability of the composition of the fatty acids in the milk can alter the nutritional and physical properties of butter and its acceptance by consumers. Butter is highly appreciated for its distinctive flavor and aroma; however, one of its main drawbacks lies in the difficulty in spreading it at low temperatures. Several types of butter that are present in the market were used in this study. We assessed the variability in the composition of the samples regarding their texture, color properties, and volatile organic compound profiles. We analyzed samples commercially produced from sheep’s milk (SB), goat’s milk (GB), and cow’s milk (CB); samples from the latter species with (CSB) and without salt (CB); and the low-fat (CLB) version. All the physicochemical composition parameters were significantly affected by the effect of the type of butter, although only 29 out of the 45 fatty acids examined were identified in the butter samples analyzed. The textural properties of the butters were influenced by both their solid fat content and the fatty acid profile. In addition, the origin of the milk not only affected the texture parameters but also the color of the butters and the compounds associated with traits such as odor and flavor. Through the multivariate data analysis of butter fatty acids and volatile compound percentages, we observed a clear differentiation of the samples based on the species of origin.
Effects of Dam and Sire Breeds on Lamb Carcass Quality and Composition in Pasture-Based Systems
Authors: Justice S. Maggie , Jesch Elliot , Duckett Susan K.
Published: November 2023

This study explored the impacts of sire and dam breed on carcass quality and composition in a pasture-based system and the use of DXA to rapidly rank carcasses for leanness. Southdown (SD) and Suffolk (SF) ewes were mated to Texel (TX) or SD rams to produce seventy-nine lambs. Lambs were raised on pasture-based systems with limited grain supplementation. Lamb birth weight was greater (p < 0.01) for TX, regardless of dam breed. Lambing rate was lower (p < 0.01) for SD than SF ewes. Circulating myostatin concentrations were greater (p < 0.05) on d 42 than d 75 or d 110 but did not differ by sire breed. Texel-sired lambs had greater (p < 0.01) carcass weight, ribeye area and quality grade compared to SD-sired. Total and primal fat mass as predicted from DXA was higher (p < 0.05) in carcasses from SD than TX sires. Muscles from TX lambs had greater (p < 0.05) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition than SD-sired. Shear force values were influenced (p < 0.01) by dam breed, muscle cut and postmortem age but not by sire breed. The use of TX sires in pasture-based systems improved carcass leanness and muscle PUFA concentrations without altering tenderness.
Tryptophan and Cortisol Modulate the Kynurenine and Serotonin Transcriptional Pathway in the Kidney of Oncorhynchus kisutch
Authors: Vargas-Chacoff Luis , Nualart Daniela , Vargas-Lagos Carolina , Dann Francisco , Muñoz José Luis , Pontigo Juan Pablo
Published: November 2023

Aquaculture fish are kept for long periods in sea cages or tanks. Consequently, accumulated stress causes the fish to present serious problems with critical economic losses. Fish food has been supplemented to reduce this stress, using many components as amino acids such as tryptophan. This study aims to determine the transcriptional effect of tryptophan and cortisol on primary cell cultures of salmon head and posterior kidney. Our results indicate activation of the kynurenine pathway and serotonin activity when stimulated with tryptophan and cortisol. An amount of 95% of tryptophan is degraded by the kynurenine pathway, indicating the relevance of knowing how this pathway is activated and if stress levels associated with fish culture trigger its activation. Additionally, it is essential to know the consequence of increasing kynurenic acid “KYNA” levels in the short and long term, and even during the fish ontogeny.
Alterations in Gene Expression and the Fatty Acid Profile Impact but Do Not Compromise the In Vitro Maturation of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Stage III Ovarian Follicles after Cryopreservation
Authors: de Mello Fernanda , Alonso Daniel Jaen , Faria Natália Pires Vieira Morais de , Marques Victor Hugo , Oliveira Ethiene Fernandes de , de Mello Paulo Henrique , Godoy Leandro César de , Moreira Renata Guimaraes
Published: November 2023

The vitrification of ovarian follicles is a strategic tool that may contribute to advances in aquaculture and the conservation of many important species. Despite the difficulties inherent to the cryopreservation of oocytes, some successful protocols have been developed for different species, but little is known about the capacity of oocytes to develop after thawing. Therefore, the profiles of the reproductive pathway genes and fatty acid membrane composition during the initial stages of development were analyzed in fresh ovarian follicles and follicles after the vitrification process. There were differences in the expression of the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonad axis genes during the follicular development in the control group as well as in the vitrified group. Similarly, alterations in the composition of fatty acids were observed after vitrification. Despite this, many alterations were observed in the vitrified group; more than half of the stage III ovarian follicles were able to grow and mature in vitro. Therefore, the vitrification of ovarian follicles may impact them at molecular and membrane levels, but it does not compromise their capability for in vitro maturation, which indicates that the technique can be a strategic tool for aquaculture.
Antibacterial Activity of Rainbow Trout Plasma: In Vitro Assays and Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Mizaeva Toita , Alieva Kalimat , Zulkarneev Eldar , Kurpe Stanislav , Isakova Kseniya , Matrosova Svetlana , Borvinskaya Ekaterina , Sukhovskaya Irina
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the bactericidal activity of blood plasma from cultured rainbow trout obtained from two different fish farms. Plasma from trout naturally infected with the bacterial pathogen Flavobacterium psychrophilum was found to inhibit the growth of Aeromonas hydrophila in vitro. Incubation of A. hydrophila in bacteriostatic trout plasma resulted in agglutination and growth retardation, without causing massive damage to the cell membrane. The proteome of the plasma with high antimicrobial activity revealed an abundance of high-density apolipoproteins, some isoforms of immunoglobulins, complement components C1q and C4, coagulation factors, lectins, periostin, and hemoglobin. Analysis of trout proteins retained on A. hydrophila cells revealed the presence of fish immunoglobulins, lectins, and complement components on bacteria whose growth was inhibited, although the native membrane attack complex of immunised trout plasma did not assemble effectively, resulting in a weak bactericidal effect. Furthermore, this study examined the bacterial response to trout plasma and suggested that the protein synthesis pathway was the target of antimicrobial proteins from fish blood. Taken together, these findings illustrate the advantages of the affinity approach for understanding the role of plasma proteins in host defence against pathogens.
An Overview of Canine Inherited Neurological Disorders with Known Causal Variants
Authors: Cocostîrc Vlad , Paștiu Anamaria Ioana , Pusta Dana Liana
Published: November 2023

Hereditary neurological conditions documented in dogs encompass congenital, neonatal, and late-onset disorders, along with both progressive and non-progressive forms. In order to identify the causal variant of a disease, the main two approaches are genome-wide investigations and candidate gene investigation. Online Mendelian Inheritance in Animals currently lists 418 Mendelian disorders specific to dogs, of which 355 have their likely causal genetic variant identified. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the canine nervous system phenes and their genetic causal variant. It has been noted that the majority of these diseases have an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. Additionally, the dog breeds that are more prone to develop such diseases are the Golden Retriever, in which six inherited neurological disorders with a known causal variant have been documented, and the Belgian Shepherd, in which five such disorders have been documented. DNA tests can play a vital role in effectively managing and ultimately eradicating inherited diseases.
Seasonal Variation of Gut Microbial Composition and Metabolism in Tibetan antelopes in Hoh Xil National Nature Reserve
Authors: Zhao Hang , Jiang Feng , Gu Haifeng , Gao Hongmei , Zhang Jingjie , Zhang Meng , Zhang Tongzuo
Published: November 2023

The Tibetan antelope is an endangered species suffering from poaching and habitat fragmentation. The intestinal flora and metabolites play a crucial role in the physiological homeostasis of hosts, which are influenced by various environmental factors like seasonal variation. In this particular research, our main goal was to explore the alterations in the metabolism and gut microbiota of Tibetan antelopes between the cold season (XB) and warm season (DA), using untargeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene-sequencing analyses. The findings indicated that Tibetan antelopes had a higher alpha-diversity of intestinal microbes during the cold season than during the warm season. Principal co-ordinate analysis revealed notable seasonal discrepancies in the function and structure of intestinal microbes in Tibetan antelopes. The relative abundance of Firmicutes was significantly increased during the cold season compared to during the warm season. Furthermore, the Tibetan antelope’s primary metabolic functions of the intestinal micro-organisms were significantly higher during the cold season. The untargeted metabolomics analysis results showed a total of 532 metabolites that were significantly different between the cold season and warm season groups. These metabolites were found to be enriched in a total of 62 metabolic pathways. Among the most significant pathways of enrichment were the purine metabolism and pyrimidine metabolism. The levels of related metabolites in those pathways were remarkably higher in the warm season compared to the cold season. The comprehensive analysis of 16S rRNA and the metabolome reveals there is a significant correlation between differential microbiota and differential metabolites. Therefore, the gut microbiota changes caused by seasonal changes influenced the metabolites as well. This research reveals the function of seasonal changes in the intestinal flora and metabolites in the adaptation of Tibetan antelopes to environmental fluctuations and supplies a theoretical basis for instructing the protection management of Tibetan antelopes.
Clinical Chemistry and Haematology Values of a Captive Population of Humboldt Penguins (Spheniscus humboldti)
Authors: Leineweber Christoph , Lücht Maike , Gohl Christine , Steinmetz Hanspeter W. , Marschang Rachel E.
Published: November 2023

Reference intervals for clinical chemistry and haematology analytes are essential for the interpretation of blood results, but limited data are available for Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti) in zoological collections as well as in the wild. The aim of the present study was therefore to establish reference intervals for a series of clinical chemistry and haematology analytes in a single zoological population of Humboldt penguins. Furthermore, possible variations of the analytes influenced by the age and sex of the individuals were investigated. Lithium heparinized plasma and whole blood samples from 39 animals were analysed and statistically evaluated. The following clinical chemistry analytes were significantly higher in females: glutamate dehydrogenase (p = 0.0003), alanine transaminase (p = 0.0005), alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.0245), aspartate aminotransferase (p = 0.0043), creatine kinase (p = 0.0016), lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.0001), inorganic phosphorus (p = 0.0223), and sodium (p = 0.0415). No significant differences between males and females were found for any haematology analyte. Cholesterol (p = 0.0233; −0.39), white blood cell count (p = 0.0208; −0.40), and absolute heterophiles (p = 0.0148; −0.42) had significant negative correlations with the age of the penguins. The results indicate that the factors of sex and age should be considered when interpreting the results of haematological and clinical biochemistry assays, and further studies are needed to determine whether there are more differences in other age groups or seasons.
Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Strains to Last Resort Human Antibiotics Isolated from Healthy Companion Animals in Valencia Region
Authors: Marco-Fuertes Ana , Jordá Jaume , Marin Clara , Lorenzo-Rebenaque Laura , Montoro-Dasi Laura , Vega Santiago
Published: November 2023

Failure in antibiotic therapies due to the increase in antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria is one of the main threats to public and animal health. In recent decades, the perception of companion animals has changed, from being considered as a work tool to a household member, creating a family bond and sharing spaces in their daily routine. Hence, the aim of this study is to assess the current epidemiological situation regarding the presence of AMR and multidrug resistance (MDR) in companion animals in the Valencia Region, using the indicator bacteria Escherichia coli as a sentinel. For this purpose, 244 samples of dogs and cats were collected from veterinary centres to assess antimicrobial susceptibility against a panel of 22 antibiotics with public health relevance. A total of 197 E. coli strains were isolated from asymptomatic dogs and cats. The results showed AMR against all the 22 antibiotics studied, including those critically important to human medicine. Moreover, almost 50% of the strains presented MDR. The present study revealed the importance of monitoring AMR and MDR trends in companion animals, as they could pose a risk due to the spread of AMR and its resistance genes to humans, other animals and the environment they cohabit.
Long-Term Suppressive Therapeutic-Drug-Monitoring-Guided Dalbavancin Therapy for Cardiovascular Prosthetic Infections
Authors: Gallerani Altea , Gatti Milo , Bedini Andrea , Casolari Stefania , Orlando Gabriella , Puzzolante Cinzia , Franceschini Erica , Menozzi Marianna , Santoro Antonella , Barp Nicole , Volpi Sara , Soffritti Alessandra , Pea Federico , Mussini Cristina , Meschiari Marianna
Published: November 2023

Dalbavancin represents a promising treatment for cardiovascular prosthetic infections due to its prolonged half-life, bactericidal activity, large spectrum of activity, and excellent biofilm penetration. However, the use of dalbavancin in this setting is limited, and only a few cases have performed therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) analysis to optimize dosage in suppressive treatments longer than 4 weeks. Our retrospective case series reports the use of dalbavancin in a small cohort of patients with cardiovascular prosthetic infections (cardiac implantable electronic device infections (CEDIs), prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE), prosthetic vascular graft infections (PVGIs)) treated with dalbavancin as sequential therapy. From May 2019 to May 2023, 14 patients were included: eight cases of PVE (57.1%), seven cases of PVGI (50%), three cases of CEDI (21.4%), and four cases with overlap of infection sites (28.6%). The main pathogen was Staphylococcus aureus (35.7%). Prosthesis replacement was obtained in four patients (28.6%). The median time between symptom onset and the end of treatment was 15 weeks (IQR 7–53), with a median duration of dalbavancin therapy of 8 weeks (IQR 1 to 45 weeks) and 3.5 doses per patient. Among patients managed with TDM-guided strategy, dalbavancin infusion intervals ranged from 4 to 9 weeks. The median length of follow-up was 65 weeks (IQR 23 to 144 weeks). Clinical success was achieved in 10 cases (76.9%); all clinical failures occurred in patients with the implant retained. Among patients monitored by TDM, clinical success was 87.5% vs. 60% in patients treated without TDM. Because of pharmacokinetic individual variability, dalbavancin TDM-guided administration could improve clinical outcomes by individualizing dosing and selecting dosing intervals. This case series seems to suggest a promising role of long-term suppressive dalbavancin treatment for difficult-to-treat cardiovascular prosthesis infection, also with limited surgical indications.
The Antibacterial Properties of Polish Honey against Streptococcus mutans—A Causative Agent of Dental Caries
Authors: Grabek-Lejko Dorota , Hyrchel Tomasz
Published: November 2023

Streptococcus mutans is considered the main pathogen responsible for dental caries, one of the major infectious diseases, affecting more than 4 billion people worldwide. Honey is a natural product with well-known antibacterial potential against several human pathogens. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of Polish honey against S. mutans and analyze the role of some bioactive substances on its antibacterial action. The antibacterial potential of different honey varieties (goldenrod, buckwheat, honeydew, and lime) was analyzed using a microdilution assay. Manuka and artificial honey were used as controls. The content of GOX, hydrogen peroxide, total polyphenols, and antioxidant potential was assayed in honey. The influence of catalase and proteinase K on antibacterial activity as well as antibiofilm action was also determined. The strongest antibacterial activity was observed for buckwheat, honeydew, and manuka honey, which were also characterized by the highest antioxidant activity and polyphenols content. Catalase treatment decreases the antibacterial activity of honey, while proteinase K treatment influences the antibacterial potential of honey slightly less. Obtained results suggest that honey can be a good natural product against S. mutans, and hydrogen peroxide was identified as a crucial contributor to its antimicrobial action.
Dynamic Characteristic Analysis of a Half-Vehicle Seat System Integrated with Nonlinear Energy Sink Inerters (NESIs)
Authors: Zhang Yuanyuan , Ren Chunling , Meng Haodong , Wang Yong
Published: November 2023

To enhance the dynamic performance of half-vehicle seat systems and reduce vibrations in both the vertical and pitching directions, a nonlinear energy sink inerter (NESI) can be introduced and aligned with lightweight design principles. A dynamic model of a half-vehicle seat system integrated with NESIs is constructed using Newton’s second law. The dynamic response of the system under pavement harmonic and random excitations is obtained using the pseudo-arc-length and harmonic balance methods and the numerical method, respectively. The dynamic behavior of the system is assessed using eight evaluation indexes. The optimal structural parameters of the NESIs are determined through the genetic algorithm. The results indicate that using NESIs attenuates resonance peaks and reduces root mean square (RMS) values for vehicle seat suspension strokes, front and rear suspension system strokes, and front and rear dynamic tire loads. However, the resonance peaks and RMS values for other performance indexes, which are vehicle seat vertical acceleration, the bodywork vertical, and pitching accelerations, exhibit an increase. When the structural parameters of the NESIs are optimized and contrasted with the original NESIs, the RMS values of the bodywork’s vertical and pitching acceleration, seat vertical acceleration, and seat suspension stroke will decrease by 23.97%, 27.48%, 23.59%, and 14.29%, respectively, and the other evaluation indexes will satisfy the limit conditions.
Vardenafil Long-Term Administration Improves Episodic Memory in Aging Female Mice
Authors: Dadomo Harold , Ponzi Davide , Paterlini Silvia , Parmigiani Stefano , Palanza Paola
Published: November 2023

Age-dependent cognitive decline is associated with a downregulation of the cyclic nucleotide cascade. Through their regulation of the cGMP pathway, phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors have been proven to enhance episodic memory in rodents and mice and have been proposed as drugs with the potential to counteract aging-dependent cognitive and neurodegenerative disorders. One caveat of this line of research is that these studies have been carried out in male rodents, leaving unknown their effects on female cognition. With the present study, we aim to fill this methodological gap. Twenty-four-month-old female mice were exposed to a continuous 33-day treatment with 2 mg/kg of Vardenafil and tested in the object recognition test, the elevated plus maze, and the open field test. The results show that, compared to females from the control group, Vardenafil-exposed females showed higher discrimination between familiar and novel objects compared to controls both at 1 h and 24 h delays, indicating that Vardenafil enhances episodic memory. No effects of Vardenafil on anxiety-like behaviors were found.
Designing Automated Logistics Warehouse Stackable Bidirectional Infinite-Loop Modules
Authors: Min Kyoungsoon , Lim Daeeun
Published: November 2023

The modern logistics industry is grappling with significant challenges brought about by rapid market transformations. These challenges encompass workforce shortages, the increasing complexity of diverse logistics systems, environmental concerns arising from unregulated warehouse construction, and the scarcity of available land for development. In response to these pressing issues, this study introduced an automated logistics warehouse system that incorporated stackable bidirectional infinite-loop modules and employed a pre-transfer method. Extensive simulations rigorously validated the feasibility and effectiveness of this system, affirming its substantial capacity to enhance spatial utilization and operational efficiency within warehouses. Consequently, this study not only offers solutions to streamline transfer device routes, optimize storage space, reduce workforce demands, and contribute to economic gains, but also addresses labor shortages and land scarcity challenges. The overarching objective of this study was to provide pragmatic strategies for effectively tackling the multifaceted challenges confronting the logistics industry.
Short-Term Load Forecasting Based on VMD and Deep TCN-Based Hybrid Model with Self-Attention Mechanism
Authors: Xiong Qingliang , Liu Mingping , Li Yuqin , Zheng Chaodan , Deng Suhui
Published: November 2023

Due to difficulties with electric energy storage, balancing the supply and demand of the power grid is crucial for the stable operation of power systems. Short-term load forecasting can provide an early warning of excessive power consumption for utilities by formulating the generation, transmission and distribution of electric energy in advance. However, the nonlinear patterns and dynamics of load data still make accurate load forecasting a challenging task. To address this issue, a deep temporal convolutional network (TCN)-based hybrid model combined with variational mode decomposition (VMD) and self-attention mechanism (SAM) is proposed in this study. Firstly, VMD is used to decompose the original load data into a series of intrinsic mode components that are used to reconstruct a feature matrix combined with other external factors. Secondly, a three-layer convolutional neural network is used as a deep network to extract in-depth features between adjacent time points from the feature matrix, and then the output matrix captures the long-term temporal dependencies using the TCN. Thirdly, long short-term memory (LSTM) is utilized to enhance the extraction of temporal features, and the correlation weights of spatiotemporal features are future-adjusted dynamically using SAM to retain important features during the model training. Finally, the load forecasting results can be obtained from the fully connected layer. The effectiveness and generalization of the proposed model were validated on two real-world public datasets, ISO-NE and GEFCom2012. Experimental results indicate that the proposed model significantly improves the prediction accuracy in terms of evaluation metrics, compared with other contrast models.
Quantum Chromodynamics and the Hyperbolic Unitary Group SUh(3)
Authors: Popov Nikolay , Matveev Ivan
Published: November 2023

The paper shows that it is possible to construct quantum chromodynamics as a rigorous theory on the basis of employment of hyperbolic unitary group SUh(3), which is a symmetry group for the three-dimensional complex space of the hyperbolic type. Such an approach allows researchers to discover a profound connection between conserved color charges of the quarks and the symmetries of the hyperbolic three-dimensional complex space. Further, it allows a correct introduction of the Hermitian operators to describe the eight gluons, which are carriers of strong interactions.
Evaluation of the Impact of Calcium Silicate-Based Sealer Insertion Technique on Root Canal Obturation Quality: A Micro-Computed Tomography Study
Authors: Sfeir Germain , Bukiet Frédéric , Kaloustian Marc Krikor , Kharouf Naji , Slimani Lotfi , Casel Baptiste , Zogheib Carla
Published: November 2023

Background: Calcium silicate-based sealers have gained in popularity over time due to their physicochemical/biological properties and their possible use with single-cone obturation. The single cone technique is a sealer-based obturation and there is still a knowledge gap regarding the potential impact of the sealer insertion method on the root canal-filling quality. Therefore, the aim of this micro-CT study was to assess the impact of the calcium silicate-based sealer insertion technique on void occurrence and on the sealer extrusion following single-cone obturation. Methods: Thirty-six single-rooted mandibular premolars with one canal were shaped with Reciproc® R25 (VDW, Munich, Germany) then divided randomly into four groups of nine canals, each depending on the TotalFill® BC Sealer insertion technique used with single cone obturation: injection in the coronal two-thirds (group A); injection in the coronal two-thirds followed by direct sonic activation (group B); injection in the coronal two-thirds followed by indirect ultrasonic activation on tweezers (group C); sealer applied only on the master-cone (control group D). Samples were then scanned using micro-CT for voids and sealer extrusion calculation. Data were statistically analyzed using v.26 IBM; Results: No statistically significant differences were noted between the four groups in terms of voids; nevertheless, sonic activation (group B) followed by ultrasonic activation on the tweezers (group C) showed the best results (p = 0.066). Group D showed significantly less sealer extrusion when compared with group C (p = 0.044), with no statistically significant differences between groups D, A and B (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Despite no significant differences observed between the different sealer placement techniques, the use of sonic and ultrasonic activation might be promising to reduce void occurrence. Further investigations are needed to demonstrate the potential benefit of calcium silicate-based sealer activation especially in wide and oval root canals in order to improve the quality of the single-cone obturation.
Evaluating the Effectiveness of 2D and 3D CT Image Features for Predicting Tumor Response to Chemotherapy
Authors: Abdoli Neman , Zhang Ke , Gilley Patrik , Chen Xuxin , Sadri Youkabed , Thai Theresa , Dockery Lauren , Moore Kathleen , Mannel Robert , Qiu Yuchen
Published: November 2023

Background and Objective: 2D and 3D tumor features are widely used in a variety of medical image analysis tasks. However, for chemotherapy response prediction, the effectiveness between different kinds of 2D and 3D features are not comprehensively assessed, especially in ovarian-cancer-related applications. This investigation aims to accomplish such a comprehensive evaluation. Methods: For this purpose, CT images were collected retrospectively from 188 advanced-stage ovarian cancer patients. All the metastatic tumors that occurred in each patient were segmented and then processed by a set of six filters. Next, three categories of features, namely geometric, density, and texture features, were calculated from both the filtered results and the original segmented tumors, generating a total of 1403 and 1595 features for the 2D and 3D tumors, respectively. In addition to the conventional single-slice 2D and full-volume 3D tumor features, we also computed the incomplete-3D tumor features, which were achieved by sequentially adding one individual CT slice and calculating the corresponding features. Support vector machine (SVM)-based prediction models were developed and optimized for each feature set. Five-fold cross-validation was used to assess the performance of each individual model. Results: The results show that the 2D feature-based model achieved an AUC (area under the ROC curve (receiver operating characteristic)) of 0.84 ± 0.02. When adding more slices, the AUC first increased to reach the maximum and then gradually decreased to 0.86 ± 0.02. The maximum AUC was yielded when adding two adjacent slices, with a value of 0.91 ± 0.01. Conclusions: This initial result provides meaningful information for optimizing machine learning-based decision-making support tools in the future.