bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children and young adults with newly diagnosed rhabdomyosarcoma metastatic to bone treated on Children's Oncology Group studies
Authors: Schloemer Nathan J. , Xue Wei , Qumseya Amira , Luo Leo Y. , Hiniker Susan M. , Lautz Timothy B. , Rhee Daniel S. , Arnold Michael A. , Venkatramani Rajkumar
Published: July 2024

Background

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. Despite bone metastases being present in 5% of patients at diagnosis, there are limited studies examining these outcomes. We sought to define the prognostic factors, clinical courses, and outcomes of children treated on Children's Oncology Group (COG) clinical trials with RMS metastatic to bone at diagnosis.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with bone metastatic RMS enrolled on COG RMS clinical trials (D9802, D9803, ARST0431, or ARST08P1) between 1997 and 2013.

Results

RMS metastatic to bone was identified in 154 patients at a median age of 14.9 years at diagnosis. Fifty‐eight percent of patients were male, 90% had metastases at additional sites, 74% had alveolar histology, and extremity was the most common primary site (31%). Eighty‐six percent of patients (n = 133) received radiation therapy. The 3‐ and 5‐year event‐free survival (EFS) was 15.4% and 14.5%, respectively. The 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival (OS) was 30.4% and 18.0%, respectively. We identified alveolar histology, FOXO1 fusion presence, unfavorable primary location, higher Oberlin score, and lack of radiation as poor prognostic characteristics for both EFS and OS in univariate analysis. Lack of radiation was not significant when excluding patients with events prior to 20 weeks.

Conclusions

This study is the largest analysis of patients with bone metastatic RMS, and defines the poor overall outcomes and negative prognostic factors for these patients. They may be eligible for therapy deintensification for improved quality of life or pursuit of novel treatments/approaches, which are desperately needed.
Surface‐modified graphite based polymer nanocomposites for high‐temperature geothermal applications
Authors: Liu Sai , Taleghani Arash Dahi , Tabatabaei Maryam
Published: July 2024

This research aims to develop novel economical and thermally‐stable polymer nanocomposites to seal geothermal wells by dispersing surface‐modified graphite into an inexpensive raw polymer. Using a mixture of nitric acid and sulfuric acid, a nano‐scale graphite filler, namely small‐size lamellar graphite (SFG15), was surface‐modified, which introduced considerable oxygen and carboxylic (COOH) groups to graphite surfaces, as verified by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. Polymer nanocomposites were fabricated by dispersing different concentrations of modified graphite SFG15, including 1.5, 3, 6, and 9 wt%, into the ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) matrix. First, characterization techniques, including wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), were employed to examine modified graphite dispersion in the nanocomposites. Then, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to quantitatively study the key mechanical and thermal properties of the nanocomposites. It was found that introducing modified SFG15 to EPDM enhances its resistance to deformation at high temperatures significantly. Notably, 9 wt% of modified SFG15 showed superior performances in improving the storage modulus of EPDM by 191.17%, enhancing loss modulus by as high as 136.08%, and decreasing tan by 18.93%. After introducing modified graphite, the energy needed for melting EPDM was increased markedly, which was accompanied by improvement in its heat capacity. Compared with pure EPDM, the onset temperature of degradation for developed nanocomposites could be increased by over , and the temperature of 50% degradation was raised by up to . Possessing the improved mechanical and thermal performances, the nanocomposites developed could be a primary choice for materials used to seal geothermal wells.

Highlights

A technique is developed to reinforce low‐cost polymers for high‐temperature use.

Reinforcement of EPDM with high concentrations of modified graphite is investigated.

Modified graphite increases the high‐temperature storage modulus of EPDM by 191.17%.

Degradation temperatures of EPDM are enhanced by modified graphite considerably.

Low‐cost polymer composites are essential seals for application in deep geothermal wells.
Structure, morphology, and properties of aliphatic polyurethane elastomers from bio‐based 1,3‐propanediol
Authors: Wu Qing , Ge Shang , Zhu Youzhi , Zhu Yun , Wang Guiyou
Published: July 2024

The utilization of biomass resources in the production of bio‐based or bio‐recycled polyurethanes (PUs) enhances the sustainable development and eco‐friendliness of PU. Herein, a series of new bio‐based aliphatic poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols were synthesized using bio‐based 1,3‐propanediol (bio‐PDO) and aliphatic dicarboxylic acids with different chain lengths. These bio‐based polyester diols and 1,4‐butanediol (BDO) reacted with 4,4′‐dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate to produce aliphatic PU elastomers (PUEs). The study aimed to evaluate the impact of the structure of poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols on the architecture, morphology, mechanical properties, and degradation of PUEs, thereby expanding the application of bio‐PDO. The results indicate a strong correlation between the degree of microphase separation, tensile properties, and degradation behavior of the synthesized PUEs and the number of methylene groups in the repeating unit of the poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols. Notably, the PUE derived from poly(propylene pimelate) diol demonstrates the highest level of microphase separation and superior elasticity properties because of the high flexibility of the polyester. On the other hand, PUE prepared from poly(propylene succinate) diol exhibits the fastest degradation performance due to its high density of ester groups. Bio‐PDO based polyester diols show significant potential as raw materials for PUEs with biodegradable and adjustable mechanical properties.

Highlights

Poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols were prepared from bio‐based 1,3‐propanediol.

The poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols based polyurethane elastomers (PUEs) have high tensile strength (>22 MPa) and elongation at break (>920%).

The morphology, mechanical properties and degradation of PUEs are highly related to the structure of the poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols.

The increasing repeating unit length of the poly(propylene dicarboxylate) diols increases elastic recovery of PUEs.
Development of a freshness indicator packaging system using cold atmospheric plasma on LLDPE–PVA with Laponite–anthocyanin biohybrid
Authors: Leandro Gabriel Coelho , Laroque Denise Adamoli , Carciofi Bruno Augusto Mattar , Valencia Germán Ayala
Published: July 2024

This study developed a freshness indicator based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and a biohybrid (BH) of Laponite® and anthocyanins adhered to linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) using cold atmospheric plasma (CAP). LLDPE was treated with CAP for 0 to 300 s, which resulted in an increased surface energy, characterized by an important increase in its polar component up to 120 s of treatment, due to the formation of polar groups on the surface of LLDPE. No changes in mechanical properties and water vapor permeability of LLDPE were observed. LLDPE–PVA–BH films were more homogeneous if BH was added before the acidification of the film‐forming solution due to more negative zeta potential and lower particle size of BH in basic medium. Indicators made with BH were able to maintain color after 8 weeks of exposure to light, while those made with anthocyanin extract had fully degraded after 3 weeks. The freshness indicator's color changed from purple to blue and finally to green when exposed to ammonia hydroxide (30% NH3) and from purple to blue when exposed to a simulant liquid of spoiled meat (0.03% NH3). Similar color variance was observed when the indicator was applied to monitor shrimp freshness, changing from purple to blue when the shrimp pH reached pH 7.6. Thus, bilayer films of LLDPE–PVA and natural BH produced using CAP have potential food packaging applications. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Exploring the multiple effects of nifedipine and captopril administration in spontaneously hypertensive rats through pharmacokinetic‐pharmacodynamic analyses
Authors: Kiriyama Akiko , Kimura Shunsuke , Yamashita Shugo
Published: July 2024

This study assessed the pharmacokinetics (PKs) and pharmacodynamics (PDs) of two antihypertensive drugs, nifedipine and captopril, by exploring their main (blood pressure [BP]) and secondary effects (heart rate [HR] and QT interval [QT]) in spontaneously hypertensive rats. This study aimed to assess the relationship between PKs and PDs. Using these PD parameters, BP, HR, and QT during coadministration were estimated. The coadministration of nifedipine and captopril resulted in an increase in nifedipine's total body clearance (CLtot) and a reduction in its mean residence time (MRT) with an increase in the terminal elimination half‐life (t1/2) and volume of distribution at steady state (Vdss) of captopril. However, no significant PK interactions were observed. During monotherapy, BP reduced rapidly following nifedipine infusion. Subsequently, despite the increase in nifedipine plasma concentration, BP recovered, likely because of homeostasis. Similar results were observed with coadministration. Subsequently, BP demonstrated a sustained reduction that was greater than or equal to the additive effect estimated from each PK. Captopril exhibited a minimal effect on HR, except for a transient increase observed immediately after starting infusion, consistent with observations during coadministration. Subsequently, the HR reduction was nearly equal to that calculated from the nifedipine PK. QT prolongation was more rapid with captopril than with nifedipine. Although QT prolongation during the initial 60 min of coadministration was approximately the sum of both effects, the recovery period to baseline QT was faster than that in the simulation.
From consumption to excretion: Lithium concentrations in honey bees (Apis mellifera) after lithium chloride application and time‐dependent effects on Varroa destructor
Authors: Rein Carolin , Grünke Markus , Traynor Kirsten , Rosenkranz Peter
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND

Owing to its systemic mode‐of‐action and ease of application, lithium chloride (LiCl) is an ideal varroacide for the control of Varroa destructor infestations in honey bee colonies. To better understand how LiCl functions within a colony, we screened different parts of honey bee anatomy for lithium accumulation. We wanted to elucidate the time‐dependent effects of LiCl on V. destructor and its metabolism within honey bees when they were fed continuous LiCl treatments, as well as evaluate potential adverse effects such as accumulation in the hypopharyngeal glands of nurse bees, which could negatively impact queens and larvae.

RESULTS

Cage experiments reveal rapid acaricidal onset, with >95% mite mortality within 48 h of treatment. Bee hemolymph analysis supports these observations, showing a rapid increase in lithium concentration within 12 h of treatment, followed by stabilization at a constant level. Lithium accumulates in the rectum of caged bees (≤475.5 mg kg−1 after 7 days of feeding 50 mm LiCl), reflecting the bees' metabolic and excretion process. Despite concerns about potential accumulation in hypopharyngeal glands, low lithium levels of only 0.52 mg kg−1 suggest minimal risk to the queen and 1st‐ and 2nd‐instar larvae. Cessation of LiCl treatment results in a rapid decline in mite mortality in the first 5 days, which increases again thereafter, resulting in mite mortality of 77–90% after 10 days.

CONCLUSION

These findings help optimize LiCl application in colonies to achieve high Varroa mortality without unwanted adverse effects and provide important baseline data for future registration. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Strategy for Designing In Vivo Dose–Response Comparison Studies
Authors: Novick Steven , Zhang Tianhui
Published: July 2024

In preclinical drug discovery, at the step of lead optimization of a compound, in vivo experimentation can differentiate several compounds in terms of efficacy and potency in a biological system of whole living organisms. For the lead optimization study, it may be desirable to implement a dose–response design so that compound comparisons can be made from nonlinear curves fitted to the data. A dose–response design requires more thought relative to a simpler study design, needing parameters for the number of doses, the dose values, and the sample size per dose. This tutorial illustrates how to calculate statistical power, choose doses, and determine sample size per dose for a comparison of two or more dose–response curves for a future in vivo study.
Quantifying the impact of post‐acute sequelae of coronavirus on the cardiopulmonary endurance of athletes
Authors: Lubarsky Daniel , Clark Daniel E. , Crum Kimberly , Karpinos Ashley , Austin Eric D. , Soslow Jonathan H.
Published: July 2024

Post‐acute sequelae of Coronavirus (PASC), or Long COVID, has emerged as a critical health concern. The clinical manifestations of PASC have been described, but studies have not quantified the cardiopulmonary effects. The goal of this study was to quantify PASC cardiopulmonary changes among endurance athletes. Endurance athletes were recruited via social media; 45 met inclusion criteria, 32 had PASC and 13 were asymptomatic at 3 months (control). Comprehensive interviews were conducted to assess: cardiopulmonary symptoms at 3 months; quantitative and qualitative changes in cardiovascular endurance; exercise hours per week at baseline and 3 months; and Modified Oslo, Dyspnea, and EQ‐5D‐5L scales. All collected data was based on self‐reported symptoms. Wilcoxon rank sum compared PASC with control to distinguish the effects of PASC vs effects of COVID infection/lockdown. PASC subjects were more likely to be female (Table). The most common 3‐month symptoms in PASC were fatigue and shortness of breath. Based on self‐reported data, subjects endorsed a median decrease of 27% in cardiopulmonary endurance levels compared with 0% in controls (p = 0.0019). PASC subjects exercised less hours and had worse self‐reported health as compared with controls. PASC subjects also had significantly worse Modified Oslo, Dyspnea, and EQ‐5D‐5L scores. Of the 32 PASC patients, 10 (31%) reported a complete inability to engage in any cardiovascular endurance exercise at 3 months. PASC leads to a significant, quantifiable decrease in cardiopulmonary health and endurance.
Neuroadaptive‐based fixed‐time control for robotic manipulators with uniform prescribed performance under unknown disturbance
Authors: Liu Chengguo , Li Junyang , He Ye , Jing Anyan , Li Longnan
Published: July 2024

Achieving faster convergence, smaller transient overshoots, and higher steady‐state tracking accuracy is essential to improve the efficiency, robustness, and applicability of robotic manipulators. This article introduces an innovative adaptive fixed‐time uniform prescribed performance controller for the manipulator facing model uncertainties and unknown disturbances. Initially, by designing a modified prescribed performance function inspired by variable superposition, this study redefines the unified prescribed performance control problem into a simplified parameter selection problem. This approach allows for the incorporation of varied performance metrics within a singular control scheme, addressing both transient and steady‐state performances concurrently without shifting control frameworks. Then, to alleviate computational demands, an adaptive neural network employing a single‐parameter weight update technique compensates for uncertainties of the manipulator dynamic model. Additionally, a disturbance observer is designed to mitigate the impact of non‐parametric disturbances. Moreover, integrating fixed‐time theory with the Lyapunov stability analysis method guarantees the convergence of all error signals to a near‐zero compact neighborhood at a fixed time. Finally, the advantages and comprehensive performance of the proposed method are confirmed by numerical simulations and real‐world experiments.
Event‐triggered leader‐following consensus of multi‐agent systems with guaranteed performance specifications
Authors: Wang Hongfei , Hou Hailiang , Hu Wenfeng
Published: July 2024

The article investigates the leader‐following consensus problem for second‐order multi‐agent systems (MASs) with guaranteed performance specifications. First, some event‐triggered strategies are introduced for systems with and without disturbances, which can effectively reduce the frequency of controllers' update and no Zeno‐behavior is occurred. Especially, the self‐triggered strategy proposed for MASs without disturbances does not require continuous communication between agents. Second, based on Lyapunov theory, we have demonstrated that the proposed distributed controllers can achieve the predefined performance specifications of the system, that is, the position tracking error can meet the steady‐state error accuracy requirements within an appointed time, while ensuring that the cumulative position difference (CPD) converges to the region specified by the performance function. Finally, the effectiveness of the theoretical results is demonstrated through simulation experiments.
Discovery of Piperazin‐2‐yl‐pyrimidines as Anticancer Agents via Targeting JNK Signaling Pathway in Human MCF‐7 Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Shivakumar Rashmi , Sethi Gautam , Manikanta Kurnegala , Xi Zhang , Ravish Akshay , Uppar Pradeep M. , Deveshegowda Suresha N. , Kumar Arun M. , Basappa Shreeja , Bhol Chandra Sekhar , Gaonkar Santosh L. , Kemparaju Kempaiah , Chinnathambi Arunachalam , Alharbi Sulaiman Ali , Lobie Peter E. , Pandey Vijay , Basappa Basappa
Published: July 2024

Breast cancer (BC) is the second leading cause of cancer‐related mortality in women, and targeting biological pathways such as the JNK pathway has proven to be a viable therapeutic target for BC therapy. Here, we synthesized piperazin‐2‐yl‐pyrimidines and evaluated them for anticancer activity against MCF‐7 cells. In addition, antioxidant, reactive oxygen species (ROS) inhibition, caspase activity, and toxicity in platelets were studied in the presence and absence of active compound IA‐6 or IA‐7. Our detailed experimental analysis found that the compound IA‐7 showed anticancer activity by either activating p‐JNK or by inducing radical species in cancer and thrombosis model. Evident to in vitro analysis, the structure based molecular interaction studies of binding of IA‐7 to JNK3S exhibited a significant binding energy of −7.56 kcal/mol which was found to be a better binder when compared to previously reported JNK inducer (PC‐12). Overall, we herein report the analytically pure IA‐7 as lead structure that could be used as a template to develop target based anticancer agents where JNK modulation is predominant.
Suppressing Formation of Zn─Mn─O Phases by In Situ Ti Decoration of MnO2 for Long Lifespan MnO2‐Zn Battery
Authors: Duan Qiaohui , Zheng Yiyi , Zhou Yu , Dong Shuyu , Ku Calvin , Sit Patrick H.‐L. , Yu Denis Y. W.
Published: July 2024

Mildly‐acidic MnO2‐Zn batteries are considered as a promising alternative for large‐scale energy storage systems for their low toxicity, high safety, and low cost. Though, the degradation of MnO2 with cycling still hinders the further development of the batteries. In this study, it is observed that the decrease in available capacity of MnO2 with charge and discharge is accompanied by a structural transformation with the emergence of Zn─Mn─O phases. An electrodeposition test indicates that the Zn─Mn─O phase is formed from a co‐precipitation of Zn and Mn during the charge process. Further, the structural change of MnO2 is suppressed and its cycle stability is improved with the addition of TiOSO4 as a facile electrolyte additive. As a result, under a current of 1200 mA g−1, the MnO2 electrode still gives a capacity of 230 mAh g−1 for over 1500 cycles. Capacity retention is 75% after 10 000 cycles under a current rate of 4800 mA g−1. These findings provide fundamental insights on the degradation mechanism of MnO2 and a new strategy to improve the electrochemical performance of aqueous MnO2‐Zn batteries.
Residue‐Free Orally Administered Drug Carrier Based on a Porous Aromatic Framework for Efficient Multisite Treatment
Authors: Xi Enpeng , Zhao Yun , Liu Kangning , Ding Qi , Yang Fuming , Gao Nan , Sun Hanjun , Yuan Ye , Zhu Guangshan
Published: July 2024

Nowadays, oral medications are the primary method of treating disease due to their convenience, low cost, and safety, without the need for complex medical procedures. To maximize treatment effectiveness, almost all oral medications utilize drug carriers, such as capsules, liposomes, and sugar coatings. However, these carriers rely on dissolution or fragmentation to achieve drug release, which leads to drugs and carriers coabsorption in the body, causing unnecessary adverse drug reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even death caused by allergy. Therefore, the ideal oral drug carrier should avoid degradation and absorption and be totally excreted after drug release at the desired location. Herein, a gastrointestinally stable oral drug carrier based on porous aromatic framework‐1 (PAF‐1) is constructed, and it is modified with famotidine (a well‐known gastric drug) and mesalazine (a well‐known ulcerative colitis drug) to verify the excellent potential of PAF‐1. The results demonstrate that PAF‐1 can accurately release famotidine in stomach, mesalazine in the intestine, and finally be completely excreted from the body without any residue after 12 h. The use of PAF materials for the construction of oral drug carriers with no residue in the gastrointestinal tract provides a new approach for efficient disease treatment.
Blockchain‐driven IoT solutions in agriculture
Authors: Kataev Mikhail , Bulysheva Larisa , Krupskiy Alexander
Published: July 2024

The Internet of Things (IoT) constitutes a network of physical objects, including devices and systems, capable of intercommunication both among themselves and with external systems via the Internet. Its applications span across various sectors such as manufacturing, medicine, commerce, security, forestry and agriculture. The application of IoT in agriculture involves gathering data from diverse sensors, offering timely and precise solutions. This technology facilitates the reduction of manual labour involved in tasks like animal monitoring, greenhouse management and field surveillance. Integrated sensors within the IoT framework enable the collection of data pertaining to soil, air, water, animal tracking, plant growth and other relevant metrics. Nevertheless, the swift evolution of IoT presents a susceptibility to unauthorized access and compromises in data security. To address this concern, the utilization of blockchain technology has been recommended. This paper proposes a novel IoT architecture integrated with blockchain technology to enhance data security in agricultural applications. A detailed schematic has been devised and implemented in software to illustrate this approach.
Investigating the flexural behavior of ASR‐damaged RC beam through internal stress and cracking development using 3D Rigid Body Spring Model
Authors: Luo Jie , Nagai Kohei
Published: July 2024

The alkali‐silica reaction (ASR) is one of the durability issues that affect the safety of concrete structures. Numerical simulation is useful for monitoring the internal condition of a reinforced concrete (RC) structure with ASR damage and predicting its long‐term behavior. Since discrete methods of simulation suit situations where concrete undergoes durability issues associated with expansion and cracking, a mesoscale discrete analysis method known as the three‐dimensional Rigid Body Spring Model (3D RBSM), as already used to simulate concrete ASR damage at the material scale, has been further developed to simulate ASR damage at the structural scale. In this development, the aggregate is not separately modeled and expansive elements are included to simulate ASR expansion, allowing a larger element size (1–2 cm). The number of elements and computation time are reduced to less than 1%. This proposed model is used to simulate ASR damage in a RC beam and the beam's residual flexural capacity. The simulation allows the internal stress and cracking condition to be visualized, leading to an explanation as to why the loading capacity of a RC beam is not affected by ASR damage: first, almost no cracks form at the core of the beam section due to the stirrup confinement, so the effective depth of the cross section is maintained after ASR damage; second, the tensile reinforcements have already yielded although ASR damage exists. Besides, the inhibited development of shear cracks may be one of the reasons for the slight improvement of flexural capacity of the damaged‐RC beam in experiment and simulation.
Tuning on passive interfacial cooling of covalent organic framework hydrogel for enhancing freshwater and electricity generation
Authors: Wu Jianfei , Cui Ziwei , Su Yuxuan , Wu Dongfang , Hu Jundie , Qu Jiafu , Li Jianzhang , Kang Fangyuan , Tian Dan , Zhang Qichun , Cai Yahui
Published: July 2024

Developing an efficient freshwater and electricity co‐generation device (FECGD) can solve the shortage of freshwater and electricity. However, the poor salt resistance and refrigeration properties of the materials for FECGD put big challenges in the efficient and stable operation of these devices. To address these issues, we propose the covalent organic framework (COF) confined co‐polymerization strategy to prepare COF‐modified acrylamide cationic hydrogels (ACH‐COF), where hydrogen bonding interlocking between negatively charged polymer chains and COF pores can form a salt resistant hydrogel for stabilizing tunable passive interfacial cooling (TPIC). The FECPDs based on the TPIC and salt resistance of ACH‐COF display a maximum output power density of 2.28 W m−2, which is 4.3 times higher than that of a commercial thermoelectric generator under one solar radiation. The production rate of freshwater can reach 2.74 kg m−2 h−1. Our results suggest that the high efficiency and scalability of the FECGD can hold the promise of alleviating freshwater and power shortages.
Distal forelimb radiographic bone morphology in Thoroughbred foals during the first 10 months post‐partum. Part 1: Carpus
Authors: Son Jung K. , De Paz Patroys , Kim Jihyun , Sanaei Reza , Seungho Ryu , Bailey Simon , Davies Helen M. S.
Published: July 2024

Background

The risk of carpal injury in racehorses may be related to the morphology, yet whether carpal morphologies are set from birth or change through growth remains unclear.

Objective

To quantify carpal bone changes through growth.

Method

Twenty privately owned Thoroughbred foals born between January 2022 and May 2023 were radiographed bimonthly from birth to 10 months of age. Imprint training was used to take radiographs safely without chemical restraints. Fifteen individual and 11 relative angular carpal parameters were measured using ImageJ on dorsopalmar radiographs of the carpus at zero degrees of vertical and horizontal rotation. Associations with age (growth), sex and the differences between left and right limbs were analysed separately using a linear mixed effects model.

Results

Six individual carpal parameters changed with age (radial carpal joint [RCJ], Prx.dor. radial carpal [Cr], Prx.Cu, Dis.dor. third carpal [C3], Dis.pal.C3 and Dis.pal. intermediate carpal), and one was influenced by side, that is higher in the left carpus (Dis.pal.Cr). Seven relative parameters changed with age, and one relative parameter was influenced by side, that is higher in the left (Ra.met‐RCJ). The proximo‐dorsal bone surface angle of Cr and disto‐dorsal bone surface angle of C3 became flatter over time, which may be associated with the re‐direction of the load towards the sagittal carpal plane. Sex did not influence any of the carpal parameters, nor did the combined effect of age, side of the limb and sex.

Conclusion

Specific individual and relative angular carpal parameters changed significantly over time and some differed between the left and right limb, whereas other parameters did not change. The steeper carpal bone angles achieved proximally with the parameters that did change may improve stability by redirecting the load more medially through the carpus and the proximal and distal bones.
Workplace stressor factors, profiles and the relationship to career stage in UK veterinarians, veterinary nurses and students
Authors: Spendelow Jason , Cripwell Clare , Stott Rebecca , Francis Kathryn , Powell Jenny , Cavanagh Kate , Corbett Ruth
Published: July 2024

Background

Veterinary professionals experience higher psychological distress and lower wellbeing compared with the general population. Identifying workplace stressors is key to understanding and alleviating these difficulties.

Objective

Identify the severity of workplace stressors in veterinary professions across different levels of professional experience.

Method

A cross‐sectional quantitative design was utilised via administration of a veterinary stressor questionnaire that measured the severity of 93 generic and veterinary‐specific workplace stressors.

Results

A total of 658 participants reported stressor severity score. Factor analysis revealed four main stressor categories: workload and job demands, client relations stress, performance and accountability, patient care challenges. An inverse relationship was found between experience level and stressor severity scores. Furthermore, the most severe stressors varied as a function of career stage.

Findings and implications

Stressor severity tends to decrease with increasing experience levels. Stressors can be categorised by theme and unique stressor profiles can be derived for practitioners according to experience level. This knowledge can assist in the design and delivery of workplace support initiatives.

Conclusions

Identify key stressors across different levels of experience is important in focusing efforts to support people in the workplace.
Estimating fox abundance using the simultaneous count method
Authors: Armstrong Graeme , McSorley Adam
Published: July 2024

Feral foxes Vulpes vulpes are a major threat to Australian wildlife and assessing the success of control programs requires comparison of abundance before and after control. While camera traps are often used to assess fox activity, estimating abundance is difficult due to the inability to distinguish individuals requiring an “unmarked” methodology. We tested the “simultaneous count method” which requires samples to be independent during the sampling period, that is, 24 h, while allowing lack of independence between sampling periods. This enables repeat detections of animals to estimate abundance. We tested the method on camera data collected over 5 years at Oolambeyan National Park, New South Wales, during a fox control program and conclude that the method has merit. We were able to statistically measure an effect of change in abundance from a median of 57 to 2, however, estimation of detectability was erratic.
High-Tech für’s Lastenrad: Die Beispiele Automatisierung und Brennstoffzellen
Authors: Schmidt Stephan , Schulze Mathias , Kania Malte
Published: July 2024

Mikromobile, insbesondere Lastenräder, haben sich als vielversprechende Lösung für die städtische Mobilität und Logistik etabliert. Um jedoch langfristig relevant und effektiv zu bleiben, müssen sie sich den ständig wandelnden Anforderungen einer zukunftsorientierten Stadtlogistik anpassen. Dieses Kapitel beleuchtet, wie die Integration von Automatisierung und Brennstoffzellentechnologie in Lastenräder nicht nur deren Effizienz und Umweltfreundlichkeit steigert, sondern sie auch als nachhaltige Alternative im städtischen Lieferverkehr positioniert. Es werden sowohl technische als auch praktische Aspekte dieser Innovationen untersucht, um ein umfassendes Bild der nächsten Generation von Mikromobilen in urbanen Räumen zu zeichnen.
Die Renaissance des Lastenrads
Authors: Assmann Tom , Seissler Martin , Braun Luise
Published: July 2024

Lastenräder und Radlogistik werden seit ca. 10 Jahren als Lösungsraum für die urbane Logistik wiederendeckt. Dieses Kapitel stellt kurz dar, in welchen Nischen das Transportmittel die Zeit nach dem 2. Weltkrieg überdauert hat und zeichnet danach die Stationen und Ereignisse der Renaissance nach. Abgeschlossen wird mit einem Blick auf die aktuelle Marktsituation in Deutschland.
Efficacy and safety of the serratus anterior plane block (SAP block) for pain management in patients with multiple rib fractures in the emergency department: a retrospective study
Authors: Serra Sossio , Santonastaso Domenico Pietro , Romano Giuseppe , Riccardi Alessandro , Nigra Stefano Geniere , Russo Emanuele , Angelini Mario , Agnoletti Vanni , Guarino Mario , Cimmino Claudia Sara , Spampinato Michele Domenico , Francesconi Raffella , Iaco Fabio De
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Chest trauma is a severe and frequent cause of admission to the emergency department (ED). The serratus anterior plane (SAP) block seems to be an effective method of pain management; however, data on efficacy and safety of a single SAP block performed in the ED by emergency physicians (EP) are limited. This study aimed to compare SAP block performed by the EP in the ED plus standard therapy to standard therapy alone in terms of pain severity at 0-3-6-12-18 and 24 h, total opioid consumption (milligrams of morphine equivalents, MME), respiratory function (SpO2/FiO2 ratio), and adverse events (i.e. pneumothorax, infections in the site of injection, or Local Anaesthetic Systemic Toxicity syndrome due to SAP block) in the first 24 h.

Methods

This retrospective, monocentric study included adult patients admitted to the Sub-intensive Care Unit (SICU) of the ED with multiple rib fractures between 01/2022 and 03/2023.

Results

156 patients (65.4% male; median age 62 years; median injury severity score 16; median thoracic trauma severity score 8) were included. 75 (48.2%) underwent SAP block. Patients undergoing SAP block showed significantly less pain 3–6–18 h after a single block, required less MME (0 [0–20] vs. 20 [0–40], p < 0.001), showed higher SpO2/FiO2 ratio, and no adverse events were reported.

Conclusion

The SAP block, in combination with standard therapy, appeared to be more effective in providing pain relief than standard therapy alone in patients admitted to the SICU for traumatic rib fractures.
Acute inorganic nitrate ingestion does not impact oral microbial composition, cognitive function, or high-intensity exercise performance in female team-sport athletes
Authors: Tan Rachel , Merrill Courtney , Riley Chandler F. , Hammer Maya A. , Kenney Ryan T. , Riley Alyssa A. , Li Jeffrey , Zink Alexandra C. , Karl Sean T. , Price Katherine M. , Sharabidze Luka K. , Rowland Samantha N. , Bailey Stephen J. , Stiemsma Leah T. , Pennell Adam
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of acute nitrate (NO3−)-rich beetroot juice ingestion on explosive and high-intensity exercise performance, oral microbiota composition, and cognitive flexibility (i.e., function), before and after maximal intermittent running exercise. Fifteen women team-sport athletes were assigned in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design to consume concentrated NO3–-depleted beetroot juice (PL; 0.1 mmol NO3−) and NO3−-rich beetroot juice (BR; 12.0 mmol NO3−) 2.5 h prior to performing a battery of exercise performance tasks and cognitive testing before and after the Yo–Yo intermittent recovery level 1 (YYIR1) running test. Resting plasma [NO3−] and plasma nitrite ([NO2−]) were elevated following BR (P < 0.001). BR did not impact global composition or relative abundance of taxa in the oral microbiome (P > 0.05) or cognitive flexibility before or after exercise (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference in performance during 20-m (PRE, PL: 4.38 ± 0.27 vs. BR: 4.38 ± 0.32 s; POST, PL: 4.45 ± 0.29 vs. BR: 4.43 ± 0.35 s) and 10-m sprints (PRE, PL 2.78 ± 0.15 vs. BR 2.79 ± 0.18 s; POST, PL: 2.82 ± 0.16 vs. BR: 2.81 ± 0.19 s), isokinetic handgrip dynamometry, medicine ball throw, horizontal countermovement jump, or YYIR1 (PL: 355 ± 163 m vs. BR: 368 ± 184 m) between BR and PL (P > 0.05). These findings indicate that acute dietary NO3− may not influence the oral microbiome, explosive and high-intensity exercise performance, or cognitive function in women team-sport athletes.
A preliminary study of white matter disconnections underlying deficits in praxis in left hemisphere stroke patients
Authors: Rounis Elisabeth , Thompson Elinor , Scandola Michele , Nozais Victor , Pizzamiglio Gloria , de Schotten Michel Thiebaut , Pacella Valentina
Published: July 2024

Limb apraxia is a higher-order motor disorder often occurring post-stroke, which affects skilled actions. It is assessed through tasks involving gesture production or pantomime, recognition, meaningless gesture imitation, complex figure drawing, single and multi-object use. A two-system model for the organisation of actions hypothesizes distinct pathways mediating praxis deficits via conceptual, ‘indirect’, and perceptual ‘direct’ routes to action. Traditional lesion- symptom mapping techniques have failed to identify these distinct routes. We assessed 29 left hemisphere stroke patients to investigate white matter disconnections on deficits of praxis tasks from the Birmingham Cognitive Screening. White matter disconnection maps derived from patients’ structural T1 lesions were created using a diffusion-weighted healthy participant dataset acquired from the human connectome project (HCP). Initial group-level regression analyses revealed significant disconnection between occipital lobes via the splenium of the corpus callosum and involvement of the inferior longitudinal fasciculus in meaningless gesture imitation deficits. There was a trend of left fornix disconnection in gesture production deficits. Further, voxel-wise Bayesian Crawford single-case analyses performed on two patients with the most severe meaningless gesture imitation and meaningful gesture production deficits, respectively, confirmed distinct posterior interhemispheric disconnection, for the former, and disconnections between temporal and frontal areas via the fornix, rostrum of the corpus callosum and anterior cingulum, for the latter. Our results suggest distinct pathways associated with perceptual and conceptual deficits akin to ‘direct’ and ‘indirect’ action routes, with some patients displaying both. Larger studies are needed to validate and elaborate on these findings, advancing our understanding of limb apraxia.
Comparative analysis of the chimpanzee and human brain superficial structural connectivities
Authors: Chauvel Maëlig , Pascucci Marco , Uszynski Ivy , Herlin Bastien , Mangin Jean-François , Hopkins William D. , Poupon Cyril
Published: July 2024

Diffusion MRI tractography (dMRI) has fundamentally transformed our ability to investigate white matter pathways in the human brain. While long-range connections have extensively been studied, superficial white matter bundles (SWMBs) have remained a relatively underexplored aspect of brain connectivity. This study undertakes a comprehensive examination of SWMB connectivity in both the human and chimpanzee brains, employing a novel combination of empirical and geometric methodologies to classify SWMB morphology in an objective manner. Leveraging two anatomical atlases, the Ginkgo Chauvel chimpanzee atlas and the Ginkgo Chauvel human atlas, comprising respectively 844 and 1375 superficial bundles, this research focuses on sparse representations of the morphology of SWMBs to explore the little-understood superficial connectivity of the chimpanzee brain and facilitate a deeper understanding of the variability in shape of these bundles. While similar, already well-known in human U-shape fibers were observed in both species, other shapes with more complex geometry such as 6 and J shapes were encountered. The localisation of the different bundle morphologies, putatively reflecting the brain gyrification process, was different between humans and chimpanzees using an isomap-based shape analysis approach. Ultimately, the analysis aims to uncover both commonalities and disparities in SWMBs between chimpanzees and humans, shedding light on the evolution and organization of these crucial neural structures.
Molecular identification and morphological variations of Amblyomma lepidum imported to Egypt, with notes about its potential distribution under climate change
Authors: Abouelhassan Eman M. , GadAllah Sohair , Kamel Marwa S. , Kamal Mahmoud , Elsayed Hazem H. , Sallam Nahla H. , Okely Mohammed
Published: July 2024

The tick Amblyomma lepidum is an ectoparasite of veterinary importance due to its role in transmitting livestock diseases in Africa, including heartwater. This study was conducted in 2023 to monitor Amblyomma spp. infestation in dromedary camels imported from Somalia, Ethiopia, and Sudan to Egypt. This study inspected 200 camels at the Giza governorate’s camel market that had been imported from Somalia, 200 from Ethiopia, and 200 from Sudan for tick infestation. Specimens were identified using morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analyses of the 12S and 16S rRNA genes. Clusters were calculated using an unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (UPGMA) dendrogram to group the specimens according to their morphometric characteristics. The morphometric analysis compared the body shape of ticks collected from different countries by analyzing dorsal features. Principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical variate analysis (CVA) were performed to obtain body shape variation among specimens from different countries. Results indicated that camels were infested by 57 males Amblyomma lepidum, and no female specimens were observed; among these specimens, one may have a morphological abnormality. The results suggest that A. lepidum specimens collected from camels imported to Egypt from African countries exhibit locally adapted morphology with variations among specimens, particularly variations in body size. This adaptation suggests minimal potential for genetic divergence. Ecological niche modeling was used to predict the areas in Africa with suitable climates for A. lepidum. The study confirmed that East African countries might have the most favorable climatic conditions for A. lepidum to thrive. Interestingly, the amount of rain during the wettest quarter (Bio16) had the strongest influence on the tick’s potential distribution, with suitability decreasing sharply as rainfall increased. Future predictions indicate that the climatic habitat suitability for A. lepidum will decrease under changing climate conditions. However, historical, current, and future predictions indicate no suitable climatic habitats for A. lepidum in Egypt. These findings demand continuous surveillance of A. lepidum in camel populations and the development of targeted strategies to manage tick infestations and prevent the spread of heartwater disease.
The relation of osteoporotic vertebral fractures and spine degeneration on the occurrence of complications: a systematic review
Authors: Wiersbicki Dina W. , Osterhoff Georg , Heyde Christoph-E , Pieroh Philipp
Published: July 2024

Study design

Systematic review.

Purpose

Osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVFs) and degenerative spine conditions are age-related and associated with higher morbidity and mortality and greater health care costs. The relationship between OVFs and prevalent spine degeneration is rarely reported. The aim of this study was to systematically review current literature on the influence of preexisting degenerative spine conditions in patients with OVFs on the occurrence of complications during and after treatment.

Methods

A systematic literature review adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines was performed using Web of Science and MEDLINE. We considered English and German articles published from January 1990 to December 2022. The inclusion criteria were patients with OVFs and preexisting spinal degeneration with complications such as subsequent fractures, deformity, implant failure and surgical and general complications. The included studies were controlled trials, cohort studies, and case series.

Results

Ten articles met the inclusion criteria (two prospective studies, seven retrospective studies and one case series). These were divided into two groups: studies on OVFs in patients with coexisting degenerative spine conditions (n = 5) and studies on OVFs following surgical treatment for degenerative spine conditions (n = 5). Three studies reported more complications in patients with OVFs and severe degeneration. One study stated the opposite. One study did not find any correlation. The remaining studies described complications narratively. Subsequent fractures were the most frequent complications.

Conclusion

OVFs in patients with preexisting spinal degeneration seem to cause more complications. In addition to subsequent fractures, other complications have rarely been examined. The presence of degenerative changes or undergoing surgical correction may increase the risk of subsequent fractures.
Formal education as a contested pastoral adaptation pathway: insights from southern Kenya
Authors: Marty Edwige
Published: July 2024

In dryland pastoral environments, political and geographical marginalization has historically led to development strategies that poorly account for individual and communities’ spatial and socio-economic realities. These development legacies, including long-standing epistemic biases in defining what should be adapted, are often insufficiently considered within adaptation research and practice. This article sets out to analyze the historical emergence and enactment of formal education as a contested adaptation pathway in southern Kenya. For this, I combine the strengths of the historically situated analyses of the pathways scholarship and feminist political ecology’s attention to the performance of intersectional relations of power in everyday livelihood practices. I bring together both archival data and qualitative primary data from focus group discussions (n = 16) and individual interviews (n = 122) conducted in three pastoral communities. The results exemplify the ways that non-climatic factors, such as increased formal school enrolment, (re)shape everyday livelihood practices and social aspirations, molding the current adaptation space. Notably, enacting formal education as an adaptation pathway requires one to navigate increasing cash pressures, mobility, and labor constraints. Wealth disparities, gendered norms, and geographies intersect to shape patterns of vulnerability, with poorer pastoralists residing further away from school centers facing difficult trade-offs on their time and resources. Understanding pathways enactments contributes to problematizing current logics of development and adaptation needs, while yielding important information on socio-spatial differentiation processes in pastoral systems. It also opens the space for further research to use these critical insights to identify alternative adaptation pathways that support more just transformations towards sustainability.