bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental Study on Preparation of Nano ZnO by Hydrodynamic Cavitation-Enhanced Carbonization Method and Response Surface Optimization
Authors: Guo Jinyuan , Yu Honglei , Wang Dexi , Chen Gong , Fan Lin , Yang Hanshuo
Published: November 2024

The carbonization method for preparing Nano ZnO is characterized by its simplicity, ease of reaction control, high product purity, environmental friendliness, and potential for CO2 recycling. However, traditional carbonization processes suffer from poor heat and mass transfer, leading to in situ growth and agglomeration, resulting in low carbonization efficiency, small specific surface area, and inferior product performance. To enhance micro-mixing and mass transfer efficiency, ZnO derived from zinc ash calcination was used as the raw material, and hydrodynamic cavitation technology was employed to intensify the carbonization reaction process. The reaction mechanism of hydrodynamic cavitation was analyzed, and a single-factor experimental study investigated the effects of reaction time, reaction temperature, solid–liquid ratio, calcination temperature, incident angle, cavitation number, and position height on the specific surface area and carbonization rate of Nano ZnO. The response surface method was utilized to explore the significance of the three most influential factors—solid–liquid ratio, cavitation number, and position height—on the carbonization rate and specific surface area. The products were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser particle size analysis, and specific surface area analysis. The results showed that the optimal process parameters were a reaction temperature of 80 °C, a reaction time of 120 min, a solid–liquid ratio of 5.011:100, a calcination temperature of 500 °C for 1 h, an incident angle of 60°, a cavitation number of 0.366, and a position height of 301.128 mm. The interaction between solid–liquid ratio and position height significantly influenced the process parameter variations. Under these conditions, the specific surface area and carbonization rate were 63.190 m2/g and 94.623%, respectively. The carbonized product was flaky Nano ZnO with good dispersion and small particle size. Compared to traditional mechanical stirring and bubbling methods, the specific surface area increased by 1.5 times, the carbonization rate improved by 10%, and the particle size decreased by half, significantly enhancing the product performance.
Unlocking the Secrets of Corn: Physiological Responses and Rapid Forecasting in Varied Drought Stress Environments
Authors: Song Wenlong , Xiang Kaizheng , Lu Yizhu , Li Mengyi , Liu Hongjie , Chen Long , Chen Xiuhua , Abbas Haider
Published: November 2024

Understanding the intricate relationship between drought stress and corn yield is crucial for ensuring food security and sustainable agriculture in the face of climate change. This study investigates the subtle effects of drought stress on corn physiological, morphological, and spectral characteristics at different growth stages, in order to construct a new drought index to characterize drought characteristics, so as to provide valuable insights for maize recovery mechanism and yield prediction. Specific conclusions are as follows. Firstly, the impact of drought stress on corn growth and development shows a gradient effect, with the most significant effects observed during the elongation stage and tasseling stage. Notably, Soil and Plant Analyzer Development (SPAD) and Leaf Area Index (LAI) are significantly affected during the silking stage, while plant height and stem width remain relatively unaffected. Secondly, spectral feature analysis reveals that, from the elongation stage to the silking stage, canopy reflectance exhibits peak–valley variations. Drought severity correlates positively with reflectance in the visible and shortwave infrared bands and negatively with reflectance in the near-infrared band. Canopy spectra during the silking stage are more affected by moderate and severe drought stress. Thirdly, LAI shows a significant positive correlation with yield, indicating its reliability in explaining yield variations. Finally, the yield-related drought index (YI) constructed based on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN), Random Forest (RF) and Multiple Linear Regression (MLR) methods has a good effect on revealing drought characteristics (R = 0.9332, p < 0.001). This study underscores the importance of understanding corn responses to drought stress at various growth stages for effective yield prediction and agricultural management strategies.
Smart Insole-Based Plantar Pressure Analysis for Healthy and Diabetic Feet Classification: Statistical vs. Machine Learning Approaches
Authors: Agrawal Dipak Kumar , Jongpinit Watcharin , Pojprapai Soodkhet , Usaha Wipawee , Wattanapan Pattra , Tangkanjanavelukul Pornthep , Vitoonpong Timporn
Published: November 2024

Diabetes is a significant global health issue impacting millions. Approximately 26 million diabetics experience foot ulcers, with 20% ending up with amputations, resulting in high morbidity, mortality, and costs. Plantar pressure screening shows potential for early detection of Diabetic Foot Ulcers (DFUs). Although foot ulcers often occur due to excessive pressure on the soles during dynamic activities, most studies focus on static pressure measurements. This study’s primary objective is to apply wireless plantar pressure sensor-embedded insoles to classify and detect diabetic feet from healthy ones based on dynamic plantar pressure. The secondary objective is to compare statistical-based and Machine Learning (ML) classification methods. Data from 150 subjects were collected from the insoles during walking, revealing that diabetic feet have higher plantar pressure than healthy feet, which is consistent with prior research. The Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) ML model achieved the highest accuracy of 0.85, outperforming the statistical method, which had an accuracy of 0.67. These findings suggest that ML models, combined with pressure sensor-embedded insoles, can effectively classify healthy and diabetic feet using plantar pressure features. Future research will focus on using these insoles with ML to classify various stages of diabetic neuropathy, aiming for early prediction of foot ulcers in home settings.
Recent Advances in Omics, Computational Models, and Advanced Screening Methods for Drug Safety and Efficacy
Authors: Son Ahrum , Park Jongham , Kim Woojin , Yoon Yoonki , Lee Sangwoon , Ji Jaeho , Kim Hyunsoo
Published: November 2024

It is imperative to comprehend the mechanisms that underlie drug toxicity in order to enhance the efficacy and safety of novel therapeutic agents. The capacity to identify molecular pathways that contribute to drug-induced toxicity has been significantly enhanced by recent developments in omics technologies, such as transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. This has enabled the early identification of potential adverse effects. These insights are further enhanced by computational tools, including quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) analyses and machine learning models, which accurately predict toxicity endpoints. Additionally, technologies such as physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and micro-physiological systems (MPS) provide more precise preclinical-to-clinical translation, thereby improving drug safety assessments. This review emphasizes the synergy between sophisticated screening technologies, in silico modeling, and omics data, emphasizing their roles in reducing late-stage drug development failures. Challenges persist in the integration of a variety of data types and the interpretation of intricate biological interactions, despite the progress that has been made. The development of standardized methodologies that further enhance predictive toxicology is contingent upon the ongoing collaboration between researchers, clinicians, and regulatory bodies. This collaboration ensures the development of therapeutic pharmaceuticals that are more effective and safer.
Correction: Wang et al. Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes Accelerate Leukaemia Development in a Mouse Model. Toxics 2024, 12, 646
Authors: Wang Qingqing , Han Jingdan , Wei Mujia , Miao Huikai , Zhang Min , Wu Biao , Chen Yao , Zheng Yanwen , Gale Robert Peter , Yin Bin
Published: November 2024

At the request of the authors, Haiyan Xu has been removed from the original publication [...]
MiR-101-3p Promotes Tumor Cell Proliferation and Migration via the Wnt Signal Pathway in MNNG-Induced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Jianding , Zhang Wenwen , Zhang Rui , Yang Hanteng , Li Yitong , Wang Junling , Li Chengyun
Published: November 2024

N-methyl-n’-nitroso-n’-nitroso guanidine (MNNG) can induce esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), and microRNAs are associated with the development of ESCC and may serve as potential tumor prognostic markers. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential function of miR-101-3p in MNNG-induced ESCC. An investigation of risk factors in patients with ESCC was carried out and the concentration of nine nitrosamines in urine samples was detected by the SPE-GC-MS technique. Then, we performed cancer tissue gene sequencing analysis, and RT-qPCR verified the expression level of miR-101-3p. Subsequently, the relationship between miR-101-3p potential target genes and the ESCC patients’ prognosis was predicted. Finally, we investigated the function of miR-101-3p in MNNG-induced ESCC pathogenesis and the regulatory mechanism of the signaling pathway by in vivo and in vitro experiments. The results revealed that high dietary nitrosamine levels are high-risk factors for ESCC. MiR-101-3p is down-regulated in ESCC tissues and cells, and its potential target genes are enriched in cell migration and cancer-related pathways. MiR-101-3p target genes include AXIN1, CK1, and GSK3, which are involved in the regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway. MiR-101-3p overexpression promotes apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation and migration of Eca109 cells. The Wnt pathway is activated after subchronic exposure to MNNG, and the Wnt pathway is inhibited by the overexpression of miR-101-3p in Eca109 cells. Down-regulated miR-101-3p may exert tumor suppressive effects by regulating the Wnt pathway and may be a useful biomarker for predicting ESCC progression.
Post-Newtonian Effects in Compact Binaries with a Dark Matter Spike: A Lagrangian Approach
Authors: Montalvo Diego , Smith-Orlik Adam , Rastgoo Saeed , Sagunski Laura , Becker Niklas , Khan Hazkeel
Published: November 2024

We apply the Lagrangian method to study the post-Newtonian evolution of a compact binary system with environmental effects, including a dark matter spike, and obtain the resulting gravitational wave emission. This formalism allows one to incorporate post-Newtonian effects up to any desired known order, as well as any other environmental effect around the binary, as long as their dissipation power or force formulae are known. In particular, in this work, we employ this method to study a black hole–black hole binary system of mass ratio 105 by including post-Newtonian effects of order 1PN and 2.5PN, as well as the effect of relativistic dynamical friction. We obtain the modified orbits and the corresponding modified gravitational waveform. Finally, we contrast these modifications against the LISA sensitivity curve in frequency space and show that this observatory can detect the associated signals.
Cosmological Models in Lovelock Gravity: An Overview of Recent Progress
Authors: Pavluchenko Sergey
Published: November 2024

In the current review, we provide a summary of the recent progress made in the cosmological aspect of extra-dimensional Lovelock gravity. Our review covers a wide variety of particular model/matter source combinations: Einstein–Gauss–Bonnet as well as cubic Lovelock gravities with vacuum, cosmological constant, perfect fluid, spatial curvature, and some of their combinations. Our analysis suggests that it is possible to set constraints on the parameters of the above-mentioned models from the simple requirement of the existence of a smooth transition from the initial singularity to a realistic low-energy regime. Initially, anisotropic space naturally evolves into a configuration with two isotropic subspaces, and if one of these subspaces is three-dimensional and is expanding while another is contracting, we call it realistic compactification. Of course, the process is not devoid of obstacles, and in our paper, we review the results of the compactification occurrence investigation for the above-mentioned models. In particular, for vacuum and Λ-term EGB models, compactification is not suppressed (but is not the only possible outcome either) if the number of extra dimensions is D⩾2; for vacuum cubic Lovelock gravities it is always present (however, cubic Lovelock gravity is defined only for D⩾3 number of extra dimensions); for the EGB model with perfect fluid it is present for D=2 (we have not considered this model in higher dimensions yet), and in the presence of spatial curvature, the realistic stabilization of extra dimensions is always present (however, such a model is well-defined only in D⩾4 number of extra dimensions).
Users’ Satisfaction with the Urban Design of Nature-Based Parks: A Case Study from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alamasi Rawan , Asfour Omar S. , Al-Mahdy Omar E.
Published: November 2024

Rapid urbanization in Saudi Arabia has reshaped land use and increased the demand for public spaces to enhance residents’ well-being, support quality of life, and strengthen cities’ resilience to global warming and climate change. In this study, an evaluation of user satisfaction with the design of nature-based parks in Saudi Arabia was conducted, using Wadi Hanifa Park in Riyadh city as a case study. To this end, direct observation alongside a questionnaire survey of park users was employed. The findings indicate that users are generally satisfied with the design of the park, with a weighted mean overall satisfaction score of 3.38 out of 5 observed. High satisfaction ratings were reported for various features, with visual quality receiving the highest rating. In contrast, lower satisfaction levels were recorded for some aspects, with the lowest rating given to lighting levels at night. The most frequently cited issue needing attention was the limited presence of greenery. This suggests that users tend to report a higher satisfaction in parks that incorporate diverse plant life and create a harmonious blend of natural and built environments. Accordingly, this study recommends the planting of native species, which require less water, enhance visual appeal, and strengthen place identity. Enhancing these aspects could further increase the effectiveness of nature-based parks in enhancing the quality of life in Saudi cities. This study recommends developing a national evaluation framework for public parks in Saudi Arabia to guide designers and policymakers in implementing the best design practices.
Incidence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection Among European Healthcare Workers and Effectiveness of the First Booster COVID-19 Vaccine, VEBIS HCW Observational Cohort Study, May 2021–May 2023
Authors: Savulescu Camelia , Prats-Uribe Albert , Brolin Kim , Lovrić Makarić Zvjezdana , Uusküla Anneli , Panagiotakopoulos Georgios , Bergin Colm , Fleming Catherine , Agodi Antonella , Bonfanti Paolo , Murri Rita , Zvirbulis Viesturs , Zavadska Dace , Szuldrzynski Konstanty , Machado Ausenda , Popescu Corneliu Petru , Craiu Mihai , Cisneros Maria , Latorre-Millán Miriam , Petrović Goranka , Lohur Liis , Tryfinopoulou Kyriaki , McGrath Jonathan , Ferguson Lauren , Barchitta Martina , Spolti Anna , de Gaetano Donati Katleen , Abolina Ilze , Gravele Dagne , Gaio Vânia , Florescu Simin Aysel , Lazar Mihaela , Subirats Pilar , Clusa Cuesta Laura , Sarajlić Gordan , Amerali Marina , Sui Jacklyn , Kenny Claire , Rapisarda Venerando , Rossi Marianna , Lamonica Silvia , Krievins Dainis , Barzdina Elza Anna , Palmira Amaral Ana , Kosa Alma Gabriela , Miron Victor Daniel , Muñoz-Almagro Carmen , Milagro Ana María , Bacci Sabrina , Kramarz Piotr , Nardone Anthony ,   the VEBIS HCW VE Study Group
Published: November 2024

Background: European countries have included healthcare workers (HCWs) among priority groups for COVID-19 vaccination. We established a multi-country hospital network to measure the SARS-CoV-2 incidence and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines among HCWs against laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods: HCWs from 19 hospitals in 10 countries participated in a dynamic prospective cohort study, providing samples for SARS-CoV-2 testing at enrolment and during weekly/fortnightly follow-up. We measured the incidence during pre-Delta (2 May–6 September 2021), Delta (7 September–14 December 2021), and Omicron (15 December 2021–2 May 2023) waves. Using Cox regression, we measured the relative vaccine effectiveness (rVE) of the first COVID-19 booster dose versus primary course alone during Delta and Omicron waves. Results: We included a total of 3015 HCWs. Participants were mostly female (2306; 79%), with a clinical role (2047; 68%), and had a median age of 44 years. The overall incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection was 3.01/10,000 person-days during pre-Delta, 4.21/10,000 during Delta, and 23.20/10,000 during Omicron waves. rVE was 59% (95% CI: −25; 86) during Delta and 22% (1; 39) during Omicron waves. rVE was 51% (30; 65) 7–90 days after the first booster dose during the Omicron wave. Conclusions: The incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection among HCWs was higher during the Omicron circulation period. The first COVID-19 vaccine booster provided additional protection against SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to primary course vaccination when recently vaccinated <90 days. This multi-country HCW cohort study addressing infection as the main outcome is crucial for informing public health interventions for HCWs.
Chiropractic Treatment of Dairy Cows
Authors: Wagner Franziska C. , Hesse Felicitas , Wehrle Johanna , Mülling Christoph K. W.
Published: November 2024

Lameness, also attributed to musculoskeletal disorders of the back, is a major issue in dairy cow farming, affecting both animal welfare and economics. Chiropractic techniques are well studied in humans and horses for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. The anatomy of the bovine spine differs significantly from that of horses, but the knowledge of the animal’s specific anatomy is crucial for chiropractic treatment. This report explores how chiropractic methods could be adapted to cattle, considering their unique anatomy, and potentially integrated into standard veterinary care. Five case reports and an example of measuring the alignment of the facet joints in the spine are presented and discussed. Chiropractic treatments showed success in alleviating lameness and spinal issues in dairy cows, particularly when combined with other interventions. However, the role of chiropractic treatment in cattle as a complementary therapy needs further research.
Evaluation of Biochemical Parameters in Caretta caretta Sea Turtles
Authors: Disclafani Rosaria , Galluzzo Paola , Schirò Giorgia , Vazzana Irene , Lomonaco Chiara , Monteverde Vincenzo , Dara Salvatore
Published: November 2024

The Caretta caretta is the only known sea turtle that nests along the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea. It is considered a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) because it is threatened by human activities. The aim of this work was to analyze biochemical parameters in different age groups of C. caretta subjects recovered at the Centro di Referenza Nazionale sul Benessere, Monitoraggio e Diagnostica delle Malattie delle Tartarughe Marine (C.Re.Ta.M.), Sicily. Biometric parameters were recorded for each subject. Peripheral blood was collected and centrifuged, and 18 biochemical parameters were analyzed. Glucose and total proteins showed lower values in juvenile turtles than in sub-adult and adult subjects. Since blood biochemical parameters can be influenced by several factors (age, sex, infectious disease, or trauma), we evaluated differences in the values of some parameters between the reproductive and non-reproductive seasons of adult turtles whose sex and cause of stranding could be determined. Despite the small number of subjects, it would seem that, in adult turtles, the values of ALP, γ-GT, Fe, and LDH are higher during the reproductive season. These biochemical variations showed important differences in the parameters, underlining their importance in assessing the health status of turtles and better understanding their physiology during different stages of their lives.
Reproductive Tract Mucus May Influence the Sex of Offspring in Cattle: Study in Cows That Have Repeatedly Calved Single-Sex Offspring
Authors: Huang Fei , Niu Peng , Wang Jieru , Suo Jiajia , Zhang Lulu , Wang Jie , Fang Di , Gao Qinghua
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to investigate the selective effect of the reproductive tract mucus in cows that have consistently produced offspring of a single sex on X/Y spermatozoa. We collected mucus from the reproductive tract of cows that had given calvings to offspring of the same sex, or alternated between sexes, for more than five consecutive calvings. We evaluated the pH of reproductive tract mucus. Subsequently, we conducted a spermatozoa penetration assay; the proportions of X and Y spermatozoa after penetration were then identified by dual TaqMan qPCR and flow cytometry. This was followed by in vitro fertilization and embryo sex determination experiments. Immediately afterwards, computer-aided spermatozoa analysis was employed to analyze the spermatozoa that had penetrated through different types of mucus in the reproductive tract. The analysis indicated that the reproductive tract mucus of cows consistently producing male or female calves exhibited selectivity towards X/Y spermatozoa. The differences in the pH values of the reproductive tract mucus among cows continuously producing male calves, those continuously producing female calves, and those alternately giving birth to male and female calves were not significant (p ≥ 0.05). The outcome of dual TaqMan qPCR for cows consistently producing male calves was Y: 79.29 ± 4.28% vs. X: 21.67 ± 4.53%; for cows consistently producing female calves, the equation was Y: 25.05 ± 4.88% vs. X: 75.34 ± 5.13%. The results of flow cytometry processing revealed the following proportions: for cows consistently producing male calves: Y: 83.33 ± 5.52% vs. X: 17.23 ± 4.74%; for cows consistently producing female calves: Y: 24.81 ± 4.13% vs. X: 76.64 ± 4.21%. The outcomes of embryo sex determination for cows consistently producing male calves were as follows: male embryos vs. female embryos (79.60 ± 2.87% vs. 21.07 ± 2.51%); for cows consistently producing female calves, the outcomes for male embryos vs. female embryos were 25.58 ± 3.96% vs. 75.63 ± 3.55%. Computer-aided analysis revealed that the concentration of spermatozoa penetrating the reproductive tract mucus in cows alternating between male and female calves (9.09 ± 0.72 million/mL) was significantly higher than that in cows consistently producing male calves (6.01 ± 1.19 million/mL) and cows consistently producing female calves (5.61 ± 0.60 million/mL). There were no significant differences in spermatozoa motility, the proportion of progressive motile spermatozoa, and curvilinear, straight-line, and average path velocities. Collectively, these findings indicate that the reproductive tract mucus of cows consistently producing offspring of a single sex exhibits selectivity towards either X or Y spermatozoa. This finding is of great significance for studying the impact of maternal factors on offspring sex.
Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Orbitrap-MS-Based Untargeted Lipidomics Reveal Lipid Characteristics of a Clinical Strain of Mycoplasma bovis from Holstein Cow
Authors: Yang Fei , Yang Mengmeng , Liu Fan , Qi Yanrong , Guo Yanan , He Shenghu
Published: November 2024

Mycoplasma bovis is a global concern for the cattle industry owing to its high rates of infection and resulting morbidity, but there are no reports on the lipid composition and metabolic pathways. This study examined the lipidomics of M. bovis to better investigate the biological characteristics of clinical isolates of M. bovis. The M. bovis strains NX114 and PG45, cultivated to log-phase, underwent untargeted lipidomics via ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry for differential analysis. Over 65 lipid types and 1476 lipid molecules were identified. We found that glycerophospholipids and sphingolipids constitute the predominant lipid components of M. bovis, with significant constituents of its cell membrane comprising ceramides, phosphatidylglycerols, sphingomyelins, triacylglycerols, hexosylceramides, ether-linked oxidized phosphatidylcholines, and oxidized phosphatidylglycerols. Secondly, 562 differentially expressed lipid molecules were identified, including 17 lipid subclasses (15 up-regulated and 2 down-regulated) with significant differences in relative content. These findings indicate that distinct M. bovis isolates contain structurally varied lipid molecules, with sphingomyelin, phosphatidylinositol, cardiolipin, and phosphatidylcholine being characteristic lipids. The glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway was identified as a key pathway regulating lipid metabolism in M. bovis by KEGG pathway enrichment analysis. The results indicated alterations in the lipid metabolism of M. bovis, offering insights into its pathogenic mechanisms.
Multi-Year Mortality Due to Staphylococcal Arthritis and Osteomyelitis with Sandspur-Associated Injury in Juvenile Black Skimmers (Rynchops niger) at Nesting Colonies in Southwest Florida, USA
Authors: Nemeth Nicole M. , Brush Janell M. , Cox W. Andrew , Hardman Rebecca , Piersma Brittany , Troiano Alexandra , Barron Heather W. , Kunkel Melanie R. , Goodwin Chloe C. , Weyna Alisia A. W. , McKinney Amy S. , Teo Xuan Hui , Radisic Rebecca , Shender Lisa A. , Sanchez Susan , van Deventer Michelle
Published: November 2024

The black skimmer (Rynchops niger) is a state-threatened, colonially nesting seabird in Florida, USA. Conservation threats include habitat alteration, human disturbances, severe weather, and predation. During nest monitoring (May–September, 2020–2022), black skimmer juveniles at colonies on Fort Myers Beach and Marco Island, Florida, had polyarthritis and died or were euthanized due to severe illness. Similarly-aged skimmers from geographically distant (considered unaffected) colonies were evaluated for comparison (2021–2023). We documented field, clinical, radiographical, and pathological findings to characterize disease and purported pathogenesis. The majority were lame and lethargic, in poor nutritional condition, and dehydrated. Additionally, 8/23 of the skimmers with dermatitis and arthritis from affected colonies also had penetrating sandspurs associated with skin ulceration, scabbing, and/or hemorrhage. The affected joints were often in limbs (interphalangeal and hock; less commonly stifle, elbow, carpus). A postmortem evaluation and bacteriology revealed Staphylococcal aureus-associated dermatitis, arthritis, tenosynovitis, and/or osteomyelitis in 21/22 of the juvenile skimmers from southwestern nest colonies. Staphylococcus aureus dissemination to internal organs occurred in 10/13 of the skimmers tested. Among skimmers evaluated from distant colonies, 5/10 that were examined histologically had skin crusting and inflammation but lacked arthritis. Occasional coinfections were documented (e.g., West Nile virus, Gram-negative bacilli). The results suggest that staphylococcal joint disease originated from sandspur-induced skin damage, followed by hematogenous dissemination to the joints and, occasionally, the internal organs. Additional nest sites should be tested to evaluate disease risk and potentially contributing environmental factors. We recommend that site managers employ techniques that reduce the risk of skimmer interactions with sandspurs.
Evaluation of Cryopreservation of Bovine Ovarian Tissue by Analysis of Reactive Species of Oxygen, Toxicity, Morphometry, and Morphology
Authors: Bizarro-Silva Camila , Bergamo Larissa Zamparone , Costa Camila Bortoliero , González Suellen Miguez , Yokomizo Deborah Nakayama , Rossaneis Ana Carolina , Verri Junior Waldiceu Aparecido , Sudano Mateus José , Andrade Evelyn Rabelo , Alfieri Amauri Alcindo , Seneda Marcelo Marcondes
Published: November 2024

Ovarian tissue cryopreservation has been widely investigated for preserving female fertility. In the present study, we aimed to compare the effects of three concentrations (1, 1.5, and 3 M) of dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) on the vitrification of ovarian tissue. The ovarian cortex was divided into control and vitrified groups: (i) 1 M-DMSO, (ii) 1.5 M-DMSO, and (iii) 3 M-DMSO. Follicles from all fragments were analyzed for DMSO-induced deleterious effects, morphological and morphometric aspects, and concentration of reactive oxygen species. Additionally, the fragments were cultured to assess the integrity and return of follicular development post-vitrification. All DMSO concentrations resulted in a higher percentage of degenerated preantral follicles than before the cryopreservation process. After vitrification, the cryopreserved ovarian fragments showed similar percentages of intact follicles; however, the 3 M DMSO concentration differed from the control. Analyzing free radical production, we found that the 3 M DMSO concentration had higher levels of oxidative stress than the lower DMSO. After in vitro cultivation of the vitrified/warmed fragments, the 1 M DMSO concentration exhibited higher percentages of morphologically intact follicles than the other concentrations. Therefore, we suggest that bovine preantral follicles can be cryopreserved in situ with greater efficiency in 1 M DMSO.
Color Doppler Ultrasonographic Examination of Ovarian Grafts in Goats
Authors: Vieira Antonio Renilson Sousa , Sousa Francisco Carlos de , Barros Celso Henrique Souza Costa , Santana Maria Janiele , Alves Benner Geraldo , Teixeira Dárcio Ítalo Alves
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of color Doppler ultrasonography for examination of the blood flow areas in superficial grafts after 7 or 15 days of heterotopic allotransplantation, comparing an in-ear subcutaneous area (IE) with an in-neck cervical intramuscular area (IN) in goats. To monitor the local blood flow in the graft areas, color Doppler signals were assessed daily until days seven and fifteen, when the left and right implants, respectively, were removed. The areas of blood flow around the transplanted ovarian fragments were significantly larger (p < 0.05) in the IE area compared to the IN area after 7 (IE: 4.70 ± 0.33A vs. IN: 3.67 ± 0.33B) and 15 (IE: 5.27 ± 0.21A vs. IN: 4.66 ± 0.22B) days of transplantation. A positive and significant correlation was observed between the area of blood flow and the day of assessment after 7 (IE: r = 0.43; p < 0.05) and 15 (IE: r = 0.52; p = 0.001; IN: r = 0.42; p = 0.001) days of transplantation. In conclusion, color Doppler ultrasonography can be used for real-time assessment of local blood perfusion in ovarian grafts, making it possible to identify alterations in the blood flow area in the period following a transplant procedure.
Evaluation of Haematological Ratios at: Different Stages of Canine Periodontal Disease
Authors: Silva Carolina , Abrantes Ana Carolina , Fontes Ana Carolina , Dias Isabel , Domingues Rosário , Peixoto Francisco , Viegas Carlos
Published: November 2024

This is a retrospective study about haematological ratios in different stages of canine periodontal disease in one single breed, more specifically the Portuguese Podengo. The aim of the study was to assess the clinical significance of five haematological ratios, namely neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), mean platelet volume-to-platelet count ratio (MPV/PLT), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet-to-neutrophil ratio (PNR), easily obtained through the parameters provided by the complete blood count, in the stages of gingivitis and periodontitis, compared to clinical healthy individuals. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to identify ideal sensitivity and specificity cut-offs for cases of gingivitis or periodontitis. Our study included 80 dogs, which comprised 24 healthy dogs, 26 diagnosed with gingivitis, and 30 with periodontitis. The median NLR was significantly lower in periodontitis than in clinical healthy dogs (p = 0.040) and in dogs with gingivitis (p = 0.037). The median PLR was significantly lower in cases of gingivitis (p = 0.020) and periodontitis (p = 0.024) than in healthy dogs. MPV/PLT and MLR did not demonstrate significant differences between any of the three groups. The median PNR was significantly lower in gingivitis than in control dogs (p = 0.019). PNR had the highest accurate results, in distinguishing between healthy individuals and those with gingivitis, with an area under the curve of 0.692 (95% CI [0.539–0.845], p = 0.020). However, even this index had weak discriminatory power between the groups in the analysis. The impact of systemic inflammation generated by canine periodontal disease can thus be seen through some of these indices. However, the results obtained here demonstrate the need for complementarity with other methods to diagnose canine periodontal disease and reinforce the need for additional studies with more markers of systemic inflammatory response.
Advanced Point Cloud Techniques for Improved 3D Object Detection: A Study on DBSCAN, Attention, and Downsampling
Authors: Zhang Wenqiang , Dong Xiang , Cheng Jingjing , Wang Shuo
Published: November 2024

To address the challenges of limited detection precision and insufficient segmentation of small to medium-sized objects in dynamic and complex scenarios, such as the dense intermingling of pedestrians, vehicles, and various obstacles in urban environments, we propose an enhanced methodology. Firstly, we integrated a point cloud processing module utilizing the DBSCAN clustering algorithm to effectively segment and extract critical features from the point cloud data. Secondly, we introduced a fusion attention mechanism that significantly improves the network’s capability to capture both global and local features, thereby enhancing object detection performance in complex environments. Finally, we incorporated a CSPNet downsampling module, which substantially boosts the network’s overall performance and processing speed while reducing computational costs through advanced feature map segmentation and fusion techniques. The proposed method was evaluated using the KITTI dataset. Under moderate difficulty, the BEV mAP for detecting cars, pedestrians, and cyclists achieved 87.74%, 55.07%, and 67.78%, reflecting improvements of 1.64%, 5.84%, and 5.53% over PointPillars. For 3D mAP, the detection accuracy for cars, pedestrians, and cyclists reached 77.90%, 49.22%, and 62.10%, with improvements of 2.91%, 5.69%, and 3.03% compared to PointPillars.
Improvement on Electromagnetic Performance of Axial–Radial Flux Type Permanent Magnet Machines by Optimal Stator Slot Number
Authors: Yi Ran , Yuan Chunwei , Qiu Hongbo , Gao Wenhao , Ren Junyi
Published: November 2024

To achieve the objective of high torque, a high utilization rate of PMs, and flexible flux regulation capability of the permanent magnet (PM) machine, an axial–radial flux type permanent magnet (ARFTPM) machine was studied in this paper. The working principle of the ARFTPM machine is analyzed by illustrating the flux paths. Then, the influence of stator slot number on the flux regulation capability and torque is studied. A full comparison of the main parameters and electromagnetic performances of the ARFTPM machine with different stator slot numbers is presented, including winding coefficient, back electromotive force (EMF), cogging torque, average torque, and torque-angle characteristics. The optimal stator slot number was obtained. Finally, the 12-slot/10-pole prototype machine is manufactured and tested to validate the simulation data and theoretical analysis.
Symmetrical Short-Circuit Behavior Prediction of Rare-Earth Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors
Authors: Eichin Fabian , Kamper Maarten , Gerber Stiaan , Wang Rong-Jie
Published: November 2024

Since the advent of rare-earth permanent magnet (PM) materials, PM synchronous machines (PMSMs) have become popular in power generation, industrial drives, and e-mobility. However, rare-earth PMs in PMSMs are prone to temperature- and operation-related irreversible demagnetization. Additionally, faults can endanger components like inverters, batteries, and mechanical structures. Designing a fault-tolerant machine requires considering these risks during the PMSM design phase. Traditional transient finite element analysis is time-consuming, but fast analytical simulation methods provide viable alternatives. This paper evaluates methods for analyzing dynamic three-phase short-circuit (3PSC) events in PMSMs. Experimental measurements on a PMSM prototype serve as benchmarks. The results show that accounting for machine saturation reduces discrepancies between measured and predicted outcomes by 20%. While spatial harmonic content and sub-transient reactance can be neglected in some cases, caution is required in other scenarios. Eddy currents in larger machines significantly impact 3PSC dynamics. This work provides a quick assessment based on general machine parameters, improving fault-tolerant PMSM design.
Facility-Level Variation in Nephrology Care among Veterans after Urinary Stone Diagnosis
Authors: Thomas Kaleb , Ganesan Calyani , Liu Sai , Thomas I-Chun , Montez-Rath Maria E. , Soerensen Simon John Christoph , Chertow Glenn M. , Leppert John T. , Pao Alan C.
Published: November 2024

Key Points

Only 6% of patients with urinary stone disease visit a nephrology clinic within 6 months of a stone event in the Veterans Health Administration.

Nephrology care within 6 months of a stone event can vary by as much as 72% across different Veterans Health Administration facilities.

Efforts to increase access to nephrology, in addition to urology, may improve quality of health care to patients with urinary stone disease.

Background

Prevention is a cornerstone for the management of recurrent urinary stone disease. Current guidelines recommend metabolic evaluation, lifestyle modification, and medical treatment of patients with urinary stone disease. Nephrologists are uniquely qualified to evaluate stone risk and formulate treatment strategies to reduce that risk. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of nephrology visits after a urinary stone diagnosis, a key window of opportunity to assess stone risk.

Methods

We used nationwide data from the US Veterans Health Administration to identify patients who had an incident stone diagnosis between 2016 and 2018. We examined the proportion of patients who visited a nephrology clinic within 6 months of stone diagnosis.

Results

We identified 42,927 veterans with urinary stone disease. Only 2432 (5.6%) visited a nephrology clinic within 6 months of the index diagnosis. The proportion of patients who visited a nephrology clinic after their stone diagnosis ranged between 0.7% and 20.7% across 104 Veterans Health Administration sites, with a median of 4.6% (25%–75% range, 3.4%–7.0%). The median rate ratio for a nephrology follow-up visit after a stone diagnosis was 1.72. Veterans with CKD were significantly more likely to visit a nephrology clinic relative to veterans without CKD (odds ratio, 5.19; 95% confidence interval, 4.69 to 5.74).

Conclusions

Nephrologists are infrequently and variably involved in the care of patients after a urinary stone diagnosis, suggesting potential for quality improvement.
Association of Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Cardiac Mechanics in the Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Jain Keertana , Katz Ronit , Isakova Tamara , Kizer Jorge R. , Sharma Shilpa , Psaty Bruce M. , Shah Sanjiv , Ix Joachim , Mehta Rupal
Published: November 2024

Background:

Elevated levels of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) are associated with left ventricular hypertrophy and heart failure (HF) in individuals with and without kidney disease. Prior studies investigated the association of FGF23 and structural cardiac changes using conventional echocardiography, which is limited in its ability to detect early cardiac dysfunction. We investigated the relationship between FGF23 levels and cardiac dynamics using two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2D-STE), a novel imaging modality.

Methods:

This was a cross-sectional analysis of data from the Cardiovascular Health Study, an ongoing prospective, population-based cohort study. The study population included 506 participants from CHS with available c-terminal (cFGF23) and intact FGF23 (iFGF23) measurements from 1996-1997 and 2D-STE images from 1994-1995. Forty two percent of the study population had CKD, defined as an eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2, and the mean eGFR was 63 ml/min/1.73m2. The primary exposures were cFGF23 and iFGF23. The primary outcomes were six 2D-STE parameters performed at the 1994-1995 study visit. Linear regression models were used to examine the independent associations of FGF23 with six cardiac 2D-STE indices adjusting for demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, markers of kidney disease severity, and inflammation.

Results:

cFGF23 levels were moderately correlated with iFGF23 levels in the CHS population. In fully adjusted models, cFGF23 was associated with left atrial dysfunction, but no other cardiac imaging parameter (β estimate -2.47; 95% Confidence Interval -4.68, -0.25; Table 2). iFGF23 was not associated with any of the six 2D-STE indices. Limitations include small sample size and noncurrent FGF23 measurements and 2D-STE imaging.

Conclusions:

In a limited sample of individuals enrolled in the CHS with c- and i-FGF23 measurements, we did not find consistent associations between FGF23 levels and 2D-STE parameters. Further investigations in a larger population with concurrent 2D-STE are needed to better understand the associations of FGF23 with early changes in cardiac mechanics.
Prospective Analysis of Arteriovenous Fistula Performance in the Context of Competing Risks
Authors: Ghimire Anukul , Lloyd Anita M. , Szigety Susan , Merino Jose Luis , Alibhai Karim , Winkelaar Gerrit , Quinn Robert R. , Tonelli Marcello
Published: November 2024

Key Points

Among 257 newly created arteriovenous fistulas, primary nonfunction occurred in 49%, and only 55% were ultimately used for dialysis.

Loss of arteriovenous fistula patency was lower when competing risks were accounted for compared with conventional Kaplan–Meier analysis.

We present icon-array plots that summarize our data and may be used a decision aid for patients in the future.

Background

Many patients with newly created arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) may die before the AVF is needed for hemodialysis. However, formal competing risks (CRs) frameworks are rarely used to report AVF patency, which may lead to biased estimates. We sought to identify the proportion of newly created AVF experiencing primary nonfunction and describe long-term patency using a CR framework.

Methods

We conducted a prospective observational study in 257 adults with newly created AVF in Alberta, Canada. The primary outcome was primary nonfunction. Secondary outcomes included loss of primary patency, loss of assisted primary patency, and loss of secondary functional patency. Results were presented using icon-array plots to form the basis for future decision aids.

Results

Participants were 63.0% male, with mean age 62.3 years and median follow-up 18.5 months (range, 0.02–180 months). Of 257 participants, 50 could not be assessed for function or primary nonfunction, usually because of death. Of the remaining 207, 102 (49.3%) had primary nonfunction, and function was ultimately established for 142 (68.6%). Thus, only 142 of the 257 participants (55.3%) ultimately used the AVF for hemodialysis. High rates of CRs led to biased results from Kaplan–Meier analyses of lost patency. When accounting for CRs, loss of primary patency among AVFs with established function was 36.6%, 65.5%, and 66.2%, at 1, 3, and 5 years, respectively.

Conclusions

Only 55% of fistulas were ultimately used for hemodialysis when accounting for CRs and primary nonfunction. These results and the icon-array plots may inform discussions surrounding vascular access options for patients.
Estado del Arte de las Trayectorias Investigativas en Publicaciones Científicas sobre Teología Y Educación Religiosa en Latinoamérica en la Plataforma Google Académico (2018-2024)
Authors: Cuenca Flores Nerie Felman , Loor Salazar Verónica
Published: November 2024

La redacción de artículos científicas sobre temáticas teológicas corresponde a una muestra de la identidad de los autores latinoamericanos, sus objetivos, dudas y metas a alcanzar dentro del alcance de la comprensión teológica y la educación religiosa. Esta investigación tiene como objetivo generar una revisión actual de la producción académica publicada entre los años 2018-2024 en Latinoamérica. La presente revisión de literatura seleccionó 14 artículos científicos como muestra. La metodología empleada se llevó a cabo mediante la revisión sistemática de la base de datos de Google Scholar en la región de Latinoamérica, la selección de artículos de revisión con temáticas de teología y educación religiosa y la descripción concisa de los resultados hallados. La revisión permite concluir que las mayores tendencias de investigación están dirigidas a los estudios sobre la teología de la liberación, así como de una educación religiosa crítica y pluricultural. Las razones para estas tendencias se deben, en su mayoría, a los contextos contemporáneos de publicación basados en una identidad propia que busca una formación desarrollada al cambio y a la unión de los pueblos.
Eventos Científicos: Herramientas de Gestión para la Socialización de Resultados de Ciencia
Authors: Semanat Ortiz Yohandra , Parada Ulloa. Adaris , Mayet Comerón Taimé
Published: November 2024

El desarrollo de la investigación científica constituye un eje fundamental de la gestión universitaria, siendo la difusión de sus resultados un elemento relevante de la educación superior. El objetivo de este trabajo se orienta a presentación de las pautas metodológicas para la gestión de los eventos científicos como herramienta para la socialización de los resultados de ciencia. Lo cual fue posible por la aplicación de una metodología participativa que articula tres momentos, partir de la práctica, la teorización y vuelta a la práctica. Se significa que el evento científico es  esencial en la divulgación de los resultados investigativos, y, la gestión de eventos científico es considerada como estrategia de marketing para el posicionamiento de la institución universitaria en estándares internacionales.
Prácticas de Innovación Docente desde las Tic para el Ingreso de los Estudiantes a la Universidad.
Authors: Aviles Zambrano Glenda Karina , Álvarez Jorge Aniza , Rodríguez Cosme María
Published: November 2024

La utilización de las TIC en la formación del Bachillerato es un objetivo esencial en el currículo para los estudiantes. De modo que la preparación en cuanto al uso de herramientas digitales abra un espacio para la búsqueda independiente del conocimiento de los docentes y el desarrollo de habilidades con el uso de la tecnología. De modo que se determina como objetivo: implementar un Programa de capacitación para docentes con el uso de los entornos virtuales en el proceso pedagógico y didáctico de las asignaturas del Bachillerato. Los métodos aplicados como entrevistas a directivos y observación a clases, utilizó una muestra de 15 docentes, permitieron corroborar que existen falencias en los docentes con la sistematicidad en el uso de la tecnología, asimismo se corrobora que no siempre están las condiciones creadas desde la infraestructura tecnológica que posibilite interactuar con esta. La capacitación de los docentes como parte del resultado de la investigación, permitió que recibieran un curso presencial donde se le demostrara cómo a través de los teléfonos, Tablet, podrían promover nuevos modos de actuación en la utilización de las TIC para la asimilación de los contenidos del currículo y el desarrollo para niveles educativos superiores.