bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing weaning issues in lambs and ewes. Part 2: management of ewes following weaning
Authors: Forster Rachel , Falder Nicola
Published: May 2024

Background: To ensure optimum flock fertility in the subsequent breeding season, it is important to ensure that ewes are in good health following weaning. Drafting (the period between weaning and tupping where ewes are sorted for culling) is a key time in the flock year to ensure only the most productive ewes are retained for breeding. Identifying health issues soon after weaning allows time for recovery, or for replacements to be sourced if necessary. Postweaning is also often an important time for the identification of underlying endemic diseases within a flock – the stress of pregnancy and lactation may exacerbate clinical signs and guide the clinician towards the requirement for diagnostic investigations.

Aim of the article: This article, the second in a two‐part series on managing weaning issues in lambs and ewes, provides information about common health conditions that can be identified in the postweaning period which could affect subsequent reproductive performance of ewes. Examination of culling data of ewes can provide practitioners with information about the health of the flock and potential underlying health conditions to investigate. Information regarding how to investigate these conditions is also presented. Part one of this series, which was published in the January/February issue of In Practice (Forster and Falder 2024), focused on the common issues encountered by both ewes and lambs at weaning time and how to minimise these problems.
Treatment considerations for bluetongue virus serotype‐3 cases in sheep
Authors: Lovatt Fiona , Tarlinton Rachael , Groenevelt Margit
Published: May 2024

Background: Bluetongue virus (BTV) serotype‐3 (BTV‐3) has been circulating in the Netherlands since September 2023 and was first reported in Kent in the UK in November 2023, picked up via the annual bluetongue surveillance programme. It is a highly pathogenic strain in sheep with limited preventive measures once virus is circulating in the biting midge population. At the time of publication there is no BTV‐3 vaccine available and no cross‐protection from other BTV vaccine strains. There are no specific antiviral medicines available, and therapy focuses on nursing care and anti‐inflammatory medicines to reduce clinical signs, although early euthanasia decisions need to be considered on the grounds of animal welfare.

Aim of the article: This article takes the experiences of vets from the Netherlands and describes what practitioners might be able to do to treat clinical cases of BTV‐3, with thanks to Schapendokter (2023) for sharing their practice protocols.
Understanding veterinary prices: facts or feelings?
Authors: Maher Rebecca
Published: May 2024

Veterinary fees can be a source of great pain, not just for clients, but also for the clinic teams that are communicating them. It's a common misconception that fees need to be lowered if we wish to make them feel more comfortable to clients, or to make their communication easier for teams; however, because the human mind perceives price in a very subjective way, there is a lot that can be done to help teams communicate them more confidently and to make them feel more comfortable to clients. An understanding of a few behavioural science principles can give veterinary teams the tools that they need to achieve this.
Evaluation and projection of circulation conditions tied to summertime compound drought and heatwave frequency over the Yangtze River Delta, China, for the carbon neutrality period based on CMIP6 GCMs
Authors: Wang Jing , Liang Ping , Cheng Fei , Liu Yanju , Song Chengyu , Wu Wei , Zheng Qingfeng , Zhang Tianyu , Qu Ping , Li Yujie , Ding Yihui
Published: May 2024

Frequent occurrences of compound droughts and heatwaves (CDHWs) may have considerable adverse impacts on human health and socioeconomic development. To project future summertime CDHWs over the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) of China under carbon neutrality (CN) for policymakers, we used nine global climate models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) and evaluated and projected circulation conditions tied to the summer YRD CDHW frequency in the boreal summer. The results show that a marked mid‐tropospheric regional‐scale anticyclonic anomaly centred over the East China Sea can be deemed the dominant system linking the more frequent occurrence of YRD CDHWs. Our selected nine CMIP6 GCMs better captured the observed climatological and anomalous spatial circulation patterns connected to the summer YRD CDHW frequency. Moreover, the nine models' multi‐model ensemble mean (9MME) was better than most of the individual models regarding the related climatological circulation simulations. The 9MME‐projected changes in circulation conditions tied to summer YRD CDHWs during the carbon neutrality period (2050–2060) under SSP119 favour the comparable occurrence of the YRD with that for the same period under the medium greenhouse gas (GHG) warming scenario (SSP245), but the intensities of the CDHWs are the least severe. However, the highest number of YRD CDHWs is driven by the high GHG warming scenario (SSP585), and these CDHWs feature the most severe intensity. Our research identified a new paradigm regarding the frequency and intensity of the summer YRD CDHW under SSP119, highlighting the potential role of the newly accessible CN‐oriented sustainable development pathway in alleviating compound extremes.
Hyperkinetic Movement Disorder Caused by the Recurrent c.892C>T NACC1 Variant
Authors: Komulainen‐Ebrahim Jonna , Kangas Salla M. , López‐Martín Estrella , Feyma Timothy , Scaglia Fernando , Martínez‐Delgado Beatriz , Kuismin Outi , Suo‐Palosaari Maria , Carr Lucinda , Hinttala Reetta , Kurian Manju A. , Uusimaa Johanna
Published: May 2024

Background

Genetic syndromes of hyperkinetic movement disorders associated with epileptic encephalopathy and intellectual disability are becoming increasingly recognized. Recently, a de novo heterozygous NACC1 (nucleus accumbens‐associated 1) missense variant was described in a patient cohort including one patient with a combined mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) deficiency.

Objectives

The objective is to characterize the movement disorder in affected patients with the recurrent c.892C>T NACC1 variant and study the NACC1 protein and mitochondrial function at the cellular level.

Methods

The movement disorder was analyzed on four patients with the NACC1 c.892C>T (p.Arg298Trp) variant. Studies on NACC1 protein and mitochondrial function were performed on patient‐derived fibroblasts.

Results

All patients had a generalized hyperkinetic movement disorder with chorea and dystonia, which occurred cyclically and during sleep. Complex I was found altered, whereas the other OXPHOS enzymes and the mitochondria network seemed intact in one patient.

Conclusions

The movement disorder is a prominent feature of NACC1‐related disease.
Updated‐generation product introduction decisions under trade‐in programs and different pricing strategies
Authors: Fan Xiaojun , Zhao Wenyu , Zhu Xiaowei
Published: May 2024

Manufacturers introduce updated‐generation products to meet intensified competition under trade‐in programs. Based on this phenomenon, we built a two‐period game‐theoretic model, in which the manufacturer sells the old‐generation product during both periods and considers whether to introduce the updated‐generation product in the second period. We find that under a static pricing strategy, if the costs of both products are low, the updated‐generation product's entry increases the old‐generation product's retail price. The manufacturer cannot benefit from introducing the updated‐generation product if the updated‐generation product's cost is high. Under a dynamic pricing strategy, the updated‐generation product entry benefits both the manufacturer and the consumer.
Massachusetts program encourages careers in older‐adult treatment
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: May 2024

(Editor's note: In each issue of MHW during Mental Health Awareness Month, we will feature an innovative initiative in mental health advocacy/promotion.)
Predictive value of adductor pollicis muscle thickness for ultrasound‐based sarcopenia in older adults
Authors: Varan Hacer D. , Ceker Eda , Cataltepe Esra , Gungor Fatih , Fadiloglu Ayse , Borazan Funda Y.
Published: May 2024

Background

The adductor pollicis muscle thickness (APMT) is least affected by subcutaneous adipose tissue and can be measured externally. The aim of this study is to identify the predictive value of APMT for the diagnosis of ultrasonography‐based sarcopenia.

Methods

A total of 245 outpatients who were aged ≥65 years (49 with sarcopenia and 196 without sarcopenia) were included in this cross‐sectional study. Patients with knee or hip replacement, advanced dementia, cerebrovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, or decompensated heart failure and those using drugs that affect muscle functions, such as steroids, were excluded. Comprehensive geriatric assessments and anthropometric measurements of the patients were performed. APMT was assessed with a skinfold caliper. The diagnosis of sarcopenia was based on a low Sonographic Thigh Adjustment Ratio (STAR) index (anterior thigh muscle thickness by ultrasonography/body mass index [BMI] ratio, cutoff points are <1.4 for men and <1.0 for women) and low handgrip strength. The predictive ability of APMT for ultrasound‐based sarcopenia diagnosis was examined.

Results

There was no significant difference in terms of arm and calf circumference and BMI between the sarcopenic and nonsarcopenic groups. APMT, handgrip strength, anterior thigh muscle thickness, and gait speed were significantly lower in the patients with sarcopenia. The best cutoff points of APMT for sarcopenia were ≤16.5 for women and ≤21.5 for men with areas under the curve of 0.70 and 0.66, respectively, and negative predictive values of 91.2 and 94.3, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

APMT can be a useful anthropometric marker for ultrasound‐based sarcopenia diagnosis.
Celebrity and influencer philanthropy: Debating MrBeast and China
Authors: Jeffreys Elaine , Xu Jian
Published: May 2024

This article examines the philanthropy/marketing interface with reference to celebrity philanthropy, focusing on the American YouTube star, MrBeast, and the Chinese government regulation of celebrities and social media influencers. Celebrity nowadays can refer to film and music stars with international broadcast media visibility and to people who create their own fame through social media and appeals to niche markets/audiences (social media influencers). While the United States of America has historically used tax incentives to encourage elite philanthropy as a matter of individual choice, the Chinese government is regulating the cultural industries to promote and direct celebrity and influencer philanthropy towards government‐endorsed development goals. Comparing debates about MrBeast philanthropy with the operation of philanthropy in China highlights different ideas about celebrity/influencer philanthropy and the role it can play in supporting public welfare.
Optimal control of stochastic differential equations with random impulses and the Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman equation
Authors: Yin Qian‐Bao , Shu Xiao‐Bao , Guo Yu , Wang Zi‐Yu
Published: May 2024

In this article, we study the optimal control of stochastic differential equations with random impulses. We optimize the performance index and add the influence of random impulses to the performance index with a random compensation function. Using the idea of stochastic analysis and dynamic programming principle, a new Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) equation is obtained, and the existence and uniqueness of its viscosity solution are proved.
Comparative study of sample preparation procedures to determine the main compounds in ayahuasca beverages by QuEChERS and high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis
Authors: Gonçalves Joana , Rosado Tiago , Barroso Mário , Restolho José , Fernández Nicolás , Luís Ângelo , Gallardo Eugenia , Duarte Ana Paula
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Ayahuasca is a psychoactive drink originally consumed by indigenous people of the Amazon. The lack of regulation of this drink leads to uncontrolled consumption, and it is often consumed in religious contexts.

Objective

The aim of this work is to compare three miniaturised extraction techniques for extracting the main ayahuasca compounds from beverages.

Methodology

Three sample pretreatment techniques were evaluated (dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction [DLLME], microextraction by packed sorbent [MEPS] and QuEChERS [Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe]) for the simultaneous extraction of N,N‐dimethyltryptamine (DMT), tetrahydroharmine (THH), harmine, harmaline, harmol and harmalol from ayahuasca beverage samples. Then, the most promising technique (QuEChERS) was chosen to pre‐concentrate the analytes, subsequently detected by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector (HPLC‐DAD).

Results

The procedure was optimised, with the final conditions being 500 μL of extractor solvent, 85 mg of primary secondary amine (PSA) and 4 s of vortexing. The analytical method was validated, showing to be linear between 0.16 and 10 μg/mL for β‐carbolines and between 0.016 and 1 μg/mL for DMT, with coefficients of determination (R2) between 0.9968 and 0.9993. The limit of detection (LOD) and lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) were 0.16 μg/mL for all compounds, except for DMT (0.016 μg/mL) and extraction efficiencies varied between 60.2% and 88.0%.

Conclusion

The analytical methodology proved to be accurate and precise, with good linearity, LODs and LLOQs. This method has been fully validated and successfully applied to ayahuasca beverage samples.
Development of HDPE/natural fiberboard nanocomposite reinforced Bi2O3/BaO and H3BO3: A sustainable approach for gamma and neutron shielding application
Authors: Yassene Ali A. M. , Abd Elwahab Nesreen R. , Eyssa Hanan M.
Published: May 2024

Radiation shielding materials significantly contribute to various fields. In this research, a new eco‐friendly nanocomposite shielding material based on high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and natural fiberboard (NF) with different concentrations of barium oxide nanowires (BaO), bismuth oxide nanorods (Bi2O3), and boric acid (H3BO3) is constructed and investigated for 137Cs, 60Co gamma ray, and 142Am–Be neutron sources. Mechanical and physical testing and thermal analysis were conducted to assess the impact of nanostructure incorporation on the structural integrity and thermal stability of the nanocomposite. The 60Co gamma and neutron attenuation properties were evaluated using the appropriate radiation sources. The transmission and absorption coefficients of the nanocomposites were measured. The results demonstrated that HDPE/NF filled with BaO, Bi2O3 nanostructure, and boric acid has higher tensile strength and thermal stability than unfilled HDPE/NF. The results displayed that the HDPE/NF filled with 1.5% Bi2O3 and 1.5% BaO improved gamma attenuation and also HDPE/NF/10% boric acid had a high value. The outcomes of this research provide valuable insights into the design and fabrication of radiation shielding materials by understanding the relationship between nanoparticle concentration, radiation attenuation properties, and the mechanical and thermal characteristics of the nanocomposite. This study aims to optimize the performance and applicability of HDPE/NF nanocomposites for radiation protection applications.

Highlights

Synthesis of BaO nanowires and bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nanorods by hydrothermal simple method.

Fabrication and characterization of a new HDPE/natural fiberboard (NF) nanocomposite containing BaO/Bi2O3/H3BO3 as an eco‐friendly additive.

The HDPE/NF/1.5% BaO/1.5% Bi2O3 nanocomposite has better tensile strength and more thermal stability.

Usage of HDPE/NF/1.5% BaO/1.5% Bi2O3 nanocomposite that should be utilized for radiation shielding.

Usage of HDPE/NF/1.5% BaO/1.5% Bi2O3/10% H3BO3 nanocomposite that should be utilized for neutron attenuation performance.
Self‐healing waterborne polyurethane elastomers based on synergistic hydrogen, disulfide and borate bonding for composite conductors
Authors: Chen Ming , Ren Mengqing , Chen Jiaming , Lu Yajun , Shi Qingsong , Wu Lili
Published: May 2024

As a functional material, polyurethane elastomers have found different applications in a variety of fields such as flexible electronics and smart coatings, but due to the damage during use, they are often endowed with self‐healing properties. However, conventional intrinsically self‐healing polyurethanes often don't balance excellent mechanical and self‐healing properties, so it has become crucial to prepare polyurethane elastomers with excellent self‐healing properties and high mechanical properties. In this study, a self‐healing waterborne polyurethane elastomers (IP‐DTDAx‐BAy‐WPU‐n) was synthesized based on 4, 4‐diaminodiphenyl sulfide (DTDA) boronic acid (BA). The disulfide bond has high motility at low temperatures and induces molecular‐level healing at the damaged interface, contributing to good repair under mild conditions. The borate ester bond limits intermolecular chain slippage and improves the mechanical properties as a dynamic cross‐linking point, while its dynamic reversible effect can synergistically improve the self‐healing ability. The results show that the synthesized elastomer films have good mechanical properties (strength 23.21 MPa, elongation at break 1259.08%, toughness 83.28 MJ m−3), good elastic recovery and self‐healing properties (93%). Furthermore, a composite conductors (IP‐DTDAx‐BAy‐WPU/AgNWs) with self‐healing properties was prepared by compositing AgNWs nanowires with polyurethane elastomers, which laid the foundation for its application in flexible electronic devices and wearable sensing devices.
Capillarity Constructed Open Siphon for Sustainable Drainage
Authors: Chen Fenglin , Cheng Ziyang , Gao Can , Li Chuxin , Zhang Chengqi , Yu Cunlong , Dong Zhichao , Jiang Lei
Published: May 2024

Siphon is an effective method to transfer liquid from a higher to a lower level, which has many applications in hygienic design, clinical apparatus, and hydraulic engineering. Traditional operation requires energy to overcome gravity and establish flow in a closed system. Achieving sustainable high flux siphon drainage without energy input remains a challenge due to viscous dissipation. Here, an unexpected open siphon behavior on the South American pitcher plant Heliamphora minor consisting of trichomes covered pitcher and a wedge‐shaped sheath is examined. Exploiting the concept of Digital Twin, a new biomimetic research method by transforming the biological sample to a virtual 3D model is proposed and unveiled that maintained connection of wicking on sub‐millimeter long trichomes due to asymmetric pressure distribution and ascending in wedge sheath under unbalanced pressure forms continuous surface flow. Exploring this mechanism, a biomimetic siphon device achieving continuous high flux exposed to ambient air is constructed. Besides, particles floating on the meniscus in the outside wedge move under a curvature gradient as water ascends, which implies a biological nutrient capture method and new dust collection manner in the drainage system. Applying the underlying principle enhances the siphon efficiency of floor drains and has the potential for other liquid transfer device design improvements.
Restricting Conformational Space: A New Blueprint for Electrically Switchable Self‐Assembled Monolayers
Authors: Kirsch Peer , Dlugosch Julian M. , Kamiyama Takuya , Pfeiffer Christian , Seim Henning , Resch Sebastian , Voges Frank , Lieberman Itai , Nalakath Abin Nas , Liu Yangbiao , Zharnikov Michael , Tornow Marc
Published: May 2024

Tunnel junctions comprising self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) from liquid crystal‐inspired molecules show a pronounced hysteretic current–voltage response, due to electric field‐driven dipole reorientation in the SAM. This renders these junctions attractive device candidates for emerging technologies such as in‐memory and neuromorphic computing. Here, the novel molecular design, device fabrication, and characterization of such resistive switching devices with a largely improved performance, compared to the previously published work are reported. Those former devices suffer from a stochastic switching behavior limiting reliability, as well as from critically small read‐out currents. The present progress is based on replacing Al/AlOx with TiN as a new electrode material and as a key point, on redesigning the active molecular material making up the SAM: a previously present, flexible aliphatic moiety has been replaced by a rigid aromatic linker, thereby introducing a molecular “ratchet”. This restricts the possible molecular conformations to only two major states of opposite polarity. The above measures have resulted in an increase of the current density by five orders of magnitude as well as in an ON/OFF conductance ratio which is more than ten times higher than the individual scattering ranges of the high and low resistance states.
Hydrogen Bonding Competition Mediated Phase Separation with Abnormal Moisture‐Induced Stiffness Boosting
Authors: Xu Jian , Wu Baohu , Hou Lei , Wu Peiyi
Published: May 2024

Moisture usually deteriorates polymers’ mechanical performance owing to its plasticizing effect, causing side effects in their practical load‐bearing applications. Herein, a simple binary ionogel consisting of an amphiphilic polymer network and a hydrophobic ionic liquid (IL) is developed with remarkable stiffening effect after moisture absorption, demonstrating a complete contrast to water‐induced softening effect of most polymer materials. Such a moisture‐induced stiffening behavior is induced by phase separation after hydration of this binary ionogel. Specifically, it is revealed that hydrogen (H)‐bonding structures play a dominant role in the humidity‐responsive behavior of the ionogel, where water will preferentially interact with polymer chains through H‐bonding and break the polymer‐IL H‐bonds, thus leading to phase separation structures with modulus boosting. This work may provide a facile and effective molecular engineering route to construct mechanically adaptive polymers with water‐induced dramatic stiffening for diverse applications.
Borocarbonitride Catalyzed Ethylbenzene Oxidative Dehydrogenation: Activity Enhancement via Encapsulation of Mn Clusters inside the Tube
Authors: Zhang Xuefei , Dai Xueya , Xie Zailai , Qi Wei
Published: May 2024

Borocarbonitride (BCN) catalysts, boasting multiple redox sites, have shown considerable potential in alkane oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) to olefin molecules. However, their catalytic efficiency still lags behind that of leading commercial catalysts, primarily due to the limited reactivity of oxygen functional groups. In this study, a groundbreaking hybrid catalyst is developed, featuring BCN nanotubes (BCNNTs) encapsulated with manganese (Mn) clusters, crafted through a meticulous supramolecular self‐assembly and postcalcination strategy. This novel catalyst demonstrates a remarkable enhancement in activity, achieving 30% conversion and ≈100% selectivity toward styrene in ethylbenzene ODH reactions. Notably, its performance surpasses both pure BCNNTs and those hosting Mn nanoparticles. Structural and kinetic analyses unveil a robust interaction between BCNNTs and the Mn component, substantially boosting the catalytic activity of BCNNTs. Furthermore, density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate that BCNNTs encapsulated with Mn clusters not only stabilize key intermediates (─B─O─O─B─) but also enhance the nucleophilicity of active sites through electron transfer from the Mn cluster to the BCNNTs. This electron transfer mechanism effectively lowers the energy barrier for ─C─H cleavage, resulting in a 13% improvement in catalytic activity compared to pure BCNNTs.
Ionic Pairs‐Engineered Fluorinated Covalent Organic Frameworks Toward Direct Air Capture of CO2
Authors: Qiu Liqi , Lei Ming , Wang Caiqi , Hu Jianzhi , He Lilin , Ivanov Alexander S. , Jiang De‐en , Lin Hongfei , Popovs Ilja , Song Yanpei , Fan Juntian , Li Meijia , Mahurin Shannon M. , Yang Zhenzhen , Dai Sheng
Published: May 2024

The covalent organic frameworks (COFs) possessing high crystallinity and capability to capture low‐concentration CO2 (400 ppm) from air are still underdeveloped. The challenge lies in simultaneously incorporating high‐density active sites for CO2 insertion and maintaining the ordered structure. Herein, a structure engineering approach is developed to afford an ionic pair‐functionalized crystalline and stable fluorinated COF (F‐COF) skeleton. The ordered structure of the F‐COF is well maintained after the integration of abundant basic fluorinated alcoholate anions, as revealed by synchrotron X‐ray scattering experiments. The breakthrough test demonstrates its attractive performance in capturing (400 ppm) CO2 from gas mixtures via O─C bond formation, as indicated by the in situ spectroscopy and operando nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy using 13C‐labeled CO2 sources. Both theoretical and experimental thermodynamic studies reveal the reaction enthalpy of ≈−40 kJ mol−1 between CO2 and the COF scaffolds. This implies weaker interaction strength compared with state‐of‐the‐art amine‐derived sorbents, thus allowing complete CO2 release with less energy input. The structure evolution study from synchrotron X‐ray scattering and small‐angle neutron scattering confirms the well‐maintained crystalline patterns after CO2 insertion. The as‐developed proof‐of‐concept approach provides guidance on anchoring binding sites for direct air capture (DAC) of CO2 in crystalline scaffolds.
Dynamic responses of reinforced concrete silo considering pile–soil‐structure–granular solid interaction
Authors: Yang Jinping , Sun Kaixin , Gao Meng , Li Peizhen
Published: May 2024

The columned‐supported reinforced concrete silo models with different filling conditions considering soil‐structure dynamic interaction (SSI) are established based on the finite element program ANSYS to thoroughly investigate the complex interaction mechanism of the soil–pile–silo structure with granular solid. The dynamic characteristics and seismic responses of the SSI system and fixed‐base condition are analyzed and compared when the filling conditions are empty‐filled state, half‐filled state and full‐filled state. The numerical results reveal that the SSI effect reduces the seismic acceleration response of columned‐supported silos effectively. However, in terms of displacement, the SSI effect often amplifies the relative deformation of the supporting column and the cylindrical silos. Furthermore, the SSI effect often increases the relative dynamic lateral pressure of the storage material in the half‐filled silo condition. In the full‐filled silo condition, the relative dynamic lateral pressure at the top and bottom of the storage material is increased by the SSI effect; while it is decreased in the middle part of the granular solid, demonstrating that the SSI effect could change and increase the seismic responses of the silo structure in certain areas. Therefore, the investigation provides a comprehensive insight into the interaction mechanism of the pile–soil–silo structure with different filling conditions.
Glycyrrhizic acid attenuates the malignant biological properties of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Huang Xueqing , You Dengwei , An Tianzhi , Zhao Xuya , Jiang Tianpeng , Huang Zhi
Published: May 2024

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) has effects on anti‐hepatic fibrosis, anti‐tumor and prevention from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. Yet, the capacity of GA to ameliorate the advance of HCC pertinent to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains to be clarified. We used the CCK‐8 method to detect the optimal treatment concentration and time for L‐02 cells, palmitic acid (PA)‐induced L‐02 cells and HepG2 cells, and selected 40 μM and 48 h to treat PA‐induced L‐02 cells and 60 μM for 24 h to treat HepG2 cells. Moreover, functional associations of HepG2 cells were elucidated through various assays. The results showed that GA demonstrated enhances lipid deposition and alleviates the inflammatory response in L‐02 cells induced by palmitic acid. Simultaneously, we found that GA inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis in HepG2 cells. In pursuit of constructing of HCC model rats, a combination of high‐fat diets and diethylnitrosamine was utilized. The results showed that GA significantly decreased the liver index, body weight, liver weight, and the number of nodules in HCC model rats. Moreover, GA mitigated infiltration and heightened apoptosis in these rats. Mechanistically, GA notably attenuated the KKβ/NF‐κB pathway in both HepG2 cells and the HCC model rats. In conclusion, GA functions as an inhibitor in the progression of NAFLD‐related HCC cells, which might be relevant to the KKβ/NF‐κB pathway. Therefore, GA is a potential drug for NAFLD‐related HCC treatment.
Using single‐cell RNA sequencing and bulk RNA sequencing data to reveal a correlation between smoking and neutrophil activation in esophageal carcinoma patients
Authors: Ba Yunhuan , Gu Xinyu
Published: May 2024

Background

Cigarette smoking is considered as a major risk factor for esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) patients. Neutrophil activation plays a key role in cancer development and progression. However, the relationship between cigarette smoking and neutrophils in ESCA patients remained unclear.

Methods

Single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) and bulk RNA sequencing data were obtained from public databases. Uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) was used to perform downscaling and clustering based on scRNA‐seq data. The module genes associated with smoking in ESCA patients were filtered by weighted gene co‐expression network analysis (WGCNA). Using the “AUCell” package, the enrichment of different cell subpopulations and gene collections were assessed. “CellChat” and “CellphoneDB” were used to infer the probability and significance of ligand–receptor interactions between different cell subpopulations.

Results

WGCNA was performed to screened module genes associated with smoking in ESCA patients from MEdarkquosie, MEturquoise, and MEgreenyellow. Next, eight cell clusters were identified, and using the AUCell score, we determined that neutrophil clusters were more active in the gene modules associated with smoking in ESCA patients. Two neutrophil subtypes, Neutrophils 1 and Neutrophils 2, exhibited greater enrichment in inflammatory response regulation, intercellular adhesion, and regulation of T cell activation. Furthermore, we found that neutrophils may pass through AMPT‐(ITGA5 + ITGB1) and ICAM1‐AREG in order to promote the development of ESCA, and that the expression levels of the receptor genes insulin‐degrading enzyme and ITGB1 were significantly and positively correlated with cigarette smoking per day.

Conclusion

Combining smoking‐related gene modules and scRNA‐seq, the current findings revealed the heterogeneity of neutrophils in ESCA and a tumor‐promoting role of neutrophils in the tumor microenvironment of smoking ESCA patients.
Message from the President
Authors: Judson Anna
Published: May 2024

Anna Judson invites you to help us spotlight the incredible care that Team Vet provides.
Diagnosis and treatment of metastatic uterine lymphoma in a chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera)
Authors: McLaughlin Alicia , Tripp Chelsea , Hostnik Eric , Travis Anna‐Maria , LaDouceur Elise
Published: May 2024

A 4‐year‐old, entire, female chinchilla (Chinchilla lanigera) presented to an emergency veterinary hospital for laboured breathing, lethargy and hyporexia. Physical exam findings and diagnostic imaging were supportive of uterine disease. An ovariohysterectomy was performed, and histopathology diagnosed incompletely resected uterine lymphoma. A rotating outpatient chemotherapy protocol containing oral prednisolone (0.5 mg/kg), subcutaneous L‐asparaginase (400 iu/kg), oral cyclophosphamide (200 mg/m2) and subcutaneous cytosine arabinoside (50 mg/kg) was initiated. The patient tolerated chemotherapeutics well based on normal behaviour, appetite, exam findings and serial bloodwork values. One hundred two days after initial presentation, the patient was euthanased due to a decline in clinical condition. Postmortem examination and histopathology confirmed metastasis of lymphoma to the brain, mediastinum, mesentery, liver and spleen. No evidence of organ damage due to chemotherapeutics was noted histologically. Postmortem immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of lymphoma. Further studies are needed to guide chemotherapeutic dosing and treatment of lymphoma in chinchillas.
Male elephant management in AZA institutions: Current status and priorities for the future
Authors: LaDue Chase A. , Davis Maura , Emory Rachel , Snyder Rebecca J.
Published: May 2024

Asian elephant (Elephas maximus) and African savanna elephant (Loxodonta africana) populations collectively managed by ex‐situ facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) face sustainability challenges. Among the priorities to strengthen animal wellbeing and population sustainability is male elephant management. We conducted a survey of AZA facilities currently housing male elephants to assess the status, challenges, and priorities in three areas of male elephant management: musth, socialization, and semen collection. Surveys were administered to elephant care teams at AZA‐accredited institutions between November 2022 and February 2023, and we received responses from 34 institutions (91.9% of AZA‐accredited facilities holding adult male elephants), housing 32 adult male Asians and 26 adult male Africans. Most facilities prioritized breeding and male socialization over musth management and semen collection (although most facilities acknowledged that all these efforts are important), citing leadership support and staffing as most important to achieve male management goals. Behaviors most commonly accompanying musth included reduced appetite, difficulty training or shifting, human‐directed aggression, and interest in females. Musth timing was variable between males and facilities. Most males were well‐socialized with females and/or other males, though elephant compatibility and facility design were limiting factors in managing socialization. Although 60.6% of facilities collected semen or were training for semen collection, very few male elephants could reliably provide viable semen samples, challenging assisted reproductive efforts that could bolster population sustainability in both species. Together, our results provide a better understanding of the state of male elephant management, offering specific areas deserving of research and development to enhance wellbeing and sustainability.
New-generation biofilm effective antimicrobial peptides and a real-time anti-biofilm activity assay: CoMIC
Authors: Polat Tuba , Soyhan İrem , Cebeci Sinan , İldeniz Tuğba Arzu Özal , Gök Özgül , Elmas Merve Açıkel , Mozioğlu Erkan , Ünübol Nihan
Published: May 2024

Nowadays, it is very important to produce new-generation drugs with antimicrobial properties that will target biofilm-induced infections. The first target for combating these microorganisms, which are the source itself. Antimicrobial peptides, which are more effective than antibiotics due to their ability to kill microorganisms and use a different metabolic pathway, are among the new options today. The aim of this study is to develop new-generation antibiotics that inhibit both biofilm-producing bacteria and the biofilm itself. For this purpose, we designed four different peptides by combining two amino acid forms (D- and L-) with the same sequence having alpha helix structures. It was found that the combined use of these two forms can increase antimicrobial efficacy more than 30-fold. These results are supported by molecular modeling and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), at the same time cytotoxicity (IC50) and hemotoxicity (HC50) values remained within the safe range. Furthermore, antibiofilm activities of these peptides were investigated. Since the existing biofilm inhibition methods in the literature do not technically simulate the exact situation, in this study, we have developed a real-time observable biofilm model and a new detection method based on it, which we call the CoMIC method. Findings have shown that the NET1 peptide with D-leucine amino acid in its structure and the NET3 peptide with D-arginine amino acid in its structure are effective in inhibiting biofilm. As a conclusion, our peptides can be considered as potential next-generation broad-spectrum antibiotic molecule/drug candidates that might be used in biofilm and clinical important bacteria.

Key points

• Antimicrobial peptides were developed to inhibit both biofilms producing bacteria and the biofilm itself.

• CoMIC will fill a very crucial gap in understanding biofilms and conducting the necessary quantitative studies.

• Molecular modelling studies, NET1 peptide molecules tends to move towards and adhere to the membrane within nanoseconds.
Pectin methylesterase activities in reproductive tissues of maize plants with different haplotypes of the Ga1 and Ga2 cross incompatibility systems
Authors: Bapat Amruta R. , Scott M. Paul
Published: May 2024

Key message

Total PME activity in reproductive tissues was related to haplotypes at maize cross incompatibility loci, suggesting that these loci function by controlling PME activity.

In maize, the pollination outcome depends on the haplotypes of the interacting male gametophyte (germinated pollen) and female sporophyte (silk) at several cross-incompatibility loci. Functional alleles (-S haplotypes) of the cross-incompatibility loci Ga1 and Ga2, both encode two pectin methylesterases (PMEs), one that is expressed in silk and the other in pollen. We examined total PME activity in reproductive tissues containing functional and null haplotypes at the Ga1 or Ga2 loci. In pollinated silks, there was a correlation between total PME activity and the -S haplotype pollen in both Ga1 and Ga2 systems. We did not detect a significant relationship between PME activity and pollination outcome of either system. We re-examined previously reported active site amino acid substitutions in PMEs encoded by cross incompatibility loci. We observed that different active site substitutions are present in the pollen and silk PMEs of cross incompatibility loci and these differences are conserved across Ga1, Ga2 and Tcb-1. This work establishes a relationship between total PME activity and the haplotypes of the Ga1 locus in pollinated silks.
Long-term performance of ceramic in/-onlays vs. cast gold partial crowns – a retrospective clinical study
Authors: Krug Ralf , Droste Lea , Schreiber Carolina , Reichardt Elisabeth , Krastl Gabriel , Hahn Britta , Soliman Sebastian
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To assess the long-term clinical performance of ceramic in-/onlays (CIOs) and cast gold partial crowns (CGPCs) in posterior teeth in terms of success, survival, complications (biological, technical) and quality.

Material and methods

In a retrospective study, a total of 325 patients were recorded after up to 24.8 years (mean 13.9 ± 3.8 years) having (pre-)molars restored with CIO (Empress I, Ivoclar Vivadent, n = 161) and CGPC (Degunorm, DeguDent, n = 164) by supervised undergraduate students. A total of 296 restorations were assessed clinically and radiologically in healthy and endodontically treated teeth using modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. Cumulative success and survival rates of the restorations were calculated using Kaplan–Meier estimates. Biological and technical complications were recorded. Status of oral health comprising caries risk and localized periodontitis were assessed.

Results

The cumulative success rates of CIOs were 92.1% and of CGPCs 84.2% after mean service times of 14.5 years. The annual failure rates of total service times were 0.5% in teeth restored with CIO (n = 155) and 0.7% in teeth restored with CGPC (n = 163). The cumulative survival rates of CIOs were 93.9% after a mean service time of 15.2 years and decreased to 91.7% after 23.5 years. The cumulative survival rates of CGPCs were 92.6% after a mean service time of 14.9 years and 91.8% after 23.5 years. Complications in CIOs (n = 149) were ceramic fracture (6.7%), secondary caries (4.7%), endodontic complication (2.7%) and tooth fracture (1.3%) compared to CGPCs (n = 147) with endodontic complication (8.8%), secondary caries (4.8%) and decementation (2.0%). Endodontically treated teeth restored with CIO or CGPC revealed significantly less often success compared with corresponding vital teeth (p = .02). CIOs and CGPCs revealed clinically and radiographically good and excellent qualities with 71.8% (107/149) and 68% (100/147) without any significant differences regarding type of restoration.

Conclusions

Both CIOs and CGPCs achieved high survival rates up to 24.8 years when performed by supervised undergraduate students. The longevity of the restorations may benefit from the intraoral repair of accessible defects and, in case of pulp infection or necrosis, an adequate endodontic management.

Clinical relevance

CIOs and CGPCs made by supervised undergraduate students are proper restoration types in posterior teeth in the long-term. An adequate preparation design, meticulous care in the inserting technique and constant biofilm removal due to proper oral hygiene combined with professional maintenance care are substantial. The clinical long-term performance was mostly limited by ceramic fractures in CIOs and endodontic complications in CGPCs.
Learning Analytics in Serious Games as Predictors of Linguistic Competence in Students at Risk
Authors: Sánchez Castro Susana , Pascual Sevillano Mª Ángeles , Fombona Cadavieco Javier
Published: May 2024

The planned systematized design of the use of serious games in the classroom is presented as a strategy to optimize learning. In this framework, Learning Analytics represents stealth assessment and follow-up method, and a way to personalize such games by simplifying their application for teachers. The aim of this research was to analyze the impact of the use of serious games on improving linguistic competence in socio-educationally disadvantaged students, with a proposal for a planned systematized intervention. We use two specific games to improve linguistic competence and its learning analytics to achieve the proposed goal. This study carried out was pre-experimental, with pretest and posttest, and the sample consisted of 75 students at 4 primary education centers in Spain (36 boys, 39 girls) aged 9–12 (M = 10.6; SD = 0.7) at risk due to socioeconomic conditions in Primary Education. The results show that (a) the serious games integrated into the curriculum and adjusted to the learning objectives can facilitate the development and acquisition of linguistic competence in students with socio-educational disadvantages; (b) these students can match their peers in performance and competencies with appropriate systematic intervention; (c) the level acquired in a key competence can be evaluated and specific needs identified in students with academic difficulties using learning analytics; (d) learning analytics can contribute to predicting student performance in academic subjects through the scores collected in the analysis of learning integrated into serious games. These findings contribute to filling research gaps in these four aspects.
Review on Competency Assessment Instrumentation in Computer-based Simulation
Authors: Hjellvik Simen , Mallam Steven , Giskeødegård Marte Fannelø , Nazir Salman
Published: May 2024

Computer-based simulation is utilised across various educational fields, employing diverse technologies to facilitate practical understanding of content and the acquisition of skills that can help close the gap between theory and practice. The possibility of providing scenarios that resemble on-the-job tasks, enables instructors to both train and assess the trainee’s comprehension of the tasks at hand. The practices as well as the technologies for the assessment of simulation-based training vary across disciplines. Our motivation is to address quality procedures from a cross-discipline perspective. There seems to be a lack of scientific investigation that takes one step back from the specific application and investigates how assessment instruments can be developed to fit training outcomes regardless of the professional discipline. This scoping literature review on empirical studies aims to do so by exploring how competency is assessed with computer-based simulation. Objectives to achieve this are: (1) apply established training research theory to structure a decomposition of assessment instruments; to (2) review approaches to assessments factored over this structure; and (3) discuss quality procedures taken in the creation of the reported instruments and then propose an approach to assessment instrumentation that can be applied independent of discipline, with the range of current technology, and for any focal outcome competency. By reviewing a spectrum of fields, we capture reported assessment practices across a range of currently employed technologies. This literature review combines the methods of a scoping review with the qualities of a systematic literature review while keeping to conventional reporting guidelines. This allowed us to provide insight into current approaches and research designs that applied measurements in the range from automated assessment to observer rating of simulation-based training in professional work settings. This study found that all reviewed studies measured skill-based outcomes with some variation and that there is more theoretical and empirical work to be done to close the gap on quality instrumentation and its validity evidence. Our contribution to the field of training research is the operationalized component structure and the synthesised approach to instrumentation that could offer researchers and practitioners guidance and inspiration to develop and conduct quality assessments in competency development.
A generalization of the optical quantum model using fractional normalization and recursion
Authors: Ogrenmis Meltem
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we present a comprehensive investigation into the construction of electromagnetic timelike particles within the frame of Minkowski space, employing the Bishop model. Our study involves deriving the fractional derivatives of key Lorentz forces namely $$\Omega (\textbf{t})$$

Ω
(
t
)

, $$\Omega (v_1)$$

Ω
(

v
1

)

, and $$\Omega (v_2)$$

Ω
(

v
2

)

. Furthermore, we delve into the computation of essential normalizing and recursion operators tailored to magnetic vector fields, drawing from the principles outlined in the Bishop model. Additionally, we extend our analysis to determine the Fermi–Walker (FW) fractional derivatives, which play a crucial role in understanding the behavior and dynamics of the normalizing and recursion operators. Through this thorough exploration, we aim to provide valuable insights into the electromagnetic properties of timelike particles within the context of Minkowski space.