bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neprilysin inhibitors and risk of Alzheimer's disease: A future perspective
Authors: Ali Naif H. , Al‐Kuraishy Hayder M. , Al‐Gareeb Ali I. , Alnaaim Saud A. , Alexiou Athanasios , Papadakis Marios , Khalifa Asmaa A. , Saad Hebatallah M. , Batiha Gaber El‐Saber
Published: October 2023

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disease with multifaceted neuropathological disorders. AD is characterized by intracellular accumulation of phosphorylated tau proteins and extracellular deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ). Various protease enzymes, including neprilysin (NEP), are concerned with the degradation and clearance of Aβ. Indeed, a defective neuronal clearance pathway due to the dysfunction of degradation enzymes might be a possible mechanism for the accumulation of Aβ and subsequent progression of AD neuropathology. NEP is one of the most imperative metalloproteinase enzymes involved in the clearance of Aβ. This review aimed to highlight the possible role of NEP inhibitors in AD. The combination of sacubitril and valsartan which is called angiotensin receptor blocker and NEP inhibitor (ARNI) may produce beneficial and deleterious effects on AD neuropathology. NEP inhibitors might increase the risk of AD by the inhibition of Aβ clearance, and increase brain bradykinin (BK) and natriuretic peptides (NPs), which augment the pathogenesis of AD. These verdicts come from animal model studies, though they may not be applied to humans. However, clinical studies revealed promising safety findings regarding the use of ARNI. Moreover, NEP inhibition increases various neuroprotective peptides involved in inflammation, glucose homeostasis and nerve conduction. Also, NEP inhibitors may inhibit dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) expression, ameliorating insulin and glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) levels. These findings proposed that NEP inhibitors may have a protective effect against AD development by increasing GLP‐1, neuropeptide Y (NPY) and substance P, and deleterious effects by increasing brain BK. Preclinical and clinical studies are recommended in this regard.
In vitro digestibility of carbohydrates and physicochemical properties of pearl millet and corn whole grain flour extrudates
Authors: dos Santos Thaís Barbosa , Chávez Davy William Hidalgo , Mellinger Caroline Grassi , de Carvalho Carlos Wanderlei Piler
Published: October 2023

Aiming to encourage the use of pearl millet whole grain processed by extrusion to develop ready‐to‐eat and pre‐cooked flours with health‐promoting values, pearl millet whole grain (ADRg 9070 hybrid) and commercial corn whole grain flours were individually single‐screw extruded at different moisture contents (11%, 14%, 17%, 20%, and 23%). The physicochemical properties and in vitro carbohydrate digestibility were studied. By increasing moisture content from 11% to 23%, the pearl millet whole extrudates showed an increase in radial expansion from 1.2% to 1.8%, respectively, in the extrudates obtained at 11%–20% moisture; contrasting with corn whole extrudates. In addition, pearl millet flours extruded at 14% and 20% moisture content, respectively, were superior with 12% and 32% more fiber as well as 20% and 18% more protein, and showed about 20% less in vitro digestion of carbohydrates in both extruded pearl millet flours compared to corn. Therefore, the effects on pearl millet extrusion were favorable to obtain high nutritional value in extruded pearl millet flours.

Practical applications

Pearl millet whole grain can be processed by single screw extrusion cooking at varied moisture content to produce distinct expanded extrudates. Technologically, extruded pearl millet flours are capable of obtaining different viscosities (associated with processing moisture) and can be better used in the development of products that require specific viscosities. Furthermore, pearl millet whole grain flour extrusion showed 20% more protein and 32% more fiber, and 20% less in vitro digestibility of carbohydrates than corn whole grain flour extrudates prepared under the same condition.
The nightmare severity index (NSI): A short new multidimensional tool for assessing nightmares
Authors: Geoffroy Pierre A. , Stern Emilie , Maruani Julia , Cornic Renaud , Bazin Balthazar , Clerici Emmanuelle , Ambar Akkaoui Marine , Lopez Régis , Frija Masson Justine , d'Ortho Marie‐Pia , Lejoyeux Michel , Micoulaud Franchi Jean‐Arthur , Couffignal Camille
Published: October 2023

This psychometric pilot study aims to evaluate a new multidimensional simple scale, named the nightmare severity index (NSI) – close to the existing insomnia (ISI) and hypersomnia (HSI) severity indexes. The NSI encompasses all main dimensions of nightmare disorder, evaluating four subdimensions: frequency, emotional impact, diurnal impact, and nocturnal impact of nightmares. The NSI was completed by a total of 102 patients. The majority of the population consisted of women (64%) and outpatient individuals (76%) diagnosed with mood disorders such as depression (31%) and bipolar disorder (41%). Comorbidity with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was prevalent (44%), and psychotropic medications were commonly used (47%). Internal validity analyses indicated that the NSI was well suited for exploratory factor analysis. All items demonstrated satisfactory correlations with the factors, and the questionnaire exhibited good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha >0.7). Higher NSI scores were observed among individuals experiencing nightmare symptoms considering the DSM‐5/ICSD‐3 criteria. In summary, the NSI proves to be a promising and valuable tool for clinical practice, demonstrating good acceptability, internal validity, and the ability to assess nightmare severity.
Disagreement & classification in comparative cognitive science
Authors: Boyle Alexandria
Published: October 2023

Comparative cognitive science often involves asking questions like ‘Do nonhumans have C?’ where C is a capacity we take humans to have. These questions frequently generate unproductive disagreements, in which one party affirms and the other denies that nonhumans have the relevant capacity on the basis of the same evidence. I argue that these questions can be productively understood as questions about natural kinds: do nonhuman capacities fall into the same natural kinds as our own? Understanding such questions in this way has several advantages: it preserves the intuition that these are substantive empirical questions worth asking; it helps us to understand why they so frequently give rise to disagreements of the kind described; and it provides clues about how to diagnose and resolve them.
The absence of bumblebees on an oceanic island blurs the species boundary of two closely related orchids
Authors: Suetsugu Kenji , Hirota Shun K. , Shitara Takuto , Ishida Kenya , Nakato Narumi , Hayakawa Hiroshi , Suyama Yoshihisa
Published: October 2023

Oceanic islands offer valuable natural laboratories for studying evolution. The Izu Islands, with their recent geological origin, provide an exceptional opportunity to explore the initial evolution on oceanic islands. Another noteworthy aspect is the absence of bumblebee species on most Izu Islands.

We used ecological, morphological, and molecular data to investigate the impact of bumblebee absence on the evolution of two closely related orchid species, Goodyera henryi and Goodyera similis, focusing on Kozu Island, the Izu Islands.

Our investigation revealed that while G. henryi exclusively relies on a bumblebee species for pollination on the mainland, G. similis is pollinated by scoliid wasps on both the mainland and the island. Intriguingly, all specimens initially categorized as G. henryi on Kozu Island are hybrids of G. henryi and G. similis, leading to the absence of pure G. henryi distribution on the island. These hybrids are pollinated by the scoliid wasp species that also pollinates G. similis on the island.

The absence of bumblebees might result in sporadic and inefficient pollination of G. henryi by scoliid wasps, consequently promoting hybrid proliferation on the island. Our findings suggest that the absence of bumblebees can blur plant species boundaries.
Changing the global obesity narrative to recognize and reduce weight stigma: A position statement from the World Obesity Federation
Authors: Nutter Sarah , Eggerichs Laura A. , Nagpal Taniya S. , Ramos Salas Ximena , Chin Chea Christine , Saiful Shubo , Ralston Johanna , Barata‐Cavalcanti Olivia , Batz Claudia , Baur Louise A. , Birney Susie , Bryant Sheree , Buse Kent , Cardel Michelle I. , Chugh Aastha , Cuevas Ada , Farmer Mychelle , Ibrahim Allison , Kataria Ishu , Kotz Catherine , Kyle Ted , le Brocq Sara , Mooney Vicki , Mullen Clare , Nadglowski Joe , Neveux Margot , Papapietro Karin , Powis Jaynaide , Puhl Rebecca M. , Rea Ruanova Bernardo , Saunders Jessica F. , Stanford Fatima Cody , Stephen Ogweno , Tham Kwang Wei , Urudinachi Agbo , Vejar‐Renteria Lesly , Walwyn Danielle , Wilding John , Yusop Saifullah
Published: October 2023

Weight stigma, defined as pervasive misconceptions and stereotypes associated with higher body weight, is both a social determinant of health and a human rights issue. It is imperative to consider how weight stigma may be impeding health promotion efforts on a global scale. The World Obesity Federation (WOF) convened a global working group of practitioners, researchers, policymakers, youth advocates, and individuals with lived experience of obesity to consider the ways that global obesity narratives may contribute to weight stigma. Specifically, the working group focused on how overall obesity narratives, food and physical activity narratives, and scientific and public‐facing language may contribute to weight stigma. The impact of weight stigma across the lifespan was also considered. Taking a global perspective, nine recommendations resulted from this work for global health research and health promotion efforts that can help to reduce harmful obesity narratives, both inside and outside health contexts.
Call for algorithmic fairness to mitigate amplification of racial biases in artificial intelligence models used in orthodontics and craniofacial health
Authors: Allareddy Veerasathpurush , Oubaidin Maysaa , Rampa Sankeerth , Venugopalan Shankar Rengasamy , Elnagar Mohammed H. , Yadav Sumit , Lee Min Kyeong
Published: October 2023

Machine Learning (ML), a subfield of Artificial Intelligence (AI), is being increasingly used in Orthodontics and craniofacial health for predicting clinical outcomes. Current ML/AI models are prone to accentuate racial disparities. The objective of this narrative review is to provide an overview of how AI/ML models perpetuate racial biases and how we can mitigate this situation. A narrative review of articles published in the medical literature on racial biases and the use of AI/ML models was undertaken. Current AI/ML models are built on homogenous clinical datasets that have a gross underrepresentation of historically disadvantages demographic groups, especially the ethno‐racial minorities. The consequence of such AI/ML models is that they perform poorly when deployed on ethno‐racial minorities thus further amplifying racial biases. Healthcare providers, policymakers, AI developers and all stakeholders should pay close attention to various steps in the pipeline of building AI/ML models and every effort must be made to establish algorithmic fairness to redress inequities.
Healing of apical periodontitis in type II diabetes mellitus patients: A prospective study
Authors: Paljević Ema , Brekalo Pršo Ivana , Vidas Hrstić Jelena , Božac Elvis , Pezelj‐Ribarić Sonja , Peršić Bukmir Romana
Published: October 2023

Objective

This study aimed to compare the healing of periapical bone between type II diabetes patients and healthy patients after root canal treatment.

Subjects and Methods

This study included 26 diabetic patients and the control group with healthy patients matching the diabetic group in age and sex. The study included only teeth with satisfactory coronal restoration. The periapical index system was used to evaluate the periapical status of treated teeth at follow‐ups after 6 and 12 months.

Results

Analysis of the results revealed a significantly higher healing rate in the control group compared to the diabetic group only at the 6‐month follow‐up (66.6 vs. 33.3%; Χ2 = 4.857; p = 0.0275). Analysis of the full‐scale PAI index disclosed significantly higher PAI values in the diabetic subjects at 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up. The regression analysis showed that the risk of apical periodontitis persistence increased significantly with female gender (OR = 3.92; 95% CI = 1.04–14.79; p = 0.043), diabetes mellitus (OR = 4.27; 95% CI: 1.18–15.50; p = 0.027) and higher household income (OR = 5.39; 95% CI = 1.33–21.89; p = 0.018).

Conclusion

Root canal treatment remains an effective means of conservative treatment in diabetic patients. While the healing is not compromised, regular follow‐ups are necessary to monitor the healing process.
Evidence of migratory coupling between grey wolves and migratory caribou
Authors: Michelot Candice , Leclerc Martin , Taillon Joëlle , Dussault Christian , Hénault Richard Julien , Côté Steeve D.
Published: October 2023

Large‐scale animal migrations influence population and community dynamics along with ecosystem functioning. The migratory coupling concept posits that movement of migrant prey can lead to large‐scale movements of predators. In northern ecosystems, spatial patterns and behavioral responses of grey wolf to spatio‐temporal changes in its primary prey distribution, the migratory caribou, remain poorly documented. We used a long‐term GPS dataset (2011–2021) of 59 wolves and 431 migratory caribou from the declining Rivière‐aux‐Feuilles herd (QC, Canada) to investigate movement patterns and space use of wolves related to caribou seasonal distribution. Wolves home ranges overlapped with areas used by caribou year‐round, especially in May and winter. Wolves exhibited three annual tactics: sedentary (17%), long‐distance migration (> 700 km) between wintering areas and the tundra (36%), and a medium‐distance migration, stopping their northward movement near the treeline (47%). Migratory wolves started spring migration northward earlier than caribou, intercepting their prey on their way to calving grounds, but departed southward for fall migration later than caribou, tracking them on their way back to wintering areas. Wolves near or overlapping areas used by caribou exhibited lower monthly movement rates compared to wolves located further away. Overlap of home range among wolves was higher during migrations and winter but decreased in summer when wolves rear pups and caribou are dispersed on summer grounds. We provide evidence of migratory coupling between grey wolves and migratory caribou, with most wolves adjusting their space use patterns to match their primary prey distribution. Although predation pressure may affect the dynamics of declining caribou herds, the global decline of that prey may in turn impact predators on the long‐term, potentially enhancing intraspecific competition for new resources. Highlighting this migratory coupling is a key step to develop appropriate conservation and management measures for both guilds in the context of large‐scale migratory prey decline.
Plant‐mediated effects of fire and fragmentation drive plant–pollinator interaction β‐diversity in fire‐dependent pine savannas
Authors: Moreno‐García Pablo , Freeman Johanna E. , Campbell Joshua W. , Broadbent Eben N. , Almeyda Zambrano Angélica M. , Prata Gabriel , de Almeida Danilo R. A. , Gilb Scott , Baiser Benjamin
Published: October 2023

Interaction β‐diversity is a measure essential for understanding and conserving species interactions and ecosystem functioning. Interaction β‐diversity explains the variation in species interactions across spatial and temporal gradients, resulting from species turnover or interaction rewiring. Each component of interaction β‐diversity has different ecological implications and practical consequences. While interaction β‐diversity due to species turnover is related to assembly processes and fragmentation, rewiring can support high biodiversity and confer resilience to ecological networks. However, it is unclear whether both components respond to the same or different ecological drivers. Here, we assessed the ecological drivers of plant–pollinator interaction β‐diversity and its components across 24 sites in 9 longleaf pine (LLP) savannas in north and central Florida. We evaluated the effects of flowering plant composition and flower abundance, vegetation, fire regime, soil moisture, terrain characteristics, climate, spatial context and geographic location. We used path analysis to evaluate the drivers of spatial interaction β‐diversity and its main components. We then used generalized linear mixed models to assess the temporal patterns of spatial β‐diversity among sites within preserves. We found that plant–pollinator networks in LLP savannas are highly variable across space and time, mainly due to species turnover and possibly in response to abiotic gradients and dispersal boundaries. Flower abundance and flowering plant composition, geographic location, fire seasonality, soil moisture, and landscape context were the main drivers of plant–pollinator β‐diversity, highlighting the role of fire management and habitat connectivity in preserving plant–pollinator networks.
The Botrytis cinerea transglycosylase BcCrh4 is a cell death‐inducing protein with cell death‐promoting and ‐suppressing domains
Authors: Liang Yong , Bi Kai , Sharon Amir
Published: October 2023

Botrytis cinerea is a necrotrophic fungal plant pathogen that causes grey mould and rot diseases in many crops. Here, we show that the B. cinerea BcCrh4 transglycosylase is secreted during plant infection and induces plant cell death and pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI), fulfilling the characteristics of a cell death‐inducing protein (CDIP). The CDIP activity of BcCrh4 is independent of the transglycosylase enzymatic activity, it takes place in the apoplast and does not involve the receptor‐like kinases BAK1 and SOBIR1. During saprophytic growth, BcCrh4 is localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and in vacuoles, but during plant infection, it accumulates in infection cushions (ICs) and is then secreted to the apoplast. Two domains within the BcCrh4 protein determine the CDIP activities: a 20aa domain at the N′ end activates intense cell death and PTI, while a stretch of 52aa in the middle of the protein induces a weaker response and suppresses the activity of the 20aa N′ domain. Deletion of bccrh4 affected fungal development and IC formation in particular, resulting in reduced virulence. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that BcCrh4 is required for fungal development and pathogenicity, and hint at a dual mechanism that balances the virulence activity of this, and potentially other CDIPs.
In‐flight force estimation by flight mill calibration
Authors: Ma Alan , Cui Alex , Hajati Zahra , Evenden Maya , Wong Jaime G.
Published: October 2023

The study of insect flight is important for conservation and sustainability efforts, as predicting insect dispersal can aid management programmes in tackling economic and ecological harm from, for example, invasive species. Flight mills are invaluable tools for measuring the factors of insect flight under laboratory conditions, as they lower several technical and financial barriers to conduct experiments. It is especially difficult, however, to make assumptions about the energetic cost of tethered flights conducted using different tethers, or even on different flight mills, due to the mechanical variability of the bearing friction and air resistance of the rotating assembly. This additional uncertainty necessitates a larger number of replicates for any given standard of statistical confidence. By characterising flight mill friction, this uncertainty can both be reduced in magnitude and assigned a specific, well‐defined numerical value. We present a simple methodology to characterise this friction through dynamic calibration of the flight mill, at a high statistical confidence. This study uses videography of a flight mill undergoing free velocity decay due to friction, using an in‐house developed software to extract angular velocity from video data. However, the technique is readily adaptable to other measurement techniques. Using the velocity, alongside the mass moment of inertia of the flight mill, allows us to determine the rotational friction coefficient. This friction coefficient provides precise measurements of thrust production, and therefore the energy expenditure of flight, by the tethered insect.
Zinc status or supplementation and its relation to soil‐transmitted helminthiasis in children: A systematic review
Authors: Iqbal Sehar , Abid Juweria , Akram Sajeela , Shah Hassan Bin Usman , Farooq Umar , Ahmad Abdul Momin Rizwan
Published: October 2023

Soil‐transmitted helminths (STHs) parasitic infection is known as one of the most common infections around the world affecting more than a quarter of the world's population. The relationship between STH infections and micronutrient deficiencies are closely related and often coexist among the affected population. The study, therefore, aimed to summarise the available literature focusing on the effect of zinc status/deficiency or supplementation on STH infection or reinfection in children. For this purpose, we adopted a systematic approach and searched the existing literature on PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. A search term was entered to retrieve the available data. A total of 12 articles were included in this review after applying the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Most of the included studies reported a lower zinc status in children affected with any parasitic infection. Regarding the effect of zinc status and supplementation on parasitic infection in children, we found only a few studies (n = 4) with inconsistent result findings. This review reported that children infected with STH have lower zinc levels; however, a limited number of studies showed the effect of zinc supplements on the risk of STH warrants the need for further studies in this regard.
Need of support for significant others to persons with borderline personality disorder–A Swedish focus group study
Authors: Ekdahl Susanne , Carlson Elisabeth , Idvall Ewa , Perseius Kent‐Inge
Published: October 2023

Background

Being a significant other (SO) to a person with borderline personality disorder (BPD) affect their health. High incidence of substance use disorder, post‐traumatic stress disorder, stress, fear, anxiety, depression, family burden and grief are common. Some specific therapies for BPD, have included support to SOs, however resources are scarce and to participate in the support it assumes that the person with BPD is included in these therapies. Although the SO support has been shown to be helpful, they all have a similar structure, and only a small exclusive group of SOs have access to the support.

Aim

The aim was to describe experiences and need of support for significant others to persons with borderline personality disorder from the perspective of themselves and of health care workers.

Methods

Data was collected via two focus groups. One with five SOs to persons with BPD, one with five health care workers. Two interview sessions in each group were conducted and data were analysed with qualitative content analysis. The study was approved by the research ethics committee of Lund (2016–1026).

Results

The results revealed four themes; not being seen by health care professionals creates hopelessness, being seen by healthcare professionals creates trust, experience of support ‐ helpful or shameful and the step from loosely structured support to a structured support group. Both groups expressed a need for further support as a complement to already existing support.

Conclusions

The need of support is extensive. The results suggest a professional coordinator intended for SOs and peer support groups not linked to a particular psychiatric treatment yet offering support in a structured way. Further studies examining these complements to existing support, is therefore recommended.
Infections in the first year after heart transplantation in a Latin American country
Authors: Carrillo‐Gómez Diana Cristina , Rojas‐Perdomo Cristhian Camilo , Orozco‐Echeverri Nicolás , Montes Maria C. , Flórez‐Elvira Liliana , López‐Pónce de León Juan David , Olaya‐Rojas Pastor , Flórez‐Alarcón Noel , Gómez‐Mesa Juan Esteban
Published: October 2023

Background

Heart transplantation is the therapy of choice in patients with advanced heart failure refractory to other medical or surgical management. However, heart transplants are associated with complications that increase posttransplant morbidity and mortality. Infections are one of the most important complications after this procedure. Therefore, infections in the first year after heart transplantation were evaluated.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of infections after heart transplants was conducted in a teaching hospital in Colombia between 2011 and 2019. Patients registered in the institutional heart transplant database (RETRAC) were included in the study. Microbiological isolates and infectious serological data were matched with the identities of heart transplant recipients and data from clinical records of individuals registered in the RETRAC were analyzed. The cumulative incidences of events according to the type of microorganism isolated were estimated using Kaplan–Meier survival analyses.

Results

Seventy‐nine patients were included in the study. Median age was 49 years (37.4–56.3), and 26.58% of patients were women. Eighty‐seven infections were documented, of which 55.17% (48) were bacterial, 22.99% (20) were viral, and 12.64% (11) were fungal. Bacterial infections predominated in the first month. In the first year, infections caused 38.96% of hospital admissions and were the second cause of death after heart transplants (25.0%).

Conclusion

Posttransplant infections in the first year of follow‐up were frequent. Bacterial infections predominated in the early posttransplant period. Infections, mainly bacterial, were the second most common cause of death and the most common cause of hospitalization in the first year after heart transplantation.

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Adenovirus infection in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Cesaro Simone
Published: October 2023

Adenovirus (AdV) infection occurs in 0–20% of patients in the first 3–4 months after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT), being higher in pediatric than in adult patients. About 50% of AdV infections involve the blood, which in turn, correlates with an increased risk developing AdV diseases, end‐organ damage, and 6‐month overall mortality. The main risk factors for AdV infection are T‐cell depletion of the graft by ex vivo selection procedures or in vivo use of alemtuzumab or antithymocyte serum, development of graft versus host disease (GVHD) grade III–IV, donor type (haploidentical or human leucocyte antigen mismatched related donor > cord blood> unrelated matched donor) and severe lymphopenia (<0.2 × 109/L). The prevention of AdV disease relies on early diagnosis of increasing viral replication in blood or stool and the pre‐emptive start of cidofovir as viral load exceeds the threshold of ≥102–3 copies/mL in blood and/or 106 copies/g stool in the stool. Cidofovir (CDV), a cytosine monophosphate nucleotide analog, is currently the only antiviral recommended for AdV infection despite limited efficacy and moderate risk of nephrotoxicity. Brincidofovir, a lipid derivative of CDV with more favorable pharmacokinetics properties and superior efficacy, is not available and currently is being investigated for other viral infections. The enhancement of virus‐specific T‐cell immunity in the first few months post‐HCT by the administration of donor‐derived or third‐party‐donor‐derived virus‐specific T‐cells represents an innovative and promising modality of intervention and data of efficacy and safety of the ongoing prospective randomized studies are eagerly awaited.
Persistence of onchocerciasis and associated dermatologic and ophthalmic pathologies after 27 years of ivermectin mass drug administration in the middle belt of Ghana
Authors: Otabil Kenneth Bentum , Basáñez María‐Gloria , Ankrah Blessing , Opoku Stephen Agyemang , Kyei Dennis Ofori , Hagan Rhoda , Ababio Richmond , Bart‐Plange Emmanuel John , Babae Theophilus Nti , Kudzordzi Prince‐Charles , Darko Vera Achiaa , Bamfo Joseph G. , Ameyaw Joseph , Raji Abdul Sakibu , Hadermann Amber , Schallig Henk D. F. H. , Colebunders Robert
Published: October 2023

Objectives

There is a pressing need to regularly evaluate the progress of onchocerciasis elimination programmes to timely identify and mitigate potential risks hindering the reaching of the 2030 targets proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in its roadmap on neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). We determined the prevalence of onchocerciasis and associated dermatological and ophthalmological manifestations in six endemic communities in the Bono Region of Ghana after 27 years of ivermectin mass treatment.

Methods

In a cross‐sectional study, 564 participants aged ≥5 years were enrolled (49.1% females), with a median age of 26 (range: 5–89) years. In 54% and 47%, skin‐snip microscopy and Ov16 rapid diagnostic tests were performed, respectively. Skin disease was determined using the WHO Skin NTD App. Visual function assessments included tests of visual acuity.

Results

The overall microfilarial prevalence was 12.5% (38/305) and Ov16 seroprevalence was 24.2% (64/265). Severe itching was recorded in 24.3%, acute papular onchodermatitis in 52.8%, chronic papular onchodermatitis in 12.5%, lichenified onchodermatitis in 0.7%, skin atrophy in 11.3%, depigmentation in 1.7% and palpable nodules in 5.3%. Of the 301 persons in which visual acuity was examined, 17% were visually impaired and 5.3% were blind and 47.3% presented with cataract. Chronic papular onchodermatitis, lichenified onchodermatitis, depigmentation and visual impairment were significantly associated with the presence of skin microfilariae and Ov16 seropositivity.

Conclusions

The persistence of Onchocerca volvulus infection and onchocerciasis‐associated dermatological and ophthalmological pathologies after prolonged treatment is of concern. There is a need to include morbidity management in onchocerciasis elimination programmes and understand better patterns of treatment coverage, adherence and actual intake of ivermectin.
The socioeconomic impact of Special Economic Zones: Evidence from Cambodia
Authors: Brussevich Mariya
Published: October 2023

This study examines the socioeconomic impact of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Cambodia—a prominent place‐based policy established in 2005. The paper employs a database on existing and future SEZs in Cambodia with matched household surveys at the district level and documents stylized facts on SEZs in a low‐income country setting. To identify the causal effects of the SEZ program, the paper (i) constructs an alternative control group including future SEZ program participants and districts adjacent to SEZ hosts; and (ii) employs a propensity score weighting technique. The study finds that entry of SEZs increases employment and leads to a decline in income inequality at a district level. Gains in female employment is the key channel explaining rising employment rates. The paper also finds that school drop‐out rates are higher in districts with clusters of multiple SEZs.
The Artificial as an Intelligent Indigenous/Indigenizing System
Authors: r e a  , Biddle Jennifer L. , Hibberd Lily
Published: October 2023

This article explores the vital importance of the sensory at the nexus of the artificial and real life. Co‐existing within colonial histories, the artificial and lived are bound up with intractable violence and inequities driven by capitalist, militarist, and anthropocentric trajectories. Our collaborative article examines the 30‐year practice of the non‐binary, Gamilaraay/Wailwan/Biripi artist r e a. As we contend, r e a's experimental media arts practice pivots on sensory and affective truth‐telling of the “artificial”. Their work is a re‐Indigenization of country, body, and experience, specifically because digital art represents an “unoccupied space” for counter‐historical transformation.
Retrospective evaluation of the clinical course and outcome of zinc toxicosis due to metallic foreign bodies in dogs (2005–2021): 55 cases
Authors: Henke Cameron S. , Beal Matthew W. , Walton Rebecca A. L. , Finstad Joanna B. , Newmans Brooke K. , Sliman Michael P. , Racette Molly A. , Levy Nyssa A.
Published: October 2023

Objective

To describe the overall clinical course of zinc toxicosis in dogs including source, time to source control, incidence of hemolytic anemia, acute liver injury (ALI), acute kidney injury (AKI), and pancreatitis.

Design

Retrospective case series from 2005 to 2021.

Setting

Six university veterinary teaching hospitals.

Animals

Fifty‐five client‐owned dogs with known zinc toxicosis due to metallic foreign body (MFB) ingestion.

Measurements and Main Results

The most common source of zinc was US pennies minted after 1982 (67.3%). Forty‐five of 55 (81.8%) dogs survived and 10 of 55 (18.2%) died or were euthanized. Median length of hospitalization for survivors and nonsurvivors was 3 days. The most common clinical sequelae of zinc toxicosis were anemia (87%), ALI (82%), coagulopathy (71%), thrombocytopenia (30.5%), AKI (26.9%), and acute pancreatitis (5.5%). Most dogs (67.3%) required blood products and 83% of dogs achieved a stable HCT or PCV in a median of 24 hours after MFB removal. The median duration of illness prior to presentation was 48 hours for both survivors and nonsurvivors and there was no impact of time to presentation on the incidence of ALI, AKI, or pancreatitis.

Conclusions

Zinc toxicosis secondary to MFB ingestion should be considered a differential diagnosis for dogs with gastrointestinal signs, hemolytic anemia, ALI, hemostatic abnormalities, AKI, and pancreatitis. AKI may be a more common sequela of zinc toxicosis than previously suspected. Acute pancreatitis is a rare but potentially serious sequela to zinc toxicosis.
MyoLoop: Design, development and validation of a standalone bioreactor for pathophysiological electromechanical in vitro cardiac studies
Authors: Pitoulis Fotios G. , Smith Jacob J. , Pamias‐Lopez Blanca , de Tombe Pieter P. , Hayman Danika , Terracciano Cesare M.
Published: October 2023

Mechanical load is one of the main determinants of cardiac structure and function. Mechanical load is studied in vitro using cardiac preparations together with loading protocols (e.g., auxotonic, isometric). However, such studies are often limited by reductionist models and poorly simulated mechanical load profiles. This hinders the physiological relevance of findings. Living myocardial slices have been used to study load in vitro. Living myocardial slices (LMS) are 300‐μm‐thick intact organotypic preparations obtained from explanted animal or human hearts. They have preserved cellular populations and the functional, structural, metabolic and molecular profile of the tissue from which they are prepared. Using a three‐element Windkessel (3EWK) model we previously showed that LMSs can be cultured while performing cardiac work loops with different preload and afterload. Under such conditions, LMSs remodel as a function of the mechanical load applied to them (physiological load, pressure or volume overload). These studies were conducted in commercially available length actuators that had to be extensively modified for culture experiments. In this paper, we demonstrate the design, development and validation of a novel device, MyoLoop. MyoLoop is a bioreactor that can pace, thermoregulate, acquire and process data, and chronically load LMSs and other cardiac tissues in vitro. In MyoLoop, load is parametrised using a 3EWK model, which can be used to recreate physiological and pathological work loops and the remodelling response to these. We believe MyoLoop is the next frontier in basic cardiovascular research enabling reductionist but physiologically relevant in vitro mechanical studies.
Turn-Down Capability of Ansaldo Energia's AE94.3A
Authors: Piola Stefano , Bavassano Francesco , Benvenuto Marcello , Canepa Roberto , Garbarino Tiziano , Pestelli Elena
Published: October 2023

At an ever-faster pace, market's requirements for operational flexibility and turn-down capabilities are fundamental for heavy-duty gas turbines. Gas turbine energy plants require the lowest minimum environmental load (MEL) for times when the power request is mainly covered by renewable sources and, however, need to promptly respond to green energy shortages. Ansaldo Energia has addressed such requirements overall its gas turbine portfolio, recently including GT26, as discussed in GT2021-59457. This paper addresses the MEL reduction for AE94.3A via a modular upgrade package intended for the 110+ units Service fleet. To accomplish that, several features were designed and tested including variable inlet guide vanes (VIGV) extra-closure, air bypass through compressor blow-off lines, and extended use of anti-ice air recirculation. None of these require major hardware changes but only upgrades within a normal service outage, together with minor control system adaptations. The wide-ranging technical challenges attached to the MEL reduction features are discussed. Validation on field via special instrumentation focused on compressor, secondary air system (SAS), and turbine for several engines is also presented. The achieved minimum environmental load reduction is shown and its potential discussed together with some features already in place, such as the use of CO catalyzer or the regulation of control valves put on external cooling lines. The readiness and performance level of this MEL upgrade package, already in operation on several power plants, is here demonstrated. This makes the AE94.3A gas turbine more flexible toward current and future market requirements.
Ignition Delay Times and Chemical Kinetic Model Validation for Hydrogen and Ammonia Blending With Natural Gas at Gas Turbine Relevant Conditions
Authors: Pierro Michael , Urso Justin J. , Rahman Ramees K. , Dennis Christopher W. , Albright Marley A. , McGaunn Jonathan , Kinney Cory , Vasu Subith S.
Published: October 2023

Ignition delay times from undiluted mixtures of natural gas (NG)/H2/Air and NG/NH3/Air were measured using a high-pressure shock tube at the University of Central Florida. The combustion temperatures were experimentally tested between 1000 and 1500 K near a constant pressure of 25 bar. As mentioned, mixtures were kept undiluted to replicate the same chemistry pathways seen in gas turbine combustion chambers. Recorded combustion pressures exceeded 200 bar due to the large energy release, hence why these were performed at the high-pressure shock tube facility. The data are compared to the predictions of the NUIGMech 1.1 mechanism for chemical kinetic model validation and refinement. An exceptional agreement was shown for stoichiometric conditions in all cases but strayed at lean and rich equivalence ratios, especially in the lower temperature regime of H2 addition and all temperature ranges of the baseline NG mixture. Hydrogen addition also decreased ignition delay times by nearly 90%, while NH3 fuel addition made no noticeable difference in ignition time. NG/NH3 exhibited similar chemistry to pure NG under the same conditions, which is shown in a sensitivity analysis. The reaction CH3 + O2 = CH3O + O is identified and suggested as a possible modification target to improve model performance. Increasing the robustness of chemical kinetic models via experimental validation will directly aid in designing next-generation combustion chambers for use in gas turbines, which in turn will greatly lower global emissions and reduce greenhouse effects.
Computed Tomography Artifact Reduction Employing a Convolutional Neural Network Within the Context of Dimensional Metrology
Authors: Ghafarzadeh Mahdi , Kejani Mohammad Tavakoli , Karimi Mehdi , Asadi Amirreza
Published: October 2023

Utilizing accurate, nondestructive testing methods to improve quality control and reduce manufacturing errors has gained prominence in light of industry development in various fields. Industrial computed tomography (CT) scanning carries considerable weight among all conventional methods because of their unique features, such as providing a three-dimensional specimen model. Due to the prevalence of metals with high linear attenuation coefficients in industrial applications, beam hardening and scatter artifacts are two of the most prevalent artifacts in any reconstructed volume. Other notable artifacts include those with a nonideal focal spot and conical beam radiation. These artifacts may manifest as a distortion of gray value peaks, systematic discrepancies, blurring-like cupping, and streaking in reconstructed images, degrading volume reconstruction quality. In this paper, the effect of these artifacts is illustrated and mitigated by adopting our proposed method, a combination of conventional and contemporary techniques, including the use of a pretrained convolutional neural network (CNN). Five tests are replicated in different geometric parameters to perform a geometric configuration analysis, indicating how effective the proposed approach is at encountering different geometric situations. The results demonstrate that the proposed method has substantially achieved its goal of improving the accuracy of dimensional metrology performed on our phantom.
Design and Dynamic Analysis of a Co-Existence Solution Between a Semi-Submersible Offshore Fish Cage and a Spar-Type Floating Offshore Wind Turbine
Authors: Ma Yu , Li Lin , Ong Muk Chen , Jin Jingzhe , Su Biao
Published: October 2023

Clean energy captured by offshore wind turbines has been widely used for supporting onshore activities. In the near future, facilities such as offshore wind turbines can also play an important role in the energy transition of offshore activities. Offshore wind energy can be employed for electrifying operations in offshore fish farms, which are traditionally supplied by diesel-engine barges/generators. Based on this motivation, this study focuses on the design of a shared mooring system between a semi-submersible offshore fish cage and a spar-type floating wind turbine. A numerical model of the proposed shared mooring system is implemented in a global response analysis software sima for performing fully coupled time-domain simulations. The configuration of the shared mooring line is determined using an engineering approach, which comprises Irvine’s formulation, system eigenvalue analysis, and cost estimation. Moreover, relevant case studies by altering the environmental conditions are performed. Extreme operational conditions that may give large relative motions are investigated thoroughly. The dynamic performance of the integrated system is compared with that of individual structures. The global motion of the floating wind turbine and its mooring line’s tension behavior are obviously influenced by the existence of the shared line. In general, the present work investigates the feasibility of a shared mooring system for these types of offshore structures and further gives insights into the engineering design procedure.
Effect of Friction Parameters on Tribological Properties of Erucamide as Grease Additive on GCr15 Steel
Authors: Liu Qingchun , Mo Yimin , Zhang Delai
Published: October 2023

The present study investigates the effect of friction parameters on tribological properties of erucamide as an additive in grease on GCr15 steel, as well as the sensitivity of erucamide to these parameters. An orthogonal test design is utilized to sample the friction parameters, followed by the construction of a Kriging model to articulate the relationship between these parameters and the designated objectives (average friction coefficient and wear volume). The Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II (NSGA-II) is used to optimize the design objectives and verify the accuracy of the model. The Monte Carlo method is used to analyze the sensitivity of erucamide to the friction parameters. The results showed that erucamide exhibits excellent tribological properties at 80 N/20 Hz/25 °C and 20 N/20 Hz/25 °C. The sensitivity of erucamide to friction parameters from high to low is temperature, load, and speed. This can be ascribed to erucamide's unique structure, encompassing a globular aggregation head and a hydrophobic tail extending outward. The anti-friction effects and lubrication properties of erucamide are driven by its rheological properties and intermolecular interactions. At elevated temperatures, erucamide's fluidity escalates, favoring the lubricating film formation; however, excessive fluidity may impede its adherence to requisite locations, thereby resulting in compromised tribological properties of erucamide at high temperatures.
The Role of Frequency and Impedance Contrasts in Bandgap Closing and Formation Patterns of Axially-Vibrating Phononic Crystals
Authors: Al Ba’ba’a Hasan B. , Nouh Mostafa
Published: October 2023

Bandgaps, or frequency ranges of forbidden wave propagation, are a hallmark of phononic crystals (PnCs). Unlike their lattice counterparts, PnCs taking the form of continuous structures exhibit an infinite number of bandgaps of varying location, bandwidth, and distribution along the frequency spectrum. While these bandgaps are commonly predicted from benchmark tools such as the Bloch-wave theory, the conditions that dictate the patterns associated with bandgap symmetry, attenuation, or even closing in multi-bandgap PnCs remain an enigma. In this work, we establish these patterns in one-dimensional rods undergoing longitudinal motion via a canonical transfer-matrix-based approach. In doing so, we connect the conditions governing bandgap formation and closing to their physical origins in the context of the Bragg condition (for infinite media) and natural resonances (for finite counterparts). The developed framework uniquely characterizes individual bandgaps within a larger dispersion spectrum regardless of their parity (i.e., odd versus even bandgaps) or location (low versus high-frequency), by exploiting dimensionless constants of the PnC unit cell which quantify the different contrasts between its constitutive layers. These developments are detailed for a bi-layered PnC and then generalized for a PnC of any number of layers by increasing the model complexity. We envision this mathematical development to be a future standard for the realization of hierarchically structured PnCs with prescribed and finely tailored bandgap profiles.
Physical modelling of a harp from Central Africa
Authors: Fabre François , Le Carrou Jean-Loïc , Chomette Baptiste
Published: October 2023

Central Africa harps are string instruments, often anthropomorphic, serving an essential cultural role. Compared to pedal harps, their body is small in size with a soundboard mainly made of animal skin and a neck made of a wood beam. In this paper, a physical model is developed as a tool for assessing the specificities of these musical instruments, from a vibro-acoustic perspective. The modeling strategy is based on the modal Udwadia-Kalaba formalism which is a multibody substructuring technique. Input modal parameters of the body and the strings are experimentally identified and the main steps of the estimation procedures are detailed. The reliability of the physical model is investigated via the comparison between simulated and experimental data for several plucking configurations. Different hypotheses are assessed such as the string/neck coupling which proves to strongly influence the dynamic response of the body when there is a coincidence between string and neck modal frequencies. The inclusion of geometrical nonlinearities proves to be of major importance, even for a weak plucking, as it allows qualitative representation of double frequency terms in the simulations. Overall, physical simulations of the soundboard motion are in good agreement with measurements indicating characteristic features of the instrument are captured.