bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potentially modifiable risk and protective factors affecting mental and emotional wellness in pregnancy
Authors: Wohrer Fiona , Ngo Helen , DiDomenico Jared , Ma Xingya , Roberts Melissa H. , Bakhireva Ludmila N.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Impaired mental and emotional wellness often co-occurs with prenatal substance use, and both affect infant socio-emotional, cognitive, language, motor, and adaptive behavioral outcomes. Guided by the modified biopsychosocial framework, this study examined the role of common substance exposures during pregnancy (i.e., alcohol and cannabis), socio-cultural factors (social support during pregnancy, adverse childhood experiences), and reproductive health factors on maternal mental health (MMH).

Methods

Data were obtained from a prospective cohort study–Ethanol, Neurodevelopment, Infant, and Child Health (ENRICH-2), and included 202 pregnant persons. Alcohol and cannabis exposures were assessed through repeated prospective interviews and a comprehensive battery of drug and ethanol biomarkers. MMH outcomes were evaluated during the third trimester through the Perceived Stress Scale, Edinburgh Depression Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorders-7, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Univariate and multivariable linear regression models evaluated significant predictors of MMH.

Results

Results of multivariable analysis indicate that both maternal adverse childhood experiences and alcohol exposure, even at low-to-moderate levels, during pregnancy were associated with poorer scores for most MMH measures, while higher level of social support and Spanish as the primary language at home (as a proxy of enculturation) had protective effects (all p’s < 0.05).

Conclusion

These findings highlight the importance of assessing substance use, including periconceptional alcohol exposure, and mental health in pregnant persons as closely related risk factors which cannot be addressed in isolation. Our findings also emphasize a strong protective effect of socio-cultural factors on maternal mental and emotional wellbeing—a strong precursor to maternal-infant bonding and infant neurodevelopment.
AFM signal model for dysarthric speech classification using speech biomarkers
Authors: Shabber Shaik Mulla , Sumesh Eratt Parameswaran
Published: February 2024

Neurological disorders include various conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system which results in reduced performance in different organs and muscles throughout the human body. Dysarthia is a neurological disorder that significantly impairs an individual's ability to effectively communicate through speech. Individuals with dysarthria are characterized by muscle weakness that results in slow, slurred, and less intelligible speech production. An efficient identification of speech disorders at the beginning stages helps doctors suggest proper medications. The classification of dysarthric speech assumes a pivotal role as a diagnostic tool, enabling accurate differentiation between healthy speech patterns and those affected by dysarthria. Achieving a clear distinction between dysarthric speech and the speech of healthy individuals is made possible through the application of advanced machine learning techniques. In this work, we conducted feature extraction by utilizing the Amplitude and frequency modulated (AFM) signal model, resulting in the generation of a comprehensive array of unique features. A method involving Fourier-Bessel series expansion is employed to separate various components within a complex speech signal into distinct elements. Subsequently, the Discrete Energy Separation Algorithm is utilized to extract essential parameters, namely the Amplitude envelope and Instantaneous frequency, from each component within the speech signal. To ensure the robustness and applicability of our findings, we harnessed data from various sources, including TORGO, UA Speech, and Parkinson datasets. Furthermore, the classifier's performance was evaluated based on multiple measures such as the area under the curve, F1-Score, sensitivity, and accuracy, encompassing KNN, SVM, LDA, NB, and Boosted Tree. Our analyses resulted in classification accuracies ranging from 85 to 97.8% and the F1-score ranging between 0.90 and 0.97.
Ecological factors affecting minerals and nutritional quality of “Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott”: an underutilized wild leafy vegetable in rural communities
Authors: Khan Nasrullah , Ullah Rafi , Okla Mohammad K. , Abdel-Maksoud Mostafa A. , Saleh Ibrahim A. , Abu-Harirah Hashem A. , AlRamadneh Tareq Nayef , AbdElgawad Hamada
Published: February 2024

Dryopteris filix-mas (hereafter D. filix-mas), a wild leafy vegetable, has gained popularity among high mountain residents in the Hindukush-Himalaya region due to its exceptional nutritional profile, and their commercial cultivation also offers viable income alternatives. Nevertheless, besides phytochemicals with medicinal applications, ecological factors strongly affect their mineral contents and nutritional composition. Despite this, little has been known about how this wild fern, growing in heterogeneous ecological habitats with varying soil physiochemical properties and coexisting species, produces fronds with optimal mineral and nutritional properties. Given its nutritional and commercial significance, we investigated how geospatial, topographic, soil physiochemical characteristics and coexisting plants influence this widely consumed fern’s mineral and nutrient content. We collected soil, unripe fern fronds, and associated vegetation from 27 D. filix-mas populations in Swat, NW Pakistan, and were analyzed conjointly with cluster analysis and ordination. We found that the fronds from sandy-loam soils at middle elevation zones exhibited higher nitrogen contents (9.17%), followed by crude fibers (8.62%) and fats (8.09%). In contrast, juvenile fronds from the lower and high elevation zones had lower moisture (1.26%) and ash (1.59%) contents, along with fewer micronutrients such as calcium (0.14–0.16%), magnesium (0.18–0.21%), potassium (0.72–0.81%), and zinc (12% mg/kg). Our findings indicated the fern preference for middle elevation zones with high organic matter and acidic to neutral soil (pH ≥ 6.99) for retaining higher nutritional contents. Key environmental factors emerged from RDA analysis, including elevation (r = −0.42), aspect (r = 0.52), P-3 (r = 0.38), K+ (r = 0.41), EC (r = 0.42), available water (r = −0.42), and field capacity (r = −0.36), significantly impacting fern frond’s mineral accumulation and nutrient quality enhancement. Furthermore, coexisting plant species (r = 0.36) alongside D. filix-mas played a pivotal role in improving its mineral and nutritional quality. These findings shed light on the nutritional potential of D. filix-mas, which could help address malnutrition amidst future scarcity induced by changing climates. However, the prevalent environmental factors highlighted must be considered if the goal is to cultivate this fern on marginal lands for commercial exploitation with high mineral and nutrient yields in Hindukush-Himalaya.
Assessing gender differences in food preferences and physical activity: a population-based survey
Authors: Feraco Alessandra , Armani Andrea , Amoah Isaac , Guseva Elena , Camajani Elisabetta , Gorini Stefania , Strollo Rocky , Padua Elvira , Caprio Massimiliano , Lombardo Mauro
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Food preferences are influenced by various factors, such as culture, age, and gender. The relationship between food tastes, meal preferences, and eating habits has been studied extensively in recent years; however, research on gender differences in these fields still needs to be addressed. The aim of this study was to investigate gender differences in food preferences and eating habits through self-administered questionnaires in a large Italian population sample.

Methods

The online survey included questions on food tastes, meal preferences, eating habits, and sport involvement.

Results

The results of the study underline significant gender-specific dietary tendencies among the 2198 participants (1314 females and 884 males, average age 41.1 ± 12.7 yrs). The majority of subjects were in the annual income range between €20,000 and €40,000. Our analysis reveals significant gender differences in dietary preferences and eating habits. Men prefer red and processed meat, with significantly higher consumption rates than women. Women, on the other hand, show a greater inclination towards vegetables, whole grains, tofu, and high-cocoa-content dark chocolate, aligning with healthier food choices. The study also found differences in eating behaviors, including the frequency of meals, snacking habits, and hunger patterns: women tend to eat more frequently and report higher levels of hunger in the morning, while men tend to skip snacks. Furthermore, differences extend to eating contexts, such as the speed of eating, eating out, and eating alone, with men more likely to eat quickly and dine out. Episodes of uncontrolled eating without hunger also differ, with women reporting these behaviors more frequently than men. In addition, the analysis of sports preferences showed distinct patterns, with a lower percentage of women playing sports and those who do play sports preferring endurance and strength training, while men prefer strength training and endurance sports.

Discussion

These findings elucidate the complex interplay of biological, cultural, and gender-based factors in shaping dietary preferences and eating behaviors. In particular, our study reveals that gender dynamics significantly influence food choice and eating habits: women tend to choose healthier foods and eat regular meals, while men show preferences for specific tastes and meal-related behaviors. This analysis underscores the nuanced differences between male and female dietary patterns, influenced not only by inherent biological factors such as genetics and hormonal responses but also by societal norms and cultural contexts. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of integrating different perspectives, thus providing valuable insights into the development of public health strategies and tailored nutrition interventions aimed at chronic disease prevention.
Literature review and expert opinion on the treatment of high-risk acute myeloid leukemia in patients who are eligible for intensive chemotherapy
Authors: Palmieri Raffaele , Billio Atto , Ferrara Felicetto , Galimberti Sara , Lemoli Roberto M. , Todisco Elisabetta , Moretti Federico , Venditti Adriano
Published: February 2024

In patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), the assessment of disease risk plays a central role in the era of personalized medicine. Indeed, integrating baseline clinical and biological features on a case-by-case basis is not only essential to select which treatment would likely result in a higher probability of achieving complete remission, but also to dynamically customize any subsequent therapeutic intervention. For young high-risk patients with low comorbidities burden and in good general conditions (also called “fit” patients), intensive chemotherapy followed by allogeneic stem cell transplantation still represents the backbone of any therapeutic program. However, with the approval of novel promising agents in both the induction/consolidation and the maintenance setting, the algorithms for the management of AML patients considered eligible for intensive chemotherapy are in constant evolution. In this view, we selected burning issues regarding the identification and management of high-risk AML, aiming to provide practical advice to facilitate their daily clinical management in patients considered eligible for intensive chemotherapy.
Effects of low-load resistance training with blood flow restriction on muscle fiber myofibrillar and extracellular area
Authors: Libardi Cleiton A. , Godwin Joshua S. , Reece Tanner M. , Ugrinowitsch Carlos , Herda Trent J. , Roberts Michael D.
Published: February 2024

Blood flow restriction applied during low-load resistance training (LL-BFR) induces a similar increase in the cross-sectional area of muscle fibers (fCSA) compared to traditional high-load resistance training (HL-RT). However, it is unclear whether LL-BFR leads to differential changes in myofibrillar spacing in muscle fibers and/or extracellular area compared to HL-RT. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether the hypertrophy of type I and II fibers induced by LL-BFR or HL-RT is accompanied by differential changes in myofibrillar and non-myofibrillar areas. In addition, we examined if extracellular spacing was differentially affected between these two training protocols. Twenty recreationally active participants were assigned to LL-BFR or HL-RT groups and underwent a 6-week training program. Muscle biopsies were taken before and after the training period. The fCSA of type I and II fibers, the area occupied by myofibrillar and non-myofibrillar components, and extracellular spacing were analyzed using immunohistochemistry techniques. Despite the significant increase in type II and mean (type I + II) fCSA (p < 0.05), there were no significant changes in the proportionality of the myofibrillar and non-myofibrillar areas [∼86% and ∼14%, respectively (p > 0.05)], indicating that initial adaptations to LL-BFR are primarily characterized by conventional hypertrophy rather than disproportionate non-myofibrillar expansion. Additionally, extracellular spacing was not significantly altered between protocols. In summary, our study reveals that LL-BFR, like HL-RT, induces skeletal muscle hypertrophy with proportional changes in the areas occupied by myofibrillar, non-myofibrillar, and extracellular components.
“I loved before, but now I love even more.” Qualitative study of posttraumatic growth as a consequence of severe COVID-19 experience in Slovak adults
Authors: Tencerová Jana , Halama Peter , Uhrecký Branislav
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The results indicate that post-traumatic growth does indeed occur after overcoming the severe form of COVID-19. It suggests that this posttraumatic growth most often occurred through a reassessment of priorities and an appreciation of life itself and loved ones. COVID-19 disease has been one of the most discussed and researched topics for several years, as it dramatically affects everyone’s daily life.

Methods

The qualitative study presented here focuses on health psychology, especially post-traumatic growth after overcoming a severe form of the COVID-19 disease. We worked with adult people who had either been treated in the intensive care unit or had been hospitalized with severe pneumonia.

Results

Thematic analysis was used to determine categories and subcategories. The study presented here contributes to knowledge about the COVID-19 experience by mapping a Slovakian sample of adult participants.

Discussion

The results obtained by Thematic analysis help us better understand how people experience the disease, especially those who have overcome a severe form of the disease and thus had a borderline experience when their lives were directly threatened, as well as their overall health.
Exploring perceptions of extreme environments and extremophiles in Chilean schoolchildren: an ethnographic study
Authors: Rivera Mailing , Fontana Paola , Cortes Wilson , Merino Cristian , Vega José Luis
Published: February 2024

Chile is unique because of its diverse extreme environment, ranging from arid climates in the north to polar climates in Patagonia. Microorganisms that live in these environments are called extremophiles, and these habitats experience intense ecosystem changes owing to climate warming. Most studies of extremophiles have focused on their biotechnological potential; however, no study has examined how students describe extremophiles. Therefore, we were interested in answering the following question: How do schoolchildren living in extreme environments describe their environments and extremophiles? We performed an ethnographic study and analyzed the results of 347 representative drawings of participants aged 12–16 years from three schools located in the extreme environments of Chile San Pedro de Atacama (hyper-arid, 2,400 m), Lonquimay (forest, 925 m), and Punta Arenas (sub-Antarctic, 34 m). The social representation approach was used to collect data, and systemic networks were used to organize and systematize the drawings. The study found that, despite differences between extreme environments, certain natural elements, such as trees and the sun, are consistently represented by schoolchildren. The analysis revealed that the urban and rural categories were the two main categories identified. The main systemic networks were rural-sun (21,1%) for hyper-arid areas, urban-tree (14,1%) for forest areas, and urban-furniture (23,4%) for sub-Antarctic areas. When the results were analyzed by sex, we found a statistically significant difference for the rural category in the 7th grade, where girls mentioned being more rural than boys. Students living in hyper-arid areas represented higher extremophile drawings, with 57 extremophiles versus 20 and 39 for students living in sub-Antarctic and forest areas, respectively. Bacteria were extremophiles that were more represented. The results provide evidence that natural variables and semantic features that allow an environment to be categorized as extreme are not represented by children when they are focused on and inspired by the environment in which they live, suggesting that school literacy processes impact representations of their environment because they replicate school textbooks and not necessarily their environment.
A school-based physical activity intervention in primary school: effects on physical activity, sleep, aerobic fitness, and motor competence
Authors: Costa Júlio A. , Vale Susana , Cordovil Rita , Rodrigues Luís P. , Cardoso Vasco , Proença Rui , Costa Manuel , Neto Carlos , Brito João , Guilherme José , Seabra André
Published: February 2024

Objective

The “Super Quinas” project evaluated the effectiveness of an intervention program to improve physical activity, aerobic fitness, sleep, and motor competence on children in primary school.

Methods

The experimental group (n = 19) enrolled in a 12-week intervention program (one more extra-curricular activity class of 60 min per week) compared to the CG (n = 19), all aged 9–10 years. Physical activity (PA) and sleep were measured by accelerometry, and aerobic fitness was measured by Children’s Yo-Yo test (YYIR1C) during the 1st week (PRE), the 6th week (DUR), and the 12th week (POST) of the intervention program. Motor Competence in PRE and POST intervention was also assessed by the Motor Competence Assessment (MCA) instrument. Heart rate (HR, assessed using HR monitors), and enjoyment level were recorded during all intervention program classes. A linear mixed model analysis (i.e., within-subject analyses) was performed.

Results

Comparing the EG and CG in DUR and POST, the EG spent ~18 min and ~ 34 min more time in moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day (p < 0.001); had ~44 min and ~ 203 min less sedentary time per day (p < 0.001); performed more 44 and 128 m in the Children’s Yo-Yo test compared to CG (p < 0.001) and slept more 17 and 114 min per night (p < 0.001). In POST motor competence was significantly better (27%) in the EG compared to CG (p < 0.001). The %HRmax during the extra-curricular classes ranged between 65 and 81% (i.e., light to moderate intensities), and the enjoyment between fun and great fun.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that adding one more extra-curricular activity class of 60 min per week for 12 weeks effectively increased the levels of physical activity, aerobic fitness, sleep duration, and motor competence in children aged 9–10 years.
Hate speech detection in the Arabic language: corpus design, construction, and evaluation
Authors: Ahmad Ashraf , Azzeh Mohammad , Alnagi Eman , Abu Al-Haija Qasem , Halabi Dana , Aref Abdullah , AbuHour Yousef
Published: February 2024

Hate Speech Detection in Arabic presents a multifaceted challenge due to the broad and diverse linguistic terrain. With its multiple dialects and rich cultural subtleties, Arabic requires particular measures to address hate speech online successfully. To address this issue, academics and developers have used natural language processing (NLP) methods and machine learning algorithms adapted to the complexities of Arabic text. However, many proposed methods were hampered by a lack of a comprehensive dataset/corpus of Arabic hate speech. In this research, we propose a novel multi-class public Arabic dataset comprised of 403,688 annotated tweets categorized as extremely positive, positive, neutral, or negative based on the presence of hate speech. Using our developed dataset, we additionally characterize the performance of multiple machine learning models for Hate speech identification in Arabic Jordanian dialect tweets. Specifically, the Word2Vec, TF-IDF, and AraBert text representation models have been applied to produce word vectors. With the help of these models, we can provide classification models with vectors representing text. After that, seven machine learning classifiers have been evaluated: Support Vector Machine (SVM), Logistic Regression (LR), Naive Bays (NB), Random Forest (RF), AdaBoost (Ada), XGBoost (XGB), and CatBoost (CatB). In light of this, the experimental evaluation revealed that, in this challenging and unstructured setting, our gathered and annotated datasets were rather efficient and generated encouraging assessment outcomes. This will enable academics to delve further into this crucial field of study.
More small tools for sweet challenges: advances in microfluidic technologies for glycan analysis
Authors: Pinnock Ferra , Carten Juliana Debrito , Daniel Susan
Published: February 2024

Carbohydrates, also known glycans, are ubiquitous in nature and exhibit a wide array of biological functions essential to life. Glycans often exist as conjugates of proteins or lipids and reside predominantly at the surface of cells, where their structure and composition are known to vary in a disease-dependent fashion. This observation has encouraged the development of tools for monitoring glycan patterns on individual molecules, cells, and tissues, to elucidate the links between glycosylation and disease for therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Over the past 2 decades, microfluidic technology has emerged as an advantageous tool for profiling the glycan content of biological systems. Miniaturizing carbohydrate analysis can circumvent several challenges commonly encountered with conventional-scale analytical techniques such as low throughput and poor detection sensitivity. The latter is often complicated by the low abundance of glycans in biological specimens and the complexity of carbohydrate structures, which often necessitates extensive concentration and purification of glycans to discern their structural features. We previously examined the application of microfluidics in the synthesis of carbohydrates in a recent paper (Pinnock et al., Anal. Bioanal. Chem., 2022, 414 (18), 5139–63). This review builds upon that discussion by delving into the application of microfluidics in the complementary field of carbohydrate analysis. Special attention is given to applications related to glycomics and the ways that microfluidics have enhanced the sensitivity, reproducibility, and throughput of carbohydrate identification and structural characterization.
Soil properties and quinoa yield as affected by irrigation and vermicompost application under a drip-tape irrigation system
Authors: Sanandaji Diba Sheykhi , Heidari Gholamreza , Fathi Parviz , Khodaverdiloo Habib , Sharifi Zahed
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Quinoa a crop with high nutritional value has the widespread adaptability to different climates and there is an increased demand for this product in the world. Characterized by roots with extensive penetration capabilities and wide, alternate leaves giving rise to diverse inflorescences, quinoa plants exhibit variable heights ranging from 20 to 300 cm. The duration of their growth phase spans 95 to 125 days’ contingent upon cultivar selection and prevailing climatic conditions.

Materials and methods

In order to reduce chemical fertilizers consumption through using organic fertilizers a two-year study was conducted at the Research Farm of the University of Kurdistan, Iran, during the 2021–2022 growing seasons. In this study the effects of varying levels of irrigation and vermicompost application on soil characteristics and quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa) yield were investigated. The experiments were arranged as split plots within a randomized complete block design. The main factor consisted of four irrigation levels (50%, 75%, 100%, and 125% of quinoa’s water requirement), while the sub-factor encompassed four vermicompost application rates (0, 5, 10, and 15 tons per hectare). The irrigation method employed was a drip-tape irrigation system with a seven-day interval between irrigations, and water quantities were measured using a volumetric meter on the main pipeline.

Results

The results demonstrated that the highest levels of available soil phosphorus (21.83 mg kg−1) and soil ammonium (36.08 mg kg−1) were observed in the treatment receiving 50% of quinoa’s water requirement combined with 15 tons per hectare of vermicompost. Additionally, the application of 15 tons per hectare of vermicompost led to the highest concentrations of soil nitrate (14.16 mg kg−1), available potassium (144.62 mg kg−1), and quinoa seed yield (1784.01 kg ha−1)). Over both years, the greatest activity of alkaline and acid phosphatase enzymes was noted in the treatment receiving 125% of quinoa’s water requirement in combination with 15 tons per hectare of vermicompost. Vermicompost application was found to enhance yield and ameliorate drought stress by enhancing soil physical and chemical properties and improving soil moisture retention.
The nutritional value of meat should be considered when comparing the carbon footprint of lambs produced on different finishing diets
Authors: McNicol Louise C. , Perkins Lynda S. , Gibbons James , Scollan Nigel D. , Nugent Anne P. , Thomas Eleri M. , Swancott Elizabeth L. , McRoberts Colin , White Alison , Chambers Simon , Farmer Linda , Williams A. Prysor
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Lamb production systems are under increasing pressure to reduce their environmental footprint, particularly emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as methane. However, the metrics used to express the carbon footprint of lamb seldom consider its nutritional density and contribution to balanced diets in humans. Lamb production systems vary considerably, from low-input pastoral systems to higher-input systems feeding concentrates for the latter ‘finishing’ period. To date, no studies have explored the effect of finishing diet on the carbon footprint of lamb meat on a nutritional basis.

Methods

Data from 444 carcasses were collected from four abattoirs across Wales, United Kingdom. Lambs were derived from 33 farms with one of four distinct finishing diets: forage crops (n = 5), grass (n = 11), concentrates (n = 7), and grass and concentrates (n = 15). Carcass data were analysed using mixed effects models. Significant differences were found in fatty acid composition of two large commercial cuts of meat from different finishing diets. To illustrate the effect of different measures of footprint, mass (kg dwt) and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid content (g omega-3) were selected as functional units. GHG emission estimates were calculated using Agrecalc.

Results

The concentrates diet had the lowest average mass-based product emissions [25.0 kg CO2e/kg deadweight (dwt)] while the grass systems had the highest (28.1 kg CO2e/kg dwt; p < 0.001). The semimembranosus muscle cut from the forage crops diet had the lowest average nutrition-based product emissions (19.2 kg CO2e/g omega-3); whereas the same muscle cut from lambs finished on the grass and concentrates diet had the highest nutrition-based product emissions (29.4 kg CO2e/g omega-3; p < 0.001).

Discussion

While mass-based functional units can be useful for comparing efficiencies of different farming systems, they do not reflect how farming systems impact the nutritional differences of the final product. This study demonstrates the importance of considering nutrition when expressing and comparing the carbon footprints of nutrient-dense foods such as lamb. This approach could also help inform discussions around the optimal diets for lamb production systems from both a human nutrition and environmental sustainability perspective.
Manifestations of systemic disease in the retina and fundus of cats and dogs
Authors: Beckwith-Cohen Billie , Petersen-Jones Simon M.
Published: February 2024

The fundus is unique in that it is the only part of the body that allows for a noninvasive and uninterrupted view of vasculature and nervous tissue. Utilization of this can be a powerful tool in uncovering salient incidental findings which point to underlying systemic diseases, and for monitoring response to therapy. Retinal venules and arterioles allow the clinician to assess changes in vascular color, diameter, outline, and tortuosity. The retina and optic nerve may exhibit changes associated with increased or decreased thickness, inflammatory infiltrates, hemorrhages, and detachments. While some retinal manifestations of systemic disease may be nonspecific, others are pathognomonic, and may be the presenting sign for a systemic illness. The examination of the fundus is an essential part of the comprehensive physical examination. Systemic diseases which may present with retinal abnormalities include a variety of disease classifications, as represented by the DAMNIT-V acronym, for Degenerative/Developmental, Anomalous, Metabolic, Neoplastic, Nutritional, Inflammatory (Infectious/Immune-mediated/ischemic), Toxic, Traumatic and Vascular. This review details systemic illnesses or syndromes that have been reported to manifest in the fundus of companion animals and discusses key aspects in differentiating their underlying cause. Normal variations in retinal anatomy and morphology are also considered.
Translation and linguistic validation into Spanish of the Owner-Reported Outcome Measure “Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs”
Authors: Olcoz María , Cabezas Miguel Ángel , Gómez de Segura Ignacio A.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Assessing chronic pain in dogs has been greatly favoured by the development of Owner-Reported Outcome Measures. Among them, the Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs (LOAD) has been widely used for this purpose. Most of these tools have been written in English and its use by non English natives requires not only translation but also linguistic validation for use by veterinarians and owners. For its use, the LOAD has not undergone translation into Spanish and the objective was to generate a linguistically validated Spanish translation of the LOAD.

Methods

Following the World Health Organisation and the International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research published guidelines, the original LOAD English version underwent analysis and translation by two native linguists proficient in the target language. Both translations were then reviewed by a third native linguist to identify potential disparities and establish a cohesive translation (reconciliation). Subsequently, an independent linguist, fluent in both English and the target language, conducted the back translation. Finally, the research team compared the original and back translated versions to pinpoint and resolve any significant differences. Following the creation of the translated version, a cognitive debriefing was conducted to assess the questionnaire within the target population.

Results

A total of 89 surveys were distributed to dog owners of varying ages, genders, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Although there were some suggestions and comments, and some adjustments were made, all respondents found the survey to be clear, achieving a linguistic validation of the Spanish LOAD.
Mapping the Distribution of High-Value Broadleaf Tree Crowns through Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Image Analysis Using Deep Learning
Authors: Htun Nyo Me , Owari Toshiaki , Tsuyuki Satoshi , Hiroshima Takuya
Published: February 2024

High-value timber species with economic and ecological importance are usually distributed at very low densities, such that accurate knowledge of the location of these trees within a forest is critical for forest management practices. Recent technological developments integrating unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery and deep learning provide an efficient method for mapping forest attributes. In this study, we explored the applicability of high-resolution UAV imagery and a deep learning algorithm to predict the distribution of high-value deciduous broadleaf tree crowns of Japanese oak (Quercus crispula) in an uneven-aged mixed forest in Hokkaido, northern Japan. UAV images were collected in September and October 2022 before and after the color change of the leaves of Japanese oak to identify the optimal timing of UAV image collection. RGB information extracted from the UAV images was analyzed using a ResU-Net model (U-Net model with a Residual Network 101 (ResNet101), pre-trained on large ImageNet datasets, as backbone). Our results, confirmed using validation data, showed that reliable F1 scores (>0.80) could be obtained with both UAV datasets. According to the overlay analyses of the segmentation results and all the annotated ground truth data, the best performance was that of the model with the October UAV dataset (F1 score of 0.95). Our case study highlights a potential methodology to offer a transferable approach to the management of high-value timber species in other regions.
Vibration Control of Car Body and Wheel Motions for In-Wheel Motor Vehicles Using Road Type Classification
Authors: Kim Young-Jun , Sohn Youngil , Chang Sehyun , Choi Seung-Bok , Oh Jong-Seok
Published: February 2024

In-wheel motor vehicles are gaining attention as a new type of electric vehicle due to their efficient power units located inside each wheel hub. However, they are more susceptible to wheel resonance due to the increase in unsprung mass caused by the weight of the motor. This can result in both decreased ride comfort and driving stability. To resolve this issue, in this study, we aim to apply an optimal switching controller with a semi-active actuator—a magnetorheological (MR) damper. For the implementation of the optimal switching controller, road type classification is also carried out. An acceleration sensor is used for the road type classification, and the control logics include a ride comfort controller (the linear quadratic regulator (LQR_Paved Road)) and a wheel motion controller (LQR_Off Road) for improved driving stability. For paved roads, the LQR_Paved Road control input is applied to the MR damper. However, if a road type prone to wheel resonance is detected, the control logic switches to the LQR_Off Road. During the transition, a weighted average of both the LQR_Paved Road and LQR_Off Road control input is applied to the actuator. Computer simulations are performed to evaluate the vibration control performance, including the ride comfort and driving stability on various road profiles.
Electric Aircraft Operations: An Interisland Mobility Case Study
Authors: Apostolidis Asteris , Donckers Stijn , Peijnenburg Dave , Stamoulis Konstantinos P.
Published: February 2024

This study focuses on the feasibility of electric aircraft operations between the Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. It explores the technical characteristics of two different future electric aircraft types (i.e., Alice and ES-19) and compares their operational requirements with those of three conventional types currently in operation in the region. Flight operations are investigated from the standpoint of battery performance, capacity, and consumption, while their operational viability is verified. In addition, the CO2 emissions of electric operations are calculated based on the present energy mix, revealing moderate improvements. The payload and capacity are also studied, revealing a feasible transition to the new types. The impact of the local climate is discussed for several critical components, while the required legislation for safe operations is explored. Moreover, the maintenance requirements and costs of electric aircraft are explored per component, while charging infrastructure in the hub airport of Aruba is proposed and discussed. Overall, this study offers a thorough overview of the opportunities and challenges that electric aircraft operations can offer within the context of this specific islandic topology.
Early-Outcome Differences between Acute and Chronic Periprosthetic Joint Infections—A Retrospective Single-Center Study
Authors: Youssef Yasmin , Roschke Elisabeth , Dietze Nadine , Dahse Anna-Judith , Chaberny Iris F. , Ranft Donald , Pempe Christina , Goralski Szymon , Ghanem Mohamed , Kluge Regine , Lübbert Christoph , Rodloff Arne C. , Roth Andreas
Published: February 2024

Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) are serious complications after arthroplasty, associated with high morbidity, mortality, and complex treatment processes. The outcomes of different PJI entities are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to access the early outcomes of different PJI entities. A retrospective, single-center study was conducted. The characteristics and outcomes of patients with PJI treated between 2018 and 2019 were evaluated 12 months after the completion of treatment. Primary endpoints were mortality, relapse free survival (RFS) and postoperative complications (kidney failure, sepsis, admission to ICU). A total of 115 cases were included [19.1% early (EI), 33.0% acute late (ALI), and 47.8% chronic infections (CI)]. Patients with ALI were older (p = 0.023), had higher ASA scores (p = 0.031), preoperative CRP concentrations (p = 0.011), incidence of kidney failure (p = 0.002) and sepsis (p = 0.026). They also tended towards higher in-house mortality (ALI 21.1%, 13.6% EI, 5.5% CI) and admission to ICU (ALI 50.0%, 22.7% EI, 30.9% CI). At 12 months, 15.4% of patients with EI had a relapse, compared to 38.1% in ALI and 36.4% in CI. There are differences in patient characteristics and early outcomes between PJI entities. Patients with EI have better early clinical outcomes. Patients with ALI require special attention during follow-up because they have higher occurrences of relapses and postoperative complications than patients with EI and CI.
Advancements in Genetic Biomarkers and Exogenous Antioxidant Supplementation for Safeguarding Mammalian Cells against Heat-Induced Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zahoor , Khan Adnan , Chen Wenting , Chai Wenqiong , Wang Changfa
Published: February 2024

Heat stress represents a pervasive global concern with far-reaching implications for the reproductive efficiency of both animal and human populations. An extensive body of published research on heat stress effects utilizes controlled experimental environments to expose cells and tissues to heat stress and its disruptive influence on the physiological aspects of reproductive phenotypic traits, encompassing parameters such as sperm quality, sperm motility, viability, and overall competence. Beyond these immediate effects, heat stress has been linked to embryo losses, compromised oocyte development, and even infertility across diverse species. One of the primary mechanisms underlying these adverse reproductive outcomes is the elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels precipitating oxidative stress and apoptosis within mammalian reproductive cells. Oxidative stress and apoptosis are recognized as pivotal biological factors through which heat stress exerts its disruptive impact on both male and female reproductive cells. In a concerted effort to mitigate the detrimental consequences of heat stress, supplementation with antioxidants, both in natural and synthetic forms, has been explored as a potential intervention strategy. Furthermore, reproductive cells possess inherent self-protective mechanisms that come into play during episodes of heat stress, aiding in their survival. This comprehensive review delves into the multifaceted effects of heat stress on reproductive phenotypic traits and elucidates the intricate molecular mechanisms underpinning oxidative stress and apoptosis in reproductive cells, which compromise their normal function. Additionally, we provide a succinct overview of potential antioxidant interventions and highlight the genetic biomarkers within reproductive cells that possess self-protective capabilities, collectively offering promising avenues for ameliorating the negative impact of heat stress by restraining apoptosis and oxidative stress.
Deciphering the Crucial Roles of the Quorum-Sensing Transcription Factor SdiA in NADPH Metabolism and (S)-Equol Production in Escherichia coli Nissle 1917
Authors: Wang Zhe , Dai Yiqiang , Azi Fidelis , Dong Mingsheng , Xia Xiudong
Published: February 2024

The active metabolite (S)-equol, derived from daidzein by gut microbiota, exhibits superior antioxidative activity compared with its precursor and plays a vital role in human health. As only 25% to 50% of individuals can naturally produce equol when supplied with isoflavone, we engineered probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) to convert dietary isoflavones into (S)-equol, thus offering a strategy to mimic the gut phenotype of natural (S)-equol producers. However, co-fermentation of EcN-eq with fecal bacteria revealed that gut microbial metabolites decreased NADPH levels, hindering (S)-equol production. Transcriptome analysis showed that the quorum-sensing (QS) transcription factor SdiA negatively regulates NADPH levels and (S)-equol biosynthesis in EcN-eq. Screening AHLs showed that SdiA binding to C10-HSL negatively regulates the pentose phosphate pathway, reducing intracellular NADPH levels in EcN-eq. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations investigated the structural disparities in complexes formed by C10-HSL with SdiA from EcN or E. coli K12. Substituting sdiA_EcN in EcN-eq with sdiA_K12 increased the intracellular NADPH/NADP+ ratio, enhancing (S)-equol production by 47%. These findings elucidate the impact of AHL-QS in the gut microbiota on EcN NADPH metabolism, offering insights for developing (S)-equol-producing EcN probiotics tailored to the gut environment.
Study of Noise Effect of Slag Storage Technology on Surrounding Environment
Authors: Yehorova Anna , Lumnitzer Ervin
Published: February 2024

The metallurgical sector is one of the important sectors of the Slovak economy. Its integral part is the storage of metallurgical waste, which is accompanied by noise that bothers the inhabitants of the surrounding urban areas. This paper focuses on the analysis of the problem of noise propagation into protected areas located in the vicinity of the metallurgical plant. The paper describes a number of measurements that have been carried out at the slag landfill. Based on these measurements, simulations were performed using a mathematical model, and predictions of noise propagation in the exterior were made. Subsequently, noise reduction measures were proposed. The results obtained by the authors form a methodological basis for addressing such situations, since, during the solution, it was often necessary to deal with non-standard situations that were specific to the area of the technology addressed. This solution was then applied in real practice.
Quantification of Heavy Metal Content in Anadara tuberculosa from the Gulf of Guayaquil Using ICP-OES: Assessing Marine Contamination
Authors: Vinces Kevin Cedeño , Pacheco Flores de Valgaz Angela , Ballesteros Jose
Published: February 2024

The present study was conducted to quantify the heavy metals cadmium, lead, copper, chromium, nickel, and zinc in the bivalve mollusk concha prieta (Anadara tuberculosa) using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). This research aims to identify whether the bioaccumulated content of heavy metals exceeds the maximum limits established by various public health bodies such as the ONU, FAO, Codex Alimentarius, EEC, and NHI. Samples of the species were collected randomly from three locations in Puerto El Morro, Playas Municipal Market, and La Libertad Seafood Market in the Gulf of Guayaquil. Thirty-three soft tissue samples of Anadara tuberculosa were evaluated, and the values quantified in mg/kg were in the following order: Zn > Cu > Cd > Ni > Cr > Pb.
Preparation and Characterization of High-Strength and High-Modulus Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotube/Hydroxyapatite/Carbon Fiber/Polyetheretherketone Composites
Authors: Liu Lijian , Zhang Yongkang , Ma Shaobo , Zhu Shouxiao , Wu Shuxuan , Wei Bin , Yang Guang
Published: February 2024

The materials currently used for bone prostheses are mainly metals such as titanium alloy. Compared with human cortical bone, traditional metals exhibit high elastic moduli, which may lead to stress shielding. In contrast, the mechanical strength and elastic modulus of polyetheretherketone are slightly lower than those of human bone. In this study, we utilize multi-component co-modification in order to improve the mechanical properties of polyetheretherketone materials. Firstly, we blended three types of materials: multi-walled carbon nanotubes, nanohydroxyapatite, and carbon fibers. Then, the blended materials were used to reinforce polyetheretherketone, and the preparation of the multi-walled carbon nanotubes/nanohydroxyapatite/carbon fibers was described in detail. After the contact angle was determined, SEM, thermogravimetric analysis, and various tests were conducted on the ternary composites. Ball milling co-mingling technology was used to prepare tetrad composite specimens for tensile and compression experiments, a finite element model of the tetrad composite tensile and compression specimens was established, and the structural stresses of the specimens were analyzed under the specified loads. The experimental results show that the surface roughness of carbon fiber increased, and the multi-walled carbon nanotube/nanohydroxyapatite/carbon fiber/polyetheretherketone quaternary composites were well optimized in terms of strength and elastic modulus, which broadens the application field of polyetheretherketone materials.
Could Commercially Available Aqueous Binders Allow for the Fabrication of Highly Loaded Sulfur Cathodes with a Stable Cycling Performance?
Authors: Wei Wenli , Barghamadi Marzi , Hollenkamp Anthony F. , Mahon Peter J.
Published: February 2024

In this review, the application of five commercially available aqueous-based binders including sodium carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC), polyacrylic acid (PAA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and polyethyleneimine (PEI) as well as some representative custom (or purpose) synthesized functional binders used in lithium sulfur (Li-S) batteries is summarized based on the main evaluation criteria of cycling capacity, battery lifetime, and areal sulfur loading (and, consequently, energy density of the battery). CMC with SBR (styrene butadiene rubber) has been reported with promising results in highly loaded sulfur cathodes (>5 mg cm−2 sulfur loading). PVA and PEI were confirmed to provide an enhanced adsorption of lithium polysulfides due to the interaction with hydroxyl and amine groups. No competitive advantage in electrochemical performance was demonstrated through the use of PAA and PEO. Water-based binders modified with polysulfide-trapping functional groups have complex fabrication processes, which hinders their commercial application. In general, achieving a high capacity and long cycling stability for highly loaded sulfur cathodes using commercial aqueous-based binders remains a significant challenge. Additionally, the scalability of these reported sulfur cathodes, in terms of complexity, cost, and stable electrochemical cycling, should be evaluated through further battery testing, particularly targeting pouch cell performance.