bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on Pathological and Hematobiochemical Profile of Liver Abscesses in Cattle Slaughtered at Gondar Elfora Abattoir, Ethiopia
Authors: Mengstu Yelak Hulugeza , Mekonnen Muluken Yayeh , Yesuf Mohammed , Yimam Hailu Mazengia , Getnet Mengesha Ayehu , Asefa Shewatatek Melaku , Melaku Mekedes Mesfine , Takele Nigusie Fenta , Yaleu Andebet Sechu , Temesgen Abraham Belete , Tsehay Elias Melkamu , Tafere Firdyawukal Abuhay , Malede Birhanu Anagawu 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The liver's essential functions and anatomical position make it particularly susceptible to diseases such as abscesses. Despite limited research in this area, analyzing the pathological and hematobiochemical profiles of liver abscesses in cattle can provide valuable insights. An abattoir-based cross-sectional study was conducted from January to September 2024, aiming to investigate the pathological and hematobiochemical profiles of liver abscesses in slaughtered cattle at the Gondar Elfora Abattoir in Ethiopia. A total of sixty cattle were purposefully selected from the abattoir. For each animal, ten ml of blood was collected using a disposable syringe five ml for hematology and five ml for biochemical analysis. Additionally, liver samples were collected, comprising thirty from cattle affected by liver abscesses and thirty from healthy controls. Gross pathological examination of the livers from infected cattle revealed a friable surface with reddish discoloration, pale hyperemic zones, bile duct hypertrophy, and multiple abscesses scattered throughout the hepatic parenchyma. These abscesses were grayish-white, filled with pus, and contained purulent yellowish-green, white, and mucous materials. Histopathological analysis showed congested blood vessels, necrosis, and fibrosis of hepatic tissue, along with infiltration of neutrophils and leukocytes around the abscess capsules, which were documented with photographs. The hematological profile indicated a significant increase (P ≤ 0.05) in the mean total white blood cell count (14.559 ± 0.32), lymphocyte count (3.236 ± 0.303), and neutrophil count (7.687 ± 2.689) in infected cattle compared to healthy ones. Furthermore, biochemical analysis revealed significant increases (P ≤ 0.05) in the mean values of aspartate aminotransferase (237.75 ± 8.83), alkaline phosphatase (189.1 ± 4.766), alanine aminotransferase (64.3 ± 3.161), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (62.2 ± 2.326) in cattle with liver abscesses compared to those without. This study underscores the significant impact of liver abscesses on liver pathology and hematobiochemical profiles in infected cattle. Therefore, integrating these tests into diagnostic protocols is crucial for accurately diagnosing liver abscesses. Future research should incorporate bacteriological tests and advanced immunohistochemistry to better identify the underlying causes of abscess formation.
Decentralization and Corruption: Evidence from Italy
Authors: Acconcia Antonio , Cantabene Claudia 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The large amount of funds needed to finance public policies may induce corrupt behaviors of public officials. In this paper, we exploit a long panel dataset with information on corruption diffusion among Italian provinces and public expenditure by levels of government. We show that decentralizing decisions related to public services and capital projects amplify the temptation for corrupt behaviors. Our evidence supports the idea that local-level public officials are more susceptible to capture by vested interests. Such capture compromises the advantage of decentralizing decisions to local governments with access to superior information.
NICUPose: a robust and efficient end-to-end pose estimation network in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
Authors: Huang Di , Gleason Alec , Felix Richter , Zempel John , Payne Philip , Chen Yixin , Cole F. , Vesoulis Zachary , Li Fuhai 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), long-term continuous video-electroencephalography (vEEG) monitoring is used for diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of neonatal diseases including seizures and other cerebral injury. vEEG includes both an electrographic component as well as synchronized video, which must be manually reviewed for interpretation. This is a time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive process which often lags behind real time. While electrographic data are the principal basis for diagnosis, video provides corroborating evidence both for artifact detection (e.g., provider examining patient) and physical manifestation of seizures. This is the first study to focus on neonatal pose estimation in this context. The model’s performance was systematically evaluated using two independent vEEG datasets from the Washington University School of Medicine and the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, in addition to publicly available infant datasets. NICUPose demonstrated superior performance and efficiency compared to generic baseline models for pose estimation, highlighting its potential as a valuable clinical tool.
Lived Experiences of Women with Uterine Fibroids Attending Kawempe National Referral Hospital. A Qualitative Study.
Authors: Mutamba Fred , Sekikubo Musa , Namulindwa Rosette , Kwiringira Japheth , Isabirye Alone 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background-Black women are disproportionately affected by uterine fibroids. Although many women with uterine myomas are without symptoms, early diagnosis of the disease is imperative for better treatment outcomes. If unattended to in early enough, fibroids can grow and lead to worsened symptoms and complications cause significant morbidity to women. Treating fibroids in advanced stages often necessities surgical interventions all of which worsen the quality of life burden health systems.
Objective- The study explored the lived experiences of women with uterine fibroids attending Kawempe National Referral Hospital (KNRH.)
Methods- The study was a qualitative facility-based research that employed a phenomenological approach. Nineteen (19) women with uterine fibroids were recruited and were selected by the maximum variation purposive sampling technique. Data was collected by conducting in-depth interviews with help of an interview guide. Data analysis was done by manual thematic data analysis approach.
Results-The 19 study participants had varying demographic characteristics. Five main themes emerged from the data, these were; knowledge of uterine fibroids, causes of uterine fibroids, effects of uterine fibroids, managing uterine fibroids, and coping with uterine fibroids. Women reported that fibroids negatively affect their lives to a significant magnitude. Some of the negative experiences reported by women included experiencing high levels of stress and depressive symptoms, social stigma and avoidance of public gatherings, and broken relationships with their marital partners and relatives. Women also reported some barriers to seeking medical care for their condition, which included the fear of surgical treatment, poor knowledge about the condition, and lack of finances.
Conclusion-Uterine fibroids negatively affect the quality of lives of women living with them in a chronic nature and the negative effects have a ripple effect spreading to their immediate partners and relatives, up to the bigger social circles of the victims.
We recommend, establishment of patient-centered and community based health education to sensitize women about the uterine fibroids with facility initiated screening tools for the condition. Further qualitative studies about uterine fibroids such as exploring the quality of life of women after surgical management procedures like myomectomy and hysterectomy.
Synergistic Effects of Riluzole and Sodium Butyrate on Barrier Function and Disease Progression of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis in SOD1G93A mice
Authors: Zhang Yong-Guo , Robinson KaReisha , Xia Yinglin , Sun Jun 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Emerging evidence has shown that gut-brain barrier dysfunction occurs at the early stages of ALS. Previous studies demonstrated that Sodium butyrate significantly decreased aggregation of the human-SOD1G93A protein, improved intestinal barriers, delayed the disease onset, and prolonged the life span of ALS mice. Riluzole is the first FDA-approved drug for ALS treatment. We hypothesize that Riluzole and Sodium butyrate combined treatment further decreases aggregation of the h-SOD1G93A, restores the gut-brain barrier function and delays the ALS progression. SOD1G93A mice (9-10-week-old) treated with Riluzole (10 mg/kg, I.P. daily), Sodium butyrate (2% in drinking water), or Riluzole and Sodium butyrate combination for 6 weeks. Riluzole and Sodium butyrate combination showed a significantly longer rotarod time, increased grip strength, enhanced intestinal barrier, compared with Riluzole or Sodium butyrate alone treatment. More reduction of h-SOD1G93A aggregation, an indicator of ALS progression, was observed in the colon, spinal cord lumbar, and brain cortex with Riluzole and Sodium butyrate combination, compared with Riluzole or Sodium butyrate alone treatment. Tight junction proteins (ZO-1 and Claudin-5) significantly increased in the colon, spinal cord lumbar, and brain cortex of mice with Riluzole and Sodium butyrate treatment. In SOD1G93A mice, Riluzole and Sodium butyrate combination treatment reduced serum lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and inflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IL-6 and IFN-γ) more than that in Riluzole or Sodium butyrate treatment. Our data suggest that Riluzole and Sodium butyrate treatment is more efficient than either Riluzole or Sodium butyrate alone in delaying ALS progress. It provides a potential therapeutic strategy by restoring barrier function through the gut-brain axis for ALS.
The adsorption process and mechanism of benzo[a]pyrene in agricultural soil mediated by microplastics
Authors: Zhu Zhengyi , Sun Lijuan , Qin Qin , Sun Yafei , Yang Shiyan , Wang Jun , Yang Yang , Gao Guangkuo , Xue Yong 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The coexistence of microplastics and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) in the environment, and their interactions within agricultural soils in particular, have garnered widespread attention. Despite the significant environmental toxicity of both pollutants, research on their mutual interactions in soil is still limited. This study conducted adsorption thermodynamics and kinetics experiments to explore the effects and mechanisms of various microplastics (polyethylene, PE, polystyrene, PS, and polyvinyl chloride, PVC) on the adsorption of BaP. Using advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, this study explored the surface characteristics of microplastics and their interactions with BaP. The results demonstrated that PVC microplastics exhibited the highest adsorption capacity for BaP, which was primarily due to π‒π interactions and increased hydrophobicity. In the soil‒microplastic blend systems, BaP was predominantly found on microplastics, enhancing the soil's adsorption capacity for BaP, particularly PVC, which showed an adsorption capacity 3.69 times greater than that of soil alone. Density functional theory (DFT) simulation calculations indicated that the binding energy of BaP for PVC pretreated with soil was − 59.16 kJ/mol, whereas it was − 53.02 kJ/mol for untreated PVC, -39.35 kJ/mol for PE, and − 48.84 kJ/mol for PS. These findings suggest that soil pretreatment significantly enhances the adsorption stability of PVC for BaP, further elucidating the potential mechanisms behind the increased adsorption capacity in the soil–microplastic system. These findings confirm that microplastics serve as effective vectors for organic pollutants such as BaP, significantly influencing their environmental behavior in soils, and provide essential theoretical support for assessing the environmental toxicity and migration behaviors of microplastics and associated organic contaminants.
In-depth Analysis of Risk Factors in Parkinson's Disease: Insights from Mendelian Randomization Studies
Authors: Ma Jing-ying , Yu Tian , Hu Jue , Liang Yi-ning , Tang Fa-dan , Zhang Yong-hua 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Background
The incidence and prevalence of Parkinson's disease (PD) are rapidly increasing, leading to significant disease and economic burden. Identifying causal relationships, exposures, risk factors, and molecular processes associated with the occurrence and progression of PD is crucial for the development of prevention and treatment strategies.
Methods
In this systematic review, we examined evidence regarding causal associations between potential risk factors and PD derived from Mendelian randomization (MR) studies, adhering to PRISMA guidelines. Methodological quality was evaluated based on critical components of MR methodology, including comprehensive instrumental variable analysis and validation of the three key MR assumptions.
Results
We included methodological details and findings from 41 articles. MR studies provided evidence for causal relationships between BMI, lifestyle, lipid levels, AD, stroke, anxiety, depression, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and PD, although results varied substantially across each category.
Conclusions
Although this review demonstrates how MR can offer valuable insights into exploring potential therapeutic targets and enhancing our understanding of the pathophysiology of PD, certain methodological limitations in the existing literature hinder the reliability of results and likely contribute to their heterogeneity. We emphasize the importance of future MR studies focusing on lifestyle factors, gut microbiota, and epigenetics.
Precision Almond Classification and Counting Using CNN Architectures and Blob Detection Algorithm
Authors: Aktaş Hakan , Karagöz Ömer 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The classification process, which is extensively employed in the food sector, is used to identify various product classes or to detect and sort solid, defective, and undesired objects in the harvested crop. In this study, blob detection algorithm and CNN architectures were used effectively to determine the number of “whole almonds”, “damaged almonds” and “almond shells” in almond samples. With 400 images in each class, a total of 1200 images were gathered. The final dataset was divided into training, validation, and testing sections at ratios of 70%, 15%, and 15%, respectively. The constructed dataset was used for training models such as VGG16, InceptionV3, ResNet50, and EfficientNetB3 architectures where EfficientNetB3 yielded the maximum accuracy of 99.44% for RGB dataset and 98.33% for grayscale dataset. To confirm the validation of the trained EfficientNetB3 architecture in the application, totally new 50 whole almonds, 10 damaged almonds and 10 shell images were acquired and the model was placed to the test. As a result of this experiment, the test accuracy was calculated as 97.14% for RGB image and 95.71% for grayscale image. As a result of the classification obtained from the RGB image, the model classified this data as 52 whole kernel almonds, 10 damaged numbers and 8 shells. These results show that the proposed method works in high accuracy with EfficientNetB3 model as a final application for both RGB and grayscale images.
Enlightenment into physicochemical properties of tetrabutylammonium bromide-based binary Deep Eutectic Solvent: An experimental and computational validation
Authors: Sharma Priyanka , Vora Yagnik , Kuperkar Ketan , Sawant Abhay 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) rapidly evolve as a prominent class of solvents in various applications as they possess melting points lower than their pure components. The demand for DESs is increasing enormously, so there is a need for novel DESs with upgraded versions. For this, one needs to acquire a better knowledge of DESs by understanding their structure and properties. In this study, the physicochemical properties of the prepared DES based on tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) employed as hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and itaconic acid (IA) as hydrogen bond donor (HBD) in a molar ratio of 1:1 have been investigated. The successful synthesis of TBAB: IA was confirmed through characterization methods, including FT-IR spectroscopy, 1H-NMR spectroscopy, and TGA analysis. Various physicochemical properties, namely density (p), ionic conductivity (k), dynamic viscosity (η), surface tension (γ), refractive index (nD), and pH of the prepared TBAB: IA-based DES at barometric pressure and temperatures set in order from 293.15 K to 353.15 K at an interval of 10 K is examined. With the increase in temperature, noticeable alterations in the physicochemical properties of the prepared DES have been observed. Furthermore, a computational simulation approach was employed to validate and reveal the interaction involved there in the prepared DES using the GaussView 5.0.9 package for geometry optimization using the DFT-based B3LYP/6-31G method to calculate HOMO/LUMO energy, HOMO-LUMO energy gap (ΔE), dipole moment (μ), and the structural parameters like global hardness (η), global softness (S), electronegativity (χ), and electrophilicity index (w). The bond parameters obtained from geometry optimization reveal the existence of non-bonded interactions. The total energy (T. E.) evaluated the involvement of molecular orbitals, while the synergism of electrophilic and nucleophilic sites between the HBA and HBD was assessed from the molecular electrostatic potential (MEP).
Principle, method and experimental verification of Zero-Carbon emission reverse osmosis clean energy technology
Authors: Huang Demin , Luo Qizhao , Li Weigang , Wu Bin , Cheng Yu , Zhang Rui , Wu Jie , Wu Zhuangfei , Ren Zhuochao 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

This article introduces the concept of a "nanoscale one-way valve" and its
underlying principles, pointing out that permeation is a natural manifestation of the
nanoscale one-way valve effect,the energy basis is the molecular thermal
motion.Based on the principle and permeability mechanism of nanoscale one-way
valve, the principle and method of zero-carbon emission reverse osmosis clean energy
technology is proposed, the osmotic pressure difference is generated through the
concentration regulation, and the spontaneous reverse osmosis is realized with the
help of the spontaneous osmotic effect,intended to construct a one-way valve
function,the disordered thermal motion of water molecules is converted into orderly
motion, so that water can flow spontaneously water from low to high,to achieve the
purpose of doing work directly taking energy from the thermal energy of water
molecules without inputting energy,to achieve the goal of zero-carbon emission of
clean energy. This paper introduces the experimental validation situation,The single
valve can carry water about 2.8 meters high, which proves that the technical principle
is feasible and the method is effective, which Capable of achieving water lifting
without energy consumption. This research is a basic research, three basic
breakthroughs were achieved:Reverses osmosis without energy consumption, let the
water spontaneously flow from low to high, and using the heat of water for work
without temperature difference. In the future, based on this principle and method,we
will focus on this basis to improve work efficiency, which is expected to be practical
quickly and achieve a new energy direction.There is no need for temperature
difference, from the natural environment of water molecular heat energy can do work,
inexhaustible, inexhaustible, do not consume energy resources, do not increase the
temperature rise of the earth,zero-carbon emission , safe, clean and environmental
protection, good economy.This study provides a new technical solution to effectively
solve the focus problem of growing energy consumption and continuous global
climate warming.
Infaunal biodiversity of converging river estuaries in Mambajao, Camiguin Island in relation to salinity gradients
Authors: Pacudan Alche , Caneos Warren , Gimena Reynald , Abragan Dulce Fe 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

The infauna distribution, species composition, diversity and its correlation with environmental variables were investigated in the two converging river estuaries (Tapon River and Sa’ai River) in Mambajao, Camiguin Island, Philippines. Sample collection using a modified core sampling method, sorting, identification and counting of infauna samples and in-situ measurements of physico-chemical parameters were done. Results showed that Pachychilidae (44.94%), Lumbriculidae (28.09%) and Thiaridae (14.61%) had the highest relative abundance in both rivers which could be due to its wide tolerance of pollution that also resulted to low species diversity (H’) ranging only from 0.267 ± 0.267 to 0.811 ± 0.090. Furthermore, Sa’ai River showed significantly higher temperature compared to Tapon River. Significant differences in salinity, water pH and soil pH were also observed between the two river estuaries. Furthermore, distinct and clear segregation patterns (30% and 50% similarity) between the two river estuaries. Samples from T4R1, T4R2, T3R3 and T1R2 were segregated from T1R1, T2R1 and T3R1 and the rest of the sampling stations. The presence and assemblages of the infauna (e.g. Glyceridae, Pachychilidae, Chironomidae, Neritidae) were strongly influenced by temperature, salinity, water pH and soil pH.
Role of additional bands in Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) on board EOS-06 in Arabian sea near Gujarat coast
Authors: Gupta Anurag , Ganguly Debojyoti , Babu K. N. , Raman Mini , Thapliyal Pradeep Kumar , Sharma Rashmi 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Following the legacy of OCM series, OCM-3 onboard EOS-06 was launched on November 26, 2022 to cater the global needs with better accuracy. It is having 13 bands in VNIR (400–1010 nm range) with ~ 1500 km swath for monitoring the ocean. Basically it operates in two modes, one is Local Area Coverage (LAC) mode, i.e. 360m resolution and second one is Global Area Coverage (GAC) for global ocean in low resolution mode (1.1 km) at regular cycles. Remote sensing reflectance derived from space using standard atmospheric correction, works very well in open ocean while the same approach fails in the optically complex waters, so to overcome this problem, 870 nm was paired with 1010 nm of OCM-3 instead of 780–870 nm to recover the coastal radiometry basically at blue channels. They suffer a lot because of overestimation of atmospheric characterization at NIR channels and then extrapolated to blue channel during radiative transfer modeling. In addition, absorbing aerosols and coloured dissolved organic matter are equally responsible in coastal region as well. The role of additional bands of ocean colour monitor (OCM-3) was discussed in this manuscript.