bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The efficacy of novel rope flavours as environmental enrichment for stalled gilts
Authors: Colpoys JD , Johnson AK , Gabler NK 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the use of flavoured ropes as environmental enrichment for individually housed pigs (Sus scrofa). A 4 × 4 Latin square experimental design was utilised to evaluate the effects of four rope flavour treatments on 24 individually penned gilts: i) water, ii) salt water solution; iii) sugar water solution; and iv) apple juice. Cotton rope was soaked in the assigned treatment solution for 30 min on day 1 of each treatment. The rope was tied to an overhead bar at 1000h on day 1 and removed at 1900h on day 2. The following day, gilts received a different treatment using the same methodology. Gilts were videorecorded one day before treatments were given (baseline) and throughout the study. The video was analysed for enrichment interaction, eating behaviour, and posture using a 2-min scan sample interval between 0700 and 1900h. The addition of sugar flavour increased enrichment interaction compared to apple and salt flavours but did not differ compared to water treatment. Furthermore, gilts interacted with enrichment 61% more the first day the enrichment flavour treatment was provided compared to the second. Gilts given rope enrichment spent less time lying and more time sitting compared to when no enrichment was provided. The results of this study suggest that while the addition of flavours to cotton ropes caused minor changes in enrichment interaction and behaviour, provision of rope enrichment was beneficial for increasing activity in stalled gilts.
Fine-Needle Aspiration Utilization for Malignant Thyroid Neoplasms in the Community Hospital Setting: A Quality Improvement Study
Authors: Kieliszak Christopher R. , Jones Dustin J. , Klapchar Richard T. , Collar Ryan M. , Steward David L. 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Background
Thyroid nodules are increasingly common. Although guidelines have been published, it is unclear whether recommendations for the use of fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and ultrasonography are followed.

Objective
To evaluate the impact of a quality improvement initiative regarding utilization of FNA and ultrasonography before resection of malignant thyroid neoplasms at a community-based hospital.

Methods
A retrospective medical record review of patients who received thyroidectomy with histologically proven malignant thyroid neoplasms at a community-based teaching center in the Midwest in 2014 revealed inconsistent use of FNA and ultrasonography per national guidelines. Thus, a quality improvement initiative was conducted using the PDSA (Plan, Do, Study, Act) method and included both an intradepartmental outreach effort and an interdisciplinary hospital cancer committee presentation. To determine the success of the initiative, medical records were reviewed from January 1, 2015, through July 1, 2016 (after the initiative) and compared with findings from 2014 (before the initiative).

Results
The medical records of 366 patients were reviewed over a 2.5-year period, and 23 records (12 in 2014 and 11 in 2015-2016) met the inclusion criteria. In 2014, FNA was performed on 58% of patients before operative management of thyroid malignancy. After the quality improvement initiative, FNA was performed on 100% of patients before operative management of thyroid malignancy (P=.0155). Before the quality improvement initiative, 75% of patients undergoing an operation for malignant thyroid neoplasms underwent preoperative ultrasonography, compared with 100% after the initiative (P=.0753).

Conclusion
A performance improvement initiative that used the PDSA framework effectively influenced physician adherence to national guidelines for thyroid neoplasms.
The anti-biofilm effect of silver-nanoparticle-decorated quercetin nanoparticles on a multi-drug resistantEscherichia colistrain isolated from a dairy cow with mastitis
Authors: Yu Lumin , Shang Fei , Chen Xiaolin , Ni Jingtian , Yu Li , Zhang Ming , Sun Dongdong , Xue Ting 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundEscherichia coliis an important opportunistic pathogen that could cause inflammation of the udder in dairy cows resulting in reduced milk production and changes in milk composition and quality, and even death of dairy cows. Therefore, mastitis is the main health issue which leads to major economic losses on dairy farms. Antibiotics are routinely used for the treatment of bovine mastitis. The ability to form biofilm increases the antibiotic resistance ofE. coli. Nanoparticles (NPs), a nanosized, safe, and highly cost-effective antibacterial agent, are potential biomedical tools. Given their antibacterial activities, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have a broad range of applications.MethodsIn this study, we performed antibacterial activity assays, biofilm formation assays, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) experiments, and real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) experiments to investigate the antibacterial and anti-biofilm effect of quercetin, Ag NPs, and Silver-nanoparticle-decorated quercetin nanoparticles (QA NPs) inE. colistrain ECDCM1.ResultsIn this study, QA NPs, a composite material combining Ag NPs and the plant-derived drug component quercetin, exhibited stronger antibacterial and anti-biofilm properties in a multi-drug resistantE. colistrain isolated from a dairy cow with mastitis, compared to Ag NPs and Qe.DiscussionThis study provides evidence that QA NPs possess high antibacterial and anti-biofilm activities. They proved to be more effective than Ag NPs and Qe against the biofilm formation of a multi-drug resistantE. coliisolated from cows with mastitis. This suggests that QA NPs might be used as a potential antimicrobial agent in the treatment of bovine mastitis caused byE. coli.
ENSINO DE EMPREENDEDORISMO: ANÁLISE DA INTRODUÇÃO DE NOVAS PRÁTICAS EDUCACIONAIS EM UM CURSO ESTABELECIDO
Authors: Oliveira Lana Cristina , Holanda Mariano Sandra Regina 
Published: October 2018

O objetivo desse estudo foi analisar as práticas educacionais adotadas para o ensino de empreendedorismo tomando como objeto de análise um curso sequencial de Empreendedorismo e Inovação que incorporou novas práticas educacionais visando aumentar a retenção e a aprendizagem dos estudantes. Para tanto, foram realizadas entrevistas com os profissionais responsáveis pela elaboração e implementação das novas práticas educacionais. A análise foi subsidiada pelo modelo proposto por Nunes et al (2015), por meio do qual foram identificadas as limitações e potencialidades das práticas inseridas no curso. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória, com abordagem qualitativa. Os resultados apontam que as novas práticas pedagógicas inseridas no curso analisado atendem a maioria dos indicadores, e destaca aspectos que ainda necessitam ser explorados.
PEDAGOGIA DO AFETO E A BANALIZAÇÃO DA FORMAÇÃO CONTINUADA DE PROFESSORES: UMA ANÁLISE DA LITERATURA DE AUTOAJUDA NOS PROCESSOS FORMATIVOS
Authors: Fávero Altair Alberto , Consaltér Evandro 
Published: October 2018

Este ensaio tem por escopo analisar a banalização dos processos de formação continuada de professores a partir da pedagogia do afeto. Entendemos que essa perspectiva de formação pedagógico materializa-se, sobretudo, a partir do consumo da literatura de autoajuda para professores. Para dar conta do objetivo proposto, realizamos um estudo bibliográfico de ordem analítica, ancorado em obras de três autores campeões de vendas desse tipo de literatura. No decorrer do ensaio, amparados no referencial teórico, indicamos as razões pelas quais a pedagogia do afeto mostra-se insuficiente para dar conta dos problemas educacionais, sobretudo dos que tangenciam sobre a prática pedagógica do professor. Acreditamos que as reflexões deste ensaio possam contribuir para vislumbrar outros horizontes formativos.
First Trimester Tetracycline Exposure and Risk of Major Congenital Malformations
Authors: Nakitanda Aya Olivia , Odsbu Ingvild , Cesta Carolyn E. , Pazzagli Laura , Pasternak Björn 
Published: November 2024

ImportanceSafety data on tetracycline antibiotic use during pregnancy are limited.ObjectiveTo investigate the association between first trimester exposure to tetracyclines and the risk of major congenital malformations (MCMs).Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cohort study used data from nationwide registers for singleton infants live-born in Sweden from July 1, 2006, to December 31, 2018, with follow-up through December 2019. Tetracycline-exposed and unexposed infants were matched on propensity scores (ratio 1:10). Data analysis was performed from June 2023 to May 2024.ExposureFirst trimester exposure to tetracyclines determined from maternal prescription fills, compared with no exposure.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcome was any MCM diagnosed in the first year of life; secondary outcomes were 12 major malformation organ system subgroups and 16 individual malformations selected on the basis of prior safety signals and/or fulfillment of prespecified statistical power criteria. Malformations were identified by International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) codes aligned to the European Surveillance of Congenital Anomalies (EUROCAT) classification. Log binomial regression was used to estimate relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs.ResultsFrom a source cohort of 1 245 889 eligible infants (640 892 male [51.4%]), a propensity score–matched analytical cohort of 69 656 infants (35 903 male [51.5%]) was generated. Of 6340 infants exposed to tetracyclines during the first trimester (3325 male [52.4%]), 252 received a diagnosis of any MCM (39.75 cases per 1000 infants; 95% CI, 35.14-44.93 cases per 1000 infants) compared with 2454 of 63 316 unexposed infants (38.76 cases per 1000 infants; 95% CI, 37.27-40.30 cases per 1000 infants). Tetracycline exposure was not associated with any MCM (RR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.90-1.16). The RRs for specific tetracycline substances were 1.07 (95% CI, 0.93-1.23) for doxycycline, 0.83 (95% CI, 0.60-1.15) for lymecycline, and 0.78 (95% CI, 0.32-1.92) for tetracycline-oxytetracycline. There was no increased risk for 10 of 12 malformation subgroups or for any of the 16 individual malformations analyzed. The higher RRs in the main analysis for nervous system anomalies (1.92; 95% CI, 0.98-3.78) and eye anomalies (1.76; 95% CI, 1.07-2.91) were attenuated in a sensitivity analysis with follow-up extended to age 3 years (nervous system anomalies, RR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.52-2.24; eye anomalies, RR, 1.42; 95% CI, 0.88-2.29).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this cohort study, first trimester tetracycline exposure was not associated with increased risks of any MCMs. Additional studies are needed to rule out potential risks owing to power limitations for several MCM subgroups and individual malformations.
Recyclability of take‐back glass fiber‐reinforced blends of polyphenylene oxide with high‐impact polystyrene for high‐performance engineering applications
Authors: Gkaliou Kyriaki , Mogre Tanmay , Lei Michael , Daugaard Anders E. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIncreased recycling of plastics is an essential step toward a more sustainable use of materials, where some of the most challenging fractions are engineering materials and composites. Used pump houses prepared from glass fiber (GF)‐reinforced blends of polyphenylene oxide (PPO) and high‐impact polystyrene (HIPS) obtained through a take‐back scheme (take‐back, TB) were characterized and shredded for use in the preparation of new composites by injection molding. Initial degradation was observed on the surface of the TB parts; however, the core of the material was unaffected. Mechanical reprocessing of regrind and virgin material showed a reduction of tensile strength already at 10% regrind, which was attributed to fiber length reduction during reprocessing. At the same time, Young's modulus and extension at break were largely unaffected, confirming that 25% of TB could be included without any additional loss of properties. As a worst‐case scenario, tests with extensively degraded material showed that Young's modulus and tensile strength would ultimately be reduced with an increasing amount of heavily degraded material and that a balance would have to be found between loss of properties and recycled content for heavily degraded material.
ZnO Quantum Dots as PEO‐Based Solid Electrolytes Fillers for Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Deng Shiyan , Li Huiyao , Tang Wenhao , Zou Youlan , Deng Shuang 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPEO‐based solid polymer electrolyte (PEO SPE) is regarded as one of the most promising solid electrolytes due to its exceptional flexibility, cost‐effectiveness, and ease of integration. However, its commercialization is hindered by inadequate ionic conductivity and unstable interface. By incorporating proper ZnO quantum‐dots (QDs) fillers with enhanced surface activity, the ion transport inner the PEO‐based electrolyte can be improved along with enhanced REDOX kinetics at the Li/PEO interface. The ionic conductivity reaches 5.97×10−4 S cm−1 at 60 °C. Moreover, ZnO QDs exhibit a quantum size effect and possess lithiophilic characteristics that promote uniform nucleation and redeposition of Li+ while forming a stable Li−Zn alloy. This inhibits lithium dendrite formation and enhances the stability of Li anode. Li//Li cell with 3 % ZnO QDs works steadily for more than 2100 h at 60 °C with 0.1 mA cm−2. The assembled Li//LiFePO4 cell provides a reversible capacity of 134.91 mAh g−1 after200 cycles at 0.1 C.
Fragility, Health and the Risk Paradigm: A Health‐Sensitive Framework
Authors: Vaughan‐Lee Hannah , Morinière Lezlie C. , Stroupe Nancy 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTRecognising that fragile contexts present a significant challenge to the Sustainable Development Goals, this paper examines the relationship between fragility and health, proposing a health‐sensitive conceptual framework for understanding the impact of fragility on health outcomes. Through a comprehensive literature review and comparison of existing fragility frameworks, the study identifies five key characteristics of fragility: alignment with the risk paradigm; multidimensionality; systems perspective; state‐society relationship; and appreciating fragility in relation to ‘contexts’ rather than ‘states’. In doing so, the paper highlights the need for a multidimensional approach to fragility that includes a distinct health dimension in addition to political, security, economic, social, environmental domains. Rather than proposing a way to score or measure fragility, the authors argue in favour of a nuanced and dynamic understanding of fragility based on the interactions between the different dimensions of fragility, emphasising the impact on/interactions with health.
Oncological safety of fertility preservation treatment in ovarian cancer: A Spanish multicenter study
Authors: Heras Marta , Azcona Leticia , Arencibia Octavio , Minig Lucas , Marti Lola , Hernandez Alicia , Lekuona Arantxa , Niguez Isabel , Gil‐Ibañez Blanca , Diaz‐Feijoo Berta , Ribot Laia , Cabezas Maria Nieves , Lamarca Marta , Bellon Monica , Alkourdi Amira , Cardenas Laura , Boldo Ana , Amengual Joana , Gorostidi Mikel , Zapardiel Ignacio ,   the YOC‐Care Collaborative Group
Published: November 2024

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the safety of fertility‐sparing treatments for early‐stage ovarian cancer in women younger than 40 years old.MethodsWe performed a retrospective multicenter study including women aged 18–40 years diagnosed with early‐stage (FIGO I–II) ovarian cancer in 55 Spanish hospitals, from January 2010 to December 2019. Benign and borderline tumors were excluded, as well as advanced stages (FIGO III–IV). All perioperative characteristics and follow‐up data were collected and analyzed. Standard staging surgery (SSS) was compared with fertility‐sparing surgery (FSS) in terms of oncological outcomes.ResultsIn all, 366 women were included; 327 (89.3%) were stage I. Among all patients, 216 (59%) underwent SSS and 150 (41%) FSS. Up to 208 (56.8%) patients did not have children, but only 12 (3.2%) had oocyte preservation before treatment. Patients in the FSS group compared with the SSS group showed a non‐significant difference in recurrences (8% vs. 9.3%, respectively; P < 0.711) and deaths (1.3% vs. 4.8%, respectively; P = 0.211) during the follow‐up. No significant differences were found between epithelial and non‐epithelial ovarian cancer both in recurrences (7.1% vs. 8.8%, respectively; P = 0.771) and in deaths (1.4% vs. 1.3%, respectively; P = 1) among patients who underwent FSS.ConclusionFSS seems a safe option for treatment of early‐stage ovarian cancer in patients who want to preserve fertility, either for epithelial and non‐epithelial histology.
Sonography Could Predict Complete/Near‐Complete Necrosis of Thyroid Tumors After Fine‐Needle Biopsy: Necrotic Ring Sign
Authors: Ilgan Seyfettin , Bilezikçi Banu 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTObjectiveNecrosis, a rare histologic alteration caused by the fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) of thyroid tumors, could be problematic in the clinical management of such cases due to the difficulty in making a definitive histopathologic diagnosis. The aim of this study was to define US features that may help to predict FNA‐induced necrosis which is more common in oncocytic tumors.Materials and MethodsThis cross‐sectional study consists of all patients who underwent thyroid surgery in our center between January 2011 and December 2023. All nodules, which complete/near‐complete necrosis reported on final histopathology, were included into study when full video record of preoperative US exam also available for re‐evaluation. US findings of necrotic tumors compared with control group consisting of similar histopathology without necrosis.ResultsA total of 11 patients have met the inclusion criteria during study period. Of these cases, seven were papillary thyroid carcinomas and four were follicular adenomas. Among the evaluated distinctive US features, necrotic ring offers the best accuracy (88%) and area under the curve (0.91) values in detecting necrosis after FNA and most valuable when combined with lack of intranodular vascularity.ConclusionIn the preoperative evaluation of surgical candidates, necrotic ring, refractive edge shadowing, posterior acoustic enhancement, and lack of vascular signal may predict complete/near‐complete necrosis with great accuracy.
Total Gastrectomy for Gastric Malignancy: Trends Over 15 Years in Major Morbidity, Mortality, and Patient Selection From The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program
Authors: Kelly Nicholas J. , Shafique Neha , Tortorello Gabriella N. , Vargas Gracia , Miura John T. , Karakousis Giorgos C. 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionWe examined trends in major morbidity and mortality following total gastrectomy for malignancy in a national cohort.MethodsThe National Surgical Quality Improvement Program was used to identify patients who underwent total gastrectomy for malignancy from 2007 to 2021. Joinpoint regression was used to determine annual percent changes (APCs) in thirty‐day postoperative major morbidity, mortality, and length of stay (LOS). Major morbidity included deep and organ space surgical site infection, venous thromboembolism, cardiac event, pneumonia, acute renal failure, sepsis, and respiratory failure.ResultsOf 3515 patients, the median age was 65 years (IQR = 55–73), 59% were male, and 57.9% were White. Major morbidity was 23%, which did not change over time (APC = −1.4, 95% CI = −3.4 to 0.58), nor were there changes in individual morbidities with time. The most common morbidities were organ space surgical site infection (9.2%) and pneumonia (8.5%). Mortality rate in the study cohort was 2.7% and did not change (APC = −6.2, 95% CI = −13.0 to 1.1). LOS (median 9 days) also did not vary with time (APC = −2.3, 95% CI = −7.8 to 3.9). There was an increase in patients with diabetes (21.6% vs. 11.2%, p < 0.05), BMI ≥ 30 (31.1% vs. 18.2%, p < 0.05), and ASA IV–V status (11.6% vs. 3.5%, p < 0.05).ConclusionMorbidity and mortality following total gastrectomy for malignancy have not significantly changed over the last fifteen years. While this may in part be explained by increased patient comorbidity, efforts should be made to improve patient selection and mitigate postoperative complications to allow for timely adjuvant therapies.
Urbanization and food transition in the Brazilian Amazon: From wild to domesticated meat
Authors: Chaves Willandia A. , Valle Denis , Tavares Aline S. , Morcatty Thais Q. , Vidal Marcelo D. , Schor Tatiana , von Mühlen Eduardo M. , Wilcove David S. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Urbanization is expected to influence food transitions, resulting in a shift from wild foods to more domesticated foods. Concomitantly, food insecurity and urban demand for natural resources, including wildlife, are expected to increase overall, even when the per capita consumption is expected to decrease. These issues bring challenges to ecosystems and human well‐being.

We examined how the degree of urbanization and socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and connections to rural areas, influences the consumption of and preferences for meat from wildlife (mammals, birds and turtles), fish and domesticated animals. We administered 1367 questionnaires to randomly selected households across 10 urban areas in Amazonas state, Brazil.

We found that degree of urbanization was associated with a food transition from consuming wildlife and fish to consuming domesticated animals. Taste preference for meat from wildlife and fish decreased with the degree of urbanization. Rural connections were associated with increased consumption of and preference for wild meat (meat from wildlife) and fish. Poverty was associated with increased consumption of fish and processed meat and decreased consumption of beef and pork, with important implications for how food transitions affect households experiencing poverty.

These results highlight the spatial, social and economic heterogeneity of consumption and preference. Policy and social interventions, such as campaigns to reduce consumption of vulnerable species or targeted enforcement against poaching, will need to consider this heterogeneity to be effective and avoid unintended consequences, such as worsening food insecurity.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
ISI Energy Change Due to an Edge Deletion
Authors: Bilal Ahmad , Munir Muhammad Mobeen 
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACTThe problem of characterization of all graphs where the deletion of an edge results in decrease or increase in the energy is far from completion. To be more exact, we solve this problem for Inverse Sum Indeg energy. We compute the ISI energies of edge deleted graphs of , , , and star graph, finally we compare the respective energies from the original graphs. We give different graphs where both cases can happen. This serves as partial solutions of the modified version of the hard to crack problem posed by Gutman to characterize all graphs whose energy decreases after deletion of an edge.