bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mitigation of Heat Stress in Broiler Chickens during Hot Summer Seasons through Betaine Hydrochloride Osmoprotectant Intervention
Authors: Rokade Jaydip , MONIKA M. , Gopi M. , Vispute M. , Sonale Nagesh , PRASAD WADAJKAR 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Modern poultry genotypes produce more body heat due to their greater metabolic activity and in tropical country; high environment temperature often worsens the situation. Heat stress is a major concern for the poultry industry as it adversely affects growth as well as immune functions. Nutritional interventions play an important role in ameliorating the negative effects of heat stress and will be more economical approach. In order to evaluate the role of osmolyte (betaine) as a heat ameliorating agent in broiler chicken, an experiment was conducted with gradient levels of 0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg for a growing period of 42 days. Each group comprised 48 birds in six replicates of 8 each. All birds were maintained under standard managemental conditions. Thermo-Humidity Index value ranged 85–87 throughout the experimental period. Production performance, immunity, gut morphometry, hemato-biochemical and stress indicators were studied. Supplementation of betaine significantly improved production performance as well as breast meat yield (P < 0.05). Supplementation (1 and 1.5g/kg) significantly (P < 0.01) improved both the humoral and cellular immunity. Betaine supplemented groups also depict significant (P < 0.01) rise in hemoglobin and relative immune organ weight. Addition of betaine to basal diet significantly (P < 0.01) increased the villus length and also lowered H:L ratio, with better ALT and AST values than the control. The dose level of at 1 and 1.5g/kg improve all the parameters but villi structure was more improved in 1g/kg dose level and also it is economical than 1.5g/kg dose level. To conclude present study confirms that, the supplementation of betaine at 1g/kg levels could significantly improve overall growth performance, gut morphology and welfare in heat stressed broiler chickens.
Validation of a Contour Diagram Based Model for Monopile Cyclic Design in Sand and Clay
Authors: LAPASTOURE Louis-Marin , IGOE David , Jalilvand Soroosh 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Monopiles are the most popular type of foundation for offshore wind turbines. Although capturing the effects of cyclic loading is critical to the design of monopiles, there is no recommended approach in the main design standards and no consensus in the literature as to how this can be achieved. Hence, this paper presents the step-by-step methodology and validation of a new cyclic model in sand and clay. The model consists of the degradation of monotonic soil reaction curves based on soil cyclic contour diagrams. The model is found to provide a very satisfactory match with the PISA field tests in Dunkirk dense marine sand and Cowden stiff glacial till.
Etoposide, Cisplatin and Sintilimab Combined with Anlotinib in successful Treatment of Adrenocortical Carcinoma with Lung Metastasis: A Case Report
Authors: Zhang Haimei , Ma Xuezhen , Niu Wenjing , Liang Hua , Qiao Zhongshi , Wang Zheng , Niu Lifeng 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignant tumor that occurs in the adrenal cortex. It has a high degree of malignancy and comparatively poor overall prognosis. Surgery is the standard curative therapy for localized ACC patients. As well as, the combination regimen of etoposide, doxorubicin, cisplatin(EDP) plus mitotane has been considered as the standardized chemotherapy regimen for advanced ACC. However, new effective regimens are emerging for specific conditions in metastatic ACC.
Case presentation: We report a case of a 66-year-old man diagnosed with metastatic ACC who had a large left adrenal mass (110mm*87mm) and multiple metastases in both lungs. The patient was treated with EP and sintilimab for six cycles, anlotinib was introduced after the third cycle. Follow-ups after the second to fourth cycles found significantly reduced lung metastases with all imaging examinations indicating Partial Response (PR) status. The patient received maintenance therapy thereafter with sintilimab plus anlotinib. Until recently, the patient's lung metastases and the left adrenal gland area mass（41mm×28mm）have disappeared and no disease progression has been observed. The progression free survival of this patient has been extended to about 31 months, in sharp contrast to a median survival time of 12 months for majority of advanced ACC. The main adverse events during treatment were appetite loss, grade I myelosuppression, revealed only grade I hypertension and grade I hypothyroidism.
Conclusion: This case highlights the remarkable response of our patient's ACC to treatment with a novel combination of EP and sintilimab combined with anlotinib. Our findings suggest a safe and more effective combination therapeutic option for patients with patients with adrenocortical carcinoma.
One-pot Point-of-Care Nucleic-acid Detection via Padlock DNA Ligation and Rolling Circle Transcription
Authors: Yang Litao , Guo Yongkun , Zhu Zaobing , Zhang Hanwen , Li Rong , Lu Shengtao , Huang Yinhong 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The demand for swift, reliable, and precise nucleic acid detection methods is pressing across numerous sectors, including clinical diagnostics, food safety, and environmental surveillance. We introduce a one-step Padlock DNA ligation-driven Rolling Circle Transcription-assisted CRISPR/LwCas13a detector named PROTRACTOR, tailored for the discernment and quantitative assessment of nucleic acids. The PROTRACTOR platform harnesses template-mediated padlock DNA ligation to transform target RNA/DNA into single-stranded circular DNA. Subsequent rolling circle transcription (RCT) spawns RNA transcripts replete with tandem repeats of the sequences of interest. These transcripts are then specifically targeted by CRISPR/LwCas13a, enabling their detection through fluorescent signals or lateral flow strips (LFS). Innovatively eschewing both reverse transcription and amplification, this approach allows for the direct measurement of RNA/DNA molecules. Demonstrated by the ultrahigh sensitivity (down to 10 copies/mL), rapidity (< 10 minutes), superb specificity (single nucleotide precision), simplicity, and affordability of use, PROTRACTOR's broad utility in nucleic acid assays has been validated with viral genomes, microRNAs, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Additionally, a novel point-of-care testing (POCT) device for SARS-CoV-2 integrates PROTRACTOR with expeditious RNA extraction and LFS readouts, producing outcomes within a mere 10 minutes, independent of advanced instrumentation. Furthermore, coupling with a chip-based digital PCR platform, PROTRACTOR facilitates absolute DNA quantification under isothermal conditions in a comparable timeframe. Cumulatively, our findings indicate PROTRACTOR's vast potential for both qualitative and quantitative nucleic acid analysis, whether in lab settings or POCT, across various domains such as biomedicine, agriculture, food verification, and environmental review, with particular benefits in resource-limited environments.
Lost in the haze: Persistent mega-fire smoke exposure jeopardizes tree carbohydrate reserves and yield
Authors: Orozco Jessica , Guzmán-Delgado Paula , Zwieniecki Maciej 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The global incidence of megafires is on the rise, leading to extensive areas being shrouded in dense smoke for prolonged periods, spanning days or weeks. By integrating, long-term, regional observations of non-structural carbohydrate content in trees with spatiotemporal satellite data, we present compelling evidence of the pronounced impact of dense smoke plumes on carbohydrate stores in trees. Our findings show that the presence of smoke causes a significant decrease in total non-structural carbohydrates, with decreases in the accumulation of both soluble sugar and starch reserves. This decline in carbohydrate levels persists through the trees’ dormancy period into the next season’s bloom, culminating in a reduced yield. Our results highlight a previously unrecognized wildfire threat that could affect plant health and ecosystem stability in both agricultural and natural environments.
Green Synthesis, Characterization, and Adsorption of Co(II) and Cu(II) ions from Aqueous Solution by Mesoporous Silica MCM-41
Authors: Hatem Raghad Saad , Hussain Alaa Frak , Mihsen Hayder Hamied 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Rice husk (RH) is regarded as one of the most common agricultural residues worldwide. MCM-41 (Mobil Composition of Matter No. 41) is prepared from RH. RH can itself be transformed to sodium silicate through a reaction with NaOH solution. This study includes three steps, the first of which involves extraction of silica from RH using a leaching process in the presence of HNO3; the second and third involve generation of RH-SiO2 and MCM-41 from the extracted silica. Characterization of the synthesized compounds can be successfully achieved that, via the use of various techniques including FT-IR, FESEM-EDX, TEM, N2-adsorption–desorption, XRD, and thermogravimetric analysis represented by TGA/DTA. The XRD and TEM investigation demonstrated that MCM-41 with an extremely ordered hexagonal arrangement was generated. The findings of the N2-adsorption–desorption analysis revealed that the average pore diameter, total pore volume, and MCM-41 specific surface area were 6.80 nm, 126.12 cm3 g− 1 and 548.92 m2 g− 1, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTA) of silica materials represented by both RH-SiO2 and MCM-41 revealed two mass reduction steps, where the initial step involved elimination of water adsorbed in physical/chemical processes on the silica surface, and the second involving the breakdown of Si-OH groups in the silica structure and their transformation into Si-O-Si siloxane groups. The RH-SiO2 and MCM-41 were utilized for the adsorption of heavy pollutants like Cu (II) and Co (II) ions from aqueous solution.
Cope PPA - Adaptation of the Biographic-Narrative Approach for Persons with Primary Progressive Aphasia: Protocol for Clinical Trial Design
Authors: Gauch Mirjam , Corsten Sabine , Köb Anna-Lena , Tüscher Oliver , Heinrich Isabel , Geschke Katharina 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background: Persons with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA) face numerous challenges due to their speech impairment. Approximately 40% of these patients develop depression during the course of the disease. Speech and language therapy is perceived as valuable by persons with PPA and has a positive impact on their quality of life. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of evidence on disorder-specific approaches aiming at this important therapeutic goal. The biographic-narrative approach (narraktiv) has been shown to significantly improve quality of life and mood in a sample of 27 persons with post-stroke aphasia. In the planned study, the biographic-narrative approach will be adapted for persons with PPA (Cope PPA) and its effectiveness will be investigated.
Methods: First, a focus group interview will be conducted to determine which adaptation of narraktiv persons with PPA require. For this purpose five patients with PPA from the outpatient memory clinic will be recruited. Semistructured interview guidelines will be used, and the analysis will be carried out using qualitative content analysis. Based on the results of the focus group interviews, the narraktiv manual according to Corsten et al. (2015) will be revised resulting in the Cope PPA manual. Subsequently, an efficacy study will be conducted according to the Cope PPA manual, aiming for a total of 24 participants. Each participant will attend five individual and seven group therapy sessions over a period of ten weeks. The individual therapy sessions will be based on the methodology of narrative and episodic interviews. The group therapy sessions will follow a fixed structure addressing topics such as hobbies, friends and family, health and illness. The primary outcome of the efficacy study will be quality of life (Stroke and Aphasia Quality of Life Scale-39), secondary outcomes will be depressive symptoms (Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale) and satisfaction with life (Satisfaction With Life Scale). Semistructured interviews will be used to measure effects qualitatively. Furthermore, cognitive and communicative abilities (Mini-Mental-Status-Examination, Scenario Test) will be assessed during the efficacy study.
Discussion: This is the first study to investigate the effects of the biographic-narrative approach on the quality of life of persons with PPA. If the innovative approach proves successful, it will improve the treatment of persons with PPA.
Protocol version: 18 January 2024 (Version 2)
Trial registration: Prospectively registered 26/01/2024 - Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien (DRKS00031782); Studiendatenbank der Universitätsmedizin Mainz (FoR.UM Nummer 23-00696)
Assessment of Enhanced Load-Bearing Capacity of Expanded Steel Pipe Piles Considering Optimal Configuration
Authors: Park Sangwoo , Kim Uiseok , Park Hyeontae , Choi Hangseok 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Recently, advanced types of micropiles have been developed to enhance their load-bearing capacity, responding to increased demands for micropile applications. However, these improved micropiles present challenges for rapid construction within confined spaces due to construction complexities. This study introduces an expanded steel pipe pile, which not only offers improved load-bearing capacity but also facilitates rapid construction in limited spaces. The expanded steel pipe pile is created by expanding a pre-installed small-diameter steel pipe at specific intervals to form shear keys along the length of the pile. In this study, the potential for enhancing the load-bearing capacity of the expanded steel pipe pile was initially verified through preliminary numerical analyses. Subsequently, comprehensive field experiments were carried out comparing two traditional micropiles with two expanded steel pipe piles, each installed using different methods. The results showed that the expanded steel pipe piles had up to 1.4 times the allowable bearing capacity of conventional micropiles. Finally, utilizing the numerical model validated by the field experiment results, the optimal configuration for the expanded steel pipe pile was provided. Considering both load-bearing efficiency and constructability, it was concluded that the expanded steel pipe pile should have a post-expansion diameter of 360 mm (with a deformation ratio of 13%) or less and incorporate at least three shear keys.
A pan-orthohantavirus preclinical human lung xenograft mouse model
Authors: Rissmann Melanie , Noack Danny , Spliethof Thomas , Vaes Vincent , Stam Rianne , Run Peter van , Clark Jordan , Verjans Georges , Haagmans Bart , Krammer Florian , Koopmans Marion , Brand Judith van den , Rockx Barry 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Orthohantaviruses are emerging zoonotic viruses that can infect humans via the respiratory tract. There is a clear unmet need for an in vivo model to study orthohantavirus infection in physiologically relevant tissue and to determine the broad reactivity of novel orthohantavirus countermeasures. Here, we describe the use of a human lung xenograft mouse model to study the permissiveness for different orthohantavirus species and to assess its utility for preclinical testing of pan-orthohantavirus therapeutics. Following infection of xenografted human lung tissues, distinct orthohantavirus species differentially replicated in the human lung and subsequently spread systemically. The different orthohantaviruses primarily targeted the endothelium, respiratory epithelium and macrophages. Treatment of these mice with a virus neutralizing antibody could block orthohantavirus infection and dissemination. This model will facilitate progress in the fundamental understanding of pathogenesis and virus-host interactions for orthohantaviruses. Furthermore, it is an invaluable tool for preclinical evaluation of novel candidate pan-orthohantavirus intervention strategies.
Teacher Empathy and Inclusive Education: the Moderating Role of Emotional Self-efficacy and Gender.
Authors: Graziano Federica , Mastrokoukou Sofia , Monchietto Alessandro , Marchisio Cecilia , Calandri Emanuela 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

The role of teacher empathy is recognized as a key factor in improving teacher-student interaction, motivation and academic performance. Despite the importance of teacher empathy, its role in promoting inclusive education is still largely unknown. High levels of empathy are not necessarily associated with greater ability to implement inclusive education, as they can lead to excessive emotional engagement and stress, which negatively affect teachers' abilities. Therefore, the present study explored whether the relationship between high empathy and perceived ability to implement inclusive education could be moderated by other variables, such as emotional self-efficacy and gender. A large sample of Italian support teachers (N=739; Mage=37.7; females= 86.9%) was recruited for this study. We found that higher levels of empathy were related to higher levels of self-efficacy in inclusive education, especially when levels of emotional self-efficacy were higher. This relationship was only found for female teachers. The results contribute to knowledge about the role of teachers' empathy for inclusion as well as the moderating role of the ability to regulate negative emotions. The study has implications for pre-service teacher education and in-service teacher training.
Laparoscopy for hemodynamic stable penetrating abdominal trauma. An exploratory study in a European setting.
Authors: Harpsøe Nathja Groth , Jensen Lasse Rehné , Possfelt-Møller Emma , Rudolph Søren Steemann , Preisler Louise , Penninga Luit 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Trauma laparotomy is the golden standard for the treatment of penetrating abdominal trauma, though laparotomy is associated with a higher complication risk and prolonged length of hospital stay. Therefore, we explored whether laparoscopy in a trauma setting can be a valuable alternative. We analyzed the management of hemodynamic stable patients with penetrating abdominal trauma and assessed the applicability of laparoscopy in order to reduce non-therapeutic laparotomies.
Methods
We performed a retrospective study of hemodynamic stable patients with a penetrating abdominal trauma who underwent surgery. Data were extracted for a 5-year period from January 2018 to December 2022. Collected data included patient demographics, in-hospital data such as radiological procedures, surgical findings and interventions performed and postoperative outcomes with mortality, complication including reoperation, missed injury and length of stay.
Results
A total of 127 patients were included. We created three groups: A laparoscopy group; a laparoscopy converted to laparotomy group; and a laparotomy group. The e-FAST and CT scan were significantly more positive in the laparotomy group. Most frequently injured organs were liver, diaphragm, stomach, small bowel and colon, retroperitoneal hematoma and spleen. Therapy with hemostatic procedures on the liver and suture of the diaphragm were frequently performed. In total, 29 patients (28%) had a non-therapeutic laparotomy.
Conclusion
Our study revealed a very high rate of non-therapeutic laparotomies. Considering the organ injuries and surgical procedures performed they can in experienced hands be handled laparoscopically. Prospective studies are urgently needed to assess the safety and efficacy of laparoscopy in abdominal trauma.
X-ray imageable, drug-loaded hydrogel that forms at body temperature for image-guided, needle- based locoregional drug delivery
Authors: Delgado Jose F. , Pritchard William F. , Varble Nicole , Lopez-Silva Tania L. , Arrichiello Antonio , Mikhail Andrew S. , Morhard Robert , Ray Trisha , Havakuk Michal M. , Nguyen Alex , Borde Tabea , Owen Joshua W. , Schneider Joel P. , Karanian John W. , Wood Bradford J. 
Published: March 2024

Abstract

Liver cancer ranks as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death globally. Direct intratumoral injections of anti-cancer therapeutics may improve therapeutic efficacy and mitigate adverse effects compared to intravenous injections. Some challenges of intratumoral injections are that the liquid drug formulation may not remain localized and have unpredictable volumetric distribution. Thus, drug delivery varies widely, highly-dependent upon technique. An x-ray imageable poloxamer 407 (POL)-based drug delivery gel was developed and characterized, enabling real-time feedback. Utilizing three needle devices, POL or a control iodinated contrast solution were injected into an ex vivo bovine liver. The 3D distribution was assessed with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). The 3D distribution of POL gels demonstrated localized spherical morphologies regardless of the injection rate. In addition, the gel 3D conformal distribution could be intentionally altered, depending on the injection technique. When doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded into the POL and injected, DOX distribution on optical imaging matched iodine distribution on CBCT suggesting spatial alignment of DOX and iodine localization in tissue. The controllability and localized deposition of this formulation may ultimately reduce the dependence on operator technique, reduce systemic side effects, and facilitate reproducibility across treatments, through more predictable standardized delivery.
The importance of kidney response over hematologic response in predicting kidney outcome in AL Amyloidosis: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kim Sungmi , Yang Jinyoung , Lee Kyungho , Jeon Junseok , Yoon Sang Eun , Kim Darae , Choi Jin-Oh , Kim Seok Jin , Kim Kihyun , Lee Jung Eun 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Light chain amyloidosis, characterized by amyloid fibril deposition in multiple organs, often leads to progression to end-stage kidney disease. This study aimed to identify predictors of kidney survival in patients with kidney amyloidosis, focusing on hematologic and kidney response.
Methods
This retrospective study included 138 patients diagnosed with kidney amyloidosis between 2011 and 2019. Palladini et al.'s criteria were applied for kidney stage and response, and the 2012 International Society of Amyloidosis criteria for hematologic response.
Results
Overall, 17 (12.3%) progressed to end-stage kidney disease. Multivariate analysis, considering baseline characteristics, revealed that stage Ⅱ was associated with an increased risk of end-stage kidney disease compared to stage Ⅰ (hazard ratio 3.75; 95% confidence interval 1.38–10.15; P = 0.01). Compared to kidney response, the risk of end-stage kidney disease increased by 8.42 (95% confidence interval 1.71–41.35; P = 0.01) and 7.36 (95% confidence interval 1.25–43.33; P = 0.03) times in stable disease and kidney progression at 6 months, independently on baseline characteristics, respectively, whereas hematologic response showed no association with kidney outcome. Kidney survival was longer in patients with both deep hematologic response and kidney response than in those with only hematologic response (P = 0.004).
Conclusion
The study underscores the importance of kidney response over hematologic response in predicting end-stage kidney disease and emphasizes the need to assess treatment endpoints, considering organ response alongside hematologic response.