bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Betaine addition to the diet alleviates intestinal injury in growing rabbits during the summer heat through the AAT/mTOR pathway
Authors: Li Zimei , Pu Junning , Chen Xiang , Chen Yanbin , Peng Xiaoyan , Cai Jingyi , Jia Gang , Zhao Hua , Tian Gang 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
The aim of this experiment was to investigate the effect of different levels of betaine (Bet) inclusion in the diet on the intestinal health of growing rabbits under summer heat. A total of 100 weaned Qixing meat rabbits aged 35 d with body weight of 748.61 ± 38.59 g were randomly divided into 5 treatment groups: control group (basal diet) and Bet groups (basal diet + 0.75, 1.0, 1.5 or 2.0 g/kg Bet). The average daily temperature in the rabbitry during the experiment was 30.48 °C and the relative humidity was 69.44%.

Results
Dietary addition of Bet had no significant effect on growth performance and health status of growing rabbits (P > 0.05), but it increased ileal secretory immunoglobulin A content compared to the control under summer heat (P < 0.05). Addition of 0.75 g/kg Bet up-regulated jejunal IL-4, down-regulated ileal TNF-α expression (P < 0.05). The addition of 1.0 g/kg Bet increased the villi height (VH) in the jejunum (P < 0.05). Serum glucose levels were reduced, and the expression of SLC6A20 was up-regulated in jejunum and ileum of rabbits fed with 1.5 g/kg Bet (P < 0.05). When added at 2.0 g/kg, Bet reduced serum HSP70 content, increased jejunal VH, and up-regulated duodenal SLC7A6, SLC38A2, mTOR and 4EBP-2 expression (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that intestinal mTOR expression was significantly and positively correlated with SLC7A6, SLC38A2, SLC36A1 and IL-4 expression (P < 0.05).

Conclusions
Dietary addition of Bet can up-regulate the expression of anti-inflammatory factors through the AAT/mTOR pathway, improve the intestinal immune function, alleviate intestinal damage in growing rabbits caused by summer heat, and improve intestinal health.
Analysing the glaze of a medieval ceramic fragment from the Durres Amphitheater in Albania
Authors: Perna Maria Grazia , Falcone Francesca , Casolino Chiara , Metalla Elvana , Rosatelli Gianluigi , Antonelli Sonia , Stoppa Francesco 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
The paper analyses the glaze of a ceramic sherd found in the southern sector of the Durres amphitheatre. Specifically, the sherd was found in a layer datable to the late 12th to early 13th century, which can be interpreted as a dismissal layer of a pottery kiln in use between the early and second half of the 12th century. The glaze was analysed using SEM–EDS and Total XRF techniques. The green-ocean glaze with a blue-sky decoration of the fragment has As-Co and Pb–Sn-Si compounds as pigments and phosphorous as a modifying agent and a flux. The glaze composition is SiO2 47.6 wt.%, TiO2 0.22 wt.%, Al2O3 4.08 wt.%, FeOtotal 0.22 wt.%, MnO 0.08 wt.%, MgO 0.23 wt.%, CaO 2.51 wt.%, Na2O 1.55 wt.%, K2O 5.16 wt.%, P2O5 3.01 wt.%, SnO2 4.13 wt.%, As2O5 4.13 wt.%, PbO 25.4 wt%. Fe is expressed as FeOtotal. The trace elements composition (ppm) is Co 3684, Ni 1023, Cu 819, Zn 3070, Bi 3172, and Sr 205. We introduced a robust glaze classification scheme based on chemistry. This scheme categories the glaze as alkaline-lead SnO2-opacified. We examined uncommon compounds formed in various textural contexts to establish the production origin and technique peculiarity. The glaze glasses form three different compositional domains: one represents the parental high-temperature initial glass composition, and two are related to immiscible segregations forming at lower temperatures. Five phases of the apatite supergroup were identified, along with other phases distributed throughout the glaze. The compounds present, such as Pb and Sn silicates, leucite, and k-feldspar and their balances, constrain the firing temperature to 720 ℃ and 900 ℃, respectively.
Risk factors for arterial catheter failure and complications during critical care hospitalisation: a secondary analysis of a multisite, randomised trial
Authors: Schults Jessica A. , Young Emily R. , Marsh Nicole , Larsen Emily , Corley Amanda , Ware Robert S. , Murgo Marghie , Alexandrou Evan , McGrail Matthew , Gowardman John , Charles Karina R. , Regli Adrian , Yasuda Hideto , Rickard Claire M. ,   the RSVP Study Investigators
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Objectives
Arterial catheters (ACs) are critical for haemodynamic monitoring and blood sampling but are prone to complications. We investigated the incidence and risk factors of AC failure.

Methods
Secondary analysis of a multi-centre randomised controlled trial (ACTRN 12610000505000). Analysis included a subset of adult intensive care unit patients with an AC. The primary outcome was all-cause device failure. Secondary outcomes were catheter associated bloodstream infection (CABSI), suspected CABSI, occlusion, thrombosis, accidental removal, pain, and line fracture. Risk factors associated with AC failure were investigated using Cox proportional hazards and competing-risk models.

Results
Of 664 patients, 173 (26%) experienced AC failure (incidence rate [IR] 37/1000 catheter days). Suspected CABSI was the most common failure type (11%; IR 15.3/1000 catheter days), followed by occlusion (8%; IR 11.9/1,000 catheter days), and accidental removal (4%; IR 5.5/1000 catheter days). CABSI occurred in 16 (2%) patients. All-cause failure and occlusion were reduced with ultrasound-assisted insertion (failure: adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.43, 95% CI 0.25, 0.76; occlusion: sub-HR 0.11, 95% CI 0.03, 0.43). Increased age was associated with less AC failure (60–74 years HR 0.63, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.89; 75 + years HR 0.36, 95% CI 0.20, 0.64; referent 15–59 years). Females experienced more occlusion (adjusted sub-HR 2.53, 95% CI 1.49, 4.29), while patients with diabetes had less (SHR 0.15, 95% CI 0.04, 0.63). Suspected CABSI was associated with an abnormal insertion site appearance (SHR 2.71, 95% CI 1.48, 4.99).

Conclusions
AC failure is common with ultrasound-guided insertion associated with lower failure rates.
Trial registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN 12610000505000); date registered: 18 June 2010.
Combined resection of lung cancer and thoracic aortic wall with simultaneous thoracic aortic endografting: a case report
Authors: Komatsu Hiroaki , Furukawa Nao , Kinoshita Hirotaka , Aratame Atsutaka , Baba Toshio , Okabe Kazunori 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Combined resection of lung cancer and the thoracic aortic wall with thoracic aortic endografting has been reported. However, whether the resection and endografting should be performed simultaneously or in two steps remains controversial.

Case presentation
A 68-year-old man was referred to our hospital because of left chest pain. Chest contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a huge tumor of the left lower lung lobe, and invasion to the aortic wall was suspected. Bronchoscopic examination was performed, revealing squamous cell carcinoma with a programmed death ligand 1 expression level of 90%. The clinical stage was T4N0M0 stage 3A. After neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy, we performed one-stage surgery with the patient in the right lateral decubitus position and the left inguinal region exposed for femoral vessel isolation. Posterolateral thoracotomy was performed with making a latissimus dorsi muscle flap. The pulmonary artery, vein, and left lower bronchus were cut with a stapler. After hilar isolation, we evaluated the involvement of the descending aorta and marked the area of the involved aortic wall by a surgical clip. Using the left femoral artery approach, a GORE TAG conformable thoracic stent graft was delivered to the descending aorta. After thoracic aortic endografting, the involved aortic wall was resected and the left lower lobe of the lung and resected aortic wall were resected en bloc. The adventitial defect was covered by the latissimus dorsi muscle flap. The operating time was 474 min, and the blood loss volume was 330 mL. The postoperative pathological diagnosis was adenocarcinoma with an epidermal growth factor receptor mutation of exon 19 deletion. The residual viable tumor was 7 mm in diameter and close to the resected aortic wall. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. Five days after surgery, chest contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed no endoleak or stent migration. Three months after surgery, he was alive with neither recurrence nor stent graft-related complications.

Conclusions
One-stage surgery involving combined resection of lung cancer and the thoracic aortic wall with simultaneous thoracic aortic endografting in the right lateral decubitus position with the left inguinal region exposed is safe and acceptable.
Historical fire regimes from red pines (Pinus resinosa Ait.) across the Tension Zone in the Lower Peninsula, Michigan USA
Authors: Stambaugh Michael C. , Marschall Joseph M. , Abadir Erin R. , Guyette Richard P. , Dey Daniel C. 
Published: March 2024

AbstractCurrently, no multiple century fire scar records have been constructed in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, USA, a region where historical vegetation ranged from prairies and oak-dominated woodlands in the south to conifer-northern hardwood forests and swamps to the north. The western portion of the Huron-Manistee National Forests is located within this strong vegetation transition (i.e., “Tension Zone”) and, based on this study, has well-preserved remnant red pine trees dating back to at least the late 1400s with fire scars dating back to 1523. From fire scar records constructed at four study sites, we documented historical fires as having a wide range of fire intervals and seasonalities. A general timeline of fire activity changes in this region can be described as relatively frequent fire in the pre- and early-European contact eras, variable and generally less fire from this point forward until the period of major logging activities after which fire frequency was significantly increased. Historical fires were associated with drought in the year of fire. Some broad synchronies of fire occurrence existed among sites such as 3 of 4 sites recording fires in years 1717, 1774, and 1829. Interestingly, these years were not exceptionally dry nor among the driest fire years. Future development of fire scar records will likely improve spatio-temporal characterization of regional fire regimes including understanding of human-climate-fire dynamics.
Galleria mellonella in vitro model for chromoblastomycosis shows large differences in virulence between isolates
Authors: Shi Dongmei , Yang Zhiya , Liao Wanqing , Liu Chen , Zhao Liang , Su Huilin , Wang Xiaodong , Mei Huan , Chen Min , Song Yinggai , de Hoog Sybren , Deng Shuwen 
Published: March 2024

Abstract
Background
Chromoblastomycosis is the World Health Organization (WHO)-recognized fungal implantation disease that eventually leads to severe mutilation. Cladophialophora carrionii (C. carrionii) is one of the agents. However, the pathogenesis of C. carrionii is not fully investigated yet.

Methods
We investigated the pathogenic potential of the fungus in a Galleria mellonella (G. mellonella) larvae infection model. Six strains of C. carrionii, and three of its environmental relative C. yegresii were tested. The G. mellonella model was also applied to determine antifungal efficacy of amphotericin B, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole, and terbinafine.

Results
All strains were able to infect the larvae, but virulence potentials were strain-specific and showed no correlation with clinical background of the respective isolate. Survival of larvae also varied with infection dose, and with growth speed and melanization of the fungus. Posaconazole and voriconazole exhibited best activity against Cladophialophora, followed by itraconazole and terbinafine, while limited efficacy was seen for amphotericin B.

Conclusion
Infection behavior deviates significantly between strains. In vitro antifungal susceptibility of tested strains only partly explained the limited treatment efficacy in vivo.
Bacterial endocarditis caused by contact lens usage
Authors: Ishikawa Susumu , Matsunaga Hiroki , Mishima Hideki , Katayama Yasushi , Yuri Koichi , Ohashi Koichi , Abe Daisuke 
Published: March 2024

AbstractA 17-year-old female was transferred to our hospital due to high fever, general fatigue, and dim eyesight. Three weeks before, she had used cosmetic colored contact lenses and then suffered from bloodshot eyes associated with dim eyesight. Intermittent fever and general fatigue were followed by eye symptoms. Echocardiography revealed moving vegetation on the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve associated with mild mitral valve regurgitation. There were no infectious sites in systemic examinations; thus, the cause of infective endocarditis was considered the infection due to contact lens usage. The patient initially received mitral valve plasty associated with the removal of infective sites. However, redo surgery was necessary 19 days later due to the relapse of infection, and the mitral valve was replaced by bioprosthesis. Traumatic injury of vessels due to inappropriate contact lens usage seemed to lead to systemic hematogenous infection and subsequent endocarditis. We report a rare case of infective endocarditis which was caused by contact lens usage.
Quality by Design Framework Applied to GMMA Purification
Authors: Giannelli Carlo , Necchi Francesca , Palmieri Elena , Oldrini Davide , Ricchetti Beatrice , Papathanasiou Maria M. , Kis Zoltan , Kontoravdi Cleo , Campa Cristiana , Micoli Francesca 
Published: March 2024

AbstractIn recent years, Generalized Modules for Membrane Antigens (GMMA) have received increased attention as an innovative vaccine platform against bacterial pathogens, particularly attractive for low- and middle-income countries because of manufacturing simplicity. The assessment of critical quality attributes (CQAs), product-process interactions, identification of appropriate in process analytical methods, and process modeling is part of a robust quality by design (QbD) framework to support further development and control of manufacturing processes. QbD implementation in the context of the GMMA platform will ensure robust manufacturing of batches with desired characteristics, facilitating technical transfer to local manufacturers, regulatory approval, and commercialization of vaccines based on this technology. Here, we summarize the methodology suggested, applied to a first step of GMMA manufacturing process.
Graphical Abstract
Etiology and Management of Recurrent and Persistent Hemifacial Spasm—A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Al Mutawa Mariam , Matthes Marc , Schroeder Henry W. S. , Weidemeier Martin E. 
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Despite a 90% success rate, microvascular decompression occasionally fails to resolve hemifacial spasm (HFS), necessitating revision surgery. We investigated recurrent cases to identify underlying causes.

METHODS:
We evaluated patients at our institution who underwent revision microvascular decompression because of recurrent or persistent HFS, assessing recurrence causes, decompression techniques, complications, and outcomes. Data considered included demographics, preoperative symptoms, disease duration, offending vessel, and magnetic resonance findings. Surgical notes and intraoperative videos were reviewed, and telephone interviews were conducted for recent outcomes.

RESULTS:
Out of our ongoing series of 493 patients, 43 patients (8.7%) required revision surgery with a patient cohort of 33 females and 10 males. The average symptom duration was 10 years. The median time between primary and revision surgery was 14 months. Thirteen patients (30.2%) underwent initial surgery elsewhere. Adhesions of Teflon pledgets to the facial nerve were the primary cause of nonresolution in 23 patients (53.5%), while in 13 (30.2%), a missed vascular compression was identified. Sixteen patients (37.2%) had sufficient decompression by removing the conflicting pledgets. During 10 revisions (23.3%), additional Teflon pledgets were necessary. After a median follow-up of 67 months after revision surgery, 27 patients (62.8%) reported complete spasm resolution. Six patients (14.0%) had a good outcome with over 90% reduction of their spasms, 3 patients (7.0%) stated a fair outcome (50% improvement), while 7 patients (16.3%) had no improvement.

CONCLUSION:
According to our results, adhesions of Teflon to the facial nerve may cause HFS recurrence. Therefore, whenever possible, Teflon should be placed without nerve contact between the brainstem and the offending vessel. Using a sling or bridge technique seems to be beneficial because it leaves the facial nerve completely free. Persistent symptoms often result from missed offending vessels in the pontomedullary sulcus indicating the benefit of endoscopic inspection of this area with an endoscope.
A COMPARATIVE MORPHOMETRIC ANALYSIS OF DIFFERENT GROUPS – “OPTIMAL” AND “NON-OPTIMAL” DICHOTOMIES IN SPLENIC ARTERIAL VASCULATURE OF HUMANS
Authors: Dadashev Ali Sh. , Zenin Oleg K. , Miltykh Ilia S. , Kafarov Edgar S. 
Published: March 2024

Background. Detailed knowledge of the splenic arterial vasculature is essential for the minimally invasive surgery. A promising area of research in this regard is the quantitative analysis of the vasculatures of parenchymatous organs as a fractal or quasi-fractal system."
Purpose. to determine the morphometric features in different groups of dichotomies (‘optimal’/’non-optimal’) of the splenic arterial vasculature in individuals of different sex and age.
Materials and methods. The morphometric features of ‘optimal’ and ‘non-optimal’ dichotomies (according to C.D. Murray’s and H.B.M Ulings’ criteria) were studies using corrosion casts of splenic arterial vasculature (67 individuals, 1st and 2nd adulthood period, both sexes).
Results. The ‘optimal’ dichotomies equaled 1% according to C.D. Murray’s criteria and 9% by H.B.M. Ulings criteria out of total number of dichotomies investigated in splenic arterial vasculature corrosion casts. The relative amount of ‘optimal’ dichotomies in slightly higher in men than in female. Whereas relative number of ‘optimal’ dichotomies is lower in 1st adulthood period that in 2nd adulthood. ‘Optimal’ dichotomies are mainly located at the proximal generation and division level of splenic arterial vasculature. They are bigger in size, less symmetrical in comprising with ‘non-optimal’ ones.
Conclusion. Morphometric parameters vary significantly in different sex and age groups which should be considered for numerical modelling of splenic arterial vasculature.
AGROECONOMIC ASSESSMENT OF THE INFLUENCE OF SOWING METHODS AND SOWING RATES OF SAFLORO DYE SEEDS IN THE VOLGOGRAD REGION
Authors: Solonkin Andrey V. , Sukhareva Elena P. , Belikina Anna V. 
Published: March 2024

Background. Safflower belongs to the category of insurance oilseeds, it is able to grow and form a seed crop for vegetable oils in extremely arid conditions. The production of safflower seeds is associated with extreme conditions, and therefore it is necessary to clarify in the arid climate of the Volgograd region in the zone of light chestnut soils the optimal seed sowing rate and an effective method of sowing it.
Purpose. To study and determine the methods of sowing safflower seeds and the optimal sowing rates in agricultural landscapes in the zone of light-chestnut soils, the dry steppe of the Nizhnevolzhsky region to obtain high-quality seeds.
Materials and methods. A single-factor field experiment was laid in 2022, in the steppe zone with a hydrothermal coefficient of 0.6-0.4. On the site for obtaining seeds, safflower was sown according to its predecessor - black fallow. Since autumn, the main tillage was carried out - disking, in the spring, spring harrowing in two tracks, followed by pre-sowing cultivation. The cultivars of dyeing safflower Aleksandrit, Volgogradsky 15 were sown, the originator of which is the Federal Scientific Center of Agroecology of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The repetition in the experiment is threefold, the variants are continuous. All repetitions in the experiment are placed in one field. The area of the experimental plot is 180 m2. The weather conditions during the period of formation of the safflower crop are characterized as dry, HTC 0.6, and the reserve of productive moisture during the sowing period in the meter layer was 12.72 mm. placement of options is systematic, sequential, in blocks in one tier
Results. The conducted studies made it possible to determine that the highest yield of safflower was obtained from the Alexandrite variety of 1.22 t/ha in sowing with row spacing, a width of 15 cm and a seeding rate of 30 kg/ha and a profitability of producing high-quality seeds of 238.9%.
Conclusion. Under the conditions of light chestnut soils in the dry steppe of the Volgograd region, it is advisable to sow safflower between rows, the width of which is 15 cm, and the optimal seeding rate is 30 kg/ha, while the economic benefit of seed production will be up to 238.9%.
SLUDGE DEPOSITS OF A FORMER PHOSPHOR-PRODUCING PLANT AS AN OBJECT OF ACCUMULATED ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE AND A SOURCE OF PUBLIC HEALTH RISKS
Authors: Zaitseva Nina V. , May Irina V. , Maksimova Ekaterina V. , Chupakhina Ludmila V. , Selyanova Tatyana V. 
Published: March 2024

Introduction. The study is relevant due to many objects of accumulated environmental damage located in Russia and the necessity to identify priority ones for immediate elimination to reduce health and environmental hazards. The aim of the study was to assess and characterize public health risks on a territory influenced by sludge deposits created by formed economic activities of a phosphor-producing plant.
Materials and methods. Sludge deposits with the total volume of wastes higher than 287 thousand m3 were selected as a research object. They were located in close proximity to a residential area and had been abandoned for 14 years. Their total square equaled 8.4 hectares. We collected background data and technical documentation on the object of accumulated environmental damage and accomplished wide-scale instrumental measurements of soils, surface water, and ambient air on the territory influenced by it. Health risks were assessed using the method based on fuzzy set theory; more than 50 quantitative and qualitative indicators were considered in the process. They described the object itself as well as ambient air, water, soil, and public health on adjoining territories.
Results. The study gave evidence that the phosphor sludge deposits polluted environmental objects with heavy metals (manganese, arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, nickel, mercury, and lead). Nickel levels in water equaled 7.5 MPC and mercury levels reached 10 MPC. Apart from metals, soils were polluted with impermissible levels of oil products and microbes. Health risks were estimated as ‘high’ for people living in the closest settlement. Major causes for such high risks include toxicity of wastes, a long period during which the object has existed as a source of pollution, and its proximity to residential areas.
Conclusion. The object creates high health risks and is to be eliminated immediately.