bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Follicular conjunctivitis in dogs: A retrospective study (2007–2022)
Authors: Cerrada Irene , Leiva Marta , Vilao Rita , Peña Teresa , Ríos Jose 
Published: October 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the incidence, clinical features, treatment, and outcome of canine follicular conjunctivitis (CFC).ProcedureMedical records of dogs diagnosed with CFC were reviewed. Data recorded included signalment, duration of clinical signs and treatment details prior to presentation, concurrent ocular/systemic diseases, ocular clinical signs, cytology, treatment, follow‐up, and outcome. Blepharospasm, signs of self‐trauma, hyperemia, chemosis, ocular discharge, and follicle location and severity (0.5–4) were retrospectively evaluated. Based on severity, treatment consisted of topical 0.1% diclofenac or 0.1% dexamethasone sodium eyedrops. Dogs were classified into young (YD < 18 months) and adult (AD ≥ 18 months).ResultsOne hundred and fifty‐three dogs (276 eyes) were included in the study: 83YD (54%) and 70AD (46%). Males and bilateral disease were over‐represented in both groups. Severity was associated with young age (p = .032) and bilaterality (p = .025), and not with dermatological diseases (p > .05). No differences in follicular location were observed except for more frequent involvement of the nictitating membrane (MN) in YD (p = .02). Response to treatment was faster in AD (p = .001), with complete resolution in 80.6% of the eyes (100/124) at 1 month. YD treated with diclofenac showed faster resolution than those treated with 0.1% dexamethasone (p = .009).ConclusionsAlthough CFC is a bilateral ocular disease occurring at any age, the clinical presentation is influenced by age. Follicular conjunctivitis in adult dogs is less sever, less commonly affects the NM, and responds more quickly to topical treatment. One month of topical diclofenac may be adequate for mild cases, and 1 month of topical 0.1% dexamethasone is recommended as initial therapy for moderate to severely affected cases.
Computed tomographic measures of renomegaly vary among dogs with different types of congenital portosystemic shunts
Authors: Murakami Masahiro , Nishi Reo , Lenoir Kindele N. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractRenomegaly has been reported in dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts (PSS). However, no study has objectively evaluated the degree of renomegaly in dogs with different types of PSS. The purpose of this retrospective, analytical, cross‐sectional study was to determine kidney size (renal length‐to‐L2 vertebral body ratio; RL/L2 ratio) using CT in dogs with different types of PSS and correlate with clinical information. A medical record search for dogs with a PSS diagnosed using CT between 2016 and 2020 was conducted. Breed, age, sex, body weight, and biochemistry results were recorded. Kidney and L2 vertebral body lengths were measured using multiplanar reformatted CT images, and the RL/L2 ratio was calculated. Dogs were categorized into four groups based on PSS morphology for comparisons: intrahepatic (IH; n = 19), extrahepatic portocaval (EHPC; n = 20), extrahepatic portoazygos (EHPA; n = 7), or extrahepatic portophrenic (EHPP, n = 7). The RL/L2 ratio (mean ± SD) was largest in IH (3.55 ± 0.38) and EHPC (3.55 ± 0.38), followed by EHPP (3.10 ± 0.23), and EHPA (2.78 ± 0.18). RL/L2 ratio was significantly larger in EHPC and IH (vs. EHPA and EHPP [P < .01]). Significant correlations between kidney size and creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, total protein, and ammonia were present. Renomegaly was observed in 86.8% of dogs with PSS overall, but it was uncommon in dogs with EHPA and less common in dogs with EHPP, as these two groups showed clinical signs later in life, made evident by older age at presentation. The authors suggest that the severity of hepatic dysfunction and the shunted blood volume may influence the development of renomegaly in dogs with PSS.
Evolutionary changes in the capacity for organismic autonomy
Authors: Rosslenbroich Bernd 
Published: October 2023

AbstractStudies of macroevolution have revealed various trends in evolution – which have been documented and discussed. There is, however, no consensus on this topic. Since Darwin's time one presumption has persisted: that throughout evolution organisms increase their independence from and stability towards environmental influences. Although this principle has often been stated in the literature, it played no role in mainstream theory. In a closer examination, we studied this particular feature and described that many of the major transitions in animal evolution have been characterized by changes in the capacity for physiological regulation. Organisms gained in robustness, self‐regulation, homeostasis and stabilized self‐referential, intrinsic functions within their respective systems. This is associated with expanded environmental flexibility, such as new opportunities for movement and behaviour. Together, these aspects can be described as changes in the capacity for autonomy. There seems to be a large‐scale trajectory in evolution during which some organisms gained in autonomy and flexibility. At the same time, adaptations to the environment emerged that were a prerequisite for survival. Apparently, evolution produced differential combinations of autonomy traits and adaptations. These processes are described as modifications in relative autonomy because numerous interconnections with the environment and dependencies upon it were retained. Also, it is not a linear trend, but rather an outcome of all the diverse processes which have been involved during evolutionary changes. Since the principle of regulation is a core element of physiology, the concept of autonomy is suitable to build a bridge from physiology to evolutionary research.
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Numerical Investigation on Thermal Performance in Low-Enthalpy Geothermal System Under the Impact of Anisotropic Reservoir Heterogeneity and Well Layout
Authors: Xu Bin , Liao Jianxing , Hu Ke , Wang Hong , Teng Yuhang , Luo Jiashun , Cao Cheng 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The utilization of low-enthalpy geothermal systems holds substantial potential for mitigating the greenhouse effect. However, the thermal efficiency of geothermal systems is significantly influenced by the spatial distribution of reservoir property, particularly permeability and porosity. In this work, we systematically investigate the impact of anisotropic heterogeneity in porosity and permeability on geothermal performance using numerical method. The thermal performance is evaluated based on parameters such as thermal production lifetime, thermal breakthrough time, and thermal production energy. Our findings indicate that with an increase in correlation length from 100 to 500 m, highly heterogeneous reservoirs tend to regionalize pores, forming highly conductive fluid flow channels. This led to shorter thermal production lifetime and thermal breakthrough time. Moreover, the thermal performance varied significantly with different rotation angles in a double well layout, displaying a maximum difference of 41.17% compared to a homogeneous reservoir. This difference decreased with the number of wells, reaching 32.82% and 16.66% in triple and quadruple well layouts, respectively. Consequently, the thermal performance was more stable under uncertain well positions in the quadruple well layout, but with reduced heat extraction efficiency. Our research results provide valuable insights into the impact of anisotropic heterogeneity on thermal performance in low-enthalpy geothermal systems.
Overhauled and Regenerated Steam Turbine: Reconditioning Process and Application
Authors: Capata Roberto , Calabria Alfonso , Reale Michele 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The present work aims to analyze the economic convenience of using a reconditioned steam turbine within a waste-to-energy plant for municipal solid waste. First, the methodology for the evaluation of the functional conditions of the disused steam turbine will be identified through a complete revision of the turbine itself, paying attention to components subject to greater wear. The considered steam turbine is a disused and malfunctioning machine considered “a disposal.” The overhaul operations necessary for reconditioning are preceded by an analysis of the typical failures of steam turbines that allows to identify the components with the highest incidence of failures and to evaluate the frequency of occurrence and severity of the damage. The analysis of all possible fault chains and the maintenance history of the steam turbine are aimed at defining the inspection methodology to be carried out on the various components. Once the functionality has been verified and the necessary reconditioning operations of the steam turbine have been completed, the possibility of its reuse in a waste-to-energy plant for municipal solid waste will be analyzed. Through appropriate market analysis simulation, the actual possibility of using the reconditioned steam turbine within an existing plant used as a reference plant will be evaluated. The economic evaluations and the calculation of the return time must provide for a comparison of the purchase costs of a revised steam turbine compared to a new one, considering the revenues related to the sale of the electricity produced, the thermal power generated, and the revenues related to waste treatment. In the present work, the authors wanted to underline the importance of considering the waste-to-energy of municipal solid waste as an added value rather than as a mere cost aimed only at the inertization process. In addition, it can be underlined that the use of a reconditioned steam turbine also guarantees economic convenience since the payback time is equal to two years.
An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of Black Women Diversity and Inclusion Leaders in Sport Organizations
Authors: Keaton Ajhanai C.I. 
Published: October 2023

Athletic Diversity and Inclusion Officers (ADIOs) are novel leadership positions in sport tasked with creating and sustaining diverse, inclusive, and equitable athletic departments. Interestingly, Black women have assumed many of the Division I ADIO positions. Thus, they seek to lead inclusionary efforts in an organizational field with sustained issues of gender and racial exclusion. This hermeneutic phenomenological study applied a Black feminist lens to examine what it means to be a Black woman ADIO who leads diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in gendered and racialized Division I collegiate athletic departments. This study has three themes: (a) the ADIO position elicits the Strong Black Woman stereotype, inducing emotional fatigue; (b) Black women ADIOs are positioned as athletic departments’ conscience, often interpreting substantive and symbolic diversity, equity, and inclusion practices; and (c) Black women ADIOs center their perception of affirmative prescriptions of Black womanhood in an attempt to withstand the adverse realities of ADIO leadership.
Natural protein engineering in the Ω-loop: the role of Y221 in ceftazidime and ceftolozane resistance in
Pseudomonas
-derived cephalosporinase
Authors: Mack Andrew R. , Kumar Vijay , Taracila Magdalena A. , Mojica Maria F. , O'Shea Margaret , Schinabeck William , Silver Galen , Hujer Andrea M. , Papp-Wallace Krisztina M. , Chen Shuang , Haider Shozeb , Caselli Emilia , Prati Fabio , van den Akker Focco , Bonomo Robert A. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

A wide variety of clinically observed single amino acid substitutions in the Ω-loop region have been associated with increased minimum inhibitory concentrations and resistance to ceftazidime (CAZ) and ceftolozane (TOL) in
Pseudomonas
-derived cephalosporinase and other class C β-lactamases. Herein, we demonstrate the naturally occurring tyrosine to histidine substitution of amino acid 221 (Y221H) in
Pseudomonas
-derived cephalosporinase (PDC) enables CAZ and TOL hydrolysis, leading to similar kinetic profiles (
k
cat
= 2.3 ± 0.2 µM and 2.6 ± 0.1 µM, respectively). Mass spectrometry of PDC-3 establishes the formation of stable adducts consistent with the formation of an acyl enzyme complex, while spectra of E219K (a well-characterized, CAZ- and TOL-resistant comparator) and Y221H are consistent with more rapid turnover. Thermal denaturation experiments reveal decreased stability of the variants. Importantly, PDC-3, E219K, and Y221H are all inhibited by avibactam and the boronic acid transition state inhibitors (BATSIs) LP06 and S02030 with nanomolar IC
50
values and the BATSIs stabilize all three enzymes. Crystal structures of PDC-3 and Y221H as apo enzymes and complexed with LP06 and S02030 (1.35–2.10 Å resolution) demonstrate ligand-induced conformational changes, including a significant shift in the position of the sidechain of residue 221 in Y221H (as predicted by enhanced sampling well-tempered metadynamics simulations) and extensive hydrogen bonding between the enzymes and BATSIs. The shift of residue 221 leads to the expansion of the active site pocket, and molecular docking suggests substrates orientate differently and make different intermolecular interactions in the enlarged active site compared to the wild-type enzyme.
Evolution and exchange of plasmids in pathogenic
Neisseria
Authors: Yee Wearn-Xin , Elsener Tabea , Cehovin Ana , Maiden Martin C. J. , Tang Christoph M. 
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT

Neisseria gonorrhoeae
causes sexually transmitted infection (STI) gonorrhoea and is on the WHO critical list due to increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The bacterium can carry a conjugative plasmid, pConj, which prevents the use of tetracycline or doxycycline for treating gonorrhea, and is responsible for spread of a β-lactamase plasmid, p
bla
; over 90% of gonococcal isolates also harbor a small cryptic plasmid, pCryp. We systematically analyzed the presence of these plasmids in other
Neisseria
spp., including
Neisseria meningitidis
, which causes sepsis/meningitis. pConj is the most frequently found plasmid in the meningococcus and is in many clonal complexes. The plasmid is associated with meningococcal carriage rather than disease, indicating that pConj imposes fitness costs during systemic disease. Phylogenetic analyses reveal that pConj is genetically diverse in
N. meningitidis
, indicating that it shares a long evolutionary history with the meningococcus and that the plasmid has been transferred at least twice from
N. meningitidis
to
N. gonorrhoeae
. Following the first transfer, gonococcal isolates carrying the plasmid underwent clonal expansion and disseminated pConj to other gonococcal lineages. The second introduction was associated with an altered conjugation machinery which reduces conjugation efficiency. Therefore, in contrast to chromosomal resistance which has evolved through introduction of genes from commensals, gonococcal plasmid-mediated resistance has arisen through transfer from another pathogen,
N. meningitidis
. Further antibiotic pressure from the use of doxycycline for post-exposure prophylaxis against STIs is likely to promote plasmid-mediated AMR in both
N. gonorrhoeae
and
N. meningitidis
.

IMPORTANCE

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) is a major influence in driving the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in many bacteria. A conjugative plasmid which is widespread in
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
, pConj, prevented the use of tetracycline/doxycycline for treating gonococcal infection. Here, we show that pConj evolved in the related pathogen,
Neisseria meningitidis
, and has been acquired by the gonococcus from the meningococcus on multiple occasions. Following its initial acquisition, pConj spread to different gonococcal lineages; changes in the plasmid’s conjugation machinery associated with another transfer event limit spread in the gonococcal populations. Our findings have important implications for the use of doxycycline to prevent bacterial sexually transmitted disease which is likely to exacerbate the spread of AMR through HGT in pathogenic bacteria.
Changing landscape of paediatric refugee health in South Western Sydney, Australia: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Amarasena Lahiru , Zwi Karen , Hu Nan , Lingam Raghu , Raman Shanti 
Published: October 2023

ObjectivesTo examine the changing health needs of refugee children and young people (CYP) entering Australia, in relation to key government policy changes.Study designRetrospective analysis of health service use data over 11 years.SettingPaediatric refugee clinics in South Western Sydney (SWS), the Australian region with the largest annual resettlement of refugees.ParticipantsRefugee CYP (≤25 years) attending the SWS paediatric refugee clinics for their first visit between 2009 and 2019.MeasuresClinician defined health conditions categorised as communicable and non-communicable disease (NCD).ResultsData were analysed for 359 CYP, mean age 9.3 years; 212 male (59.1%). Most CYP (n=331, 92.2%) had health problems identified; 292 (81.3%) had ≥1 NCD and 24 (6.7%) had ≥1 communicable disease. The most frequent individual NCDs were dental disease (n=128, 35.7%) and vitamin D deficiency (n=72, 20.1%). Trend analysis showed increased odds of identifying an NCD from 2013 onwards (crude OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.96). Neurodevelopmental problems, especially Global Developmental Delay (n=31, 8.6%), emerged as more prevalent issues in the latter half of the decade. There were significantly increased odds of identifying a neurodevelopmental problem in 2016–2019, especially in 2016–2017 (adjusted OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.34 to 6.40). Key policy changes during this period included acceptance of refugees with disabilities from 2012, additional Australian Humanitarian Programme intake from the Eastern Mediterranean region and mandatory offshore processing for those seeking asylum by boat from 2013. In response to the changing needs, local health services adopted nurse-led primary healthcare screening, early childhood services, youth and disability clinics.ConclusionsRefugee CYP in Australia are presenting with a growing burden of NCDs, with neurodevelopmental problems contributing. Government policy changes affect the sociodemographics of resettled populations, influencing health profiles. Paediatric refugee health services need to be responsive to the changing needs of these populations to optimise well-being.
Impacts of adjustment of National Reimbursement Drug List on orphan drugs volume and spending in China: an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Yi Hongbin , Shi Fenghao , Wang Zihao , Kuai Liping , Xu Dongyan , Xie Yu , Xing Hua 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impacts of the 2017 adjustment of National Reimbursement Drug List (NRDL) on orphan drugs hospital procurement volumes and spending in China.DesignWe used an interrupted time series design covering the period from 2016 to 2018 to analyse changes in hospital procurement volumes and spending of orphan drugs for which were included in the 2017 NRDL.Setting and dataThe study was conducted in China. Orphan drug procurement data of 789 public hospitals (594 tertiary hospitals and 195 secondary hospitals) were derived from the Chinese Medical Economic Information (CMEI).Outcome measuresMonthly orphan drugs hospital procurement volumes and spending.ResultsNine orphan drugs were included in the 2017 NRDL (seven were directly included, and two were included after price negotiation). Comparing to orphan drugs not included in the NRDL, hospital procurement volumes (β7=43 312, p<0.001) and spending (β7=6 48 927, p<0.001) of the nine included drugs showed significant upward trends after implementation of the 2017 NRDL adjustment.ConclusionsOur results suggest that the 2017 adjustment of NRDL significantly changed the usage and spending on certain orphan drugs. The increase in orphan drug hospital procurement volumes should improve rare disease patients’ access to these orphan drugs.
Insights into caregivers’ perspectives on abuse of older persons: a qualitative exploratory study in southwest Nigeria
Authors: Ojifinni Oludoyinmola , Adebayo Emmanuel , Uchendu Obioma 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveElder abuse perpetration by caregivers is well documented, particularly from the perspectives of older persons who are victims of abuse. However, few studies in Nigeria have examined the caregivers’ viewpoints. This study explored the perception about the perpetration of elder abuse perpetration among adults aged 18–59 in Nigeria.DesignUsing a qualitative descriptive approach, this study generated data through four in-depth interviews (IDIs) and eight focus group discussions (FGDs). All IDIs and FGDs were audiorecorded, transcribed coded and analysed thematically with Atlas ti.SettingRural and urban communities in Oyo State, southwest Nigeria.Participants73 purposively selected adults who had provided care for or lived near an older person in southwestern Nigeria.ResultsTypes of elder abuse identified were verbal (grumbling, insulting, snapping and shouting at older persons), physical (shoving and beating an older person) and neglect (refusing to render assistance, cook or carry out chores for an older person). Participants believed relatives of older persons were unlikely to perpetrate abuse compared with neighbours and paid caregivers. They, however, felt that people whose parents had maltreated them during childhood could perpetrate abuse especially neglect of their older parents. Identified possible provocation for abuse included an unkempt physical appearance, poor attitude or offensive behaviour in the older person. Participants further opined that lack of communal unity or mutual respect, loss of moral ideals and religious values and erosion of cultural values could also provide an environment where elder abuse can thrive.ConclusionInterventions for community-level prevention of elder abuse can leverage on the identified moral and religious values, relationship and cultural factors for successful deployment.
Prevalence of hyperuricaemia among adults from Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shi Hongjuan , Liu Yining , Wang Jinyi , Luan Hong , Shi Chao 
Published: October 2023

ObjectiveThis study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hyperuricaemia (HUA) and investigate its risk factors in the general adult population of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (NHAR), China.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingSurvey of cardiovascular disorders and their related risk factors in NHAR, China.Participants10 803 permanent residents aged 18 and older.Main outcome measuresHUA was defined as serum uric acid levels >420 µmol/L for men and >360 µmol/L for women.ResultsThe overall prevalence of HUA in NHAR adults was 19.81% (95% CI 19.06 to 20.57), with prevalence values of 24.91% (95% CI 23.70 to 26.14) in men and 15.58% (95% CI 14.66 to 16.53, p<0.001) in women. The prevalence of HUA was higher in urban residents than in rural residents (23.26% vs 17.02%, p<0.001). HUA prevalence was relatively high in individuals younger than 30 years for both men and women, then decreased with age, and began to increase at the age of 40 for women and 60 for men. Higher level of education, being overweight or obese, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, higher triglycerides, higher total cholesterol and poorer renal function were associated with an increased risk of HUA.ConclusionsHUA prevalence is high among adults in NHAR. Young adults under 30 years and women over 50 years were identified as populations at high risk for HUA. Further attention ought to be placed to promoting healthy diets and implementing early interventions to manage dyslipidaemia, obesity and blood glucose level, as well as advocating for moderation of alcohol consumption.