bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Periodicity of Ascaridia galli egg excretion in experimentally infected chicken in the Philippines
Authors: Portugaliza Harvie P. , Tocmo Irvin L. , Fernandez Tomas J. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
The periodicity of parasite egg excretion refers to variations in the number of eggs produced across time, with significant implications in optimizing diagnostic procedures and conducting the Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT). Here, we explore whether Ascaridia galli egg excretion varies across time under Philippine conditions, thus informing the best time to collect fecal samples during flock health examination. A time-course analysis was performed in chickens (N = 12) experimentally infected with A. galli, isolated from a naturally infected Philippine native chicken. We examined the fecal egg per gram (EPG) count at three-hour intervals for three days, starting from 5:00–6:00h AM to the following day at 1:00–2:00h AM. Our results showed a consistent daily egg excretion pattern with a peak EPG count in the morning that abruptly declined in the afternoon and lowest in the evening. The EPG counts correlated with the amount of excreta produced, suggesting that A. galli fecundity corresponds to the timing of host defecation. Our results imply that the best time to collect fecal samples for A. galli diagnosis and FECRT in Philippine conditions should be from sunrise until late morning when parasite EPG count and host excreta production are at their highest.
Soil erosion risk assessment in Moridhal watershed of Assam, India using Universal Soil Loss Equation and GIS
Authors: Bharteey Prem Kumar , Deka Bipul , Patgiri D. K. , Dutta Marami , Goswami Jonali , Saikia Rituparna 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Soil erosion is one of the major factors affecting sustainability of agricultural production in watershed. The objective of this paper is to estimate soil loss using the universal soil loss equation (USLE) model and GIS and to suggest soil conservation practices in Moridhal watershed. Soil loss was estimated by USLE. In addition, measurements of randomly selected soil and water conservation structures were done at four physiographic units of watershed. The erodibility of the studied soils was assessed by computing various erodibility indices like clay ratio, silt clay ratio, modified clay ratio, dispersion ratio, erosion ratio and erosion index. The soil loss of watershed was varied from very slight to very severe (range 0.87-67.77 t ha-1 yr-1). Among the physiographic units, the soil loss in the upper piedmont plain area was moderately severe to very severe with a value varying from 19.9-67.8 t ha-1 yr-1. The dispersion ratio of the soils varied from 0.06 to 1.18. It was observed that 48.82 per cent of the total studied soil samples had dispersion ratio values above 0.15 which may be considered as erodible. The erosion ratio and erosion index of studied soils varied from varied from 0.01-0.55 and 0.03-0.71, respectively. Based on the study it was found that the soils in different physiographic units are suffering from varying degree of soil erosion. The upper piedmont plain areas of the watershed require management practices which could improve the erosion status and soil productivity. The results of soil loss obtained from the study could be effectively used by the planners, watershed managers and policy makers to formulate site specific conservation plans in order to minimize soil loss for sustaining productivity.
On the Physics of Glaciations
Authors: Swedan Nabil 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The economically recoverable reserves of fossil fuels will ultimately be depleted, and carbon neutral or low carbon economies of the future may restore past climate regulating parameters. Therefore, knowledge of the physics of glaciations and paleoclimates is warranted, and the physics appears to be an ongoing subject of research. This work reveals that glaciations were initiated by the instinctive and inherent tendency of living green matter to multiply and increase in size when conditions were favorable. Aquatic photosynthesis is a thermodynamic cycle that requires a flow of sea water as a medium of heat transfer. The flow of water altered the thermohaline circulation pattern and cold water of the deep ocean was brought to the surface. Surface temperature decreased cumulatively with time and glaciations thus developed. The opposite occurred during warming periods. The cold water was returned back to the deep ocean. Accordingly, past surface temperature variation is calculated and found to be in agreement with observations, and complex features of past climates are explained. Based on this understanding, photosynthesis may be utilized to manage future climates, and reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere appears to be unnecessary.
Investigation of Slot Parameters on the Performance of Savonius Hydrokinetic Turbine: A CFD Study
Authors: Kumar Rishabh , Kumar Anuj 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Hydrokinetic energy sources are considered as strong alternative to provide clean, affordable and green energy to future generation. There are different types of turbines available to harness this kind of energy resource. Among all the turbines, Savonius hydrokinetic turbines are acknowledged as the most suitable rotor for generating power from flowing water streams such as rivers and canal. The objective of this research paper is to improve the performance of Savonius hydrokinetic turbine using slotted blades. Under the present study, four different slot parameters i.e., slot shapes, slot position, slot gaps and slot shape factor are considered. The water velocity was kept constant as 1 m/s in this study. The fluid flow distributions that occur all around the rotor have been studied and discussed. Based on the investigations, Savonius hydrokinetic turbine having divergent slot has outperformed the all-other shapes of slots for the entire range of tip speed ratio considered. The highest power coefficient of 0.2942 corresponds to the tip speed ratio value of 0.9 has been achieved for divergent slot Savonius rotor at slot position of 5% having slot gap of 3mm and slot shape factor of 0.2.
A comprehensive comparison of tools for fitting mutational signatures
Authors: Medo Matus , Medova Michaela 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Mutational signatures connect characteristic mutational patterns in the genome with biological processes that take place in the tumor tissues. Analysis of mutational signatures can help elucidate tumor evolution, prognosis, and therapeutic strategies. Although tools for extracting mutational signatures de novo have been extensively benchmarked, a similar effort is lacking for tools that fit known mutational signatures to a given catalog of mutations. We fill this gap by comprehensively evaluating eleven signature fitting tools (well-established as well as recent) on synthetic input data. To create realistic input data, we use empirical signature weights in tumor tissue samples from the COSMIC database. The study design allows us to assess the effects of the number of mutations, type of cancer, and the catalog of reference signatures on the results obtained with various fitting tools. We find substantial performance differences between the evaluated tools. Averaged over 120,000 simulated mutational catalogs corresponding to eight different cancer types, SigProfilerSingleSample and SigProfilerAssignment perform best for small and large numbers of mutations per sample, respectively. We further show that ad hoc constraining the list of reference signatures is likely to produce inferior results and that noisy estimates of signature weights in samples with as few as 100 mutations can still be useful in downstream analysis.
Biodiversity buffers the response of spring leaf unfolding to climate warming
Authors: Wu Chaoyang , Shen Pengju , Wang Xiaoyue , Zohner Constantin , Penuelas Josep , Zhou Yuyu , Tang Zhiyao , Xia Jianyang , Zheng Hua , Fu Yongshuo , Liang Jingjing , Sun Weiwei , Zhang Yongguang 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Understanding the sensitivity of spring leaf-out dates to temperature (ST) is integral to predicting phenological responses to climate warming and the consequences for global biogeochemical cycles. While variation in ST has been shown to be influenced by local climate adaptations, the impact of biodiversity on phenological sensitivity remains unknown despite its central role in ecosystem functioning. Here, we combine 393,139 forest inventory plots with satellite-derived ST across the Northern Hemisphere during 2001-2021 to show that biodiversity greatly affects spatial variation in ST and even surpasses the importance of climate variables. High tree diversity significantly weakened ST, possibly driven by both more diverse responses of leaf unfolding timing to warming directly, and indirect changes associated with root depth and soil biogeophysical and biogeochemical processes. We further show that current Earth System Models failed to reproduce the observed negative correlation between ST and biodiversity, with important implications for phenological responses under future emission pathways. Our results highlight the need to incorporate the buffering effects of biodiversity to better understand the impact of climate warming on spring leaf unfolding and carbon uptake in terrestrial ecosystems.
Predictive models of sarcopenia in patients with chronic liver disease: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Zhao Jing , Jiang Yan , Deng Rong , Mu Qianqian 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background: Timely identification of the sarcopenia risk and delaying the progression in patients with chronic liver disease is important.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the risk and incidence of sarcopenia, explore the factors affecting it, and develop predictive models of sarcopenia in patients with chronic liver disease.
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on patients with chronic liver disease at a Chinese teaching hospital from September 2020 to December 2021.
Results: In total, 484 cases were qualified. Among them, there were 145 (30.0%) patients with sarcopenia risk, while the incidence of sarcopenia and severe sarcopenia was 88 (18.2%) and 73 (15.1%) patients, respectively. The predictive ability of the three models in the derivation cohort was satisfactory.
Conclusions: Patients with chronic liver disease are at a high risk of developing sarcopenia. Three predictive models for sarcopenia have been established.
Registration: We completed clinical registration on the Chinese Clinical Trial Registration website (ChiCTR2100043910, 05/03/2021).
Sensitivity of Daphnia spinulata (Birabén, 1917) to glyphosate at different salinity levels
Authors: LARES Betsabé Ailén , Vignatti Alicia María , Echaniz Santiago Andrés , Cabrera Gabriela Cecilia , Jofré Florencia Cora , Gutierrez María Florencia 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Daphnia spinulata Birabén, 1917 is an endemic cladoceran species, frequent in the zooplankton communities of the shallow lakes of the Pampean region of Argentina. These lakes have varying salinity levels and, being located in agricultural areas, are frequently subject to pesticide pollution. This study aimed to determine the effects of the herbicide glyphosate (Panzer Gold®) in combination with different salinity levels on the biological parameters of D. spinulata and its recovery ability after a short exposure. Three types of assays were performed: an acute toxicity test, a chronic assessment to determine survival, growth and reproduction, and recovery assays under optimal salinity conditions (1 g L− 1). The LC50-48h of glyphosate was 7.5 mg L− 1 (3.15–11.72). Longevity and the number of offspring and clutches were significantly reduced by glyphosate and high salinity exposure, whether in isolation or combined. The timing of the first offspring did not recover after glyphosate exposure. Our results reveal that D. spinulata is sensitive to the herbicide, which causes stronger negative effects in conditions of higher salinity. Further research is needed to shed further light on the sensitivity of this cladoceran to glyphosate and its variability under other interactive stress factors.
Long-term treatment with Alcaligenes faecalis A12C improves host resistance to pathogens in septic rats: possible contribution of curdlan-like immune-trainer
Authors: Martel-Benítez C.J. , Alayón-Afonso R. , Castillo D.F. Padilla , López F.J. Chamizo , García-Laorden M.I. , Zayas A. Espinosa de los Monteros y , Rivero-Vera J.C. , Salgueiro P. Nogueira , Valcárcel F. Real , Benítez A. Bordes , Quintana A. Martel , Peña C. Almeida , Cabrera C. Domínguez , González-Martín J.M. , Caballero J. Martín , Beneyto R. Frias , Villar J. , Martín-Barrasa J.L. 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Curdlan, a β-1,3/1,6-glucan found in Alcaligenes faecalis (A. faecalis) wall, activates innate and humoral immunity. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether pre-treated rats with A.faecalis A12C could prevent sepsis disturbances and identify the immunomodulatory mechanisms involved. Experiments occurred in two stages: a survival study with 16 rats randomly divided into septic (SC) (n = 8) and septic pre-treated (SA) (n = 8) groups; and 45 rats divided into four groups: healthy (AGUSAN) (n = 9), septic (AGUIC) (n = 13), septic pre-treated (AGUIA) (n = 14), and healthy pre-treated (AGUSTO) (n = 9). Sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture after 30 days of A.faecalis A12C pre-treatment or without. SA group had a higher survival rate (58%) vs SC group (16%) (P < 0.05). Overall, AGUIA showed better status than AGUIC (P < 0.01). Higher monocytosis was found in AGUIA and AGUSTO vs AGUIC and AGUSAN, respectively (P < 0.05). A gradual increase in curdlan fecal concentration was observed in AGUIA during pre-treatment. Fecal concentrations of E. coli significantly decreased in AGUIA and AGUSTO. Bacterial load in urine, peritoneal, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluids (PLF and BALF) decreased (P < 0.05) in AGUIA vs AGUIC. Finally, lower inflammation was observed in serum, BALF, and PLF, with reduced IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β, and TNF-α, along with less damage in lungs and peritoneum in AGUIA vs AGUIC. These findings suggest the connection between curdlan -produced by A. faecalis A12C- with the immune system and the reduction in severity of experimental sepsis.
Proton transfer anionic polymerization with C–H bond as dormant species
Authors: Kamigaito Masami , Uchiyama Mineto , Ohira Natsumi , Yamashita Konomi , Sagawa Katsutoshi 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Living anionic polymerization is the most common living polymerization with the longest history whereas it generally requires stringent conditions and one metal initiator per polymer chain. Here, we present proton transfer anionic polymerization using acidic C–H bonds as dormant species and base catalysts for methacrylates via reversible chain transfer or termination of the growing enolate species. A weakly acidic compound such as an alkyl isobutyrate serves as the initiator or chain-transfer agent in the presence of a bulky potassium base catalyst to produce a polymer chain and thereby diminish the metal compound per chain ratio. An added alcohol serves as a reversible terminator to tame the propagation. End-functionalized, star, block, and graft polymers are easily accessible from compounds with C–H bonds.
Pan-cancer analysis combined with experiments predicts NNMT as a therapeutic target for human cancers
Authors: Huang Hua , Su Lianchun , Zhang Ruihao , Wu Di , Ding Chen , Chen Chen , Zhu Guangsheng , Cao Peijun , Li Xuanguang , Li Yongwen , Liu Hongyu , Chen Jun 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

The identification of effective therapeutic targets plays a pivotal role in advancing cancer treatment outcomes. We employed a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis, complemented by experimental validation, to explore the potential of Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) as a promising therapeutic strategy for human cancers. By analyzing large-scale transcriptomic datasets across various cancer types, we consistently observed upregulated expression of NNMT. Furthermore, elevated NNMT expression correlated with inferior overall survival in multiple cancer cohorts, underscoring its significance as a prognostic biomarker. Additionally, we investigated the relationship between NNMT expression and the tumor immune microenvironment, which plays a crucial role in regulating anti-tumor immune responses. To confirm the malignant functions of NNMT in tumor cells, we conducted a series of cell-based experiments, revealing that NNMT promotes cancer cell proliferation and invasion, indicative of its oncogenic properties. The integration of computational analysis and experimental validation in our study firmly establishes NNMT as a potential therapeutic target for human cancers. Specifically, targeting NNMT holds promise for the development of innovative and effective cancer treatments. Further investigations into NNMT's role in cancer pathogenesis could potentially pave the way for groundbreaking advancements in cancer treatment.
Assessing the Psychological and Physical Impact of Wearing Personal Protective Equipment on Health Care Workers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Chavan Madhavrao , Sharma Sushil , Chenchula Santenna , Rangari Gaurav , Misra Arup Kumar , Saggurthi Pavani 
Published: November 2023

Abstract
Background
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are part of the front-line warriors in this ongoing battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. We aim to assess personal protective equipment (PPE)-related side effects and both physical and psychological effects among healthcare workers (HCWs) caring for COVID-19 patients.
Methods
The present cross-sectional questionnaire-based study on a well-structured questionnaire consisting of 24 questions was utilized to collect information concerning the participants' demographic characteristics, personal experiences of PPE-related side effects, and the physical and psychological effects they encountered during their work. The study involved an online data collection process from 114 healthcare workers who had experience working in COVID-19 settings while using personal protective equipment. We adhered to relevant EQUATOR guidelines to report
Results
A total of 114 HCWs participated in the survey. A total of 57.1% of HCWs were vaccinated, and 36.3% reported being infected with COVID-19. Among the study respondents, 68.1% reported discomfort, 33% anxiety and 23.1% apprehension as the state of mind after donning PPE. A total of 30.8% of HCWs reported that they were uncomfortable in < 1 hr of wearing PPE, 46.2% reported at least ≤ 12 hrs., time for psychological restoration after a COVID-19 duty shift, 17.6% of HCWs reported being worried about the risk of getting infected, and 28.6% of HCWs were extremely worried about the risk of infecting family members while on COVID duty. Approximately 76.9% of HCWs suffered from suffocation, 68.1% were drenched with sweating, 23% with skin redness and rashes, and 57.1% reported > 12 hrs. of time to restore physically after a COVID-19 duty shift.
Conclusion
Wearing PPE has a negative psychological and physical effect on HCWs on COVID-19 duty. Through analysing the achievements and setbacks of public health measures aimed at safeguarding health care workers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, we can derive valuable insights to fortify our response to future pandemics.
The mediating role of frequent mental distress in the relationship between adverse childhood experiences and cognitive disability in emerging adults
Authors: Sun Yanyan , Qu Shifang , Li Zhiyao , Zhang Weixin , Shi Shunyao , Meng Yiwen , Zhu Siyu , Liu Nana , Song Huifang , Tang Kun , Zhang Xinyao , Yao Yan 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) may have an impact on cognitive disability through multiple pathways. Frequent Mental Distress (FMD) usually makes people more susceptible to cognitive dysfunction through different aspects.
Methods
A cross-sectional analysis of aged 18–25 years in the 2020 and 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) was performed. Weighted multivariate logistic regression models were used to assess the association of ACEs with FMD and cognitive disability. Mediation effects was used to investigate FMD as mediation between ACEs and cognitive disability in emerging adulthood.
Results
Among the 10,309 respondents, the prevalence of cognitive disability was 15.2% (n = 1567), and 73.5% (n = 7578) of the total respondents experienced ACEs. In model 2 without mediation, ACEs was significantly associated with cognitive disability (OR: 4.05, 95%CI: 2.47, 6.66). After adjusted for covariates with mediation, ACEs (OR: 3.08, 95%CI: 1.84, 5.17) and FMD (OR: 5.61, 95%CI: 4.33, 7.28) were also significantly associated with cognitive disability.
Conclusion
Our study indicated a strong association between ACEs and cognitive disability. It also demonstrated that FMD was a mediation through which ACEs may be linked to cognitive disability.
Participation of ventricular trabeculae in neonatal cardiac regeneration leads to ectopic recruitment of Purkinje-like cells
Authors: Miquerol Lucile , Boulgakoff Lucie , Sturny Rachel , Kelly Robert 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Unlike adult mammals, newborn mice are able to regenerate a functional heart after myocardial infarction. However, the precise origin of the newly formed cardiomyocytes and whether the distal part of the conduction system - the Purkinje Fiber (PF) network - is properly formed in regenerated hearts remains unclear. PFs, as well as subendocardial contractile cardiomyocytes, are derived from trabeculae, transient myocardial ridges on the inner ventricular surface. Here, using Connexin40-driven genetic tracing, we uncovered a substantial participation of the trabecular lineage in myocardial regeneration through dedifferentiation and proliferation. Concomitantly, regeneration disrupted PF network maturation, resulting in permanent PF hyperplasia and impaired ventricular conduction. Proliferation assays, genetic impairment of PF recruitment, lineage tracing and clonal analysis revealed that PF network hyperplasia results from excessive recruitment of PFs due to increased trabecular fate plasticity. These data identify PF network hyperplasia as a cost of the participation of trabeculae in myocardium regeneration.
Prediction of fat-free mass from body surface area in young basketball players
Authors: Moraes Anderson Marques , Espinoza Ruben Vidal , Bergamo Raiany Rosa , Gómez-Campos Rossana , Lazari Evandro , de Campos Luis Felipe Castelli Correia , Sulla-Torres Jose , Cossio-Bolaños Marco 
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Background FFM is an important and essential indicator in sports populations, since greater muscle and bone mass generates greater strength, endurance and speed in athletes. Objective The purpose of the study was to validate Body Surface Area (BSA) as an anthropometric indicator to estimate Fat Free Mass in young Brazilian basketball players. Methods A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in 141 male basketball players of the Brazilian Basketball Confederation of Sao Paulo (Campinas), Brazil. The age range was 11 to 17 years. Weight and height were evaluated. BSA, body mass index (BMI) and maturity status (MS) were calculated. Total body scanning was performed by dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). The components were extracted: Fat mass (FM), Fat free mass (FFM) and bone mass (BM). Results Three regression equations were generated: Eq. 1 had age and body weight as predictors (R2 = 94%, precision = 0.96 and accuracy = 0.99), Eq. 2 used age and BSA [FFM= -44. 508+(1.816*age)+(39.597*BSA)] (R2 = 96%, precision = 0.97 and accuracy = 0.99) and Eq. 3 was based on APHV and BSA (R2 = 94%, precision = 0.96 and accuracy = 0.99). Conclusions The results suggest the use of anthropometric equation using decimal age and BS to estimate FFM in young basketball players. This new method developed can be used to design, evaluate and control training programs and monitor the weight status of athletes.