bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First report of Besnoitia bennetti in Irish donkeys: an emerging parasitic disease in Europe
Authors: Tinkler Stacy H. , Villa Luca , Manfredi Maria Teresa , Walshe Nicola , Jahns Hanne 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
This is the first report of Besnoitia bennetti in donkeys in Ireland. B. bennetti, an apicomplexan protozoan parasite specific to equids, is an emerging pathogen in Europe. This parasite forms chronic intracytoplasmic cysts in cells of the mesenchymal lineage, mainly fibroblasts, in the skin, sclera and mucosa. Clinical signs in affected equine hosts vary from mild to severe debilitating disease. Little is known of the phylogeny, epidemiology or transmission of B. bennetti infection in donkeys, mules or horses.

Case presentation
Two cases of besnoitiosis in donkeys are presented. Both donkeys were born and raised in theSouthwest of Ireland. The first case was a 2.5-year-old donkey that had a suspect sarcoid removed, while the second case,a 2-year-old donkey, had a biopsy of nodular dermatitis of the muzzle. Diagnosis was made by histopathology and the parasite species, B. bennetti, was confirmed by PCR followed by sequencing and microsatellite analysis. Both donkeys had high antibody titres against Besnoitia spp. Small (0.5 mm) scleral, conjunctival and dermal cysts over the muzzle were subsequently observed in both animals. Treatment with trimethoprim sulfadiazine for 30 days did not lead to clinical resolution. The findings are compared to the cases of besnoitiosis in donkeys reported in the past 10 years throughout Europe.

Conclusions
Besnoitiosis should be considered as a differential diagnosis for chronic skin disease particularly in cases of cutaneous masses, non-pruritic dermatitis, and dermatitis that is not responsive to treatment in donkeys and other equids. Future studies are needed to investigate the prevalence of the disease in Irish donkeys, the spread of the disease and the potential impact on the health and welfare of the donkeys.
The role of innovation-led profits in the development of an international financial centre
Authors: Michael Bryane 
Published: February 2024

AbstractQianhai—an innovation park in Shenzhen—has the possibility of boosting innovation in Hong Kong, Shenzhen and in the wider region. This paper reviews the existing evidence about which policies have promoted profitable innovation in the Qianhai region (Hong Kong and Shenzhen) in the past. We also point to the importance of profitable innovation—rather than just innovation for its own sake. Profits attract and keep firms in an international financial centre. Yet, until we know exactly how much profitability these innovative firms require and how to promote such profitability, the advice given in the literature to Qianhai’s and other policymakers will remain woefully inadequate.
Lavandula angustifolia mill. for a suitable non-invasive treatment against fungal colonization on organic-media cultural heritage
Authors: Paolino B. , Sorrentino M. C. , Troisi J. , Delli Carri M. , Kiselev P. , Raimondo R. , Lahoz E. , Pacifico S. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In the context of bio-deterioration of cultural heritage, the Lavandula angustifolia Mill. plant proves to be of interest for a green approach to the preservation of art manufacts on organic media. Supercritical CO2 fluid extraction (SFE) was utilized to obtain both lavender essential oil (E2LS3) and hydrolate (E2LS3A), while ultrasound assisted maceration in n-hexane:ethanol (99:1, v:v) provided LA2/1 extract. The extracts, all chemically characterized by UHPLC-HRMS and GC–MS analyses, were screened for their antifungal capability towards six fungi isolated from the plywood support of Haim Steinbach's contemporary artwork "Un-color becomes alter ego #2" (1984). To this purpose, disk diffusion method was applied on both mycelium and conidial suspensions to unravel whether the inhibitory activity affects the growth of fungi at different life cycle stages. The micro-atmosphere method was also explored to assess the response of fungal growth in a saturated atmosphere. Data acquired highlighted that SFE-obtained lavender essential oil, whose oxygenated monoterpene part mostly accounting for terpinene-4-ol, borneol, linalool, camphor, and 1,8-cineole, proves to be a dose- and time-dependent inhibitor of fungal growth. It has also been shown that exposure to the oil vapor phase is more effective at very low dose levels. The promising results allow us to hypothesize the use of the essential oil for treating fungal colonization by exposure to its volatile components in a modified atmosphere environment, with no direct contact with the artwork.

Graphical abstract
Benign extradural haemorrhage: scope of conservative trial
Authors: Arif Sajad Hussain , Kareim Kaiser , Fayaz Mohsin , Chibber Sarabjit Singh 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
Epidural hematomas have been treated with urgent surgical evacuation to prevent catastrophic neurological sequelae and death. Brain Trauma Foundation recommends EDH volume greater than 30 cm3 and warrants surgical evacuation irrespective of GCS. However, due to increase in number of patients undergoing brain CTs following head injuries, more patients have been detected with EDH causing minimal symptoms.

Aims and objectives
To study factors influencing patients being treated conservatively for head injury with supratentorial epidural hematomas.

Material and methods
Our study is a retrospective analysis of supratentorial epidural hematoma treated conservatively from august 2018 to July 2020 at Sher-i-Kashmir institute of medical sciences, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

Results
A total of 19 patients with EDH were treated conservatively and fulfilled the inclusion criteria.(GCS of 13–15 with no neurological deficit, mild signs of elevated ICP, EDH thickness < 1.5 cm on CT, EDH volume on CT < 30 ml, midline shift on CT less than or equal to 5 mm with no significant intradural pathology)Age ranged from 2 months to 70 years (average 27.15 yrs)males (89.47%) predominated females (10.53%). Motor vehicular accidents were the most common mode of injury (42.1%). EDH was localised 13 times on right side, 5 times on left side and bilateral in one, supratentorially. A midline shift of 5 mm was found in 3 of 19 patients; GCS was > 13 on admission. 8 patients were hospitalised for a week, whilst 2 patients stayed in the hospital for 20 and 25 days, respectively, due to problems not related to EDH. One patient in whom conservative treatment had to be changed to surgical evacuation after 6 days of observation because of worsening headache, impaired alertness repeated imaging showed slight increase in EDH.

Conclusions
EDH can be managed conservatively in carefully selected patients of minor head injury with radiological surveillance and close neurological monitoring. Patients with GCS on admission more than 13, midline shift of less than 5 mm, location and volume of EDH less than 30 ml. Thus, leading to optimal utilisation of hospital resources. So, we conclude that even a dreaded entity like extradural haemorrhage can be managed conservatively in selected cases with strict clinical and radiological surveillance. We have called them ‘’Benign extradural haemorrhages’’.
Evaluation of novel radiation protection devices during radiologically guided interventions
Authors: Larsson Maria E.V. , Jonasson Pernilla I. , Apell Petra S. , Kearney Peter P. , Lundh Charlotta J. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Background
In radiologically guided interventions, medical practitioners are subjected to radiation exposure, which may lead to radiation-induced diseases. In this study, novel radiation shields for the head and neck were evaluated for their potential to reduce radiation exposure.

Method
An anthropomorphic phantom was exposed on its left side to scattered radiation from beneath to simulate the exposure of an operator in a x-ray operating room. Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were positioned at different depths in five slices in the phantom, measuring personal dose equivalent. Two different set up situations were evaluated: a head protector designed to reduce radiation in the upper section of the head; and a novel thyroid protector prototype extended in the front and on both sides, designed to reduce radiation in the lower and middle sections of the head. A standard thyroid collar prototype and a ceiling mounted lead glass shield were used as comparisons.
Furthermore, the head protector was evaluated in a clinical study in which TLDs were positioned to measure scattered radiation exposure to the heads of operators during endovascular interventions.

Results
The extended thyroid protector reduced the scattered radiation in the throat, chin, and ear slices. Some shielding effect was seen in the brain and skull slices. The head protector showed a shielding effect in the skull slice up to two cm depth where it covered the phantom head. As expected, the ceiling mounted lead glass shield reduced the scattered radiation in all measuring points.

Conclusions
A ceiling mounted lead glass shield is an effective radiation protection for the head, but in clinical practice, optimal positioning of a ceiling mounted lead shield may not always be possible, particularly during complex cases when radiation protection may be most relevant. Added protection using these novel guards may compliment the shielding effect of the ceiling mounted lead shield. The head protector stand-alone did not provide sufficient protection of the head. The extended thyroid protector stand-alone provided sufficient protection in the lower and middle sections of the head and neck.

Graphical Abstract
Isoflavone-enriched soybean leaves (Glycine max) restore loss of dermal collagen fibers induced by ovariectomy in the Sprague Dawley rats
Authors: Yoo Dae Young , Xie Cheng-liang , Jeong Joo Yeon , Park Ki Hun , Kang Sang Soo , Lee Dong Hoon 
Published: February 2024

AbstractPhytoestrogens, such as isoflavones, are known for their capacity to simulate various physiological impacts of estrogen in the human body. Our research evaluated the effects of isoflavone-enriched soybean leaves (IESL) on collagen fiber loss prompted by ovariectomy in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, thereby simulating menopausal changes in women. IESL, bolstered with an increased concentration of isoflavones through a metabolite farming process, contained a significantly higher amount of isoflavones than regular soybean leaves. Our results indicate that the administration of IESL can counteract the decrease in relative optical density and dermal thickness of collagen fibers caused by ovariectomy in SD rats, with more pronounced effects observed at higher isoflavone dosages. These outcomes suggest that soybean leaves rich in isoflavones may hold potential benefits in combating collagen degradation and skin aging symptoms related to menopause. Further research is needed to fully understand the exact molecular pathways at play and the potential clinical relevance of these findings.
Sports Bra Restriction on Respiratory Mechanics during Exercise
Authors: KIPP SHALAYA , LEAHY MICHAEL G. , SHEEL A. WILLIAM 
Published: February 2024

ABSTRACT
Women perform exercise in sports bras to limit breast motion. However, as the breasts become restricted, respiratory function may become compromised.

Purpose
We set out to understand how underband tightness or pressure of a sports bra relates to respiratory function and the mechanical work of breathing (

during exercise. Our secondary purpose was to quantify the effects of underband pressure on

O2 during submaximal running.

Methods
Nine highly trained female runners with normal pulmonary function completed maximal and submaximal running in three levels of underband restriction: loose, self-selected, and tight.

Results
During maximal exercise, we observed a significantly greater

during the tight condition (350 ± 78 J·min−1) compared with the loose condition (301 ± 78 J·min−1; P < 0.05), and a 5% increase in minute ventilation (

) during the tight condition compared with the loose condition (P < 0.05). The pattern of breathing also differed between the two conditions; the greater maximal

during the tight condition was achieved by a higher breathing frequency (57 ± 6 vs. 52 ± 7 breaths·min−1; P < 0.05), despite tidal volume being significantly lower in the tight condition compared with the loose condition (1.97 ± 0.20 vs. 2.05 ± 0.23 L; P < 0.05). During steady-state submaximal running,

O2 increased 1.3 ± 1.1% (range: −0.3 to 3.2%, P < 0.05) in the tight condition compared with the loose condition.

Conclusions
Respiratory function may become compromised by the pressure exerted by the underband of a sports bra when women self-select their bra size. In the current study, loosening the underband pressure resulted in a decreased work of breathing, changed the ventilatory breathing pattern to deeper, less frequent breaths, and decreased submaximal oxygen uptake (improved running economy). Our findings suggest sports bra underbands can impair breathing mechanics during exercise and influence whole-body metabolic rate.
Students' Thriving and Well-Being in Online Learning Environments in Vocational Education and Training
Authors: Kiikeri Pia , Uusiautti Satu , Purtilo-Nieminen Sirpa 
Published: February 2024

Context: Recent research on students' experiences with the quality of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic has increased the challenge to the development of online learning. During the pandemic, anxiety, depression, and fatigue occurred in online studies, which also weakened students' well-being. In this quantitative study, we examined how students thrive in synchronous and asynchronous online implementations. The goal of the research was to support students' well-being in online studies; therefore, the study uses the PERMA well-being theory.
Approach: Finnish vocational education and training students (N = 363) participated in the study and answered the questions on positive emotions, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment from both asynchronous and synchronous online delivery perspectives using a questionnaire.
Findings: This study highlighted the importance of the teacher's online learning facilitation skills and task design skills, and the emotions generated in an online course. Based on the results, the respondents were divided into three student profiles: (1) Students thriving in online courses in general; (2) Students thriving, especially in asynchronous online courses; and (3) Students not thriving in online courses in general.
Conclusions: According to the findings, students need different options for completing online courses. The role of the teacher in creating a positive and supportive atmosphere, fostering relationships, and creating clear work-related and versatile tasks is of great importance in the generation of emotions, whether it is an asynchronous or synchronous online implementation.
Divide and structure: generating and interswitching orthogonal eigenstates of complementary petal beams using a π-shifted Sagnac interferometer
Authors: Ly Watson , Golub Ilya 
Published: February 2024

One of the many facets of structured light are Ferris wheel/petal beams that can be generated by the addition/superposition of two beams with opposite vorticity/orbital angular momentum (OAM). We demonstrate a simple scheme employing a π-shifted Sagnac interferometer (SI) containing a spiral phase plate (SPP) that divides and structures an incoming beam into two azimuthally complementary petal beams representing orthogonal eigenstates. The half-wave plate in the SI can interswitch/route these intensity patterns between the two outputs of the interferometer. The results are interpreted as a double symmetry breaking––that of helicity due to SPP and handedness due to HWP––experienced by counterpropagating beams in the π-shifted SI. In general, for a Laguerre–Gaussian (LG) incoming mode, the SI produces two orthogonal output states, each consisting of a sum or difference of distinct SPP-modified LG modes and resulting in complementary petal beams convoluted with the incoming mode. We also introduce a three-mirror π-shifted SI that can switch on and switch off opposite sign vortices into different SI arms. The scheme can find applications in particle trapping, information transmission/development of communications protocols, and signal processing (i.e., multiplexing/demultiplexing when using beams with high vorticity/OAM).
Identification and characterization of a novel nematode pan allergen (NPA) from Wuchereria bancrofti and their potential role in human filarial tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE)
Authors: Katru Samuel Christopher , Balakrishnan Anand Setty , Munirathinam Gnanasekar , Hadadianpour Azadeh , Smith Scott A. , Kalyanasundaram Ramaswamy 
Published: February 2024

Background
Tropical pulmonary eosinophilia (TPE) is a chronic respiratory syndrome associated with Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), a tropical parasitic infection of the human, transmitted by mosquitoes. The larval form of LF (microfilariae) are trapped in the lungs of TPE subjects have a major role in initiating the TPE syndrome. To date, there are no reports on the potential allergen that is responsible for generating parasite-specific IgE in TPE.

Methodology/Principal findings
In this project, we screened a cDNA expression library of the microfilarial stages of Wuchereria bancrofti with monoclonal IgE antibodies prepared from subjects with clinical filarial infections. Our studies identified a novel molecule that showed significant sequence similarity to an allergen. A blast analysis showed the presence of similar proteins in a number of nematodes parasites. Thus, we named this molecule as Nematode Pan Allergen (NPA). Subsequent functional analysis showed that NPA is a potent allergen that can cause release of histamine from mast cells, induce secretion of proinflammatory cytokines from alveolar macrophages and promote accumulation of eosinophils in the tissue, all of which occur in TPE lungs.

Conclusions/Significance
Based on our results, we conclude that the NPA protein secreted by the microfilariae of W. bancrofti may play a significant role in the pathology of TPE syndrome in LF infected individuals. Further studies on this molecule can help design an approach to neutralize the NPA in an attempt to reduce the pathology associated with TPE in LF infected subjects.
Impact of obesity on intensive care unit outcomes in older patients with critical illness: A cohort study
Authors: Li Shan , Fu Zhiqing , Zhang Wei , Liu Hongbin 
Published: February 2024

Background
Although the paradoxical association between obesity and improved survival has been reported in a variety of clinical settings, its applicability to intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes in older critically ill patients remains unclear. We sought to examine the association between obesity and 30-day mortality and other adverse outcomes in this population.

Methods
We analyzed data of older patients (≥ 60 years) in the eICU Collaborative Research Database. Body mass index (BMI) was stratified according to the World Health Organization obesity classification. Logistic regression model was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs), and cubic spline curve was used to explore the nonlinear association between BMI and 30-day ICU outcomes. Stratified analysis and sensitivity analysis were also performed.

Results
Compared with class I obesity, under- and normal-weight were associated with higher all-cause, cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality, and class III obesity was associated with greater all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (OR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.06–1.32], 1.28 [1.08–1.51]). Obesity classes II and III were associated with higher composite all-cause mortality, mechanical ventilation, or vasoactive drug usage risks (OR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.04–1.20], 1.33 [1.24–1.43]). Mechanical ventilation was strongly positively associated with BMI. A significant BMI-by-sex interaction was observed for cardiovascular mortality, such that the association between severe obesity and mortality was more pronounced among older men than older women.

Conclusions
The obesity paradox does not appear to apply to short-term ICU outcomes in older patients with critical illness, mainly due to increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in severely obese patients, particularly in men.
Predictors for the utilization of community support systems against intimate partner violence among married women living with HIV in southwestern Uganda—A cross sectional study
Authors: Muteesasira Edward , Akampumuza Davis , Abaho Dismus , Nuwasasira Lillian , Kumakech Edward 
Published: February 2024

Background
Intimate partner violence (IPV) disproportionately affects married women living with HIV (MWLHIV), resulting in undesirable human rights, socio-economic, mental, maternal, and child health consequences. Community Support systems against Violence (CoSaV) are widely available and promising public and voluntary resources for the prevention and mitigation of IPV but are poorly investigated. We set out to identify the predictors for the utilization of the CoSaV among the MWLHIV.

Methods
This was a quantitative cross-sectional study conducted among 424 consecutively sampled MWLHIV attending the Antiretroviral Therapy (ART) clinic at Kabale Regional Referral Hospital in southwestern Uganda in April 2021. Using an interviewer-administered questionnaire, data were collected on the participant’s socio-demographic characteristics, exposure to IPV, awareness about the CoSaV, perceptions about the quality, accessibility and challenges in accessing the CoSaV and the utilization. Modified Poisson regression model was used to identify the predictors for the utilization of CoSaV using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0.

Results
The mean age of the 424 participants in the study was 39.5 ± 10.2 years. More than half of the participants 51.9% (220/424) reported exposure to any IPV. Utilization of any CoSaV was found to be above average at 58.3% among the participants. The formal support (police, local government leaders, health workers and counselors) were more frequently utilized compared to the informal support (family, relatives and friends). Utilization of any CoSaV was higher among the women who were aware of the CoSaV and also those who were exposed to violence. Accessibility was identified as an independent predictor for utilization of any CoSaV.

Conclusions
Intimate partner violence (IPV) was prevalent among MWLHIV in southwestern Uganda. However, the utilization of any CoSaV was suboptimal. The formal CoSaV were more frequently utilized than the informal support systems. Accessibility was an independent predictor for utilization of any CoSaV. There is need to improve access in order to increase the utilization of the CoSaV and contribute to the attainment of sustainable development goal 5.2.1 and end violence against women.
Elementary Explorations: Eclipses, Earth and Space Science
Authors: Poindexter Kristen 
Published: February 2024

This article provides several suggestions for implemeting Earth and Space science activities into the K-5 classroom ahead of the 2024 solar eclipse. Additionally, several resources, including children's literature, downloads, and websites are provided with specific K-5 eclipse activites so that teachers can incorporate them into their classrooms.