bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimation of Nutrient Loads and Trophic Status of Lake Tana, the Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Ayele Hailu Sheferaw 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Lakes and water reservoirs encircled by a catchment with a clear influence of anthropogenic pressure are generally characterized by low water quality and high trophic status. In this study, 20 samples from major inflow rivers into Lake Tana were taken to estimate the phosphate and nitrate loading using a Vollendier Model for the four seasons. 67 samples were taken from three different portions of the Lake, and physicochemical water quality parameters in these samples were measured by the standard procedure in APHA, 2005 to estimate the trophic status using the Carlson trophic state model for the dry and wet seasons. The result showed that 0.369 to 106, 1.882 to 2.91, 1.564 to 2.51, and 0.67 to 2.16 kg of nitrate from Megech and Ribb watershed and 0.321 (Megech) to 0.370 (Gumara), 0.578 (Megech) to 0.728 (Gilgel Abbay), 0.418 (Megech) to 0.476 (Ribb) and 0.339(Megech) to 0.378 kg of phosphate from Ribb is discharged in second into the Lake in season 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively. Ribb River which lies in the most extended flood plain of the Fogera Werda has a relatively high concentration of nitrate and phosphate; as a result, it discharges a higher amount of these nutrients in kg per second than the other tributary rivers in all seasons into the lake. Moreover, the rivers carried more nutrients in the wet season than in the dry season. As a result, the river mouth portions are more prone to nutrient enrichment than the central and Bahir Dar Gulf portions of the lake. Due to these, these parts of the lake have relatively average low Secchi Depth Transparency (0.54,0.36,0.50& 0.47m; 0.61,0.42&0.58m) and high average total phosphorus concentration (1.26,1.43,1.21& 1.23 mg/l; 0.80, 1.09,0.67 & 0.69mg/l) in the wet and dry season respectively. So, 50% of the river mouth portions have an STI value of 38 < TSI < 49 which falls in a mesotrophic status index compared to the central and Bahir Dar Gulf portions with an STI value < 38 which falls in an oligotrophic status index especially in the wet compared to the dry season. Preventive measures have to be practiced in the Lake Tana basin to reduce nutrient loading and improve the trophic status of the lake.
Novel environmental variables help explain winter weather effects on activity and habitat selection of greater sage-grouse
Authors: Wanner Caitlyn Powell , Pratt Aaron C. , Reinking Adele K. , Liston Glen E. , Beck Jeffrey L. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

For non-hibernating species within temperate climates, survival during severe winter weather often depends on individuals’ behavioral response and available refugia. Identifying refugia habitat that sustains populations during adverse winter conditions can be difficult and complex. This study provides an example of how modeled, biologically relevant snow and weather information can help identify important relationships between habitat selection and dynamic winter landscapes using greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus, hereafter “sage-grouse”) as a model species. We evaluated whether sage-grouse responded to weather conditions in two ways: through (1) positive selection for refugia habitat to minimize adverse weather exposure, or (2) lowered activity level to minimize thermoregulation and locomotion expense. Our results suggested that sage-grouse respond to winter weather conditions by seeking refugia rather than changing daily activity levels. During periods of lower wind chill temperatures and greater wind speeds, sage-grouse selected areas with sheltered aspects and greater sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) cover. Broadly, sage-grouse selected winter home ranges in sagebrush shrublands characterized by higher wind chill temperatures, greater wind speeds, and greater blizzarding conditions. However, within these home ranges, sage-grouse specifically selected habitats with greater above-snow sagebrush cover, lower wind speeds, and lower blizzarding conditions. Our study underscores the importance of examining habitat selection at narrower temporal scales than entire seasons and demonstrates the value of incorporating targeted weather variables that wholistically synthesize winter conditions. This research allows identification of refugia habitat that sustain populations during winter disproportionate to their spatial extent or frequency of use, facilitating more targeted management and conservation efforts.
The Impact of Abnormal Distribution of Abdominal Adiposity and Skeletal Muscle on the Prognosis of Ischemic Stroke.
Authors: Xiao Lulu , Cui Chengcheng , Geng Zhiwen , Li Haotao , Li Rui , Lu Mengxia , Wang Yuqiao , Liu Xinfeng 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background and Purpose
The study aimed at investigating the role of novel indicators related to obesity in predicting long-term functional outcome and risk of stroke recurrence in patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke (AIS).
Methods
The area and density of visceral adipose tissue (VAT), subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT), and skeletal muscle (SM) at the third lumbar level, as well as VAT area (VATA) to SM area (SMA) ratio (VSR) and ratio of SAT area to SMA (SSR) were assessed using whole-abdominal CT upon admission. The primary endpoint was the presence of recurrent stroke. Second outcomes were all causes mortality and death specifically due to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases (CCVD). Cox's proportional hazards regression model was used to examine the association between the new indicators of obesity and clinical outcomes.
Results
A total of 1007 patients were enrolled with an average follow-up time of 49.8 months. Patients in the high VSR group had a higher recurrence rate of stroke (OR, 0.67 [95% CI, 0.48–0.93]; p = 0.018). In adjusted analysis, VSR was significantly associated with the increased risk of all-cause mortality (HR, 2.16 [95% CI, 1.51–3.80]; p < 0.001) and CCVD (HR, 2.44 [95% CI, 1.61–3.69]; p < 0.001). Among AIS with severe neurologic deficit (the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score 16–42), the mortality in the obese group tended to be lower, although without statistically significance.
Conclusions
Higher VSR levels were associated with a higher risk of mortality and stroke recurrence in patients with first-ever AIS.
A geoelectrical recognition model of seawater/freshwater interface types based on convolutional neural network
Authors: Ma Jun , Wei Lusi , Xiong Jia , Zhou Zhifang , Zhu Shumei 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Seawater intrusion is a global environmental issue, and seawater intrusion monitoring requires a multidisciplinary approach to improve accuracy. The seawater/freshwater interface simplified models in coastal aquifers are generally divided into two types: abrupt interface model and wedge-shaped interface model. Electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) is the visualization of the subsurface resistivity distribution in 2D or 3D, which have been widely used in the seawater intrusion monitoring. This paper presented a geoelectrical recognition model to classify the simplified seawater/freshwater interface types in the process of seawater intrusion based on Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). The seawater intrusion laboratory experiments were carried out to simulate the process of seawater intrusion caused by water level of seawater rise or the water level of freshwater drop, and the ERT method was carried out to monitor the resistivity of the aquifer during the experiments, and the geoelectrical recognition model was used to classify the interface types. The results showed that the ERT method offered a fast and non-destructive approach for monitoring seawater intrusion, and the accurate recognition results of interface types were obtained using the well-trained recognition model in the laboratory experiments.
The effect of data variations on the leakage detection model performance using a convolutional neural network (CNN)
Authors: Caronge Muhammad Anshari , Arai Yasuhiro , Ito Kaito , Kunizane Takaharu , Koizumi Akira , Bakri Bambang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In recent years, leakage detection models using artificial intelligence have been widely used by researchers. In this study, acoustic sound data were recorded at 10 observation points, focusing on ductile iron pipe and vinyl polyethylene. Leakage detection models were built using recurrence plots (RPs) and a convolutional neural network (CNN). Using the same number of RPs for training data and testing data, we analyzed the effect of data variations on model performance. The results showed that our proposed approach can improve accuracy at several points, although the amount of training data information was advantageous in previous work. There were cases in previous work that had poor accuracy, but when implementing our proposed approach, it improved the accuracy to over 80% when using the 8-point model. The increase in accuracy depends on which interval is used in the test data because each interval contains information about different properties. For multi-point models, the effect of increasing the number of RPs and data variations was not clarified in the previous work. However, our study confirmed that the increase in data variation contributed more than the RP number.
Immunoinformatics guided engineering of a Cysteine Proteases chimera protein from Trichomonas foetus
Authors: Karli Geethanjali 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Background
Bovine Trichomonosis is one of the most notable sexually transmitted diseases of cattle resulting in severe reproductive failure. There were several incidents of zoonotic transmission reported in immune compromised individuals. However, till date there are no point-of-care diagnostics developed for onsite screening Trichomonas foetus infection in cattle. This current study was conducted to engineer a chimaera protein of Cysteine Proteases(most suitable target proteins of Trichomonas foetus) suitable for development of point of care diagnostics tools using Bioinformatics tools
Results
Based on earlier studies on Transcriptomics and proteomics of Trichomonas foetus, we have identified high level expressions of Cysteine proteases. Cysteine protease8 was the highly expressed protein followed by Cysteine protease13 and Cysteine protease16. Immune Epitope Data base tools for B-Cell epitope prediction identified immunogenic domains of about 60–90 amino acids long. The Chimaera of the above potential epitopes was found to exhibit a stable 3-D structure and was predicted to exhibit stable expression in Yeast.
Conclusions
Cysteine proteases chimaera protein is most suitable for recombinant protein expression in eukaryotic expression systems like Pichia pastoris. This recombinant protein would serve as potential antigen source for development of antibody detection tests such as Lateral flow assay and ELISA for detection of Bovine Trichomoniasis in cattle.
A rare cause of respiratory distress in preterm infants: a case report of acquired subglottic cysts
Authors: Barchi Luca , Russo Giulia , Donvito Sara , Barbato Giulia , Leo Francesco , Iannella Elisa , Ghidini Angelo , Iughetti Lorenzo , Gargano Giancarlo 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
The SGCs are a rare cause of respiratory distress in infants. Typical risk factors include male gender, extreme prematurity, gastro-oesophageal reflux and mechanic intubation, the latter being associated with mucosal damage and blockage of the subglottic cysts’ ducts. We described a case of acquired subglottic cysts in a premature infants presented with respiratory distress
Case presentation:
A premature male infant was born at 25 + 2 weeks of gestation age with a history of monochorionic twin diamniotic pregnancy with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome. During hospitalization invasive mechanical ventilation was necessary for a total of 18 days; the patient was discharged at 40 w + 1 days in good condition. After 3 weeks he presented to our department with mixed stridor and worsening of respiratory dynamics. A laryngotracheoscopy evaluation was performed. The exam showed the presence of multiple glottic-subglottic cysts (SGCs) causing a complete obstruction of the airway. The histopathology confirmed the benign nature of the lesions. Because of the significant reduction of the airway’s patency, he was submitted to tracheotomy and thereafter to cysts’ removal using cold steel microinstruments. A better airway patency was restored although a slight glottic edema persisted.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SGCs should be considered in preterm infants previously intubated with respiratory distress, which cannot be explained by the most common causes. Early diagnosis and treatment are fundamental to reducing the morbidity and mortality associated with this disease.
A minimum pressure approach for water distribution network modelling
Authors: Tucciarelli Tullio , Puleo Daniele , Nasello Carmelo , Sinagra Marco 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
A new criterion for water distribution network (WDN) modelling is proposed, according to the assumption of pipe permeability to the air and a zero minimum pressure in all the WDN nodes. The two sets of pipes and internal nodes are divided in four sub-sets, corresponding to nodes with zero pressure (ID), nodes with pressure greater than zero (IN), pipes with channel flow (LD) and pipes with fully pressurized flow (LN). An iterative procedure, based on Newton-Rampson (NR) and Linear Theory (LT) methods, is available for the solution of both the diffusive and the convective problems, holding respectively for the IN + LN elements and the ID + LD elements, when the sub-set decomposition is known. A practical procedure is also provided for the solution of the general problem when the decomposition is not known. Applications to two different networks show the difference between the solutions obtained assuming a head driven demand with and without the application of the minimum pressure criterion.
Intake and Digestibility of Four Rations With Different Fiber Levels in Alpacas (Vicugna Pacos)
Authors: Obregón-Cruz Ana Belén , Bravo Carlos Alfredo Gómez , Zavala Cesar Mauro Osorio , Saun Robert Van 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluated the effect of different dietary fiber levels on intake and apparent nutrient digestibility of nutrients in alpacas, and to estimate the digestibility of organic matter (OMD) from the content of crude protein (CP) in feces. The study was carried out with twelve alpacas (36.7 ± 6.4 kg BW), which were offered 4 treatments with different neutral detergent fiber content (NDF. T1: 40.3%; T2: 62.1%; T3: 67.8%; T4: 71.6%) under a switch back design. Dry matter intake (DMI) was higher for T1 (612 g/d) while T4 consumed less (470 g/d. p ≤ 0.05), when correcting DMI for body weight (BW) and metabolic weight (MW) was equal between treatments (p ≥ 005). NDF intake was similar between treatments when related to BW or MW (on average 1%BW and 23.2 g/kg BW0.75. p ≥ 0.05). Water intake (L/day) was higher in T1 compared to the other treatments, with values ranging from 1.8 L/day (T1) to 1.4 L/day (T4), respectively (p ≤ 0.05). Digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and crude protein was higher in T1 than in the other treatments, with average values ranging from 65% for T1 to 48% for T4 (p ≤ 0.05). NDF digestibility was similar among treatments (p ≥ 0.05). The regression equation generated to predict OM digestibility (y) was as follows: y = 0.07635-(-0.33866*exp (-(-0.51457)*Fecal CP(g/kg OM)/100)). Further studies will indicate whether faecal nitrogen can be used to estimate digestibility and hence diet quality in South American camelids.
Effective bridging strategies prior to infusion with tisagenlecleucel results in high response rates and long-term remission in relapsed / refractory large B-cell lymphoma: findings from a German monocentric study.
Authors: Eigendorff Farina , Filimonova Irina , Scholl Sebastian , Sayer-Klink Anne , Rummler Silke , Kunert Christa , Pietschmann Klaus , Wittig Andrea , Hochhaus Andreas , Schnetzke Ulf 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Incorporating chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy into relapsed or refractory large B-cell lymphoma (rr LBCL) treatment algorithms has yielded remarkable response rates and durable remissions, yet a substantial portion of patients experience progression or relapse. Variations in outcomes across treatment centers may be attributed to different bridging strategies and remission statuses preceding CAR-T cell therapy. This single center analysis of tisagenlecleucel (tisa-cel) outcomes in the real world reveals response rates surpassing pivotal trials and other real-world reports. Analyzing 29 rr LBCL patients, the median age was 63, with a median of 3 prior treatments. Twenty patients (69%) were refractory to any systemic therapy before CAR-T cell treatment. Following leukapheresis, 25 patients (86%) received bridging therapy with the majority undergoing chemotherapy (52%) or combined modality therapy (32%). Radiotherapy (RT) was part of the bridging strategy in 44%, with moderately hypofractionated involved site RT (30.0 Gy/2.5 Gy) being applied most frequently (64%). Post-CAR-T infusion, the objective response rate at 30 days was 83%, with 55% achieving complete response. Twelve-month progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 60% and 74%, respectively, with a median follow up of 11.1 months for PFS and 17.9 months for OS. Factors significantly associated with PFS were chemotherapy sensitivity pre-leukapheresis and response to bridging. The study underscores the importance of minimal tumor burden at CAR-T initiation, emphasizing the need for suitable bridging regimens. The findings advocate for clinical trials and further real-world analyses to optimize CAR-T cell therapy outcomes by identifying the most effective bridging strategies.
Pericyte pannexin1 controls hippocampal capillary diameter and recognition memory
Authors: Mai-Morente Sandra , Isasi Eugenia , Rafael Alberto , Olivera-Bravo Silvia , Vitureira Nathalia , Abudara Veronica 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In the brain-blood-barrier, contractile pericytes fine-tune the capillary resistance and blood supply to meet neuro-metabolic demands; molecular players governing these functions remain undefined. The protein subunit pannexin1 (Panx1), assembles into transmembrane large-pore hemichannels (Panx1HCs) mediating the release of ATP, a regulator of pericyte contractility and capillary resistance. Until now, the expression and role of pericyte Panx1 in brain physiology were unknown.
Here, we report that cerebral pericytes express functional Panx1HCs. Pericyte-specific Panx1 is required for recognition memory and hippocampal capillary dilation induced by pharmacological activation of glutamatergic synaptic transmission, which underlies functional hyperaemia. Mechanistically, pericyte Panx1 is modulated by glutamatergic NMDA/AMPA and purinergic P2X7/P2Y6 receptors and controls ATP release influencing pericyte Ca2+ and hippocampal capillary diameter dynamics.
Our study unveils pericyte Panx1 as a novel physiological regulator of cerebral capillary resistance, crucial for sustaining higher brain functions and a potential therapeutic target for cognitive disorders associated with cerebrovascular diseases.
RETRACTED: Safety but Limited Efficacy of Donor Lymphocyte Infusion for Post-Transplantation Cyclophosphamide-Treated Patients
Authors: Kanakry Christopher , Shanmugasundaram Krithika , Napier Scott , Dimitrova Dimana , Stokes Anita , Wilder Jennifer , Chai Amy , Lisco Andrea , Anderson Megan , Sereti Irini , Gulbu Uzel , Freeman Alexandra , McKeown Christi , Sponaugle Jennifer , Sabina Ruby , Rechache Kamil , Hyder Mustafa , Kanakry Jennifer 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Assessment of the Environmental Impacts of the COVID-19 Lockdown: Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Air Pollutants in Egypt (Case Study: Alexandria Maritime Port - Egypt)
Authors: Omar Mohamed Y. , El-Sayeh Mohi , Kaamoush Mona 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching effects on global society, affecting not only public health and the economy but also the environment. This research explores the environmental impact of COVID-19 in the context of Alexandria Port, a major maritime hub in Egypt. Using AIS data from the port area, we analyze the changes in shipping activities and pollution emissions over a five-year period (2018-2022). The study aimed to gather, analyze, and interpret satellite observational data from the European Space Agency geospatial processing Engine, focusing on air quality parameters like carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and aerosol properties (Aerosol Optical Depth (AOD) and Absorbing Aerosol Index (AAI)). This analysis covered a five-year period (2018-2022) before, during, and after the COVID-19 lockdown in order to assess the impact of implemented preventive measures on air quality around Alexandria, particularly near the Alexandria Port due to maritime activities. The results indicated a positive short-term environmental impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on quality of air. However, with the resumption of full-capacity maritime activities at Alexandria Maritime Port, pollution levels returned to pre-resumption levels. Consequently, continuous trend monitoring is crucial to assess the effectiveness of regulations aimed at limiting air emissions.
Protein-responsive gut hormone Tachykinin directs food choice and impacts lifespan in Drosophila
Authors: Rewitz Kim , Ahrentlov Nadja , Kubrak Olga , Malita Alina , Koyama Takashi , John Alphy , Madsen Pernille , Halberg Kenneth , Nagy Stanislav , Texada Michael 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Animals select food based on hungers that reflect dynamic and specific macronutrient needs. Feeding behavior is governed by endocrine signals, but the hormonal mechanisms underlying nutrient-specific appetite regulation are poorly defined. We demonstrate that the gut hormone Tachykinin (Tk), an ortholog of mammalian Substance P, controls selective appetite regulation in Drosophila. When protein-rich food is consumed, enteroendocrine cells (EECs) of the midgut release Tk, which acts on adipokinetic hormone (AKH)-producing cells. AKH suppresses protein appetite and enhances sugar hunger, thus forming an endocrine feedback system that aligns food choice with the internal nutritional state. Inhibiting this protein-responsive gut hormone increases fecundity and also prolongs lifespan through AKH, revealing a role of nutrient-dependent gut-hormone signaling in influencing longevity. Our results provide the framework for understanding EEC-derived nutrient-specific satiety signals and the role of gut hormones in the regulation of food choice and lifespan.