bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Street‐vended grilled beef sausages as potential vehicles of bacterial and fungal pathogens: An exploratory survey in Ho, the capital city of the Volta Region of Ghana
Authors: Nkekesi Banabas , Amenya Priscilla , Aboagye George , Kortei Nii Korley 
Published: September 2023

AbstractGrilled beef sausage is a popular street delicacy in many countries, and Ghana is no exception. This study assessed street‐vended grilled beef sausages as a potential vehicle of microorganisms that present food safety risks to the general public in Ho City. Twenty grilled beef sausages were obtained from various vended locations within Ho municipality by convenient sampling and were analyzed by standard microbiological protocols for food safety followed by statistical analysis with a test of significant difference at p < .05. Total aerobic bacteria count of the potential foodborne pathogens ranged from 2.75 × 104 to 1.85 × 107 CFU/g. The microbial species identified included Staphylococcus aureus with a load from 6.15 × 102 to 1.67 × 105 CFU/g, Escherichia coli from 4.2 × 102 to 3.9 × 104 CFU/g, Bacillus cereus from 3.05 × 102 to 7.1 × 104 CFU/g, and Salmonella spp. from 2.8 × 102 to 5.5 × 104 CFU/g. Total fungal counts also ranged from 0.0 to 9.83 × 103 CFU/g, and the species identified included Aspergillus spp. and Rhizopus spp. all of which were within the acceptable limits of the International Commission for Microbiological Specification of Foods. However, for total viable bacteria, 75% of the samples were above the acceptable limits in the guidelines by the Ghana Standards Authority, indicating that the consumption of grilled beef sausages poses serious food safety and hygiene risks to consumers. Hygienic processing of the sausages under sanitary environments, proper handling and preservation procedures, and periodic follow‐up visits to the vended areas should be employed to reduce the risk of occurrence of potential pathogens in the products.
Felsbauplanung mit dem geotechnischen Werkzeugkasten von morgen: Eurocode 7 – Allgemeine Regeln (EN 1997‐1:2024)
Authors: Walter Herbert , Labiouse Vincent , Lamas Luís , Nuijten Guido , Spross Johan , Stille Håkan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe second generation of Eurocode 7 aims at covering ground, including both soil and rock. Current practice of ground engineering forms the basis, and the aim is to include rock engineering, improving ease of use, harmonization of regulations, and covering new developments. This paper deals with EN 1997 part 1 addressing the general rules of geotechnical design, connected to EN 1990, the basis of structural and geotechnical design, and parts 2 and 3 of EN 1997. The design process from ground investigation to the verification of limit states is illustrated with a focus on rock engineering. The following topics are dealt with in more detail:

Geotechnical Categories: They are now based on Consequence Classes and newly introduced Geotechnical Complexity Classes. A limit state design to be sufficient has to be combined with other checks depending on these classes.
Replacement of the Design Approaches of the current Eurocode 7: Ultimate limit states will be verified by a combination of Verification Cases with partial factors on actions and action effects, and sets of partial factors on ground properties and resistances, respectively.
Application of numerical methods, where a ULS‐verification with two sets of partial factors is defined.
Use of probabilistic methods in design by calculation, especially appropriate in cases where properties of discontinuities govern the design.
Practice of the Observational Method, including design variants and regulations about their choice.
Neuropsychiatric features in a multi‐ethnic population with Alzheimer disease and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Celis Katrina , Zaman Andrew , Adams Larry Deon , Gardner Olivia , Farid Rajabli , Starks Takiyah D. , Lacroix Faina C. , Hamilton‐Nelson Kara , Mena Pedro , Tejada Sergio , Laux Renee , Song Yeunjoo E. , Caban‐Holt Allison , Feliciano‐Astacio Briseida , Vance Jeffery M. , Haines Jonathan L. , Byrd Goldie S. , Beecham Gary W. , Pericak‐Vance Margaret A. , Cuccaro Michael L. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundAlzheimer disease (AD) is more prevalent in African American (AA) and Hispanic White (HIW) compared to Non‐Hispanic White (NHW) individuals. Similarly, neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) vary by population in AD. This is likely the result of both sociocultural and genetic ancestral differences. However, the impact of these NPS on AD in different groups is not well understood.MethodsSelf‐declared AA, HIW, and NHW individuals were ascertained as part of ongoing AD genetics studies. Participants who scored higher than 0.5 on the Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) Scale (CDR) were included. Group similarities and differences on Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI‐Q) outcomes (NPI‐Q total score, NPI‐Q items) were evaluated using univariate ANOVAs and post hoc comparisons after controlling for sex and CDR stage.ResultsOur sample consisted of 498 participants (26% AA; 30% HIW; 44% NHW). Overall, NPI‐Q total scores differed significantly between our groups, with HIW having the highest NPI‐Q total scores, and by AD stage as measured by CDR. We found no significant difference in NPI‐Q total score by sex. There were six NPI‐Q items with comparable prevalence in all groups and six items that significantly differed between the groups (Anxiety, Apathy, Depression, Disinhibition, Elation, and Irritability). Further, within the HIW group, differences were found between Puerto Rican and Cuban American Hispanics across several NPI‐Q items. Finally, Six NPI‐Q items were more prevalent in the later stages of AD including Agitation, Appetite, Hallucinations, Irritability, Motor Disturbance, and Nighttime Behavior.ConclusionsWe identified differences in NPS among HIW, AA, and NHW individuals. Most striking was the high burden of NPS in HIW, particularly for mood and anxiety symptoms. We suggest that NPS differences may represent the impact of sociocultural influences on symptom presentation as well as potential genetic factors rooted in ancestral background. Given the complex relationship between AD and NPS it is crucial to discern the presence of NPS to ensure appropriate interventions.
Contribution of amyloid and putative Lewy body pathologies in neuropsychiatric symptoms
Authors: Matsuoka Teruyuki , Narumoto Jin , Morii‐Kitani Fukiko , Niwa Fumitoshi , Mizuno Toshiki , Abe Mitsunari , Takano Harumasa , Wakasugi Noritaka , Shima Atsushi , Sawamoto Nobukatsu , Ito Hiroshi , Toda Wataru , Hanakawa Takashi ,   Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease Dimensional Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectivesNeuropsychiatric symptom could be useful for detecting patients with prodromal dementia. Similarities and differences in the NPSs between preclinical/prodromal Alzheimer's disease (AD) and prodromal Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD)/Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) may exist. This study aimed to compare the NPSs between preclinical/prodromal AD and prodromal PDD/DLB.MethodsOne hundred and three participants without dementia aged ≥50 years were included in this study. The mild behavioral impairment (MBI) total score and the MBI scores for each domain were calculated using the neuropsychiatric inventory questionnaire score. Participants were divided into five groups based on the clinical diagnosis by neurologists or psychiatrists in each institution based on the results of the amyloid positron emission tomography and dopamine transporter single photon emission computed tomography (DAT‐SPECT): Group 1: amyloid‐positive and abnormal DAT‐SPECT, Group 2: amyloid‐negative and abnormal DAT‐SPECT, Group 3: amyloid‐positive and normal DAT‐SPECT, Group 4: mild cognitive impairment unlikely due to AD with normal DAT‐SPECT, and Group 5: cognitively normal with amyloid‐negative and normal DAT‐SPECT.ResultsThe MBI abnormal perception or thought content scores were significantly higher in Group 1 than Group 5 (Bonferroni‐corrected p = 0.012). The MBI total score (Bonferroni‐corrected p = 0.011) and MBI impulse dyscontrol score (Bonferroni‐corrected p = 0.033) in Group 4 were significantly higher than those in Group 5.ConclusionThe presence of both amyloid and putative Lewy body pathologies may be associated with psychotic symptoms.
Lipid profile, ox‐LDL, and LCAT activity in patients with endometrial carcinoma and type 2 diabetes: The effect of concurrent disease based on a case–control study
Authors: Qahremani Reihane , Rabizadeh Soghra , Mirmiranpoor Hossein , Yadegar Amirhossein , Mohammadi Fatemeh , Sahebi Leyla , Heidari Firouzeh , Esteghamati Alireza , Nakhjavani Manouchehr 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and AimThe role of lecithin: cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) and oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (ox‐LDL) in endometrial cancer (EC) or EC with concurrent type 2 diabetes is still unclear. This study investigated the LCAT activity, ox‐LDL, and lipid profile in EC patients with or without type 2 diabetes and compared them with healthy individuals and patients with type 2 diabetes alone.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional, case–control study, 93 female participants were recruited. The participants were divided into four groups, including EC with type 2 diabetes (n = 19), EC without type 2 diabetes (n = 17), type 2 diabetes (n = 31), and healthy controls (n = 26). Sociodemographic information, the LCAT activity, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C), low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C), and ox‐LDL levels were collected. One‐way analysis of variance and analysis of covariance, Student's t‐test, Mann–Whitney U‐test, and χ2‐test were used to compare demographic features and laboratory results among studied groups. Regression analyses were also performed to evaluate the interaction effect between EC and type 2 diabetes on serum LCAT activity.ResultsThe LCAT activity was significantly lower, and ox‐LDL levels were significantly higher in all patient groups compared to the healthy controls (p < 0.001). EC patients had significantly lower LCAT activity and higher ox‐LDL levels than type 2 diabetes and healthy groups (p < 0.05). Higher levels of TG and lower levels of HDL‐C were observed in all patient groups compared to the healthy group (all p < 0.001). Patients with EC and concomitant type 2 diabetes had significantly lower serum LDL‐C levels than healthy and type 2 diabetes groups (p < 0.05).ConclusionsThe combination of EC and type 2 diabetes had a subadditive effect on LCAT activity and ox‐LDL level. The lowest LCAT activity and the highest ox‐LDL levels were observed in patients with EC and concurrent type 2 diabetes.
The mortality, modes of infection, diagnostic tests, and treatments of Marburg virus disease: A systematic review
Authors: Alla Deekshitha , Paruchuri Sai Sri Hari , Tiwari Angad , Alla Sai Santhosha Mrudula , Pillai Rakesh Thulaseedharan , Bandakadi Sandeep Kumar Reddy , Pradeep Anju , Shah Dhruv Jayeshkumar , Sabıroğlu Mert , Chavda Sachi , Biziyaremye Patrick 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground and AimsMarburg virus (MARV) has regularly affected people since 1967 causing multiple outbreaks. There are presently no authorized therapies for the fatal Marburg virus disease (MVD), which poses an imminent risk to global public health. The MVD has so far claimed the lives of numerous people, with an increased number of cases being seen throughout the African continent. Hence, a review was carried out to analyze the geographical distribution of MVD, mortality, routes of transmission, and diagnostic and treatment modalities.MethodsPubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ProMED servers were used to conduct a systematic search in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines. The results were tabulated and analyzed.ResultsA total of 11 studies (7 case reports and 4 case series) were included in the final analysis, and 21 cases of MVD were analyzed. The most frequent symptoms were fever (66.67%), vomiting (57.14%), headache (52.38%), diarrhea (52.38%), and pain (47.62%). The most commonly used diagnostic test was RT‐PCR (42.11%). Contact transmission (50%) and zoonotic transmission (37.5%) were the most prevalent routes of transmission. Antibiotics (61.5%) were the first line of treatment. The most common complications were hemorrhage (60%) and coagulopathies (33.3%). The mortality rate was 57.1%.ConclusionTo avoid disastrous consequences, it is essential to reiterate the necessity of early diagnosis and treatment of MVD.
Untangling the effects of seasonality and stream channel erosion on the runoff composition in a previously burned mountain catchment
Authors: Gieschen Michael , Nelson Peter 
Published: September 2023

AbstractStream channel incision and deposition are common after wildfire, and after these geomorphic changes occur, they may impact runoff mechanisms and the composition of pre‐event and event water in runoff. To investigate this, we monitored discharge and electrical conductivity at six nested sites within a 15.5 km2 watershed in the northern Colorado Front Range that had burned several years prior, and then experienced large flooding and well‐documented and significant channel erosion and deposition in the following years. Over the study period, which occurs 3 years after the fire, and 2 years after the beginning of significant geomorphic changes, the watershed experienced seven precipitation events. For each hydrograph, we separate baseflow from runoff using a new method to characterize and account for the strong diurnal signal in the baseflow. Electrical conductivity is used as a tracer in a two‐component end‐member mixing analysis to separate the event hydrographs into event and pre‐event water. Correlation coefficients were computed between key variables of the hydrologic response (such as runoff ratio, volumes of event and pre‐event water) to storm and basin characteristics (including stream channel erosion/deposition, fraction of high/moderate burn severity, precipitation intensity and antecedent precipitation). The strength and significance of correlations was found to vary seasonally. In the early season, event and pre‐event volumes did not vary significantly with basin or storm characteristics. In the late season, antecedent precipitation correlated with a decrease in event runoff (R2 = 0.34) and total runoff (R2 = 0.40), increased precipitation intensity correlated with an increase in event runoff (R2 = 0.48) and local erosion correlated with an increase in pre‐event runoff (R2 = 0.60) and total runoff (R2 = 0.53). We hypothesize that the difference in correlations between early season and late season is due seasonal variations in the groundwater table gradient. These findings indicate that seasonality and postfire stream channel erosion influence the makeup of runoff response.
Inferring drivers of nitrate and sediment event dynamics from hysteresis metrics for two large agricultural watersheds
Authors: Bolade Oladipo , Hansen Amy T. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractExcess nitrate and sediment, mobilized by precipitation events and transported into surface waters, is a global water quality challenge. Recent advances in high‐frequency in situ water quality monitoring sensors have created opportunities to investigate constituent concentration dynamics during short‐term hydrological changes. In this study, we characterized the event‐scale variability of nitrate () and turbidity (a surrogate for sediment transport) in two large agricultural watersheds of the Upper Mississippi River Basin using hysteresis loop characteristics to determine sources and dominant transport mechanisms. We then applied factor analysis to detect variable groupings and thus determine controls on nitrate and sediment dynamics. We observed consistent counterclockwise hysteresis patterns between the two watersheds. This was indicative of distal contributions and/or late‐event mobilization and flushing, which was controlled by the characteristics of the event hydrology (such as, event duration and magnitude of event discharge). However, turbidity hysteresis loops indicated different sediment delivery behaviours between the two watersheds. The smaller watershed with more diverse land use demonstrated consistent clockwise hysteresis patterns indicating early event flushing or rapidly responding pathways. The time lag between turbidity and discharge peaks was identified as a driver of hysteresis magnitude for the smaller site. In contrast, the larger and more agricultural watershed showed variability between dilution versus flushing as well as delivery pathways between events. The hysteresis magnitude was driven by the event peak discharge and discharge range demonstrating an increase in stream power with scale influenced sediment dynamics at the larger site that switched behaviour. This result is critical for watershed water quality management, especially in the context of a changing climate and further underscores the utility of high‐frequency sensors monitoring data to offer deep insights into hydrological processes controls on contaminant transport and delivery.
Blockchain‐based SLA management for 6G networks
Authors: Javed Farhana , Mangues‐Bafalluy Josep 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn this letter, we propose the use of a blockchain‐based solution for inter‐provider agreements in 6G networks, utilizing smart contracts and Chainlink for monitoring and assessing Service Level Agreements (SLAs), including penalty calculations. We evaluate the proposed solution by deploying it on two public blockchains, Ethereum and Polygon, and find that Polygon provides a cost‐effective option for creating inter‐provider agreements. This is particularly important for use cases involving numerous transactions. Additionally, Chainlink enables secure and transparent access to off‐chain SLA data, and we observe lower transaction latency in Polygon. This suggests that utilizing blockchain‐based solutions such as smart contracts can aid the process of creating inter‐provider agreements for leasing and selling resources in 6G networks, with Chainlink oracle providing support for their SLA management. However, factors such as transaction cost and latency need to be considered.
The toxicological effects of nano titanium dioxide on target organs and mechanisms of toxicity
Authors: Li Congcong , Tang Meng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractNano‐titanium dioxide (TiO2NPs) is widely used for its extremely high stability, corrosion resistance, and photocatalytic properties and has penetrated into various fields of production and life. Assessing its toxicity to different organs should be a key part of preclinical toxicity assessment of TiO2NPs, which is relatively incomprehensive yet. Therefore, this review focuses on the toxic effects of TiO2NPs on various organs in mammals and biological mechanisms from different organs. The commonality of toxic effects on various target organs reflected in tissue structure damage and dysfunction, such as liver damage and dysfunction; pulmonary fibrosis; and renal impairment (including hematuria and nephritis); damage of brain tissue and neurons; alteration of intestinal villi; and weight loss. And effects on the reproductive system are affected by different sexes, including ovarian dysfunction, testicular development damage, and sperm viability reduction. We believe that the toxic mechanisms of TiO2NPs in target organs have commonalities, such as oxidative stress, inflammatory responses, and organelle damage. However, different target organ toxicities also have their specificities. TiO2NPs disturb the intestinal flora and cause undesirable changes in feces products. And in spleen are infiltration of neutrophils and lymphadenopathy and eventually immune deficiency. Although the toxic pathways are different, but there may be a close link between the different toxic pathways. In this article, the main manifestations of the toxic effects of titanium dioxide nanoparticles on major mammalian organs are reviewed, in order to provide basic data for their better application from a medical perspective.
Environmentally relevant lead alters nuclear integrity in erythrocytes and generates oxidative stress in liver of Anabas testudineus: Involvement of Nrf2‐Keap1 regulation and expression of biomarker genes
Authors: Dey Koushik Kumar , Mondal Paritosh , Chattopadhyay Ansuman 
Published: September 2023

AbstractGenotoxic and hepatotoxic effects of lead (Pb) on a freshwater fish, climbing perch (Anabas testudineus) were studied at an environmentally relevant concentration (43.3 ppm). The genotoxic potential of Pb was confirmed by micronucleus study, with increased frequencies of erythrocytic nuclear alterations like lobed, blebbed, notched, fragmented, and micronuclei were observed in erythrocytes in treated groups as compared to control. Inorganic Pb induces oxidative stress which is a consequence of elevated level of Reactive Oxygen Species. Hepatotoxicity was assessed both by the oxidative stress and cellular responses that emerged due to the toxic assault of Pb in the liver, the most important detoxifying organ. Upregulation of xenobiotic metabolizing enzyme like catalase was evident after 15, 30, and 90 days of exposure, and a profound effect was observed on 30th days. The level of lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione was increased after Pb exposure. Histoarchitectural damages of liver were distinctly evident in treated fish. Western blot analysis confirmed the expressional alterations of stress‐responsive marker proteins like Nrf2, Keap1, Hsp70, and Nqo1. Pb exposure resulted in increased expression of Hsp70, Nrf2, and Nqo1, whereas Keap1 was downregulated, suggesting the involvement of Nrf2‐Keap1 regulation as a cytoprotective mechanism against Pb toxicity.
Friend or foe? Inflammation and the foreign body response to orthopedic biomaterials
Authors: Gibon Emmanuel , Takakubo Yuya , Zwingenberger Stefan , Gallo Jiri , Takagi Michiaki , Goodman Stuart B. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe use of biomaterials and implants for joint replacement, fracture fixation, spinal stabilization and other orthopedic indications has revolutionized patient care by reliably decreasing pain and improving function. These surgical procedures always invoke an acute inflammatory reaction initially, that in most cases, readily subsides. Occasionally, chronic inflammation around the implant develops and persists; this results in unremitting pain and compromises function. The etiology of chronic inflammation may be specific, such as with infection, or be unknown. The histological hallmarks of chronic inflammation include activated macrophages, fibroblasts, T cell subsets, and other cells of the innate immune system. The presence of cells of the adaptive immune system usually indicates allergic reactions to metallic haptens. A foreign body reaction is composed of activated macrophages, giant cells, fibroblasts, and other cells often distributed in a characteristic histological arrangement; this reaction is usually due to particulate debris and other byproducts from the biomaterials used in the implant. Both chronic inflammation and the foreign body response have adverse biological effects on the integration of the implant with the surrounding tissues. Strategies to mitigate chronic inflammation and the foreign body response will enhance the initial incorporation and longevity of the implant, and thereby, improve long‐term pain relief and overall function for the patient. The seminal research performed in the laboratory of Dr. James Anderson and co‐workers has provided an inspirational and driving force for our laboratory's work on the interactions and crosstalk among cells of the mesenchymal, immune, and vascular lineages, and orthopedic biomaterials. Dr. Anderson's delineation of the fundamental biologic processes and mechanisms underlying acute and chronic inflammation, the foreign body response, resolution, and eventual functional integration of implants in different organ systems has provided researchers with a strategic approach to the use of biomaterials to improve health in numerous clinical scenarios.