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Background/Objectives: Kidney transplantation (kTx) is the preferred treatment for end-stage kidney disease. Limited evaluation of structural changes in transplanted kidneys hinders the timely prediction of disease progression and the implementation of treatment modifications. Protocol biopsies provide valuable insights but are invasive and carry risks of biopsy-related complications. This study investigates whether multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including T1 and T2 mapping and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), can predict kidney function and the progression of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) in the early post-transplant period. Methods: A prospective study was conducted at The Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno Klinikos from May 2022 to March 2024. Thirty-four patients receiving kidney transplants from deceased donors underwent baseline biopsies and post-transplant MRI scans. Follow-up assessments included kidney function evaluation, biopsies, and MRI scans at three months post-transplant. Results: Significant correlations were observed between MRI parameters and kidney function: T1 and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) corticomedullary differentiation (CMD) correlated with eGFR at discharge (r = −0.338, p = 0.05; r = 0.392, p = 0.022, respectively). Linear and logistic regression models demonstrated that post-transplant T1 and ADC CMD values significantly predicted kidney function at discharge. Furthermore, T1 CMD values measured 10–15 days post-transplant predicted IF/TA progression at three months post-kTx, with an area under the curve of 0.802 (95% CI: 0.616–0.987, p = 0.001) and an optimal cut-off value of −149.71 ms. The sensitivity and specificity were 0.818 and 0.273, respectively (Youden's index = 0.545). T2 mapping was not predictive. Conclusions: This study highlights the potential immediate clinical utility of MRI-derived biomarkers, particularly ADC and T1 CMD, in centers equipped with advanced imaging capabilities as tools for assessing kidney function in the early post-transplant period. With an AUROC of 0.802, T1 CMD demonstrates strong discriminatory power for predicting IF/TA progression early in the post-transplant period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural evolution of metavanadate compounds under high pressure offers valuable insights into phase transitions and changes in material properties. This study explores the structural behavior of BaV2O6 under pressures up to 12 GPa using powder X-ray diffraction and density-functional theory (DFT) simulations. The results indicate a phase transition from the ambient pressure orthorhombic phase (space group C222) to a monoclinic phase (space group C2) at 4 GPa, likely driven by the distortion of the vanadium oxide polyhedron. Above 10 GPa, the C2 phase undergoes amorphization, attributed to the breakdown of the infinite [VO4] chains into [VO3]− units. Additionally, BaV2O6 exhibits anisotropic lattice contraction and a relatively low bulk modulus (B0 ≈ 50 GPa). DFT calculations further explore the pressure dependence of enthalpy differences, Raman modes, and band structures, providing insights into the structural and electronic transformations of BaV2O6 under high pressure. This work deepens the understanding of the structural and band structure development of the metavanadate family under high pressure, contributing to advancements in materials science under extreme conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Well-functioning National Immunization Technical Advisory Groups (NITAGs) are valuable contributors to decision-making processes in the complex immunization policy arena. This paper describes the progress made globally on the establishment and strengthening of these key advisory groups and discusses some of their strengths, challenges, and opportunities. Methods: The data submitted annually by countries to the World Health Organization (WHO) via the WHO/UNICEF Joint Reporting Form (JRF) were analyzed, comparing the NITAG functionality criteria in 2012 and 2023. Results: In 2023 and 2012, 88% and 61% of countries, respectively, reported having a NITAG. A total of 77% of NITAGs met all six NITAG process criteria in 2023 compared to 33% in 2012. This progress was most notable in the WHO African Region, increasing from 7% (2012) to 77% (2023), and the South-East Asia Region, increasing from 45% (2012) to 91% (2023). In 2023, 84% of NITAGs issued a vaccine-policy recommendation that was adopted by decision-makers. Discussion: Marked progress has been made since 2012 on establishing and maintaining NITAGs, with a small number of countries yet to form an advisory committee. Supporting and sustaining NITAG functions remains an important means for countries to foster independent and transparent expert advice on vaccine and immunization policy. Setbacks in countries facing instability or political turmoil are a reminder of the reversibility of progress. WHO and partners play an important role in supporting countries in strengthening these advisory committees. Continuous commitment by countries to the function and involvement of NITAGs in policy recommendations is essential for enhancing the strength and resilience of immunization programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to obtain the Bayesian estimates of traffic intensity ( ρ ) in an M/M/1 queueing model with balking. Balking is a behavior of impatient customers in which upon arrival, customer decides not to enter the queue and leave the system without getting served. In this article, we considered balking probability as a function of the number of customers present in the system. We obtained the Bayesian estimates of ρ for the model under study by using various asymmetric loss functions such as modified quadratic loss function (M/QLF), entropy loss function (ELF), De'groot loss function (DLF), and linex loss function (LLF). Also, we provide some simulation results for supporting our findings for different sample sizes and parametric values. Further, a numerical application, for the better understanding of the model, will also be analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article we develop an information-theoretic framework of multiple sequence alignments (MSAs), based on sub-sampling. The key component of this framework is an information-theoretical potential defined on pairs of sites (links) within the MSA. This potential quantifies the expected drop in variation of information between the two constituent sites. The expectation is taken with respect to all possible sub-alignments, obtained by removing a finite, fixed number of rows. We show that the potential is zero for linked sites representing columns, for which symbols are in bijective correspondence and that it is strictly positive, otherwise. It is furthermore shown that the potential assumes its unique minimum for links at which each symbol pair appears with the same multiplicity. We then show that the established drop of the variation of information exceeds finite-size effects inherent to the construction of the potential. Finally, we provide as a proof of concept an application of our results to a specific MSA composed of the inverse fold solutions of three distinguished secondary structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The important role of zooplankton in linking different trophic levels has been the subject of extensive research, highlighting their crucial contribution to aquatic ecosystems and energy flow. Classification of organisms into functional groups using a method that combines taxonomic assessments with direct functional measurements is very effective in understanding their interactions with the environment. Our objective was to determine the seasonal changes of zooplankton in Lake Yeniçağa using zooplankton functional groups. A total of 19 zooplankton species were identified in the lake and classified into six functional groups. Medium-sized cladoceran and copepod carnivorous feeders (MCC) accounted for 45.74% of all functional groups and were the dominant group in the lake. Throughout the year, medium and large zooplankton generally dominated in the lake, with smaller functional groups briefly dominating in spring and autumn. Statistical analysis indicates that medium-sized cladoceran and copepod filter feeders (MCF) and large-sized cladoceran and copepod filter feeders (LCF) showed a positive relationship with Secchi depth and a negative relationship with chlorophyll a. Other groups exhibited relatively lower correlations with environmental parameters. It can be concluded that the observed seasonal changes in these groups are affected not only by environmental parameters, but also by the availability of food resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study shows that the synthesis of di‐BCP between amino acid l‐glutamic acid (l‐GluA) and hydrophobic polycaprolactone (PCL) leads to multifunctional and multifaceted capsule formation with different dispersion solvents. Successful synthesis of [(l‐GluA)‐b‐(PCL)] was confirmed by using FTIR and 1H NMR characterizations. For morphological studies, synthesized di‐BCP of [(l‐GluA)‐b‐(PCL)] was dispersed in four different solvents such as acetone, DMSO, IPA, and ethanol and was used for sample preparation for SEM imaging. Interestingly, smooth‐surfaced NPs (defined as type I NPs), rough‐surfaced NPs (type II NPs), porous NPs (type III NPs), and football‐type deep excavation having NPs (defined as type IV NPs). Furthermore, these NPs were characterized through BET, AFM, and DLS for particle size and ζ potential of NPs. LC for types III and IV NPs was calculated to be 1.96% ± 0.01% and 1.92% ± 0.01%, respectively. EE of types III and IV NPs was calculated to be 91% ± 1.5% and 94% ± 1.2%. We used K562 (leukemia blood cancer) and HEK293 (embryonic kidney) cells for in vitro studies. DOX@[(l‐GluA)‐b‐(PCL)] nanoformulation related to types III and IV NPs shows significant early apoptosis that is, 29.17%, which is a remarkable programmed cell death for these porous nanoparticles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modeling a high-speed flying vehicle is imperative to ensure the success of vehicle development missions. Moreover, adherence to research protocols mandates a stepwise approach to testing the vehicle model, encompassing simulation trials using software-in-the-loop simulation (SILS), hardware-in-the-loop simulation (HILS), as well as diverse ground and environmental tests prior to flight testing. This study entailed a collaborative effort between MATLAB/Simulink and LabVIEW to seamlessly integrate the model developed in MATLAB/Simulink into LabVIEW for the implementation of model predictive control (MPC) strategy, aimed at trajectory correction (TC) missions for the vehicle. This MPC strategy was directly applied to the onboard flight control system (OBFCS) of the vehicle. Simulation results indicate the successful control of roll and pitch conditions by OBFCS in both SILS and HILS, ensuring the maintenance of flight conditions in accordance with predicted trajectories despite the presence of simulated disturbances. Notably, the simulation demonstrates the independence or absence of interference between each simultaneous MPC control for roll and pitch adjustments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The South-East Asia (SEA) Region of the World Health Organization (WHO), through a Regional Committee resolution in 2013, adopted the goal of "measles elimination and rubella control by 2020". The goal was revised in 2019 to "measles and rubella elimination by 2023". Countries of the Region have made significant efforts to achieve the goal. Progress has been made in the Region, with five of the 11 countries of the Region having been verified for having eliminated measles and rubella. Surveillance and immunization program performance for measles and rubella has shown an improvement since 2013. This progress has been possible due to a high level of political and programmatic commitment in the countries of the Region, as well as due to the alliances and infrastructures established for disease elimination initiatives in the past, notably for polio, being utilized effectively to implement strategies for measles and rubella elimination. The unforeseen COVID-19 pandemic had a detrimental effect on the immunization and surveillance efforts, leading to a delay in the achievement of measles and rubella elimination in the Region. Challenges to achieve the goal remain; however, efforts are ongoing in countries to not only protect the gains made so far but also to make further progress towards the goal of measles and rubella elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document titled "2024 ESC Guidelines for the management of peripheral arterial and aortic diseases" is a comprehensive guide that provides recommendations for the evaluation, screening, and treatment of peripheral arterial and aortic diseases. It covers topics such as epidemiology, risk factors, and diagnostic methods for these conditions. The guidelines outline optimal medical treatments, including lifestyle changes and pharmacological therapies, and discuss specific conditions such as peripheral arterial disease and carotid artery disease. The document also addresses aortic diseases, including atheromatous disease and aortic aneurysms, and offers guidance on treatment options such as surgery and endovascular repair. It provides information on genetic and congenital diseases of the aorta, as well as polyvascular peripheral arterial disease. The document concludes with key messages, gaps in evidence, and recommendations for practice, emphasizing the importance of individualized care, multidisciplinary management, and early diagnosis. [Extracted from the article]

This article presents an overview of the methods and techniques used to analyze the order in which graphic elements are applied to the surface of paper. This is one of the aspects of forensic document examination that allows to determine which handwritten entries or prints were made primarily and which were secondary. The study begins with a discussion of the microscopic methods that dominated in the 1960s, then presents spectroscopic techniques, as well as the use of the ESDa electrostatic apparatus. Finally, the latest achievements in the analysis of intersecting graphic lines using 3D modelling techniques are presented. The constant development of this field of research shows an increasing demand for finding the best methods. The results presented by many scientists are supported by numerous blind tests and attempts to identify all possible factors influencing the result. However, despite the predominance of non-destructive techniques, the most effective method has not yet been identified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the monthly population parameters of Pontastacus leptodactylus in Lake Yeniçağa, including sex, length, and weight compositions, length-weight relationship, fecundity, morphometry, meat yield, and crayfish plague ratio. For this purpose, 641 crayfish were collected using fyke nets with a 34 mm mesh size. The females carrying eggs were observed between February and May. The female specimens carried between 103 and 841 eggs each, with a diameter ranging from 2.03 to 2.82 mm. The research revealed a size range of 80–168 mm and weight range of 15–133 g for crayfish specimens. As a result of regression analyses, the length-weight relationship was calculated as W = 0.0392L2.9148 for males and W = 0.0701L2.6139 for females. The population exhibited negative allometric growth based on the length and weight data. The evaluation of meat yield was based on the total meat yield, which comprises cheliped meat yield and abdomen meat yield. The study found that 14.35% of the P. leptodactylus population in Yeniçağa Lake was affected by crayfish disease. The results indicate that the P. leptodactylus population in Lake Yeniçağa has an overall healthy population structure, with a size suitable for fishing, and should be considered from an economic standpoint. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we examined the effects of experimental intraperitoneal infection with haemotropic Mycoplasma ovis (0.5 mL of blood containing 80% parasitaemia) on selected serum biomarkers and cellular pathology in mice. After infection, M. ovis cells appeared in the blood films within one week. A dose-dependent peak of parasitemia was observed during the 3rd-week post-infection (pi), with a significant decrease in mean PCV between treatment versus control group at week 3 (t14 = -3.693, P < 0.02), week 5 (t14 = -2.096, P = 0.055), and week 7 (t14 = -4.329, P = 0.0 01). There was a significantly (t8 = -2.330, P = 0.048) lower serum oestrogen in treatment (10.38 ± 5.07) than control (17.43 ± 4.48), while serum progesterone was significantly (t8 = 5.415, P = 0.001) increased in treatment (27.37 ± 2.17) than control (15.92 ± 4.20). Serum haptoglobin was significantly (t8 = 8.525, P < 0.01) lower in treatment (8.72 ± 1.49) than control (18.16 ± 1.98) while the SAA was significantly (t8 = 3.362, P = 0.01) higher in treatment (16.79 ± 2.71) than control (11.59 ± 2.15). Prominent lesions observed in the ovary include degeneration, necrosis, vacuolation, and hypertrophy of the lutein cells in corpora lutea. In the lymph nodes, diffused cellular hyperplasia of the lymphoid tissue in the cortex. In the liver, degeneration and necrosis accompanied by leucocytic cellular infiltration and Kupffer cell proliferation within the sinusoids. There were diffused leucocytic infiltrations and proliferative lesions in the glomerulus of the kidneys. The disturbance in progesterone and ovarian pathology highlights the potential role of haemotropic M. ovis in reproductive disorders. The observed changes in biomarkers and cellular reactions following M. ovis infection in the mouse may be further advanced in sheep and goats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Government of India, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), established the National Polio Surveillance Project (NPSP) in 1997 and initiated acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) surveillance to achieve the goal of polio eradication. The WHO South-East Asia Region, comprising of 11 countries, including India, was certified as polio-free in March 2014. India was also validated to have eliminated maternal and neonatal tetanus in May 2015. Over the years, the surveillance of other vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs) was integrated with AFP surveillance in the country. Outbreak-based measles–rubella (MR) surveillance was initiated in 2005 using AFP surveillance as a platform, case-based fever–rash (FR) surveillance started in 2021 as one of the strategies to achieve measles and rubella elimination in the country. The surveillance of diphtheria, pertussis, and neonatal tetanus was integrated with AFP surveillance in a phased manner during 2015–2022. The surveillance system for VPDs in India, supported by a laboratory network of 10 polio laboratories, 28 measles–rubella laboratories, and 20 diphtheria–pertussis laboratories, has enhanced the national health capacity and security. The setting up and expansion of the surveillance system in the country involved the important component of capacity building of personnel on various components of surveillance, including case identification, case investigation, sample collection and shipment, data analysis and public health response. These capacities have been used effectively during other emergencies, such as the recent COVID-19 pandemic, as well as during outbreaks of other diseases and natural calamities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a single-server Markovian queueing model with balking is closely considered. Balking refers to a particular behavior of an impatient customer. Upon arrival, if the queue is too long, a customer may join the queue or leave the system without getting served. If he decides not to join the queue and leaves the system without getting served, this phenomenon is called as balking. In this article, balking probability is treated as a function rather than a constant, which depends on the number of customers present in the system. The emphasis of this article will mainly be placed on maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation of traffic intensity ( ρ), average size of system ( L s ), and average size of queue ( L q ). In addition, a simulation study has also been performed to support our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This field experiment was conducted in Chichu Kebele in the Dilla Zuria area from 2020 to 2023. The objective of the experiment was to determine the optimal mulching strategy for enhancing soil fertility and pineapple production by comparing three treatments (grass mulch, plastic mulch, and farmers' practices without any mulch) using a RCB (Randomized Complete Block) design. The study's findings showed that the treatments with plastic mulch had the greatest soil moisture content values (18.41%), while the treatments with no mulch had the lowest values (11.39%). Compared to mulched treatments, pineapple planted without mulch had the greatest bulk density values (1.43 g/cm3). Total nitrogen and organic carbon has increase by 34 and 25%, respectively due to plastic mulching. However, total nitrogen and organic carbon has increase by 43 and 37.5%, respectively due to grass mulching. Fruit length was larger by 42.7 and 33.2%, respectively due to plastic and grass mulch compared to the control. However, fruit girth was wider by 54.1 and 43.8%, respectively due to plastic and grass mulches compared to the control. The pineapple with the most fruit yield (71.39 t/ha), fruit length (17.4 cm), fruit girth (46.67 cm), and sucker number (15 pieces) was obtained using plastic mulching. However, pineapple grown without mulch had the lowest yield ever noted. Plastic mulch outperformed farmers' practices and grass mulching in terms of conserving soil moisture, which increased yield and yield characteristics. For the baseline, the marginal rate of return generated by the plastic and grass mulch treatments was 118.5 and 93.65%, respectively. Thus, the study's best recommendation for improving soils and achieving a high pineapple fruit yield is to grow pineapples using plastic mulch. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the issue of traffic organization on sections of city streets, in which there are public transport stop zones of different configurations (with a drive-in pocket and along a traffic lane). Accordingly, the object of research is the parameters of traffic flows; the subject is the regularities in their change on such specific sections of the street-road network, taking into account the configuration of stops, the number of traffic lanes, and priority conditions for the movement of public transport. The task addressed in this work was the quantitative assessment of the efficiency of traffic management in public transport stop zones. It was also important to compare different configurations of street segments in terms of their impact on delays of private and public transport. As a result of the research, the speed and time characteristics of the traffic flow and their dependence on its composition and intensity for different number and specialization of traffic lanes, as well as the location of the public transport stop, were determined. The resulting quantitative indicators of delays of all types of transport for each modeling option made it possible to determine the best of them according to the criterion of minimal time loss. This applies to both private and public transport, as the values of delays may differ from each other by 10–50 %. An applied aspect related to using the scientific result is the possibility of justifying the number of traffic lanes, or their allocation for public transport, as well as determining the appropriate configuration of stops. This constitutes the prerequisites for the transfer of the scientific results to the relevant interested structures in the field of transport, which are responsible for the organization and safety of traffic under urban conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diseases caused by small ruminant lentiviruses, Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP), Schmallenberg virus, and peste des petits ruminants virus (PPR) is globally recognised as serious threats to the ruminant industry due to their potential to spread rapidly across boundaries. Despite their global distribution and negative impacts on ruminant production, there is a gap in knowledge of the current trends in their epidemiology among sheep and goat populations in Peninsular Malaysia. This study was therefore designed to fill the gap of knowledge concerning the seroprevalence and contributing factors of CAEV, paratuberculosis, SBV, and PPRV among small ruminants from selected flocks in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, and Pahang states in Peninsular Malaysia. A cross-sectional study design was used to collect animal data and blood samples for serological assays simultaneously. The ID Screen (ID.VET, France) indirect ELISA screening tests were used to detect serum antibodies directed against CAEV/MVV (VISNAS Ver 0922), paratuberculosis (PARAS Ver 0516), SBV (SBVC Ver 1114) and PPRV (PPRC Ver 0821). There was 45.4% (95% CI = 40.74–50.74), 6.8% (95% CI = 4.66–9.69), 27.8% (95% CI = 23.35–32.77), and 2.6% (95% CI = 1.11–0.51) true seroprevalence for CAEV, paratuberculosis, SBV, and PPR, respectively. Geographical location and species were the risk factors for CAEV and paratuberculosis, while the management system and age of small ruminants were the risk factors for SBV. The present study is the first to document a large-scale seroprevalence of MAP and PPR infection among sheep and goat flocks in Peninsular Malaysia. The presence of PPRV and MAP antibodies among small ruminant flocks is signalling current or previous exposure to the pathogens or cross reactions with similar antigens. This finding further suggests the potential for future outbreaks of these devastating diseases among sheep and goats in Malaysia. The high seroprevalence of CAEV and SBV among small ruminants indicates high levels of exposure to the viruses in the environment, which is a potential threat to production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many stochastic continuous-state dynamical systems can be modeled as probabilistic programs with nonlinear non-polynomial updates in non-nested loops. We present two methods, one approximate and one exact, to automatically compute, without sampling, moment-based invariants for such probabilistic programs as closed-form solutions parameterized by the loop iteration. The exact method applies to probabilistic programs with trigonometric and exponential updates and is embedded in the Polar tool. The approximate method for moment computation applies to any nonlinear random function as it exploits the theory of polynomial chaos expansion to approximate non-polynomial updates as the sum of orthogonal polynomials. This translates the dynamical system to a non-nested loop with polynomial updates, and thus renders it conformable with the Polar tool that computes the moments of any order of the state variables. We evaluate our methods on an extensive number of examples ranging from modeling monetary policy to several physical motion systems in uncertain environments. The experimental results demonstrate the advantages of our approach with respect to the current state-of-the-art. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The risk of parasitism in different groups of small ruminants depends on intrinsic, environmental, and management factors. Although there are different views regarding the sex-related risk of endoparasites in small ruminants, females are undoubtedly the most affected group in the flock. Moreover, whether the greater sex-specific risk of parasitic infection observed in female goats in field situations is associated with their production or other intrinsic factors is still under scrutiny. In this paper, cross-sectional epidemiological data collected from selected small ruminant flocks were analysed to determine the distribution, risk, and burden of endoparasites in young, nonpregnant, pregnant, and lactating female goats. There was a higher incidence of gastrointestinal parasites (88.4%, 95%CI= 83.01-92.19) than blood protozoa (54.0%, 95%CI= 46.85-60.92), with a significant difference among the groups. A higher risk of gastrointestinal parasites was observed in lactating (OR = 46.667, P = 0.001) and pregnant (OR = 9.167, P = 0.003) groups. A greater risk of blood protozoan infection was also observed in the pregnant (OR = 5.971, P = 0.0104) and lactating (OR = 3.600, P = 0.0528) groups. A significant increase in the mean faecal egg count of the lactating (2.72 ± 0.76) and pregnant (2.34 ± 0.97) groups (P < 0.05) was accompanied by a significantly lower mean PCV in the lactating group (23.48 ± 4.838) than the kids (29.44 ± 6.13), or nonpregnant (27.80 ± 5.525) groups (P < 0.05). Thus, the pregnant and lactating female goats may experience a greater exposure risk and burden of endoparasites. Therefore, female goats may be selectively targeted for implementing nutritional management, controlled grazing, and selective anthelmintic treatment during pregnancy and lactation to save cost and minimise excessive use of anthelmintic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This veterinary clinical and pathology case report describes a severe clinical case of theileriosis in adult cattle with prolonged recumbency and terminal wasting because of complications due to chronic theileriosis in two adult (2-year-old) Jersey-Friesian Cross. The case was referred to the large animal clinic of the University Veterinary Hospital (UVH), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). The animals were presented as recumbent, dull, depressed, hypothermic, dehydrated, and cachexic. There were poor responses of the patients to fluid therapy and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory treatments, and they both died within 24 hrs of clinical presentation. Haematology (complete blood count and serum biochemistry) results revealed haemoconcentration and faecal examinations were negative for liver fluke infestation and blood smear examination was positive for intraerythrocytic piroplasms of Theileria (0.01% parasitaemia). Post-mortem examination further revealed advanced cachexia, generalised serous atrophy of fat, hepatomegaly, hepatic congestion, pulmonary congestion, and pulmonary oedema. Histological findings revealed atrophy of the hepatic cord, hepatic congestion, splenic hemosiderosis, pulmonary oedema and congestion. The clinicopathological findings supported an aetiological diagnosis of a severe clinical case of Theileriosis with terminal wasting because of complications due to chronic Theileriosis infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis with largely unknown underlying molecular mechanisms. Cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy is the only therapeutic option; however, despite its use, recurrence with a fatal outcome is common. The lack of molecular characterisation of PMP and other mucinous tumours is mainly due to the physicochemical properties of mucin. Results: This manuscript describes the first protocol capable of breaking the mucin barrier and isolating proteins from mucinous tumours. Briefly, mucinous tumour samples were homogenised and subjected to liquid chromatography using two specific columns to reduce mainly glycoproteins, albumins and immunoglobulin G. The protein fractions were then subjected to mass spectrometry analysis and the proteomic profile obtained was analysed using various bioinformatic tools. Thus, we present here the first proteome analysed in PMP and identified a distinct mucin isoform profile in soft compared to hard mucin tumour tissues as well as key biological processes/pathways altered in mucinous tumours. Importantly, this protocol also allowed us to identify MUC13 as a potential tumour cell marker in PMP. Conclusions: In sum, our results demonstrate that this protein isolation protocol from mucin will have a high impact, allowing the oncology research community to more rapidly advance in the knowledge of PMP and other mucinous neoplasms, as well as develop new and effective therapeutic strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All guidelines worldwide strongly recommend exercise as a pillar of the management of patients affected by lower extremity peripheral artery disease (PAD). Exercise therapy in this setting presents different modalities, and a structured programme provides optimal results. This clinical consensus paper is intended for clinicians to promote and assist for the set-up of comprehensive exercise programmes to best advice in patients with symptomatic chronic PAD. Different exercise training protocols specific for patients with PAD are presented. Data on patient assessment and outcome measures are narratively described based on the current best evidence. The document ends by highlighting disparities in access to supervised exercise programmes across Europe and the series of gaps for evidence requiring further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With an increasing number of marginal donors, additional methods for the evaluation of cadaveric kidney quality are required. This study aimed to evaluate pretransplant deceased donor serum (s) and urine (u) biomarkers, including neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), interleukin-18, and C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) for predicting early and late graft function. In total, 43 deceased kidney donors and 76 corresponding recipients were enrolled. Delayed graft function (DGF) occurred in 27.6% of cases. sIL-18, sKIM-1, uNGAL, and uKIM-1 were predictors of DGF. A model incorporating sIL-18, uKIM-1, and clinical factors was developed to predict DGF (AUROC 0.863). Univariate analysis showed a negative association between uKIM and graft eGFR at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, but this was not confirmed in the multivariate analysis. In conclusion, we report a superior performance of donor biomarkers for predicting DGF and later graft function over serum creatinine. Higher levels of donor sIL-18 and uKIM in conjunction with expanded-criteria donors and longer cold ischemia times predicted DGF. With no renal tubular damage in zero-time donor biopsies, higher pretransplant urine and serum NGAL levels were associated with better allograft function one year after transplantation, and sNGAL with graft function three years after transplantation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paratuberculosis, also known as Johne's disease, is a chronic wasting disease caused by Mycobacterium avium subs paratuberculosis (MAP) in ruminants. Paratuberculosis causes a significant reduction of milk production in the affected dairy sheep or goats and increase the cost of diagnosis, treatment, and culling of the infected animals. Paratuberculosis is currently recognised as a disease of major economic significance in cattle, sheep, goats, and wild ruminants globally. Recent reports also suggest that paratuberculosis affects wild ruminants and farmed deer. Despite the widespread occurrence of MAP, there are variations in the seroprevalence and global distribution patterns of disease among small ruminants and deer herds due to the influence of interacting epidemiological variables in different places. This systematic review aims to provide insights on the current global seroprevalence status and distribution pattern of paratuberculosis among small ruminants and deer herds. The review compiled, analyzed, and narratively synthesized 36 eligible research articles published between January 1, 2010, and January 31, 2024, from the SCOPUS and PubMed databases based on the 22-point Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. The average global seroprevalence of paratuberculosis in sheep was 14.02% (0.7-66.8), with the highest rate in Canada (66.8%) and the lowest in Austria (0.7%). Comparatively, the average global seroprevalence in goats was 18.44% (0.3-83), with the highest rate in Canada (83%) and the lowest in the West Indies (0.3%). The average global prevalence of paratuberculosis in deer was 14.76% (3.7-30.2), with the highest rate in Spain (30.2%) and the lowest rate in the Czech Republic (3.7%). This review revealed that Canada is a hot spot for both caprine and ovine paratuberculosis and there was a higher global seroprevalence rates in goats than sheep and deer. The lack of data on the seroepidemiology of paratuberculosis among small ruminant stock in Southeast Asia and other regions is a gap in our current knowledge of its distribution. Therefore, seroprevalence surveys of paratuberculosis among the small ruminant and deer livestock are required to furnish information for planning suitable interventions in these areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on addressing the challenges associated with doxorubicin (DOX), an anthracycline chemotherapeutic widely used in cancer treatment. Despite its efficacy, DOX is linked to severe side effects that limit its clinical applications. Novel pharmaceutical formulations aim to mitigate these issues, providing better safety profiles. The development of these formulations requires analytical methods that can accurately and quickly quantify DOX. A cost-effective and portable electrochemical sensor for DOX detection was developed utilizing in-house printed carbon electrodes decorated with gold nanoparticles. DOX was detected using differential pulse voltammetry. The sensor demonstrated an accurate quantification of DOX from novel pharmaceutical formulations and serum, presenting a dynamic range of 1 to 500 μg/mL and a low detection limit of 0.3 μg/mL. The method, successfully applied to characterize DOX-loaded nanosomes, offers a valuable alternative in the early stages of formulation development, reducing costs and saving time, while maintaining accuracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Farming practices reliant solely on synthetic agrochemicals face unreliability in the current era marked by unpredictable climate changes and rapid soil health deterioration. Consequently, a shift towards sustainable approaches is imperative to ensure both food security and environmental quality. Molasses and vinasse, abundant organic liquid by-products from sugar processing and distillery industries respectively, have historically served as soil conditioners and biofertilizers. Despite their potential, their effectiveness as organic amendments remain relatively unknown globally. In response, we conducted a systematic literature review to unveil the benefits of molasses and vinasse as organic amendments. Our findings reveal that these by-products consist of both inorganic and organic compounds that enhance soil and aquatic ecosystem performance. These compounds include essential plant nutrients as mineral elements and organic matter, contributing to improved soil physico-chemical and biological properties. Notably, the application of molasses and vinasse in crop production has demonstrated superiority over chemical fertilizers, particularly when combined with other inorganic amendments. Molasses and vinasse have been reported to significantly increase yield in several crops including sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), soybean (Glycine max), maize (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa). Strategic utilization of vinasse has the potential to enhance environmental quality by reducing soil heavy metal loads and mitigating negative impacts associated with synthetic fertilizers. However, it is crucial to note that irregular disposal or misuse of these by-products can result in detrimental effects on the environment and human health. To encourage sustainable utilization on a global scale, it is essential to establish appropriate dosages, raise awareness among farmers and stakeholders regarding judicious Farming practices reliant solely on synthetic agrochemicals face unreliability in the current era marked by unpredictable climate changes and rapid soil health deterioration. Consequently, a shift towards sustainable approaches is imperative to ensure both food security and environmental quality. Molasses and vinasse, abundant organic liquid by-products from sugar processing and distillery industries respectively, have historically served as soil conditioners and biofertilizers. Despite their potential, their effectiveness as organic amendments remain relatively unknown globally. In response, we conducted a systematic literature review to unveil the benefits of molasses and vinasse as organic amendments. Our findings reveal that these by-products consist of both inorganic and organic compounds that enhance soil and aquatic ecosystem performance. These compounds include essential plant nutrients as mineral elements and organic matter, contributing to improved soil physico-chemical and biological properties. Notably, the application of molasses and vinasse in crop production has demonstrated superiority over chemical fertilizers, particularly when combined with other inorganic amendments. Molasses and vinasse have been reported to significantly increase yield in several crops including sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum), tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum), soybean (Glycine max), maize (Zea mays) and rice (Oryza sativa). Strategic utilization of vinasse has the potential to enhance environmental quality by reducing soil heavy metal loads and mitigating negative impacts associated with synthetic fertilizers. However, it is crucial to note that irregular disposal or misuse of these by-products can result in detrimental effects on the environment and human health. To encourage sustainable utilization on a global scale, it is essential to establish appropriate dosages, raise awareness among farmers and stakeholders regarding judicious [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper we proposed an M/M/8 queue with impatient customers. Generally, customers are impatient due to long waits in queue but in this work, we consider the case when customers are not impatient due to long waits but they are impatient due to the poor quality of service. We model and analyze this queueing system by using continued fraction technique and obtained the probability mass function of the customers present in the system in time dependent form. Also, we calculate the average queue size. Finally, some graphical representations are given to illustrate the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rocket flight tests invariably serve a purpose, one of which involves area monitoring or aerial photography. Consequently, the rocket necessitates the installation of a camera that remains consistently oriented toward the Earth's surface throughout its trajectory. Thus, ensuring the rocket's stability and preventing any rotation becomes imperative. To achieve this, the Onboard Attitude Determination Control System (OADCS) was researched and developed, fully controlled by NI myRIO with Labview as the programming language, ensures the rocket's attitude control and maintains a rolling angle of 0 degrees during flight. The MyRIO oversees the retrieval of attitude and position data from the X-Plane flight simulator, offering feedback through actuator control. The development of the OADCS proceeded incrementally through stages utilizing the Software in the Loop Simulation (SILS) and Hardware in the Loop Simulation (HILS) techniques, to ensure the verification of the system's functionality before its application to the rocket for real flight testing. In the OADCS control scheme, Model Predictive Control (MPC) is chosen, and it is compared with a PID controller to serve as a benchmark for processing speed. Because the rocket's flight time is short and its speeds of up to Mach 4. The simulation results indicate that MPC can halt the rocket's rotation 12 times more rapidly than PID control. Additionally, the MPC's ability to maintain a zerodegree rotation can persist throughout the rocket's flight time. Employing SILS and HILS enhances the OADCS rocket development process by incorporating MPC, which holds promise for application in real rockets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a polymer‐derived silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) ceramic layer has been coated on stainless steel 304 (SS304) to improve corrosion resistance in a seawater environment. The surface of SS304 is dip‐coated with vinyl‐functionalized polysiloxane, followed by pyrolysis under argon at 800°C to obtain SiOC layer with a thickness of about 1 μm after two‐fold coating/pyrolysis steps. Structural characterization of the samples was performed by fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Electrochemical characterization of SS304 and SiOC‐coated SS304 is performed in 0.6 M NaCl solution. Potentiodynamic polarization measurements showed improved corrosion resistance of SiOC‐coated SS304 with a very low corrosion current density of 4.14 × 10−9 A/cm2 whereas for uncoated SS304 corrosion current density of 4.56 × 10−7 A/cm2 was measured. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopic study confirmed superior corrosion resistance behavior of SiOC‐coated SS304 over uncoated SS304. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secondary lymphedema (LD) corresponds to a severe lymphatic dysfunction leading to the accumulation of fluid and fibrotic adipose tissue in a limb. Here, we identified apelin (APLN) as a powerful molecule for regenerating lymphatic function in LD. We identified the loss of APLN expression in the lymphedematous arm compared to the normal arm in patients. The role of APLN in LD was confirmed in APLN knockout mice, in which LD is increased and associated with fibrosis and dermal backflow. This was reversed by intradermal injection of APLN-lentivectors. Mechanistically, APLN stimulates lymphatic endothelial cell gene expression and induces the binding of E2F8 transcription factor to the promoter of CCBE1 that controls VEGF-C processing. In addition, APLN induces Akt and eNOS pathways to stimulate lymphatic collector pumping. Our results show that APLN represents a novel partner for VEGF-C to restore lymphatic function in both initial and collecting vessels. As LD appears after cancer treatment, we validated the APLN-VEGF-C combination using a novel class of nonintegrative RNA delivery LentiFlash® vector that will be evaluated for phase I/IIa clinical trial. Synopsis: Lymphedema is a disorder of the lymphatic system characterized by massive swelling due to the accumulation of undrained interstitial fluid and fibrotic adipose tissue. Regenerative medicine for lymphedema has to combine molecules to repair both superficial capillaries and deeper collecting vessels. Apelin expression is downregulated in lymphedema tissues from patients. Apelin deficiency increases lymphedema in mice. Apelin restores lymphatic collecting vessel pumping and reduces fibrosis. Transient mRNA delivery of Apelin combined to VEGFC restores function in the entire lymphatic network from capillaries to collecting vessels. Lymphedema is a disorder of the lymphatic system characterized by massive swelling due to the accumulation of undrained interstitial fluid and fibrotic adipose tissue. Regenerative medicine for lymphedema has to combine molecules to repair both superficial capillaries and deeper collecting vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This study investigates the impact of ventilation, specifically modeled by a radiator fan, on heptane pool fires within a military ground vehicle engine compartment. Experiments were conducted in a 2.44 m3 scale-1 compartment with varying fan-generated inflow velocities, initial fuel thicknesses, and pan diameters. The primary objective is to comprehensively assess how ventilation conditions affect pool fire behavior, focusing on properties such as mass loss rate, heat release, temperature, and heat flux in both the boiling and steady stages. The results reveal that the boiling stage occurs at initial fuel thicknesses of 10 and 15 mm, allowing us to analyze the boiling-to-steady ratio. This ratio exhibits variation across parameters. For burning duration, the ratios range from 0.45 to 0.93, while for mass loss rate, the ratios range from 2.3 to 3.5. Regarding total heat flux, the ratios span from 2.5 to 4. The boiling-to-steady ratio for temperature varies by position: in the vertical tree, it ranges from 1.1 to 1.7; in the ceiling tree, it ranges from 2.2 to 2.9; and in the ceiling side tree, it ranges from 1.2 to 2.25. Ventilation influences the boiling-to-steady ratio. Increasing inflow velocity generally increases the ratio for burning duration and ceiling tree temperature while decreasing the ratio for mass loss rate. The impact of ventilation on other properties depends on pan diameter and initial fuel thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphedema (LD) is characterized by the accumulation of interstitial fluid, lipids and inflammatory cell infiltrate in the limb. Here, we find that LD tissues from women who developed LD after breast cancer exhibit an inflamed gene expression profile. Lipidomic analysis reveals decrease in specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPM) generated by the 15-lipoxygenase (15-LO) in LD. In mice, the loss of SPM is associated with an increase in apoptotic regulatory T (Treg) cell number. In addition, the selective depletion of 15-LO in the lymphatic endothelium induces an aggravation of LD that can be rescued by Treg cell adoptive transfer or ALOX15-expressing lentivector injections. Mechanistically, exogenous injections of the pro-resolving cytokine IFN−β restores both 15-LO expression and Treg cell number in a mouse model of LD. These results provide evidence that lymphatic 15-LO may represent a therapeutic target for LD by serving as a mediator of Treg cell populations to resolve inflammation.Specialised pro-resolving lipid mediators can reduce inflammatory responses and may be active in lymphedema. Here the authors show that in a mouse model 15-LO derived lipid mediators are reduced during inflammation and that a lack of the 15-LO producing enzyme aggravated disease and addition of 15-LO enzyme or Treg cells reduced disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To determine if pelvic/ovarian and omental lesions of ovarian cancer can be reliably segmented on computed tomography (CT) using fully automated deep learning-based methods. Methods: A deep learning model for the two most common disease sites of high-grade serous ovarian cancer lesions (pelvis/ovaries and omentum) was developed and compared against the well-established "no-new-Net" framework and unrevised trainee radiologist segmentations. A total of 451 CT scans collected from four different institutions were used for training (n = 276), evaluation (n = 104) and testing (n = 71) of the methods. The performance was evaluated using the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and compared using a Wilcoxon test. Results: Our model outperformed no-new-Net for the pelvic/ovarian lesions in cross-validation, on the evaluation and test set by a significant margin (p values being 4 × 10–7, 3 × 10–4, 4 × 10–2, respectively), and for the omental lesions on the evaluation set (p = 1 × 10–3). Our model did not perform significantly differently in segmenting pelvic/ovarian lesions (p = 0.371) compared to a trainee radiologist. On an independent test set, the model achieved a DSC performance of 71 ± 20 (mean ± standard deviation) for pelvic/ovarian and 61 ± 24 for omental lesions. Conclusion: Automated ovarian cancer segmentation on CT scans using deep neural networks is feasible and achieves performance close to a trainee-level radiologist for pelvic/ovarian lesions. Relevance statement: Automated segmentation of ovarian cancer may be used by clinicians for CT-based volumetric assessments and researchers for building complex analysis pipelines. Key points: • The first automated approach for pelvic/ovarian and omental ovarian cancer lesion segmentation on CT images has been presented. • Automated segmentation of ovarian cancer lesions can be comparable with manual segmentation of trainee radiologists. • Careful hyperparameter tuning can provide models significantly outperforming strong state-of-the-art baselines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is a rare disease characterized by a massive accumulation of mucus in the peritoneal cavity. The only effective treatment is aggressive surgery, aimed at removing all visible tumors. However, a high percentage of patients relapse, with subsequent progression and death. Recently, there has been an increase in therapies that target mutated oncogenic proteins. In this sense, KRAS has been reported to be highly mutated in PMP, with KRASG12D being the most common subtype. Here, we tested the efficacy of a small-molecule KRASG12D inhibitor, MRTX1133, in a high-grade PMP xenograft mouse model carrying a KRASG12D mutation. The results obtained in this work showed a profound inhibition of tumor growth, which was associated with a reduction in cell proliferation, an increase in apoptosis, and a reduction in the MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. In conclusion, these results demonstrate the high potency and efficacy of MRTX1133 in KRASG12D-PMP tumors and provide a rationale for clinical trials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tourism represents an important determinant of global recognition and regional growth and development of the Republic of Croatia, especially the coastal part of the country. However, there is no doubt that any tourism activity has strong economic, socio-cultural, social, and environmental effects. Mass tourism brings numerous advantages. However, the growing concentration of tourists also leads to negative effects, of which residents are the most affected. Šibenik is a tourist town whose development is primarily based on tourism, and this destination, due to its centuries-old history and geographic location, is attractive to tourists. This paper aims to investigate the extent to which tourism affects the quality of life of the local population based on a preliminary survey of a sample of residents of the city of Šibenik. This paper aims to investigate in detail the practical aspects of tourism. The respondents' perceptions and tourism's real, tangible, and measurable effects will be analyzed to draw valuable conclusions. This approach enables a deeper understanding of the impact of tourism on various aspects of society and the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics are used in the poultry industry as feed additives to improve growth, prevent disease, treat sick animals, stabilize intestinal microflora, and improve growth performance. Due to the risks regarding long-term antibiotic resistance development of pathogenic bacteria in humans, the utilization of synthetic antimicrobials in livestock feed has been banned in most animal production practices. However, antibiotic prohibition in livestock can result in poor performance of the animals in terms of yield of production, quality, and health status. Therefore, it is important to find natural alternatives such as propolis to substitute for antibiotic usage in livestock feed. Propolis is a natural resin produced by honeybees. There are over 300 beneficial compounds found in propolis. It contains various bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, and others which contribute to its antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties. Various studies have been carried out to determine the biological and chemical activities of propolis as well as its function as an alternative natural feed additive. Thus, this review focuses on propolis composition, the potential of stingless bee propolis in Borneo, its potential as an antioxidant with antimicrobial properties, and the potential of propolis as a natural feed additive for poultry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]