Search Results (158,154)

The Lidia cattle breed is featured in several traditional popular bullfighting festivals throughout Spain, including the “Toro de Cuerda” event, in which the animals are subjected to intense physical exercise. However, the physiological impact and welfare implications of these activities remain poorly characterized. This study aimed to evaluate the stress response and muscle damage in Lidia breed bulls during roping bull celebrations through comprehensive blood analysis. Blood samples were collected from 53 adult male Lidia bulls before and after a standardized 45 min continuous running exercise during traditional roping bull events in four Spanish autonomous regions. Hematological parameters, muscle enzymes (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, lactate), and stress hormones (cortisol and ACTH) were analyzed. Significant increases (p < 0.05) were observed in leukocytes, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, neutrophils, erythrocytes, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and post-exercise platelets. Muscle enzymes showed marked elevations, with creatine kinase increasing up to 10-fold above baseline values. Stress hormones, cortisol and ACTH, also demonstrated significant increases. Despite the magnitude of these changes, all parameters remained within established reference ranges for the bovine species. This study provides the first physiological assessment of Lidia cattle during popular bullfighting celebrations, establishing baseline data for evidence-based welfare evaluation and management protocols. Full article

Information is the primary driver of progress in today’s world, especially given the vast amounts of data available for extracting meaningful knowledge. The motivation for addressing the problem of forensic analysis—specifically the validity of decision making in multi-criteria contexts—stems from its limited coverage in the existing literature. Methodologically, machine learning and ensemble models represent key trends in this domain. Datasets used for such purposes can be either real or synthetic, with synthetic data becoming particularly valuable when real data is unavailable, in line with the growing use of publicly available Internet data. The integration of these two premises forms the central challenge addressed in this paper. The proposed solution is a three-layer ensemble model: the first layer employs multi-criteria decision-making methods; the second layer implements multiple machine learning algorithms through an optimized asymmetric procedure; and the third layer applies a voting mechanism for final decision making. The model is applied and evaluated through a case study analyzing the U.S. Army’s decision to replace the Colt 1911 pistol with the Beretta 92. The results demonstrate superior performance compared to state-of-the-art models, offering a promising approach to forensic decision analysis, especially in data-scarce environments. Full article

Background: Hip fractures represent a major clinical challenge, particularly in elderly and frail patients, where postoperative pain control must balance effective analgesia with motor preservation to facilitate early mobilization. Various regional anesthesia techniques are used in this setting, including the pericapsular nerve group (PENG) block, fascia iliaca compartment block (FICB), femoral nerve block (FNB), and quadratus lumborum block (QLB), yet optimal strategies remain debated. Objectives: To systematically review the efficacy, safety, and clinical applicability of major regional anesthesia techniques for pain management in hip fractures, including considerations of fracture type, surgical approach, and functional outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted following PRISMA 2020 guidelines in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and the virtual library of the Hospital Central de la Defensa “Gómez Ulla” up to March 2025. Inclusion criteria were RCTs, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses evaluating regional anesthesia for hip surgery in adults. Risk of bias in RCTs was assessed using RoB 2.0, and certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. Results: Twenty-nine studies were included, comprising RCTs, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses. PENG block demonstrated superior motor preservation and reduced opioid consumption compared to FICB and FNB, particularly in intracapsular fractures and anterior surgical approaches. FICB and combination strategies (PENG+LFCN or sciatic block) may provide broader analgesic coverage in extracapsular fractures or posterior approaches. The overall risk of bias across RCTs was predominantly low, and certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to high for key outcomes. No significant safety concerns were identified across techniques, although reporting of adverse events was inconsistent. Conclusions: PENG block appears to offer a favorable balance of analgesia and motor preservation in hip fracture surgery, particularly for intracapsular fractures. For extracapsular fractures or posterior approaches, combination strategies may enhance analgesic coverage. Selection of block technique should be tailored to fracture type, surgical approach, and patient-specific functional goals. Full article

The application of satellite-derived sea surface temperature in coastal regions is critical for resolving the dynamics of frontal features and coastal upwelling. Here, we examine and compare sea surface temperature (SST) gradients derived from two satellite products, the Multi-Scale Ultra-High Resolution SST Product (MUR, 0.01° grid scale) and the Operational SST and Ice Analysis (OSTIA, 0.05° grid scale), available through the Group for High Resolution SST (GHRSST). Both products show similar seasonal variability, with maxima occurring in the summer time frame. Additionally, both products show an increasing trend of SST gradients near the coast. However, differences exist between the two products (maximum gradient intensities were around 0.11 and 0.06 °C/km for OSTIA and MUR, respectively). The potential contributions of both cloud cover and the collocation of the MUR SST onto the OSTIA SST grid product to these differences were examined. Spectra and coherences were examined at two specific latitudes along the coast where upwelling can occur. A major conclusion is that future work needs to focus on cloud cover and its impact on the derivation of SST in coastal regions. Future comparisons also need to apply collocation methodologies that maintain, as much as possible, the spatial variability of the high-resolution product. Full article

Beyond its crucial role as a tight barrier to protect the nervous system, the Blood–Brain Barrier (BBB) is increasingly being recognized for its physiological processes that affect brain function and behavior. In Drosophila melanogaster, the BBB expresses sex-specific transcripts, and a change in the sexual identity of adult BBB cells results in a significant reduction in male courtship behavior. The molecular nature of this BBB/brain interaction and the molecules that mediate it are unknown. Here we feminize BBB cells by targeted expression of the Drosophila female-specific master regulator TraF in otherwise normal males. We examined the effect on RNA expression in dissected brains by RNA sequenc-ing. We find that 283 transcripts change in comparison to normal control males. Tran-scripts representing cell signaling processes and synaptic communication are enriched, as are hormonal mediators. These transcripts provide a valuable resource for addressing questions about BBB and brain interaction. Full article

 Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems are of paramount importance to remote sensing applications, including Earth observation and environmental monitoring. Accurate calibration of these systems is imperative to ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the acquired data. A central component of the calibration process is the antenna model, which serves as a fundamental reference for characterizing the radiation pattern, gain, and overall performance of SAR systems. The present paper sets out to describe the implementation and validation of a phased-array antenna model for Synthetic Aperture Radar Systems (SARAS) in MATLAB R2024a. The antenna model was developed for utilization in the Spanish Earth observation missions PAZ and PRECURSOR-ECO. The antenna model incorporates a number of functions, which are divided into two primary modules: the first of these is the antenna pattern generation (APG) module, and the second is the antenna excitation generation (AEG) module. The present document focuses on the AEG, the function of which is to generate patterns for all required beams. These patterns are optimized and matched to specific calculated masks using an ad hoc genetic algorithm (GA). In consideration of the aforementioned factors, the AEG module generates a set of complex excitations corresponding to the required beam from different satellite operational beams, based on several radiometrically defined parameters.  Full article

Background/Objectives: Aberrant expression of high-mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) has been linked to cancer development and progression. Methods: To better comprehend the role of HMGB1 expression in cancer, a tissue microarray containing 14,966 samples from 134 different tumor entities and 608 samples of 76 different normal tissue types was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. Results: Strong HMGB1 staining occurred in almost all normal cell types and in most cancers. Of 11,808 evaluable cancers, only 7.8% showed complete absence of HMGB1 staining (HMGB1 deficiency) while 9.9% showed 1+, 25.0% showed 2+, and 57.2% showed 3+ HMGB1 positivity. Absence of HMGB1 staining mostly occurred in pheochromocytoma (90.0%), seminoma (72.4%), gastrointestinal stromal tumor (28.6%), adrenal cortical carcinoma (25.0%), and Hodgkin’s lymphoma (25.0%). Low HMGB1 staining was linked to poor histologic grade (p < 0.0001), advanced pT stage (p < 0.0001), high UICC stage (p < 0.0001), and distant metastasis (p = 0.0413) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma, invasive tumor growth in urothelial carcinoma (pTa vs. pT2–4, p < 0.0001), mismatch repair deficiency (p = 0.0167) in colorectal cancers, and advanced pT stage in invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (p = 0.0038). Strong HMGB1 staining was linked to nodal metastases in high-grade serous ovarian carcinomas (p = 0.0213) and colorectal adenocarcinomas (p = 0.0137), as well as to poor histological grade in squamous cell carcinomas (p = 0.0010). Conclusions: HMGB1 deficiency and reduced HMGB1 expression occur in a broad range of different tumor entities. Low rather than strong HMGB1 staining is often linked to an aggressive tumor phenotype. Whether HMGB1 deficiency renders cells susceptible to specific drugs remains to be determined. Full article

Background/Objectives: Mumps remains a relevant vaccine-preventable disease globally, especially in settings where immunization coverage fluctuates or vaccine-induced immunity wanes. This study aimed to assess long-term trends in mumps incidence, vaccination coverage, clinical outcomes, and demographic characteristics in the Autonomous Province of Vojvodina (AP Vojvodina), Serbia, over a 47-year period. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational study using surveillance data from the Institute of Public Health of Vojvodina. Analyses included annual mumps incidence rates (1978–2024), coverage with mumps-containing vaccines (MuCVs; 1986–2024), monthly case counts, and individual-level case data for the 1997–2024 period. Variables analyzed included age, month of notification, gender, vaccination status, presence of clinical complications, and the method used for case confirmation. Results: Following the introduction of MuCV in 1986, the mumps incidence markedly declined, with limited resurgences in 2000, 2009, and 2012. Between 1997 and 2024, a total of 1358 cases were reported, with 62.7% occurring in males. Over time, the age distribution shifted, with adolescents and young adults being increasingly affected during the later (2011–2024) observed period. In 2012, the highest age-specific incidence was observed among individuals aged 10–19 and 20–39 years (49.1 and 45.5 per 100,000, respectively). Vaccination coverage for both MuCV doses was suboptimal in several years. The proportion of unvaccinated cases decreased over time, while the proportion with unknown vaccination status increased. Mumps-related complications—such as orchitis, pancreatitis, and meningitis—were rare and predominantly affected unvaccinated individuals: 84.2% of orchitis, 40.0% of pancreatitis, and all meningitis cases. Only two pancreatitis cases (40.0%) were reported after one MMR dose, while fully vaccinated individuals (two doses) had one orchitis case (5.3%) and no other complications. Laboratory confirmation was applied more consistently from 2009 onward, with 49.6% of cases confirmed that year (58 out of 117), and, in several years after 2020, only laboratory-confirmed cases were reported, indicating improved diagnostic capacity. Conclusions: Despite substantial progress in controlling mumps, gaps in vaccine coverage, waning immunity, and incomplete vaccination records continue to pose a risk for mumps transmission. Strengthening routine immunization, ensuring high two-dose MuCV coverage, improving vaccination record keeping, and enhancing laboratory-based case confirmation are critical. Consideration should be given to booster doses in high-risk populations and to conducting a seroepidemiological study to estimate the susceptible population for mumps in AP Vojvodina. Full article

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the mean age of eruption of permanent teeth and their clinical emergence sequence in a longitudinal sample of children from a multi-ethnic urban population. Methods: A total of 854 children (413 females and 441 males), aged between 4 and 13 years, were examined annually for a minimum of 4 consecutive years, as part of their annual dental screening appointment. The presence of permanent teeth was recorded at each examination. Mean and median ages, with standard deviations, of individual tooth eruption were calculated, in addition to the eruption sequence, and the analysis of the data was performed using the lognormal distribution model. Regarding the error of the method, two examiners reviewed all relevant dental screening forms, and any discrepancies were resolved through consultation with the senior author. Results: The sequence of permanent tooth eruption followed a consistent pattern across sexes, with distinct differences between the maxillary and mandibular arches. In the maxilla, eruption began with the first molar, while in the mandible, it started with the central incisor. Mandibular teeth generally erupted earlier than maxillary teeth, with girls experiencing earlier eruption than boys, with some exceptions, and prolonged eruption periods. No statistically significant differences were found in the timing of eruption between contralateral homologous teeth. Conclusions: Based on the present data, the observed sequence of tooth eruption in a multi-ethnic urban population showed similar patterns across sexes. Mandibular teeth generally erupt earlier than maxillary teeth, with girls experiencing earlier eruption than boys. Full article

The objectives of the present work were as follows: (i) the detection of cathelicidin biomolecules in the milk of individual goats during the early stages of mastitis and their potential use for the diagnosis of mastitis at its early stage and (ii) the evaluation of the presence of cathelicidin proteins in the bulk-tank milk from goat and sheep farms. In an experimental study, after inoculation of Staphylococcus simulans into a mammary gland of goats, bacteriological and cytological examinations of milk samples, as well as proteomics examinations [two-dimensional gel electrophoresis analysis (2-DE) and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometer (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis] were performed sequentially, from 4 to 48 h post-challenge. Cathelicidin-1 and cathelicidin-2 were detected consistently in milk samples obtained throughout the study, and spot optical densities obtained from PDQuest v.8.0 were recorded. Associations were calculated between the presence of mastitis in a mammary gland at a given timepoint and the detection of cathelicidin proteins in the respective milk sample. All inoculated mammary glands developed mastitis, confirmed by the consistent bacterial isolation from milk samples and the increased somatic cell content therein. Spot optical density of cathelicidin proteins was higher than in samples from contralateral mammary glands. There was a significant association between the presence of mastitis in a mammary gland and the detection of cathelicidin biomolecules in the respective milk sample; the overall accuracy was 81.8% (95% confidence interval: 70.4–90.2%). In a field investigation, the presence of cathelicidin proteins was evaluated in the bulk-tank milk of 32 dairy goat and 57 dairy sheep farms. In this part of the work, no cathelicidin proteins were detected in any bulk-tank milk sample of goat, 0.0% (95% confidence interval: 0.0–10.7%), or sheep, 0.0% (95% confidence interval: 0.0–6.3%), farms. Full article

A rational synthesis of the branched decaarabinofuranoside with 4-(2-azidoethoxy)phenyl aglycone (a Janus aglycone) related to the non-reducing terminal fragments of the arabinogalactan and lipoarabinomannan from Mycobacterium tuberculosis was proposed. Since the most challenging step is the formation of a 1,2-cis glycosidic linkage, we have significantly simplified access to a library of oligoarabinofuranosides derived from Mycobacterium tuberculosis polysaccharides using a silylated Ara-β-(1→2)-Ara disaccharide as the glycosyl donor. The application of a Janus aglycone also allowed us to reduce the number of reaction steps in glycoside synthesis. The obtained arabinans can be useful to further prepare conjugates as antigens for creating tuberculosis screening assays. Full article

Background/Objectives: Possessing red and white ecotypes, and utilized in traditional Guyanese medicine, Doliocarpus dentatus’ red ecotype is preferred locally for its purported superior therapeutic efficacy. Although therapeutic metabolites were detected in D. dentatus previously, phytohormones remain largely unexplored, until now. Cytokinins, phytohormones responsible for plant cell division, growth and differentiation, are gaining traction for their therapeutic potential in human health. This study screened and quantified endogenous cytokinins and correlated detected cytokinins with selected secondary metabolites. Methods: Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry was used to acquire phytohormone and metabolite data. Bioinformatics tools were used to assess untargeted metabolomics datasets via statistical and pathway analyses, and chemical groupings of putative metabolites. Results: In total, 20 of the 35 phytohormones were detected and quantified in both ecotypes, with the red ecotype displaying higher free base and glucoside cytokinin concentrations and exhibited 6.2 times the total CK content when compared to the white ecotype. Pathway analysis revealed flavonoid and monoterpenoid biosynthesis in red and white ecotypes, respectively. Positive correlations between specific cytokinins and alkaloids, and between trans-Zeatin and isopentenyladenosine riboside with phenolic compounds were observed. Conclusions: These results suggest that the red ecotype’s elevated cytokinin levels coupled with flavonoid biosynthesis enrichment support its preference in Guyanese traditional medicine. Full article

The 3rd Annual Meeting of the International Network on Ectopic Calcification (INTEC) was held in Faro, Portugal on 12–13 September 2024. This hybrid meeting brought together researchers and clinicians focused on the molecular, (patho)physiological, and clinical aspects of ectopic calcification in hereditary and acquired conditions, as well as in aging. The findings presented in this year’s meeting emphasised the complexity of the field, offering new insights into both mechanistic pathways and translational hurdles. The abstracts of this year’s meeting are collected in this conference paper, with permission from the corresponding authors. Full article

Learning is occurring increasingly online, often asynchronously, and sometimes that presents a barrier to instructional delivery on metacognitive behaviors that might easily be modeled in traditional classrooms. However, such metacognitive behaviors are essential to engaging deeply with academic texts. The research team involved in this paper is part of ongoing design-based research exploring the use of social annotation to support students as metacognitive readers of digital, academic texts in online asynchronous contexts. In the most recent iteration of this research, the authors designed asynchronous instruction on metacognitive reading using the gradual release of responsibility (GRR) framework. This paper provides rich descriptions of instructors’ instructional moves to scaffold and support students as metacognitive readers of digital, academic texts in asynchronous online classes. Future research should explore the efficacy of GRR as a pedagogical approach used online. Full article

Background/Objectives: In soccer, scanning before receiving the ball helps players better perceive and interpret their surroundings, enabling faster and more effective passes. Despite its importance, no standardized tests currently incorporate scanning actions into assessments of passing abilities. In this study, we test the reliability and validity of a battery of passing tests that assess a player’s ability to control and pass the ball while also scanning for the appropriate target. Methods: We designed three passing tests that reflect different scanning demands that are routinely placed upon players during matches. Using players from the first and reserve teams of two professional clubs in Ghana (Club A, first-team n = 11, reserve-team n = 10; Club B, first-team n = 16, reserve-team n = 17), we: (i) tested the repeatability of each passing test (intraclass correlations), (ii) assessed whether the tests could distinguish between first and reserve team players (linear mixed-effects model), and (iii) examined whether players who were better in the passing tests had higher performances in 3v1 Rondo possession games (linear models). Results: All passing tests were significantly repeatable (ICCs = 0.77–0.85). Performance was highest in the 120-degree test (30.11 ± 7.22 passes/min), where scanning was not required, and was lowest in the 360-degree test (25.55 ± 5.94 passes/min), where players needed to constantly scan behind them. When players were scanning through an arc of 180 degrees, their average performance was 27.41 ± 6.14 passes/min. Overall passing performance significantly distinguished first from reserve team players (β = −1.47, t (51) = −4.32, p < 0.001)) and was positively associated with 3v1 Rondo possession performance (R² = 0.51, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results show that these passing tests are reliable, distinguish players across competitive levels, and correlate with performance in possession games. These tests offer a simple, ecologically valid way to assess scanning and passing abilities for elite players. Full article