Search Results (35)

Reproductive system diseases are common in guinea pigs, but cases presenting with the coexistence of ovarian cysts and cystic endometrial hyperplasia (CEH) are poorly documented. This case describes a two-year-old female with abdominal tenderness and an ultrasonographic diagnosis of bilateral ovarian cysts and CEH, structured accordingly to the CARE guidelines. An ovariohysterectomy was performed via a ventral midline approach under multimodal anaesthesia and analgesia. Histopathological examination confirmed rete ovarii cysts and cystic endometrial hyperplasia. The postoperative course was uneventful, with complete recovery achieved within 21 days. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first case report, structured accordingly to the CARE guidelines, to provide complete clinical aspects, diagnostic testing (including imaging), treatment, and final confirmation of the diagnosis of both lesions in the same patient. Abdominal ultrasonography proved to be an essential tool for the simultaneous diagnosis of ovarian and uterine abnormalities in guinea pigs. Surgical management combined with multimodal anaesthesia ensured safe outcomes and satisfactory recovery. This case report also highlights the importance and value of structuring veterinary case reports according to the CARE guidelines, thereby improving the quality, transparency, and reproducibility of clinical reporting in exotic animal medicine. Full article

A mycological assessment evaluates the technical condition of a building by identifying damage from biological corrosion, which is particularly susceptible to fungal growth and insect attack. Such assessments are crucial for brick and wooden monuments. Accurate mycological assessments provide essential documentation for builders, designers, and cost estimators, indicating both locations of damage and the risks associated with weakened structures. The proper selection of testing locations during tender documentation preparation for historic buildings is critical, as it significantly impacts renovation and modernization costs. This article reviews building defects and testing protocols used in mycological expert opinions for buildings constructed between 1899 and 1900. It lists additional tests necessary during modernization and details costs resulting from incorrect assessments. The findings offer valuable guidance for specialists evaluating mycological hazards. The research revealed that 48% of structural elements in the examined buildings were incorrectly assessed solely through visual inspection, with the majority of errors occurring in lintels and cornices. Repairing these elements proved to be significantly more costly than the initial testing, with lintel repair exceeding excavation costs by over 60 times and cornice repairs by more than 130 times. Full article

Fibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and tenderness, cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, and insomnia. Electroacupuncture (EA) has documented efficacy against FM-associated pain, while cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) plays a critical role in endogenous analgesia. Herein, we examined whether pain relief initiated by EA was linked with differing cerebellar CB1 levels and signaling in an intermittent cold stress (ICS) mouse model of FM. FM-like hyperalgesia and recovery were assessed by measuring mechanical and thermal nociceptive thresholds. Compared to control mice, ICS-induced FM-model mice exhibited a significantly reduced mechanical withdrawal threshold (2.3 ± 0.1 g) and shorter thermal withdrawal latency (4.0 ± 0.5 s), indicative of mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Both conditions were reversed by 2 Hz EA but not sham EA. Hyperalgesia was associated with reduced CB1 receptor expression and the enhanced activity of multiple nociceptive signaling pathways (PKA, PI3K, Akt, mTOR, ERK, and NF-kB) in the mouse cerebellum. The 2 Hz EA treatment reliably reversed these abnormalities, while the sham EA treatment did not. Intracerebroventricular injection of the CB1 agonist anandamide (AEA) recapitulated the effects of EA on pain thresholds, while the analgesic effects of EA were blocked by the CB1 antagonist AM251. Precise chemogenetic stimulation at the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus reliably induced FM pain. Chemogenetic inhibition at the PVN diminished FM through the CB1 pathway in the cerebellum. Our findings suggest that dysregulation of CB1 expression and aberrant hyperactivity of nociceptive signaling pathways in the cerebellum contribute to the etiology of FM and that the upregulation of CB1 signaling mediates the analgesic efficacy of EA. Full article

To implement the “Green Transition” in civil engineering, this study provides a new critical perspective analyzing the sustainability measures adopted by two European megaprojects. Government regulations and legislation, reward mechanism, technological innovations, the carbon evaluation system as well as tracking and monitoring systems are further discussed in this research to manage megaprojects in a more sustainable way. Document reviews, field trips (both exhibition area and construction sites), and in-depth interviews with relevant stakeholders were conducted regarding two European megaprojects, namely the A16 Ring Road in the Netherlands and Fehmarnbelt Tunnel in Denmark, when it comes to sustainability transitions. Notwithstanding the regional limitations of the selected case studies, the results illustrate that the implemented policies and regulations promote the sustainability transitions in projects and lead to environmental and societal benefits. Among the others, the requirement to quantify the carbon emissions is a central step during the tendering and execution phases of the megaprojects. Future studies need to comprehensively address the challenges related to project management and sustainable transitions as well as delve into other possible practices implemented locally in different locations. Local policies and regulations, innovation in technology and materials as well as the quantification of environmental impacts are key aspects to accelerate such change towards carbon neutrality. Full article

Conflicts between owners and contractors in state-led infrastructure and building projects pose significant challenges to project efficiency, cost control, and stakeholder collaboration. The aim of this study is to identify the primary causes of such conflicts in Norway and evaluate potential mitigation strategies. Deficiencies in tender documentation, unclear risk allocation, and limited early contractor involvement significantly contribute to project disputes considered as central facts. Using a mixed-methods approach, the research integrates survey data from 57 industry professionals and in-depth interviews with senior project managers. Statistical analysis results show that most people believe flawed tender documents and unclear risk sharing are big causes of conflicts. Specifically, 78% said tender documents were a problem, and 65% pointed to unclear risk allocation. Additionally, interviews revealed that involving contractors early in the process helps avoid misunderstandings and encourages better teamwork. The findings indicate sector-specific differences, with infrastructure projects primarily affected by technical ambiguities and contractual disputes, whereas building projects face more scope modifications and interpersonal conflicts. To mitigate these issues, the study recommends improving tender document quality, adopting collaborative contracting models, and increasing early contractor engagement. These measures can enhance project outcomes, reduce societal costs, and foster more efficient stakeholder collaboration in state-led construction initiatives. Full article

Condica capensis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), a newly identified pest in Yunnan Province, China, poses a threat to safflower crops. Discovered in Nanhua County in November 2023, the pest damages safflower at multiple life stages, especially during its larval stage, when it feeds on leaves, tender stems, and flower filaments, sometimes causing the entire plant to die. Morphological and molecular analyses, including mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase I (COI) gene sequencing, confirmed its identity as C. capensis, a new species record for Yunnan. The study also documented the pest’s life cycle, reproductive behavior, and natural enemies, highlighting the potential for biological control using parasitic wasps such as Cotesia sp. This research emphasizes the need for accurate pest identification and monitoring to develop effective, sustainable pest management strategies. As safflower cultivation grows in Yunnan, managing C. capensis is critical to safeguarding local agriculture and preventing broader agricultural threats. Full article

The risk–benefit analysis of ERP implementation is worth investigating to optimize the efficiency of ERP deployment in the construction sector. This study investigates the factors affecting the dissipation of ERP through diffusion models in developing countries. Moreover, it suggests a strategy to adopt ERP modules that optimize process integration and project efficiency through the priority factors method. According to the study, the internal model best describes the studied modules, and it suggests that imitative behavior and word of mouth significantly influence ERP adoption in the Africa and Middle East regions. This research concludes with an optimized order for deploying ERP modules based on the importance, urgency, and ease of implementation of each module. It is as follows: work progress (500), budgeting (405), procurement (343), site operations (280), planning and scheduling (270), accounting (252), inventory management (126), document control (90), and tendering (6). Therefore, it can be concluded that this study fills the research gap of ERP module adoption using diffusion models and priority factors within the construction industry, specifically in the specified regions. However, considering dynamic influence factors might provide more precise predictions, while involving a greater number of companies’ owners might highlight a greater importance of external factors. Full article

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease primarily affecting the joints and requires various treatments, including medication, injection, and physiotherapy. Wu tou decoction (WTD) is a traditional Chinese medicine prescribed for RA, with several articles documenting its effectiveness in RA treatment. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of WTD for RA. We searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing WTD with conventional treatments (including medication, injection, and physiotherapy) from its inception to May 2024. Primary outcomes were disease activity scores, including effective rate, tender joint count, and morning stiffness. Secondary outcomes comprised blood test results (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and rheumatoid factor) and adverse events. Nineteen RCTs involving 1794 patients were included. Statistically, WTD demonstrated better improvement than conventional treatments (18 medications and 1 injection) across the effective rate, joint scale, and blood tests, regardless of the treatment type (monotherapy or combination therapy). Adverse events were reported in 11 studies, with no statistical differences observed between them. The numerical results showed that WTD may offer potential benefits for managing RA. However, the significant discrepancy between clinical practice and the low quality of the RCTs remains a limitation. Therefore, further well-designed studies with larger patient cohorts are needed to draw definitive conclusions. Full article

Commercial construction projects (CCPs) in New Zealand contribute more to the economy than other project types. However, many face cost and time increases due to inadequate planning. Procurement pathways that involve contractors during design development provide more time to plan, collaboratively. Nevertheless, most projects are procured through traditional tender where contractors are only involved after detailed design. Through two-stage early contractor involvement (2S-ECI), contractors can provide design buildability advice for complex projects, contribute value management, carry out exploratory works, and order materials. The role of subcontractors in 2S-ECI can be significant. Six semi-structured interviews were conducted with clients, consultants, main contractors, and a subcontractor involved in large complex commercial construction projects. The findings build on the emerging body of knowledge about 2S-ECI by providing insight into subcontractor early involvement. Project complexity and market conditions were the main reasons for early subcontractor involvement. Common challenges include a lack of information sharing among the parties, non-competitive selection, and a lack of standard contract documentation. Opportunities for improvement include clarifying client expectations, educating stakeholders, and providing more equitable compensation for pre-construction services. Key drivers for subcontractor involvement include project complexity, market conditions, ordering long-lead-time systems, and performance specifications. Specialist early sub-trades include electrical, mechanical, structural steel, and façades. Subcontractors should typically be engaged as early as possible, often concurrently via main contractors to share performance risk. Pre-construction services provided by subcontractors include planning and sequencing; design buildability analysis; risk mitigation; value management; budget advice; systems procurement; design solutions; and document control systems. Advantages include obtaining specialist project knowledge and improving completion certainty. Producing a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) for subcontractors may address challenges, as has been carried out for main contractors, but there is still a gap in the contractual framework for 2S-ECI for subcontractors. Full article

The spontaneous rupture of a subcostal (12th intercostal) artery is exceptionally rare and could be fatal, requiring early diagnosis and treatment. Only one case of intercostal artery (ICA) bleeding in a patient undergoing hemodialysis (HD) has been reported. We additionally describe a 41-year-old man undergoing HD who presented with a spontaneous hemoperitoneum and shock resulting from a subcostal artery rupture. He initially complained of diffuse abdominal pain and dizziness at the emergency room. His abdomen was bloated, and there was tenderness in the right upper quadrant area. Enhanced computed tomography and arteriography revealed a rupture of the right subcostal artery. After the super-selection of the bleeding artery by a microcatheter, embolization was performed using a detachable coil and gelfoam. In a subsequent arteriogram, additional contrast leakage was no longer detected, and his blood pressure was restored to normal. The patient was discharged without any sequelae. He was followed up at our HD center without recurrence of ICA bleeding. To the best of our knowledge, this is the second case in the English literature documenting a spontaneous ICA rupture in a patient undergoing HD. This case indicates that injury to ICA should be suspected when patients undergoing HD complain of abdominal or chest pain and dizziness, although it is very rare. Full article

Magnolia kwangsiensis, a dioecious tree native to China, is recognized not only for its status as an at-risk species but also for its potential in therapeutic applications courtesy of its bioactive compounds. However, the genetic underpinnings of its leaf development and compound biosynthesis are not well documented. Our study aims to bridge this knowledge gap through comparative transcriptomics, analyzing gene expression through different leaf maturation stages. We studied the transcriptome of M. kwangsiensis leaves by applying RNA sequencing at juvenile, tender, and mature phases. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) to explore transcriptional changes accompanying the developmental trajectory. Our analysis delineates the transcriptional landscape of over 20,000 genes with over 6000 DEGs highlighting significant transcriptional shifts throughout leaf maturation. Mature leaves demonstrated upregulation in pathways related to photosynthesis, cell wall formation, and polysaccharide production, affirming their structural integrity and specialized metabolic functions. Our GO and KEGG enrichment analyses underpin these findings. Furthermore, we unveiled coordinated gene activity correlating development with synthesizing therapeutically relevant polysaccharides. We identified four novel glycosyltransferases potentially pivotal in this synergistic mechanism. Our study uncovers the complementary evolutionary forces that concurrently sculpt structural and chemical defenses. These genetic mechanisms calibrate leaf tissue resilience and biochemical efficacy. Full article

In literature relevant to this topic, attention is mainly paid to the qualitative and quantitative identification of defects in housing construction, and the factors that cause these defects. There is a research gap regarding the quantitative relationships between factors and defects, and the identification of factors that have a decisive impact on the occurrence of defects. The authors’ contribution to research regarding quality management in construction investments involves the identification of defects in residential buildings, identification of factors that generate construction defects occurring at various stages of the investment process, and also the assessment of their discriminatory power. This analysis used the results of technical inspections of buildings carried out in Poland in 2017–2020 in the Lower Silesia region. The study of the factors that influence quality in housing construction was carried out using the diagnostic survey method and the survey technique. Discriminant analysis was used for the calculations, with a number of influence factors being found. The following factors have the greatest discriminatory power: C1—a lack of internal control of design documentation before the start of the construction of the facility; C15—a lack of stability of the team (high staff turnover) that conducts contract tenders; C30—a lack of executive potential for preparing the facility for technical acceptance. Identifying the relationships between factors and quality, measured by the number and type of defects, will constitute the basis for developing procedures for conducting and controlling construction works and taking appropriate preventive actions in the form of employee training. Full article

Extruded linseed (Linum usitatissimum) in ruminant diets has been investigated as a strategy to improve the nutritional value and healthiness of meat fat; however, increased polyunsaturated fatty acids may limit the shelf-life of meat. Oregano (Origanum vulgare) has a documented antioxidant activity. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with extruded linseed and oregano on goat milk quality and whether the characteristics of goat milk affect the physical and chemical features, fatty acid profile, meat lipid oxidation, and sensory properties of meat from suckling kids. Thirty-six male kids were weaned and divided into three homogeneous groups (n = 12); each group was either fed a control diet (C), or a diet containing 3% extruded linseed with or without the addition of 0.6% oregano (“L + O” and “L”, respectively). The diets containing linseed lowered (p < 0.05) the saturated fatty acid content in meat, and increased (p < 0.05) monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and conjugated linoleic acid. Oregano addition to the linseed diet proved to be effective in preserving meat shelf-life, as shown by a significant (p < 0.01) reduction in the malondialdehyde concentration after 10 days of storage, and improved meat succulence, tenderness, juiciness, and overall acceptance. Full article

During the tender phase of public construction projects in Portugal, documents that describe the project are mandatorily submitted to open data repositories. However, in their current state, most of these repositories do not allow for benchmarking analysis due to a lack of data treatment and cohesion. This paper seeks to diagnose the main trends during the public construction project’s tender phase by performing a descriptive statistical analysis on the Portuguese Public Procurement Database (PPPData), a database that compiles 5172 public procurement contracts in Portugal from 2015 to 2022, to respond to the research gap in construction procurement benchmarking. The results of this statistical analysis draw out the main trends, uncover which tender variables can influence budget compliance, and diagnose Portugal’s public procurement in terms of its geographical, temporal, financial, and performance dispersion. This paper concludes that the award criteria are not correlated with final project performance and that multifactor assessment criteria do not necessarily lead to better performance. High-value projects awarded solely with the price award criterion tend to perform worse than those awarded with the multifactor assessment. The study also identified frequent errors and omissions in construction reporting; thus, there is a need for error mitigation tools. Full article

Meat is an important part of the food pyramid in Mexico, to such an extent that it is included in the basic food basket. In recent years, there has been great interest in the application of so-called emerging technologies, such as high-intensity ultrasound (HIU), to modify the characteristics of meat and meat products. The advantages of the HIU in meat such as pH, increased water-holding capacity, and antimicrobial activity are well documented and conclusive. However, in terms of meat tenderization, the results are confusing and contradictory, mainly when they focus on three HIU parameters: acoustic intensity, frequency, and application time. This study explores via a texturometer the effect of HIU-generated acoustic cavitation and ultrasonoporation in beef (m. Longissimus dorsi). Loin-steak was ultrasonicated with the following parameters: time t_HIU = 30 min/each side; frequency f_HIU = 37 kHz; acoustic intensity I_HIU = ~6, 7, 16, 28, and 90 W/cm². The results showed that acoustic cavitation has a chaotic effect on the loin-steak surface and thickness of the rib-eye due to Bjerknes force, generating shear stress waves, and acoustic radiation transmittance via the internal structure of the meat and the modification of the myofibrils, in addition to the collateral effect in which the collagen and pH generated ultrasonoporation. This means that HIU can be beneficial for the tenderization of meat. Full article