Variation In Occurrence Research Articles

Dynamic massive star formation: Radio flux variability in UCHII regions

Theoretical models of early accretion during the formation process of massive stars have predicted that regions exhibit radio variability on timescales of decades. However, large-scale searches for such temporal variations with sufficient sensitivity have not yet been carried out. Our aim is to identify regions with variable radio wavelength fluxes and to investigate the properties of the identified objects, especially those with the highest level of variability. We compared the peak flux densities of 86 ultracompact regions measured by the GLOSTAR and CORNISH surveys and identified variables that show flux variations higher than 30% over the ∼8 yr timespan between these surveys. We found a sample of 38 variable regions, which is the largest sample identified to date. The overall occurrence of variability is 44±5%, suggesting that variation in regions is significantly more common than prediction. The variable regions are found to be younger than nonvariable regions, all of them meeting the size criterion of hypercompact (HC) regions. We studied the seven regions that show the highest variability (the ``Top7'') with variations > 100%. The Top7 variable regions are optically thick at 4--8 GHz and compact, suggesting they are in a very early evolutionary stage of or regions. There is a significant correlation between variability and the spectral index of the radio emission. No dependence is observed between the variations and the properties of the sources' natal clumps traced by submillimeter continuum emission from dust, although variable regions are found in clumps at an earlier evolutionary stage.

ANÁLISE BIBLIOMÉTRICA SOBRE APOIO A DECISÃO MULTICRITÉRIO PARA PRIORIZAÇÃO DE TROCA DE HIDRÔMETROS

A bibliometric analysis was carried out motivated by a research that aims to identify the existence of scientific publications with the theme of multicriteria decision support method for the prioritization of the replacement of water meters in a given territorial region of operation of a state sanitation company, which provides the increase (maximization) of revenue, through the effective reduction (minimization) of apparent losses in water supply systems, caused by the under-measurement of these meters. Thus, the present work uses the Knowledge Development Process-Constructivist – ProKnow-C method, which establishes the procedures, in a structured way, for the selection of the bibliographic portfolio (BP) and its respective analysis, allowing the development of the necessary knowledge to fulfill the motivation of the research. 44 relevant articles were identified and aligned with scientific research and recognition, published between 2005 and 2024. In addition to the selection of articles, the present study carried out a bibliometric analysis, which consists of counting the occurrence of certain variables (characteristics) in the final publications of the BP. With the results, it is possible to quantify existing information and map the structure of knowledge in a scientific field, also serving to build the initial base of research information and identify future scientific opportunities.

Population Pharmacokinetic and Toxicity Analysis of High-Dose Methotrexate in Patients with Central Nervous System Lymphoma.

High-dose methotrexate (HD-MTX)-based polychemotherapy is widely used for patients with central nervous system (CNS) lymphoma. The pharmacokinetic (PK) variability and unpredictable occurrence of toxicity remain major concerns in HD-MTX treatment. This study aimed to characterize the population PK of HD-MTX in patients with CNS lymphoma and to identify baseline predictors and exposure thresholds that predict a high risk of nephro- and hepatotoxicity. Routinely monitored serum MTX concentrations after intravenous infusion of HD-MTX and MTX dosing information were collected retrospectively. Acute event of toxicity (≥ grade 1) was defined according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5.0 on the basis of serum creatinine and alanine aminotransferase. A population PK model was developed in NONMEM. Toxicity data were analyzed using a logistic regression model, and potential baseline and exposure-related predictors were investigated. In total, 1584 MTX concentrations from 110 patients were available for analysis. A two-compartment population PK model adequately described the data. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), treatment regimen, albumin, alkaline phosphatase, and body weight were identified as significant covariates that explain the PK variability of HD-MTX. Baseline eGFR and sex were identified as significant predictors for renal toxicity, and MTX dose (mg/m2) was the strongest predictor for hepatotoxicity. The MTX area under the concentration-time curve (AUC24-∞) and concentration at 24 h (C24h) were shown to correlate with renal toxicity only, and 49,800 μg/L × h (109.6 μmol/L × h) and C24h > 3930 μg/L (8.65 μmol/L) were potential exposure thresholds predicting high risk (proportion > 60%). A population PK model was developed for HD-MTX in patients with CNS lymphoma. The toxicity analysis showed that lower baseline eGFR and male sex, and higher MTX dose are associated with increased risk of acute nephro- and hepatotoxicity, respectively. The proposed exposure thresholds that predict high risk of renal toxicity and the developed models hold the potential to guide HD-MTX dosage individualization and better prevent acute toxicity.

A Gain-of-Function Mutation in the Ca2+ Channel ORAI1 Causes Stormorken Syndrome with Tubular Aggregates in Mice.

Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) controls Ca2+ homeostasis and mediates multiple Ca2+-dependent signaling pathways and cellular processes. It relies on the concerted activity of the reticular Ca2+ sensor STIM1 and the plasma membrane Ca2+ channel ORAI1. STIM1 and ORAI1 gain-of-function (GoF) mutations induce SOCE overactivity and excessive Ca2+ influx, leading to tubular aggregate myopathy (TAM) and Stormorken syndrome (STRMK), two overlapping disorders characterized by muscle weakness and a variable occurrence of multi-systemic anomalies affecting spleen, skin, and platelets. To date, different STIM1 mouse models exist, but only a single ORAI1 mouse model with muscle-specific TAM/STRMK phenotype has been described, precluding a comparative analysis of the physiopathology in all affected tissues. Here, we generated and characterized mice harboring a prevalent ORAI1 TAM/STRMK mutation and we provide phenotypic, physiological, biochemical, and functional data. Examination of Orai1V109M/+ mice revealed smaller size, spleen enlargement, reduced muscle force, and decreased platelet numbers. Morphological analyses of muscle sections evidenced the presence of tubular aggregates, the histopathological hallmark on biopsies from TAM/STRMK patients absent in all reported STIM1 models. Overall, Orai1V109M/+ mice reliably recapitulate the human disorder and highlight the primary physiological defects caused by ORAI1 gain-of-function mutations. They also provide the possibility to investigate the formation of tubular aggregates and to develop a common therapy for different TAM/STRMK forms.

Predictive accuracy of the logit model to determine factors affecting delivery and postnatal care services utilization in Tanzania

PurposeThis paper examines factors affecting the delivery care (DC) and postnatal care (PNC) services utilization in Tanzania using the predictive accuracy of the binary logit model by including DC as among the predictors of PNC utilization.Design/methodology/approachThe study used secondary data from the Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey and Malaria Indicator Survey (2022) based on a sample of 13,266 women aged 15–49. Binary logit was used to analyze the association between independent variables and each binary dependent variable, followed by a stepwise likelihood ratio test for binary logistic regression analysis to select the most important predictors associated with DC and PNC. Odds ratios were used to predict the likelihood of the occurrence of significant explanatory variables in explaining the outcomes.FindingsThe results showed that the type of place of residence, wealth index, region, highest educational level, husband/partner’s level of education and respondent’s occupation were significant predictors of DC utilization. In contrast, the woman’s age, region, highest educational level, wealth index, DC and husband/partner’s educational level were significant predictors of PNC utilization. Public health interventions are needed to promote and increase the utilization of delivery and postal care services. The targets should be poor women and those residing in rural or remote areas.Originality/valueIncluding DC as a predictor variable (which was not used before) in PNC utilization improved the predictive power of the model and the robustness of the results.

An XGBoost Approach to Predictive Modelling of Rift Valley Fever Outbreaks in Kenya Using Climatic Factors

Reports of Rift Valley fever (RVF), a highly climate-sensitive zoonotic disease, have been rather frequent in Kenya. Although multiple empirical analyses have shown that machine learning methods outperform time series models in forecasting time series data, there is limited evidence of their application in predicting disease outbreaks in Africa. In recent times, the literature has reported several applications of machine learning in facilitating intelligent decision-making within the healthcare sector and public health. However, there is a scarcity of information regarding the utilization of the XGBoost model for predicting disease outbreaks. Within the provinces of Kenya, the incidence of Rift Valley fever was more prominent in the Rift Valley (26.80%) and Eastern (20.60%) regions. This study investigated the correlation between the occurrence of RVF (rapid vegetation failure) and several climatic variables, including humidity, clay content, elevation, slope, and rainfall. The correlation matrix revealed a modest linear dependence between different climatic variables and RVF cases, with the highest correlation, a mere 0.02903, observed for rainfall. The XGBoost model was trained using these climate variables and achieved outstanding performance measures including an AUC of 0.8908, accuracy of 99.74%, precision of 99.75%, and recall of 99.99%. The analysis of feature importance revealed that rainfall was the most significant predictor. These findings align with previous studies demonstrating the significance of weather conditions in RVF outbreaks. The study’s results indicate that incorporating advanced machine learning models that consider several climatic variables can significantly enhance the prediction and management of RVF incidence.

A STUDY OF THE STANDARDIZED PRECIPITATION INDEX (SPI) AND MACHINE LEARNING TECHNIQUES FOR DROUGHT PREDICTION IN THE STATE OF PARAÍBA, BRAZIL

This study aimed to identify and analyze droughts in Paraíba, using the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and machine learning algorithms for predicting SPI for the subsequent years (2020-2021) at six rainfall stations distributed across the mesoregions of Paraíba. The Precipitation data were downloaded from the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) database, covering the period from 1991 to 2019. Three machine learning algorithms were selected based on their ability to fit historical SPI data: Extra Trees Regressor, Gradient Boosting Regressor, and Random Forest Regressor. The applied machine learning models yielded satisfactory results, with the Extra Trees Regressor consistently producing the highest R² value across all stations, indicating high data explainability. The predictions were analyzed to determine their accuracy and reliability, providing valuable insights into precipitation variability and drought occurrence in different mesoregions of Paraíba. In conclusion, this study contributed to understanding climate variability and its implications in Paraíba, offering valuable insights into drought occurrence and the importance of adaptive approaches to mitigate adverse impacts. The application of SPI and machine learning techniques proved effective in analyzing and predicting precipitation, providing an objective approach to characterizing drought and rainfall intensity in specific regions.

Mass occurrences of Sandeels (Ammodytes spp.) causing aggregations of diving ducks

In autumn 1999, large, compact flocks of foraging diving ducks, particularly Common Eiders Somateria mollissima, were observed within and at the mouth of Trondheimsfjord in Central Norway. Some of these aggregations were at places previously not known as particularly rich feeding grounds. This situation continued through the winter, and still existed in March 2000. Investigations on these feeding grounds showed that the only possible prey species occurring in significant quantities was Sandeel (only Ammodytes tobianus was verified). Although most of the fish were swallowed before the birds reached the surface, some ducks (including Velvet Scoter Melanitta fusca and Goldeneye Bucephala clangula) were observed eating Sandeels. Sandeel populations fluctuate in size annually and shoals are very patchily distributed. Consequently, the very variable occurrence in time and space of this food resource may occasionally bring about unusually dense and patchy aggregations of various species of diving ducks. Due to the specific habitat requirements of the Sandeel, these aggregations may also occur at localities that are not generally preferred feeding grounds for diving ducks, as was the case here. These findings may be relevant for some monitoring projects involving populations of diving ducks in marine environments.

Assessing the spatial variability of cage movement and velocity attenuation of an off-bottom oyster farm and its influence on eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica) growth performance

The global shellfish aquaculture industry has expanded over the last seven decades. Similarly, the size of individual shellfish farming operations has grown in some states. Circulation processes in natural water bodies are dynamic and vary across multiple temporal and spatial scales. How gear installation affects the circulation of currents and waves, and subsequent phytoplankton delivery to crops within farms, is largely unknown. Documenting and understanding variability in wave and current energy within an individual farm could help optimize production. Our study sought to understand the variability in oyster growth attributable to hydrodynamic and atmospheric forcing across an active commercial shellfish aquaculture lease in the Patuxent River, Maryland. We observed a 17 % reduction in water flow downstream of the farm (rho = −0.673, p = 0.002, Spearman rank test), suggesting the bottom cages attenuated downstream current velocity during flood tides. Differences in flow speed and the movement of cages and oysters throughout the farm correlated with variances in oyster shell morphology and oyster survival while in bottom cages. Our results demonstrate the occurrence of variability in production within an individual farm location. Further, our findings suggest that insight into the spatial growth patterns across a lease can be practical for forecasting growth and quality of cultured oysters and may enable growers to strategically place oysters within their farm to improve yield and product consistency.

Variability of cortico-cortical evoked potentials in the epileptogenic zone is related to seizure occurrence.

Cortico-cortical evoked potentials (CCEPs) were described as reproducible during trains of single-pulse electrical stimulations (SPES). Still, few studies described a variability of CCEPs that was higher within the epileptogenic zone (EZ). This study aimed at characterizing the relationship of CCEP variability with the occurrence of interictal/ictal epileptiform discharges at the temporal vicinity of the stimulation, but not during the stimulation, by effective connectivity modifications. We retrospectively included 20 patients who underwent SPES during their stereo-electroencephalography (SEEG). We analyzed the variability of CCEPs by using the post-stimulation time course of intertrial standard deviation (amplitude) and the timing of peak amplitude signal of CCEP epochs (latency). Values were corrected for the Euclidian distance between stimulating/recording electrodes. Receiver operating characteristics curves were used to assess the relationship with the EZ. The link between CCEP variability and interictal discharges occurrence, seizure frequency prior to the SEEG recording, and number of seizures during SEEG recording was assessed with Spearman's correlations. A relationship was demonstrated between the EZ and both the distance-corrected latency variation (area under the curve (AUC): 0.73-0.74) and the distance-corrected amplitude variation (AUC: 0.71-0.72) and both were related with the occurrence of seizures. Seizures before/during SEEG impact the dynamics of effective connectivity within the epileptogenic network by reducing the variability of CCEP latency/amplitude when the seizure frequency increases. It suggests a strengthening of the epileptogenic network with the occurrence of many seizures. These findings stress the importance of early epilepsy surgery at a time when the network organization has not yet been complete.

Exposome Signatures of Gastrointestinal Disorders Among Active Duty Service Members.

We evaluated the risk factors associated with gastrointestinal disorders (GD) among the soldiers of the Army and Marine Aviation community (AMAC) using an exposomic approach. Specifically, we aimed to determine the medical and operational factors associated with reported GD in the Military Health System. Longitudinal data were obtained from the Medical Assessment and Readiness System (MARS) housed at Womack Army Medical Center, Fort Liberty, NC, for a retrospective cohort study that included 79,249 active duty United States AMAC active duty service members (ADSMs) from October 2015 to December 2019. Multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression was used to assess the relationship between the incidence occurrence of GD and variables including rank, service time, deployment, Armed Forces Qualification Test score, education, tobacco use, alcohol use, age, gender, race, ethnicity, body mass index (BMI), and marital status. The incidence of GD included 22,813 person-years of observations with a rate of 2.2 per 100 person-years and a period prevalence of 3.2%. GD was independently associated with rank, service time, and deployment (all P < 0.05). The high-risk categories associated with GD in the AMAC included age, BMI, race (not ethnicity), marital status, and service time. Our data also show that deployment time, not geographical location, was associated with a higher risk of GD. Together, these analyses suggest that White ADSMs older than 33 years of age who have experienced marriage, longer service time, and deployments appear to have a higher risk of GDs. Our assessment shows the utility of using an exposomic approach to create a member-specific, big data-informed personalized clinical algorithm of health outcomes.

The Impact of High-Potency Synthetic Opioids on Pharmacotherapies for Opioid Use Disorder: A Scoping Review.

The clinical implications of high potency synthetic opioids (HPSO) on medications for opioid use disorder (MOUDs) are not well understood. Although pharmacological interactions are plausible, the clinical significance of such interaction has not been systematically elucidated. This scoping review investigates the relationship between HPSO exposure and various MOUD treatment outcomes. We followed PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) for scoping reviews with extensive a priori search strategy of databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane. From 9149 studies, 34 fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Synthesized data reveal several critical insights: First, there is a variable but high occurrence (38%-80%) of HPSO usage among individuals with MOUDs. Second, MOUDs are linked to a decreased risk of overdoses and deaths associated with HPSO. Third, HPSO consumption is correlated with the risk of precipitated withdrawal when starting buprenorphine. Fourth, low-dose buprenorphine is being recognized as one method to avoid moderate withdrawal symptoms prior to treatment. Lastly, significant gaps exist in human experimental data concerning the effects of HPSO on key factors critical for treating OUD-craving, withdrawal symptoms, and pain. Current evidence supports MOUD safety and effectiveness in reducing nonmedical opioid use. Further research is needed to explore HPSO's influence on the acute factors preceding nonmedical opioid use, such as cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and pain. This research could inform the optimization of MOUD dosing strategies. Achieving consensus and harmonizing data across clinical and research protocols could diminish variability, enhancing our understanding of HPSOs effect on MOUD treatment outcomes.

Variability in thermal tolerance of clutches from different mothers indicates adaptation potential to climate warming in sea turtles.

The current climate warming is a challenge to biodiversity that could surpass the adaptation capacity of some species. Hence, understanding the means by which populations undergo an increase in their thermal tolerance is critical to assess how they could adapt to climate warming. Specifically, sea turtle populations could respond to increasing temperatures by (1) colonizing new nesting areas, (2) nesting during cooler times of the year, and/or (3) by increasing their thermal tolerance. Differences in thermal tolerance of clutches laid by different females would indicate that populations have the potential to adapt by natural selection. Here, we used exhaustive information on nest temperatures and hatching success of leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) clutches over 14 years to assess the occurrence of individual variability in thermal tolerance among females. We found an effect of temperature, year, and the interaction between female identity and nest temperature on hatching success, indicating that clutches laid by different females exhibited different levels of vulnerability to high temperatures. If thermal tolerance is a heritable trait, individuals with higher thermal tolerances could have greater chances of passing their genes to following generations, increasing their frequency in the population. However, the high rate of failure of clutches at temperatures above 32°C suggests that leatherback turtles are already experiencing extreme heat stress. A proper understanding of mechanisms of adaptation in populations to counteract changes in climate could greatly contribute to future conservation of endangered populations in a rapidly changing world.

Association of county level poverty with mortality from primary liver cancers.

The highly variable occurrence of primary liver cancers across the United States emphasize the relevance of location-based factors. Social determinants such as income, educational attainment, housing, and other factors may contribute to regional variations in outcomes. To evaluate their impact, this study identified and analyzed clusters of high mortality from primary liver cancers and the association of location-based determinants with mortality across the contiguous United States. A geospatial analysis of age-adjusted incidence and standardized mortality rates from primary liver cancers from 2000 to 2020 was performed. Local indicators of spatial association identified hot-spots, clusters of counties with significantly higher mortality. Temporal analysis of locations with persistent poverty, defined as high (>20%) poverty for at least 30 years, was performed. Social determinants were analyzed individually or globally using composite measures such as the social vulnerability index or social deprivation index. Disparities in county level social determinants between hot-spots and non-hot-spots were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. There are distinct clusters of liver cancer incidence and mortality, with hotspots in east Texas and Louisiana. The percentage of people living below the poverty line or Hispanics had a significantly higher odds ratio for being in the top quintile for mortality rates in comparison to other quintiles and were highly connected with mortality rates. Current and persistent poverty were both associated with an evolution from non-hotspots to new hotspots of mortality. Hotspots were predominantly associated with locations with significant levels of socioeconomic vulnerability or deprivation. Poverty at a county level is associated with mortality from primary liver cancer and clusters of higher mortality. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing poverty and related socio-economic determinants as modifiable factors in public health policies and interventions aimed at reducing mortality from primary liver cancers.

THE EFFECTS OF DEFORESTATION ON HOUSEHOLD FOOD PRODUCTION IN AGUATA AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA

The study specifically examined socio-economic factors of farmers, causes of deforestation and their effects on the quantity of output produced by households in the area. Purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select three local government areas and 90 respondents respectively. Date were collected with the aid of a structured questionnaire and analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression analysis. The findings of the study showed that majority of the respondents were middle aged men (mean age is 43years), illiterates with farming as their primary occupation having an average household size of eight persons. The study also revealed that an increase in farm size exerts more pressure on the available land thus leading to increase in food productivity and availability. Also, the total area deforested increases with an increase in the quantity of firewood used by the household. Result of the regression analysis gave the exponential function as the lead equation with R of 0.911, very high F. statistic value of 46.57 and has the highest occurrence of significant variables at 5% risk level. Finally, the result showed that age, educational level, household size and farm size were the most important determinants of the output level while sex, marital status and occupation of the farmers were non-significant.

Association between obstructive sleep apnea and arrhythmia and heart rate variability among hypertensive patients

BackgroundThe relationship between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and the occurrence of arrhythmias and heart rate variability (HRV) in hypertensive patients is not elucidated. Our study investigates the association between OSA, arrhythmias, and HRV in hypertensive patients.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional analysis involving hypertensive patients divided based on their apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) into two groups: the AHI ≤ 15 and the AHI > 15. All participants underwent polysomnography (PSG), 24-hour dynamic electrocardiography (DCG), cardiac Doppler ultrasound, and other relevant evaluations.ResultsThe AHI > 15 group showed a significantly higher prevalence of frequent atrial premature beats and atrial tachycardia (P = 0.030 and P = 0.035, respectively) than the AHI ≤ 15 group. Time-domain analysis indicated that the standard deviation of normal-to-normal R-R intervals (SDNN) and the standard deviation of every 5-minute normal-to-normal R-R intervals (SDANN) were significantly higher in the AHI > 15 group (P = 0.020 and P = 0.033, respectively). Frequency domain analysis revealed that the low-frequency (LF), high-frequency (HF) components, and the LF/HF ratio were also significantly elevated in the AHI > 15 group (P < 0.001, P = 0.031, and P = 0.028, respectively). Furthermore, left atrial diameter (LAD) was significantly larger in the AHI > 15 group (P < 0.001). Both univariate and multivariable linear regression analyses confirmed a significant association between PSG-derived independent variables and the dependent HRV parameters SDNN, LF, and LF/HF ratio (F = 8.929, P < 0.001; F = 14.832, P < 0.001; F = 5.917, P = 0.016, respectively).ConclusionsHypertensive patients with AHI > 15 are at an increased risk for atrial arrhythmias and left atrial dilation, with HRV significantly correlating with OSA severity.

Perineural invasion as a predictor of local recurrence in cats with squamous cell carcinoma treated with electrochemotherapy.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant neoplasm that accounts for approximately 15-25% and 70-80% of all feline cutaneous and oral tumors, respectively. Similar to that in humans, feline SCC can be highly invasive locally; however, its metastasis rate is low. Thus, effective local treatment may be curative for most patients, and includes surgery, electrochemotherapy (ECT), cryosurgery, or a combination of these. However, this neoplasia can manifest more aggressively in some patients, leading to higher recurrence rates. In humans, perineural invasion (PNI) has been described as a relevant tumor dissemination pathway associated with high-risk SCC, resulting in higher recurrence rates, resistance to local treatments, and short survival. However, PNI and its prognostic value have not been described in feline SCC. This study aimed to evaluate the PNI in a feline population with SCC treated with ECT and correlate its presence with the occurrence of local recurrence and other clinical variables. Twenty-four cats histopathologically diagnosed with SCC between 2013 and 2021 were retrospectively selected from the medical records of the Oncological Center Vet Cancer (São Paulo, SP, Brazil). The inclusion criteria were ECT as the sole therapy, histopathological evaluation of PNI, and absence of distant metastatic disease. The complete response rate was 96% (23/24), and PNI was identified in 33% of the cats (8/24, PNI-positive group), whereas 67% were free of this invasion (16/24, PNI-negative group). All PNI-positive cats developed local recurrence, whereas only five PNI-negative cats experienced recurrence. Local recurrence was significantly associated with PNI (p = 0.03). The results of this study are preliminary but promising. The data obtained are the first regarding PNI occurrence in feline SCC and pave the way for further studies, mainly to correlate the PNI with survival data and better define its prognostic value.

Hematological and plasma profiles and ticks and tick-borne pathogens in wild Formosan black bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus)

BackgroundThe endangered Formosan black bear (Ursus thibetanus formosanus) is the largest native carnivorous mammal in Taiwan. Diseases, poor management, illegal hunting, and habitat destruction are serious threats to the survival of bear populations. However, studies on the impact of diseases on bear populations are limited. Therefore, this study aimed to establish a database of the hematological and plasma profiles of free-ranging Formosan black bears and investigate the occurrence of ectoparasites, blood parasites, and vector-borne pathogens.MethodsFormosan black bears were captured in Yushan National Park (YNP) and Daxueshan Forest Recreation Area (DSY) in Taiwan. Blood samples were collected from each bear for hematological analysis and plasma biochemistry using a hematology analyzer. Parasites and pathogens were detected using a thin blood smear with Wright–Giemsa staining and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Additionally, macroscopic ectoparasites were collected from bears to detect blood parasites and other pathogens. Moreover, the relationships between the bear variables (sex, age, and occurrence of parasites or pathogens), ectoparasites, and infectious agents were also analyzed.ResultsIn all, 21 wild bears (14 in YNP and 7 in DSY) were captured and released during the satellite tracking studies. Hematological analysis and plasma biochemistry indicated significant differences in white blood cells (WBC), segments, creatine kinase (CK), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels between foot snare and culvert-captured bears. Additionally, there were significant differences in total plasma protein (TPP), creatinine, Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ levels between male and female bears. Moreover, pathogen-infected bears had significantly higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; 30 min and 1 h) and globulin levels than uninfected bears. In total, 240 ticks were collected from 13 bears, among which eight adult tick species were identified, including Haemaphysalis flava, Haemaphysalis hystricis, Amblyomma testudinarium, Ixodes ovatus, Dermacentor taiwanensis, Haemaphysalis longicornis, Ixodes acutitarsus, Amblyomma javanense, and nymphs belonging to Haemaphysalis spp. PCR revealed that 13 (61.90%) and 8 (38.10%) bears harbored Hepatozoon ursi and Babesia DNA, respectively. Among the ticks examined, 157 (65.41%) and 128 (53.33%) samples were positive for H. ursi and Babesia, respectively.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to establish a database of the hematological and plasma profiles of wild Formosan black bears and investigate ectoparasite infestation and Hepatozoon and Babesia spp. infection. In conclusion, these findings may serve as a reference for monitoring the health and population of locally endangered bears.Graphical

A Novel Approach to Detecting Contrast Extravasation in Computed Tomography: Evaluating the Injection Pressure-to-Injection Rate Ratio.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of the injection pressure-to-injection rate (IPIR) ratio for the early detection of contrast extravasation at the venipuncture site during contrast-enhanced computed tomography. We retrospectively enrolled 57,528 patients who underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography examinations in a single hospital. The power injector recorded the contrast injection pressure at 0.25-second intervals. We constructed logistic regression models using the IPIR ratio as the independent variable and extravasation occurrence as the dependent variable (IPIR ratio models) at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 seconds after the start of contrast administration. Univariate logistic regression models in which injection pressure is used as an independent variable (injection pressure models) were also constructed as a reference baseline. The performance of the models was evaluated with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves. Of the 57,528 cases, 46,022 were assigned to the training group and 11,506 were assigned to the test group, which included 112 extravasation cases (0.24%) in the training group and 28 (0.24%) in the test group. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the IPIR ratio models and injection pressure models were 0.555 versus 0.563 at t = 1 (P = 0.270), 0.712 versus 0.678 at t = 2 (P = 0.305), 0.758 versus 0.693 at t = 3 (P = 0.032), 0.776 versus 0.688 at t = 4 (P = 0.005), 0.810 versus 0.699 at t = 5 (P = 0.002), and 0.811 versus 0.706 at t = 6 (P = 0.002). The IPIR ratio models perform better in detecting contrast extravasation at 3 to 6 seconds after the start of contrast administration than injection pressure models.

The Organizational Commitment and Ethics in Higher Vocational Colleges Towards a Professional Program

This study assessed the organizational commitment and ethics in higher vocational colleges of teachers as they attend to their duties and responsibilities in school. It aimed to offer an enhanced professional program as yielded in the study. This study employed a non-experimental quantitative design which naturally measured the occurrence of variables. Specifically, the descriptive research design and cross-sectional assessments was used to describe the relationship of teachers’ ethical climate and organizational commitment. This paper analyzed the relationship between ethics and organizational commitment through a questionnaire survey of 226 teachers in higher vocational colleges. the assessment of the prevailing ethics, which included dominant characteristicsics, commitment to organizational leadership, employees’ relationships, and success achievement, was correlated with the assessment of organizational commitment based on commitment to the school's vision, commitment to the mission profession, commitment to teaching, and commitment to the work group.The correlation coefficients were positive, indicating that as the assessment of prevailing ethics increases, so does the assessment of organizational commitment, and vice versa.