Search Results (686)

Phortica okadai, a vector of Thelazia callipaeda, is associated with an increasing incidence of thelaziasis. The complex habitat and chemosensory system of P. okadai are critical for its proliferation and expansion. However, ultrastructural data across developmental stages remain limited. This study used scanning electron microscopy to examine the ultrastructure of P. okadai developmental stages, with a focus on head sensilla. The results showed that the eggs of P. okadai are dark brown and cylindro-oval. The larvae are vermiform, divided into 11 segments. The pupae are marked by a conspicuous respiratory tubercle, and the posterior spiracle contains three distinct spiracular slits. Among five types of sensilla (trichoid, intermediate, chaetica, coeloconic, and basiconic), coeloconic, intermediate, and trichoid sensilla were predominantly found on the antennae, while basiconic and chaetica sensilla were distributed on both the antennae and the maxillary palps of P. okadai. The analysis revealed that the absence of dorsal appendages on the eggs distinguishes P. okadai from D. melanogaster. Males have longer antennae and exhibit sexual dimorphism in the length of sensilla (ChII, TB, and LB). This study provides the first comprehensive ultrastructural characterization of P. okadai developmental stages and head sensilla, laying a foundation for species identification and olfactory system research. Full article

Altered lipid profiles have been observed in acute malaria, though mechanisms remain unclear. The impact of asymptomatic submicroscopic malaria infection (AMI) on lipids is unexploredAn observational, comparative, retrospective study was conducted of 1278 asymptomatic Sub-Saharan African migrants (ASSAMs) screened for malaria and lipid profiles during health exams (2010–2022). A systematic screening protocol for infectious disease was performed, including screening for Plasmodium spp. infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Among 800 ASSAMs screened for malaria, 104 (13%) were PCR-positive: P. falciparum (68.72%), P. malariae (18.27%), P. ovale (9.62%), and mixed infections (3.8%). Participants with AMIs exhibited lower baseline lipid levels: total cholesterol (146 vs. 163 mg/dL; p < 0.001), HDL (43 vs. 47 mg/dL; p < 0.001), and LDL (87.5 vs. 98 mg/dL; p < 0.001), with no differences in triglycerides. After treatment, lipid levels partially equalized: total cholesterol (156 vs. 166; p = 0.01), HDL (44 vs. 47.5; p = 0.05), LDL (102 vs. 108.5; p = 0.31), with no changes in triglycerides. Patients with AMI showed higher rates of co-infections (Strongyloides 20.61% vs. 14.35%; p < 0.001; filariae 7.69% vs. 1.91%; p = 0.02) and lower mean corpuscular volume (87.2 vs. 85; p < 0.001). Conclusions: These findings suggest that cholesterol reductions in AMI are not solely due to acute inflammation but may reflect chronic inflammatory processes triggered by asymptomatic malaria. This supports a potential link between AMI and lipid profile changes, underscoring its role in subclinical chronic inflammation. Full article

Background and Objectives: Although transesophageal or intracardiac echocardiography and radiofrequency needles are employed to guide transseptal puncture, their routine utilization is associated with substantial expense. No reports have analyzed the use of the foramen ovale position to effectively guide transseptal punctures on chest X-rays or computed tomography scout views, which are more cost-effective approaches to safely and effectively guide the procedure. We aimed to find the foramen ovale position on chest computed tomography scout views to effectively guide percutaneous transseptal punctures. Materials and Methods: The study population included 31 patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for cardiogenic shock, 32 patients diagnosed with atrial fibrillation (AF) who underwent MDCT, and 197 patients who underwent MDCT for non-cardiac conditions. Vertebral body units, defined as the distance between two adjacent vertebral bodies (the sixth and seventh thoracic spines) inclusive of the intervertebral disk space, were used to express the distance from the carina to the foramen ovale on computed tomography scout views. Results: The mean vertebral body units, distance from the carina to the foramen ovale (carina–foramen ovale), and distance from the carina to the foramen ovale on chest computed tomography scout views (carina–foramen ovale vertebral body units⁻¹) were 2.3 ± 0.2 cm, 6.9 ± 0.9 cm, and 3.0 ± 0.3, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed significant correlations between the carina–foramen ovale vertebral body units⁻¹ and sex (β = 0.080; p = 0.028), body mass index (β = −0.020; p < 0.001), age (β = 0; p = 0.013), and the application of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation or the presence of atrial fibrillation (β = 0.130; p = 0.004). Conclusions: Although a three-dimensional approach was not employed, the foramen ovale position may serve as a radiologic guide in various clinical settings where transseptal punctures are required. This technique may be an effective aid in transseptal puncture procedures. Full article

Background/Objectives: The main goal of this study was to determine whether ductal constriction in the third trimester of a pregnancy during fetal echocardiography examination has an impact on the neonatal clinical condition during the first days after birth. Methods: A retrospective study was based on 348 newborns who were examined during their fetal life in the third trimester of a pregnancy in our fetal cardiology center. They were divided into two groups: the study group (n = 49): neonates with “normal heart anatomy” (NHA), assessed by fetal echocardiography (ECHO) examination and prenatally diagnosed ductal constriction (NHA-DC); and the control group (n = 299): NHA neonates without DC (NHA-NDC). Results: Prenatally, DC was associated with other functional abnormalities, such as myocardial hypertrophy, cardiomegaly, tricuspid regurgitation, pericardial effusion and abnormal flow through foramen ovale. Neonates with prenatally diagnosed DC in 43% of cases presented with elevated neonatal bilirubin levels requiring phototherapy treatment (p < 0.006). In the study group 27% of neonates showed signs of breathing difficulties in the first hours of life (p < 0.001). Neonates with a prenatal diagnosis of DC were hospitalized longer than neonates with a normal heart study (NHS) (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Neonates with a prenatal diagnosis of ductal constriction are prone to having transient respiratory problems (up to 27%) and mild neonatal hyperbilirubinemia (in presented series up to 43%). Gestational diabetes can be associated with ductal constriction. Full article

This work focuses on the production of ceramic nanofibers from waste materials, which represents a significant contribution to the sustainable use of resources and innovative solutions in the field of nanotechnology. The research builds on existing knowledge of nanofiber production, with a specific focus on the use of zinc galvanizing flue dust. The main objective of the study is to explore the possibilities of converting zinc-containing waste materials into ceramic nanofibers, introducing a new direction in nanotechnology. Laboratory experiments involved leaching processes and electrostatic spinning processes of zinc solutions. From the obtained results, it can be concluded that ZnO ceramic nanofibers produced from both synthetic and real solutions exhibit similar fiber structures. Therefore, it can be stated that both acids (HCl and H₂SO₄) are suitable for preparation. Among them, 0.5 M HCl is the most ideal, resulting in oval fibers with a rough and coarse surface, while 0.5 M H₂SO₄ produces fibers with a different morphology in the form of hollow ribbons, which are presumed to have a higher specific surface area. Thus, it can be concluded that the production of ceramic nanofibers from zinc galvanizing flue dust is feasible and effective, with electrostatic spinning proving to be a low-waste technology. The study also examines the influence of contaminants from real waste solutions on the production of ceramic nanofibers and compares their properties with nanofibers obtained from synthetic solutions. Experimental results suggest that contaminants in real solutions did not have a negative impact on the morphology of the prepared ZnO nanofibers. In conclusion, the production of ZnO ceramic nanofibers from waste offers a promising approach for the future development of nanotechnology, combining innovation with sustainability and efficient resource utilization. Full article

Arcs and caps are fundamental structures in finite projective spaces. They can be generalised. Here, a survey is given of some important results on these objects, in particular on generalised ovals and generalised ovoids. This paper also contains recent results and several open problems. Full article

Bimetallic-clad pipes demonstrate exceptional advantages in transporting corrosive oil and gas through the combination of the load-carrying capacity of the base material and the anti-corrosive function of the thin layer of corrosion-resistant alloy. This study investigates the mechanical properties of 24-inch X65 + Alloy625 metallurgically clad pipes through experimental tests and finite element analysis. Uniaxial tensile testing with digital image correlation reveals uniform deformation between the base and clad layers until interfacial failure initiates at an average strain threshold of 34.17%. Microstructural characterization shows continuous metallurgical bonding, with the X65 layer exhibiting polygonal ferrite and bainitic phases, contrasting with the austenitic equiaxed grain structure of Alloy625. In terms of numerical modeling, finite element analyses that consider both initial geometric imperfections and manufacturing-induced residual stresses are performed to evaluate the bending response of the clad pipe. The effect of initial ovality and residual stresses on its bending capacity is also studied. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of cleaning in minimally shaped mesial and oval distal canals of 3D models of mandibular molars, focusing on positive pressure irrigation, wireless and conventional passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and diode laser (DL) at 980 nm. Methods: Forty-four 3D-printed resin models, based on eleven natural mandibular molars (each with mesial and distal canals), were divided into four groups (n = 11 per group) to evaluate different irrigation methods. A total of 22 mesial canals (size 20/.04) and 11 oval distal canals (size 25/.04) were analyzed per group. Each root canal was uniformly filled with an artificial hydrogel to simulate a biofilm mixture. Following this preparation, the specified irrigation techniques were applied to the respective groups. Quantitative evaluations of pre- and post-irrigation images were performed to assess the efficiency of tissue removal along the entire length of the canal and in the apical, middle, and coronal thirds. Results: The findings revealed no significant differences in the initial amount of tissue between the samples, indicating uniform filling. In the apical region of mesial canals, conventional PUI showed the highest cleaning efficiency (14.1% residual tissue), significantly outperforming the other methods (p < 0.05). Cordless PUI and DL also surpassed positive pressure irrigation, leaving 30.4% and 29.3% residual tissue, respectively, compared to 42.2% with positive pressure. In the middle third, all methods tested performed better than needle irrigation (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in the coronal third or over the full canal length. Distal oval canals showed no significant differences in cleaning effectiveness among methods. Conclusions: Although no single method was superior regarding the full canal length, supplementary techniques such as PUI and DL offer potential benefits over conventional irrigation methods, particularly in the apical third of the canal. Complementary approaches such as conventional PUI and diode laser at 980 nm showed superior cleaning efficiency, particularly in the apical third. These results suggest their integration could improve the effectiveness of cleaning in minimally instrumented mesial canals. Full article

Two new species from the Yellow Sea, Hypodontolaimus minus sp. nov. and Bolbolaimus distalamphidus sp. nov., are described in this study. Hypodontolaimus minus sp. nov. is characterized by a relatively small body length, a cuticle with two longitudinal lateral differentiations connected with transverse bars, four files of sublateral somatic setae, a pharynx with an anterior and posterior bulb, L-shaped spicules, a slightly swollen proximal end, a distal end tapered with a posterior pointed hook, and a gubernaculum with dorsal caudal apophysis. Bolbolaimus distalamphidus sp. nov. is characterized by a relatively small body size, a strongly annulated cuticle, six short outer labial sensilla and four long cephalic setae, an amphideal fovea unispiral oval that is far from the anterior end, slightly curved spicules, gubernaculum with anterior-pointed apophysis, and a conical tail. Phylogenetic analyses within the family Chromadoridae and the superfamily Microlaimoidea based on combined rDNA sequences confirmed the placement of Hypodontolaimus minus sp. nov. and Bolbolaimus distalamphidus sp. nov. The subfamily of Chromadorinae is shown as a monophyletic clade, the genera of subfamily Hypodontolaiminae are shown as a paraphyletic group, and the genus of Ptycholaimellus shows high intraspecific diversity. The placement of genera Aponema and Molgolaimus within the superfamily Microlaimoidea is discussed based on combined rDNA sequences. Full article

One of the ingredients that make up concrete is coarse aggregate. The coarse aggregate used is generally in a non-uniform shape (a mixture of cubic, oval or flat, or neither oval nor flat). This research uses coarse aggregate in the form of cubes only and in the form of a mixture, with the aim of determining the compressive strength of concrete using the Indian standard mixture design method and the ACI method. The materials used are cement obtained on the market with various types of PPC, OPC and PCC, fine aggregate (from Muntilan, Yogya, Indonesia) and local coarse aggregate (from Jumantono, Karanganyar, Indonesia), specifically coarse aggregate in the form of cubes and mixtures. The shape of the test objects is cylindrical, and the testing age of the test objects is 7 and 14 days with a design concrete compressive strength of 35 MPa. The highest compressive strength results were obtained for the following type of cement variation: PPC = 14.21 MPa (7 days) and 16.62 MPa (14 days). The lowest compressive strength results for the PCC cement variation were 7.45 MPa (7 days) and 8.75 MPa (14 days). Meanwhile, the compressive strength value of concrete using the ACI method obtained the highest compressive strength results for the PPC cement variation of 20.11 MPa (7 days) and 33.74 (14 days), and the lowest concrete compressive strength for the PCC cement variation was 11.96 MPa (7 days) and 15.26 MPa (14 days). Also, from the research results, the highest packing density value obtained in the CA and FA mixture aggregate test was 0.751 g/cm³, in the proportion CA3/8″:CA3/16″:FA = 12%:28%:60%. It is known that the use of PPC cement can produce the highest compressive strength values compared to using PCC and OPC cement, which shows that even when the same form of coarse aggregate and the same design concrete quality are used, variations in cement can affect the high compressive strength of the concrete. The use of coarse aggregate in the form of cubes produces higher aggregate packing density and compressive strength of concrete compared to using coarse aggregate in mixed forms (cubes, flat and oval). Full article

Global navigation satellite systems provide important data sets that can be used to study the influence of various space weather factors. We analyzed the effects of the main phase of the May 2024 extreme geomagnetic storm on the ionosphere and GPS kinematic precise point positioning (PPP). ROTI and global ionospheric maps showed the ionospheric dynamics. The auroral oval expanded up to low latitudes: up to 30°N in the American sector and up to 45°N in the European–Asian sector during the main phase of the geomagnetic storm. The ROTI peaked at 2 TECU/min, which is four times as much against the background. The equatorial anomaly crest intensified considerably (up to 200 TECU) and shifted poleward in the American sector. The counter-propagation finally caused the equatorial anomaly to cross the auroral oval boundary. The ROTI correlated with errors in the kinematic PPP. Positioning errors increased 1.5–5 times at the boundary of the auroral oval. Increased positioning errors propagated according to the shift of the auroral oval boundary. The geomagnetic storm significantly affected the positioning and the ionosphere, threatening various applications based on navigation and communication. Full article

We quantified morphological variation among genetically identified specimens of Fusconaia flava, F. subrotunda, Pleurobema cordatum, P. plenum, P. sintoxia, and P. rubrum inhabiting the Green River, Kentucky, species with shells that are morphologically similar to each other and thus difficult to identify. Molecular identifications then were compared with phenotype-based identifications by experts, who on average correctly identified 70% of the specimens. Expert identification of the putative species P. rubrum and P. sintoxia resulted in them usually being identified as the latter. Multi-variable decision tree analysis was conducted to determine the best suite of morphological variables for identifying live mussels and shells to species. Cross-validation error rates for these analyses were 12.6% and 4.14% for live mussels and shells, respectively. Both random forest and decision tree analyses showed the most important variables to be the presence/absence of a sulcus and shell shape (trapezoidal, circular, oval, equilateral triangle, or isosceles triangle). Dichotomous keys for identifying shells and live mussels were developed based on key morphological characteristics readily identifiable in the field, including foot color, beak direction, and beak position relative to the anterior margin. However, a definitive identification of these species may still need to rely on molecular methods, especially for endangered species. Full article

The basic concept of this study is to investigate, by correlation analysis, the relationship between geomagnetic activity and Total Electron Content (TEC) for the period from 1994 to 2023. The global TEC data used have been recalculated to a coordinate system with a modip latitude and geographical longitude. In the analysis of the parameters used, the global index of geomagnetic activity, Kp, and TEC were converted into relative values, showing the deviation from stationary (quiet) conditions. The investigation defined theoretical cross-correlation functions that allow estimating the time lag constant from the shift of the maximum cross-correlation. The seasonal dependence of the ionospheric response was investigated by splitting it into three monthly segments centered on the equinox and solstice months. The dependence of the ionospheric response on local time was studied by creating time series, including those longitudes at which, at a given moment, the local time coincides with the selected one. The results show the following peculiarities in the TEC response: the type of ionospheric response (positive or negative) in each of the latitudinal zones (auroral ovals, mid-latitude and low-latitude) depends on the season, the local time of the geomagnetic storm and the specific physical mechanism of impact. Full article

Background: Splenic B-cell lymphomas and leukaemias include hairy cell leukaemia, splenic marginal zone lymphoma, splenic diffuse red pulp small B-cell lymphoma, and splenic B-cell lymphoma/leukaemia with prominent nucleoli. The main diagnostic challenge is to differentiate between splenic B-cell lymphomas and leukaemias due to highly overlapping clinical, morphologic, and phenotypic features in the absence of splenectomies for diagnostic purposes. Case presentation: We describe a case of a 78-year-old woman who presented with weight loss and was subsequently found to have pancytopenia, lymphocytosis, and splenomegaly. Peripheral blood smear showed a homogenous population of small- to medium-sized lymphocytes having oval nuclei, condensed chromatin, and villous cytoplasmic projections. Bone marrow showed B-cell infiltrate in a predominantly intrasinusoidal pattern. Except for cyclin D1 and BRAF, the immunophenotype was similar to that of hairy cell leukaemia. This was further supported by the lack of BRAF p.V600E mutation by polymerase chain reaction. A diagnosis of splenic diffuse red pulp small B-cell lymphoma was thus favored based on the lack of cyclin D1 expression and pattern of infiltration in the bone marrow biopsy. Conclusions: Awareness of this infrequent clinical presentation and immunophenotype of splenic diffuse red pulp small B-cell lymphoma is crucial for diagnosis and devising appropriate therapeutic strategies for the patient. Full article

The discovery of an Aurignacian lithic assemblage along the northern coast of the Island of Lemnos in the northeastern Aegean Sea has opened new perspectives on the study of the beginning of the Upper Paleolithic in this region. The site is located some 93 m from the present seashore. It was discovered in the summer of 2020, ca. 2 km west of the Pournias Bay. The lithics were exposed in a well-defined oval concentration, ca. 25 × 10 m wide, buried by a Holocene sand dune. They were uncovered following sand removal by a bulldozer for the construction of a parking lot. The knapped stones are made almost exclusively from hydrothermal siliceous rocks, a raw material available on the island. Raman spectroscopy and optical observations confirmed that this raw material is chalcedony. The surfaces of most artefacts are weathered due to deposition in an environment rich in marine salt, which does not preserve any organic material suitable for radiocarbon dating. The knapped stone assemblage consists of diagnostic artefacts, among which are different types of carinated end scrapers, cores, and a few bladelets. The discovery of an Aurignacian site plays an important role in the study of the Paleolithic peopling of Lemnos and the Northeast Aegean in general, a period that was previously known only through Epipaleolithic sites discovered and excavated mainly along the eastern coast of the island. Full article