Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (Switzerland)
Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing InstituteNot a member yet
1861300 research outputs found
Sort by
Evaluation of Serum and Urine GDF-15 Levels in Patients with Ureteral Stones
No full textBackground: Acute renal colic, most often caused by ureteral stones, is a common cause of emergency admissions. While non-contrast computed tomography (CT) is the diagnostic gold standard, its use is limited by radiation exposure, cost, and accessibility. Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF-15) is a stress-induced cytokine elevated in various acute pathologies. This study investigated the diagnostic and predictive value of serum and urine GDF-15 in patients with acute renal colic due to ureteral stones. Methods: In this prospective observational study (January 2024–March 2025), 76 patients presenting with sudden-onset flank pain were enrolled. A total of 41 patients with radiologically confirmed ureteral stones formed the stone-positive group, and 35 patients without urinary pathology served as controls. Serum and urine GDF-15 levels were measured by ELISA, along with routine laboratory tests. CT was used to assess stone characteristics, hydronephrosis grade, and ureteral wall thickness. Group comparisons were performed using the Mann–Whitney U test, correlations with Spearman’s test, and diagnostic performance with ROC analysis. Results: Both serum and urine GDF-15 levels were significantly higher in stone-positive patients (p < 0.001). Urine GDF-15 demonstrated excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.986; sensitivity = 92.7%; specificity = 91.4), while serum GDF-15 showed moderate performance (AUC = 0.767). GDF-15 levels showed modest positive correlations with CRP and were numerically higher in patients with ureteral wall thickness > 1 mm and proximal stones. No significant association was found with spontaneous stone passage (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Urine GDF-15 shows promising diagnostic accuracy for ureteral stones and may serve as a non-invasive adjunctive tool when imaging is limited. While associated with inflammation and stone location, it did not predict spontaneous stone passage. These findings support its potential as a clinical biomarker, though further large-scale validation is required
Executives’ Tone Management and Corporate Financial Sustainability: A Corporate Governance Perspective
No full textThis study uses Chinese A-share listed companies from 2014 to 2023 as the research sample (comprising a total of 18,053 firm-year observations) and explores the impact of executive tone manipulation on corporate sustainable growth capability from the perspective of corporate governance. Benchmark fixed-effects regression results indicate that the regression coefficient of tone manipulation on the sustainable growth rate is −0.141 (p < 0.01). Corporate financial sustainability is measured by the sustainable growth rate, an indicator reflecting a firm’s endogenous growth capacity while maintaining existing financial policies and operational efficiency. This differs distinctly from “broad-based sustainability” measured by ESG metrics. Therefore, this study focuses on sustainability in the financial dimension and further analyzes the moderating effects of corporate social responsibility information disclosure quality, institutional investor ownership ratio, and board independence. The findings reveal that executive tone manipulation significantly undermines corporate financial sustainability, while sound governance mechanisms can effectively mitigate this adverse impact. This research enriches the theoretical framework of financial sustainability studies from the perspectives of linguistic information and behavioral governance and provides policy implications for information disclosure regulation and governance optimization
Modeling Pine Caterpillar, Dendrolimus spectabilis (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae), Population Dynamics with a Stage-Structured Matrix Model Based on Field Observations
No full textPopulation models offer insights into both theoretical and practical aspects of insect population dynamics. Among the models, stage-structured matrix models are used to describe the population dynamics of insects because the development of insects is by nature stage-structured. Field populations of the pine caterpillar, Dendrolimus spectabilis (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae) were monitored in a pine stand located in Dorak-ri, Cheongsan-myeon, Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do, from May 1998 to March 1999, and the pest density was measured as the number of larvae, pupae, or eggs at one-month intervals, excluding the winter season. Life tables and matrix models were constructed based on field observations, and the most vulnerable life stage was identified through sensitivity analysis. The density of the pine caterpillar (number per 1000 cm2 branch) was 7.9 on 8 May 1998, and subsequently decreased to 0.5 on 14 March 1999, showing a decreasing trend of caterpillar density. The population growth rate was 0.74, a decreasing trend. The most vulnerable stages were (1) the larvae immediately after hatching and (2) again during overwintering, probably due to indirect mortality caused by humid conditions and activities of natural enemies during winter. Given the significant damage caused by mature larvae in the spring and that the density of the caterpillar after overwintering typically remains stable, forest management requires that the pest density be monitored soon after overwintering to allow decisions about control measures to be taken. Our results showed that a matrix model is useful to describe the population dynamics of the pine caterpillar and to construct suitable management strategies
Interaction Between Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae and Pseudomonas alkylphenolica Enhances Faba Bean Growth and Resilience to Water Deficit Under Nitrogen-Fixing Conditions
No full textWater deficit is a major constraint limiting the growth and yield of faba bean (Vicia faba L.). A pot experiment was conducted under controlled conditions to evaluate the effect of inoculation with Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae BIHB 1148 (strain F14) and Pseudomonas alkylphenolica PF9 (strain L13) on faba bean drought resilience. Two irrigation regimes were applied: well-watered (80% of field capacity) versus water-stressed (40% of field capacity). Strain F14 was used to ensure effective biological nitrogen fixation, while strain L13 was applied in co-inoculation to evaluate its biostimulatory effects. The control plants received nitrogen in its chemical form. Results indicated that water deficit significantly (p < 0.001) reduced plant growth, nodulation, and photosynthesis-related parameters, and increased hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, which are key markers of oxidative stress. However, co-inoculation with strains F14 and L13 significantly enhanced shoot and root biomass, as well as most agro-morphological traits. It also stimulated (p < 0.05) the antioxidant activities of superoxide dismutase (3-fold), guaiacol peroxidase (12%), and catalase (104%), and increased proline content (119%), which led to lower levels of MDA (54% decrease) and H2O2 (55% decrease), improved membrane stability, water status, and enhanced photosynthesis. Overall, co-inoculation of faba bean with Rhizobium leguminosarum bv. viciae BIHB 1148 and Pseudomonas alkylphenolica PF9 offers a promising and sustainable approach to improve plant resilience under water deficit
Ant Colony Optimization with Dynamic Pheromones for Electric Vehicle Routing and Charging Decisions
No full textThe increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) for last-mile delivery requires adapting existing routes designed for internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles. This study introduces an enhanced Ant Colony System (ACS) that optimizes EV routing by dynamically incorporating state of charge (SOC), charging station proximity, and time constraints. Unlike traditional methods, our approach adjusts pheromone deposition in real time, prioritizing charging stops only when necessary, significantly improving adherence to delivery times. Using real-world delivery data from Paris, our results show that routes under 90 km tend to remain energetically feasible, although intermediate time-window violations may occur due to cumulative charging delays. For longer routes, the need for additional charging stops introduces a risk of delays, but the system effectively manages these constraints to minimize disruption. These results provide fleet operators with a practical decision-support tool to identify which pre-optimized routes can be efficiently adapted to EVs, thus offering a pathway for the integration of electric vehicles into existing logistics without significant operational disruption. Future work will focus on enhancing the system by incorporating real-time traffic updates and charging station availability to further optimize the routing process
Impacts of Self-Esteem and Self-Perceived Burden on Health-Related Quality of Life Among Patients with Ovarian Cancer: Does Age Matter?
No full textBackground: Ovarian cancer, the most lethal gynecologic malignancy, is characterized by a poor health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The present study examined the mediating role of self-perceived burden (SPB) in the impact of self-esteem on HRQoL and whether age moderated the associations among ovarian cancer patients. Methods: 203 patients effectively completed the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-General (FACT-G), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and SPB scale, respectively. For the FACT-G, physical (PWB), social/family (SFWB), emotional (EWB), and functional well-being (FWB) were scored separately. Results: Significant mediation of SPB in the impacts of self-esteem on PWB (a × b = 0.074, 95% CI: 0.018, 0.153), EWB (a × b = 0.048, 95% CI: 0.001, 0.125), and FWB (a × b = 0.056, 95% CI: 0.009, 0.114) were revealed. Age positively moderated the impact of self-esteem on SPB (β = 0.159, p < 0.05), and the associations of SPB with PWB (β = 0.173, p < 0.05) and EWB (β = 0.240, p < 0.01), indicating a moderated mediation. Conclusions: Ovarian cancer patients’ self-esteem could improve the PWB, EWB, and FWB domains of HRQoL by reducing SPB. Age could attenuate SPB’s mediation in the impacts of self-esteem on PWB and EWB, indicating stronger impacts in younger patients. Clinical programs integrating components that strengthen self-esteem and reduce SPB may be particularly beneficial for younger women with ovarian cancer
Molecular Interactions of Norfloxacin in Metal-Loaded Clay Suspensions-Effects on Degradation and Induced Toxicity
No full textThe role of the metal valence state on the surface properties of metal-loaded clay minerals in the adsorption/oxidative degradation of an antibiotic was investigated. Transitional metal cations and their zero-valent counterparts such as Fe0, Ni0, Co0 and Cu0 supported on montmorillonite were comparatively investigated for their interactions during adsorption and toxicity tests of antibiotic norfloxacin (NOF). UV-Vis spectrophotometric and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopic analyses confirmed the involvement of the hydroxyl and carboxyl groups and/or piperazinyl nitrogen of NOF in the complexation with metal cations. Ecotoxicological assessment using aquatic plants Lemna minor showed that the metal cations reduce the bioavailability of the organic pollutant and that the zero-valent metals display higher toxicity due to their specific interaction with NOF and clay mineral surface. This evaluation will provide insights into potential environmental impacts of the co-occurrence of antibiotics and metals and will certainly contribute to correlating the safety of the water treatment by assessing the residual toxicity and its fluctuations
Effect of Bead Geometry and Layer Time on Microstructure and Thermomechanical Properties of Large-Format Polymer Composites
No full textLarge-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) is a manufacturing process in which high volumes of material are extruded in a layer-by-layer fashion to create large structures with often complex geometries. The Loci-One system, operated and developed by Loci Robotics Inc., is an LFAM-type system that was used to print single-bead walls of 20% by weight carbon fiber reinforced acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (CF-ABS) using various print parameter inputs. This study observed the influence of bead width and layer time on thermomechanical performance via material characterization techniques that accounted for the complex microstructure of LFAM parts to develop a better understanding of parameter–structure–property relationships. Printed parts were characterized by measuring the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and interlayer strength. Near the edges of the printed beads, microscopy revealed a “thinning effect” experienced by a shell composed primarily of highly oriented fiber as the bead width was increased; however, this effect was diminished with a higher shear rate. The CTE results demonstrated the influence of mesostructure on the thermomechanical response. Increased shear rates were expected to lower CTE in the x-direction due to a higher ratio of fiber oriented in the print direction, but this relationship was not always observed. For the larger bead widths printed at higher shear rates, the randomly oriented fiber at the core dominated the thermomechanical response and increased CTE overall in the x-direction. A heat transfer model was developed for this work to determine how much time was required for the deposited bead to cool to the glass transition temperature. Interlayer strength results revealed a rapid decrease once the printed layer time exceeded the time required for the extrudate to cool below the glass transition temperature
Multidisciplinary Surgical Treatment of Hepatic Abscess in a Geriatric Dog with Congenital Extrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt
No full textHepatic abscesses are uncommon in dogs and typically develop secondary to biliary tract disease or ascending bacterial infections. Although congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EHPSS) is known to impair hepatic perfusion and immune clearance, its potential role in predisposing geriatric dogs to hepatic abscess formation has not been previously reported. This case report describes the diagnostic approach, therapeutic decision-making, and clinical outcome of a geriatric dog in which a multidrug-resistant hepatic abscess occurred in association with congenital EHPSS, and to propose a pathophysiologic link between chronic portal hypoperfusion and intrahepatic infection. An 11-year-old neutered male Maltese dog with a known EHPSS presented with acute anorexia and lethargy. Diagnostic imaging revealed a hepatic abscess adjacent to the gallbladder, and cytology confirmed a septic process. Despite targeted meropenem therapy based on antimicrobial susceptibility testing, the abscess failed to regress and C-reactive protein levels continued to rise. Concern for persistent biliary contamination and impaired hepatic immune clearance led to surgical intervention. A combined procedure—partial hepatic lobectomy, cholecystectomy, and shunt attenuation—was performed. Postoperative hypotension was managed successfully with vasopressors and transfusion. The patient recovered uneventfully, and at four-month follow-up, hepatic enzyme activities normalized and liver size increased. These findings highlight the need to evaluate hepatic infections in dogs with EHPSS as a potential consequence of impaired hepatic immune clearance rather than an incidental finding
The Potential of Vegetation for Assessing the Benefits and Risks of Protective Measures for the Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus L.) on Arable Land
No full textGenerally, all European countries have reported a decreasing number of field birds. The cause of this trend is the intensification of agriculture, including inconsiderate landscape and drainage measures. Northern Lapwings (Vanellus vanellus L.) can be protected using targeted agri-environmental climatic measures (AECMs). The goal of our research was to verify whether the vegetation composition on arable land areas intended to protect field birds creates space for the promotion of other organisms. Understanding the significance of AECMs in supporting biodiversity on arable land will help guide the development of ecosystems in agricultural landscapes. The research was conducted in two regions of the Czech Republic (CR): Southern Bohemia (six sites) and Eastern Bohemia (six sites), and 76 plant taxa were identified in areas of arable land intended for the protection of Northern Lapwing. The vegetation of arable land managed to protect the Northern Lapwing was statistically shown to exhibit a plant species richness approximately four times greater than crop land. Measures focused on the protection of one species create a living space that can be used by other species. AECMs can be used to maintain or increase biodiversity and heterogeneity in agricultural landscapes. Our findings emphasize the need for a holistic approach to conservation in agricultural settings, where the protection of one focal species can lead to cascading benefits for the entire ecosystem. This research provides valuable insights into how AECMs can be a pivotal tool in mitigating the detrimental impacts of agricultural intensification on field birds and broader biodiversity in Europe