bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Part B of Anatomy Tour at the Mall: A Multimodal Activity to Enhance Anatomical Education and Health Awareness in the General Public
Authors: Gonzalez-Sola Maryvi , G. Rosario Martin
Published: January 2022

Research objectives: The overall health state of people in the United States is deteriorating. One component related to this decline was the lack of information. One approach to resolve this issue is with educational outreach activities located in one of the places most visited by the people: Malls. Here, we report the various benefits of educational anatomy outreach among the people who participated.

Purpose: This study aimed to promote essential health awareness by educating the general public about anatomy.

Methods: 72 subjects were randomly selected from malls within Dallas/Ft.Worth area to participate in the “Anatomy Tour at the Mall” (A@M). The participants were given a pre-test with 10 questions and release forms. They were then given information about the human systems by passing through six different data stations: the nervous system, special senses, musculoskeletal system, human organ station, cardiovascular system, and respiratory system tables. Each table contained anatomical models, an educational brochure, non-invasive vital sign tests (except for the human organ station), and the physical therapy and nursing students who explained the essential anatomical information and performed the tests (Figure 1). When the participants finished the “tour” through the stations, they were given a post-test with the same 10 questions for comparison. The subjects were also given a short survey to rate the stations and their activities.

Results: A t-test statistical analysis showed that the participants improved their knowledge of anatomy when comparing the pre-test and post-test. The pre-test average was 5.9 ± 1.8, and the post-test average was 7.5 +/± 1.9. The difference between the pre-test and post-test was 1.6, with a p-value of 0.001. In addition, the majority of the participants’ survey responses regarding this activity were positive, indicating that they gained significant knowledge about anatomy and overall health after completing this activity.

Conclusion: A@M significantly increased knowledge about the basic anatomy of the participating adults. Future outreach events should expand to other areas and be incorporated daily in public places, such as shopping malls, to reach out to the population lacking educational information.
The Fundamental Nature of Motives
Authors: Annila Arto
Published: January 2022

Decision-making is described as a natural process, one among others, consuming free energy in the least time. The thermodynamic tenet explains why data associated with decisions display the same patterns as any other data: skewed distributions, sigmoidal cumulative curves, oscillations, and even chaos. Moreover, it is shown that decision-making is intrinsically an intractable process because everything depends on everything else. However, no decision is arbitrary but bounded by free energy, such as resources and propellants, and restricted by mechanisms like molecular, neural, and social networks. The least-time maximation of entropy, equivalent to the minimization of free energy, parallels the optimization of subjective expected utility. As the system attains a state of balance, all driving forces vanish. Then there is no need or use to make further decisions. In general, the thermodynamic theory regards those decisions well-motivated that take into account forces, i.e., causes comprehensively in projecting motions, i.e., consequences.
Challenges in Healing Wound: Role of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Authors: Monika Prakash , Chandraprabha Mathikere Naganna , Rangarajan Annapoorni , Waiker P. Veena , Chidambara Murthy Kotamballi N.
Published: January 2022

Graphical Abstract

Challenges in healing wound: role of complementary and alternative medicine.
Remote Testing of the Familiar Word Effect With Non-dialectal and Dialectal German-Learning 1–2-Year-Olds
Authors: Braun Bettina , Czeke Nathalie , Rimpler Jasmin , Zinn Claus , Probst Jonas , Goldlücke Bastian , Kretschmer Julia , Zahner-Ritter Katharina
Published: January 2022

Variability is pervasive in spoken language, in particular if one is exposed to two varieties of the same language (e.g., the standard variety and a dialect). Unlike in bilingual settings, standard and dialectal forms are often phonologically related, increasing the variability in word forms (e.g., German Fuß “foot” is produced as [fus] in Standard German and as [fs] in the Alemannic dialect). We investigate whether dialectal variability in children’s input affects their ability to recognize words in Standard German, testing non-dialectal vs. dialectal children. Non-dialectal children, who typically grow up in urban areas, mostly hear Standard German forms, and hence encounter little segmental variability in their input. Dialectal children in turn, who typically grow up in rural areas, hear both Standard German and dialectal forms, and are hence exposed to a large amount of variability in their input. We employ the familiar word paradigm for German children aged 12–18 months. Since dialectal children from rural areas are hard to recruit for laboratory studies, we programmed an App that allows all parents to test their children at home. Looking times to familiar vs. non-familiar words were analyzed using a semi-automatic procedure based on neural networks. Our results replicate the familiarity preference for non-dialectal German 12–18-month-old children (longer looking times to familiar words than vs. non-familiar words). Non-dialectal children in the same age range, on the other hand, showed a novelty preference. One explanation for the novelty preference in dialectal children may be more mature linguistic processing, caused by more variability of word forms in the input. This linguistic maturation hypothesis is addressed in Experiment 2, in which we tested older children (18–24-month-olds). These children, who are not exposed to dialectal forms, also showed a novelty preference. Taken together, our findings show that both dialectal and non-dialectal German children recognized the familiar Standard German word forms, but their looking pattern differed as a function of the variability in the input. Frequent exposure to both dialectal and Standard German word forms may hence have affected the nature of (prelexical and/or) lexical representations, leading to more mature processing capacities.
Clustering with Nature-Inspired Algorithm Based on Territorial Behavior of Predatory Animals
Authors: Trzciński Maciej , Kowalski Piotr A. , Łukasik Szymon
Published: January 2022

Clustering constitutes a well-known problem of division of unlabelled dataset into disjoint groups of data elements. It can be tackled with standard statistical methods but also with metaheuristics, which offer more flexibility and decent performance. The paper studies the application of the clustering algorithm—inspired by the territorial behaviors of predatory animals—named the Predatory Animals Algorithm (or, in short: PAA). Besides the description of the PAA, the results of its experimental evaluation, with regards to the classic k-means algorithm, are provided. It is concluded that the application of newly-created nature-inspired technique brings very promising outcomes. The discussion of obtained results is followed by areas of possible improvements and plans for further research.
Test and Validation of the Surrogate-Based, Multi-Objective GOMORS Algorithm against the NSGA-II Algorithm in Structural Shape Optimization
Authors: Werner Yannis , van Hout Tim , Raja Gopalan Vijey Subramani , Vietor Thomas
Published: January 2022

Nowadays, product development times are constantly decreasing, while the requirements for the products themselves increased significantly in the last decade. Hence, manufacturers use Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Finite-Element (FE) Methods to develop better products in shorter times. Shape optimization offers great potential to improve many high-fidelity, numerical problems such as the crash performance of cars. Still, the proper selection of optimization algorithms provides a great potential to increase the speed of the optimization time. This article reviews the optimization performance of two different algorithms and frameworks for the structural behavior of a b-pillar. A b-pillar is the structural component between a car’s front and rear door, loaded under static and crash requirements. Furthermore, the validation of the algorithm includes a feasibility constraint. Recently, an optimization routine was implemented and validated for a Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm (NSGA-II) implementation. Different multi-objective optimization algorithms are reviewed and methodically ranked in a comparative study by given criteria. In this case, the Gap Optimized Multi-Objective Optimization using Response Surfaces (GOMORS) framework is chosen and implemented into the existing Institut für Konstruktionstechnik Optimizes Shapes (IKOS) framework. Specifically, the article compares the NSGA-II and GOMORS directly for a linear, non-linear, and feasibility optimization scenario. The results show that the GOMORS outperforms the NSGA-II vastly regarding the number of function calls and Pareto-efficient results without the feasibility constraint. The problem is reformulated to an unconstrained, three-objective optimization problem to analyze the influence of the constraint. The constrained and unconstrained approaches show equal performance for the given scenarios. Accordingly, the authors provide a clear recommendation towards the surrogate-based GOMORS for costly and multi-objective evaluations. Furthermore, the algorithm can handle the feasibility constraint properly when formulated as an objective function and as a constraint.
Two Taylor Algorithms for Computing the Action of the Matrix Exponential on a Vector
Authors: Ibáñez Javier , Alonso José M. , Alonso-Jordá Pedro , Defez Emilio , Sastre Jorge
Published: January 2022

The action of the matrix exponential on a vector eAtv, A∈Cn×n, v∈Cn, appears in problems that arise in mathematics, physics, and engineering, such as the solution of systems of linear ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients. Nowadays, several state-of-the-art approximations are available for estimating this type of action. In this work, two Taylor algorithms are proposed for computing eAv, which make use of the scaling and recovering technique based on a backward or forward error analysis. A battery of highly heterogeneous test matrices has been used in the different experiments performed to compare the numerical and computational properties of these algorithms, implemented in the MATLAB language. In general, both of them improve on those already existing in the literature, in terms of accuracy and response time. Moreover, a high-performance computing version that is able to take advantage of the computational power of a GPU platform has been developed, making it possible to tackle high dimension problems at an execution time significantly reduced.
Servo Robust Control of Uncertain Mechanical Systems: Application in a Compressor/PMSM System
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Yu Rongrong , Li Chenming , Chen Ye-Hwa , Gu Jieying
Published: January 2022

High-speed Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor (PMSM) systems have been widely used in industry and other fields for their advantages of having a simple structure, low processing cost and high efficiency. At present, the control precision of PMSM is required to be higher and higher, but it faces two major challenges. The first is that the PMSM system possesses (possibly fast) time-varying uncertainty. The second is that there exist nonlinear portions in the PMSM system, such as nonlinear elasticity, etc. To resolve these challenges, a novel performance measure β^ is introduced as a dynamic depiction of the constraint-following error, and a new robust control design is proposed based on β^. While this control renders guaranteed performance regardless of uncertainty, an optimal design of a control parameter is further pursued. This inquiry is summed up as a semi-infinite constrained optimization problem. After the induction of the necessary condition, the candidate solutions can be identified. These are further screened by a sufficient condition, which results in the actual solution. To verify the effectiveness of the control design, the compressor powered by a super high-speed PMSM system is simulated, and its performance is discussed.
H-Infinity Observer for Vehicle Steering System with Uncertain Parameters and Actuator Fault
Authors: Wang Hongwei , Wang Qianyu , Zhang Haotian , Han Jie
Published: January 2022

In this paper, an actuator fault diagnosis and reconfiguration problem is discussed for an uncertain vehicle steering system with external disturbances. Aiming at the factors affecting the control performance, a fault reconstruction strategy based on H-infinity observer is designed to improve the vehicle stability under complex conditions when the actuator fails. Firstly, aiming at the uncertain part caused by the road condition transformation, a mathematical model of dual input and dual output four-wheel steering system is established. Secondly, an augmented system is constructed in which the augmented state vector consists of the original state and actuator faults. Thirdly, the H-infinity observer is designed, and the gain of the observer is obtained by the Lyapunov function and linear matrix inequality. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed strategy is verified by MATLAB/Simulink and Carsim co-simulation.
Influence of Plasma on the Combustion Mode in a Scramjet
Authors: Meng Yu , Gu Hongbin , Chen Fang
Published: January 2022

To examine the plasma-assisted combustion of a scramjet, a microwave-enhanced gliding arc plasma method was proposed in this study, and the flame structure and combustion instability were observed. The mechanism of plasma-assisted combustion was obtained via a Bunsen experiment, and then the influence on supersonic combustion was obtained on a direct-connected scramjet. The active species of the flame was determined via optical emission spectroscopy, and the flame temperature was measured with a thermocouple. The luminous intensity of the OH radicals in the flame increased ninefold when the flame temperature was increased to 1573 K, but the luminous intensity of CH* and C2 was not obviously changed with the excitation of arc plasma. Moreover, the DC arc plasma had no effect on the rotation and the vibration temperature of OH radicals under these experimental conditions. In the range of microwave energy less than 800 W, there was no typical change in the intensity of the radicals; however, when the microwave power was up to 1000 W, the effect became obvious. When plasma was applied to the scramjet, the plasma caused the pre-combustion shock train to move forward, and the initial and stable position of the flame was transferred from the cavity shear layer to the front of the fuel jet. These results clearly show that plasma free radical mechanisms cause changes to combustion modes.
The Efficiency of Public Financial Support Investments into Dairy Farms in Poland by the European Union
Authors: Zalewski Krzysztof , Bórawski Piotr , Żuchowski Ireneusz , Parzonko Andrzej , Holden Lisa , Rokicki Tomasz
Published: January 2022

The main aim of this research was to evaluate the efficiency of the use of public financial support investment activities into selected dairy farms in Poland. The research targeted 207 farms that earned their living through milk production and benefited from the 2011–2014 European Union (EU) financial support for investments carried out under the “modernization of agricultural holdings” included in the Rural Development Programme (RDP 2007–2013). Two research hypotheses were developed for this work. The first research hypothesis, “the possibility of obtaining funding for an investment is a factor that determines its implementation”, was positively verified. This was mainly due to the size of the investments carried out in the research farms, where an average increase in fixed assets was recorded at the level of 90%. The econometric calculations were carried out indirectly from the declarations of the farmers themselves, who, during the research, excluded the possibility of carrying out investments without receiving external support. The second research hypothesis, “investments carried out in farms improved their economic situation”, was positively verified. This was shown with the calculated results of agricultural income in the research farms, which increased in the analyzed period from 66.5%, to 125%.
Low Doses of Anatase and Rutile Nanoparticles Differently Modulate Photosynthesis and Regulatory Genes: A Contribution to the Nanoagroindustry
Authors: Mariz-Ponte Nuno , Sario Sara , Mendes Rafael , Couto Márcio , Gimranov Emil , Santos Marino , Correia Cristiana , Gomes Anicia , Oliveira-Pinto Paulo , Amorim Isabel , Dias Maria , Ferreira de Oliveira José , Santos Conceição
Published: January 2022

Industrial applications of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) are wide, and their use in nano-fertilizing technology has been proposed in the last few years. Bioactivity evaluation of different TiO2 NPs formulations is therefore crucial, not only to select the most appropriate formulation but also to validate potential agro-applications. In the current work, we compared the bioactivity of the two most used TiO2 NPs formulations (anatase and rutile–anatase) on the photosynthesis of Lactuca sativa. Seeds were exposed to concentrations of 0, 10, and 50 mg L−1 of anatase (A) or rutile–anatase (RA). Germination rate was not affected by NPs, but root growth was stimulated mainly by RA50. Compared with control, RA showed positive effects on photophosphorylation-related parameters. A50 was more efficient in promoting the gas exchange phase (PN, Ci, gs, and E) and in stimulating the absorption of some nutrients. Expanding on the biochemical and physiological data, we show that RA50 stimulated several genes coding for proteins involved in the electron transport in thylakoids (psbA, petB, petA, psaA, psaC, ndhA, ndhD) and ATP synthesis (atpA, atpB). The transcript coding for the large subunit of RuBisCO (rbcL), was stimulated by lower concentration (RA10). This suggests that RuBisCO is highly sensitive to these NPs even at low doses. RA at low doses has been demonstrated to be the most promising NP. These discriminative effects of TiO2 NPs, based on their formulation and dose, may present advantages for their use in the precision nanoagroindustry.
Cultivar Mixture Enhances Crop Yield by Decreasing Aphids
Authors: Duan Xueying , Pan Shiye , Fan Mingyuan , Chu Bingyao , Ma Zhanhong , Gao Feng , Zhao Zihua
Published: January 2022

The reduction in biodiversity owing to agricultural intensification has brought negative effects on sustainable crop production in the agro-environment. Plant diversity can help regulate insect pests; however, research that demonstrates that genotypic diversity of multiple varieties with prominent agroecological practices to suppress insect pests and benefit crop yield at agricultural landscapes is limited. To examine the effects of diversity of wheat varieties on aphids and crop productivity, we performed field experiments by designing plots of single (resistant/susceptible) and cultivar mixtures in 2018–2020. The effects of population abundance of cereal aphids (Sitobion miscanthi and Rhopalosiphum padi) and crop yield on resistant and susceptible wheat varieties and mixture of wheat cultivars were determined to reveal the most dominant mixed broadcasting mode in Kaifeng of China. The results showed that cultivar mixture significantly decreased aphid abundance compared with the single varieties (resistant/susceptible). Cultivar mixture had a higher yield compared with the single varieties (resistant/susceptible). Additionally, cultivar mixture had significantly higher thousand-grain weights than susceptible and resistant wheat varieties in 2019 and 2020. Cultivar mixture enhanced wheat yield by decreasing cereal aphids, indicating a bottom-up or top-down effect from genetic diversity to pest abundance. Our results indicated that appropriate cultivar mixtures could manage insect pests to some extent and stabilize crop yield.
Potential of Native Trichoderma Strains as Antagonists for the Control of Fungal Wood Pathologies in Young Grapevine Plants
Authors: Langa-Lomba Natalia , Martín-Ramos Pablo , Casanova-Gascón José , Julián-Lagunas Carmen , González-García Vicente
Published: January 2022

Neofusicoccum parvum and Rhizoctonia solani are fungal pathogens with an increasing incidence in young grapevine plants. In this study, the antagonistic potential of some strains of the genus Trichoderma isolated from grapevine against these pathogens was investigated at the laboratory and greenhouse levels. In-plate confrontation assays showed that the selected Trichoderma strains could inhibit the mycelial growth of both taxa, being more effective against N. parvum. In the in vivo assays, the biocontrol activity of the mentioned strains against the pathogens, when applied either simultaneously or successively, was tested on both grafted plants and seedlings germinated from seed. The effectiveness of the treatments was evaluated by comparing biomass weight and vascular rot lengths data. In seedling trials, successive treatments resulted in higher root development and a lower colonization rate of the pathogens, especially against R. solani. In grafted plants, some disparity was observed against N. parvum: simultaneous treatments resulted in higher aerial biomass, but successive treatments resulted in higher root biomass and lower necrosis. Against R. solani, simultaneous treatments were clearly more effective, with higher root and aerial length values and lower necrosis. The obtained data suggest that the use of Trichoderma spp. isolates can constitute an alternative to conventional fungicides to control certain grapevine wood diseases.
Composted Solid Digestate and Vineyard Winter Prunings Partially Replace Peat in Growing Substrates for Micropropagated Highbush Blueberry in the Nursery
Authors: Bignami Cristina , Melegari Federico , Zaccardelli Massimo , Pane Catello , Ronga Domenico
Published: January 2022

The “soilless” cultivation of blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) in containers with peat as substrate allows overcoming the problem of unsuitable soils, thus enhancing the spread of this crop in new areas. Since the use of peat presents several critical environmental and economic sustainability issues, the evaluation of alternative solutions is required. The effectiveness of compost produced with solid digestate and residues from the vine-wine chain to replace part of the peat was therefore tested. Micropropagated plants of cultivar Duke grown in three substrates consisting of a mixture of commercial peat with three compost fractions (10, 20, 40%) were compared with plants grown in 100% unfertilized or fertilized peat (0.3 g of Osmocote per pot). Plant height did not significantly differ between the five theses at the end of the trial, whereas the total number of nodes per plant was higher than in the control theses, due to a greater development of secondary shoots. The nutritional status of the plants, monitored with Dualex, during the growing season, was generally not significantly different in the innovative substrates compared to peat alone. In mid-summer the plants grown in substrates with compost showed the best nitrogen balance index (NBI values). Plants cultivated with medium-high percentages of compost (20–40%) showed a lower degree of defoliation at the end of the trial, dependent on a slower decline of vegetative activity. The final destructive measures of fresh and dry weight of biomass and of its partitioning between roots and shoots highlight that the use of compost did not negatively affect the production of biomass, but rather, in the theses with the highest percentages of compost (20–40%), root development was stimulated.
Acknowledgment to Reviewers of AI in 2021
Authors:   AI Editorial Office
Published: January 2022

Rigorous peer-reviews are the basis of high-quality academic publishing [...]
Changes in the Microbiome Profile in Different Parts of the Intestine in Piglets with Diarrhea
Authors: Gryaznova Mariya V. , Dvoretskaya Yuliya D. , Syromyatnikov Mikhail Y. , Shabunin Sergey V. , Parshin Pavel A. , Mikhaylov Evgeniy V. , Strelnikov Nikolay A. , Popov Vasily N.
Published: January 2022

Determining the taxonomic composition of microbial consortia of the piglet intestine is of great importance for pig production. However, knowledge on the variety of the intestinal microbiome in newborn piglets is limited. Piglet diarrhea is a serious gastrointestinal disease with a high morbidity and mortality that causes great economic damage to the pig industry. In this study, we investigated the microbiome of various sections of the piglet intestine and compared the microbiome composition of healthy and diarrheal piglets using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The results showed that bacteria of the Lactobacillus genus were the most common in the ileum, while Fusobacterium and Bacteroides dominated in the rectum. Comparing the microbiome composition of healthy and diarrheal piglets revealed a reduced number of Lactobacillus bacteria as a hallmark of diarrhea, as did an increased content of representatives of the Escherichia-Shigella genus and a reduced number of Bacteroides, which indicates the contribution of these bacteria to the development of diarrhea in piglets. The relative abundance of Enterococcus bacteria was higher in the diarrhea group. Although some bacteria of this genus are commensals, a small number of species may be associated with the development of diarrhea in piglets. Therefore, our results indicate that the gut microbiome may be an important factor in the development of diarrhea in piglets.
Mutation Characteristics and Phylogenetic Analysis of Five Leishmania Clinical Isolates
Authors: Zheng Zhiwan , He Jinlei , Luo Tao , Zhang Jianhui , Zhou Qi , Yin Shuangshuang , Chen Dali , Luo Jie , Chen Jianping , Li Jiao
Published: January 2022

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease threatening millions of people worldwide. The emergence of antimony-resistant Leishmania strains have brought difficulties to the treatment and elimination of leishmaniasis. This study performed genome sequencing, phylogenetic analysis and mutation analysis of five Leishmania clinical isolates, especially the Leishmania strain L_HCZ isolated in 2016, which shows strong virulence and antimony resistance. By phylogenetic analysis, four isolates (L_DD8, L_801, L_Liu and L_9044) were identified as Leishmania donovani, the isolate L_HCZ was identified as Leishmania infantum and the isolate L_DD8 as a standard strain of L.donovani. Genome-wide mutation analysis was applied to identify mutations related to the drug resistance and virulence of the newly isolated L_HCZ. Compared with the other four Leishmania isolates, L_HCZ had the most mutations in genes associated with antimony resistance, including the ABC transporter, ascorbate-dependent peroxidase, gamma–glutamylcysteine synthetase, glucose-6-phosphate 1-dehydrogenase, ATP-binding cassette protein subfamily A and multi-drug resistance protein-like genes. Among the genes associated with virulence, L_HCZ had the most mutations in cysteine peptidase A, cysteine peptidase B, cysteine peptidase C, heat-shock protein 70, gp63, acid phosphatase, kinesin k39, kinesin, phosphoglycan beta 1, amastin-like surface protein and amastin-like proteins. The mutations in L_HCZ might possibly contribute to its antimony resistance and strong virulence in clinical patients. Whole-genome resequencing has exhibited broad application prospects and may be put into clinical use in the future for parasite identifying and epidemiological investigations.
Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity of Nigella sativa Extracts Encapsulated in Hydroxyapatite Sodium Silicate Glass Composite
Authors: Tiji Salima , Lakrat Mohammed , Rokni Yahya , Mejdoubi El Miloud , Hano Christophe , Addi Mohamed , Asehraou Abdeslam , Mimouni Mostafa
Published: January 2022

N. sativa is an interesting source of bioactive compounds commonly used for various therapeutic purposes. Associate its seeds extracts with biomaterials to improve their antimicrobial properties are highly demanded. This study aims to investigate the encapsulation of NS extracts in hydroxyapatite nanoparticle sodium silicate glass (nHap/SSG) scaffold. NS essential oil (HS) was extracted by hydrodistillation, while hexane (FH) and acetone extracts (FA) were obtained using Soxhlet extraction. (FH) was the most abundant (34%) followed by (FA) (2.02%) and (HS) (1.2%). GC-MS chromatography showed that the (HS) contained beta cymene, alpha thujene, β-pinene and thymoquinone, while (FH) had mostly fatty acids and (FA) decane, 2.9-dimethyl, benzene 1,3,3-trimethylnonyl and beta cymene. Loaded nHap/SGG scaffolds with various amount of (FH), (HS) and (FA) at 1.5, 3, and 6 wt%; were elaborated then characterized by ATR-FTIR, X-ray and SEM techniques and their antimicrobial activity was studied. Samples loaded with 1.5 wt% HE was highly active against C. albicans (19 mm), and at 3 wt% on M. luteus (20 mm) and S. aureus (20 mm). Additionally, loaded scaffolds with 1.5 wt% AE had an important activity against M. luteus (18.9 mm) and S. aureus (19 mm), while the EO had low activities on all bacterial strains. The outcome of this finding indicated that loaded scaffolds demonstrated an important antimicrobial effect that make them promising materials for a wide range of medical applications.
Prevalence of Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococcus (VRE) in Poultry in Malaysia: The First Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Wada Yusuf , Irekeola Ahmad A. , Shueb Rafidah H. , Wada Mustapha , Afolabi Hafeez A. , Yean Chan Y. , Harun Azian , Zaidah Abdul R.
Published: January 2022

Databases such as PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched. Data extraction and assessment of study protocol was done by two independent reviewers and the results were reviewed by a third. OpenMeta analyst and comprehensive meta-analysis (CMA) were used for the meta-analysis. The random effect model was used, publication bias and between-study heterogeneity was assessed. Seventeen studies were added to the final meta-analysis. Studies were sampled from 2000–2018 and of the 8684 isolates tested, 2824 were VRE. The pooled prevalence of VRE among poultry in Malaysia was estimated at 24.0% (95% CI; 16.7–33.1%; I2 = 98.14%; p < 0.001). Between-study variability was high (t2 = 0.788; heterogeneity I2 = 98.14% with heterogeneity chi-square (Q) = 858.379, degrees of freedom (df) = 16, and p < 0.001). The funnel plot showed bias which was confirmed by Egger’s test and estimates from the leave-one-out forest plot did not affect the pooled prevalence. Pooled prevalence of VRE in chickens and ducks were 29.2% (CI = 18.8–42.5%) and 11.2%, CI = 9.0–14.0%) respectively. Enterococcus faecalis was reported most with more studies being reported in Peninsular Malaysia Central region and used antibiotic disc diffusion as detection method. Increased surveillance of VRE in poultry in Malaysia is required.
Creating Robust Antimicrobial Materials with Sticky Tyrocidines
Authors: van Rensburg Wilma , Rautenbach Marina
Published: January 2022

Modified antimicrobial and antifouling materials and surfaces can be used to limit the propagation of microorganisms on various surfaces and minimise the occurrence of infection, transfer, and spoilage. Increased demand for ‘green’ solutions for material treatment has pushed the focus towards to naturally produced antimicrobials. Tyrocidines, cyclo-decapeptides naturally produced by a soil bacterium Brevibacillus parabrevis, have a broad spectrum of activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, filamentous fungi, and yeasts. Continual losses in tyrocidine production highlighted the possible association of peptides to surfaces. It was found in this study that tyrocidines readily associates with many materials, with a selectivity towards polysaccharide-type materials, such as cellulose. Peptide-treated cellulose was found to remain active after exposure to a broad pH range, various temperatures, salt solutions, water washes, and organic solvents, with the sterilising activity only affected by 1% SDS and 70% acetonitrile. Furthermore, a comparison to other antimicrobial peptides showed the association between tyrocidines and cellulose to be unique in terms of antimicrobial activity. The robust association between the tyrocidines and various materials holds great promise in applications focused on preventing surface contamination and creating self-sterilising materials.
Pharmacists’ Knowledge, Attitudes, Behaviors and Information Sources on Antibiotic Use and Resistance in Jordan
Authors: Al-Taani Ghaith M. , Al-Azzam Sayer , Karasneh Reema A. , Sadeq Adel Shaban , Mazrouei Nadia Al , Bond Stuart E. , Conway Barbara R. , Aldeyab Mamoon A.
Published: January 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious healthcare problem that affects public health globally. Appropriate understanding and knowledge of prudent antimicrobial use and resistance, along with providing evidence-based information sources, are needed for informed antibiotic prescribing practices. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, opportunity, motivation, behavior of pharmacists and their information sources regarding antibiotic use and resistance in Jordan. An online cross-sectional questionnaire was developed and administered to pharmacists during the period of July–September 2021. The survey is an adapted version of the validated European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) survey for antibiotic use and resistance. Pharmacists from all sectors (n = 384), of whom 276 (71.9%) were community pharmacists, completed an online questionnaire. While respondents scored highly (>87%) on knowledge on effective use, unnecessary use, and associated side effects of antibiotics, lower scores were recorded for knowledge on the spread of antibiotic resistance (52.9%). Pharmacists support easy access to guidelines on managing infections in 56% of cases, and easy access to materials advising prudent antibiotic use and resistance in 39.8% of cases. One-third of respondents (37.0%) reported no knowledge of any initiatives on antibiotic awareness and resistance. Pharmacists were aware (13.3%), unaware (36.2%), or unsure (50.5%) of the existence of a national antibiotic resistance action plan. Pharmacists indicated an interest in receiving more information on resistance to antibiotics (55.2%), medical conditions for which antibiotics are used (53.1%), how to use antibiotics (45.1%), prescribing of antibiotics (34.4%), and links between the health of humans, animals, and the environment (28.6%). Findings can inform antimicrobial stewardship with required interventions to improve antibiotic use.
Antimicrobial Use in Hospitalised Patients with COVID-19: An International Multicentre Point-Prevalence Study
Authors: Papst Lea , Luzzati Roberto , Carević Biljana , Tascini Carlo , Gorišek Miksić Nina , Vlahović Palčevski Vera , Djordjevic Zorana M. , Simonetti Omar , Sozio Emanuela , Lukić Milica , Stevanović Goran , Petek Davor , Beović Bojana
Published: January 2022

Studies suggest that the incidence of coinfections in patients with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is low, but a large number of patients receive antimicrobials during hospitalisation. This may fuel a rise in antimicrobial resistance (AMR). We conducted a multicentre point-prevalence survey in seven tertiary university hospitals (in medical wards and intensive care units) in Croatia, Italy, Serbia and Slovenia. Of 988 COVID-19 patients, 521 were receiving antibiotics and/or antifungals (52.7%; range across hospitals: 32.9–85.6%) on the day of the study. Differences between hospitals were statistically significant (χ2 (6, N = 988) = 192.57, p < 0.001). The majority of patients received antibiotics and/or antifungals within 48 h of admission (323/521, 62%; range across hospitals: 17.4–100%), their most common use was empirical (79.4% of prescriptions), and pneumonia was the main indication for starting the treatment (three-quarters of prescriptions). The majority of antibiotics prescribed (69.9%) belonged to the “Watch” group of the World Health Organization AWaRe classification. The pattern of antimicrobial use differed across hospitals. The data show that early empiric use of broad-spectrum antibiotics is common in COVID-19 patients, and that the pattern of antimicrobial use varies across hospitals. Judicious use of antimicrobials is warranted to prevent an increase in AMR.
Tea Polyphenols: A Natural Antioxidant Regulates Gut Flora to Protect the Intestinal Mucosa and Prevent Chronic Diseases
Authors: Wang Xinzhou , Liu Yanan , Wu Zufang , Zhang Peng , Zhang Xin
Published: January 2022

The intestinal tract of a healthy human body hosts many microorganisms that are closely linked to all aspects of people’s lives. The impact of intestinal flora on host health is no longer limited to the gut but can also affect every organ in the body through various pathways. Studies have found that intestinal flora can be altered by external factors, which provides new ideas for treating some diseases. Tea polyphenols (TP), a general term for polyphenols in tea, are widely used as a natural antioxidant in various bioactive foods. In recent years, with the progress of research, there have been many experiments that provide strong evidence for the ability of TP to regulate intestinal flora. However, there are very few studies on the use of TP to modify the composition of intestinal microorganisms to maintain health or treat related diseases, and this area has not received sufficient attention. In this review, we outline the mechanisms by which TP regulates intestinal flora and the essential role in maintaining suitable health. In addition, we highlighted the protective effects of TP on intestinal mucosa by regulating intestinal flora and the preventive and therapeutic effects on certain chronic diseases, which will help further explore measures to prevent related chronic diseases.
The Cyclic Nitroxide TEMPOL Ameliorates Oxidative Stress but Not Inflammation in a Cell Model of Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Leathem Alexander , Simone Martin , Dennis Joanne M. , Witting Paul K.
Published: January 2022

The cyclic nitroxide TEMPOL exerts anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, and thus may provide therapeutic benefit in Parkinson’s disease (PD), in which mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative damage and inflammation have been implicated as pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the selective loss of dopaminergic neurons. Markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were investigated in a cell model of differentiated human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells treated with the neurotoxin, 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). Treatment with TEMPOL ameliorated 6-OHDA-mediated cytotoxicity and attenuated biomarkers of oxidative stress including: mitochondrial superoxide anion free radical production, lipid peroxidation, induction of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) protein expression and NFκB activation. Treatment with TEMPOL abated decreased gene expression of DRD2S and DRD2L induced by 6-OHDA indicating that TEMPOL may prevent mitochondrial dysfunction and activation of pathways that result in receptor desensitization. 6-OHDA insult decreased gene expression of the antioxidant, SOD-1, and this diminution was also mitigated by TEMPOL. Activation of NFκB increased pro-inflammatory IFNy and decreased IL-6, however, TEMPOL had no effect on these inflammation mediators. Overall, this data suggests that cyclic nitroxides may preserve dopaminergic neuronal cell viability by attenuating oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, but are unable to affect inflammatory mediators that propagate cellular damage and neurodegeneration in PD.
Correlation between Chemical Characterization and Biological Activity: An Urgent Need for Human Studies Using Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Authors: De Santis Stefania , Clodoveo Maria Lisa , Corbo Filomena
Published: January 2022

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is one of the most important functional foods from the Mediterranean Diet due to its beneficial effect on human health in terms of prevention and/or adjuvant treatment of different pathological conditions. The positive effects linked to EVOO consumption are not only due to its major (monounsaturated fatty acids), but also to its minor components (phenolics), whose roles were greatly re-evaluated in the last years. Notwithstanding the huge number of studies demonstrating the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties of EVOO’s phenolic compounds, only their antioxidant ability was supported by a Health Claim. However, to bear the claim, a specific phenolic composition is needed, thus reinforcing the need to correlate the characterization of the phenolic compounds to their biological activity. In fact, although the chemical characterization of VOO’s phenolic compounds was extensively studied, its correlation with biological effects is only partially investigated; this is especially true for human studies. This review aims to study the correlation between the chemical characterization of EVOO’s phenolics and the biological effects in terms of antioxidant/anti-inflammatory potentials, with a focus on the human studies and the relative concern on getting a specific Health Claim.
Serum Lutein and Zeaxanthin Are Inversely Associated with High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein in Non-Smokers: The Mikkabi Study
Authors: Nakamura Mieko , Sugiura Minoru
Published: January 2022

Recent randomized controlled trials have demonstrated a protective association between carotenoids and inflammation; however, the basis of this association on lifestyle factors remains unclear. This study aimed to clarify the associations between carotenoids and inflammatory markers stratified by lifestyle factors, using baseline data from the Mikkabi Study. Serum carotenoid and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were measured. Multivariable adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for a high hs-CRP level (≥2.0 mg/dL) were obtained using logistic regression analysis. The data of 882 individuals were analyzed; 11.7% had high hs-CRP levels. The highest tertile of lutein (OR: 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.25–0.76), zeaxanthin (OR: 0.36; 95% CI: 0.21–0.64), total carotenoid (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.32–0.9997), and oxygenated carotenoid concentration (OR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28–0.90), with the lowest tertile as reference, was inversely associated with a high hs-CRP level. The interaction between lutein, but not other carotenoids, and current smoking was significant. The inverse association between lutein and a high hs-CRP level was significant in non-smokers (OR: 0.41; 95% CI: 0.22–0.76) but not in smokers. These results further support the anti-inflammatory effect of carotenoids; nevertheless, further studies should clarify the interaction of smoking with the association between lutein and inflammation.
LDHB Deficiency Promotes Mitochondrial Dysfunction Mediated Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration in Adult Mouse Brain
Authors: Park Jun Sung , Saeed Kamran , Jo Myeung Hoon , Kim Min Woo , Lee Hyeon Jin , Park Chan-Bae , Lee Gwang , Kim Myeong Ok
Published: January 2022

Age-related decline in mitochondrial function and oxidative stress plays a critical role in neurodegeneration. Lactate dehydrogenase-B (LDHB) is a glycolytic enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of lactate, an important brain energy substrate, into pyruvate. It has been reported that the LDHB pattern changes in the brain during ageing. Yet very little is known about the effect of LDHB deficiency on brain pathology. Here, we have used Ldhb knockout (Ldhb−/−) mice to test the hypothesis that LDHB deficiency plays an important role in oxidative stress-mediated neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. LDHB knockout (Ldhb−/−) mice were generated by the ablation of the Ldhb gene using the Cre/loxP-recombination system in the C57BL/6 genetic background. The Ldhb−/− mice were treated with either osmotin (15 μg/g of the body; intraperitoneally) or vehicle twice a week for 5-weeks. After behavior assessments, the mice were sacrificed, and the cortical and hippocampal brain regions were analyzed through biochemical and morphological analysis. Ldhb−/− mice displayed enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) production, and they revealed depleted stores of cellular ATP, GSH:GSSG enzyme ratio, and downregulated expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins, when compared to WT littermates. Importantly, the Ldhb−/− mice showed upregulated expression of apoptosis mediators (Bax, Cytochrome C, and caspase-3), and revealed impaired p-AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1alpha signaling. Moreover, LDHB deficiency-induced gliosis increased the production of inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, Nf-ĸB, and NOS2), and revealed cognitive deficits. Treatment with osmotin, an adipoR1 natural agonist, significantly increased cellular ATP production by increasing mitochondrial function and attenuated oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal apoptosis, probably, by upregulating p-AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1alpha signaling in Ldhb−/− mice. In brief, LDHB deficiency may lead to brain oxidative stress-mediated progression of neurodegeneration via regulating p-AMPK/SIRT1/PGC-1alpha signaling, while osmotin could improve mitochondrial functions, abrogate oxidative stress and alleviate neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in adult Ldhb−/− mice.
Pirin, an Nrf2-Regulated Protein, Is Overexpressed in Human Colorectal Tumors
Authors: Zhang Ying , Knatko Elena V. , Higgins Maureen , Dayalan Naidu Sharadha , Smith Gillian , Honda Tadashi , de la Vega Laureano , Dinkova-Kostova Albena T.
Published: January 2022

The evolutionary conserved non-heme Fe-containing protein pirin has been implicated as an important factor in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumour progression of melanoma, breast, lung, cervical, prostate, and oral cancers. Here we found that pirin is overexpressed in human colorectal cancer in comparison with matched normal tissue. The overexpression of pirin correlates with activation of transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and increased expression of the classical Nrf2 target NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), but interestingly and unexpectedly, not with expression of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) family members AKR1B10 and AKR1C1, which are considered to be the most overexpressed genes in response to Nrf2 activation in humans. Using pharmacologic and genetic approaches to either downregulate or upregulate Nrf2, we show that pirin is regulated by Nrf2 in human and mouse cells and in the mouse colon in vivo. The small molecule pirin inhibitor TPhA decreased the viability of human colorectal cancer (DLD1) cells, but this decrease was independent of the levels of pirin. Our study demonstrates the Nrf2-dependent regulation of pirin and encourages the pursuit for specific pirin inhibitors.