bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O-GlcNAc regulates the mitochondrial integrated stress response by regulating ATF4
Authors: Alghusen Ibtihal M. , Carman Marisa S. , Wilkins Heather , Ephrame Sophiya John , Qiang Amy , Dias Wagner B. , Fedosyuk Halyna , Denson Aspin R. , Swerdlow Russell H. , Slawson Chad
Published: December 2023

Background

Accumulation of mitochondrial dysfunctional is a hallmark of age-related neurodegeneration including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Impairment of mitochondrial quality control mechanisms leading to the accumulation of damaged mitochondria and increasing neuronal stress. Therefore, investigating the basic mechanisms of how mitochondrial homeostasis is regulated is essential. Herein, we investigate the role of O-GlcNAcylation, a single sugar post-translational modification, in controlling mitochondrial stress-induced transcription factor Activating Transcription Factor 4 (ATF4). Mitochondrial dysfunction triggers the integrated stress response (ISRmt), in which the phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α results in the translation of ATF4.

Methods

We used patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells, a transgenic mouse model of AD, SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma and HeLa cell-lines to examine the effect of sustained O-GlcNAcase inhibition by Thiamet-G (TMG) on ISRmt using biochemical analyses.

Results

We show that TMG elevates ATF4 protein levels upon mitochondrial stress in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma and HeLa cell-lines. An indirect downstream target of ATF4 mitochondrial chaperone glucose-regulated protein 75 (GRP75) is significantly elevated. Interestingly, knock-down of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT), the enzyme that adds O-GlcNAc, in SH-SY5Y increases ATF4 protein and mRNA expression. Additionally, ATF4 target gene Activating Transcription Factor 5 (ATF5) is significantly elevated at both the protein and mRNA level. Brains isolated from TMG treated mice show elevated levels of ATF4 and GRP75. Importantly, ATF4 occupancy increases at the ATF5 promoter site in brains isolated from TMG treated mice suggesting that O-GlcNAc is regulating ATF4 targeted gene expression. Interestingly, ATF4 and GRP75 are not induced in TMG treated familial Alzheimer’s Disease mice model. The same results are seen in a human in vitro model of AD.

Conclusion

Together, these results indicate that in healthy conditions, O-GlcNAc regulates the ISRmt through regulating ATF4, while manipulating O-GlcNAc in AD has no effect on ISRmt.
Cellular mechanisms of taste disturbance induced by the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac, in mice
Authors: Hirayama Ayaka , Iwata Shusuke , Oike Asami , Kawabata Yuko , Nagasato Yuki , Takai Shingo , Sanematsu Keisuke , Takahashi Ichiro , Shigemura Noriatsu
Published: December 2023

Drug-induced taste disorders are a serious problem in an aging society. This study investigated the mechanisms underlying taste disturbances induced by diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that reduces pain and inflammation by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins by cyclooxygenase enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2). RT-PCR analyses demonstrated the expression of genes encoding arachidonic acid pathway components such as COX-1, COX-2 and prostaglandin synthases in a subset of mouse taste bud cells. Double-staining immunohistochemistry revealed that COX-1 and cytosolic prostaglandin E synthase (cPGES) were co-expressed with taste receptor type-1 member-3 (T1R3), a sweet/umami receptor component, or gustducin, a bitter/sweet/umami-related G protein, in a subset of taste bud cells. Long-term administration of diclofenac reduced the expression of genes encoding COX-1, gustducin and cPGES in mouse taste buds and suppressed both the behavioral and taste nerve responses to sweet and umami taste stimuli but not to other tastants. Furthermore, diclofenac also suppressed the responses of both mouse and human sweet taste receptors (T1R2/T1R3, expressed in HEK293 cells) to sweet taste stimuli. These results suggest that diclofenac may suppress the activation of sweet and umami taste cells acutely via a direct action on T1R2/T1R3 and chronically via inhibition of the COX/prostaglandin synthase pathway inducing down-regulated expression of sweet/umami responsive components. This dual inhibition mechanism may underlie diclofenac-induced taste alterations in humans.
The effects of musical feedback training on metacognition and self-directed learning
Authors: Li Wen , Manoharan Pravina , Cui Xuerong , Liu Fen , Liu Ke , Dai Lu
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Metacognition and self-directed learning are key components in educational research, recognized for their potential to enhance learning efficiency and problem-solving skills. This study explores the effects of musical feedback training on these competencies.

Methods

The study involved 84 preservice teachers aged 18 to 21. Participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental group, which received musical feedback training, or a control group.

Results

The findings indicate that musical feedback training effectively improved metacognitive abilities. However, its impact on the readiness for self-directed learning was inconclusive. A notable difference in metacognition and self-directed learning readiness was observed between the experimental and control groups during the session, indicating a significant interaction effect. Furthermore, a positive correlation was identified between metacognition and self-directed learning.

Discussion

These results contribute to educational discourse by providing empirical evidence on the utility of musical feedback training in fostering metacognition. They also highlight the importance of consistent and long-term engagement in self-directed learning practices. The significance of these findings advocates for incorporating music feedback training into music education curricula to enhance metacognition and improve overall learning efficiency.
PAK6-mediated phosphorylation of PPP2R2C regulates LRRK2-PP2A complex formation
Authors: Iannotta Lucia , Emanuele Marco , Favetta Giulia , Tombesi Giulia , Vandewynckel Laurine , Lara Ordóñez Antonio Jesús , Saliou Jean-Michel , Drouyer Matthieu , Sibran William , Civiero Laura , Nichols R. Jeremy , Athanasopoulos Panagiotis S. , Kortholt Arjan , Chartier-Harlin Marie-Christine , Greggio Elisa , Taymans Jean-Marc
Published: December 2023

Mutations in leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) are a common cause of inherited and sporadic Parkinson’s disease (PD) and previous work suggests that dephosphorylation of LRRK2 at a cluster of heterologous phosphosites is associated to disease. We have previously reported subunits of the PP1 and PP2A classes of phosphatases as well as the PAK6 kinase as regulators of LRRK2 dephosphorylation. We therefore hypothesized that PAK6 may have a functional link with LRRK2’s phosphatases. To investigate this, we used PhosTag gel electrophoresis with purified proteins and found that PAK6 phosphorylates the PP2A regulatory subunit PPP2R2C at position S381. While S381 phosphorylation did not affect PP2A holoenzyme formation, a S381A phosphodead PPP2R2C showed impaired binding to LRRK2. Also, PAK6 kinase activity changed PPP2R2C subcellular localization in a S381 phosphorylation-dependent manner. Finally, PAK6-mediated dephosphorylation of LRRK2 was unaffected by phosphorylation of PPP2R2C at S381, suggesting that the previously reported mechanism whereby PAK6-mediated phosphorylation of 14-3-3 proteins promotes 14-3-3-LRRK2 complex dissociation and consequent exposure of LRRK2 phosphosites for dephosphorylation is dominant. Taken together, we conclude that PAK6-mediated phosphorylation of PPP2R2C influences the recruitment of PPP2R2C to the LRRK2 complex and PPP2R2C subcellular localization, pointing to an additional mechanism in the fine-tuning of LRRK2 phosphorylation.
Immune response of BV-2 microglial cells is impacted by peroxisomal beta-oxidation
Authors: Tawbeh Ali , Raas Quentin , Tahri-Joutey Mounia , Keime Céline , Kaiser Romain , Trompier Doriane , Nasser Boubker , Bellanger Emma , Dessard Marie , Hamon Yannick , Benani Alexandre , Di Cara Francesca , Cunha Alves Tânia , Berger Johannes , Weinhofer Isabelle , Mandard Stéphane , Cherkaoui-Malki Mustapha , Andreoletti Pierre , Gondcaille Catherine , Savary Stéphane
Published: December 2023

Microglia are crucial for brain homeostasis, and dysfunction of these cells is a key driver in most neurodegenerative diseases, including peroxisomal leukodystrophies. In X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), a neuroinflammatory disorder, very long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) accumulation due to impaired degradation within peroxisomes results in microglial defects, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing of key genes in peroxisomal VLCFA breakdown (Abcd1, Abcd2, and Acox1), we recently established easily accessible microglial BV-2 cell models to study the impact of dysfunctional peroxisomal β-oxidation and revealed a disease-associated microglial-like signature in these cell lines. Transcriptomic analysis suggested consequences on the immune response. To clarify how impaired lipid degradation impacts the immune function of microglia, we here used RNA-sequencing and functional assays related to the immune response to compare wild-type and mutant BV-2 cell lines under basal conditions and upon pro-inflammatory lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activation. A majority of genes encoding proinflammatory cytokines, as well as genes involved in phagocytosis, antigen presentation, and co-stimulation of T lymphocytes, were found differentially overexpressed. The transcriptomic alterations were reflected by altered phagocytic capacity, inflammasome activation, increased release of inflammatory cytokines, including TNF, and upregulated response of T lymphocytes primed by mutant BV-2 cells presenting peptides. Together, the present study shows that peroxisomal β-oxidation defects resulting in lipid alterations, including VLCFA accumulation, directly reprogram the main cellular functions of microglia. The elucidation of this link between lipid metabolism and the immune response of microglia will help to better understand the pathogenesis of peroxisomal leukodystrophies.
Glioblastoma may evade immune surveillance through primary cilia-dependent signaling in an IL-6 dependent manner
Authors: Laws Maxwell T. , Walker Erin N. , Cozzi Francesca M. , Ampie Leonel , Jung Mi-Yeon , Burton Eric C. , Brown Desmond A.
Published: December 2023

Glioblastoma is the most common, malignant primary brain tumor in adults and remains universally fatal. While immunotherapy has vastly improved the treatment of several solid cancers, efficacy in glioblastoma is limited. These challenges are due in part to the propensity of glioblastoma to recruit tumor-suppressive immune cells, which act in conjunction with tumor cells to create a pro-tumor immune microenvironment through secretion of several soluble factors. Glioblastoma-derived EVs induce myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and non-classical monocytes (NCMs) from myeloid precursors leading to systemic and local immunosuppression. This process is mediated by IL-6 which contributes to the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophages of the M2 immunosuppressive subtype, which in turn, upregulates anti-inflammatory cytokines including IL-10 and TGF-β. Primary cilia are highly conserved organelles involved in signal transduction and play critical roles in glioblastoma proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, and chemoradiation resistance. In this perspectives article, we provide preliminary evidence that primary cilia regulate intracellular release of IL-6. This ties primary cilia mechanistically to tumor-mediated immunosuppression in glioblastomas and potentially, in additional neoplasms which have a shared mechanism for cancer-mediated immunosuppression. We propose potentially testable hypotheses of the cellular mechanisms behind this finding.
Sex differences in erythrocyte fatty acid composition of first-diagnosed, drug-naïve patients with major depressive disorders
Authors: Wang Lu , Liu Ting , Guo Jimin , Zhao Tingyu , Tang Hui , Dong Fang , Wang Chuanyue , Chen Jindong , Tang Mimi
Published: December 2023

Background: Since depression, sex hormones, and fatty acid status are interrelated, it is important to understand their relationships. In this study, we aimed to investigate sex differences in erythrocyte membrane fatty acid composition among first-diagnosed, drug-naïve patients with major depressive disorders.

Methods: The study included 139 individuals with first-diagnosed, drug-naïve depression (male/female = 48/91) and 55 healthy controls (male/female = 24/31). The levels of erythrocyte membrane fatty acids were analyzed to compare the difference between males and females in both patients with depression and healthy controls, as well as to study their correlation with depressive symptoms.

Results: In first-diagnosed, drug-naïve patients with major depressive disorders, sex disparities were observed in the levels of erythrocyte saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and n-6 PUFAs (such as C18:0, C20:4n6 and C22:4n6), where higher levels evident in females compared to in males. We found a noteworthy correlation between fatty acid levels and depressive symptoms, in which there is a significant association between female patients and depression but a weaker association between male patients and depression.

Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate higher levels of n-6 PUFAs and SFAs in female patients with depression. The relationship between fatty acid composition and depressive symptoms was more prominent in females than males. These findings highlight the significance of considering sex as a crucial and interconnected factor in future investigations and potential adjunctive treatment for mood disorders by targeting fatty acid metabolism.
Comparative analysis of the metabolites and biotransformation pathways of fentanyl in the liver and brain of zebrafish
Authors: Liu Meng , Huang Jian , Zhao Sen , Wang Bin-jie , Zhou Hong , Liu Yao
Published: December 2023

The rise of fentanyl has introduced significant new challenges to public health. To improve the examination and identification of biological samples in cases of fentanyl misuse and fatalities, this study utilized a zebrafish animal model to conduct a comparative investigation of the metabolites and biotransformation pathways of fentanyl in the zebrafish’s liver and brain. A total of 17 fentanyl metabolites were identified in the positive ion mode using ultra-high-pressure liquid chromatography Q Exactive HF Hybrid Quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QE HF MS). Specifically, the zebrafish’s liver revealed 16 fentanyl metabolites, including 6 phase I metabolites and 10 phase II metabolites. Conversely, the zebrafish’s brain presented fewer metabolites, with only 8 detected, comprising 6 phase I metabolites and 2 phase II metabolites. Notably, M′4, a metabolite of dihydroxylation, was found exclusively in the brain, not in the liver. Through our research, we have identified two specific metabolites, M9-a (monohydroxylation followed by glucuronidation) and M3-c (monohydroxylation, precursor of M9-a), as potential markers of fentanyl toxicity within the liver. Furthermore, we propose that the metabolites M1 (normetabolite) and M3-b (monohydroxylation) may serve as indicators of fentanyl metabolism within the brain. These findings suggest potential strategies for extending the detection window and enhancing the efficiency of fentanyl detection, and provide valuable insights that can be referenced in metabolic studies of other new psychoactive substances.
Enhancing crop resilience by harnessing the synergistic effects of biostimulants against abiotic stress
Authors: Asif Anam , Ali Maratab , Qadir Muslim , Karthikeyan Rajmohan , Singh Zora , Khangura Ravjit , Di Gioia Francesco , Ahmed Zienab F. R.
Published: December 2023

Plants experience constant exposed to diverse abiotic stresses throughout their growth and development stages. Given the burgeoning world population, abiotic stresses pose significant challenges to food and nutritional security. These stresses are complex and influenced by both genetic networks and environmental factors, often resulting in significant crop losses, which can reach as high as fifty percent. To mitigate the effects of abiotic stresses on crops, various strategies rooted in crop improvement and genomics are being explored. In particular, the utilization of biostimulants, including bio-based compounds derived from plants and beneficial microbes, has garnered considerable attention. Biostimulants offer the potential to reduce reliance on artificial chemical agents while enhancing nutritional efficiency and promoting plant growth under abiotic stress condition. Commonly used biostimulants, which are friendly to ecology and human health, encompass inorganic substances (e.g., zinc oxide and silicon) and natural substances (e.g., seaweed extracts, humic substances, chitosan, exudates, and microbes). Notably, prioritizing environmentally friendly biostimulants is crucial to prevent issues such as soil degradation, air and water pollution. In recent years, several studies have explored the biological role of biostimulants in plant production, focusing particularly on their mechanisms of effectiveness in horticulture. In this context, we conducted a comprehensive review of the existing scientific literature to analyze the current status and future research directions concerning the use of various biostimulants, such as plant-based zinc oxide, silicon, selenium and aminobutyric acid, seaweed extracts, humic acids, and chitosan for enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in crop plants. Furthermore, we correlated the molecular modifications induced by these biostimulants with different physiological pathways and assessed their impact on plant performance in response to abiotic stresses, which can provide valuable insights.
Neuromodulation of choice-induced preference changes: the tDCS study of cognitive dissonance
Authors: Rybina Elena , Colosio Marco , Shestakova Anna , Klucharev Vasily
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Difficult choices between two equally attractive options result in a cognitive discrepancy between dissonant cognitions such as preferences and actions often followed by a sense of psychological discomfort known as cognitive dissonance. It can lead to changes in the desirability of options: the chosen option becomes more desirable, whereas the rejected option is devalued. Despite the ample experimental evidence to show this effect, the neural mechanisms and timing of such choice-induced preference changes are not fully understood.

Methods

In this study, we used transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to modulate the activity of the posterior medial frontal cortex (pMFC), which has been associated with conflict monitoring and choice-induced preference changes in neuroimaging studies. Prior to a revised version of Brehm’s free-choice paradigm, participants in two experiments underwent cathodal (inhibitory) or anodal (excitatory) tDCS of the pMFC compared to sham (placebo) stimulation prior to the choice phase.

Results

Our results showed that cathodal tDCS significantly decreased the choice-induced preference change relative to a sham, but only in direct comparisons of rejected options. No significant effect of anodal tDCS in comparison with sham was observed.

Discussion

This study replicates the general behavioral effect of cognitive dissonance and provide partial support for the theory of the pMFC contribution to choice-related cognitive dissonance and subsequent preference changes, with possible limitations of an under-sampling for the obtained effect size and an asymmetry in the inhibitory-excitatory effects of non-invasive tDCS.
Does paradoxical leadership influence employees’ proactive work behavior? A study based on employees in Chinese state-owned enterprises
Authors: Qiang Qin , Xiaohong Wu , Qianru Song
Published: December 2023

Paradoxical leadership has emerged as an increasingly important research topic in the context of Chinese state-owned enterprises, which are currently facing contradictions between maintaining stability and implementing changes, short-term profits and long-term sustainable development, and public nature and marketization. Based on social cognitive theory and social exchange theory, this study employed a questionnaire survey to explore the influence of paradoxical leadership on employees’ proactive work behavior and the mediating role of superior-subordinate guanxi and self-efficacy. The study involved 540 employees working in Chinese state-owned enterprises. We conducted confirmatory factor analyses to test the validity of the measurement model and regression to evaluate the direct effects. Subsequently, we used bootstrapping to confirm mediation and serial mediation effects. The study found that (1) Paradoxical leadership can effectively enhance employees’ proactive work behavior; (2) The superior-subordinate guanxi plays a mediating role between paradoxical leadership and employees’ proactive work behavior, that is, paradoxical leadership enhances employees’ proactive work behavior by improving the superior-subordinate guanxi; (3) Self-efficacy plays a mediating role between paradoxical leadership and employees’ proactive work behaviors, that is, paradoxical leadership promotes employees’ proactive work behavior by enhancing their self-efficacy; (4) The superior-subordinate guanxi and self-efficacy play a chain mediating effect between paradoxical leadership and employees’ proactive work behavior, forming a chain of “Paradoxical leadership—Superior-subordinate Guanxi—Self-efficacy—Employees’ proactive work behaviors.” This study enriches the theoretical research on paradoxical leadership and provides suggestions for state-owned enterprises to enhance employees’ proactive work behavior.
Analysis of the current status and influencing factors of cross-regional hospitalization services utilization by basic medical insurance participants in China − taking a central province as an example
Authors: Song Tianyu , Ma Rongfei , Zhang Xiange , Lv Bangliang , Li Zihang , Guo Mengzi , Yuan Min , Tang Zhiru
Published: December 2023

Background

The geographically uneven distribution of healthcare resources has resulted in a dramatic increase of cross-regional hospitalization services in China. The over-use of cross-regional hospitalization services may hinder the utilization and improvement of local hospitalization services. It is of great practical significance to study the utilization of cross-regional hospitalization services and its influencing factors in order to effectively allocate medical resources and guide patients to seek medical treatment rationally. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the current situation and influencing factors of the utilization of cross-regional hospitalization services by patients insured by basic medical insurance in China.

Methods

A total of 3,291 cross-provincial inpatients were randomly selected in a central province of China in 2020. The level of medical institutions, hospitalization expenses and actual reimbursement rate were selected as indicators of hospitalization service utilization. Exploratory factor analysis was used to assess the dimensionality of influencing factors and reduce the number of variables, and binomial logistic regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis to explore the influencing factors of the utilization of cross-regional hospitalization services.

Results

The proportion of cross-provincial inpatients choosing tertiary hospitals was the highest with average hospitalization expenses of 24,662 yuan and an actual reimbursement rate of 51.0% on average. Patients insured by Urban Employees’ Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) were more frequently (92.9% vs. 88.5%) to choose tertiary hospitals than those insured by Urban and Rural Residents’ Basic Medical Insurance (URRBMI), and their average hospitalization expenses (30,727 yuan) and actual reimbursement rate (68.2%) were relatively higher (p < 0.001). The factor “income and security,” “convenience of medical treatment” and “disease severity” had significant effects on inpatients’ selection of medical institution level, hospitalization expenses and actual reimbursement rate, while the factor “demographic characteristics” only had significant effects on hospitalization expenses and actual reimbursement rate.

Conclusion

Cross-provincial inpatients choose tertiary hospitals more frequently, and their financial burdens of medical treatment are heavy. A variety of factors jointly affect the utilization of cross-provincial hospitalization services for insured patients. It is necessary to narrow down the gap of medical treatment between UEBMI and URRBMI patients, and make full use of high-quality medical resources across regions.
Etiquette of the antibiotic decision-making process for surgical prophylaxis in Ethiopia: a triangulated ethnographic study
Authors: Alemkere Getachew , Tegegne Gobezie T. , Molla Getnet Abebe , Belayneh Alemu , Muzeyin Hanan , Shewarega Wendwosen , Degefaw Yidnekachew , Melkie Addisu , Getahun Workineh , Tadeg Hailu , Alemayehu Abebe , Girma Eshetu , Amogne Wondwossen
Published: December 2023

Background

Prophylactic antibiotics reduce surgery-associated infections and healthcare costs. While quantitative methods have been widely used to evaluate antibiotic use practices in surgical wards, they fall short of fully capturing the intricacies of antibiotic decision-making in these settings. Qualitative methods can bridge this gap by delving into the often-overlooked healthcare customs that shape antibiotic prescribing practices.

Aim

This study aimed to explore the etiquette of the antibiotic decision-making process of surgical prophylaxis antibiotic use at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital (TASH).

Methods

The observational study was carried out at TASH, a teaching and referral hospital in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 26 August 2021 to 1 January 2022. Overall, 21 business ward rounds, 30 medical record reviews, and 11 face-to-face interviews were performed sequentially to triangulate and cross-validate the qualitative observation. The data were collected until saturation. The data were cleaned, coded, summarized, and analyzed using the thematic analysis approach.

Result

Surgical antibiotic prophylaxis (SAP) discussions were infrequent during surgical ward rounds in TASH, leading to practices that deviated from established recommendations. Clear documentation differentiating SAP from other antibiotic uses was also lacking, which contributed to unjustified extended SAP use in the postoperative period. Missed SAP documentation was common for emergency surgeries, as well as initial dose timing and pre-operative metronidazole administration. Importantly, there was no standardized facility guideline or clinical protocol for SAP use. Furthermore, SAP prescriptions were often signed by junior residents and medical interns, and administration was typically handled by anesthesiologists/anesthetists at the operating theater and by nurses in the wards. This suggests a delegation of SAP decision-making from surgeons to senior residents, then to junior residents, and finally to medical interns. Moreover, there was no adequate representation from pharmacy, nursing, and other staff during ward rounds.

Conclusion

Deeply ingrained customs hinder evidence-based SAP decisions, leading to suboptimal practices and increased surgical site infection risks. Engaging SAP care services and implementing antimicrobial stewardship practices could optimize SAP usage and mitigate SSI risks.
Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli in East Tennessee dairy farms
Authors: Gelalcha Benti D. , Gelgie Aga E. , Kerro Dego Oudessa
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae, such as Escherichia coli, are emerging as a serious threat to global health due to their rapid spread and their multidrug-resistant (MDR) phenotypes. However, limited information is available regarding the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile of ESBL-E. coli in the United States dairy farms. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and AMR pattern of ESBL-E. coli in East Tennessee dairy cattle farms.

Methods

Rectal fecal samples from dairy cattle (n = 508) and manure (n = 30), water (n = 19), and feed samples (n = 15) were collected from 14 farms. The presumptive E. coli was isolated on CHROMagar™ ESBL and confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed on the ESBL-E. coli isolates.

Results and discussion

From 572 fecal and farm environmental samples, a total of 233 (41%, n = 572) ESBL-E. coli were identified. The prevalence of fecal ESBL-E. coli was 47.5% (95% CI: 46.2–49.2). The within-farm prevalence of ESBL-E. coli ranged from 8 to 100%. Recent treatment history with third-generation cephalosporins (3GC), cow parity ≥3, and calves were the independent risk factors associated (P < 0.05) with fecal carriage of ESBL-E. coli. Overall, 99.6% (n = 231) ESBL-E. coli tested were phenotypically resistant to at least one of the 14 antimicrobial agents tested. The most common AMR phenotypes were against beta-lactam antibiotics, ampicillin (99.1%; n = 231 isolates), and ceftriaxone (98.7%, n = 231). Most ESBL-E. coli isolates (94.4%) were MDR (resistance to ≥3 antimicrobial classes), of which 42.6% showed co-resistance to at least six classes of antimicrobials. ESBL-E. coli isolates with concurrent resistance to ceftriaxone, ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, sulfisoxazole, and chloramphenicol are widespread and detected in all the farms. The detection of MDR ESBL-E. coli suggests that dairy cattle can be a reservoir for these bacteria, highlighting the associated public health risk.
Eróziós fogkopás komplex rehabilitációja digitális munkafolyamatokkal
Authors: Tajti Péter , Gerber Gábor , Hermann Péter , Schmidt Péter
Published: December 2023

Bevezetés: Az eróziós fogkopás egy magas prevalenciájú fogazati rendellenesség, amely komoly funkcionális, esztétikaiés pszichoszociális következményekkel járhat. Előrehaladott állapotban a fogazat jelentős destrukciójához vezethet,ezért kiemelten fontos a korai diagnózis és terápia, hogy elkerülhessük a kórkép komplex protetikai rehabilitációtigénylő hatásait.Esetismertetés: A 39 éves hölgy páciensünk azért kereste fel a Semmelweis Egyetem Fogpótlástani Klinikáját, hogyhosszú idő után helyrehozassa jelentős mértékben lekopott fogait. A nagy mértékű mélyharapás miatt kezdeti Michigansínterápiátvégeztünk, majd a végleges fogpótlás előkészítése következett, melyhez digitális arcívet, mozgásanalízist,mosolytervezést alkalmaztunk, wax-up (felviaszolás) és mock-up (diagnosztikus műanyag mintázat) segítségével. Ezutána „copy-paste dentistry” koncepciónak megfelelően a digitális diagnosztikus mintázatot átmásoltuk a végleges fogpótlásmintázatára, amelyet először polimetil-metakrilátból marattunk ki. Az így készült ideiglenes koronák egy hónapnyipanaszmentes viselése után kértük a végleges koronák kimarását cirkónium-dioxidból. A fogpótlás rögzítése után annakvédelme érdekében mélyhúzott sínt készítettünk.Összefoglalás: Az eróziós fogkopás egyre gyakoribb fogazati rendellenesség, amely funkcionális, esztétikai éspszichoszociális problémákat is okozhat. Sok esetben a harapási magasság csökkenését is maga után vonja, ezérta komplex protetikai ellátás során fontos, hogy a gnatológiai szempontok figyelembevételével járjunk el. A digitális technológiákszámos előnyét kihasználva páciensünk és magunk elégedettségét is növelhetjük.
Malpozícióban behelyezett implantátum melletti lágyszöveti defektus komplex ellátása
Authors: Szabó József , Kemper Róbert
Published: December 2023

Az esetbemutatás célja, hogy a szakmailag nem kielégítő pozícióba behelyezett és osszeointegrálódott implantátumokokozta lágyszöveti defektusok minimál invazív sebészeti és protetikai rehabilitációját szemléltesse. Bemutatjuk, hogy azesztétikailag kedvezőtlen elváltozások esetén is tudunk kezelési lehetőséget biztosítani, még abban az esetben is, haez a defektus már begyógyult implantátumok mellett található.A páciens az 15, 12 és 22 pozícióban korábban behelyezett és begyógyult implantátumokkal és az ezekre felcsavartgyógyulási fejekkel, valamint az 16, 14, 13, 11, 21, 23, 24, 25 fogakra ideiglenesen felragasztott pótlásokkal jelentkezettrendelőnkben. A fő panasza a két front implantátum melletti súlyos lágyszöveti dehiszcencia volt. Az implantátumokangulációs és mélységbeli eltéréséből fakadó rendellenes helyzet a mosolyt esztétikailag elfogadhatatlanná tette.A kezelési terv felállításánál figyelembe vettük, hogy az említett implantátumok kifogástalanul osszeointegrálódtak.A bukkális oldalon lévő kevés csontvolumen következtében az explantálást és új implantátum behelyezését elvetettük, mertez feltehetően nagy csontdefektust eredményezett volna. Az esztétikai zónában egy nagy volumenű augmentáció, lágyrész-menedzsment és protetikai rehabilitáció mind időben, mind kivitelezésben nagy kihívásnak teszik ki a kezelőorvost,a fogtechnikust, valamint a pácienst is.Kezelési tervünkben a protetikai fejek az implantátumok körül kialakuló lágyszöveti zárás figyelembevételével kialakítottredukciója, valamint sebészi lágyrészmenedzsment szerepelt. A gyógyulási idő elteltével a páciens véglegesprotetikai ellátásban részesült. A kezeléssorozat végére mind a rózsaszín-, mind a fehéresztétikában kielégítő eredményttudtunk nyújtani páciensünk számára.
Influence of Grapevine Cultivar on Population Levels of Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) and Effectiveness of Insecticides in Controlling This Pest
Authors: Sepahvand Zahra , Ziaee Masumeh , Ghorbani Roshanak , Hemmati Seyed Ali , Francikowski Jacek
Published: December 2023

The European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana (Denis and Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is the most critical pest of vineyards. In the present study, pheromone-baited traps were applied in 2021 and 2022 to monitor the moth population dynamics and to determine the number of L. botrana generations. The number of eggs and larvae was also counted in four vineyards with Askari, Yaghooti, Keshmeshi, and Fakhri cultivars. Moreover, the morphological properties of clusters were evaluated in different grape cultivars to find out the susceptible cultivar to L. botrana. In 2022, different insecticides were used in the Askari cultivar vineyard, and larval damage level was assessed. Three generations were recorded in all vineyards each year. The population of males was not affected by the cultivar. In contrast, the population density of eggs and larvae was significantly higher in Yaghooti than in other tested cultivars. It could be attributed to the cluster compactness and thin skin of berries in Yaghooti, which makes it more susceptible to L. botrana infestations. In contrast, the lowest eggs and larval population density was reported in the Fakhri cultivar indicating the tolerance of this cultivar compared to the other tested cultivars. The field trial showed that the application of insecticides in the second and third generations reduced the damage level of L. botrana. The rotation of insecticides with different modes of action in consecutive generations of L. botrana can be used to reduce damage levels.
RGB-D Heterogeneous Image Feature Fusion for YOLOfuse Apple Detection Model
Authors: Liu Liqun , Hao Pengfei
Published: December 2023

Heterogeneous image features are complementary, and feature fusion of heterogeneous images can increase position effectiveness of occluded apple targets. A YOLOfuse apple detection model based on RGB-D heterogeneous image feature fusion is proposed. Combining the CSPDarknet53-Tiny network on the basis of a YOLOv5s backbone network, a two-branch feature extraction network is formed for the extraction task of RGB-D heterogeneous images. The two-branch backbone network is fused to maximize the retention of useful features and reduce the computational effort. A coordinate attention (CA) module is embedded into the backbone network. The Soft-NMS algorithm is introduced, instead of the general NMS algorithm, to reduce the false suppression phenomenon of the algorithm on dense objects and reduce the missed position rate of obscured apples. It indicates that the YOLOfuse model has an AP value of 94.2% and a detection frame rate of 51.761 FPS. Comparing with the YOLOv5 s, m, l, and x4 versions as well as the YOLOv3, YOLOv4, YOLOv4-Tiny, and Faster RCNN on the test set, the results show that the AP value of the proposed model is 0.8, 2.4, 2.5, 2.3, and 2.2 percentage points higher than that of YOLOv5s, YOLOv3, YOLOv4, YOLOv4-Tiny, and Faster RCNN, respectively. Compared with YOLOv5m, YOLOv5l, and YOLOv5x, the speedups of 9.934FPS, 18.45FPS, and 23.159FPS are obtained in the detection frame rate, respectively, and the model are better in both of parameter’s number and model size. The YOLOfuse model can effectively fuse RGB-D heterogeneous source image features to efficiently identify apple objects in a natural orchard environment and provide technical support for the vision system of picking robots.
Decision Making in Severe Equine Asthma—Diagnosis and Monitoring
Authors: Simões Joana , Tilley Paula
Published: December 2023

Decision making consists of gathering quality data in order to correctly assess a situation and determine the best course of action. This process is a fundamental part of medicine and is what enables practitioners to accurately diagnose diseases and select appropriate treatment protocols. Despite severe equine asthma (SEA) being a highly prevalent lower respiratory disease amongst equids, clinicians still struggle with the optimization of routine diagnostic procedures. The use of several ancillary diagnostic tests has been reported for disease identification and monitoring, but many are only suitable for research purposes or lack practicality for everyday use. The aim of this paper is to assist the equine veterinarian in the process of decision making associated with managing SEA-affected patients. This review will focus on disease diagnosis and monitoring, while also presenting a flow-chart which includes the basic data that the clinician must obtain in order to accurately identify severely asthmatic horses in their everyday routine practice. It is important to note that European and American board-certified specialists on equine internal medicine can provide assistance in the diagnosis and treatment plan of SEA-affected horses.
Comparison of the Automated OvaCyte Telenostic Faecal Analyser versus the McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC Techniques in the Estimation of Helminth Faecal Egg Counts in Equine
Authors: Elghryani Nagwa , McAloon Conor , Mincher Craig , McOwan Trish , de Waal Theo de
Published: December 2023

Gastrointestinal helminth parasites continue to be a significant threat to the health of equine. OvaCyte Telenostic (OCT) (Telenostic Ltd., Kilkenny, Ireland) has developed an automated digital microscope utilising Artificial Intelligence to identify and count the clinically important helminth species in equine, bovine, and ovine host species. In this paper, the performance of the OCT analyser was evaluated for the detection and counting of equine helminth species parasites and its performance compared to the currently accepted benchmark methods of faecal egg counts being the McMaster and the Mini-FLOTAC techniques. A pairwise comparison of tests was assessed based on the correlation of egg counts and Cohen’s kappa agreement statistics for dichotomized outcomes. Bayesian latent class analysis was used to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of all three techniques in the absence of a gold standard for four helminth parasites (strongyles, Anoplocephala spp., Parascaris spp. and Strongyloides westeri). Based on the analysis of 783 equine faecal samples, we found a high level (ρ ≥ 0.94) of correlation between each pairwise comparison of techniques for strongyle egg counts. Cohen’s kappa agreement between techniques was high for strongyles and S. westeri, moderate for Parascaris spp., and low for Anoplocephala spp. All three techniques had a high sensitivity and specificity (>0.90) for strongyles. Across helminth parasites, the sensitivity of the OCT was the highest of the three techniques evaluated for strongyles (0.98 v 0.96 and 0.94), Anoplocephala spp. (0.86 v 0.44 and 0.46) and Parascaris spp. (0.96 v 0.83 and 0.96); but lowest for S. westeri (0.74 v 0.88 and 0.88), compared to McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC, respectively. In terms of specificity, OCT was the lowest in two species (Parascaris spp. 0.96, Anoplocephala spp. 0.95). In conclusion, OCT has a sensitivity and specificity statistically similar to both McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC, and had a higher correlation with Mini-FLOTAC. The OCT point of care faecal analyser offers improved workflow, test turn-around time and does not require trained laboratory personnel to operate or interpret the results
Accuracy Assessment of Mesh Types in Tectonic Modeling to Reveal Seismic Potential Using the Finite Element Method: A Case Study at the Main Marmara Fault
Authors: Karabulut Mustafa Fahri , Gülal Vahap Engin
Published: December 2023

Earthquakes occur as a result of ruptures on faults along plate boundaries. It is possible to reveal the approximate location and magnitude of the earthquake rupture, but this requires that the seismic cycle and kinematics of the study area are well known. Different measurement methods and modeling techniques are used to determine fault kinematics. Near-surface annual slip can be determined using various methods, such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), or geological studies. As a result of modeling using these methods, the slip amounts of the fault at any depth can be revealed. Interseismic modeling with the 3D Finite Element Model (FEM) is one of them. Considering the studies conducted in the literature, the effects of the discrete method of fault kinematics in the modeling performed with FEM have not been revealed. In order to fill this gap, 3D FEM modeling has been performed using velocity data from GNSS stations located around the Main Marmara Fault. The accuracy of the models made using different mesh types in ANSYS (Analysis System) software has been examined. The fault slip deficit values of the faults of the models with the lowest and highest Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values have been compared. Possible earthquake magnitudes have been obtained after calculating the total slip deficit through taking into account the seismic gap. The moment magnitude of possible rupture difference has been revealed to be between 0.01 and 0.014 through using the lowest RMSE and the highest RMSE model.
Passive TDOA Emitter Localization Using Fast Hyperbolic Hough Transform
Authors: Simon Gyula , Leitold Ferenc
Published: December 2023

A fast Hough transform (HT)-based hyperbolic emitter localization system is proposed to process time difference of arrival (TDOA) measurements. The position-fixing problem is provided for cases where the source is known to be on a given plane (i.e., the elevation of the source is known), while the sensors can be deployed anywhere in the three-dimensional space. The proposed solution provides fast evaluation and guarantees the determination of the global optimum. Another favorable property of the proposed solution is that it is robust against faulty sensor measurements (outliers). A fast evaluation method involving the hyperbolic Hough transform is proposed, and the global convergence property of the algorithm is proven. The performance of the algorithm is compared to that of the least-squares solution, other HT-based solutions, and the theoretical limit (the Cramér–Rao lower bound), using simulations and real measurement examples.
Special Issue on Real-Time Diagnosis Algorithms in Biomedical Applications and Decision Support Tools
Authors: Rosado-Muñoz Alfredo
Published: December 2023

The use of automatic support tools in daily clicnical practice is increasing continuously [...]
Neuromorphic Analog Machine Vision Enabled by Nanoelectronic Memristive Devices
Authors: Shchanikov Sergey , Bordanov Ilya , Kucherik Alexey , Gryaznov Evgeny , Mikhaylov Alexey
Published: December 2023

Arrays of memristive devices coupled with photosensors can be used for capturing and processing visual information, thereby realizing the concept of “in-sensor computing”. This is a promising concept associated with the development of compact and low-power machine vision devices, which is crucial important for bionic prostheses of eyes, on-board image recognition systems for unmanned vehicles, computer vision in robotics, etc. This concept can be applied for the creation of a memristor based neuromorphic analog machine vision systems, and here, we propose a new architecture for these systems in which captured visual data are fed to a spiking artificial neural network (SNN) based on memristive devices without analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog conversions. Such an approach opens up the opportunities of creating more compact, energy-efficient visual processing units for wearable, on-board, and embedded electronics for such areas as robotics, the Internet of Things, and neuroprosthetics, as well as other practical applications in the field of artificial intelligence.
Perforation Characteristics of Three-Layer Steel Plates Subjected to Impact with Different Shapes and Velocities of Reactive Fragments
Authors: Sun Huanteng , Ma Yunzhu , Cai Qingshan
Published: December 2023

In this paper, the AUTODYN/Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) method was used to study the impact of reactive fragments on three-layer equidistant steel plates. The perforation characteristics of equidistant three-layer steel plates were investigated along with the parameters of combustion energy release from reactive fragments under varied impact velocities and shape conditions. The modification of the steel plates’ perforation diameter was investigated using the dimensional analysis approach. The shock wave pressure and chemical reaction characteristics were examined using the shock wave theory. The results show that within the examined impact velocity range, the perforation diameter initially increased and then decreased as the impact velocity of the reactive fragment rose. In addition, the perforation diameter was approximately 1.5–3 times the diameter of the reactive fragment. As the impact speed increased, the active reaction generated by the reactive fragments became more sufficient. The energy released contributed to the impact’s pressure rise; in addition, the temperature of the steel plate was raised in part by the reactive fragment impact, making the steel plate more prone to melting. The results of this investigation provide important support for a detailed understanding of the rules governing the failure of steel plates under the impact of reactive fragments as well as the combustion of reactive fragments under impact.