bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in Integrated Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance and Control Strategies in Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Economies: Assessment of a Multiyear Building Capacity Project
Authors: Cornejo Javiera , Asenjo Gabriela , Zavala Sebastian , Venegas Lucas , Galarce Nicolás , Hormazábal Juan Carlos , Vergara-E Constanza , Lapierre Lisette
Published: August 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing global health concern for both animal and public health, and collaborative strategies are needed to combat the threat. The level of awareness and funding for policies focused on reducing AMR varies between countries. The aim of this study was to compare the integrated surveillance systems for AMR in high and low–middle economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and determine whether there was any improvement from 2015 to 2018. We conducted a survey with a group of 21 countries at different development levels. Associations between the economic development level and the questions of AMR awareness and funding were established using Fisher’s exact test. Improvements were identified where countries established public policies for integrated surveillance of AMR. High economies showed greater advancement in several topics related to AMR than low–middle economies. The survey revealed that there is a better understanding surrounding the implications of the emergence of AMR in human medicine than in veterinary medicine, agriculture, and food production. Our results show that countries enhanced overall AMR surveillance over the 4-year-period; however, more research is needed concerning these advances, especially in low–middle economies and the food production sector.
Susceptibility of Meropenem-Resistant and/or Carbapenemase-Producing Clinical Isolates of Enterobacterales (Enterobacteriaceae) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa to Ceftazidime-Avibactam and Ceftolozane-Tazobactam as Assessed by In Vitro Testing Methods
Authors: Cortazzo Venere , Posteraro Brunella , Menchinelli Giulia , Liotti Flora Marzia , D’Inzeo Tiziana , Fiori Barbara , Luzzaro Francesco , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Spanu Teresa
Published: August 2022

This study aimed to assess the comparability of in vitro susceptibility testing methods to ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA) and ceftolozane-tazobactam (C/T). Meropenem-resistant and/or carbapenemase-producing clinical isolates of Enterobacterales (Enterobacteriaceae) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were tested by both bioMérieux ETEST and VITEK-2 AST-N397 card and compared with a Micronaut AST-system broth microdilution (BMD) method. CZA and C/T MICs were interpreted using EUCAST breakpoints. Of the 153 Enterobacteriaceae isolates, 55.6% and 0.0% (VITEK 2) and 56.9% and 0.0% (ETEST and BMD) were susceptible to CZA and C/T, respectively. Of 52 P. aeruginosa isolates, 50.0% and 40.4% (VITEK 2, ETEST, and BMD) were susceptible to CZA and C/T, respectively. The essential agreement (EA) was 96.1% (197/205; VITEK 2 versus BMD) and 95.6% (196/205; ETEST versus BMD) for CZA testing, whereas EA was 98.0% (201/205; VITEK 2 versus BMD) and 96.6% (198/205; ETEST versus BMD) for C/T testing. The categorical agreement (CA) was 98.0% (201/205; VITEK 2 versus BMD) and 100% (ETEST versus BMD) for CZA testing, whereas CA was 100% (VITEK 2 versus BMD) and 100% (ETEST versus BMD) for C/T testing. Categorical errors regarded four Enterobacteriaceae isolates. VITEK 2 and ETEST yielded equivalent CZA and C/T susceptibility testing results, compared to the BMD method, in such a clinical context.
Assessment of the Impact of a Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel on Hospital Length of Stay: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hueth Kyle D. , Thompson-Leduc Philippe , Totev Todor I. , Milbers Katherine , Timbrook Tristan T. , Kirson Noam , Hasbun Rodrigo
Published: August 2022

Meningitis and encephalitis are central nervous system infections with considerable morbidity and mortality. The BioFire® FilmArray® Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel (multiplex ME panel) can identify pathogens rapidly potentially aiding in targeted therapy and curtail antimicrobial exposure. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesized the literature on the association between the multiplex ME panel and length of hospital stay (LOS), length of acyclovir therapy, and days with antibiotics. MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched. Only studies presenting novel data were retained. Random-effects meta-analyses were performed to assess the impact of the multiplex ME panel on outcomes. Of 169 retrieved publications, 13 met the criteria for inclusion. Patients tested with the multiplex ME panel had a reduction in the average LOS (mean difference [MD] [95% CI]: −1.20 days [−1.96, −0.44], n = 11 studies). Use of the multiplex ME panel was also associated with a reduction in the length of acyclovir therapy (MD [95% CI]: −1.14 days [−1.78, −0.50], n = 7 studies) and a nonsignificant reduction in the average number of days with antibiotics (MD [95% CI]: −1.01 days [−2.39, 0.37], n = 6 studies). The rapidity of pathogen identification contributes to an overall reduced LOS, reductions in the duration of empiric antiviral utilization, and a nonsignificant reduction in antibiotic therapy.
Evaluation of Recombinant Bovine Interleukin-8 (rbIL-8) as a Treatment for Chronic Intramammary Infection in Dairy Cows
Authors: Peixoto Phillip M. G. , Cunha Lais L. , Barbosa Leonardo , Coelho Wilson , Podico Giorgia , Bicalho Rodrigo C. , Canisso Igor F. , Lima Fabio S.
Published: August 2022

Mastitis is one of the main contributors to antimicrobial resistance in livestock, so alternative therapies are being investigated to address it. The present study assessed the capability of recombinant bovine interleukin-8 (rbIL-8) to improve neutrophil function in the mammary gland and resolve chronic high somatic cell count (SCC) in Holstein cows. Multiparous cows (n = 8) with more than 300,000 SCC per mL were allocated to one of two intramammary infusions: saline (10 mL of saline solution) or rbIL-8 (1.57 mg/mL of recombinant bovine IL-8 diluted in 9 mL of saline). In addition, there was an untreated control group (n = 2, SCC < 300,000 SCC/mL). Milk samples were collected post-treatment at 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, and 144 h to quantify milk SCC, haptoglobin, and IgG concentrations. Neutrophil’s phagocytosis in milk and blood was evaluated via flow cytometry at 0, 24, and 48 h. The log of SCC did not differ between the infused groups (p = 0.369). Neutrophils presented a similar log of cells with high fluorescence for propidium-iodide (PI) and dihydrorhodamine (DHR) in milk (p = 0.412) and blood samples (p = 0.766) in both infused groups. Intramammary infusion of 1.57 mg/mL of rbIL-8 did not improve neutrophils response and failed to resolve chronic high SCC.
Treatment Heterogeneity in Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pneumonia
Authors: Caffrey Aisling R. , Appaneal Haley J. , Liao J. Xin , Piehl Emily C. , Lopes Vrishali , Puzniak Laura A.
Published: August 2022

We have previously identified substantial antibiotic treatment heterogeneity, even among organism-specific and site-specific infections with treatment guidelines. Therefore, we sought to quantify the extent of treatment heterogeneity among patients hospitalized with P. aeruginosa pneumonia in the national Veterans Affairs Healthcare System from Jan-2015 to Apr-2018. Daily antibiotic exposures were mapped from three days prior to culture collection until discharge. Heterogeneity was defined as unique patterns of antibiotic treatment (drug and duration) not shared by any other patient. Our study included 5300 patients, of whom 87.5% had unique patterns of antibiotic drug and duration. Among patients receiving any initial antibiotic/s with a change to at least one anti-pseudomonal antibiotic (n = 3530, 66.6%) heterogeneity was 97.2%, while heterogeneity was 91.5% in those changing from any initial antibiotic/s to only anti-pseudomonal antibiotics (n = 576, 10.9%). When assessing heterogeneity of anti-pseudomonal antibiotic classes, irrespective of other antibiotic/s received (n = 4542, 85.7%), 50.5% had unique patterns of antibiotic class and duration, with median time to first change of three days, and a median of two changes. Real-world evidence is needed to inform the development of treatment pathways and antibiotic stewardship initiatives based on clinical outcome data, which is currently lacking in the presence of such treatment heterogeneity.
Tetracycline, Macrolide and Lincosamide Resistance in Streptococcus canis Strains from Companion Animals and Its Genetic Determinants
Authors: Stefańska Ilona , Kwiecień Ewelina , Kizerwetter-Świda Magdalena , Chrobak-Chmiel Dorota , Rzewuska Magdalena
Published: August 2022

Growing antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in companion-animal pathogens, including Streptococcus canis (S. canis), is a significant concern for pet treatment as well for public health. Despite the importance of S. canis in veterinary and human medicine, studies concerning the AMR of this bacterium are still scarce. A total of 65 S. canis strains, isolated from dogs and cats, were assessed to test for susceptibility to six clinically relevant antimicrobials via a microdilution method. The prevalence of the selected acquired-resistance genes was also investigated via PCR. High MIC50 and MIC90 values (≥128 μg/mL) were noted for tetracycline, erythromycin and clindamycin. Only a few strains were resistant to the tested beta-lactams (6.2%). Tetracycline resistance was found in 66.2% of the strains. Resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin (ML resistance) was found in 55.4% of the strains. Strains with a phenotype showing concurrent resistance to tetracycline and ML were predominant (53.8%). AMR in the tested S. canis strains was associated with a variety of acquired and potentially transferable genes. Tetracycline resistance was conferred by tet(O) (40.0%), tet(M) (9.2%), and tet(T) (1.5%), which is reported for the first time in S. canis. In most cases, the tet(M) gene was detected in relation to the conjugative transposon Tn916. The MLSB phenotype was confirmed in the strains harboring erm(B) (43.1%) and erm(TR) (7.7%). To conclude, a high rate of S. canis strains occurring in dogs and cats displayed resistance to antimicrobials important for treatment; moreover, they are a potential reservoirs of various resistance determinants. Therefore, AMR in these pathogens should be continuously monitored, especially regarding the One Health concept.
Prevalence and Predictors of Antibiotic Prescriptions at Primary Healthcare Facilities in the Dodoma Region, Central Tanzania: A Retrospective, Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mabilika Richard James , Shirima Gabriel , Mpolya Emmanuel
Published: August 2022

Background: Accelerated by the misuse or overuse of antibiotics, antibiotic resistance remains a global public health threat. We report the prevalence and predictors of antibiotic prescriptions in primary healthcare facilities in Dodoma, Tanzania. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study by medical records review was conducted in the Dodoma region, Central Tanzania. Results: In this study, children < 5 years accounted for over 45% (474/1021) of the patients consulted. The majority, 76.3% (779/1021), of consultations had an antibiotic prescribed; amoxicillin and cotrimoxazole were the most prescribed. Over 98% (766/779) of the antibiotics prescribed were on the National Essential Medicines List, but only 45% (429/779) of the antibiotic prescriptions adhered to the Standard Treatment Guidelines. The prescribing of antibiotics by clinical officers was almost 2.55 times higher than that among medical doctors (Odds Ratio (OR) = 2.546; 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.359, 4.769; p = 0.0035). Patients with pneumonia and upper respiratory tract infection were 15.9 (OR = 15.928; 95% CI: 2.151, 17.973; p = 0.0067) and 2 (OR = 2.064; 95% CI: 1.184, 3.600; p = 0.0106) times more likely to be prescribed antibiotics, respectively. Conclusions: We, therefore, report high rates of antibiotic prescriptions, poor adherence to standard treatment guidelines and high levels of antibiotic prescribing practices among prescribers with a diploma in clinical medicine.
Direct Interaction between N-Acetylcysteine and Cytotoxic Electrophile—An Overlooked In Vitro Mechanism of Protection
Authors: Mlejnek Petr
Published: August 2022

In laboratory experiments, many electrophilic cytotoxic agents induce cell death accompanied by reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and/or by glutathione (GSH) depletion. Not surprisingly, millimolar concentrations of N-acetylcysteine (NAC), which is used as a universal ROS scavenger and precursor of GSH biosynthesis, inhibit ROS production, restore GSH levels, and prevent cell death. The protective effect of NAC is generally used as corroborative evidence that cell death induced by a studied cytotoxic agent is mediated by an oxidative stress-related mechanism. However, any simple interpretation of the results of the protective effects of NAC may be misleading because it is unable to interact with superoxide (O2•−), the most important biologically relevant ROS, and is a very weak scavenger of H2O2. In addition, NAC is used in concentrations that are unnecessarily high to stimulate GSH synthesis. Unfortunately, the possibility that NAC as a nucleophile can directly interact with cytotoxic electrophiles to form non-cytotoxic NAC–electrophile adduct is rarely considered, although it is a well-known protective mechanism that is much more common than expected. Overall, apropos the possible mechanism of the cytoprotective effect of NAC in vitro, it is appropriate to investigate whether there is a direct interaction between NAC and the cytotoxic electrophile to form a non-cytotoxic NAC–electrophilic adduct(s).
Effects of Dietary Lysophospholipid Inclusion on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Nitrogen Utilization, and Blood Metabolites of Finishing Beef Cattle
Authors: Zhang Meimei , Bai Haixin , Zhao Yufan , Wang Ruixue , Li Guanglei , Zhang Guangning , Zhang Yonggen
Published: August 2022

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation with lysophospholipids (LPLs) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization, and blood metabolites of finishing beef cattle. In total, 40 Angus beef bulls were blocked for body weight (447 ± 9.64 kg) and age (420 ± 6.1 days) and randomly assigned to one of four treatments (10 beef cattle per treatment): (1) control (CON; basal diet); (2) LLPL (CON supplemented with 0.012% dietary LPL, dry matter (DM) basis); (3) MLPL (CON supplemented with 0.024% dietary LPL, DM basis); and (4) HLPL (CON supplemented with 0.048% dietary LPLs, DM basis). The results showed that dietary supplementation with LPLs linearly increased the average daily gain (p < 0.01), digestibility of DM (p < 0.01), crude protein (p < 0.01), and ether extract (p < 0.01) and decreased the feed conversion ratio (p < 0.01). A linear increase in N retention (p = 0.01) and a decrease in urinary (p = 0.04) and fecal N (p = 0.02) levels were observed with increasing the supplemental doses of LPLs. Bulls fed LPLs showed a linear increase in glutathione peroxidase (p = 0.04) and hepatic lipase (p < 0.01) activity and a decrease in cholesterol (p < 0.01), triglyceride (p < 0.01), and malondialdehyde (p < 0.01) levels. In conclusion, supplementation with LPLs has the potential to improve the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant status of beef cattle.
Ultrasounds and a Postharvest Photoperiod to Enhance the Synthesis of Sulforaphane and Antioxidants in Rocket Sprouts
Authors: Martínez-Zamora Lorena , Castillejo Noelia , Artés-Hernández Francisco
Published: August 2022

Ultrasounds (US) and LED illumination are being studied to optimize yield and quality. The objective was to evaluate the effect of a pre-sowing US treatment combined with a postharvest photoperiod including LEDs on rocket sprouts’ quality and phytochemicals during shelf life. A US treatment (35 kHz; 30 min) applied to seeds and a postharvest photoperiod of 14 h fluorescent light (FL) + 10 h White (W), Blue (B), Red (R) LEDs or Darkness (D) were assayed. Antioxidants as phenolics and sulfur compounds (glucosinolates and isothiocyanates) were periodically monitored over 14 days at 5 °C. The US treatment increased the sulforaphane content by ~4-fold compared to CTRL seeds and sprouts. The phenolic acids and the flavonoid biosynthesis were enhanced by ~25%, ~30%, and ~55% under photoperiods with W, B, and R, respectively, compared to darkness. The total glucosinolate content was increased by >25% (W) and >45% (B and R) compared to darkness, which also reported increases of ~2.7-fold (W), ~3.6-fold (B), and ~8-fold (R) of the sulforaphane content as a main isothiocyanate. Postharvest lighting is an interesting tool to stimulate the secondary metabolism, while a US treatment was able to increase the sulforaphane content in seeds and sprouts, although no synergistic effect was reported.
Purification, Identification, and Properties of a Novel Carotenoid Produced by Arthrobacter sp. QL17 Isolated from Mount Qomolangma
Authors: Yu Xue , Jiang Kan , Zhang Wei , Dong Shuqing , Wu Yujie , Zhang Gaosen , Wu Shiyu , Chen Tuo , Liu Guangxiu
Published: August 2022

The genus Arthrobacter is a source of many natural products that are critical in the development of new medicines. Here, we isolated a novel carotenoid from Arthrobacter sp. QL17 and characterized its properties. The carotenoid was extracted with methanol, and purified by column chromatography and semi-preparative HPLC. Based on micrOTOF-Q and NMR analyses, the pigment was chemically characterized as 2,2′-((((1E,3E,5E,7E,9E,11E,13E,15E,17E,19E)-3,7,14,18-tetramethylicosa-1,3,5,7,9,11,13,15,17,19-decaene-1,20-diyl)bis(2,2,4-trimethylcyclohex-3-ene-3,1-diyl)) bis(ethan-2-yl-1-ylidene))bi(propane-1,3-diol), and named arthroxanthin. The biological activities of arthroxanthin were evaluated with DPPH, ABTS and MTT assays. Arthroxanthin exhibited excellent radical scavenging properties, as shown for 2, 20-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-n-(3,2-ethyl-benzothiazole-6-sulfonic acid) ammonium salt (ABTS), respectively, with IC50s of 69.8 and 21.5 µg/mL. It also showed moderate anticancer activities against HepG2, Hela, MDAB-231, SW480, and MKN-45 with IC50 values of 107.6, 150.4, 143.4, 195.9, and 145.5 μg/mL, respectively. Therefore, arthroxanthin derived from Arthrobacter sp. QL17 may be a potent antioxidant and anticancer agent for food and pharmaceutical use.
Physiological Performance, Antioxidant and Immune Status, Columnaris Resistance, and Growth of Nile Tilapia That Received Alchemilla vulgaris-Supplemented Diets
Authors: Mansour Abdallah Tageldein , Mahboub Heba H. , Elshopakey Gehad E. , Aziz Enas K. , Alhajji Adnan H. M. , Rayan Gamal , Ghazzawy Hesham S. , El-Houseiny Walaa
Published: August 2022

The current perspective is a pioneering trial to assess the efficacy of the dietary supplementation of Alchemilla vulgaris powder (AVP) in the diet of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) on growth performance, blood picture, hepatic and renal biomarkers, immune status, and serum and tissue antioxidant capacity and to investigate the resistance against Flavobacterium columnare challenge. Fish (n = 360) were distributed into six groups (three replicates each) and received increasing AVP supplementation levels (0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 g kg−1) for 60 days. Furthermore, fish were exposed to the bacterial challenge of a virulent F. columnare strain and maintained under observation for 12 days. During the observation period, clinical signs and the cumulative mortality percentage were recorded. The results demonstrated that the growth performance, feed conversion ratio, and hematological profile were noticeably enhanced in the AVP-supplemented groups compared to the control. The most promising results of weight gain and feed conversion ratio were recorded in the groups with 6, 8, and 10 g AVP kg−1 diets in a linear regression trend. The levels of hepatorenal function indicators were maintained in a healthy range in the different dietary AVP-supplemented groups. In a dose-dependent manner, fish fed AVP dietary supplements displayed significant augmented serum levels of innate immune indicators (lysozyme, nitric oxide, and complement 3) and antioxidant biomarkers (Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant (TAC), and reduced glutathione (GSH) with a marked decrease in myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels). Likewise, hepatic CAT and SOD activities were significantly improved, and the opposite trend was recorded with hepatic MDA. The highest AVP-supplemented dose (10 g/kg) recorded the highest immune-antioxidant status. Based on the study findings, we highlight the efficacy of AVP as a nutraceutical dietary supplementation for aquaculture to enhance growth, physiological performance, and immune-antioxidant status and as a natural economic antibacterial agent in O. niloticus for sustaining aquaculture. It could be concluded that the dietary supplementation of 10 g AVP/kg enhanced O. niloticus growth, physiological performance, immune-antioxidant status, and resistance against F. columnare.
Beneficial Effects of Standardized Extracts from Wastes of Red Oranges and Olive Leaves
Authors: Burò Ilaria , Consoli Valeria , Castellano Angela , Vanella Luca , Sorrenti Valeria
Published: August 2022

The awareness of the large amount of waste produced along the food chain, starting in the agricultural sector and continuing across industrial transformation to the domestic context, has in recent years also aroused strong concern amongst the public, who are ing about the possible consequences that this could have on environmental sustainability, resource waste and human health. The aim of the present research is the recovery of substances with high added value from waste and by-products typical of the Mediterranean area, such as the residue from the industrial processing of red oranges, called pastazzo (peels, pulps and seeds), which is particularly rich in anthocyanins, flavanones and hydroxycinnamic acids, and has numerous nutraceutical properties, as well as the olive leaves coming from olive-tree pruning, which are rich in substances such as oleuropein, elenolic acid, hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol and rutin. The effect of Red Orange Extract (ROE) and Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) on HepG2 fatty storage capacity was assessed performing Oil Red O’ staining, and antioxidant properties of the extracts were evaluated following the steatosis model onset. Based on the results obtained, the preparation of natural extracts that are derived from these waste products can be useful for preventing, counteracting or delaying the onset of the complications of fatty liver disease, such as hepatic steatosis.
Significance of Serum Oxidative and Antioxidative Status in Congenital Central Hypoventilation Syndrome (CCHS) Patients
Authors: Bigagli Elisabetta , Lodovici Maura , Vasarri Marzia , Peruzzi Marta , Nassi Niccolò , Degl’Innocenti Donatella
Published: August 2022

Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a rare neurological genetic disorder that affects sleep-related respiratory control. Currently, no drug therapy is available. In light of this, there is a need for lifelong ventilation support, at least during sleep, for these patients. The pathogenesis of several chronic diseases is influenced by oxidative stress. Thus, determining oxidative stress in CCHS may indicate further disorders in the course of this rare genetic disease. Liquid biopsies are widely used to assess circulating biomarkers of oxidative stress. In this study, ferric reducing ability of plasma, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs), and advanced glycation end-products were measured in the serum of CCHS patients to investigate the relationship between oxidative stress and CCHS and the significance of this balance in CCHS. Here, AOPPs were found to be the most relevant serum biomarker to monitor oxidative stress in CCHS patients. According to this communication, CCHS patients may suffer from other chronic pathophysiological processes because of the persistent levels of AOPPs.
2-Methoxyestradiol TPGS Micelles Attenuate Cyclosporine A-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats through Inhibition of TGF-β1 and p-ERK1/2 Axis
Authors: Al-Rabia Mohammed W. , Alfaleh Mohamed A. , Asfour Hani Z. , Alharbi Waleed S. , El-Moselhy Mohamed A. , Alhakamy Nabil A. , Fahmy Usama A. , Ahmed Osama A. A. , Fahmy Omar , Rashad Omar M. , Alamoudi Abdulmohsin J. , Abdel-Naim Ashraf B.
Published: August 2022

The immunosuppressant cyclosporine A (CSA) has been linked to serious renal toxic effects. Although 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME) possesses a wide range of pharmacological abilities, it suffers poor bioavailability after oral administration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of 2ME loaded D-ɑ-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) micelles to prevent CSA-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. A 2ME-TPGS was prepared and showed particle size of 44.3 ± 3.5 nm with good entrapment efficiency and spherical structures. Male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups, namely: Control, Vehicle, CSA, CSA + 2ME-Raw, and CSA + 2ME-Nano. CSA was injected daily at a SC dose of 20 mg/kg. Both 2ME-Raw and 2ME-Nano were given daily at oral doses of 5 mg/kg. Treatments continued for three successive weeks. 2ME-TPGS exerted significant protective effects against CSA nephrotoxicity. This was evidenced in ameliorating deterioration of renal functions, attenuation of pathological changes in kidney tissues, exerting significant anti-fibrotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects together with significant anti-apoptotic effects. Western blot analyses showed both 2ME-Raw and 2ME-Nano significantly inhibited protein expression of TGF-β1 and phospho-ERK (p-ERK). It was observed that 2ME-TPGS, in almost all experiments, exerted superior protective effects as compared with 2ME-Raw. In conclusion, 2ME loaded in a TPGS nanocarrier possesses significant protective activities against CSA-induced kidney injury in rats. This is attributable to 2ME anti-fibrotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities which are mediated at least partly by inhibition of TGF-β1/p-ERK axis.
Cordyceps militaris Reduces Oxidative Stress and Regulates Immune T Cells to Inhibit Metastatic Melanoma Invasion
Authors: Lan Yuan-Hong , Lu Yun-Sheng , Wu Ju-Yu , Lee Hsu-Tung , Srinophakun Penjit , Canko Gizem Naz , Chiu Chien-Chih , Wang Hui-Min David
Published: August 2022

In this study, the water extract of Cordyceps militaris (Linn.) Link (CM) was used as a functional material to investigate the inhibitory mechanisms on B16F10 and lung metastatic melanoma (LMM) cells. Reducing power, chelating ability, and 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays were applied for antioxidative capacities, and we obtained positive results from the proper concentrations of CM. To examine the ability of CM in melanoma proliferation inhibition and to substantiate the previous outcomes, three cellular experiments were performed via (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, MTT, a tetrazole) assay, cell migration, and invasion evaluation. The addition of CM to the incubation medium increased the number of CD8+ T cells significantly, which improved the immunogenicity. This study showed that CM exhibits various biological capabilities, including antioxidation, anti-tumor, tumor invasion suppression, and T cytotoxic cell activity promotion.
Deferoxamine Supplementation Abolished Iron-Related Toxicity of Ilex paraguariensis Extract: Behavioral and Biochemical Evaluation in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Tamagno Wagner Antonio , Alves Carla , Tessaro Diego , Sutorillo Nathália Tafarel , Santin Wallace , Barcellos Leonardo José Gil
Published: August 2022

Ilex paraguariensis (Herb mate) is a native plant from South America, widely consumed through the infusion of dried leaves. The presence of antioxidant properties in herb mate may be relevant and contribute to evaluating the effect of its compounds against oxidative stress, which could cause neurodegenerative diseases. Despite having health benefits, there are reports of the presence of heavy metals in extracts obtained from the infusion. One of these metals is iron (Fe), found in large amounts in herb mate. To reverse the cumulative effects of metals and Fe in the body, the use of Deferoxamine (Dfx) is indicated, being a potent chelator of Fe. In this work, we aimed to evaluate the antioxidant potential of the micro-encapsulated extract of I. paraguariensis (MEIP) supplemented with Dfx on zebrafish behavior and biochemical biomarkers. To evaluate the effect per se and the supplementation, four groups were established: the first group was the control (water); the second, fish treated with MEIP; the third group was formed of fish treated with Dfx; while the fourth group was treated with both MEIP and Dfx. When applied alone, Dfx presents an anxiogenic-like pattern on zebrafish (Danio rerio), while the MEIP shows an anxiolytic-like behavior. The antioxidant enzymes are re-modulated close to control when the MEIP + Dfx is applied. The cholinergic system shows an activation of the signaling, as well as the heme radical group formation, which is not affected by the Dfx-chelating effect. Thus, the supplementation of MEIP with Dfx is important to transform this extract into one that is safer and healthier for human consumption.
Estimation of Effectiveness of Local Reactive Oxygen Species for Stimulation of Regenerative Processes in Experimental Burn Wound
Authors: Martusevich Andrew , Struchkov Andrey , Nazarov Vladimir , Fedotova Alexandra , Artamonov Mikhail , Peretyagin Sergey
Published: August 2022

The aim of this work was the comparative estimation of the efficiency of different variants of local ozone therapy in experimental burn wound. We conducted the experiments on 45 white Wistar rats being randomized for three groups. Every rat got contact thermal trauma (III degree; 20 bsp) of dorsal body surface on the area 20%. Rats of the first group received a Levomecol treatment of wound, animals of the second group were locally treated by ozonized oil, and the third group rats received a combination of ozone and oxygen gas mixture intracutaneously, and the wounds were treated with Levomecol locally. The character and particularities of post-traumatic regeneration were studied by histological investigation. Local treatment with reactive oxygen species at an early period after burning is revealed to lead to more pronounced manifestation of reparative processes in burn wounds (production of granulation tissue, epidermis regeneration) than when applying Levomecolointment, and that is accompanied by more pronounced initial manifestation of scab rejection. Applying reactive oxygen species in ointment compositions at these stages of treatment with the conjuncture of infected wounds does not contribute marked initiation of reparative processes and can even force the inflammation processes.
Evaluating Laboratory Measurements for Sound Insulation of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) Floors: Configurations in Lightweight Buildings
Authors: Vardaxis Nikolaos-Georgios , Bard Hagberg Delphine , Dahlström Jessica
Published: August 2022

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) floors with supplementary layers or floating floors comprise a common solution in new multistory timber structures. However, bare CLT components provide poor sound insulation, especially in low frequencies during structure-borne sound propagation. Thus, floor configurations in wooden buildings deploy more layers for improved acoustic behavior. Twelve contemporary CLT floors were analyzed after laboratory measurements of airborne sound reduction and impact sound transmission utilizing the following indicators: Rw, Rw, 100, Rw, 50, Ln,w, Ln,w,100, and Ln,w,50 (per ISO 10140, ISO 717). An increase in sound insulation was achieved thanks to added total mass and thickness, testing layers of the following: elastic mat for vibration isolation, wool insulation, gypsum boards, plywood, concrete screed, and wooden parquet floor. The results indicate that multilayered CLT floors can provide improvements of up to 22 dB for airborne sound and 32 dB for impact sound indicators compared with the bare CLT slab. Floating floor configurations with dry floor solutions (concrete screed) and wooden parquet floors stand out as the optimal cases. The parquet floor provides a 1–2 dB improvement only for impact sound indicators in floating floor setups (or higher in three cases).
Hand Gesture Recognition via Lightweight VGG16 and Ensemble Classifier
Authors: Ewe Edmond Li Ren , Lee Chin Poo , Kwek Lee Chung , Lim Kian Ming
Published: August 2022

Gesture recognition has been studied for a while within the fields of computer vision and pattern recognition. A gesture can be defined as a meaningful physical movement of the fingers, hands, arms, or other parts of the body with the purpose to convey information for the environment interaction. For instance, hand gesture recognition (HGR) can be used to recognize sign language which is the primary means of communication by the deaf and mute. Vision-based HGR is critical in its application; however, there are challenges that will need to be overcome such as variations in the background, illuminations, hand orientation and size and similarities among gestures. The traditional machine learning approach has been widely used in vision-based HGR in recent years but the complexity of its processing has been a major challenge—especially on the handcrafted feature extraction. The effectiveness of the handcrafted feature extraction technique was not proven across various datasets in comparison to deep learning techniques. Therefore, a hybrid network architecture dubbed as Lightweight VGG16 and Random Forest (Lightweight VGG16-RF) is proposed for vision-based hand gesture recognition. The proposed model adopts feature extraction techniques via the convolutional neural network (CNN) while using the machine learning method to perform classification. Experiments were carried out on publicly available datasets such as American Sign Language (ASL), ASL Digits and NUS Hand Posture dataset. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model, a combination of lightweight VGG16 and random forest, outperforms other methods.
Design and Implementation of an HCPS-Based PCB Smart Factory System for Next-Generation Intelligent Manufacturing
Authors: Kim Jinyoub , Seo Dongjoon , Moon Jisang , Kim Juhee , Kim Hayul , Jeong Jongpil
Published: August 2022

The next-generation intelligent smart factory system that is proposed in this paper could improve product quality and realize flexible, efficient, and sustainable product manufacturing by comprehensively improving production and management innovation via its digital network and intelligent methods that reflect the characteristics of its printed circuit board (PCB) manufacturing design and on-site implementation. Intelligent manufacturing systems are complex systems that are composed of humans, cyber systems, and physical systems and aim to achieve specific manufacturing goals at an optimized level. Advanced manufacturing technology and next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) are deeply integrated into next-generation intelligent manufacturing (NGIM). Currently, the majority of PCB manufacturers are firms that specialize in processing orders from leading semiconductor and related product manufacturers, such as Samsung Electronics, TSMC, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, and LG Electronics. These top companies have been responsible for all product innovation, intelligent services, and system integration, with PCB manufacturers primarily playing a role in intelligent production and system integration. In this study, the main implementation areas were divided into manufacturing execution system (MES) implementation (which could operate the system using system integration), data gathering, the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) for production line connection, AI and real-time monitoring, and system implementation that could visualize the collected data. Finally, the prospects of the design and on-site implementation of the next-generation intelligent smart factory system that detects and controls the occurrence of quality and facility abnormalities are presented, based on the implementation system.
A New Solving Method Based on Simulated Annealing Particle Swarm Optimization for the Forward Kinematic Problem of the Stewart–Gough Platform
Authors: Yin Zihao , Qin Rongjie , Liu Yinnian
Published: August 2022

The forward kinematics of the Stewart–Gough platform is vital for high-precision positioning and sensing in six degrees of freedom. In this paper, the solving of forward kinematics is converted to searching for the best posture corresponding to the input outrigger length vectors by inverse kinematic calculation. The simulated annealing (SA) process is embedded into particle swarm optimization (PSO) to improve the convergence speed and overcome the local convergence. The proposed SA–PSO algorithm not only accelerates the convergence speed but also improves the reliability and success rate. After the optimization of algorithm parameters, the success rate of the SA–PSO for random outrigger length vector input is steadily above 99.9% while the results of PSO is between 93% and 100%. In the workspace simulation, the average iteration number of the proposed algorithm is reduced from 146.6 to 122.7, meanwhile, the success rate of SA–PSO is 99.992%, much higher than the 93.805% of PSO. Compared with the traditional Newton–Raphson method, the SA–PSO method has a higher success rate and is less time consuming. Finally, a physical experiment is conducted on a six-degree-of-freedom platform, revealing that the given algorithm is reliable and accurate.
Evaluating the Influence of Fracture Roughness and Tortuosity on Fluid Seepage Based on Fluid Seepage Experiments
Authors: Wang Shuai , Xu Ying , Zhang Yanbo , Yu Qinglei , Wang Ling
Published: August 2022

The roughness and tortuosity of fractures are essential parameters affecting the fluid flow in a jointed rock mass. This paper investigates the influence of fracture roughness and tortuosity on fluid seepage behavior. A rough fracture surface was characterized by means of three-dimensional scanning and three-reconstruction technology, and the roughness and tortuosity of rock fractures were calculated. Hydraulic tests were conducted on deformed sandstone fractures with a self-made fracture seepage device, and the variation in the seepage flow was analyzed in rough fractures. The experimental results showed that the seepage flow of fluid decreased non-linearly with the increase in fracture roughness. Under different normal pressures, the friction resistance coefficient and tortuous resistance coefficient decreased with the increase in the Reynolds number. The friction resistance coefficient model and tortuous resistance coefficient model were used to quantitatively analyze the influence of fracture tortuosity and roughness on fluid flow, respectively. A modified model of the frictional resistance coefficient, considering fracture tortuosity and roughness, was established, which clearly expresses the law that with the increase in fracture tortuosity and roughness, the seepage flow of fluid decreases, and the head loss increases. The results of this research can provide a theoretical and experimental basis for studying fluid seepage behavior in deformed sandstone fractures.
Systematic Evaluation and Optimization of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Tilt Photogrammetry Based on Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Zhu Zan , Wang Jianqi , Zhu Yating , Chen Qiran , Liang Xinyu
Published: August 2022

In the data acquisition and processing of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle(UAV) oblique photography monomer modeling, it is hard to balance the model quality and the production efficiency. This research applied the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) evaluation method in the field of systems engineering to the management and decision of UAV oblique photography monomer modeling. Firstly, the AHP model is constructed by the expert survey method, and the relative weights of 6 evaluation indicators in the first hierarchies and the comprehensive ones of 3 in the second hierarchies are calculated. Then, each index data of different photo modeling schemes were collected and processed through experiments, and the AHP model was used to systematically evaluate each modeling scheme. Finally, the quadratic function is constructed with two variables, the number of photos and the AHP system score, meanwhile obtaining the optimal scheme by calculation. This is a useful attempt to apply the scientific evaluation method in the field of systems engineering to the production management of UAV aerial surveys. In this way, the efficiency of internal and external data collection and processing can be maximally improved while guaranteeing modeling accuracy.
Numerical Analysis of a Dual-Wavelength-Clad-Pumped 3.5 μm Erbium-Doped Fluoride Fiber Laser
Authors: Cai Kaidi , Zhang Xin , Wang Lijie , Wang Yanjing , Lu Huanyu , Tong Cunzhu , Wang Lijun
Published: August 2022

The stability and efficiency of a 3.5 μm erbium-doped fluoride fiber is strongly limited by the core pumping setup of a 1976 nm pump. A dual-wavelength-clad-pumped scheme was put forward for a more robust and higher electro-optical efficiency in this paper, and a numerical model was built up to stimulate the fiber. Parameter optimizations were given for both the traditional dual-wavelength pump setup and our new scheme. The results show the possibility of using a laser diode as pump source for the generation of a 3.5 μm laser, and the characteristics were analyzed.
Compressive-Strength Analysis of High-Strength Cementitious Composites Mixed with Red and Green Pigments
Authors: Pyeon Sujeong , Kim Gyuyong , Choe Gyeongcheol , Park Namgyu , Jeong Donggeun , Choi Byungcheol , Kim Moonkyu , Nam Jeongsoo
Published: August 2022

We estimate the mechanical properties of pigment-containing ultra-high-strength cement composites (UHSCCs) and the pigment-induced changes in their physical properties via thermal and X-ray diffraction analyses. Hydrates in samples are analyzed using thermogravimetry. Additionally, the change in color expression with the UHSCC age is examined via the Commission Internationale de l’ Éclairage L*a*b* analysis. Correlation analysis is performed to determine linear relationships between experimental factors by calculating R2. A change in hydrate expression is confirmed as the strength increases with age. The pigment used affects the change in hydrate expression as well as color development. Correlation analysis of the results for all ages reveals that 5% red pigment mixing yields the highest R2 of 0.9858 in intensity-a*. The case of 10% red pigment mixing yields the lowest R2 of 0.5229 in intensity-b*. According to the amount of pigment used, we believe that quantitative results can be obtained by considering L* (contrast), rather than the relationship between intensity and color components. The appropriate mixing ratio based on the intensity expression of the red pigment is 3–8%, and the green pigment intensity and strength expression are inversely proportional. Our results can serve as a guideline for the performance development of pigmented cement-based composites.
Accurate Redetermination of the Focal Depth by Using the Time Intervals between the Inner Core Phases PKIKP and pPKIKP
Authors: Li Chuan , Gao Wenqi , Wang Youxue , Yu Songping
Published: August 2022

The hypocenter parameters of an earthquake may give us an insight into the Earth’s structure and tectonic processes. Among the hypocenter parameters, the focal depth is normally more difficult to estimate than the earthquake location (latitude and longitude). We propose to use the pPKIKP-PKIKP arrival time intervals for estimating the focal depth. We analyze the sensitivity of the pPKIKP-PKIKP arrival time interval to the earthquake depth. We measure the pPKIKP-PKIKP arrival time interval on seismograms (the vertical component), and invert the time interval data set using the simulated annealing inversion algorithm. We illustrate the inversion approach on two teleseismic earthquakes which have shallow and deep focal depths, and demonstrate that the approach is indeed appropriate to the shallow and deep event. We can obtain a reliable estimate on focal depth, even though the seismic station is sparse or in a remote part of the epicenter.
Modeling and Optimal Control for Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Northern Ireland Climate
Authors: Gibson Jack , Hadi Muhammad Usman
Published: August 2022

Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (RUAVs) suffer in average Northern Irish winters due to heavy wind preventing vital tasks from being performed in the economy, such as search and rescue or civil engineering observations. This work provides enhanced stability of RUAVs under wind disturbances by using metaheuristic algorithms to select optimal controller gains. Previous work demonstrated how Particle Swarm Optimization can be used to tune optimal controllers; this work uses a machine learning algorithm (Genetic Algorithm) to tune the controller. Simulations carried out on Full State Feedback, Full State Compensator and Linear Quadratic Gaussian controllers tuned by a variety of techniques revealed that the Genetic Algorithm outperformed conventional manual tuning by 20% and Particle Swarm Optimization by 17% in performance measured in settling time. The proposed method tunes the feedback gains and Kalman filter by Genetic Algorithm, which outperforms the manually tuned conventional schemes and “GA-Hybrid” approach. The conditions required to employ Reinforcement Learning as an alternative method for RUAV stabilization in future scope is also explored.
The Full-Field Path Tracking of Agricultural Machinery Based on PSO-Enhanced Fuzzy Stanley Model
Authors: Sun Yu , Cui Bingbo , Ji Feng , Wei Xinhua , Zhu Yongyun
Published: August 2022

The unmanned operation of agriculture machinery in the full field of farmland is an important part of unmanned farm and smart agriculture. Although the autonomous navigation for agriculture robot has been widely studied in literature, research on the full-field path tracking problem of agriculture machinery is rare. In this paper, in order to enhance the adaptivity of path tracking algorithm, an improved fuzzy Stanley model (SM) is proposed based on particle swarm optimization (PSO), where the control gain is modified adaptively according to the tracking error, velocity and steering actuator saturation. The PSO-enhanced fuzzy SM (PSO-FSM) is verified by experiments on numerical simulation and self-driving of mobile vehicle. Simulation results indicate that the PSO-FSM achieves a better result than SM and FSM, where PSO-FSM changes the control gain adaptively under different velocities and actuator saturation conditions, and the maximum lateral errors of SM and PSO-FSM for mobile vehicle autonomous turning are 0. 32 m and 0.03 m, respectively. When the location of the mobile vehicle deviates from the expected path at 4 m in a lateral direction, the distance of the guided trajectory for the mobile vehicle to reach the expected path is no more than 5 m. A preliminary experiment is also carried out for a wheeled combine harvester working on slippery soil, and the result indicates that the maximum lateral tracking error of PSO-FSM is 0.63 m, which is acceptable for the path tracking of a combine harvester with a large operation width.