bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of comprehensive unit-based safety program to prevent ventilator associated-pneumonia for mechanically ventilated patients in China: A propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Yi Xiaomeng , Wei Xuxia , Zhou Mi , Ma Yingying , Zhuo Jinfeng , Sui Xin , An Yuling , Lv Haijin , Yang Yang , Yi Huimin
Published: December 2022

Background

Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is the most common healthcare-associated infection (HAI) in patients with mechanical ventilation. VAP is largely preventable, and a comprehensive unit-based safety program (CUSP) has effectively reduced HAI. In this study, we aim to comprehensively investigate the effect of implementing the CUSP in patients requiring mechanical ventilation.

Methods

In this uncontrolled before-and-after trial conducted in two intensive care unit (ICU) settings in China, patients requiring invasive mechanical ventilation were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups based on the implementation of CUSP. The primary outcome was the incidence of VAP. The secondary outcomes were the time from intubation to VAP, days of antibiotic use for VAP treatments, rate of other infection, length of stay (LOS) in ICU, hospital LOS, and safety culture score. Joinpoint regression analysis was used to test the changes in trends of VAP rate for statistical significance. Propensity score matching (1:1 matching) was used to reduce the potential bias between CUSP and no CUSP groups. Univariate and multivariate logistic/linear regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association between the use of CUSP and clinical outcomes. This study was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (chictr.org.cn), registration number: ChiCTR1900025391.

Results

A total of 1,004 patients from the transplant ICU (TICU) and 1,001 patients from the surgical ICU (SICU) were enrolled in the study from January 2016 to March 2022. Before propensity score matching, the incidences of VAP decreased from 35.1/1,000 ventilator days in the no CUSP group to 12.3/1,000 ventilator days in the CUSP group in the TICU setting (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 0.30; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.15–0.59). The results of the joinpoint regression analysis confirmed that the implementation of CUSP significantly decreased the incidences of VAP. After propensity score matching in TICU setting, the CUSP group reported a lower incidence of VAP (30.4 vs. 9.7‰, P = 0.003; adjusted OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.10–0.76), lower wound infection (3.4 vs. 0.9%, P = 0.048; adjusted OR = 0.73, 95% CI: 0.50–0.95), shorter ICU LOS [3.5(2.3–5.3) vs. 2.5(2.0–4.5) days; P = 0.003, adjusted estimate = −0.34, 95% CI: −0.92 to −0.14], and higher safety culture score (149.40 ± 11.74 vs. 153.37 ± 9.74; P = 0.002). Similar results were also observed in the SICU setting between the no CUSP and CUSP group.

Conclusions

The implementation of CSUP for patients receiving mechanical ventilation could significantly reduce the incidences of VAP, and other infections, prolong the time until the VAP occurrence, reduces the days of antibiotic use for VAP, shorten the ICU and hospital LOS, and enhance the awareness of safety culture.
Willingness to adopt personal biosecurity strategies on thoroughbred breeding farms: Findings from a multi-site pilot study in Australia's Hunter Valley
Authors: Thompson Kirrilly , Taylor Joanne , Mendez Diana , Chicken Catherine , Carrick Joan , Durrheim David N.
Published: December 2022

There are almost 9,500 full-time employees in Australia's thoroughbred horse breeding industry. During foaling, they can be exposed to bodily fluids and mucous membranes which may present risks for zoonotic disease. These risks can be mitigated through personal biosecurity strategies. The aim of this study was to identify which personal biosecurity strategies were more or less likely to be adopted by workers. Seventeen participants representing 14 thoroughbred breeding farms and three equine veterinary practices in Australia's largest thoroughbred breeding region trialed up to 16 stakeholder-nominated personal biosecurity strategies over the 2021 foaling season. The strategies encompassed personal protective equipment (PPE), zoonotic disease awareness, policies and protocols, supportive environments, and leadership. Strategy adoption was monitored through three repeated self-audit surveys designed around the Transtheoretical Model of change (TTM) and findings were reviewed in exit interviews. For all survey waves in aggregate, 13 strategies were practiced by at least 50.0% of participants. Participants were most likely to use a ready-made foaling box (98.0%), communicate the message that PPE usage is a personal responsibility (94.1%) and use ready-made PPE kits (88.2%). However, 31.4% had no intention of doing practice sessions and/or dummy runs for PPE use and 27.5% had no intention of using a buddy system on farm/practice to check use of PPE. Whilst these rates indicate workers' willingness to adopt and maintain personal biosecurity strategies, they also indicate capacity for more practices to be implemented more often. Overall, the findings highlight the need for personal biosecurity interventions to be sensitive to the demands of the annual thoroughbred breeding calendar, the size of the breeding operation and the availability of skilled staff.
Development and application of an indirect ELISA to detect antibodies to Neospora caninum in cattle based on a chimeric protein rSRS2-SAG1-GRA7
Authors: Yang Cong-Shan , Yang Chuan-Yin , Ayanniyi Olalekan-Opeyemi , Chen Ya-Qian , Lu Zhen-Xiao , Zhang Jin-Yi , Liu Lu-Yao , Hong Yu-Hang , Cheng Rong-Rong , Zhang Xiang , Zong Qin-Qin , Zhao Hong-Xi , Xu Qian-Ming
Published: December 2022

Neospora caninumis an important apicomplexan parasite causing neosporosis in cattle. The disease is recognized as one of the most important cause of reproductive problems and abortion in cattle worldwide. In this context, we developed an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) with chimeric protein rSRS2-SAG1-GRA7 to diagnose antibodies toNeospora-infection. This indirect ELISA was compared to indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT) and western blotting (WB), and the sensitivity and specificity results of ELISA were calculated to be 86.7 and 96.1%, respectively. The overall coincidence rate was 92.6% using IFAT and WB. Additionally, 329 aborting dairy cattle serum samples were tested using this ELISA to evaluate the prevalence ofN. caninumin Ningxia, China. The positive rate ofN. caninumin these farms was from 19.05 to 57.89%, and the mean rate was 41.64% (±11.01%), indicating that infection withN. caninummay be one of the important causes of cattle abortion in this region. This established rSRS2-SAG1-GRA7 indirect ELISA is capable for detecting the antibodies againstN. caninum, and it could be a useful screening tool for monitoring the epidemiology of neosporosis in cattle.
Microbial composition of carapace, feces, and water column in captive juvenile green sea turtles with carapacial ulcers
Authors: Guo Yide , Chen Hualing , Liu Ping , Wang Fumin , Li Linmiao , Ye Mingbin , Zhao Wenge , Chen Jinping
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Green sea turtles are endangered marine reptiles. Carapacial ulcers will develop on juvenile green sea turtles during artificial rescue, seriously affecting their health and potentially leading to death.

Methods

To determine the pathogens causing ulcerative carapacial disease, we performed 16S and ITS high-throughput sequencing, and microbial diversity analysis on samples from carapacial ulcers, healthy carapaces, feces, and seawater of juvenile green sea turtles.

Results

Our analysis showed that changes in microbial diversity of green sea turtle feces and seawater were not significantly associated with ulcerative carapacial disease.

Discussion

Psychrobacter sp. is the dominant species in the carapacial ulcers of green sea turtles. The bacterium is present in both healthy turtles and seawater where carapacial ulcers did not occur and decreasing seawater temperatures are likely responsible for the infection of juvenile green turtles with Psychrobacter sp. This is the first study on carapacial ulcers in captive juvenile green sea turtles. Our research provides theoretical guidance for the prevention and control of carapacial ulcers in captive juvenile green sea turtles.
Use of medicinal plants by veterinary practitioners in Spain: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Romero Beatriz , Susperregui Julen , Sahagún Ana M. , Diez M. José , Fernández Nélida , García Juan J. , López Cristina , Sierra Matilde , Díez Raquel
Published: December 2022

Medicinal plants have been used in veterinary medicine since ancient times, and they are gaining importance in Eastern Europe. The aim of this study was to conduct a survey on the use of medicinal plants in Spain. A cross-sectional study with an online questionnaire was carried out among Spanish small animal veterinarians, to evaluate the use patterns of medicinal plants and attitudes of professionals toward it. 313 veterinarians took part in the study. Most of them were female (80.2%) and age ranged 35–49 (49.5%). 80.3% of respondents use phytotherapy. Musculoskeletal and gastrointestinal disorders were those most frequently treated, with cannabis, aloe and thyme the most often medicinal plants used. The most common pattern of user was women working in clinics.
Effect of multi-strain probiotics on the performance of AA+ male broilers
Authors: Zou Qiangqiang , Meng Weishuang , Wang Tieliang , Liu Xiao , Li Desheng
Published: December 2022

The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effects of a probiotic complex (PC) consisting of Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium butyricum and Enterococcus faecalis on productive performance, carcass traits, immune organ indices, fecal microbiota counts and noxious gas emissions in AA+ male broilers. Three hundred and sixty 1-day-old AA+ male broilers with similar body weight (44.77 ± 0.25) were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups of 6 replicates each, with 20 broilers in each replicate. The experimental groups consisted of a group fed a basal diet and groups fed basal diet supplemented with 0.1 and 0.2% PC. The results showed that the addition of PC had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on growth performance, and carcass traits of AA+ broilers during the experimental period (1–42 days of age). Dietary addition of PC significantly increased the thymus index of AA+ broilers (P < 0.05), reduced the number of E. coli and Salmonella in feces (P < 0.01) and reduced the concentrations of fecal NH3 and H2S emissions (P < 0.01). Furthermore, birds fed 0.2% PC diet had the highest number of fecal Lactobacillus counts. Results indicate that probiotic complex consisting of Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium butyricum and Enterococcus faecalis enhances immune organ development, reduces the number of E. coli and Salmonella in feces, increases the number of Lactobacillus and reduces NH3 and H2S emissions in feces. This trial provides a theoretical basis for the use of probiotic complexes in broiler production.
Characteristics Analysis of an Electromagnetic Actuator for Magnetic Levitation Transportation
Authors: Jin Junjie , Wang Xin , Zhao Chuan , Xu Fangchao , Pei Wenzhe , Liu Yuhang , Sun Feng
Published: December 2022

In this article, an electromagnetic actuator is proposed to improve the driving performance of magnetic levitation transportation applied to ultra-clean manufacturing. The electromagnetic actuator mainly includes the stator with the Halbach array and the mover with a symmetrical structure. First, the actuator principle and structure are illustrated. Afterward, in order to select a suitable secondary structure and analyze the characteristics of the actuator, the electromagnetic characteristics of actuators with different secondary structures are analyzed by the finite element method (FEM). Analysis results show that the actuator adopting the secondary structure with a Halbach array will increase the electromagnetic force and working stability. The secondary with the three-section Halbach array is selected for the electromagnetic actuator. Then, the influence of secondary permanent magnet (PM) thickness on the electromagnetic force is analyzed by FEM. The results indicate that the increase in PM thickness will lead to increased electromagnetic force and decreased utilization ratio of PM. Finally, a prototype of an electromagnetic actuator is built, and experiments are implemented. The correctness of the theoretical analysis and the effectiveness of the electromagnetic actuator are verified by experimental results.
Characteristics of Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus Stoichiometry and Nutrient Reabsorption in Alfalfa Leaves with Different Fall-Dormancy Levels in Northern Xinjiang, China
Authors: Sun Yanliang , Wang Xuzhe , Ma Chunhui , Zhang Qianbing
Published: December 2022

Alfalfa productivity and cold resistance in different regions are influenced by the fall-dormancy level of alfalfa. However, it is unclear whether the stoichiometric characteristics and nutrient resorption efficiency in alfalfa leaves also vary with the fall-dormancy level. In order to further understand the differences in nutrient absorption and requirements of different fall-dormant alfalfa, we conducted field trials on 30 different fall-dormancy alfalfa cultivars for 2 consecutive years in 2020 and 2021. We investigated the concentrations of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus in mature and senescent alfalfa leaves; nutrient stoichiometry ratios; and the coupling relationship between nutrient reabsorption efficiency and dry matter yield. The differences in nutrient reabsorption, fall dormancy, and dry matter yield of different fall-dormant alfalfa, and the correlation between indicators were utilized to further analyze the regulatory mechanisms of nutrient reabsorption in different fall-dormancy alfalfa varieties. The results demonstrated that the nitrogen reabsorption efficiency (NRE) and phosphorus reabsorption efficiency (PRE) of leaves increased first and then decreased with the increase in fall dormancy, whereas the carbon reabsorption efficiency (CRE) showed the reverse tendency. Different fall-dormancy alfalfa varieties significantly affected the dry matter yield and nutrient absorption in the first cut, while the last cut had the lowest variable coefficient and impact. There was a significant decrease in the over-winter survival rate of alfalfa as the fall-dormancy level increased, whereas the over-summer survival rate was less affected by the fall-dormancy level. As the growth year increased, there was a significant decrease in the over-winter survival rate. Among mature leaves, the NRE and PRE showed a significant positive correlation with the C concentration, while they showed a significant negative association with the N and P concentrations. In the same cut, the dry matter yield decreased with the increase in CRE but increased with the increases in NRE and PRE, while there was no significant trend in dry matter yield and nutrient resorption efficiency (NuRE) between different cuts. Taken together, the alfalfa survival rate and dry matter yield were relatively better in the moderate fall-dormancy (fall-dormancy level, FD = 4, 5) types and fall-dormancy (FD = 3) type, with a corresponding increase in the reabsorption requirements for nitrogen and phosphorus.
Meta-Analysis of Factors Affecting C-N Fractions and Yield of Paddy Soils by Total Straw Return and N Fertilizer Application
Authors: Zhang Liqiang , Wang Yunlong , Lou Zixi , Hsu Lefei , Chen Di , Piao Renzhe , Zhao Hongyan , Cui Zongjun
Published: December 2022

The effective use of nutrient-rich crop straw is an important way to use resources efficiently and to sustain agricultural development. This meta-analysis study collected and analyzed the data of 6788 observations published in 238 peer-reviewed papers to investigate differences in soil C-N fractions and yields of paddy soils under different straw-return amounts. This large dataset was also used to quantify the degree of influence of factors such as climate characteristics, soil properties, N fertilizer application rates, straw-rotting agent addition, rice varieties, and straw return methods. The results showed that straw return amounts improved soil alkaline-hydrolysable N (7%), total N (10%), organic C (11%), the C:N ratio (8%), rice N accumulation (12%), and overall yield (18%). The most significant effect was in northeast China fields for total soil nitrogen (TN) content and yield with increases of 13% and 22%, respectively. We also found more effective N utilization and a greater rice yield when 220–260 kg ha−1 N fertilizer was applied with 20–30 kg ha−1 straw-rotting agent with the total amount of straw return. These findings have important implications for choosing appropriate conditions and field management practices and to improve rice yield in China.
Selection and Evaluation of Reference Genes for Quantitative Real-Time PCR in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Inoculated with Oidium neolycopersici
Authors: Bai Shengyi , Wang Xiaomin , Guo Meng , Cheng Guoxin , Khan Abid , Yao Wenkong , Gao Yanming , Li Jianshe
Published: December 2022

In order to screen out the most stable reference genes in tomatoes under powdery mildew (PM) stress and study the expression of related genes in the interaction between tomato and PM more accurately, this study will provide a calibration basis for the expression of related functional genes. In this study, the expression stabilities of eight tomato candidate reference genes of EF1α, L33, Act, Ubi, GAPDH, UK, CAC and TIP41 in susceptible tomato and resistant tomatoes under PM stress were ranked using four different computation programs, including geNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper and the comparative ∆CT method. Then RefFinder was used to analyze the ranking results of four kinds of software comprehensively. Finally, the selected reference genes were validated by the target gene SlMLO1. The results of geNorm showed that the normalization of qRT-PCR using two reference genes could meet the requirements. The comprehensive analysis of RefFinder showed that the most stable reference genes were Act and EF1α for both tomato varieties. The combination of Act and GAPDH was most stable in susceptible tomato ‘MM’. The combination of Act and EF1α was most stable in resistant tomato ‘62579′. Generally, the Act was the most stable reference gene in the two tomato varieties under PM stress. This study will lay a foundation for the related functional gene expression research in tomatoes under PM stress.
Prevalence and Antibiotic Resistance of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli Isolated from Bovine Raw Milk in Lebanon: A study on Antibiotic Usage, Antibiotic Residues, and Assessment of Human Health Risk Using the One Health Approach
Authors: Hoteit Maha , Yaghi Joseph , El Khoury Andre , Daou Rouaa , Hindieh Pamela , Assaf Jean Claude , Al Dawi Jana , El Khoury Jennifer , Al Jawaldeh Ayoub
Published: December 2022

The emergence, persistence, and spread of antibiotic-resistant microbes is a tremendous public health threat that is considered nowadays a critical One Health issue. In Lebanon, the consumption of raw bovine milk has been recently reported as a result of the financial crisis. The objectives of the current study were (1) to evaluate raw bovine milk samples in a comprehensive manner for the types of antibiotics used and their residues, (2) to determine the presence of mesophilic bacteria, extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and (3) to determine the associated human health risk caused by drinking raw milk with antibiotic residues among all age categories. LC-MS-MS was used to carry out the analysis. From 200 milk samples, 30 (15%) were found contaminated with four major antibiotics. The highest average concentration detected was for oxytetracyline 31.51 ± 13.23 μg/kg, followed by 5.5 ± 0.55 μg/kg for gentamicin, 4.56 ± 0.73 μg/kg for colistin, and 4.44 ± 0.89 μg/kg for tylosin. The mean contamination among most samples was below the maximum residue limits (MRLs). Upon comparison with the acceptable daily intake (ADI), the estimated daily intake (EDI) across all age groups was acceptable. The hazard quotient (HQ) was also below 1 across all age groups, signifying the absence of associated health risks for the Lebanese consumers. On the other hand, all milk samples were found exceeding the maximum tolerable value of mesophilic flora. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) were detected and represented by ESBL-producing E. coli and MRSA isolates. Thus, the greatest threat of antibiotic use in Lebanon does not fall under antibiotic residues but rather the proliferation of antibiotic resistance in potentially pathogenic bacteria. In this study, the virulence profile of detected bacteria was not investigated; thus their pathogenicity remains unknown. Therefore, to mitigate this health threat in Lebanon, a “One Health” action plan against ABR is required. It will provide a framework for continued, more extensive action to reduce the emergence and spread of ABR in Lebanon.
Oxidized-LDL Deteriorated the Renal Residual Function and Parenchyma in CKD Rat through Upregulating Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition and Extracellular Matrix-Mediated Tubulointerstitial Fibrosis—Pharmacomodulation of Rosuvastatin
Authors: Sung Pei-Hsun , Cheng Ben-Chung , Hsu Tsuen-Wei , Chiang John Y , Chiang Hsin-Ju , Chen Yi-Ling , Yang Chih-Chao , Yip Hon-Kan
Published: December 2022

This study tested the hypothesis that intrarenal arterial transfusion of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) jeopardized the residual renal function and kidney architecture in rat chronic kidney disease ((CKD), i.e., induced by 5/6 nephrectomy) that was reversed by rosuvastatin. Cell culture was categorized into A1 (NRK-52E cells), A2 (NRK-52E + TGF-β), A3 (NRK-52E + TGF-β + ox-LDL) and A4 (NRK-52E + TGF-β + ox-LD). The result of in vitro study showed that cell viability (at 24, 48 and 72 h), NRK-52E ox-LDL-uptake, protein expressions of epithelial–mesenchymal–transition (EMT) markers (i.e., p-Smad2/snail/α-SMA/FSP1) and cell migratory and wound healing capacities were significantly progressively increased from A1 to A4 (all p < 0.001). SD rats were categorized into group 1 (sham-operated control), group 2 (CKD), group 3 (CKD + ox-LDL/0.2 mg/rat at day 14 after CKD induction) and group 4 (CKD + ox-LDL-treated as group 3+ rosuvastatin/10 mg/kg/day by days 20 to 42 after CKD induction) and kidneys were harvested at day 42. The circulatory levels of BUN and creatinine, ratio of urine-protein to urine-creatinine and the protein expressions of the above-mentioned EMT, apoptotic (cleaved-caspase3/cleaved-PARP/mitochondrial-Bax) and oxidative-stress (NOX-1/NOX-2/oxidized-protein) markers were lowest in group 1, highest in group 3 and significantly higher in group 4 than in group 2 (all p < 0.0001). Histopathological findings demonstrated that the kidney injury score, fibrotic area and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) displayed an identical pattern, whereas the cellular expression of podocyte components (ZO-1/synaptopodin) exhibited an opposite pattern of EMT markers (all p < 0.0001). In conclusion, ox-LDL damaged the residual renal function and kidney ultrastructure in CKD mainly through augmenting oxidative stress, EMT and fibrosis that was remarkably reversed by rosuvastatin.
Can Livestock Farming Benefit from Industry 4.0 Technology? Evidence from Recent Study
Authors: Kraft Martin , Bernhardt Heinz , Brunsch Reiner , Büscher Wolfgang , Colangelo Eduardo , Graf Henri , Marquering Johannes , Tapken Heiko , Toppel Kathrin , Westerkamp Clemens , Ziron Martin
Published: December 2022

The term ”Agriculture 4.0” emerged from the term “Industry 4.0” like amany other “4.0” terms. However, are Industry 4.0 technologies and concepts really applicable to agriculture? Are the benefits that Industry 4.0 brings to industrial use cases transferable to livestock farming? This paper tries to answer this question for the three dominant sectors of livestock farming in Central Europe and Germany: Poultry, pig fattening, and dairy farming. These sectors are analyzed along with the eight most relevant Industry 4.0 benefits. The results show that only part of the Industry 4.0 benefits are relevant for livestock farming in a similar manner as in industrial production. Due to basic differences between industrial and livestock farming use cases, some of the benefits must be adapted. The presence of individual living animals and the strong environmental impact of livestock farming affect the role of digital individualization and demand orientation. The position of livestock farming within the value chain minimizes the need for flexibilization. The introduction and adoption of Industry 4.0 concepts and technologies may contribute significantly to transforming agriculture into something that may be called Agriculture 4.0. Technologies are indispensable for this development step, but vocational education and open-mindedness of farmers towards Industry 4.0 is essential as well.
The Influence of Processing Time on Morphology, Structure and Functional Properties of PEO Coatings on AZ63 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Moga Sorin Georgian , Negrea Denis Aurelian , Ducu Catalin Marian , Malinovschi Viorel , Schiopu Adriana Gabriela , Coaca Elisabeta , Patrascu Ion
Published: December 2022

The plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) surface modification technique was employed for improving the mechanical and anti-corrosion properties of the AZ63 magnesium alloy. Different PEO processing times (5, 10 and 20 min) in a 10 g/L NaAlO2 electrolyte, with no other additives, led to the formation of ceramic coatings with mean thicknesses between 15 and 37 microns. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the porosity of the coatings decreased with processing time, but an increase in roughness was observed. X-Ray diffraction phase analysis indicated a coating structure composed of majority magnesium aluminate spinel. The corrosion rate of the coated samples decreased with an order of magnitude compared with the bare alloy. The average micro-hardness values of the PEO-coated samples was up to five times higher than those of the AZ63 alloy.
Future Definition and Extraction of the Blast Furnace 3D Burden Surface Based on Intelligent Algorithms
Authors: Sun Shaolun , Yu Zejun , Zhang Sen , Xiao Wendong
Published: December 2022

The accurate identification of the shape of the blast furnace (BF) burden surface is a crucial factor in the fault diagnosis of the BF condition and guides the charge operation. Based on the BF 3D point cloud data of phased array radar, this paper proposes a 3D burden surface feature definition system. Based on expert experience, the feature parameters of the burden surface are extracted. The voxel feature was extracted based on improved BNVGG. The optimized PointCNN extracts the point cloud features. The features of the burden surface were defined from three perspectives: the surface shape, voxel, and point cloud. The research of the 2D burden line is extended to the 3D burden surface, and the assumption of the symmetry of the BF is eliminated. Finally, the accuracy of the burden surface classification under each feature was evaluated, and the effectiveness of each feature extraction algorithm was verified. The experimental results show that the shape feature defined based on expert experience affects the recognition of the burden surface. However, it is defined from the data perspective and cannot accurately identify a similar burden surface shape. Therefore, the voxel features and point cloud features of the burden surface were extracted, improving the identification accuracy.
Bacterial Communities in Informal Dump Sites: A Rich Source of Unique Diversity and Functional Potential for Bioremediation Applications
Authors: Selvarajan Ramganesh , Ogola Henry , Kalu Chimdi M. , Sibanda Timothy , Obize Chinedu
Published: December 2022

In this study, high-throughput metagenomic amplicon sequencing and physicochemical analyses were used to evaluate the structural composition and functional diversity of the soil bacterial communities at different illegal waste dump sites. Results showed that while the litter-free soil was dominated by the phylum Proteobacteria, dumpsite soils were enriched with phylum Actinobacteria, followed by Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, Planctomycetes, Bacteroidetes, and Gemmatimonadetes. Bacterial diversity differed significantly (p > 0.05) between the litter-free and contaminated sites, with each dumpsite having distinct genera that demonstrate the impact of waste type on the bacterial community composition. Genus Nocardioides, a versatile organic and inorganic pollutant-degrading bacteria in the class Actinomycetia, was dominant in the dump site soils, raising the possibility that this genus could serve as a potential biomarker for dump site soil pollution. PICRUSt functional profiling also showed the presence of genes involved in putative degradative pathways in the dump site soils. Furthermore, community-level physiological profile (CLPP) analyses revealed that the dump site soils are habitats to active bacterial communities with significant catabolic and carbon utilization capacity. Overall, this study provides a theoretical insight into the diversity and unique soil bacterial assemblages in illegal dump sites that could encode biotechnologically significant genes for biosynthesis and biodegradation.
Properties of Green Tea Waste as Cosmetics Ingredients and Rheology Enhancers
Authors: Zahra Audrey , Lim Seo-Kyoung , Shin Soo-Jeong , Yeon Ik-Jun
Published: December 2022

Green tea waste (GTW) is a naturally abundant material, and it has not been widely reused into more valuable materials. The composition of GTW was identified using NMR for carbohydrate composition, an element analyzer for protein content, acetone and hot water extraction for evaluating extractives, and Klason lignin for lignin content. GTW can be converted into nanoparticles by carboxymethylation as pretreatment of the degree of substitutions (DS) and high-pressure homogenizer for nanoparticle making. GTW was prepared using various DS 0 until DS 0.4. The results showed that GTW DS has a more than −30 mV zeta potential, suitable for stable nanoemulsion formulations. The particle size of GTW DS decreases with increasing carboxyl content in the hydrogel, which has a width and length from GTW DS 0.3 to DS 0.4. As a humectant, the water retention value (WRV) of GTW with various DS was increased; DS 0.3 is the best. DS 0.4 has the highest viscosity, storage, and loss modulus as rheology modifiers.
Privacy-Preserving Outsourced Artificial Neural Network Training for Secure Image Classification
Authors: Deng Guoqiang , Tang Min , Zhang Yuhao , Huang Ying , Duan Xuefeng
Published: December 2022

Artificial neural network (ANN) is powerful in the artificial intelligence field and has been successfully applied to interpret complex image data in the real world. Since the majority of images are commonly known as private with the information intended to be used by the owner, such as handwritten characters and face, the private constraints form a major obstacle in developing high-precision image classifiers which require access to a large amount of image data belonging to multiple users. State-of-the-art privacy-preserving ANN schemes often use full homomorphic encryption which result in a substantial overhead of computation and data traffic for the data owners, and are restricted to approximation models by low-degree polynomials which lead to a large accuracy loss of the trained model compared to the original ANN model in the plain domain. Consequently, it is still a huge challenge to train an ANN model in the encrypted-domain. To mitigate this problem, we propose a privacy-preserving ANN system for secure constructing image classifiers, named IPPNN, where the server is able to train an ANN-based classifier on the combined image data of all data owners without being able to observe any images using primitives, such as randomization and functional encryption. Our system achieves faster training time and supports lossless training. Moreover, IPPNN removes the need for multiple communications among data owners and servers. We analyze the security of the protocol and perform experiments on a large scale image recognition task. The results show that the IPPNN is feasible to use in practice while achieving high accuracy.
Special Feature: Permanent and Long-Term Biodegradable Biomaterials
Authors: Sort Jordi
Published: December 2022

During the past few decades, the increased aging of the world population has prompted the search for novel and improved materials for orthopedic implant applications [...]
Application and Comparison of Non-Contact Vibration Monitoring Methods for Concrete Railway Sleepers
Authors: Kovačič Boštjan , Toplak Sebastian , Paar Rinaldo , Lubej Samo
Published: December 2022

This paper describes the non-contact vibration monitoring of prestressed reinforced concrete railway sleepers. The monitoring was carried out using physical measuring equipment consisting of a seismograph and geophones, a robotic total station (RTS) and scanning laser Doppler vibrometry (SLDV) equipment. Measurements of the dynamic response of sleepers to the dynamic loading induced by the running of train sets provides data that give an insight into the actual state of the sleeper structure at the moment when it is most stressed. The main objective of the study was to identify the most appropriate form of monitoring to monitor events related to the occurrence of cracks in the rail sill, which can also be caused by the impact of vibration. As is well-known, monitoring the dynamic response of railway sleepers is very important for the sustainable management and maintenance of railway lines. The vibration analysis was carried out in the field on the Ormož–Ptuj section of the railway line, in Velika Nedelja and in the laboratory of the UM FGPA, where the vibration was simulated using a hydraulic kit with a static and pulsed force of 100 kN. Several cycles of measurement were carried out and the results were compared with the results of the field monitoring. The vibration parameters measured for the concrete sleepers are necessary to develop a realistic dynamic model of the railway line, which will be able to predict its response to impact loads and the possible occurrence of damage, as has recently been observed for concrete sleepers in several European Union countries.
Concept of Batch and Fed-Batch Cultures of Yarrowia lipolytica as a Valuable Source of Sterols with Simultaneous Valorization of Molasses and Post-Frying Rapeseed Oil
Authors: Wierzchowska Katarzyna , Pakulska Anna , Derewiaka Dorota , Piasecka Iga , Zieniuk Bartłomiej , Nowak Dorota , Fabiszewska Agata
Published: December 2022

Food byproduct streams can potentially be transformed into value-added products such as microbial lipids in bioprocesses based on the non-conventional Yarrowia yeast. The effect of culture conditions of Y. lipolytica KKP 379 wild strain in waste media on the efficiency of lipid accumulation, fatty acid composition, presence of selected sterols, yield and elemental composition of biomass has been studied. Batch and fed-batch bioreactor cultures were carried out in media with molasses hydrolysate (MH) and post-frying rapeseed oil. It was determined that biomass grown in MH contained more minerals than in medium with rapeseed post-frying oil. Considering the PDSC study, the Tmax of oxidation induction ranged from 10.04–26.36 min for the analyzed samples. The biomass from fed-batch cultures with MH had the highest total sterol content (68.40 mg/goil), dominated by ergosterol at 60.16 mg/g. Feeding with post-frying rapeseed oil with new doses of mineral medium promoted maintaining the cellular lipid content at a high level (30.75–31.73%) for 50 h, with maximum yield at 37.50%. The results of the experiment showed that the cellular lipid accumulation efficiency of Y. lipolytica yeast and the content of sterols in the cell membrane can be manipulated by selecting waste substrates and culture mode.
Numerical Simulation of Interaction between Plasma and Azithromycin Based on Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Zang Yuanfu , Zhou Minqi , Wu Yangchen , Qin Si , Huang Shihai , Meng Jianzong
Published: December 2022

Growing attention has been paid to nonthermal plasma treatment technology and its effects on the degradation of organic matter, especially for antibiotics. However, the majority of the conducted research has focused on the experimental results. Rare attempts were made to analyze the reaction mechanism at the microscopic level. In this paper, molecular dynamics simulation and reactive forcefields were used to investigate the reaction mechanism of different plasma particle interactions with azithromycin molecules. The simulation results indicated that the degradation of azithromycin was caused by the destruction of C-H and C-C bonds, followed by the formation of C=C and C=O bonds when reacted with the active particles. It was also found that the ability of degrading azithromycin varied among the different types of active particles. The oxygen atoms had the strongest ability to decompose the azithromycin molecule, with 38.61% of the C-H bonds broken as compared with other oxygenated species. The findings from this computational simulation could provide theoretical support and guidance for subsequent practical experiments.
Computational Optimized Monitoring Methodology to Avoid Crowd Crush Accidents with Scattered Data
Authors: Kim Dongyung
Published: December 2022

Recently, a crowd crush accident occurred in Seoul. Mathematics and data science can contribute to understanding this incident and to avoiding future accidents. In this paper, I suggest an optimized monitoring methodology to avoid crowd crush accidents with scattered data by searching the global minimum of the minimax data or minsum data. These scattered data are the position data of cell phones with time t. Mathematically, I find an exact solution of the optimized monitoring region with the suggested methodology by using the minimal constraints. The methodology is verified and validated along with the efficiency.
Intra-Operative Cochlear Nerve Function Monitoring in Hearing Preservation Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Ariano Marzia , Franchella Sebastiano , Tealdo Giulia , Zanoletti Elisabetta
Published: December 2022

With the recent scientific and technical developments, hearing preservation surgery is becoming a growing objective in inner ear pathologies, especially for vestibular schwannomas. In this review, we aim to describe the pros and cons of the following cochlear nerve monitoring techniques: ABRs (auditory brainstem responses), DENM (direct eighth cranial nerve monitoring), EcochG (electrocochleography), CNAP (cochlear compound nerve action potentials), DPOAE (distortion product otoacoustic emissions), PAMRs (postauricular muscle responses). The Cochrane library, Scopus, DynaMed, and PubMed databases were screened to obtain any relevant papers from October 2009 to the present day. Due to the heterogeneity of the existing studies in the literature, there is no way to tell whether a technique is better than another. All authors reported satisfactory outcomes with the cochlear nerve monitoring techniques tested, either alone or in combination.
Receptor-Mediated Redox Imbalance: An Emerging Clinical Avenue against Aggressive Cancers
Authors: Dai Xiaofeng , Thompson Erik W. , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken)
Published: December 2022

Cancer cells are more vulnerable to abnormal redox fluctuations due to their imbalanced antioxidant system, where cell surface receptors sense stress and trigger intracellular signal relay. As canonical targets of many targeted therapies, cell receptors sensitize the cells to specific drugs. On the other hand, cell target mutations are commonly associated with drug resistance. Thus, exploring effective therapeutics targeting diverse cell receptors may open new clinical avenues against aggressive cancers. This paper uses focused case studies to reveal the intrinsic relationship between the cell receptors of different categories and the primary cancer hallmarks that are associated with the responses to external or internal redox perturbations. Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) is examined as a promising redox modulation medium and highly selective anti-cancer therapeutic modality featuring dynamically varying receptor targets and minimized drug resistance against aggressive cancers.
Validation of the Longitudinal Interval Follow-Up Evaluation for the Long-Term Measurement of Mood Symptoms in Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Porter Richard J. , Moot Will , Inder Maree L. , Crowe Marie T. , Douglas Katie M. , Carter Janet D. , Frampton Christopher
Published: December 2022

The long-term burden of symptoms is an important outcome in bipolar disorder (BD). A method which has minimal burden of assessment uses a retrospective interview, the Longitudinal Interval Follow-up Examination (LIFE), although this may be subject to problems with recall. This study examines the relationship between the retrospective LIFE scale and concurrently-rated mood rating scales in two clinical trials of 18 months of psychotherapy for patients with BD. The Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) were administered every eight to nine weeks and the LIFE was carried out every 6 months. Correlations between scores on mood rating scales and at equivalent times on the LIFE were examined, as well as of potential clinical moderators. There were significant correlations between LIFE depression ratings and concurrent MADRS score (r = 0.57) and between LIFE mania ratings and YMRS score (r = 0.40). In determining “mild depression” on the MADRS, a receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis showed an AUC of 0.78 for LIFE scores. Correlations, particularly for depression scores, were high even when the LIFE rating was several months before the interview, suggesting that the LIFE has validity in examining the burden of mood symptoms over time, with relatively little burden of assessment. Future research should examine the relationship between symptom burden and quality of life measured in this way.
Discerning Recurrent Factors in Construction Disputes through Judicial Case Studies—An Indian Perspective
Authors: Hemanth Sai Kalyan B. , Sekar Anandh , Sindhu Nachiar S. , Ravichandran P. T.
Published: December 2022

Construction disputes have become a recurrent phenomenon in the industry, due to which progress is halted. From a bird’s eye perspective, the most frequent cause of a dispute might be payment issues. However, when observed keenly, it has an inter-relationship with almost every other cause, such as contractual changes, delays in project completion, compromising on the quality of construction, etc. Therefore, analyzing the factors which cause a dispute is important. It is also essential to understand the interrelationship of the factors. In this study, judicial construction disputes, along with judgements in different domains, were collected. The most frequent causes of disputes are identified among these cases. Sixty-five cases were considered for the analysis, which constitutes the writ petition, response and final judgment. These items were collected to gain the perspective of the petitioners and respondents over the cause of the dispute and the final judgment to analyze the factors responsible for decision-making. Factor analysis is done to find out the influencing factors, interrelationships and similarities of the disputes respectively. Among the 8 major factors identified, a strong, positive correlation was found between Poor Performance related issues and Payment related issues. By performing Principal Component Analysis (PCA), causes were classified into 3 domains based on their variables.
Single-Cell DNA Methylation Analysis in Cancer
Authors: O’Neill Hannah , Lee Heather , Gupta Ishaan , Rodger Euan J. , Chatterjee Aniruddha
Published: December 2022

Morphological, transcriptomic, and genomic defects are well-explored parameters of cancer biology. In more recent years, the impact of epigenetic influences, such as DNA methylation, is becoming more appreciated. Aberrant DNA methylation has been implicated in many types of cancers, influencing cell type, state, transcriptional regulation, and genomic stability to name a few. Traditionally, large populations of cells from the tissue of interest are coalesced for analysis, producing averaged methylome data. Considering the inherent heterogeneity of cancer, analysing populations of cells as a whole denies the ability to discover novel aberrant methylation patterns, identify subpopulations, and trace cell lineages. Due to recent advancements in technology, it is now possible to obtain methylome data from single cells. This has both research and clinical implications, ranging from the identification of biomarkers to improved diagnostic tools. As with all emerging technologies, distinct experimental, bioinformatic, and practical challenges present themselves. This review begins with exploring the potential impact of single-cell sequencing on understanding cancer biology and how it could eventually benefit a clinical setting. Following this, the techniques and experimental approaches which made this technology possible are explored. Finally, the present challenges currently associated with single-cell DNA methylation sequencing are described.
Age-Dependent Impact of Concomitant Radio-Chemotherapy and MGMT Promotor Methylation on PFS and OS in Patients with IDH Wild-Type Glioblastoma: The Real-Life Data
Authors: Krigers Aleksandrs , Klingenschmid Julia , Cosar Tolga , Moser Patrizia , Thomé Claudius , Freyschlag Christian F.
Published: December 2022

Biological but not chronological age plus performance have more impact on decision making in glioblastoma patients. We investigated how progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) in older patients with IDH wild-type glioblastoma were influenced by concomitant radio-chemotherapy and MGMT promotor methylation status in real-life settings. In total, 142 out of 273 (52%) evaluated patients were older than 65 years, and 77 (55%) of them received concomitant radio-chemotherapy. In senior patients, the initiation of concomitant radio-chemotherapy was associated with significantly better PFS: 15.3 months (CI95: 11.7–18.9) vs. 7.0 months (CI95: 4.3–9.6; p = 0.002). The favorable influence on PFS was not related to MGMT promotor methylation status as it was in the younger cohort. In seniors, concomitant radio-chemotherapy was related to significantly better OS: 20.0 months (CI95: 14.3–26.7) vs. 4.9 months (CI95: 3.5–6.2), p < 0.001. MGMT promotor methylation was related to a more favorable OS only, if concomitant radio-chemotherapy was initiated. In conclusion, more than half of the glioblastoma cohort was older than 65 years of age. Even if PFS and OS were shorter than in the younger cohort, concomitant radio-chemotherapy provided a survival advantage. In real life, MGMT promotor methylation had a positive impact on OS only if the adjuvant therapy was applied.