bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk factors for distant metastasis and prognosis in stage T1 esophageal cancer: A population-based study
Authors: Zhu Kai , Jia Mingyue , Ji Linlin , Wang Guangshun
Published: January 2023

Purpose

Stage T1 esophageal cancer (EC) with distant metastasis (DM) is rare and poorly understood. In this study, we aimed to construct and validate a novel nomogram for predicting the probability of DM in T1 EC patients.

Methods

A total of 1,663 eligible T1 EC patients were enrolled from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database between 2004 and 2015. The patients were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses in the training cohort were used to identify risk factors related to DM, and then these risk factors were applied to construct the nomogram. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, the area under the curve (AUC), calibration plots, the Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) test, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the nomogram.

Results

Among the 1,663 patients identified, 143 (8.6%) had DM. Five risk factors (tumor location, lymph node status, tumor length, T1 subtype, and grade) were significant predictors of DM. The AUC values were 0.828 and 0.851 in the training cohort and validation cohort, respectively, revealing good discrimination. The calibration plots in the training cohort and validation cohort both showed good consistency. DCA showed that the nomogram was clinically effective. In addition, the nomogram has a good risk stratification ability to identify patients with different risks according to the nomogram score. In terms of survival analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox analyses showed that age, race, tumor length, grade, lymph node status, M stage and treatment were significant prognostic factors for overall survival (OS). For cancer-specific survival (CSS), the independent prognostic factors were age, tumor length, histology, grade, lymph node status, M stage and treatment.

Conclusion

The nomogram could effectively predict the probability of DM in T1 EC patients. It can aid clinicians in detecting high-risk patients and making individual clinical decisions.
Tourniquet application in primary total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Han Jinchang , Zhang Xiao-yu , Mu Shi-yin , Liu Shi-long , Cui Qing-tong , Zhang Chao , Liu Ai-feng
Published: January 2023

Objective

The aim of this study was to identify the influence of a tourniquet on the blood loss, transfusion requirement, swelling, pain, knee function, range of motion (ROM), operation time, bone cement mantle thickness, and complications in patients operated with total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods

Two authors independently retrieved PubMed, Embase, and CENTRAL to identify eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of a tourniquet in TKA. Fixed- (I2 < 50%) or random-effects (I2 > 50%) models were selected to perform meta-analysis according to the value of I2. Mean difference (MD) and risk ratio were selected as the effect sizes for continuous and dichotomous variables, respectively.

Results

A total of 29 RCTs, involving 2,512 operations (1,258 procedures with a tourniquet and 1,254 procedures without a tourniquet), were included, and 18 outcomes were compared. Tourniquet application could significantly decrease intraoperative blood loss (MD = −138.72 ml, p < 0.001), shorten operation duration (MD = −1.77 min, p < 0.001), and increase cement mantle thickness (MD = 0.17 mm, p < 0.001). However, it was significantly associated with increased postoperative pain intensity, decreased full ROM/flexion ROM/extension ROM, poorer knee function, increased knee swelling, and increased length of hospital stay (LOS) at several follow-up points (p < 0.050). No significant difference was found for postoperative draining volume, total blood loss, transfusion rate, change of Hb level, and risks of deep venous thrombosis and all complications.

Conclusions

Tourniquet application could only decrease the intraoperative blood loss but has no effectiveness on the total blood loss and transfusion requirement. On the contrary, it has a reverse effect on the pain score, knee function, ROM, swelling, and LOS.
Tamoxifen triggers the in vitro release of neutrophil extracellular traps in healthy horses
Authors: Salinas Constanza , Barriga Kassandra , Albornoz Alejandro , Alarcon Pablo , Quiroga John , Uberti Benjamín , Sarmiento José , Henriquez Claudio , Ehrenfeld Pamela , Burgos Rafael A. , Moran Gabriel
Published: January 2023

Neutrophils display an array of biological functions including the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), web-like structures specialized in trapping, neutralizing, killing and preventing microbial dissemination within the host. However, NETs contribute to a number of inflammatory pathologies, including severe equine asthma. Tamoxifen (TX) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator which belongs to the triphenylethyllenes group of molecules, and which is used as a treatment in all stages of estrogen-positive human breast cancer. Our previous results suggest that tamoxifen can modulate neutrophil functionality and promote resolution of inflammation; this would partly explain the clinical beneficial effect of this drug in horses with airway inflammation. Enhanced NETs production has been reported with tamoxifen use in humans, but minimal data exists regarding the drug's effect on NETs in horses. The aim of this study is to assess the in vitro effect of TX on NETs formation from peripheral blood of healthy horses. Five clinically healthy mixed-breed adult horses were enrolled in the study. For this, cellular free DNA quantification, immunofluorescence for the visualization of NETs, assessment of different types of NETs, and detection of mitochondrial superoxide. TX induced NETs formation at a concentration of 10 uM. Our results show that only two types of NETs were induced by TX: 95% spread NETs (sprNETs) and 5% aggregated NETs (aggNETs). Furthermore, induction of these NETs could be influenced by mitochondrial ROS. Future research should involve an In vivo study of horses with severe asthma and TX treatment, to evaluate BALF neutrophil NET formation. In conclusion, this in vitro study suggests that the resolution of inflammation by TX in horses with airway inflammation is due to inhibition of other neutrophilic functions but not to NET formation.
Application of a novel rectangular filtering microfluidic device for microfilarial detection
Authors: Asawakarn Sariya , Pimpin Alongkorn , Jeamsaksiri Wutthinan , Sripumkhai Witsaroot , Jitsamai Wanarit , Taweethavonsawat Piyanan , Piyaviriyakul Prapruddee
Published: January 2023

The rectangular filtering microfluidic chip was invented using microfluidics device fabrication technology and can separate living microfilariae from blood samples without a syringe pump. The diagnostic results are highly effective. The device is based on the principle of separating millions of blood cells from microfilariae using a rectangular filter structure. It disperses fluid evenly into the flow-passage channel, and its rectangular filter structure is the key to success in reducing the pressure and separating blood cells from microfilariae effectively. The flow rate and blood cell concentration were optimized in our study. The chip is intended to be a point-of-care device that can reduce the use of superfluous instrumentation in the field. The technology is designed to be rapid, accurate, and easy-to-use for all users, especially those in remote areas.
Metabolomic analysis reveals spermatozoa and seminal plasma differences between Duroc and Liang guang Small-spotted pig
Authors: Li Zhili , Sun Jingshuai , Li Kebiao , Qin Jiali , Sun Yanmei , Zeng Jianhua , El-Ashram Saeed , Zhao Yunxiang
Published: January 2023

The Liang guang Small-spotted pig is a well-known Chinese indigenous pig that is valued for its exceptional meat quality. However, the Liang guang Small-spotted pig has a lower semen storage capacity, shorter storage time and worse semen quality compared to Duroc. Pig sperm used for artificial insemination (AI) loses part of vitality and quality when being stored in commercial solutions. Serious vitality losses and short shelf life of the semen are particularly prominent in Liang guang Small-spotted pig. In this study, the metabolites in seminal plasma and spermatozoa of Duroc and Liang guang Small-spotted pigs were identified using UHPLC–Q-TOF/MS technology. The findings indicated forty distinct metabolites concentrating on energy metabolic substrates and antioxidant capacity in Liang guang Small-spotted pig and Duroc seminal plasma, including D-Fructose, succinate, 2-dehydro-3-deoxy-d-gluconate, alanine betaine, citrate, carnitine, acetylcarnitine and so on. Seventeen different metabolites were explored, with a focus on glycerophospholipid metabolism in Liang guang Small-spotted pig and Duroc spermatozoa, primarily including glycerol 3-phosphate, acetylcarnitine, phosphatidylcholine (PC) 16:0/16:0, palmitoyl sphingomyelin, acetylcholine, choline, glycerophosphocholine, betaine, L-carnitine, creatinine and others. This study reveals the metabolite profile of spermatozoa and seminal plasma among different pig breeds and might be valuable for understanding the mechanisms that lead to sperm storage capacity. Metabolites involved in energy metabolism, antioxidant capacity and glycerophospholipid metabolism might be key to the poor sperm storage capacity in Liang guang Small-spotted pig.
Non-Contact Multiple-Frequency AC Impedance Instrument for Cement Hydration Based on a High-Frequency Weak Current Sensor
Authors: Wang He , Wu Tao , Tang Shengwen , She Jinhua , Wang Feng , Zhao Juan
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a new non-contact alternating current impedance instrument (NCACII) with multiple frequencies to measure the electrical impedance during the hydration of cement-based materials. It implements two measurement techniques: the first technique is a frequency conversion measurement with a frequency variation range of 1–100 kHz. The second is to measure the variation in impedance with time. It provides a new way to analyze the pore structure of cement-based materials. In this instrument, we design a current sensor made from nanocrystalline T37. The experimental results demonstrate the detection accuracy of NCACII has been improved and indicates the superiority of nanocrystalline T37.
On the Aeroelasticity of the Active Span and Passive Pitching Polymorphing Wing: Effect of Morphing Rate
Authors: Haider Zawar , Ajaj Rafic M. , Seneviratne Lakmal
Published: January 2023

This paper studies the effect of morphing rate on the aeroelasticity of a polymorphing wing capable of active span extension and passive twist/pitch. A variable domain size finite element model is developed to capture the dynamic effects due to the presence of a variable span in the Euler–Bernoulli beam model, which introduces a structural damping term in the equations of motion. The effect of various morphing rates on the aeroelastic boundaries of the system, namely, flutter velocity and flutter frequency, is examined for a beam undergoing span extension and retraction, from baseline span to 25% span extension and vice versa, respectively. Three points of interest are analyzed: at the start of the span morphing, at the mid-point of morphing, and just before the morphing process ends. The parametric analysis is carried out to determine the effect of varying critical parameters, such as the elastic axis location of the outboard wing section and adjoining spring torsional rigidity on the aeroelastic boundaries of the polymorphing wing.
Biotin and Leucine Alone or in Combination Promoted the Synthesis of Odd- and Branched-Chain Fatty Acids in the Rumen In Vitro
Authors: Zhan Tengfei , Guo Xin , Ma Lu , Mao Shengyong , Bu Dengpan
Published: January 2023

The odd- and branched-chain fatty acids (OBCFA) accumulated in ruminant products are a class of beneficial fatty acids for human health. Since biotin and leucine are involved in OBCFA synthesis, this study aimed to evaluate their effect on OBCFA synthesis in vitro. There were four treatments: the control group that only provided the basal diet, or the basal diet supplemented with biotin (4 mg/kg dry matter, DM), leucine (4 g/kg DM), or a combination of biotin (4 mg/kg DM) and leucine (4 g/kg DM). The results showed that biotin promoted the degradation of DM (p < 0.10), while leucine significantly increased the concentration of branched-chain volatile fatty acids and valerate (p < 0.05). The concentrations of total odd-chain fatty acids, total iso, total anteiso, total branched-chain fatty acids, total OBCFA, and total fatty acids were significantly increased by the supplementation of biotin or leucine (p < 0.05). Biotin and leucine significantly stimulated the activities of acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, and malonyl-CoA, with a significant interaction effect (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the results of this study suggested that biotin and leucine can be used as effective nutrition strategies to promote OBCFA synthesis.
Early Detection of Wireworm (Coleoptera: Elateridae) Infestation and Drought Stress in Maize Using Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Praprotnik Eva , Vončina Andrej , Žigon Primož , Knapič Matej , Susič Nik , Širca Saša , Vodnik Dominik , Lenarčič David , Lapajne Janez , Žibrat Uroš , Razinger Jaka
Published: January 2023

The objective of our research was to test hyperspectral imaging as a method for early detection and discrimination of biotic and abiotic stress in maize. We investigated the individual and combined effects of wireworm feeding and drought stress on leaf spectral responses and on various morphological and physiological traits of maize plants, selecting two hybrids with different tolerance to drought. Physiological parameters were determined at three time points (14, 21 and 28 days after adding wireworms and changing watering regime), along with hyperspectral imaging. Most of the differences in physiological characteristics between treatments were detected on day 21, when drought was the main cause of the negative physiological outcome, while the presence of wireworms only caused lower relative chlorophyll content, resulting in lower combined stress damage in some treatments. The morphological data showed greater wireworm damage to hybrid ZP341 and a greater negative effect of combined stress on hybrid FuturiXX. Hyperspectral imaging detected pest infestation and drought stress before they were detected by classical methods, with the highest overall accuracy on day 14 (84.7%) and the lowest on day 28 (67%). It can therefore be used as a method for early detection of wireworm infestation and/or drought in maize.
Soil Microbial Communities Involved in Proteolysis and Sulfate-Ester Hydrolysis Are More Influenced by Interannual Variability than by Crop Sequence
Authors: Romillac Nicolas , Slezack-Deschaumes Sophie , Amiaud Bernard , Piutti Séverine
Published: January 2023

Proteases, catalysing protein hydrolysis, and arylsulfatases, catalysing sulfate-ester hydrolysis, are key microbial enzymes for N and S mineralization in soil. However, knowledge gaps remain regarding the effect of crop successions and seasonal and interannual meteorological variations on microbial communities responsible for those activities. Here, we compared the effect of six cropping sequences on the abundance and activity of microbial communities involved in proteolysis and sulfate-ester hydrolysis in northern France over four years, with two sampling dates per year. Crop sequences impacted soil microbial communities involved in proteolysis but not those involved in sulfate-ester hydrolysis. Oilseed rape following wheat presented a higher abundance of fungal 18S rDNA, culturable bacteria and alkaline metalloprotease genes and higher protease activity than other crop sequences (wheat following oilseed rape or pea, barley following wheat and pea following barley). Net N and S mineralization was not impacted by the cropping sequence. However, interannual variability of microbial parameters was large, and largely overcame the effect of crop sequences. Precipitation variability between years was the likely cause of this effect. In conclusion, the interaction between current crop, previous crops and yearly meteorology can strongly impact the soil microbial communities in agroecosystems.
Agronomic Performance and Phytochemical Profile of Lettuce Grown in Anaerobic Dairy Digestate
Authors: Faran Muhammad , Nadeem Muhammad , Manful Charles F. , Galagedara Lakshman , Thomas Raymond H. , Cheema Mumtaz
Published: January 2023

Anaerobic liquid dairy digestate is a by-product of dairy waste anaerobic digestion from dairy operations and is associated with environmental risks if not handled properly, particularly nutrient leaching losses, water contaminations, and greenhouse gas emissions. We tested the applications of anerobic digestate (AD) as a biofertilizer and water source in greenhouse vegetable production to integrate food production and industry waste management for sustainable environments. We used a deep water culture system to assess the effects of AD effluent alone, inorganic nutrient solution (NS), and a combination of AD and NS on the growth, yield, and phytonutrient profile and heavy metal contamination assessment of hydroponically produced lettuce. Lettuce produced in AD had a lower leaf area, total chlorophyll content, and fresh biomass; however, it displayed significantly higher chicoric acid (200%), chlorogenic acid (67%), luteolin (800%), quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucuronide (378%), quercetin-3-glucoside (200%), quercetin-3-O-(6″-O-malonyl)-β-D-glucoside (1077%), folate (248%), pantothenic acid (200%), total phenolics (111%), total antioxidants (44%), and soluble sugars (253%) compared to control (inorganic feed). The AD-produced lettuce also showed significantly lower heavy metal bioaccumulation risks associated with the human consumption. Based on various results, we may conclude that AD utilization in hydroponics can offer a sustainable solution to harvest a better lettuce yield, higher phytonutrients, and environmental benefits.
Flat-Faced or Non-Flat-Faced Cats? That Is the Question
Authors: Berteselli Greta Veronica , Palestrini Clara , Scarpazza Federica , Barbieri Sara , Prato-Previde Emanuela , Cannas Simona
Published: January 2023

Persian and exotic shorthair cats are the most-popular brachycephalic breeds worldwide. This study aimed to explore differences in human-cat bonding, behavioural traits, perception of clinical breed-related problems, and the motivation for purchasing between brachycephalic cat owners (BCOs) and non-brachycephalic cat owners (NBCOs). Using an online questionnaire, human-cat bonding and cats’ behavioural traits were explored using the CORS and Fe-BARQ scales, respectively. Breed-related problems and motivations for purchasing were explored only in BCOs. There were 278 BCOs and 250 NBCOs who completed the survey. Respiratory diseases resulted in being the main health problem of these breeds. Most BCOs were not aware of the incidence of these disorders in brachycephalic cats. Character and appearance were the main motivations for purchasing these breeds. Perceived emotional closeness (EC), cat-owner interaction (COI), and perceived cost (PC) mean scores were significantly higher in BCOs. Playfulness and affection-/attention-seeking scores were significantly higher in NBCOs. BCOs reported a significantly higher score for separation-related behaviours. The higher scores in separation-anxiety-related behaviours and in the EC and COI scales could be related mainly to the high level of care these breeds require. The motivation for acquiring brachycephalic breeds for good companionship seems in contrast with the lower scores obtained from BCOs for playfulness and affection-/attention-seeking.
Adaptive Evolution of the OAS Gene Family Provides New Insights into the Antiviral Ability of Laurasiatherian Mammals
Authors: Liu Gang , Wu Xiaoyang , Shang Yongquan , Wang Xibao , Zhou Shengyang , Zhang Honghai
Published: January 2023

Many mammals risk damage from virus invasion due to frequent environmental changes. The oligoadenylate synthesis (OAS) gene family, which is an important component of the immune system, provides an essential response to the antiviral activities of interferons by regulating immune signal pathways. However, little is known about the evolutionary characteristics of OASs in Laurasiatherian mammals. Here, we examined the evolution of the OAS genes in 64 mammals to explore the accompanying molecular mechanisms of the antiviral ability of Laurasiatherian mammals living in different environments. We found that OAS2 and OAS3 were found to be pseudogenes in Odontoceti species. This may be related to the fact that they live in water. Some Antilopinae, Caprinae, and Cervidae species lacked the OASL gene, which may be related to their habitats being at higher altitudes. The OASs had a high number of positive selection sites in Cetartiodactyla, which drove the expression of strong antiviral ability. The OAS gene family evolved in Laurasiatherian mammals at different rates and was highly correlated with the species’ antiviral ability. The gene evolution rate in Cetartiodactyla was significantly higher than that in the other orders. Compared to other species of the Carnivora family, the higher selection pressure on the OAS gene and the absence of positive selection sites in Canidae may be responsible for its weak resistance to rabies virus. The OAS gene family was relatively conserved during evolution. Conserved genes are able to provide better maintenance of gene function. The rate of gene evolution and the number of positively selected sites combine to influence the resistance of a species to viruses. The positive selection sites demonstrate the adaptive evolution of the OAS gene family to the environment. Adaptive evolution combined with conserved gene function improves resistance to viruses. Our findings offer insights into the molecular and functional evolution of the antiviral ability of Laurasian mammals.
A Rare Case of Osteomyelitis of an Ankle Caused by Mycobacterium chelonae
Authors: Ryskova Lenka , Kukla Rudolf , Bolehovska Radka , Prokes Libor , Vajda Milan , Kucera Tomas , Pavlik Ivo , Bostik Pavel , Ryska Pavel
Published: January 2023

Mycobacterium chelonae, a rapidly growing nontuberculous mycobacterium, is usually described as a causative agent of soft tissue infections (postsurgical, posttraumatic, posttransplantation, postinjection, catheter infection, etc.), but only rarely as a cause of osteomyelitis. The authors describe a case report of a 72-year-old man with osteomyelitis of the talus. Initially, the infection was assessed as a soft tissue infection, without any osteolytic changes on the X-ray. After cultivation with subsequent targeted molecular typing of the rpoB gene, M. chelonae was identified from the affected tissue. The bone involvement was subsequently detected on MRI and confirmed histologically with findings of the granulomatous tissue and acid-fast bacilli. The patient was initially treated intravenously with a combination of tigecycline, amikacin, and moxifloxacin for 4 weeks, after which the oral combination of doxycycline and moxifloxacin continued. Identification of the infecting pathogen using molecular typing thus helped to establish the correct diagnosis and represents a rarely described case of osteomyelitis caused by M. chelonae.
National Surveillance of Tetracycline, Erythromycin, and Clindamycin Resistance in Invasive Streptococcus pyogenes: A Retrospective Study of the Situation in Spain, 2007–2020
Authors: Villalón Pilar , Bárcena Marta , Medina-Pascual María José , Garrido Noelia , Pino-Rosa Silvia , Carrasco Gema , Valdezate Sylvia
Published: January 2023

Background: This work reports on antimicrobial resistance data for invasive Streptococcus pyogenes in Spain, collected by the ‘Surveillance Program for Invasive Group A Streptococcus’, in 2007–2020. Methods: emm typing was determined by sequencing. Susceptibility to penicillin, tetracycline, erythromycin, and clindamycin was determined via the E-test. tetM, tetO, msrD, mefA, ermB, ermTR, and ermT were sought by PCR. Macrolide-resistant phenotypes (M, cMLSB, and iMLSB) were detected using the erythromycin–clindamycin double-disk test. Resistant clones were identified via their emm type, multilocus sequence type (ST), resistance genotype, and macrolide resistance phenotype. Results: Penicillin susceptibility was universal. Tetracycline resistance was recorded for 237/1983 isolates (12.0%) (152 carried only tetM, 48 carried only tetO, and 33 carried both). Erythromycin resistance was detected in 172/1983 isolates (8.7%); ermB was present in 83, mefA in 58, msrD in 51, ermTR in 46, and ermT in 36. Clindamycin resistance (methylase-mediated) was present in 78/1983 isolates (3.9%). Eight main resistant clones were identified: two that were tetracycline-resistant only (emm22/ST46/tetM and emm77/ST63/tetO), three that were erythromycin-resistant only (emm4/ST39/mefA-msrD/M, emm12/ST36/mefA-msrD/M, and emm28/ST52/ermB/cMLSB), and three that were tetracycline–erythromycin co-resistant (emm11/ST403/tetM-ermB/cMLSB, emm77/ST63/tetO-ermTR/iMLSB, and emm77/ST63/tetM-tetO-ermTR/iMLSB). Conclusions: Tetracycline, erythromycin, and clindamycin resistance rates declined between 2007 and 2020. Temporal variations in the proportion of resistant clones determined the change in resistance rates.
Wide-Scope Target and Suspect Screening of Antibiotics in Effluent Wastewater from Wastewater Treatment Plants in Europe
Authors: Ng Kelsey , Alygizakis Nikiforos A. , Thomaidis Nikolaos S. , Slobodnik Jaroslav
Published: January 2023

The occurrence of antibiotics in the environment could result in the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which could result in a public health crisis. The occurrence of 676 antibiotics and the main transformation products (TPs) was investigated in the 48 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) from 11 countries (Germany, Romania, Serbia, Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, Czechia, Austria, Cyprus, and Greece) by target and suspect screening. Target screening involved the investigation of antibiotics with reference standards (40 antibiotics). Suspect screening covered 676 antibiotics retrieved from the NORMAN Substance Database (antibiotic list on NORMAN network). Forty-seven antibiotics were detected in effluent wastewater samples: thirty-two by target screening and fifteen additional ones by suspect screening. An ecotoxicological risk assessment was performed based on occurrence data and predicted no effect concentration (PNEC), which involved the derivation of frequency of appearance (FoA), frequency of PNEC exceedance (FoE), and extent of PNEC exceedance (EoE). Azithromycin, erythromycin, clarithromycin, ofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin were prioritized as the calculated risk score was above 1. The median of antibiotics’ load to freshwater ecosystems was 0.59 g/day/WWTP. The detection of antibiotics across countries indicates the presence of antibiotics in the ecosystems of Europe, which may trigger unwanted responses from the ecosystem, including antibiotic resistance.
In Vitro Activity of Imipenem-Relebactam, Meropenem-Vaborbactam, Ceftazidime-Avibactam and Comparators on Carbapenem-Resistant Non-Carbapenemase-Producing Enterobacterales
Authors: Bonnin Rémy A. , Bernabeu Sandrine , Emeraud Cécile , Naas Thierry , Girlich Delphine , Jousset Agnès B. , Dortet Laurent
Published: January 2023

Background: Avibactam, relebactam and vaborbactam are β-lactamase inhibitors that proved their efficiency against KPC-producing Enterobacterales. Regarding their inhibitor activity towards Ambler’s class A extended spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) and Ambler’s class C cephalosporinase (AmpC), they should be active on most of the carbapenem-resistant non-carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CR non-CPE). Objectives: Determine the in vitro activity of ceftazidime-avibactam, imipenem-relebactam and meropenem-vaborbactam and comparators against CR non-CPE. Methods: MICs to ceftazidime/avibactam, imipenem/relebactam, meropenem/vaborbactam, but also temocillin, ceftolozane/tazobactam, ertapenem, colistin, eravacycline and tigecycline were determined by broth microdilution (ThermoFisher) on a collection of 284 CR non-CPE (inhibition zone diameter < 22 mm to meropenem). Whole genome sequencing was performed on 90 isolates to assess the genetic diversity as well as resistome. Results: According to EUCAST breakpoints, susceptibility rates of ceftazidime, imipenem, meropenem and ertapenem used at standard dose were 0.7%, 45.1%, 14.8% and 2.5%, respectively. Increased exposure of ceftazidime, imipenem and meropenem led to reach 3.5%, 68.3% and 67.7% susceptibility, respectively. Using the EUCAST clinical breakpoints, susceptibility rates of ceftazidime/avibactam, imipenem/relebactam and meropenem/vaborbactam were 88.4%, 81.0% and 80.6%, respectively. Susceptibility rates of temocillin, ceftolozane/tazobactam, tigecycline, eravacycline, and colistin were 0%, 4.6%, 27.8%, 54.9% and 90.1%. MICs distributions with and without the presence of the inhibitor demonstrated a better ability of avibactam and relebactam compared to vaborbactam to restore susceptibility to the associated β-lactam. Conclusions: This study demonstrated the in vitro efficacy of ceftazidime/avibactam, imipenem/relebactam and to a lesser extent meropenem/vaborbactam against CR non-CPE. Moreover, to test all β-lactams/β-lactamases inhibitors combinations without a priori for CRE, non-CPE is crucial since resistance to one of the β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combinations does not predict resistance to another molecule, depending on the resistance mechanisms involved.
Screening of Antifungal Activity of Essential Oils in Controlling Biocontamination of Historical Papers in Archives
Authors: Tomić Ana , Šovljanski Olja , Nikolić Višnja , Pezo Lato , Aćimović Milica , Cvetković Mirjana , Stanojev Jovana , Kuzmanović Nebojša , Markov Siniša
Published: January 2023

The main challenge in controlling the microbiological contamination of historical paper is finding an adequate method that includes the use of cost-effective, harmless, and non-toxic biocides whose effectiveness is maintained over time and without adverse effects on cultural heritage and human health. Therefore, this study demonstrated the possibility of using a non-invasive method of historical paper conservation based on plant essential oils (EOs) application. Evaluation of antimicrobial effects of different EOs (lemongrass, oregano, rosemary, peppermint, and eucalyptus) was conducted against Cladosporium cladosporoides, Aspergillus fumigatus, and Penicillium chrysogenum, which are commonly found on archive papers. Using a mixture of oregano, lemongrass and peppermint in ratio 1:1:1, the lower minimal inhibition concentration (0.78%) and better efficiency during a vapour test at the highest tested distance (5.5 cm) compared with individual EOs was proven. At the final step, this EOs mixture was used in the in situ conservation of historical paper samples obtained from the Archives of Vojvodina. According to the SEM imaging, the applied EOs mixture demonstrates complete efficiency in the inhibition of fungi colonization of archive papers, since fungal growth was not observed on samples, unlike the control samples.
Anti-Tumor Potential of Gymnema sylvestre Saponin Rich Fraction on In Vitro Breast Cancer Cell Lines and In Vivo Tumor-Bearing Mouse Models
Authors: Ghosh Abhinav Raj , Alsayari Abdulrhman , Habib Alaa Hamed , Wahab Shadma , Nadig Abhishek P. R. , Rafeeq Misbahuddin M. , Binothman Najat , Aljadani Majidah , Al-Dhuayan Ibtesam S. , Alaqeel Nouf K. , Khalid Mohammad , Krishna Kamsagara Linganna
Published: January 2023

Gymnema sylvestre (GS) is a perennial woody vine native to tropical Asia, China, the Arabian Peninsula, Africa and Australia. GS has been used as a medicinal plant with potential anti-microbial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. This study was conceptualized to evaluate the cytotoxicity potential of Gymnema sylvestre saponin rich fraction (GSSRF) on breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-468) by SRB assay. The anti-tumor activity of GSSRF was assessed in tumor-bearing Elrich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and Dalton’s lymphoma ascites (DLA) mouse models. The anti-oxidant potential of GSSRF was assessed by DPPH radical scavenging assay. The acute toxicity of GSSRF was carried out according to OECD guideline 425. The yield of GSSRF was around 1.4% and the presence of saponin content in GSSRF was confirmed by qualitative and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis. The in vitro cytotoxic effects of GSSRF on breast cancer cell lines were promising and found to be dose-dependent. An acute toxicity study of GSSRF was found to be safe at 2000 mg/kg body weight. GSSRF treatment has shown a significant increase in the body weight and the life span of EAC-bearing mice in a dose-dependent manner when compared with the control group. In the solid tumor model, the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight per day have shown about 46.70% and 60.80% reduction in tumor weight and controlled the tumor weight until the 30th day when compared with the control group. The activity of GSSRF in both models was similar to the cisplatin, a standard anticancer agent used in the study. Together, these results open the door for detailed investigations of anti-tumor potentials of GSSRF in specific tumor models, mechanistic studies and clinical trials leading to promising novel therapeutics for cancer therapy.
Alopecia Areata: A Review of the Role of Oxidative Stress, Possible Biomarkers, and Potential Novel Therapeutic Approaches
Authors: Peterle Lucia , Sanfilippo Serena , Borgia Francesco , Cicero Nicola , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: January 2023

Alopecia areata (AA) is a dermatological condition characterized by non-scarring hair loss. Exact etiopathogenesis of AA is still unknown although it is known that several factors contribute to the collapse of the hair-follicle (HF)-immune-privileged (IP) site. Oxidative stress (OS) plays an important role in skin diseases. The aim of this review was to clarify the role of OS in AA pathogenesis and diagnosis, and to discuss potential treatment options. Oxidative-stress markers are altered in serum and skin samples of patients with AA, confirming a general pro-oxidative status in patients with AA. OS induces MHC class I chain-related A (MICA) expression in HF keratinocytes that activates the receptor NKG2D, expressed in NK cells and CD8+ T cytotoxic cells leading to destabilization of the HF immune-privileged site through the production of IFN-γ that stimulates JAK1 and JAK2 pathways. OS also activates the KEAP1-NRF2 pathway, an antioxidant system that contributes to skin homeostasis. In addition, a decrease of ATG5 and LC3B in the hair matrix and an increase in p62 levels indicates a reduction of intrafollicular autophagy during the evolution of AA. Potential biomarkers of OS in AA could be: malondialdehyde (MDA), advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), and ischemic-modified albumin (IMA). JAK inhibitors are the new frontier in treatment of AA and the use of nutraceuticals that modulate the OS balance, in combination with standard treatments, represent promising therapeutic tools.
More Than an Antioxidant: Role of Dietary Astaxanthin on Lipid and Glucose Metabolism in the Liver of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Kalinowski Carmen Tatiana , Betancor Monica B. , Torrecillas Silvia , Sprague Matthew , Larroquet Laurence , Véron Vincent , Panserat Stéphane , Izquierdo María Soledad , Kaushik Sadasivam J. , Fontagné-Dicharry Stéphanie
Published: January 2023

This study investigated the influence of dietary astaxanthin (AX) on glucose and lipid metabolism in rainbow trout liver. Two iso-nitrogenous and iso-lipidic diets were tested for 12 weeks in rainbow trout with an initial mean weight of 309 g. The S-ASTA diet was supplemented with 100 mg of synthetic AX per kg of feed, whereas the control diet (CTRL) had no AX. Fish fed the S-ASTA diet displayed lower neutral and higher polar lipids in the liver, associated with smaller hepatocytes and lower cytoplasm vacuolization. Dietary AX upregulated adipose triglyceride lipase (atgl), hormone-sensitive lipase (hsl2) and 1,2-diacylglycerol choline phosphotransferase (chpt), and downregulated diacylglycerol acyltransferase (dgat2), suggesting the AX’s role in triacylglycerol (TAG) turnover and phospholipid (PL) synthesis. Dietary AX may also affect beta-oxidation with the upregulation of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (cpt1α2). Although hepatic cholesterol levels were not affected, dietary AX increased gene expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (srebp2). Dietary AX upregulated the expression of 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase (6pgdh) and downregulated pyruvate kinase (pkl). Overall, results suggest that dietary AX modulates the oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway and the last step of glycolysis, affecting TAG turnover, β-oxidation, PL and cholesterol synthesis in rainbow trout liver.
Antioxidants in Sunscreens: Which and What For?
Authors: Jesus Ana , Mota Sandra , Torres Ana , Cruz Maria T. , Sousa Emília , Almeida Isabel F. , Cidade Honorina
Published: January 2023

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation promotes the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS), resulting in skin damage. Cosmetic industries have adopted a strategy to incorporate antioxidants in sunscreen formulations to prevent or minimize UV-induced oxidative damage, boost photoprotection effectiveness, and mitigate skin photoaging. Many antioxidants are naturally derived, mainly from terrestrial plants; however, marine organisms have been increasingly explored as a source of new potent antioxidant molecules. This work aims to characterize the frequency of the use of antioxidants in commercial sunscreens. Photoprotective formulations currently marketed in parapharmacies and pharmacies were analyzed with respect to the composition described on the label. As a result, pure compounds with antioxidant activity were found. The majority of sunscreen formulations contained antioxidants, with vitamin E and its derivatives the most frequent. A more thorough analysis of these antioxidants is also provided, unveiling the top antioxidant ingredients found in sunscreens. A critical appraisal of the scientific evidence regarding their effectiveness is also performed. In conclusion, this work provides an up-to-date overview of the use of antioxidants in commercial sunscreens for a better understanding of the advantages associated with their use in photoprotective formulations.
Different Forecasting Model Comparison for Near Future Crash Prediction
Authors: Cai Bowen , Di Qianli
Published: January 2023

A traffic crash is becoming one of the major factors that leads to unexpected death in the world. Short window traffic crash prediction in the near future is becoming more pragmatic with the advancements in the fields of artificial intelligence and traffic sensor technology. Short window traffic prediction can monitor traffic in real time, identify unsafe traffic dynamics, and implement suitable interventions for traffic conflicts. Crash prediction being an important component of intelligent traffic systems, it plays a crucial role in the development of proactive road safety management systems. Some near future crash prediction models were put forward in recent years; further improvements need to be implemented for actual applications. This paper utilizes traffic accident data from the study Freeway in China to build a time series-based count data model for daily crash prediction. Lane traffic flow, weather information, vehicle speed, and truck to car ratio were extracted from the deployment of non-intrusive detection systems with support of the Bridge Management Administration study and were input into the model as independent variables. Different types of prediction models in machine learning and time series forecasting methods such as boosting, ARIMA, time-series count data model, etc. are compared within the paper. Results show that integrating time series with a count data model can capture traffic accident features and account for the temporal structure for variable serial correlation. A prediction error of 0.7 was achieved according to Root Mean Squared Deviation.
Temporal Variations of Sediment Provenance in a Karst Watershed, China
Authors: Tian Mi , Wang Xueqiu , Qiao Yu , Liu Dongsheng , Chi Qinghua , Liu Hanliang , Wang Wei , Zhang Baoyun
Published: January 2023

The environmental quality of the sediments in karst areas is a common concern, and it is of great significance to analyze the sources of the sediments. This study investigates the sources and its temporal variations of catchment sediments in a typical small karst watershed area. Toxic metal concentrations in the catchment area were monitored via three geochemical baseline projects in China. The sediment identification fingerprint tool (SIFT) was used to establish a geochemical model for tracing the main source contributions and its temporal variations of catchment sediments over the past 28 years (1992–2019). The catchment sediments in the small karst catchment area were mainly sourced from the background lithologies, among which limestone contributed the most, followed by dolomite, sand-shale, and mudstone; however, the anthropogenic lead–zinc tailings contributed the least. The contributions and temporal variations of each source were closely related to the lithology, topography, and landform, as well as the change in land-use and vegetation cover and the degree of rocky desertification. Moreover, the implementation of vegetation restoration and control of rocky desertification decreased the contributions of the upstream geological bodies, and the toxic metal content of the catchment sediment decreased accordingly. This study is of great significance for environmental governance in karst areas.
An Emotion-Based Rating System for Books Using Sentiment Analysis and Machine Learning in the Cloud
Authors: Gogula Sandhya Devi , Rahouti Mohamed , Gogula Suvarna Kumar , Jalamuri Anitha , Jagatheesaperumal Senthil Kumar
Published: January 2023

Sentiment analysis (SA), and emotion detection and recognition from text (EDRT) are recent areas of study that are closely related to each other. Sentiment analysis strives to identify and detect neutral, positive, or negative feelings from text. On the other hand, emotion analysis seeks to identify and distinguish types of feelings such as happiness, surprise, grief, disgust, fear, and anger through the expression of texts. We suggest a four-level strategy in this paper for recommending the best book to users. The levels include semantic network grouping of comparable sentences, sentiment analysis, reviewer clustering, and recommendation system. The semantic network groups comparable sentences at the first level utilizing pre-processed data from reviewer and book datasets using the parts of speech (POS) tagger. In order to extract keywords from the pre-processed data, feature extraction uses the bag of words (BOW) and term frequency-inverse document frequency (TF-IDF) approaches. SA is performed at the second level in two phases: training and testing, employing deep learning methodologies such as convolutional neural networks (CNN)-long short-term memory (LSTM). The results of this level are sent into the third level (clustering), which uses the clustering method to group the reviewers by age, location, and gender. In the last level, the model assessment is carried out with accuracy, precision, recall, sensitivity, specificity, G-mean, and F1-measure. The book suggestion system is designed to provide the highest level of accuracy within a minimum number of epochs when compared to the state-of-the methods, SVM, CNN, ANN, LSTM, and Bi-directional (BI)-LSTM.
Effectiveness of an Entropy-Based Approach for Detecting Low- and High-Rate DDoS Attacks against the SDN Controller: Experimental Analysis
Authors: Aladaileh Mohammad Adnan , Anbar Mohammed , Hintaw Ahmed J. , Hasbullah Iznan H. , Bahashwan Abdullah Ahmed , Al-Amiedy Taief Alaa , Ibrahim Dyala R.
Published: January 2023

Software-defined networking (SDN) is a unique network architecture isolating the network control plane from the data plane, offering programmable elastic features that allow network operators to monitor their networks and efficiently manage them. However, the new technology is security deficient. A DDoS attack is one of the common attacks that threaten SDN controllers, leading to the degradation or even collapse of the entire SDN network. Entropy-based approaches and their variants are considered the most efficient approaches to detecting DDoS attacks on SDN controllers. Therefore, this work analyzes the feasibility and impacts of an entropy-based DDoS attack detection approach for detecting low-rate and high-rate DDoS attacks against the controller, measured in terms of detection rate (DR) and false-positive rate (FPR), triggered by a single or multiple host attacks targeting a single or multiple victims. Eight simulation scenarios, representing low and high DDoS attack traffic rates on the controller, have been used to evaluate an entropy-based DDoS attack detection approach. The experimental results reveal that the entropy-based approach enhances the average DR for detecting high-rate DDoS attack traffic compared with low-rate DDoS attack traffic by 6.25%, 20.26%, 6.74%, and 8.81%. In addition, it reduces the average FPRs for detecting a high DDoS attack traffic rate compared with a low DDoS attack traffic rate by 67.68%, 77.54%, 66.94%, and 64.81.
Wide pH Range Potentiometric and Spectrophotometric Investigation into the Acidic Constants of Quercetin, Luteolin and l-Ascorbic Acid in Aqueous Media
Authors: Malacaria Luana , Furia Emilia
Published: January 2023

It is now well established that the dissociation constants of an organic compound are characteristic of the types of groups, or the combinations of groups, contained in it. Furthermore, the acid–base dissociation constants are important parameters to fully understand the properties of a molecule in biological systems. In this framework, the aim of the present study was to determine the acidic constants of three natural molecules with well-known antioxidant properties, namely quercetin, luteolin and l-ascorbic acid. The evaluation was carried out in aqueous media (i.e., 0.16 M NaCl) at 37 °C in a wide pH range by using a combined approach based on potentiometric and spectrophotometric measurements. The results underline the necessity to employ both experimental techniques to obtain accurate values for acidic constants, preventing uncertainties related to undesirable oxidation reactions.
Application of Speech on Stress Recognition with Neural Network in Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Chen Jiaqi , Wu Bohan , Xie Kaijie , Ma Shu , Yang Zhen , Shen Yi
Published: January 2023

Human failures occur in nuclear power plants when operators are under acute stress. Therefore, an automatic stressed recognition system should be developed for nuclear power work. Previous studies on the prediction of stress are limited because of their reliance on subjective ratings and contact physiological measurement. To solve this problem, we developed a non-intrusive way by using voice features to detect stress. We aim to build a system that can estimate the level of stress from speech which may be applied to nuclear power plants where operators engage in regular verbal communication as part of their duties. In this study, we collected voice recordings from 34 participants during a simulated nuclear plant power task in a time-limited situation that requires high cognitive resources. Mel frequency cepstrum coefficients (MFCCs) were extracted from stressed voice samples and the neural network model was used to assess stress levels continuously. The experimental results showed that voice features can provide satisfactory predictions of the stress state. Mean relative errors of prediction are possible within approximately 5%. We discuss the implications of the use of voice as a minimally intrusive means for monitoring the effects of stress on cognitive performance in practical applications.