bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stimulasi dan Pemantauan Tumbuh Kembang Anak Secara Mandiri
Authors: Jayatmi Irma , Lestari Faraditha Dwi , Susanti Resy , Askasaffanah Afina , Mulyanah Siti , Puspitasari Indah , Kurnia Ade Rita , Maria Hani , Yuliasih Sri , Nur’alfiana Wanda
Published: December 2023

Gangguan pertumbuhan dan perkembangan pada anak di Provinsi Banten pada tahun 2020 berdasarkan hasil pelayanan Stimulasi Deteksi dan Intervensi Dini Tumbuh Kembang (SDIDTK) yaitu sebesar 11,9 % Di Kabupaten Pandeglang didapatkan data anak yang mengalami gangguan pertumbuhan dan perkembangan yaitu sekitar 8 %. Kegiatan Pengabdian masyarakat ini dilakukan dalam bentuk webinar dengan tema “Stimulasi Dan Pemantauan Tumbuh Kembang Anak Secara Mandiri”. Kegiatan ini penting dilaksanakan dengan tujuan sebagai saling sharing antara akademisi perguruan tinggi dan para orang tua  untuk dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan mengenai  stimulasi, deteksi dan intervensi dini tumbuh kembang dan gangguan wicara pada anak serta mengembangkan dan menemukan pembelajaran mengenai stimulasi, deteksi dan intervensi dini tumbuh kembang dan gangguan wicara pada anak. Kegiatan webinar ini telah dilaksanakan tanggal 23 Agustus 2023 dengan sasaran orang tua yang mempunyai balita sejumlah 59 orang.  Metode yang dilakukan dalam kegiatan ini adalah dengan teknik ceramah, diskusi dan tanya jawab secara online melalui zoom. Setelah mengikuti webinar ini peserta mendapatkan update ilmu yang dapat dipalikasikan dan e-materi. Webinar ini diharapkan dapat menambah ilmu dan sebagai media pembelajaran bagi para ibu dan tenaga kesehatan khususnya bidan untuk mendeteksi dini pertumbuhan dan perkembangan anak dan para orang tua cukup penting untuk memiliki pengetahuan yang baik agar memeriksakan pertumbuhan dan perkembangan anaknya.
Formation of Automated Interactive Informational Resources of Agricultural Machinery and Equipment, Foreign Experience of Their use and Maintenance
Authors:   Rosinformagrotech, Chavykin Yu.I.
Published: December 2023

The author presents the results of research on the formation of a digital environment on the basis of factual databases intended for system analysis of information on machinery and equipment for agricultural production, as well as the use of innovative technologies in the field of technical service for the effective maintenance of foreign agricultural machines.
Conceptual Aspects of State Support for the Commercialization of FSTDP Results
Authors:   Rosinformagrotech, Voytyuk V.A.
Published: December 2023

It has been established that the commercialization of innovative products in the agro-industrial complex is associated with new scientific research results and innovations of industry universities and scientific organizations. The enhancement of commercialization depends on the effectiveness of government support. The study of the results of state support allows us to identify additional opportunities for organizational development and find the mechanisms for managing commercialization, taking into account the strategies of agricultural enterprises.
Analysis of the List of Main Technological Equipment Operated in Case of Application of the Best Available Technologies
Authors:   Rosinformagrotech, Kuzmina T.N.
Published: December 2023

The authors have analyzed the List of main technological equipment operated in the case of application of the best available technologies and formulated the proposals for its updating. It was proposed to supplement the list with sets (systems) of equipment, to include the position “Recommended equipment manufacturers” including foreign ones provided there is no similar domestic equipment.
Main Paths of Creation of Autonomous (Unmanness) Tractors
Authors:   Rosinformagrotech, Goltyapin V.Ya.
Published: December 2023

The prerequisites, main paths and achievements in the field of creating autonomous (unmanned) tractors, and their development trends are considered. It has been revealed that the use of autonomous tractors makes it possible to create highly intelligent automated production of agricultural products. The purpose of using such tractors is to replace human labor, minimize the harmful effects of chemicals on humans and the environment, and increase the efficiency of agricultural production.
State of Production of Equipment Which Can be Effectively Used for Bat in the Agricultural Industrial Complex
Authors:   Rosinformagrotech, Nemenushchaya l.A.
Published: December 2023

The rationale for updating the List of main process equipment operated in the case of application of the best available technologies (BAT) is given. The state of production of the Russian food machinebuilding industry is shown. It has been established that there are examples of effective equipment that meets the requirements for technical equipment of BAT. A number of equipment has been proposed for inclusion in the List.
Study of the Influence of Ultraviolet Radiation as an Aging Intensificant on the Rubber Products Operated in the Agricultural Complex
Authors:   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Donskoy State Technical University”, Limarenko N.V. , Uspensky I.A. ,   FSBEI HE “RGATU named after P.A. Kostychev”, Savenkov D.N. ,   Federal State Budgetary Educational Institution of Higher Education “Donskoy State Technical University”)
Published: December 2023

The factors reducing the safety and operational potential of the metal stock of agricultural machinery are considered. It has been established that the condition of rubber products has a significant influence on it. It is assumed that exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the most representative critical factor for the physical and mechanical properties of rubber products. The methodology for experimental research has been developed, as well as a software interpretation system based on the Matlab libraries.
Tingkat Kematangan Implementasi Scrum Menggunakan Scrum Maturity Model Pada Direktorat TSI
Authors: Anggraeny Meynar Dwi , Kurniawati Anna , Anggraini Dina
Published: December 2023

Direktorat TSI merupakan unit yang memiliki tugas terkait pengembangan sistem aplikasi. Pertengahan tahun 2021 Direktorat TSI mulai mengadopsi scrum, dimana pengembangan sistem aplikasi dilakukan secara iteratif dan bertahap dalam waktu tertentu sehingga produk yang dikembangkan dapat memenuhi kebutuhan konsumen. Implementasi scrum memberikan perbaikan dalam pengembangan sistem aplikasi di Direktorat TSI, namun masih terdapat proyek yang tertunda penyelesaiannya, jumlah sprint backlog yang tidak selesai, ataupun product backlog yang tidak lengkap. Penelitian bertujuan menganalisis tingkat kematangan implementasi scrum pada Direktorat TSI dengan menggunakan Scrum Maturity Model. Penelitian menggunakan metode kuantitatif dengan responden dari Scrum Master pada Proyek FocusPN, Proyek Piutang Negara, dan Proyek Lelang. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tingkat kematangan implementasi scrum pada Proyek FocusPN dan Proyek Piutang Negara berada pada Level 1 (Initial), sedangkan pada Proyek Lelang telah mencapai Level 2 (Defined). Secara keseluruhan, dari nilai rata-rata KPA Rating menunjukkan bahwa Direktorat TSI masih berada pada level 1 (Initial).
Information amount, accuracy, and relevance of generative artificial intelligence platforms’ answers regarding learning objectives of medical arthropodology evaluated in English and Korean queries in December 2023: a descriptive study
Authors: Lee Hyunju , Park Soobin
Published: December 2023

Purpose: This study assessed the performance of 6 generative artificial intelligence (AI) platforms on the learning objectives of medical arthropodology in a parasitology class in Korea. We examined the AI platforms’ performance by querying in Korean and English to determine their information amount, accuracy, and relevance in prompts in both languages.Methods: From December 15 to 17, 2023, 6 generative AI platforms—Bard, Bing, Claude, Clova X, GPT-4, and Wrtn—were tested on 7 medical arthropodology learning objectives in English and Korean. Clova X and Wrtn are platforms from Korean companies. Responses were evaluated using specific criteria for the English and Korean queries.Results: Bard had abundant information but was fourth in accuracy and relevance. GPT-4, with high information content, ranked first in accuracy and relevance. Clova X was 4th in amount but 2nd in accuracy and relevance. Bing provided less information, with moderate accuracy and relevance. Wrtn’s answers were short, with average accuracy and relevance. Claude AI had reasonable information, but lower accuracy and relevance. The responses in English were superior in all aspects. Clova X was notably optimized for Korean, leading in relevance.Conclusion: In a study of 6 generative AI platforms applied to medical arthropodology, GPT-4 excelled overall, while Clova X, a Korea-based AI product, achieved 100% relevance in Korean queries, the highest among its peers. Utilizing these AI platforms in classrooms improved the authors’ self-efficacy and interest in the subject, offering a positive experience of interacting with generative AI platforms to question and receive information.
Survei indeks massa tubuh dan tingkat daya tahan kardiovaskular (Vo2 max) peserta ekstrakurikuler olahraga Madrasah Aliyah Negeri
Authors: Irfansyah Muhammad Iqbal , Hariyoko Hariyoko
Published: December 2023

Memperkirakan indeks massa tubuh dan tingkat daya yahan kardiovaskular (vo2 max) peserta ekstrakurikuler olahraga adalah tujuan dari penelitian ini.  Kegiatan ekstrakurikuler mampu meningkatkan kebugaran jasmani sehingga tubuh menjadi sehat dan bugar karena nyatanya merupakan kegiatan yang sangat menunjang pelajaran pendidikan jasmani. Hal ini terlihat dari berbagai macam ekstrakurikuler seperti futsal, bola voli, bulu tangkis, pencak silat, dan tenis meja yang merupakan bagian dari kegiatan olahraga. Penelitian survei dengan pendekatan kuantitatif yaitu jenis yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini. Penelitian ini menggunakan peserta ekstrakurikuler sebagai subjek utama yang berjumlah 55 peserta. Ditunjukan hasil dari indeks massa tubuh mendapatkan hasil 65% peserta mendapatkan hasil berat badan ideal, 13% kekurangan tingkat berat, 7%, kekurangan tingkat ringan, 7%, kelebihan ringan, 7% kelebihan tingkat berat. Untuk hasil daya tahan kardiovaskular (vo2 max) sangat kurang sebanyak 36%, kategori kurang 18%, kategori sedang 35%, kategori baik 7%, kategori baik sekali 2% dan kategori unggul 2%. Bisa dinyatakan indeks massa tubuh peserta ekstrakurikuler olahraga tergolong normal dan tinggkat kebugaran jasamani tergolong sangat kurang.
Mind Control ’den Telegram’a: Bir Komplo Söyleminin Yerelleşme Dinamikleri
Authors: Durmaz İlker Yasin
Published: December 2023

Bu çalışma, beyin yıkama ve zihin kontrolüne ilişkin komplo söylemlerinin yerelleşme dinamiklerini Türkiye’deki “telegram” komplo söylemi üzerinden incelemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Bu söyleme göre, telegram kurgusal bir zihin kontrol cihazının adıdır ve Türkiye’de politik amaçlar ile sıklıkla kullanılmaktadır. Telegram komplo söylemi, Salih Mirzabeyoğlu özelinde İBDA/C grubunun politik çerçeveleme aracı olarak ortaya çıkmaktadır. Çalışma bu politik aracı, grubun dergilerinden olan Baran, Akademya, Beklenen Yeni Nizam ve Aylık dergilerindeki telegram tartışmaları ekseninde ele almaktadır. Dergilerdeki komplocu söylemi eleştirel bir biçimde değerlendiren çalışma, söylemin politik alana devşirilmesinin nasıl ve hangi bağlamlarda gerçekleştiğini değerlendirmektedir. Söylemin yerelleşmesi sürecinde Amerikan politik düşüncesindeki küresel aktörler yerel temsilcilere dönüşmüş, şeytani misyonlar Komünistlerden Kemalistlere ya da ılımlı İslamcılara devredilmiştir. Telegram komplo söyleminin yerelleşmesi aynı zamanda Türkiye’deki İslamcılığın politik sınırlarına ilişkin veriler de sunmaktadır. Tarihsel olarak kurulmuş İslamcı/laik, dindar/seküler ayrımları telegram komplo söyleminin en önemli temalarından birisini oluşturmakta ve söylem aracılığıyla yeniden üretilmektedir. Bu bağlamda çalışma, ulusal ve uluslararası politik olayları anlama ve yorumlama biçimleri ile komplo söyleminin oluşturduğu evrenlerin özdeşlik zeminine işaret etmekte ve onun yeniden üretilme safhalarını telegram komplo söylemi aracılığıyla soruşturmaktadır.
Isolation, identification, and characterization of resistant bacteria to antibiotics from pharmaceutical effluent and study of their antibiotic resistance
Authors: Mahmud Md. Shahin , Hosen Md. Aoulad , Hossion Md. Ishaq , Sadik Sabuj Md. Shiblee , Rumi Nazmi Ara , Hossain Md. Khaled , Dauelbait Musaab , Nafidi Hiba-Allah , Dawoud Turki M. , Ibrahim Muhammad , Bourhia Mohammed
Published: December 2023

Pharmaceutical effluents primarily enter aquatic environments through the discharge of treated and untreated wastewater from various sources, including hospitals, pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities, and households. Microbes sourced from pharmaceutical effluents such as Pseudomonas spp. pose a significant public health concern because of their high levels of resistance to multiple drugs and extreme multidrug resistance. Therefore, the present study was conducted for the isolation, identification, and molecular characterization of selected isolates from pharmaceutical effluents and also determined their antibiotic sensitivity patterns. From June 2016 to March 2017, a study was conducted on four well-known pharmaceutical companies specializing in antibiotic production in Dhaka and Gazipur. Four wastewater samples were collected from various origins and then brought to the Bacteriology laboratory for microbiological examination. Twelve pure isolates were obtained and characterized through cultural and biochemical tests while molecular identification of Pseudomonas spp. was performed using the 16S rRNA gene sequence. Twelve commercially available antibiotics were used for antibiotic sensitivity tests using Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion methods. We isolated the most predominant isolates, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (41.67%), followed by Bacillus spp. (33.33%) and Staphylococcus spp. (25%) respectively. Among 12 antibiotics, ciprofloxacin is 100% sensitive against P. aeruginosa, while the remaining 11 antibiotics are 100% resistant. Bacillus spp. showed 100% resistance to all antibiotics while 50% sensitive to vancomycin and 100% to chloramphenicol, respectively. Staphylococcus spp. was 100% resistant to all antibiotics. Our research suggested that P. aeruginosa is the reservoir of antibiotic resistance genes and spreads disease to humans from the environment. The findings of this study, i.e., the isolation, identification, and characterization of antibiotic-resistant bacteria from pharmaceutical effluent have highlighted, comprehended, and mitigated the dissemination of antibiotic resistance and opportunistic bacteria.
Computing RF Tree Distance over Succinct Representations
Authors: Branco António Pedro , Vaz Cátia , Francisco Alexandre P.
Published: December 2023

There are several tools available to infer phylogenetic trees, which depict the evolutionary relationships among biological entities such as viral and bacterial strains in infectious outbreaks or cancerous cells in tumor progression trees. These tools rely on several inference methods available to produce phylogenetic trees, with resulting trees not being unique. Thus, methods for comparing phylogenies that are capable of revealing where two phylogenetic trees agree or differ are required. An approach is then proposed to compute a similarity or dissimilarity measure between trees, with the Robinson–Foulds distance being one of the most used, and which can be computed in linear time and space. Nevertheless, given the large and increasing volume of phylogenetic data, phylogenetic trees are becoming very large with hundreds of thousands of leaves. In this context, space requirements become an issue both while computing tree distances and while storing trees. We propose then an efficient implementation of the Robinson–Foulds distance over tree succinct representations. Our implementation also generalizes the Robinson–Foulds distances to labelled phylogenetic trees, i.e., trees containing labels on all nodes, instead of only on leaves. Experimental results show that we are able to still achieve linear time while requiring less space. Our implementation in C++ is available as an open-source tool.
Dose-Dependent Effects of Supplementing a Two-Strain Bacillus subtilis Probiotic on Growth Performance, Blood Parameters, Fecal Metabolites, and Microbiome in Nursery Pigs
Authors: Duddeck Karyn A. , Petersen Tiffany E. , Adkins Haley J. , Smith Alexandra H. , Hernandez Samantha , Wenner Seth J. , Yao Dan , Chen Chi , Li Wenli , Fregulia Priscila , Larsen Anna , Jang Young Dal
Published: December 2023

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary supplementation level of a two-strain Bacillus subtilis probiotic on growth performance, blood parameters, fecal metabolites, and microbiome in nursery pigs. A total of 54 weaned piglets were allotted to three treatments in three replicate pens with six pigs/pen for a 28 d feeding trial. The treatments were as follows: control: no probiotic supplementation; Pro1x: B. subtilis supplementation at 1.875 × 105 CFU/g diet; and Pro10x: B. subtilis supplementation at 1.875 × 106 CFU/g diet. Body weight at d 14 postweaning (p = 0.06) and average daily gain for d 0 to 14 postweaning (p < 0.05) were greater in the Pro1x treatment than in the other treatments. Blood glucose levels were greater in both probiotic treatments than in the control treatment at d 14 postweaning (p < 0.05). In the fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations, the butyrate concentrations were greater in the Pro1x treatment than in the other treatments (p < 0.05), and the acetate, propionate, and total SCFA concentrations were greater in the Pro1x treatment than in the Pro10x treatment (p < 0.05). The beta diversity of fecal microbiome composition at d 14 postweaning based on Unweighted Unifrac analysis was dissimilar between the Pro1x and Pro10x treatments (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary B. subtilis supplementation of two strains selected to reduce effects of pathogenic Escherichia coli to nursery diets at 1.875 × 105 CFU/g diet improved the growth rate in the early postweaning period, increased fecal SCFA concentrations and altered the fecal microbial community composition. A higher dose of B. subtilis did not improve the performance parameters over those of the control piglets.
Role of Inflammation in Canine Primary Glaucoma
Authors: Sebbag Lionel , Pe’er Oren
Published: December 2023

Primary glaucoma is a painful, progressive, and blinding disease reported in many canine breeds, characterized by intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation in the absence of antecedent intraocular disease. Clinical observations of dogs with primary glaucoma suggest that many affected eyes develop concurrent intraocular inflammation in addition to elevated IOP. In this work, we summarize the current knowledge that relates inflammation to primary glaucoma in dogs, reviewing studies focused on genetics, physiology, histopathology, bioanalysis of ocular fluids, therapeutics, and clinical outcomes of glaucomatous patients. Through disruption of the blood–aqueous and blood–retinal barriers, pigment dispersion, and biochemical changes to the aqueous humor and tear film, the pathogenesis of canine primary glaucoma appears to involve inflammatory changes to various extents and with various consequences from the front to the back of the eye. Among others, inflammation further impacts IOP by reducing aqueous humor outflow at the level of the iridocorneal angle and accelerates vision loss by promoting neuronal degeneration. As such, the vicious cycle of ocular inflammation and IOP elevation might warrant the use of anti-inflammatory medications as a core component of the treatment regime for dogs with primary glaucoma, either therapeutically (i.e., actively glaucomatous eye) or prophylactically in the yet unaffected contralateral eye.
Oregano Essential Oil and Purple Garlic Powder Effects on Intestinal Health, Microbiota Indicators and Antimicrobial Resistance as Feed Additives in Weaning Piglets
Authors: Serrano-Jara Daniel , Rivera-Gomis Jorge , Tornel José Antonio , Jordán María José , Martínez-Conesa Cristina , Pablo María José Cubero
Published: December 2023

Finding alternatives to zinc oxide is a pressing issue for the pig production sector. We studied the impact of the bioactive components degradation of oregano essential oil (OEO) and purple garlic powder (PGP) during storage in silos, their effect on the morphometry of the jejunum and ileum and the cecal microbiota as intestinal health indicators in piglets during the post-weaning period. We also monitored antimicrobial resistance in the commensal indicator E. coli. Histological parameters and intestinal microbiota were measured in 140 piglets weaned at 21 days of age. Seven dietary treatments were used: a negative control group (basal diet), a positive control group with ZnO (3000 mg/kg of food), two groups with OEO at 0.4% and 1.2%, respectively, two groups with PGP 0.4% and 2%, respectively, and a group with OEO with 1.2% combined with PGP with 2%. Each group of piglets received the treatment for seven weeks, from weaning, before samples were taken. Antibiotic resistance profiles were measured in 81 E. coli strains. On this occasion, only the control groups, ZnO, OEO 1.2%, PGP 2% and OEO 1.2% + PGP 2% were used, and the samples were obtained from the cecal content. A progressive loss of the bioactive components of OEO and PGP was observed during the 34 days of storage (p < 0.05). PGP 2%, OEO 1.2% and their combination showed results similar to ZnO (p > 0.05), or superior in the study of intestinal morphometry and the values of E. coli and Lactobacillus. All categories showed high levels of resistance. Only the strains isolated from the OEO 1.2% group did not show resistance to colistin and presented the lowest resistance values. In general, high doses of the additives studied showed the best results, obtaining levels like or higher than those offered by ZnO.
Reconstructing the Evolutionary History of Pinna nobilis: New Genetic Signals from the Past of a Species on the Brink of Extinction
Authors: Sanna Daria , Azzena Ilenia , Locci Chiara , Ankon Pavel , Kružić Petar , Manfrin Chiara , Pallavicini Alberto , Ciriaco Saul , Segarich Marco , Batistini Edoardo , Scarpa Fabio , Casu Marco
Published: December 2023

Pinna nobilis, commonly known as the noble pen shell, is a marine bivalve endemic to the Mediterranean Sea. Unfortunately, due to a multifactorial disease that began affecting its populations in 2016, the species is currently facing the threat of extinction. To gain insights into the evolutionary history of P. nobilis before the mass mortality event (MME), and to obtain a comprehensive understanding of how evolutionary processes led to the adaptation of the species into the Mediterranean Sea, phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses were carried out. The dataset analysed includes 469 sequences of COI gene fragment both from GenBank and the present study (100). The analysis performed evidenced that P. nobilis diverged about 2.5 mya, after the entrance of its ancestor into the Mediterranean Sea following the Zanclean flood (5.33 mya). Moreover, our results suggest that the starting point of colonisation was the central part of the western Mediterranean basin, with the eastern basin being populated subsequently. From a conservational viewpoint, these results provide important hints for present and future restocking plans, helping to reconstruct the pre-existing genetic variability in sites where the species became extinct.
A Glycosyl Hydrolase 30 Family Xylanase from the Rumen Metagenome and Its Effects on In Vitro Ruminal Fermentation of Wheat Straw
Authors: Tang Longzhang , Lei Xiaowen , Ouyang Kehui , Wang Lei , Qiu Qinghua , Li Yanjiao , Zang Yitian , Liu Chanjuan , Zhao Xianghui
Published: December 2023

The challenge of wheat straw as a ruminant feed is its low ruminal digestibility. This study investigated the impact of a xylanase called RuXyn, derived from the rumen metagenome of beef cattle, on the in vitro ruminal fermentation of wheat straw. RuXyn encoded 505 amino acids and was categorized within subfamily 8 of the glycosyl hydrolase 30 family. RuXyn was heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli and displayed its highest level of activity at pH 6.0 and 40 °C. RuXyn primarily hydrolyzed xylan, while it did not show any noticeable activity towards other substrates, including carboxymethylcellulose and Avicel. At concentrations of 5 mM, Mn2+ and dithiothreitol significantly enhanced RuXyn’s activity by 73% and 20%, respectively. RuXyn’s activity was almost or completely inactivated in the presence of Cu2+, even at low concentrations. The main hydrolysis products of corncob xylan by RuXyn were xylopentose, xylotriose, and xylotetraose. RuXyn hydrolyzed wheat straw and rice straw more effectively than it did other agricultural by-products. A remarkable synergistic effect was observed between RuXyn and a cellulase cocktail on wheat straw hydrolysis. Supplementation with RuXyn increased dry matter digestibility; acetate, propionate, valerate, and total volatile fatty acid yields; NH3-N concentration, and total bacterial number during in vitro fermentation of wheat straw relative to the control. RuXyn’s inactivity at 60 °C and 70 °C was remedied by mutating proline 151 to phenylalanine and aspartic acid 204 to leucine, boosting activity to 20.3% and 21.8% of the maximum activity at the respective temperatures. As an exogenous enzyme preparation, RuXyn exhibits considerable potential to improve ruminal digestion and the utilization of wheat straw in ruminants. As far as we know, this is the first study on a GH30 xylanase promoting the ruminal fermentation of agricultural straws. The findings demonstrate that the utilization of RuXyn can significantly enhance the ruminal digestibility of wheat straw by approximately 10 percentage points. This outcome signifies the emergence of a novel and highly efficient enzyme preparation that holds promise for the effective utilization of wheat straw, a by-product of crop production, in ruminants.
Sialocele and Its Association with Hypercortisolism and Long-Term Glucocorticoid Treatment in Dogs: Retrospective Case–Control Study
Authors: Bae Jeong-Yeol , Kim Jung-Il , Kim Jin-Young , Joung Guk-Il , Lee Hong-Ju , Lee Jae-Beom , Song Joong-Hyun
Published: December 2023

Dogs with sialocele often have concurrent hypercortisolism or are receiving long-term glucocorticoid treatment. However, their association has not been investigated. This retrospective matched case–control study investigated the association between hypercortisolism, long-term glucocorticoid treatment, and sialocele in dogs. We retrospectively reviewed the records from 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2022. Records of 19 dogs diagnosed with sialocele were investigated for hypercortisolism and long-term glucocorticoid treatment. Two age- and breed-matched controls for each sialocele dog (38 dogs) were investigated for the same concurrent diseases. Logistic regression analysis was used. The odds of sialocele in dogs with hypercortisolism were 15.56 times those of dogs without hypercortisolism (p = 0.02; 95% CI: 1.54–156.79). The odds of sialocele in dogs with long-term glucocorticoid treatment (median, 8 months; range, 5–13) were 7.78 times those of dogs without long-term glucocorticoid treatment (p = 0.03; 95% CI: 1.23–49.40). No associations were found between age, sex, body weight, and the presence of sialocele. The results indicate that sialocele was significantly associated with hypercortisolism and long-term glucocorticoid treatment in dogs. Therefore, dogs with hypercortisolism or receiving long-term glucocorticoid therapy should be screened for possible sialocele. Additionally, dogs with sialocele should be identified for concurrent hypercortisolism and prolonged glucocorticoid exposure.
Antifungal Activity of Thirty Essential Oils to Control Pathogenic Fungi of Postharvest Decay
Authors: Allagui Mohamed Bechir , Moumni Marwa , Romanazzi Gianfranco
Published: December 2023

Essential oils (EOs) extracted from aromatic or medicinal plants are biodegradable, safe, and regarded as alternatives to chemical pesticides to reduce fungal species attacking different crops. In this study, thirty EOs at 0.5 mg/mL were evaluated for in vitro growth inhibition of the main postharvest fungi, which are Alternaria alternata, Botrytis cinerea, and Penicillium italicum. Cinnamomum verrum EO completely inhibited the mycelial growth of A. alternata and B. cinerea, and Syzygium aromaticum EO completely inhibited the mycelia of A. alternata. B. cinerea mycelial growth was completely inhibited by Gautheria fragrantissima, Cymbopogon nardus, Pelargonium asperum, and Cupressus sempervirens EOs. G. fragrantissima EO inhibited the mycelia growth of P. italicum by 98%. Overall, B. cinerea displayed the highest sensitivity to EOs than P. italicum and A. alternata. G. fragrantissima, C. sempervirens, C. nardus, P. asperum, Mentha piperita, Foeniculum vulgare, C. verrum, and S. aromaticum EOs showed the highest inhibition for these three pathogens. Minimum inhibitory concentrations were lower for C. verrum and S. aromaticum EOs, ranging between 0.31 and 0.45 mg/mL and 0.37 to 0.57 mg/mL, respectively, against the three pathogens. The tested EOs inhibited the in vitro growth of three of the main postharvest fungal pathogens. Further studies are needed to confirm these activities in vivo.
Searching for Antimicrobial-Producing Bacteria from Soils through an Educational Project and Their Evaluation as Potential Biocontrol Agents
Authors: Pino-Hurtado Mario Sergio , Fernández-Fernández Rosa , Torres Carmen , Robredo Beatriz
Published: December 2023

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious threat to public health due to the lack of effective drugs to combat infectious diseases, which generates the need to search for new antimicrobial substances. In this study, the potential of soil as a source of antimicrobial-producing bacteria (APB) was investigated and the importance of the connection between education and science was emphasized, using service-learning methodologies. Sixty-one soil samples were collected, and 1220 bacterial isolates were recovered. Eighteen of these isolates showed antimicrobial activity against at least 1 of the 12 indicator bacteria tested (including multidrug-resistant and relevant pathogens). The 18 APB were identified by MALDI-TOF and 6 different genera (Bacillus, Brevibacillus, Lysinobacillus, Peribacillus, Streptomyces, and Advenella) and 10 species were identified. The 18 APB were tested for antifungal activity against four phytopathogenic fungi (Botritis cynerea, Lecanicillium fungicola, Trichoderma harzianum, and Cladobotryum mycophilum). Moreover, the antibiotic susceptibility of APB was tested using the disk-diffusion method as well as their β-hemolytic activity (important safety criteria for potential future applications). A total of 10 of the 18 APB were able to inhibit at least 50% of indicator bacteria tested, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), among others. A total of 4 of the 18 APB (3 Bacillus pumilus and 1 Bacillus altitudinis) showed inhibitory activity against two of the four fungal pathogens tested (B. cinerea and L. fungicola), as well as against 5–7 of the 12 bacterial pathogen indicators; these 4 isolates showed susceptibility to the antibiotics tested and lacked β-hemolytic activity and were considered promising APB for use as potential biocontrol agents. In addition, one Brevibacillus laterosporus strain had activity against 83% of indicator bacteria tested including Escherichia coli, MRSA and other methicillin-resistant staphylococci, as well as vancomycin-resistant enterococci (but not against fungi). These results show that soil is a source of APB with relevant antibacterial and antifungal activities, and also emphasize the importance of education and science to raise public awareness of the AMR problem and the strategies to control it.
Ultra-High-Resolution Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Electrospray Ionization Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Tessaria absinthioides (Hook. & Arn.) DC. (Asteraceae) and Antioxidant and Hypocholesterolemic Properties
Authors: Rey Mariana , Kruse María Sol , Gómez Jessica , Simirgiotis Mario J. , Tapia Alejandro , Coirini Héctor
Published: December 2023

Recently, we reported the chemical profile and the hypocholesterolemic effects of a decoction of Tessaria absinthioides (Hook. & Arn.) DC. (Asteraceae). In this study, we evaluated a methanolic extract (METa) instead. Metabolite profiling was conducted using ultra-high-resolution liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS), identifying thirty compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, fatty acids, and phorbolesters. Antioxidant properties were assessed through 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), Trolox equivalent antioxidant activity (TEAC), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and inhibition of lipid peroxidation in erythrocytes (ILP) assays, exhibiting robust antioxidant activity. The in vivo impact of METa on serum lipid parameters and liver X receptors (LXRs) was evaluated in a hypercholesterolemic animal model. After 14 days on a high-fat diet, male rats received either a vehicle (V) or METa100, METa200 or METa500 (100; 200 and 500 mg METa/kg animal, respectively) for an additional two weeks. METa500 reduced total cholesterol levels (17.62%; p < 0.05) and all doses increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (METa100: 86.27%; METa200: 48.37%, and METa500: 29.42%; p < 0.0001). However, METa did not alter LXRs expression. The observed antioxidant and hypocholesterolemic properties of METa may be linked to the presence of six di-caffeoylquinic acids. These findings underscore T. absinthioides as a potential candidate for the treatment of metabolic disease.
Correction: Jahić Mujkić et al. Synergy of the Inhibitory Action of Polyphenols Plus Vitamin C on Amyloid Fibril Formation: Case Study of Human Stefin B. Antioxidants 2021, 10, 1471
Authors: Jahić Mujkić Alma , Tušek Žnidarič Magda , Berbić Selma , Žerovnik Eva
Published: December 2023

In the original publication [...]
A D-Shaped Polymer Optical Fiber Surface Plasmon Resonance Biosensor for Breast Cancer Detection Applications
Authors: Wu Xun , Wang Ying , Zhang Jiaxiong , Zhang Yunfang , Rao Xing , Chen Chen , Liu Han , Deng Yubin , Liao Changrui , Smietana Mateusz Jakub , Chen George Yuhui , Liu Liwei , Qu Junle , Wang Yiping
Published: December 2023

Fiber-optic biosensors have garnered significant attention and witnessed rapid development in recent years owing to their remarkable attributes such as high sensitivity, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and real-time monitoring. They have emerged as a potential tool in the realm of biomarker detection for low-concentration and small molecules. In this paper, a portable and cost-effective optical fiber biosensor based on surface plasmon resonance for the early detection of breast cancer is demonstrated. By utilizing the aptamer human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) as a specific biomarker for breast cancer, the presence of the HER2 protein can be detected through an antigen-antibody binding technique. The detection method was accomplished by modifying a layer of HER2 aptamer on the flat surface of a gold-coated D-shaped polymer optical fiber (core/cladding diameter 120/490 μm), of which the residual thickness after side-polishing was about 245 μm, the thickness of the coated gold layer was 50 nm, and the initial wavelength in pure water was around 1200 nm. For low-concentration detection of the HER2 protein, the device exhibited a wavelength shift of ~1.37 nm with a concentration of 1 μg/mL (e.g., 5.5 nM), which corresponded to a limit of detection of ~5.28 nM. Notably, the response time of the biosensor was measured to be as fast as 5 s. The proposed biosensor exhibits the potential for early detection of HER2 protein in initial cancer serum and offers a pathway to early prevention of breast cancer.
Epilepsy Networks and Their Surgical Relevance
Authors: Hines Kevin , Wu Chengyuan
Published: December 2023

Surgical epilepsy is a rapidly evolved field. As the understanding and concepts of epilepsy shift towards a network disorder, surgical outcomes may shed light on numerous components of these systems. This review documents the evolution of the understanding of epilepsy networks and examines the data generated by resective, ablative, neuromodulation, and invasive monitoring surgeries in epilepsy patients. As these network tools are better integrated into epilepsy practice, they may eventually inform surgical decisions and improve clinical outcomes.
Non-Invasive Quantitative Approximation of Intracranial Pressure in Pediatric Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Based on Point-of-Care Ultrasound of the Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter
Authors: Kerscher Susanne Regina , Zipfel Julian , Bevot Andrea , Sollmann Nico , Haas-Lude Karin , Tellermann Jonas , Schuhmann Martin Ulrich
Published: December 2023

Background: To investigate whether ultrasound-based optic nerve sheath diameter (US-ONSD) is a reliable measure to follow up children with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). In addition, to analyze the inter- and intra-individual relationships between US-ONSD and intracranial pressure (ICP), and to investigate whether an individualized mathematical regression equation obtained from two paired US-ONSD/ICP values can be used to approximate ICP from US-ONSD values. Methods: 159 US examinations and 53 invasive ICP measures via lumbar puncture (LP) were performed in 28 children with IIH. US-ONSD was measured using a 12 Mhz linear transducer and compared to ICP values. In 15 children, a minimum of 2 paired US-ONSD/ICP determinations were performed, and repeated-measures correlation (rmcorr) and intra-individual correlations were analyzed. Results: The cohort correlation between US-ONSD and ICP was moderate (r = 0.504, p < 0.01). Rmcorr (r = 0.91, p < 0.01) and intra-individual correlations (r = 0.956–1) of US-ONSD and ICP were excellent. A mathematical regression equation can be calculated from two paired US-ONSD/ICP values and applied to the individual patient to approximate ICP from US-ONSD. Conclusions: Related to excellent intra-individual correlations between US-ONSD and ICP, an individualized regression formula, created from two pairs of US-ONSD/ICP values, may be used to directly approximate ICP based on US-ONSD values. Hence, US-ONSD may become a non-invasive and reliable measure to control treatment efficacy in pediatric IIH.
Structural Relationships between Counselors’ Sense of Calling, Meaning of Work, Living a Calling, and Psychological Burnout
Authors: He Shanshu , Kang Hyesun , Ren Linan , Li Yiran
Published: December 2023

This study examined the influence of counselors’ sense of calling on psychological burnout, mediated by meaning of work and living a calling, based on the work as a calling theory (WCT) and preceding studies. Furthermore, the sequential mediating effects of meaning of work and living a calling were investigated. Data were collected from 420 Korean counselors working in counseling centers located nationwide and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results revealed that a sense of calling negatively impacted psychological burnout. Second, the sense of calling did not affect psychological burnout through the mediation of meaning of work. Third, the sense of calling negatively impacted psychological burnout through the mediation of living a calling. Fourth, the sense of calling negatively affected psychological burnout through the sequential mediation of meaning of work and living a calling. Based on this study’s findings, implications can be provided to enhance counselors’ professional calling and reduce psychological burnout, thereby aiding them in resolving their psychological issues during counseling practice and providing higher-quality psychological services to clients. Suggestions for improvements and future research are also discussed.
Bridging the Gap between Vision and Progression
Authors: Erovic Boban M.
Published: December 2023

Writing this editorial is more than a great pleasure and honor for me because since its first appearance in 2009, Cancers has become one of the most acknowledged journals among scientists and cancer surgeons [...]
OGG1 as an Epigenetic Reader Affects NFκB: What This Means for Cancer
Authors: Vlahopoulos Spiros , Pan Lang , Varisli Lokman , Dancik Garrett M. , Karantanos Theodoros , Boldogh Istvan
Published: December 2023

8-oxoguanine glycosylase 1 (OGG1), which was initially identified as the enzyme that catalyzes the first step in the DNA base excision repair pathway, is now also recognized as a modulator of gene expression. What is important for cancer is that OGG1 acts as a modulator of NFκB-driven gene expression. Specifically, oxidant stress in the cell transiently halts enzymatic activity of substrate-bound OGG1. The stalled OGG1 facilitates DNA binding of transactivators, such as NFκB to their cognate sites, enabling the expression of cytokines and chemokines, with ensuing recruitment of inflammatory cells. Recently, we highlighted chief aspects of OGG1 involvement in regulation of gene expression, which hold significance in lung cancer development. However, OGG1 has also been implicated in the molecular underpinning of acute myeloid leukemia. This review analyzes and discusses how these cells adapt through redox-modulated intricate connections, via interaction of OGG1 with NFκB, which provides malignant cells with alternative molecular pathways to transform their microenvironment, enabling adjustment, promoting cell proliferation, metastasis, and evading killing by therapeutic agents.
Baseline Circulating Blood Cell Counts and Ratios and Changes Therein for Predicting Immune-Related Adverse Events during Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Therapy: A Multicenter, Prospective, Observational, Pan-Cancer Cohort Study with a Gender Perspective
Authors: Teijeira Lucía , Martínez Mireia , Moreno Amaia , de Elejoste Ibone , Ibáñez-Beroiz Berta , Arrazubi Virginia , Díaz de Corcuera Isabela , Elejalde Iñaki , Campillo-Calatayud Ana , Les Iñigo
Published: December 2023

Several factors have been associated with the occurrence of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) induced by immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. Despite their availability, the predictive value of circulating blood cell parameters remains underexplored. Our aim was to investigate whether baseline values of and early changes in absolute neutrophil count (ANC), absolute lymphocyte count (ALC), other blood cell counts, and lymphocyte-related ratios can predict irAEs and whether sex may differentially influence this potential predictive ability. Of the 145 patients included, 52 patients (35.8%) experienced at least one irAE, with a 1-year cumulative incidence of 41.6%. Using Fine and Gray competing risk models, we identified female sex (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.20–3.85), high ALC before ICI initiation (HR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.09–2.45), and low ANC after ICI initiation (HR = 0.81, 95% CI = 0.69–0.96) as predictors of irAEs. However, ALC and ANC may only have an impact on the risk of irAEs in women (stratified for female sex, ALC-related HR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.40–4.86 and ANC-related HR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.41–0.81). Priority should be given to developing models to predict ICI-related toxicity and their validation in various settings, and such models should assess the impact of patient sex on the risk of toxicity.
Intralesional Treatments for Invasive Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Baeza-Hernández Gloria , Cañueto Javier
Published: December 2023

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most frequent cancer in humans and has the potential to progress locally, metastasize, and cause death in a subset of patients. cSCC is especially common in the elderly, and it will probably represent a major health concern in the near future. Surgery is the standard treatment for cSCC, but intralesional therapies can sometimes be considered for certain patients and under certain circumstances. The choice of intralesional treatment depends on the patient′s characteristics and the clinician′s previous experience and expertise. Here we are reviewing intralesional treatments for cSCC and keratoacanthoma (KA). We have started with some classic drugs, such as methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil, bleomycin, interferon, and cryosurgery, but also comment on electrochemotherapy. Finally, we have focused on novel therapies, some of which are under development, and future perspectives, including intralesional immunotherapy and oncolytic viruses.
Phospholipase A2 Group IIA Is Associated with Inflammatory Hepatocellular Adenoma
Authors: Iwabuchi Sadahiro , Takahashi Kenta , Kawaguchi Kazunori , Nagatsu Akihisa , Imafuku Tadashi , Shichino Shigeyuki , Matsushima Kouji , Taketomi Akinobu , Honda Masao , Hashimoto Shinichi
Published: December 2023

Although benign hepatocellular adenomas (HCA) are very rare, recent observations have shown their occurrence in patients with diabetes mellitus. Consequently, most of these cases are treated by resection due to concerns regarding their potential progression to hepatocarcinoma (HCC). This decision is largely driven by the limited number of studies on HCC subtyping and the lack of molecular and biological insights into the carcinogenic potential of benign tumors. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the subtype classification of HCA and to compare and analyze gene expression profiling between HCA and HCC tissues. One fresh inflammatory HCA (I-HCA), three non-B non-C HCCs, two hepatitis B virus-HCCs, and one normal liver tissue sample were subjected to single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Comparative analysis of scRNA-seq among different tissues showed that phospholipase A2 group IIA (PLA2G2A) mRNA was specifically expressed in I-HCA, following RNA-seq analysis in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from other HCAs. Immunohistochemistry using the PLA2G2A antibody in these tissues indicated that the positive reaction was mainly observed in hepatocytes of I-HCAs and stromal cells surrounding the tumor tissue in HCC were also stained. According to a clinical database, PLA2G2A expression in HCC does not correlate with poor prognosis. This finding may potentially help develop a new definition for I-HCA, resulting in a significant clinical contribution, but it requires validation with other fresh HCA samples.
Enhanced Biomimetics of Three-Dimensional Osteosarcoma Models: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sandhu Vinesh , Bakkalci Deniz , Wei Siyi , Cheema Umber
Published: December 2023

This scoping review evaluated 3D osteosarcoma (OS) models’ biomimicry, examining their ability to mimic the tumour microenvironment (TME) and their drug sensitivity. Adhering to PRISMA-ScR guidelines, the systematic search revealed 293 studies, with 70 selected for final analysis. Overall, 64% of 3D OS models were scaffold-based, compared to self-generated spheroid models. Scaffolds generated using native matrix were most common (42%) with collagen I/hydroxyapatite predominating. Both scaffold-based and scaffold-free models were used equally for drug screening. The sensitivity of cancer cells in 3D was reported to be lower than that of cells in 2D in ~90% of the drug screening studies. This correlates with the observed upregulation of drug resistance. OS cells cultured in extracellular matrix (ECM)-mimetic scaffolds and native biomaterials were more resistant than cells in 2D. Co-cultures of OS and stromal cells in 3D models enhanced osteogenic differentiation, ECM remodelling, mineralisation, and angiogenesis, suggesting that tumour–stroma crosstalk promotes disease progression. Seven studies demonstrated selective toxicity of chemotherapeutics towards OS cells while sparing stromal cells, providing useful evidence for developing biomimetic tumour–stroma models to test selective drug toxicity. In conclusion, this review highlights the need to enhance biomimicry in 3D OS models for TME recapitulation, especially in testing novel therapeutics. Future research should explore innovative 3D biomimetic models, biomaterials, and advancements in personalised medicine.