bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uji Aktivitas Antimikroba Fraksi N –Hexana Kulit Buah Manggis Terhadap Staphylococus aureus
Authors: Audhea Ananda Kartika  , Hardani  , Sri Idawati  , Evi Fatmi Utami
Published: June 2024

Penyakit infeksi merupakan faktor penyakit yang paling banyak di derita di Indonesia dan dunia. Selain virus, bakteri juga salah satu penyebab terjadinya infeksi. Beberapa bakteri yang menyebabkan infeksi diantaranya adalah Shigella flexneri, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli dan Staphylococcus aureus. Staphylococcus aureus adalah jenis bakteri gram positif yang sering menimbulkan penyakit pada manusia. Infeksi oleh bakteri ini menyebabkan timbulnya penyakit dengan tanda-tanda khas yaitu peradangan, nekrosis, dan pembentukan abses. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui uji aktivitas antibakteri fraksi n-heksana kulit buah manggis (Garcinia mangostana L.) terhadap Staphylococcus aureus. Dalam penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian eksperimental dilakukan untuk membuktikan hipotesis. Penelitian eksperimental adalah penelitian dengan melakukan kegiatan percobaan yang bertujuan untuk mengetahui gejala atau pengaruh yang timbul akibat dari adanya perlakuan tertentu pada uji aktivitas antibakteri fraksi n-heksana kulit buah manggis (Garcinia mangostana L.) terhadap Staphylococcus aureus.  Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah buah manggis. Dan sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kulit buah manggis. Sedangkan instrumen penelitian menggunakan hasil uji laboratorium. Hasil penelitian uji aktivitas antibakteri fraksi n-heksana kulit buah manggis (Garcinia mangostana L.) terhadap Staphylococcus aureus. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian yang sudah dilakukan bahwa Fraksi n-heksana ekstrak kulit buah manggis (Garcinia mangostana L.) memiliki aktivitas antibakteri terhadap Staphylococus aureus. Dengan Konsentrasi paling efektif yaitu pada konsentrasi 25%. pada konsentrasi 50%, 75% dan 100% sama memiliki konstrasi sedang dari kisaran 7,95-10,77 mm sehingga semua konsentrasi yang di uji termasuk kategori aktivitas antibakteri sedang.
FORMULASI DAN OPTIMASI SEDIAAN KAPSUL EKSTRAK DAUN PEGAGAN (Centella asiatica) DENGAN EKSIPIEN VIVAVUR 101 SEBAGAI ADSORBEN
Authors: Lili Rosalia  , Hardani  , Sri Rahmawati  , En Purmafitriah
Published: June 2024

Latar belakang : Tanaman  pegagan ( Centella asiatica) merupakan tanaman yang sering digunakan sebagai obat tradisional baik dal;am bentuk bahan segar kering maupun dalam bentuk ramuan. Tujuan :  untuk mengetahui formulasi dan optimasi sedian kapsul ekstrak daun pegagan  dengan eksipien vivavur sebagai adsorben. Metode : desain penelitian ini yaitu daun pegagan, sampel adalah sebagian yang diambil dari bahan tersebut adalah daun pegagan ( Centella asiatica). Hasil : didapatkan ekstrak pegagan 250 miligram dengan konsentrasi dalam formula (1, 2, dan 3). Masukan amilum jagung pada formula 1 sebanyak 138,3 miligram, formula 2 137,8 miligram dan formula 3 sebanyak  137,3 miligram, lalu masukan aerosil disetiap formula 1 sebanyak 4,5 miligram, formula 2 4,5 miligram, formula 3 4,5 miligram, kemudian masukan  ekstrak kental dan vivavur 101 yang sudah di oven selama 30 menit dengan suhu 500C kedalam mortir lalu aduk hingga homogen, kemudian ditambahkan magnesium stereat pada formula 1 sebanyak 1,5 miligram, formula 2 sebanyak 1,5 miligram dan formula 3 sebanyak 1,5 miligram, kemudian masukan  talk kedalam setiap formua (1,2, dan 3), aduk hingga homogen, lalu keringkan menggunakan dry oven selama 30 menit dengan suhu 50­0C.
Kesimpulan : formulasi sediaan kapsul ekstrak daun pegagan (Centella asiatica) telah memenuhi persyaratan uji evaluasi sediaan kapsul. Saran : disarankan untuk mengembangkan penelitian ini tentang daun pegagan dalam bentuk sediaan yang lain.
Formulasi Ekstrak Daun Pegagan (Centella Asiatica) Dan Ekstrak Daun Kelor (Moringa Oleifera) Sebagai Masker Gel Peel-Off
Authors: Titin Agustiningsih  , Tuhfatul Ulya  , Evi Fatmi Utami  , Hardani  , Sri Idawati
Published: June 2024

Kulit sangat membutuhkan antioksidan untuk mengatasi dan mencegah stress oksidatif yang berperan penting pada beberapa penyakit seperti artherosklerosis, gagal ginjal kronis, diabetes melitus, kanker, penuaan dini, penyakit cardiovascular, dan penyakit neurologis. Bahan alam telah banyak diketahui dapat digunakan sebagai bahan kosmetik. Salah satunya yaitu daun pegagan (Centella asiatica) dan daun kelor (Moringa oleifera) yang memiliki kandungan antioksidan yang digunakan untuk perawatan kulit. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui variasi konsentrasi terbaik dari ekstrak daun pegagan (Centella asiatica) dan ekstrak daun kelor (Moringa oleifera) dalam formulasi sediaan masker gel peel-off. Desain penelitiaan yang digunakan adalah penelitian eksperimen. Penelitian eksperimen adalah penelitian yang dilakukan terhadap variabel yang data-datanya belum ada sehingga perlu dilakukan proses manipulasi melalui pemberian treatment/perlakuan tertentu terhadap subjek penelitian yang kemudian diamati/diukur dampaknya.
Dalam penelitian ini digunakan 5 formulasi yaitu, F1: Kontrol negatif, F2: Konsentrasi ekstrak daun pegagan 2,5% dan ekstrak daun kelor 2%, F3: Konsentrasi ekstrak daun pegagan 5% dan ekstrak daun kelor 4%, F4: Konsentrasi ekstrak daun pegagan 7,5% dan ekstrak daun kelor 6%, F5: Kontrol positif. Formulasi yang paling efektif dan mendekati kriteria dari uji sediaan yaitu pada formulasi yang kedua (F2: Konsentrasi ekstrak daun pegagan 2,5% dan ekstrak daun kelor 2%). Dari hasil penelitian bisa di ambil kesimpulan bahwa Variasi konsentrasi yang terbaik dalam formulasi sediaan masker peel-off dari ekstrak daun pegagan (Centella asiatica) dan ekstrak daun kelor (Moringa oleifera) yang telah dibuat yaitu pada formulasi 2 dengan konsentrasi daun pegagan sebesar 2,5% dan ekstrak daun  kelor sebanyak  2%.
On-farm corn stover and cover crop residue recycling with biostimulant Re-Gen increases corn yields and resultant milk yields in multi-year dairy cattle farm trials
Authors: Gibson William S. , Ziobron Amy S. , Olson Noah E. , Neher Deborah A. , Smith Charles F. , Holden Victoria I.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

There is a need to rebuild soil health by implementing regenerative agricultural practices across cropping systems dependent on agrochemicals, such as in United States corn production. One increasingly utilized regenerative practice is the application of biostimulants, or microbial inoculants that can rebuild soil health and productivity. In this study, we describe results from a multi-year corn trial conducted to quantify the impact of Re-Gen, a biostimulant invented to recycle plant biomass and increase nutrient bioavailability in the soil.

Methods

Re-Gen was applied across four fields (VA01, BH01, VA04, and LA05) at a dairy cattle farm in Ferrisburgh, VT.

Results

Over the two consecutive years (2022-2023) of the trial, Re-Gen application on corn stover and cover crop residues increased ear corn yield by 24% and corn silage yield by 12.5-30%, depending on the field. Analysis of soil nutrients and plant tissues showed increased nutrients, particularly in field LA-05. Multi-year Re-Gen application increased yield and generated additional economic value, indicating that the effects of Re-Gen do not diminish with multiple applications. The increased corn silage yield correlated to increased potential milk yield from cows fed silage grown in Re-Gen-treated fields. Further investigation into the mechanism suggests that increased phosphatase production Re-Gen could contribute to increased phosphorus bioavailability in the soil and uptake in the tissue, potentially increasing yields.

Discussion

These results highlight the potential for Re-Gen to foster regenerative agriculture processes on cropland and livestock farms while also increasing corn and milk yield and, therefore, revenue for corn farmers in the United States and for similar cropping systems worldwide.
MICP mediated by indigenous bacteria isolated from tailings for biocementation for reduction of wind erosion
Authors: Maureira Alejandro , Zapata Manuel , Olave Jorge , Jeison David , Wong Liey-Si , Panico Antonio , Hernández Pía , Cisternas Luis A. , Rivas Mariella
Published: June 2024

In this study, native ureolytic bacteria were isolated from copper tailings soils to perform microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) tests and evaluate their potential for biocement formation and their contribution to reduce the dispersion of particulate matter into the environment from tailings containing potentially toxic elements. It was possible to isolate a total of 46 bacteria; among them only three showed ureolytic activity: Priestia megaterium T130-1, Paenibacillus sp. T130-13 and Staphylococcus sp. T130-14. Biocement cores were made by mixing tailings with the isolated bacteria in presence of urea, resulting similar to those obtained with Sporosarcina pasteurii and Bacillus subtilis used as positive control. Indeed, XRD analysis conducted on biocement showed the presence of microcline (B. subtilis 17%; P. megaterium 11. 9%), clinochlore (S. pasteurii, 6.9%) and magnesiumhornblende (Paenibacillus sp. 17.8%; P. megaterium 14.6%); all these compounds were not initially present in the tailings soils. Moreover the presence of calcite (control 0.828%; Paenibacillus sp. 5.4%) and hematite (control 0.989%; B. subtilis 6.4%) was also significant unlike the untreated control. The development of biofilms containing abundant amount of Ca, C, and O on microscopic soil particles was evidenced by means of FE-SEM-EDX and XRD. Wind tunnel tests were carried out to investigate the resistance of biocement samples, accounted for a mass loss five holds lower than the control, i.e., the rate of wind erosion in the control corresponded to 82 g/m2h while for the biocement treated with Paenibacillus sp. it corresponded to only 16.371 g/m2h. Finally, in compression tests, the biocement samples prepared with P. megaterium (28.578 psi) and Paenibacillus sp. (28.404 psi) showed values similar to those obtained with S. pasteurii (27.102 psi), but significantly higher if compared to the control (15.427 psi), thus improving the compression resistance capacity of the samples by 85.2% and 84.1% with respect to the control. According to the results obtained, the biocement samples generated with the native strains showed improvements in the mechanical properties of the soil supporting them as potential candidates in applications for the stabilization of mining liabilities in open environments using bioaugmentation strategies with native strains isolated from the same mine tailing.
Storage-induced mechanical changes of porcine lenses assessed with optical coherence elastography and inverse finite element modeling
Authors: Tahsini Vahoura , Gil Iulen Cabeza , Kling Sabine
Published: June 2024

Introduction

In an effort of gaining a better understanding of the lens mechanics, ex vivo lenses samples are often used. Yet, ex vivo tissue might undergo important postmortem changes depending on the unavoidable preservation method employed. The purpose of this study was to assess how various storage conditions and the removal of the lens capsule affect the mechanical properties of ex vivo porcine lens samples.

Methods

A total of 81 freshly enucleated porcine eyes were obtained and divided into six groups and preserved differently. In the first three groups, the lens within the intact eye was preserved for 24 h by: (i) freezing at −80°C (n = 12), (ii) freezing at −20°C (n = 12), and (iii) refrigeration at +8°C (n = 12). In the remaining groups, the lenses were immediately extracted and treated as follows: (iv) kept intact, no storage (n = 12), (v) decapsulated, no storage (n = 21), and (vi) immersed in Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) at +8°C (n = 12) for 24 h. Frozen lenses were thawed at room temperature. Each lens was compressed between two glass lamella and subjected, first to a period of relaxation during which the compression force was recorded and second to an oscillating micro-compression while the deformation was recorded with a total of 256 subsequent B-scans via optical coherence tomography. The corresponding axial strain was retrieved via phase-sensitive image processing and subsequently used as input for an inverse finite element analysis (iFEA) to retrieve the visco-hyperelastic material properties of the lenses.

Results

After freezing at temperatures of −80°C and −20°C, the cortical strains increased by 14% (p = 0.01) and 34% (p < 0.001), and the nuclear strains decreased by 17% (p = 0.014) and 36% (p < 0.001), compared to the lenses tested immediately after postmortem, respectively. According to iFEA, this resulted from an increased ratio of the nuclear: cortical E-modulus (4.06 and 7.06) in −80°C and −20°C frozen lenses compared to fresh lenses (3.3). Decapsulation had the largest effect on the material constant C10, showing an increase both in the nucleus and cortex. Preservation of the intact eye in the refrigerator induced the least mechanical alterations in the lens, compared to the intact fresh condition.

Discussion

Combining iFEA with optical coherence elastography allowed us to identify important changes in the lens mechanics induced after different preserving ex vivo methods.
Identifying hemodynamic factors associated with the rupture of anterior communicating artery aneurysms based on global modeling of blood flow in the cerebral artery network
Authors: Tian Yuqing , Li Xiao , Zhang Jianjian , Zhao Bing , Liang Fuyou
Published: June 2024

Anterior communicating artery (ACoA) aneurysms are more prone to rupture compared to aneurysms present in other cerebral arteries. We hypothesize that systemic blood flow in the cerebral artery network plays an important role in shaping intra-aneurysmal hemodynamic environment thereby affecting the rupture risk of ACoA aneurysms. The majority of existing numerical studies in this field employed local modeling methods where the physical boundaries of a model are confined to the aneurysm region, which, though having the benefit of reducing computational cost, may compromise the physiological fidelity of numerical results due to insufficient account of systemic cerebral arterial hemodynamics. In the present study, we firstly carried out numerical experiments to address the difference between the outcomes of local and global modeling methods, demonstrating that local modeling confined to the aneurysm region results in inaccurate predictions of hemodynamic parameters compared with global modeling of the ACoA aneurysm as part of the cerebral artery network. Motivated by this finding, we built global hemodynamic models for 40 ACoA aneurysms (including 20 ruptured and 20 unruptured ones) based on medical image data. Statistical analysis of the computed hemodynamic data revealed that maximum wall shear stress (WSS), minimum WSS divergence, and maximum WSS gradient differed significantly between the ruptured and unruptured ACoA aneurysms. Optimal threshold values of high/low WSS metrics were determined through a series of statistical tests. In the meantime, some morphological parameters of aneurysms, such as large nonsphericity index, aspect ratio, and bottleneck factor, were found to be associated closely with aneurysm rupture. Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to derive models combining hemodynamic and morphological parameters for discriminating the rupture status of aneurysms. The capability of the models in rupture status discrimination was high, with the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve reaching up to 0.9. The findings of the study suggest that global modeling of the cerebral artery network is essential for reliable quantification of hemodynamics in ACoA aneurysms, disturbed WSS and irregular aneurysm morphology are associated closely with aneurysm rupture, and multivariate models integrating hemodynamic and morphological parameters have high potential for assessing the rupture risk of ACoA aneurysms.
TLR4 signalling: the key to controlling EV71 replication and inflammatory response
Authors: Hao Jinfang , Wang Hui , Lu Xiufeng , Li Zimo , Zhang Xiaoyan
Published: June 2024

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a common infectious disease caused by enterovirus 71 (EV71) that frequently affects children, leading to severe infections in some cases. In general, when infection occurs, the body upregulates inflammatory responses to eliminate pathogenic microorganisms to protect the host from infection. However, EV71 may inhibit host’s innate immunity to promote virus infection. At present, it is not fully understood how EV71 hijack the host cells for its own replication. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a natural immune receptor, historically associated with bacterial endotoxin-induced inflammatory responses. However, it is still unclear whether and how TLR4 is altered during EV71 infection. In this study, we observed a reduction in both TLR4 protein and gene transcript levels in RD, GES-1, and Vero cells following EV71 infection, as detected by RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence staining and western blot. Furthermore, we observed that the TLR4 downstream molecules of MYD88, p-NF-κB p65, p-TBK1 and related inflammatory cytokines were also reduced, suggesting that antiviral innate immune and inflammatory response were suppressed. To determine the impact of TLR4 changes on EV71 infection, we interfered EV71-infected RD cells with TLR4 agonist or inhibitor and the results showed that activation of TLR4 inhibited EV71 replication, while inhibition of TLR4 promote EV71 replication. Besides, EV71 replication was also promoted in TLR4 siRNA-transfected and EV71-infected RD cells. This suggests that down-regulation the expression of TLR4 by EV71 can inhibit host immune defense to promote EV71 self-replication. This novel mechanism may be a strategy for EV71 to evade host immunity.
Multiplexed bacterial pathogen detection and clinical characteristics of orthopedic infection in hospitalized patients
Authors: Wang Yani , Xia Wenbo , Wang Ying , Cui Yanxiang , Yu Linhong , Liu Chao , Zhao Dan , Guan Xiaoxuan , Wang Yingdi , Wu Shanrui , Li Jie , Li Yisong , Hu Jianqiang , Liu Jie
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Accurate identification of the etiology of orthopedic infection is very important for correct and timely clinical management, but it has been poorly studied. In the current study we explored the association of multiple bacterial pathogens with orthopedic infection.

Methods

Hospitalized orthopedic patients were enrolled in a rural hospital in Qingdao, China. Wound or exudate swab samples were collected and tested for twelve bacterial pathogens with both culture and multiplex real time PCR.

Results and discussion

A total of 349 hospitalized orthopedic patients were enrolled including 193 cases presenting infection manifestations upon admission and 156 with no sign of infection. Orthopedic infection patients were mainly male (72.5%) with more lengthy hospital stay (median 15 days). At least one pathogen was detected in 42.5% (82/193) of patients with infection while 7.1% (11/156) in the patients without infection (P < 0.001). S. aureus was the most prevalent causative pathogen (15.5%). Quantity dependent pathogen association with infection was observed, particularly for P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae, possibly indicating subclinical infection. Most of the patients with detected pathogens had a previous history of orthopedic surgery (odds ratio 2.8, P = 0.038). Pathogen specific clinical manifestations were characterized. Multiplex qPCR, because of its high sensitivity, superior specificity, and powerful quantification could be utilized in combination with culture to guide antimicrobial therapy and track the progression of orthopedic infection during treatment.
In-vitro effects of different hyaluronic acids on periodontal biofilm-immune cell interaction
Authors: Zhu Xilei , Sculean Anton , Eick Sigrun
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Recent studies have demonstrated a positive role of hyaluronic acid (HA) on periodontal clinical outcomes. This in-vitro study aimed to investigate the impact of four different HAs on interactions between periodontal biofilm and immune cells.

Methods

The four HAs included: high-molecular-weight HA (HHA, non-cross-linked), low-molecular-weight HA (LHA), oligomers HA (OHA), and cross-linked high-molecular-weight HA (CHA). Serial experiments were conducted to verify the influence of HAs on: (i) 12-species periodontal biofilm (formation and pre-existing); (ii) expression of inflammatory cytokines and HA receptors in monocytic (MONO-MAC-6) cells and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) with or without exposure to periodontal biofilms; (iii) generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MONO-MAC-6 cells and PDLF with presence of biofilm and HA.

Results

The results indicated that HHA and CHA reduced the bacterial counts in a newly formed (4-h) biofilm and in a pre-existing five-day-old biofilm. Without biofilm challenge, OHA triggered inflammatory reaction by increasing IL-1β and IL-10 levels in MONO-MAC cells and IL-8 in PDLF in a time-dependent manner, whereas CHA suppressed this response by inhibiting the expression of IL-10 in MONO-MAC cells and IL-8 in PDLF. Under biofilm challenge, HA decreased the expression of IL-1β (most decreasing HHA) and increased IL-10 levels in MONO-MAC-6 cells in a molecular weight dependent manner (most increasing CHA). The interaction between HA and both cells may occur via ICAM-1 receptor. Biofilm stimulus increased ROS levels in MONO-MAC-6 cells and PDLF, but only HHA slightly suppressed the high generation of ROS induced by biofilm stimulation in both cells.

Conclusion

Overall, these results indicate that OHA induces inflammation, while HHA and CHA exhibit anti-biofilm, primarily anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in the periodontal environment.
A Support Vector Machine based approach for plagiarism detection in Python code submissions in undergraduate settings
Authors: Gandhi Nandini , Gopalan Kaushik , Prasad Prajish
Published: June 2024

Mechanisms for plagiarism detection play a crucial role in maintaining academic integrity, acting both to penalize wrongdoing while also serving as a preemptive deterrent for bad behavior. This manuscript proposes a customized plagiarism detection algorithm tailored to detect source code plagiarism in the Python programming language. Our approach combines textual and syntactic techniques, employing a support vector machine (SVM) to effectively combine various indicators of similarity and calculate the resulting similarity scores. The algorithm was trained and tested using a sample of code submissions of 4 coding problems each from 45 volunteers; 15 of these were original submissions while the other 30 were plagiarized samples. The submissions of two of the questions was used for training and the other two for testing-using the leave-p-out cross-validation strategy to avoid overfitting. We compare the performance of the proposed method with two widely used tools-MOSS and JPlag—and find that the proposed method results in a small but significant improvement in accuracy compared to JPlag, while significantly outperforming MOSS in flagging plagiarized samples.
Case Report: Primary malignant mesothelioma of the left atrium easily misdiagnosed as myxoma
Authors: Luo Shuai , Li Yao , Li Jin , Zeng Jiafei , Wang Jinjing
Published: June 2024

Background

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare and aggressive tumor that is found in the pleura and peritoneum. A few cases of MM in the pericardium and tunica vaginalis testis have been reported. Moreover, primary occurrence in the atrium is extremely rare. The visual appearance of this tumor is similar to that of a common atrial myxoma, which makes it challenging for clinicians and radiologists to diagnose and treat this disease.

Case demonstration

An 18-year-old woman presented with symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, and expectoration for 7 days. Echocardiography was performed on the patient, which revealed an atrial mass. Myxoma was one of the differential diagnoses. The tumor was an elliptical mass with tips, and the cut surface was jelly-like, similar to myxoma. After surgery, a pathologic examination of the biopsied tumor confirmed epithelial-type MM. During postoperative follow-up, no recurrence of the tumor was observed.

Conclusions

MM originating in the atrium is considered to be extremely rare. Consequently, clinicians can easily misdiagnose atrial MM as a myxoma. Moreover, to confirm the diagnosis, histopathologic biopsy, histomorphological characterization, immunohistochemistry, and molecular genetic testing are required. Therefore, clinical diagnosis and treatment of MM are challenging.
A review of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in biosolids: geographical distribution and regulations
Authors: Saliu Toyin Dunsin , Sauvé Sébastien
Published: June 2024

Applying sewage sludge and biosolids to agricultural lands has become an increasingly essential aspect of sustainable waste management and circular economy as it contributes positively to nutrient recycling, soil fertility and environmental health. Due to the widespread presence of per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) globally, wastewater treatment plants have become a sink for PFAS. PFAS resist degradation by conventional wastewater treatment processes and are usually adsorbed to sewage sludge and biosolids. However, there have been significant concerns that land application of sewage sludge and biosolids could become a probable pathway for PFAS to enter the food chain. This article assessed the global sewage sludge/biosolids generation and country-to-country management methods through a systematic review. The global occurrence, distribution and prevalence of different classes of PFAS were assessed. We also evaluate the factors influencing PFAS contamination in sewage sludge/biosolids and the existing regulations on the upper limit of PFAS in biosolids before their disposal or application to farmland (or other usages). Additionally, most reports revealed high PFAS concentrations in influent, effluent, sewage sludge and biosolids generated worldwide. Overall, recorded PFAS concentration on a global scale varied from 2.2 to 2,156 ng/L (influents), 1.9–4,800 ng/L (effluents) and 2.1–500,000 ng/g (biosolids). While most studies focused on legacy PFAS detection, recent studies have revealed the prevalence of diPAPs in high concentrations in sewage sludge and biosolids, contributing from 40% to 95% of the total PFAS concentration. Across all PFAS classes, PFAAs and diPAPs were the dominant groups exhibiting elevated detection rates (35%–95%). Due to documented PFAS contamination in agricultural lands, rigorous regulations need to be instituted to govern the application of these biowastes on agricultural lands. However, several countries lack data on the level of PFAS in the sewage sludges they generate, and there are currently few or no regulations guiding their application to farmlands. Notably, the diPAPs class of PFAS was shown to be present in biosolids and sewage sludge; their inclusion in the list of PFAS required in standardized analytical methods and risk assessment becomes imperative.
SARS-CoV-2: pathogenesis, therapeutics, variants, and vaccines
Authors: Li Xi , Mi Ze , Liu Zhenguo , Rong Pengfei
Published: June 2024

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), emerged in December 2019 with staggering economic fallout and human suffering. The unique structure of SARS-CoV-2 and its underlying pathogenic mechanism were responsible for the global pandemic. In addition to the direct damage caused by the virus, SARS-CoV-2 triggers an abnormal immune response leading to a cytokine storm, culminating in acute respiratory distress syndrome and other fatal diseases that pose a significant challenge to clinicians. Therefore, potential treatments should focus not only on eliminating the virus but also on alleviating or controlling acute immune/inflammatory responses. Current management strategies for COVID-19 include preventative measures and supportive care, while the role of the host immune/inflammatory response in disease progression has largely been overlooked. Understanding the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and its receptors, as well as the underlying pathogenesis, has proven to be helpful for disease prevention, early recognition of disease progression, vaccine development, and interventions aimed at reducing immunopathology have been shown to reduce adverse clinical outcomes and improve prognosis. Moreover, several key mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 genome sequence result in an enhanced binding affinity to the host cell receptor, or produce immune escape, leading to either increased virus transmissibility or virulence of variants that carry these mutations. This review characterizes the structural features of SARS-CoV-2, its variants, and their interaction with the immune system, emphasizing the role of dysfunctional immune responses and cytokine storm in disease progression. Additionally, potential therapeutic options are reviewed, providing critical insights into disease management, exploring effective approaches to deal with the public health crises caused by SARS-CoV-2.
Soil bacterial diversity and community structure of Suaeda glauca vegetation in the Hetao Irrigation District, Inner Mongolia, China
Authors: Dong Ruixiao , Wang Xinbo , Li Yuyi , Zhang Hongyuan , Li Xiaobin , Song Jiashen , Chang Fangdi , Feng Wenhao , Pang Huancheng , Wang Jing
Published: June 2024

Exploring the bacterial community in the S. glauca rhizosphere was of great value for understanding how this species adapted to the saline-alkali environment and for the rational development and use of saline-alkali soils. In this study, high-throughput sequencing technology was used to investigate the diversity characteristics and distribution patterns of soil bacterial communities in the rhizosphere of S.glauca-dominated communities in the Hetao Irrigation Distract, Inner Mongolia, China. The relationships among bacterial characteristics, soil physicochemical properties and vegetation in four sampling sites were analyzed. The soil bacterial communities in the rhizosphere of S. glauca-dominated communities were mainly composed of 16 phyla (i.e., Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Gemmatimonadetes, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, Firmicutes, Planctomycetes, Deinococcus-Thermus, Verrucomicrobia, Saccharibacteria, Cyanobacteria, Nitrospirae, JL-ETNP-Z39, Parcubacteria and Chlorobi), and these populations accounted for more than 99% of the total bacterial community. At the genus level, the main bacterial communities comprised Halomonas, Nitriliruptor, Euzebya and Pelagibius, which accounted for 15.70% of the total bacterial community. An alpha diversity analysis indicated that the richness and diversity of rhizosphere soil bacteria differed significantly among the sampling sites, and the bacterial richness and diversity indices of severe saline-alkali land were higher than those of light and moderate saline-alkali land. The principal component analysis (PCA) and linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) showed significant differences in the species composition of the rhizosphere soil bacterial community among different sampling sites. A correlation analysis showed that the number of bacterial species exhibited the highest correlation with the soil water content (SWC). The richness and evenness indices were significantly correlated with the SWC and SO42–, K+ and Mg2+ concentrations. The electrical conductivity (EC), soluble ions (Na+, CO32– + HCO3–, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and SO42+), SWC and vegetation coverage (VC) were the main drivers affecting the changes in its community structure. The bacterial community in the rhizosphere of S. glauca enhanced the adaptability of S. glauca to saline-alkali environment by participating in the cycling process of nutrient elements, the decomposition of organic matter and the production of plant growth regulating substances. These results provided a theoretical reference for further study on the relationship among rhizosphere soil microorganisms and salt tolerance in halophytes.
The photoactivated antifungal activity and possible mode of action of sodium pheophorbide a on Diaporthe mahothocarpus causing leaf spot blight in Camellia oleifera
Authors: Shi Xu-Long , Yang Jing , Zhang Yu , Qin Piao , Zhou He-Ying , Chen Yun-Ze
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Sodium pheophorbide a (SPA) is a natural plant-derived photosensitizer, with high photoactivated antifungal activity against some phytopathogenic fungi. However, its fungicidal effect on Diaporthe mahothocarpus, a novel pathogen that causes Camellia oleifera leaf spot blight, is unclear.

Methods

In the present study, we explored its inhibitory effects on spore germination and mycelial growth of D. mahothocarpus. Then we determined its effects on the cell membrane, mycelial morphology, redox homeostasis, and cell death through bioassay. Finally, RNA-seq was used further to elucidate its mode of action at the transcriptional level.

Results

We found that SPA effectively inhibited the growth of D. mahothocarpus, with half-maximal effective concentrations to inhibit mycelial growth and spore germination of 1.059 and 2.287 mg/mL, respectively. After 1.0 mg/mL SPA treatment, the conductivity and malondialdehyde content of D. mahothocarpus were significantly increased. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy indicated that SPA significantly affected the morphology and ultrastructure of D. mahothocarpus hyphae, revealing that SPA can destroy the mycelial morphology and cell structure, especially the cell membrane of D. mahothocarpus. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed that SPA significantly suppressed the expression of genes involved in morphology, cell membrane permeability, and oxidative stress. Then, we also found that SPA significantly promoted the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in of D. mahothocarpus, while it decreased the content of reduced glutathione, inhibited the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, and exacerbated DNA damage. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining also confirmed that 1.0 mg/mL SPA could significantly induce apoptosis and necrosis.

Discussion

Generally, SPA can induce ROS-mediated oxidative stress and cell death, thus destroying the cell membrane and hyphal morphology, and ultimately inhibiting mycelial growth, which indicates that SPA has multiple modes of action, providing a scientific basis for the use of SPA as an alternative plant-derived photoactivated fungicide against C. oleifera leaf spot blight.
Neural circuit mechanisms of acupuncture effect: where are we now?
Authors: Wang Xuesong , Wang Jia , Han Rui , Yu Chaochao , Shen Feng
Published: June 2024

Recently, there has been increasing attention on the impact of acupuncture on the dysregulated neural circuits in different disease. This has led to new understandings of how acupuncture works. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of research that have examined the impact of acupuncture on abnormal neural circuits associated with pain, anxiety, Parkinson’s disease, addiction disorders, cognitive problems, and gastrointestinal disorders. These studies have shown that acupuncture’s therapeutic effects are mediated by specific brain areas and neurons involved in neural circuit mechanisms, emphasising its wide-ranging influence. The positive impacts of acupuncture can be ascribed to its ability to modify the functioning of neurocircuits in various physiological conditions. Nevertheless, contemporary studies on acupuncture neural circuits frequently overlook the comprehensive circuit mechanism including the periphery, central nervous system, and target organ. Additionally, the scope of diseases studied is restricted. Future study should focus on broadening the range of diseases studied and exploring the neural circuit mechanisms of these diseases in depth in order to enhance our understanding of acupuncture’s neurobiological impacts.
The dietary inflammatory index and cardiometabolic parameters in US firefighters
Authors: Christodoulou Andria , Christophi Costas A. , Sotos-Prieto Mercedes , Moffatt Steven , Zhao Longgang , Kales Stefanos N. , Hébert James R.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Dietary choices play a crucial role in influencing systemic inflammation and the eventual development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) is a novel tool designed to assess the inflammatory potential of one’s diet. Firefighting, which is characterized by high-stress environments and elevated CVD risk, represents an interesting context for exploring the dietary inflammatory-CVD connection.

Aim

This study aims to investigate the associations between Energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII™) scores and cardiometabolic risk parameters among US firefighters.

Methods

The study analyzed 413 participants from the Indianapolis Fire Department who took part in a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-sponsored Mediterranean diet intervention trial. Thorough medical evaluations, encompassing physical examinations, standard laboratory tests, resting electrocardiograms, and submaximal treadmill exercise testing, were carried out. Participants also completed a detailed food frequency questionnaire to evaluate dietary patterns, and E-DII scores were subsequently computed based on the gathered information.

Results

Participants had a mean body mass index (BMI) of 30.0 ± 4.5 kg/m2 and an average body fat percentage of 28.1 ± 6.6%. Regression analyses, adjusted for sex, BMI, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), max metabolic equivalents (METS), age, and body fat percentage, revealed significant associations between high vs. low E-DII scores and total cholesterol (β = 10.37, p = 0.04). When comparing low Vs median E-DII scores there is an increase in glucose (β = 0.91, p = 0.72) and total cholesterol (β = 5.51, p = 0.26).

Conclusion

Our findings support an association between higher E-DII scores and increasing adiposity, as well as worse lipid profiles.
Rice body synovitis in pediatrics: three different case reports
Authors: Wang Liping , Jin Yingying , Huang Hua , Yang Zhen , Ding Fei , Xu Xuemei , Liu Chenxi , Bao Shengfang , Han Xiqiong , Ma Jing , Jin Yanliang , Cai Haiqing
Published: June 2024

Rice body synovitis (RBS) is a rare disease, especially in children. Rheumatoid disorders and tuberculosis are the first two reasons for the formation of the RB. The diagnosis is mainly based on imaging and histopathological features. Herein, we report three cases of RBS in children diagnosed with congenital synovial chondromatosis, tuberculosis (unconfirmed), and ANA -positive juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Clinical features, radiographic findings, pathophysiology, treatment process, and prognosis were reviewed and documented meticulously to enhance cognition in this population and provide some references for clinicians in diagnosing and treating the disease.
Evaluating the use of laparoscopic gastrostomy in children with congenital heart disease in Colombia: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Chaparro-Zaraza Diego Fernando , Pinilla-Orejarena Adriana Patricia , Otoya-Castrillón Juan Pablo , Chacón-Valenzuela Daniella , Quintero-Olarte Juan Jose , Cifuentes-Rincón Angélica Belen , Quesada-Uribe Bryan Felipe , Durán-Hernandez Alvaro , Bermon Anderson , Manrique-Hernandez Edgar Fabian
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common congenital disorder and a leading cause of infant mortality. Despite improved survival rates, patients with CHD often face malnutrition due to increased metabolic demands, feeding difficulties, and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Malnutrition in CHD is linked to poor short and long-term clinical outcomes. Gastrostomy (GT) is frequently used for long-term enteral support, and laparoscopic GT (LGT) has demonstrated advantages in children without CHD. This study evaluated a modified Georgeson's percutaneous LGT technique and its perioperative complications in children with CHD.

Methods

We performed an analytical retrospective cohort study from 2018 to 2022, including patients younger than 24 months with a diagnosis of CHD who underwent LGT. The primary outcome evaluated was the presence of complications during surgery and the first thirty postoperative days. Complications were graded using Clavien–Dindo's (CD) classification. Sociodemographic, clinical, and procedure-related variables were collected. A bivariate analysis was performed using STATA 15, and a p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Seventy-eight patients were eligible (male 56.41%, Median age 129.5 days, weight: 4.83 kg). The median surgery time was 35 min. The complication rate was 24.36%. The most frequent complications were GT site infection (10.26%), followed by leakage (8.97%) and granuloma formation (6.41%). Conversion to open surgery was significantly associated with postoperative complications (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

This modified technique is well-tolerated in children with CHD, demonstrating a low rate of CD grade 3A/3B complications and no grade 4 or 5 complications.
Legume–grass mixtures improve biological nitrogen fixation and nitrogen transfer by promoting nodulation and altering root conformation in different ecological regions of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Luo Feng , Mi Wenbo , Liu Wenhui
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) plays a crucial role in nitrogen utilization in agroecosystems. Functional characteristics of plants (grasses vs. legumes) affect BNF. However, little is still known about how ecological zones and cropping patterns affect legume nitrogen fixation. This study’s objective was to assess the effects of different cropping systems on aboveground dry matter, interspecific relationships, nodulation characteristics, root conformation, soil physicochemistry, BNF, and nitrogen transfer in three ecological zones and determine the main factors affecting nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (Ndfa) and nitrogen transferred (Ntransfer).

Methods

The 15N labeling method was applied. Oats (Avena sativa L.), forage peas (Pisum sativum L.), common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), and fava beans (Vicia faba L.) were grown in monocultures and mixtures (YS: oats and forage peas; YJ: oats and common vetch; YC: oats and fava beans) in three ecological regions (HZ: Huangshui Valley; GN: Sanjiangyuan District; MY: Qilian Mountains Basin) in a split-plot design.

Results

The results showed that mixing significantly promoted legume nodulation, optimized the configuration of the root system, increased aboveground dry matter, and enhanced nitrogen fixation in different ecological regions. The percentage of nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa) and percentage of nitrogen transferred (%Ntransfer) of legumes grown with different legume types and in different ecological zones were significantly different, but mixed cropping significantly increased the %Ndfa of the legumes. Factors affecting Ndfa included the cropping pattern, the ecological zone (R), the root nodule number, pH, ammonium-nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, microbial nitrogen mass (MBN), plant nitrogen content (N%), and aboveground dry biomass. Factors affecting Ntransfer included R, temperature, altitude, root surface area, nitrogen-fixing enzyme activity, organic matter, total soil nitrogen, MBN, and N%.

Discussion

We concluded that mixed cropping is beneficial for BNF and that mixed cropping of legumes is a sustainable and effective forage management practice on the Tibetan Plateau.
Omics approaches open new horizons in major depressive disorder: from biomarkers to precision medicine
Authors: Stolfi Fabiola , Abreu Hugo , Sinella Riccardo , Nembrini Sara , Centonze Sara , Landra Virginia , Brasso Claudio , Cappellano Giuseppe , Rocca Paola , Chiocchetti Annalisa
Published: June 2024

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a recurrent episodic mood disorder that represents the third leading cause of disability worldwide. In MDD, several factors can simultaneously contribute to its development, which complicates its diagnosis. According to practical guidelines, antidepressants are the first-line treatment for moderate to severe major depressive episodes. Traditional treatment strategies often follow a one-size-fits-all approach, resulting in suboptimal outcomes for many patients who fail to experience a response or recovery and develop the so-called “therapy-resistant depression”. The high biological and clinical inter-variability within patients and the lack of robust biomarkers hinder the finding of specific therapeutic targets, contributing to the high treatment failure rates. In this frame, precision medicine, a paradigm that tailors medical interventions to individual characteristics, would help allocate the most adequate and effective treatment for each patient while minimizing its side effects. In particular, multi-omic studies may unveil the intricate interplays between genetic predispositions and exposure to environmental factors through the study of epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, gut microbiomics, and immunomics. The integration of the flow of multi-omic information into molecular pathways may produce better outcomes than the current psychopharmacological approach, which targets singular molecular factors mainly related to the monoamine systems, disregarding the complex network of our organism. The concept of system biomedicine involves the integration and analysis of enormous datasets generated with different technologies, creating a “patient fingerprint”, which defines the underlying biological mechanisms of every patient. This review, centered on precision medicine, explores the integration of multi-omic approaches as clinical tools for prediction in MDD at a single-patient level. It investigates how combining the existing technologies used for diagnostic, stratification, prognostic, and treatment-response biomarkers discovery with artificial intelligence can improve the assessment and treatment of MDD.
Assessing the impact of short-term ozone exposure on excess deaths from cardiovascular disease: a multi-pollutant model in Nanjing, China’s Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Sun Fengxia , Gong Xing , Wei Li , Zhang Yi , Ge Ming , Xiong Liling
Published: June 2024

Background

Ozone pollution is associated with cardiovascular disease mortality, and there is a high correlation between different pollutants. This study aimed to assess the association between ozone and cardiovascular disease deaths and the resulting disease burden in Nanjing, China.

Methods

A total of 151,609 deaths from cardiovascular disease were included in Nanjing, China from 2013 to 2021. Daily data on meteorological and air pollution were collected to apply a generalized additional model with multiple pollutants to perform exposure-response analyses, stratification analysis, and evaluation of excess deaths using various standards.

Results

In the multi-pollutant model, an increase of 10 μg/m3 in O3 was significantly associated with a 0.81% (95%CI: 0.49, 1.12%) increase in cardiovascular disease deaths in lag05. The correlation weakened in both the single-pollutant model and two-pollutant models, but remained more pronounced in females, the older group, and during warm seasons. From 2013 to 2021, the number of excess deaths attributed to ozone exposure in cardiovascular disease continued to rise with an increase in ozone concentration in Nanjing. If the ozone concentration were to be reduced to the WHO standard and the minimum level, the number of deaths would decrease by 1,736 and 10,882, respectively.

Conclusion

The risk of death and excess deaths from cardiovascular disease due to ozone exposure increases with higher ozone concentration. Reducing ozone concentration to meet WHO standards or lower can provide greater cardiovascular disease health benefits.