bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of the essential visual skills required for soccer: Beyond 20–20 optometry
Authors: Millard Lourens , Breukelman Gerrit Jan , Mathe Nonkululeko , Shaw Ina , Shaw Brandon S.
Published: October 2022

In ball sports such as soccer, the visual system is critical in guiding a player's search for crucial information that underpins skillful behavior, which requires the incorporation of all of the relevant information in the environment in order to make successful decisions under pressure. However, vision in sport, and focusing on the specific visual skills required to be successful in a particular sport has largely been a practice ignored by experts and coaches as being an essential component of athletic performance. This is the first attempt to summarize and compile the necessary visual skills for soccer. This review's evidence suggests that, while current research still tends to focus on visual skills as a whole, there is a need to streamline this focus to the necessities of a particular sport. Furthermore, in identifying the visual skills essential for soccer, it allows for the effective training and testing of these skills, as well as for talent identification.
Postoperative serum myoglobin as a predictor of early allograft dysfunction after liver transplantation
Authors: Zhang Jin , Han Yuzhen , Ke Shuhao , Gao Rongyue , Shi Xiaocui , Zhao Song , You Pan , Jia Huimiao , Ding Qi , Zheng Yue , Li Wenxiong , Huang Lifeng
Published: October 2022

Background

Early allograft dysfunction (EAD) is a common postliver transplant complication that has been associated with graft failure and risk for poor prognosis. There are many risk factors for the incidence of EAD after liver transplantation (LT). This study investigated whether elevated postoperative myoglobin (Mb) increases the incidence of EAD in liver transplanted recipients.

Methods

A total of 150 adult recipients who measured Mb within 3 days after liver transplantation between June 2019 and June 2021 were evaluated. Then, all patients were divided into two groups: the EAD group and the non-EAD group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed, and receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs) were constructed.

Results

The incidence of EAD was 53 out of 150 patients (35.3%) in our study. Based on the multivariate logistic analysis, the risk of EAD increased with elevated postoperative Mb (OR = 1.001, 95% CI 1.000–1.001, P = 0.002). The Mb AUC was 0.657, and it was 0.695 when combined with PCT. When the subgroup analysis was conducted, the AUC of serum Mb prediction was better in patients whose preoperative model for end-stage liver disease score  ≤ 15 or operative time ≥ 10 h (AUC = 0.751, 0.758, respectively, or 0.760, 0.800 when combined with PCT).

Conclusion

Elevated Mb significantly increased the risk of postoperative EAD, suggesting that postoperative Mb may be a novel predictor of EAD after liver transplantation.

The study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR2100044257, URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn).
Minimally invasive discectomy versus open laminectomy and discectomy for the treatment of cauda equina syndrome: A preliminary study and case series
Authors: Khashan Morsi , Ofir Dror , Grundshtein Alon , Kuzmenko Boris , Salame Khalil , Niry Dana , Hochberg Uri , Lidar Zvi , Regev Gilad J.
Published: October 2022

Background

Cauda Equina syndrome (CES) is a potentially devastating condition and is treated usually with urgent open surgical decompression of the spinal canal. Currently, the role of minimally invasive discectomy (MID) as an alternative surgical technique for CES is unclear.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to compare clinical outcomes following MID and open laminectomy and discectomy for the treatment of CES.

Methods

The study cohort included patients that underwent surgery due to CES at our institute. Patients' outcomes included: surgical complications, length of hospitalization, postoperative lower extremity motor score (LEMS), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for leg and back pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI), and the EQ-5D health-related quality of life questionnaire.

Results

Twelve patients underwent MID and 12 underwent open laminectomy and discectomy. Complications and revisions rates were comparable between the groups. Postoperative urine incontinence and saddle dysesthesia improved in 50% of patients in both groups. LEMS improved from 47.08 ± 5.4 to 49.27 ± 0.9 in the MID group and from 44.46 ± 5.9 to 49.0 ± 1.4 in the open group. Although, leg pain improved in both groups from 8.4 ± 2.4 to 3 ± 2.1 in the MID and from 8.44 ± 3.3 to 3.88 ± 3 in the open group, significant improvement in back pain was found only in the MID group. Final functional scores were similar between groups.

Conclusions

Our preliminary results suggest that minimally invasive discectomy is an effective and safe procedure for the treatment of CES when compared to open laminectomy and discectomy. However, MID in these cases should only be considered by surgeons experienced in minimally invasive spine surgery. Further studies with bigger sample sizes and long-term follow-ups are needed.
Effects of adding mixed chicken and quail egg yolks to the cryodiluent on the quality of ram semen before and after cryopreservation
Authors: Swelum Ayman A. , Ba-Awadh Hani A. , Olarinre Isiaka O. , Saadeldin Islam M. , Alowaimer Abdullah N.
Published: October 2022

The effects of adding mixed chicken and Japanese quail egg yolks (EYs) to the cryodiluent on the quality of ram semen before freezing and post-thawing were evaluated. Additionally, the composition of chicken and quail egg EYs and their mixture were analyzed for results explanation. The semen was collected from rams (n = 5) and extended with cryodiluent containing the EY of chicken, quail or their mixture (1:1). The extended semen was chilled slowly to 5 °C within 2 h and equilibrated for 2 h, before frozen on the liquid nitrogen vapor and cryopreserved at −196 °C. The straws were evaluated before freezing and post-thawing for sperm motility, vitality and abnormality besides plasma-membrane and DNA integrities. The moisture, ash, protein, and fatty acid (FA) contents of chicken EY, quail EY and their mixture were analyzed. Sperm vitality, plasma membrane integrity and DNA integrity before freezing were significantly (P < 0.05) higher in quail EY than chicken EY and mixed EYs cryodiluent. The chicken EY extender significantly improved the vitality, plasma membrane and DNA integrities of post-thawed ram semen in comparison with quail EY or mixed EYs extenders. While, the post-thawing sperm abnormalities was lower (P ≤ 0.05) in quail EY than chicken EY and mixed EYs cryodiluent. The post-thawing sperm motion kinetics parameters were higher in quail EY than chicken EY and mixed EYs cryodiluent. The highest percentages of moisture, ash, saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) were detected in quail EY had. While, the highest percentages of fat, protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were detected in chicken EY. In conclusion, using of chicken EY can improve total motility, vitality, plasma membrane integrity and DNA integrity of cryopreserved ram semen. While, using of quail EY can improve sperm abnormalities and kinetic motion parameters of cryopreserved ram semen. Mixing chicken and quail EYs added no value for post-thawing ram semen parameters.
Relationship between neutralizing and opsonizing monoclonal antibodies against foot-and-mouth disease virus
Authors: Summerfield Artur , Gerber Heidi , Schmitt Rebeka , Liniger Matthias , Grazioli Santina , Brocchi Emiliana
Published: October 2022

Previous studies demonstrated that polyclonal antibodies against foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) generated by vaccination can mediate immune functions not only through virus neutralization but also through promoting virus uptake by macrophages and dendritic cells that are otherwise resistant to FMDV infection. This causes abortive infections resulting in activation, enhanced antigen presentation but also cell death. Here we report the use of RAW264.7 cells representing a murine macrophage cells line to characterize opsonizing functions of a collection of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against FMDV O and A serotypes. We demonstrate that all neutralizing immunoglobulin G isotype mAbs are able to opsonize FMDV resulting in increased cell death of RAW264.7 cells. In contrast, neutralizing IgM antibodies did not possess this activity. Opsonization was observed with broader reactivity within the serotype when compared to neutralization. Importantly, the anti-O serotype D9 mAb reacting with the continuous epitope within the G-H loop of VP1 that contains the RGD binding site of FMDV, opsonized several FMDV serotypes despite its restricted neutralizing activity within the O serotype. Furthermore, by generating RAW264.7 cells expressing bovine CD32, an easy-to-use cell-based assay system to test for bovine antibody-dependent enhanced infection of FMDV was generated and tested with a collection of sera. The data indicate that opsonizing titers correlated better with vaccine dose when compared to neutralizing titers. On the other hand, neutralization and opsonization titers were similar predictive of protection. We conclude that low avidity interactions are sufficient to mediate Fcγ receptor-mediated immune functions that could contribute to protective immune responses against FMDV.
An analysis of African Swine Fever consequences on rural economies and smallholder swine producers in Haiti
Authors: Jean-Pierre Ralph P. , Hagerman Amy D. , Rich Karl M.
Published: October 2022

African Swine Fever (ASF) causes high mortality and often results in strict culling policies for affected pigs and international market restrictions. It took more than 25 years for swine inventories in Haiti and the Dominican Republic to recover from an ASF outbreak that took place from 1978 to 1984. The 2021 outbreaks in the Dominican Republic and Haiti pose threats to animal health, livestock markets, and producer livelihoods. A partial equilibrium Haitian pig sector model (HPM-2021) was developed to assess the economic impacts of a 2021 Haitian ASF outbreak of a similar size to the 1980s outbreak. The dynamic model examines ASF impacts from 2021 to 2024, through 100 iterations of stochastic supply shocks, and three specific demand shocks. Recovery alternatives are assessed through 2030, and outbreaks and recovery outcomes are compared to a baseline reflecting 2019 trends. The analysis includes economic effects on national pork and maize in Haiti, the Dominican Republic, the rest of the Caribbean, and the rest of the world. Findings demonstrate higher vulnerabilities of the traditional sector to ASF-related disruptions. The inflated prices generated by pork production shortfalls are an opportunity to accelerate income growth for remaining traditional pig producers. When there is no consumer avoidance, the production losses caused by ASF generate high prices and contribute to a minimum of 49% increase in traditional sector revenue, and a minimum of 2.22% revenue growth in the commercial sector from the 2019 base year. Nevertheless, the potential for consumer avoidance of pork cause prices to decrease and offset those gains by as much as 90% in the traditional sector and 44% in the commercial sector. Smaller commercial sector impacts derive from different elasticities. ASF-induced high prices also lead to increased consumer expenditure losses by up to 200% over the outbreak period. Nevertheless, consumer expenditures tend to recover instantaneously with ASF eradication. Due to persisting demand shocks, producers will earn up to 0.3% lower than baseline levels income from 2027 to 2030. Few models evaluate the economic impacts of health response policies in less developed countries like Haiti. HPM-2021 results highlight ASF impacts on prices, which can benefit certain producers and disincentivize on-farm disease reporting. Slow recovery and consumer avoidance of pork are detrimental to long-term swine industry survival, producer livelihoods, and the overall rural economy.
Donor Size Doesn’t Impact En Bloc Kidney Transplant Outcomes: A Single-Center Experience and Review of Literature
Authors: Spaggiari Mario , Petrochenkov Egor , Patel Hiteshi , Di Cocco Pierpaolo , Almario-Alvarez Jorge , Fratti Alberto , Tzvetanov Ivo , Benedetti Enrico
Published: October 2022

Few transplant programs use kidneys from donors with body weight (BW)<10 kg due to higher incidence of vascular and urological complications, and DGF. The purpose of this study was to investigate the non-inferiority of pediatric en bloc kidneys from donors with BW<10 kg. We performed a single-center retrospective analysis of en bloc kidney transplants from pediatric donor cohort (n = 46) from 2003 to 2021 and stratified the outcomes by donor BW (small group, donor BW<10 kg, n = 30; standard group, donor BW<10 kg, n = 16). Graft function, rate of early post-transplant complications, graft and patient survival were analyzed. Complication rates were similar between both groups with 1 case of arterial thrombosis in the smaller group. Overall graft and patient survival rates were similar between the small and the standard group (graft survival—90% vs. 100%, p = 0.09; patient survival—96.7 vs. 100%, p = 0.48). Serum creatinine at 1, 3, 5 years was no different between groups. Reoperation rate was higher in the small group (23.3% vs. 6.25%, p = 0.03). The allograft from small donors could be related to higher reoperation rate in the early post-transplant period, but not associated with lower long-term graft and patient survival.
Learning-Based Pose Estimation of Non-Cooperative Spacecrafts with Uncertainty Prediction
Authors: Li Kecen , Zhang Haopeng , Hu Chenyu
Published: October 2022

Estimation of spacecraft pose is essential for many space missions, such as formation flying, rendezvous, docking, repair, and space debris removal. We propose a learning-based method with uncertainty prediction to estimate the pose of a spacecraft from a monocular image. We first used a spacecraft detection network (SDN) to crop out the rectangular area in the original image where only spacecraft exist. A keypoint detection network (KDN) was then used to detect 11 pre-selected keypoints with obvious features from the cropped image and predict uncertainty. We propose a keypoints selection strategy to automatically select keypoints with higher detection accuracy from all detected keypoints. These selective keypoints were used to estimate the 6D pose of the spacecraft with the EPnP algorithm. We evaluated our method on the SPEED dataset. The experiments showed that our method outperforms heatmap-based and regression-based methods, and our effective uncertainty prediction can increase the final precision of the pose estimation.
Development of Heat Stress Forecasting System in Mechanically Ventilated Broiler House Using Dynamic Energy Simulation
Authors: Cho Jeong-Hwa , Lee In-Bok , Lee Sang-Yeon , Park Se-Jun , Jeong Deuk-Young , Decano-Valentin Cristina , Kim Jun-Gyu , Choi Young-Bae , Jeong Hyo-Hyeog , Yeo Uk-Hyeon , Lee Seung-Jae
Published: October 2022

The internal rearing environment of livestock houses has become an important issue in the last few years due to the rapid increase in meat consumption. As the number of days of heat waves increase continuously, problems caused by abnormal weather changes steadily occurred. Thus, the main goal of this study is to develop a technology that can automatically calculate heat stress for livestock by considering weather forecast data. Specifically, a web-based heat stress forecasting system for the evaluation of heat stress in broilers was developed. The field experiments were carried out at the selected broiler house to measure and analyze the external weather, the internal environment, and the ventilation flow rate of fans used in tunnel ventilation. The developed model was validated by comparing the field and simulated thermal environment values. Based on a reliable model, Land-Atmosphere Modeling Package (LAMP) weather forecast data was used to show the stress index on the internal rearing environment with a heat stress index suitable for South Korea. When the users input the farm location, structure and equipment, and rearing information, users responded after receiving heat stress from the broiler raised in a mechanically ventilated broiler house.
Goat-Face Recognition in Natural Environments Using the Improved YOLOv4 Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Fu , Wang Shunqing , Cui Xiahua , Wang Xinyue , Cao Weihua , Yu Huang , Fu Sanling , Pan Xiaoqing
Published: October 2022

In view of the low accuracy and slow speed of goat-face recognition in real breeding environments, dairy goats were taken as the research objects, and video frames were used as the data sources. An improved YOLOv4 goat-face-recognition model was proposed to improve the detection accuracy; the original backbone network was replaced by a lightweight GhostNet feature extraction network. The pyramid network of the model was improved to a channel management mechanism with a spatial pyramid structure. The path aggregation network of the model was improved into a fusion network with residual structure in the form of double parameters, in order to improve the model’s ability to detect fine-grained features and distinguish differences between similar faces. The transfer learning pre-training weight loading method was adopted, and the detection speed, the model weight, and the mean average precision (mAP) were used as the main evaluation indicators of the network model. A total of 2522 images from 30 dairy goats were augmented, and the training set, validation set, and test set were divided according to 7:1:2. The test results of the improved YOLOv4 model showed that the mAP reached 96.7%, and the average frame rate reached 28 frames/s in the frontal face detection. Compared with the traditional YOLOv4, the mAP improved by 2.1%, and the average frame rate improved by 2 frames/s. The new model can effectively extract the facial features of dairy goats, which improves the detection accuracy and speed. In terms of profile face detection, the average detection accuracy of the improved YOLOv4 goat-face-recognition network can reach 78%. Compared with the traditional YOLOv4 model, the mAP increased by 7%, which effectively demonstrated the improved profile recognition accuracy of the model. In addition, the improved model is conducive to improving the recognition accuracy of the facial poses of goats from different angles, and provides a technical basis and reference for establishing a goat-face-recognition model in complex situations.
Moderate Boron Concentration Beneficial for Flue-Cured Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) Seedlings Growth and Development
Authors: Li Mengxia , Sun Haowei , Sun Jianfeng , Li Jialiang , Zhang Xiaowei , Zhang Ke , Wang Tao , Ji Xinwei , Deng Xiaopeng , He Chenggang , Li Yongzhong , Zou Congming
Published: October 2022

Boron (B) deficiency is a common phenomenon in most tobacco-planting areas in Yunnan, China. In 2020 and 2022, hydroponic experiments that contained B in a concentration gradient of 0.000, 0.125, 0.250, 0.750, 5.000, 10.000, 20.000, and 40.000 mmol L−1 were conducted to investigate tobacco cultivar K326′s agronomic traits, photosynthetic performance, antioxidant enzymes, and boron and nicotine concentration. As B concentration increased, indices including leaves biomass and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) generally increased first and then decreased, which was in contrast to antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT). With increasing B concentration, boron content in tobacco seedlings increased significantly by 24.00~96.44%, while decreased nicotine content by 21.60~82.03%. The highest biomass and photosynthetic performance were obtained within 0.75 and 5.00 mmol L−1 treatments. The results of the sandy soil pot verification experiment were similar to the hydroponic experiment obtained. The beneficial mechanism of moderate B on tobacco seedlings is to maintain cell structure integrity, enhance photosynthetic capability, and promote root growth. Consequently, the optimum B concentration for tobacco seedlings is 0.75~5.00 mmol L−1, and applying 0.25~0.50 B kg hm−1 in soil under available B insufficiency could meet the needs of the growth of flue-cured tobacco.
Minimal PM2.5 Impact Observed in Communities Near Large, Recurring, Non-Independence Day Festivals with Fireworks Displays
Authors: Lang Victoria A. , Kahl Jonathan D. W.
Published: October 2022

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from fireworks displays have been linked to serious health concerns, particularly in infants and children. Outdoor displays in large, recurring festivals such as state fairs thus may threaten local air quality, particularly given the proximity of fairgrounds to substantial, nearby residential populations. Here, we identify state fairs with known firework displays and assess their impact on air quality in nearby communities. We assessed the impact of three large, recurring festivals on PM2.5 levels in nearby communities. Overall, our multi-year analysis failed to identify measurable increases in PM2.5 concentrations during festival days at air quality monitoring sites within 4–10 km of the fairgrounds, even when data were filtered by wind direction. Results suggest that firework displays from such festivals are unlikely to violate PM2.5 air quality standards in communities near the fairgrounds. The results suggest that identifying a potential air pollution signal associated with fireworks is challenging, particularly in urban fairgrounds where air quality is impacted by multiple local and distant pollution sources. Local impacts may yet be identified in future studies if air quality is monitored closer to the fairgrounds and if the fireworks pyrotechnic content is known.
Is Vancomycin More Effective than Taurolidine? Comparative Analysis of Their Preventive Effect against Spinal Infection in 1000 Patients with Spinal Fusion
Authors: Eun Dong-Chan , Suk Kyung-Soo , Kim Hak-Sun , Kwon Ji-Won , Moon Seong-Hwan , Lee Yong-Ho , Lee Byung-Ho
Published: October 2022

This study aimed to examine the effect of taurolidine irrigation on preventing surgical site infection by comparing the spinal infection rate after spinal fusion surgery using vancomycin powder application and taurolidine irrigation. Of 1081 participants, 369 underwent taurolidine irrigation, 221 underwent vancomycin powder application, and 491 were controls. Of the 20 surgical site infections (1.85%), 14 occurred in the control group (2.85%), 5 in the vancomycin group (2.26%), and 1 (0.27%) in the taurolidine group. Among the various variables, age at the time of surgery, smoking, surgical site, and hemovac removal time were significant in the univariate logistic regression. The final result was derived after variable selection using the stepwise method. In the univariate model, the odds ratios were 0.09 and 0.79 in each of the vancomycin and taurolidine groups compared to that of the control group. In the multivariate model, the odds ratios were 0.09 and 0.83 in each of the vancomycin and taurolidine groups compared to that of the control group. The preventive effect of vancomycin powder application was not statistically significant. However, the vancomycin group showed a less effective tendency than the taurolidine group. Taurolidine irrigation may be a good substitute for the vancomycin powder application.
Multidrug-Resistant Helicobacter pylori Strains: A Five-Year Surveillance Study and Its Genome Characteristics
Authors: Sukri Asif , Hanafiah Alfizah , Yusoff Hamidah , Shamsul Nizam Nur Atiqah , Nameyrra Zarith , Wong Zhiqin , Raja Ali Raja Affendi
Published: October 2022

Background: The emergence of multidrug-resistant Helicobacter pylori has undermined eradication strategies to prevent the development of gastric cancer. This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of secondary antibiotic resistance of H. pylori in urban multicultural areas in Malaysia. Methods: From January 2017 to December 2021, gastric biopsies from 218 patients with a history of H. pylori eradication failure were sent to our laboratory for antibiotic susceptibility testing. A minimal inhibitory concentration was determined for six antibiotics, namely metronidazole, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, amoxicillin, tetracycline, and rifampicin using the E-test method. Two multidrug-resistant H. pylori strains identified in this study were subjected to whole genome sequencing. Results: Eradication failure was observed to be significantly higher in the Malaysian Chinese patients than in the Malaysian Indian and Malay patients. H. pylori were successfully isolated from 51 patients (23.4%). Overall, the antibiotic resistance rates of H. pylori to metronidazole, clarithromycin, levofloxacin, and amoxicillin were 82.4% (42/51), 72.5% (37/51), 52.9% (27/51), and 3.9% (2/51), respectively. Resistance to tetracycline and rifampicin were not observed during the study period. Resistance to more than one antibiotic was observed in 82.4% (42/51) of the isolates, of which 42.2% (19/42) were resistant to three antibiotic classes. Resistance to both clarithromycin and metronidazole were most frequently observed in isolates with dual resistance (56.5%; 13/23). Codon substitutions in penicillin-binding protein 1A (V346L, V374L, G595_V596InsG, Y604H, and N608S) were detected in amoxicillin-resistance H. pylori strains. Herein, we report amoxicillin resistance in H. pylori isolated from Malaysian patients, and its resistance mechanism, for the first time. Conclusion: Our results show the increase trend in secondary multidrug resistance in H. pylori isolates, which warrants continuous surveillance.
First Finding of a Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) t304/ST6 from Bovine Clinical Mastitis
Authors: Kløve Desiree Corvera , Jensen Vibeke Frøkjær , Astrup Lærke Boye
Published: October 2022

The emergence of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) comprises a global threat to humans and animals. Here, we report and characterize the MRSA t304/ST6 variant which, to our knowledge, represents the first case found in bovine clinical mastitis. In general, the MRSA t304/ST6 variant is rarely described in livestock, contrary to humans where it is widely recognized. Phenotypic and genotypic resistance profiling showed that the bovine-MRSA t304/ST6 isolate expressed low susceptibility toward cefoxitin (MICcefoxitin = 16 µg/mL) and carried the mecA resistance gene in the SCCmec IVa. The bovine-MRSA t304/ST6 isolate carried a plasmid similar to that which has been frequently observed among human-MRSA t304/ST6 isolates in Denmark (GenBank accession no. NZ_CP047022). In addition, a Staphylococcus prophage 3 (ϕSA3) was detected, encoding an immune evasion cluster (IEC) of putative virulence genes associated with human host-specificity (sea, sak, and scn). Taken together, these findings suggest that the MRSA t304/ST6 found in this study represents a recent host-jump event, with human to cow transmission. This study emphasizes the importance of and the need for performance of antimicrobial resistance surveillance among bovine mastitis pathogens, including S. aureus and MRSA.
Genomic Diversity of NDM-Producing Klebsiella Species from Brazil, 2013–2022
Authors: Camargo Carlos Henrique , Yamada Amanda Yaeko , Souza Andreia Rodrigues de , Reis Alex Domingos , Santos Marlon Benedito Nascimento , Assis Denise Brandão de , Carvalho Eneas de , Takagi Elizabeth Harummyy , Cunha Marcos Paulo Vieira , Tiba-Casas Monique Ribeiro
Published: October 2022

Background: Since its first report in the country in 2013, NDM-producing Enterobacterales have been identified in all the Brazilian administrative regions. In this study, we characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing and by molecular typing a large collection of NDM-producing Klebsiella isolates from different hospitals in Brazil, mainly from the state of Sao Paulo, over the last decade. Methods: Bacterial isolates positive for blaNDM-genes were identified by MALDI-TOF MS and submitted to antimicrobial susceptibility testing by disk diffusion or broth microdilution (for polymyxin B). All isolates were submitted to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and isolates belonging to different clusters were submitted to whole genome sequencing by Illumina technology and downstream analysis. Mating out assays were performed by conjugation, plasmid sizes were determined by S1-PFGE, and plasmid content was investigated by hybrid assembly after MinIon long reads sequencing. Results: A total of 135 NDM-producing Klebsiella were identified, distributed into 107 different pulsotypes; polymyxin B was the only antimicrobial with high activity against 88.9% of the isolates. Fifty-four isolates presenting diversified pulsotypes were distributed in the species K. pneumoniae (70%), K. quasipneumoniae (20%), K. variicola (6%), K. michiganensis (a K. oxytoca Complex species, 2%), and K. aerogenes (2%); blaNDM-1 was the most frequent allele (43/54, 80%). There was a predominance of Clonal Group 258 (ST11 and ST340) encompassing 35% of K. pneumoniae isolates, but another thirty-one different sequence types (ST) were identified, including three described in this study (ST6244 and ST6245 for K. pneumoniae, and ST418 for K. michiganensis). The blaNDM-1 and blaNDM-7 were found to be located into IncF and IncX3 type transferable plasmids, respectively. Conclusions: Both clonal (mainly driven by CG258) and non-clonal expansion of NDM-producing Klebsiella have been occurring in Brazil in different species and clones, associated with different plasmids, since 2013.
Conditioned Medium from H2O2-Preconditioned Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Ameliorates UVB-Induced Damage to Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Burón María , Palomares Teodoro , Garrido-Pascual Patricia , Herrero de la Parte Borja , García-Alonso Ignacio , Alonso-Varona Ana
Published: October 2022

Human skin exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation can result in acute photodamage through oxidative modifications of cellular components and biomolecules involved in the metabolism of dermal cells. Recently, the therapeutic potential of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) has been investigated as a novel strategy for photoprotection due to their pro-angiogenic properties, protective activity against oxidative stress and paracrine effect on dermal cells. To enhance these therapeutic properties, hASCs can be preconditioned by exposing them to sublethal cellular stressors. In this study, we first analyzed response capacity against UVB-induced oxidative stress in H2O2-preconditioned hASCs (called HC016 cells); and second, we evaluated the photoprotective effect of HC016-conditioned medium (CM) in an in vitro UVB irradiation model in cultured human foreskin fibroblasts (hFFs). The results demonstrated that HC016 cells have a greater capacity to respond efficiently to UVB-induced oxidative stress, evidenced by higher Nrf2 antioxidant system activity and enhanced viability and migration capacity. Further, HC016-CM treatment increased viability, migratory capacity and collagen type I synthesis in hFFs exposed to UVB radiation, as well as reducing their cytotoxicity, apoptosis, senescence and IL-6 secretion. Collectively, these findings support the view that HC016 cells could protect against UVB-induced photodamage via paracrine mechanisms.
Track Running Shoes: A Case Report of the Transition from Classical Spikes to “Super Spikes” in Track Running
Authors: Russo Luca , Montagnani Eleonora , Buttari Daniel , Ardigò Luca Paolo , Melenco Ionel , Larion Alin , Migliaccio Gian Mario , Padulo Johnny
Published: October 2022

Research on high-tech running shoes is increasing but few studies are available about the use of high-tech track spike shoes (super spikes), despite their growing popularity among running athletes. The aim of this case study was to investigate kinematics, kinetics, and plantar pressures of an Olympic running athlete using two different types of shoes, to provide an easy and replicable method to assess their influence on running biomechanics. The tested athlete performed six running trials, at the same speed, wearing a pair of normal spikes shoes (NSS) and a super spikes shoe (SSS), in random order. SSS increased contact time, vertical impact, and swing force (Effect Size 3.70, 7.86, and 1.31, respectively), while it reduced foot-strike type and vertical ground reaction force rate (Effect Size 3.62 and 7.21, respectively). Moreover, a significant change was observed in medial and lateral load, with SSS inducing a more symmetrical load distribution between the left and right feet compared to the NSS (SSS left medial load 57.1 ± 2.1%, left lateral load 42.9 ± 1.4%, right medial load 55.1 ± 2.6%, right lateral load 44.9 ± 2.6%; NSS left medial load 58.4 ± 2.6%, left lateral load 41.6 ± 2.1%, right medial load 49.2 ±3.7%, right lateral load 50.8 ± 3.7%). The results of this case study suggest the importance of using individual evaluation methods to assess shoe adaptations in running athletes, which can induce biomechanical modifications and should be considered by coaches to ensure optimal running performance.
Quantum-Chromodynamics-Inspired 2D Multicolor LED Matrix to Camera Communication for User-Centric MIMO
Authors: Vasantha Geetha , Salvi Sanket
Published: October 2022

With the high availability of low-cost and energy-efficient LEDs and cameras, there is increased interest in optical camera communication (OCC) to provide nonradio-frequency-based communication solutions in the domains of advertisement, vehicular communication, and the Internet of Things (IoT). As per the IEEE 802.15.7-2018 standard, new physical-layer clauses support low-frame-rate camera communication with allowable flickering. This paper proposes an OCC system that can provide user-centric multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) loosely based on quantum-chromodynamics (QCD) concepts. A QCD–OCC simulator and prototype are proposed, implemented, and evaluated on the basis of the pixel intensity profile, peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), the success of reception (%), bit-error rate (BER), and throughput under different ambient lighting conditions and distances. We observed 100% and 84% success of reception using the proposed prototype and simulator, respectively, for the data rate of 720 bps. The maximal tolerable BER of 1.13×10−2 for IoT applications was observed at a maximal distance of 200 cm and a maximal data rate of 3600 bps. The proposed system was also compared with other existing OCC systems with similar hardware and implementation requirements. The proposed QCD–OCC system provided rotation support up to 90 degrees and throughput of 4.32 kbps for a 30 fps camera.
Self-Organized Heterocyclic Amines Films on Carbon Substrates for Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Smertenko Petro , Roshchina Nina , Olkhovik Gennadiy , Khomenko Volodymyr , Butenko Oksana , Chernysh Oksana , Barsukov Viacheslav
Published: October 2022

Future technologies for organic photovoltaics include self-organization and self-assembly. Heterocyclic amines, namely sodium sulfacyl, clonidine, and cyanocobalamin, were deposited on four types of carbon-on-paper substrates by the self-organization assembly method. Each organic film was deposited in the chemical bath for 10, 20, 40, 60, and 90 min. Carbon substrates were thin layers of carbon composites deposited on Maestro paper. Compositions of carbon films of thicknesses about 20 mcm included graphitized carbon black “PureBlack@”and graphite “KGPS-1” as the permanent components, as well as activated carbon, magnetite, nanotubes, and needle graphite DBX-010 as variable components. Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) served as a binder for all of these composites. Morphological features of organic-carbon hybrids were investigated using optical microscopy MII-4 of 500 nm resolution with a SLR camera. The injection properties of the obtained hybrids were studied on standard equipment for current–voltage characteristics measuring. The thin organic films demonstrated the possibility of self-organization on various carbon substrates. The best grid morphology was determined for the optimal deposition time between 20 and 40 min with circular-type cells. The best injection properties correlated with the best morphology. These heterocyclic amines-on-carbon hybrids are promising structures for the formation of non-expensive and easily-fabricated solar cells.
Engineering of a FGM Interlayer to Reduce the Thermal Stresses Inside the PFCs
Authors: Dose Giacomo , Roccella Selanna , Romanelli Francesco
Published: October 2022

A substantial contribution of the stresses that arise inside the Plasma-Facing Components (PFCs) when a heat load is applied is caused by the mismatch of the Coefficient of Thermal Expansion (CTE) between the armor, usually made of tungsten (W), and the heat sink. A potential way to reduce such contribution to the secondary stresses is the use of an interlayer made with a Functionally Graded Material (FGM), to be interposed between the two sub-components. By tailoring the W concentration in the volume of the FGM, one can engineer the CTE in such a way that the thermal stresses are reduced inside the PFC. To minimize and, theoretically, reduce to zero the stresses due to the CTE mismatch, the FGM should ensure kinematic continuity between the armor and the heat sink, in a configuration where they deform into exactly the shape they would assume if they were detached from each other. We will show how this condition occurs when the mean thermal strain of each sub-component is the same. This work provides a methodology to determine the thickness and the spatial concentration function of the FGM able to ensure the necessary kinematic continuity between the two sub-components subjected to a generic temperature field monotonously varying in the thickness, while remaining stress-free itself. A method for the stratification of such ideal FGM is also presented. Additionally, it will be shown that the bending of the PFC, if allowed by the kinematic boundary conditions, does not permit, at least generally, the coupling of the expansion of the armor and of the heat sink. As an example of our methodology, a study case of the thermomechanical design of a steel-based PFC with an engineered W/steel FGM interlayer is presented. In such an exercise, we show that our procedure of engineering a FGM interlayer is able to reduce the linearized secondary stress of more than 24% in the most critical section of the heat sink, satisfying all the design criteria.
Removal of the Previous Root Canal Filling Material for Retreatment: Implications and Techniques
Authors: Alves Flávio R. F. , Rôças Isabela N. , Provenzano José C. , Siqueira José F.
Published: October 2022

Adequate removal of the previous filling material may be pivotal to a favorable outcome of root canal retreatment of teeth with post-treatment periodontitis in order to permit the access of irrigants and medicaments to persistent bacteria. However, even with recent technological advances, including the introduction of specially designed instruments, no technique has been shown to predictably promote complete filling removal. Supplementary approaches used after chemomechanical preparation, including the use of finishing instruments, ultrasonics and laser, have shown promising results in enhancing root canal cleaning and disinfection. This narrative review addresses the importance and implications of maximal filling removal during retreatment and discusses the effectiveness of different techniques and supplementary approaches used for this purpose.
Influence of Vibration Dampers on the Vortex-Induced Force and Flow Characteristic of Deep-Water Jacket Pipe
Authors: Luo Chao , Wei Zhirong , Chen Jiajia , Liu Liqin , Yu Yongjun
Published: October 2022

Vibration dampers are widely used in power transmission line vibration reduction. In order to use them for wind-induced vortex-induced vibration (VIV) suppression of jacket pipes, the effect of the vibration dampers on the vortex-induced force is studied using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method. The range of Reynolds numbers in simulations is in the critical interval, and the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations and shear stress transport (SST) k-ω turbulence model are used to calculate the pipe with vibration dampers. The lift coefficient of the pipe is reduced by about 65% after the vibration dampers are installed. The effect of vibration dampers on the lift force and drag force is little affected by the change of wind speed. The same number of vibration dampers are installed in two rows, and the vortex shedding frequency is reduced by about 16% compared with that for one row. The vibration dampers destroy the wake vortex of the high-velocity areas around the pipe, thereby reducing the pipe’s lift coefficient and the vortex-induced force. The vibration dampers have no obvious influence on the vortex far from the pipe.
Nighttime Image Dehazing Based on Point Light Sources
Authors: Yao Xin-Wei , Zhang Xinge , Zhang Yuchen , Xing Weiwei , Zhang Xing
Published: October 2022

Images routinely suffer from quality degradation in fog, mist, and other harsh weather conditions. Consequently, image dehazing is an essential and inevitable pre-processing step in computer vision tasks. Image quality enhancement for special scenes, especially nighttime image dehazing is extremely well studied for unmanned driving and nighttime surveillance, while the vast majority of dehazing algorithms in the past were only applicable to daytime conditions. After observing a large number of nighttime images, artificial light sources have replaced the position of the sun in daytime images and the impact of light sources on pixels varies with distance. This paper proposed a novel nighttime dehazing method using the light source influence matrix. The luminosity map can well express the photometric difference value of the picture light source. Then, the light source influence matrix is calculated to divide the image into near light source region and non-near light source region. Using the result of two regions, the two initial transmittances obtained by dark channel prior are fused by edge-preserving filtering. For the atmospheric light term, the initial atmospheric light value is corrected by the light source influence matrix. Finally, the final result is obtained by substituting the atmospheric light model. Theoretical analysis and comparative experiments verify the performance of the proposed image dehazing method. In terms of PSNR, SSIM, and UQI, this method improves 9.4%, 11.2%, and 3.3% over the existed night-time defogging method OSPF. In the future, we will explore the work from static picture dehazing to real-time video stream dehazing detection and will be used in detection on potential applications.
Optimization Drift Support Design Based on Engineering Geological and Geotechnical Analysis in Deep Hard-Rock Mine: A Case Study
Authors: Zhao Xingdong , Zeng Nan , Deng Lei , Zhu Qiankun , Zhao Yifan , Yang Shanghuan
Published: October 2022

Geotechnical issues due to inappropriate support designs of underground drift will affect mining developments and production. The aim of this study was to provide a systematic support design method for deep hard-rock drifts in China. Field investigations and laboratory studies were carried out on the engineering geological properties of the rock masses along drifts in the Sanshandao Gold Mine. Potential wedge analysis and safety factors were determined using Unwedge software. The rock mass properties and support requirements were analyzed accordingly using different rock mass classification systems; then, an updated combined support system including rock bolts, wire mesh, and shotcrete was proposed. Numerical methods were used to quantify the plastic zone and principal stress of the drift, the plastic zone was reduced, and the rock stress state was improved after installing the support systems. Field monitoring data also confirmed that the updated support system prevented excessive rock mass deformation in drift. This study provides a reliable method for deep hard-rock drift support at Sanshandao Gold Mine and will also be helpful for the optimization of subsequent support.
Improved Gamma-Decalactone Synthesis by Yarrowia lipolytica Yeast Using Taguchi Robust Design Method
Authors: Małajowicz Jolanta , Fabiszewska Agata , Nowak Dorota , Kuśmirek Sabina
Published: October 2022

The production of gamma-decalactone (GDL) by Yarrowia lipolytica is mainly based on the biotransformation of ricinoleic acid, derived from castor oil triglycerides. The main difficulty in this process is the multitude of factors that determine the growth rate of microorganisms, and thus affect the efficiency of lactone synthesis. In order to improve the technological aspects of GDL biosynthesis in batch culture, the influence of three factors was determined: substrate concentration, medium mixing intensity, and its pH, using the Taguchi solid design method (based on orthogonal array design). On the basis of four bioreactor batch cultures, the most favorable culture conditions in terms of GDL synthesis were selected using the statistical Taguchi method. The statistical method of experimental planning has shown that the optimal parameters of lactone biosynthesis are a constant pH at the level of 7, a variable mixing speed in the range of 200–500 rpm, and a substrate concentration at the level of 75 g/L. Using these parameters, about 2.93 ± 0.33 g/L of aroma was obtained. The intensity of mixing turned out to be the most important factor influencing the increase in GDL concentration in the medium.
A Variable Neighbourhood Search-Based Algorithm for the Transit Route Network Design Problem
Authors: Iliopoulou Christina , Tassopoulos Ioannis , Beligiannis Grigorios
Published: October 2022

The transit route network design problem (TRNDP) has long attracted research attention, with many metaheuristic approaches proposed for its solution. So far, and despite the promising performance of Variable Neighbourhood Search (VNS) variants for vehicle routing problems, the performance of the algorithm on the TRNDP remains unexplored. In this context, this study develops a VNS-based algorithm for the problem at hand. The performance of the algorithm is tested using benchmark networks used in bus transit network design and compared with some of the most recent and efficient methods from the literature. Results show that the algorithm yields superior results over existing implementations in short computational times.
Advanced Support Technologies in Roadway
Authors: Sun Jiahao , Liu Guoming , Hu Xiangming
Published: October 2022

In the continuous development and application of underground spaces (such as roads, tunnels and underground caverns), safe and efficient support technology is an important means to maintain the stability and integrity of roadways [...]