bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro incubation reveals the gut microbiota is resilient to changes in hydrogenotrophic activities in which methanogenesis is an optional niche
Authors: Wang Taojun , Smidt Hauke , Zoetendal Erwin G.
Published: December 2022

Background:Hydrogen metabolism plays a central role in microbial fermentation. However, how hydrogenotrophic microbes impact microbiota composition and metabolite production in gut ecosystems remains largely unknown. Hence, this study investigates the impact of altering two of the key hydrogenotrophic activities, namely methanogenesis and sulphate reduction, on human gut microbiota composition and metabolite production. Fecal slurries from three methane excretors (MEs) and three non-methane excretors (NMEs) were inoculated into basal medium with pectin or a carbohydrate mixture as substrates. Methanogenesis was inhibited by adding 2-bromoethanesulfonate to ME incubations, or stimulated by addingMethanobrevibacter smithiito NME incubations. Sulphate reduction was stimulated by adding sodium sulphate to both incubations.Results:Our observations revealed that microbial richness and composition, and propionate and methane production differed significantly between MEs and NMEs. Lower hydrogen concentrations were observed in MEs compared to NMEs in the incubations with pectin, but not with the carbohydrate mixture. Remarkably, sulphate was not consumed in either ME or NME incubations. AddingM. smithiito the NME inocula resulted in its persistence in the community and methane production during incubations. The addition of 2-bromoethanesulfonate inhibited methane production in the ME incubations, accompanied with a lower relative abundance of methanogens when pectin was used as substrate. However, altering methanogenesis did not significantly change overall microbiota composition and short chain fat acid production in MEs and NMEs.Conclusions:Thesefindings suggest that methanogens can occupy a niche in a microbiota that originally lacks methanogens, but that modulating methanogenesis has a minor effect on overall microbiota composition and activity.
Comparative Study of Waste to Energy Adaptation System at Asokore Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana
Authors: Mahamud Yussif , Owusu Prince Appiah , Ahiekpor Julius
Published: December 2022

The current Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM) system in Asokore Mampong solely confined to waste collection and disposal in landfills, which has had a long-term negative influence on the public and environment health. However, this paper aims to assess the advantages of MSW in terms of power generation and environmental implications from waste management using mathematical models from secondary data and information obtained from many sources of literature. Three options were explored using Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) and Matlab simulink models. To make comparison, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and material flow analyses (MFA) were used. A bomb calorimeter was used to determined the calorific trash value for incineration, and methane amount generated for anaerobic digestion (AD) and Landfill with Gas Recovery (LGP) was computed. The findings indicated a high potential for using the techniques in Asokore Mampong since these wastes could generate value while they are now being discarded and endangering human life. The energy recovery potential of the liquid waste was also estimation using buswell equation.
Effect of the dual library on long-range (3 km) SF 6 (Hexafluoride Sulfur) detection efficiency by portable Stand-off FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared) detector
Authors: Byun Hyung Joon , Nam Hyunwoo , Kim Jong-Seon
Published: December 2022

A critical limitation in developing portable Fourier transform-infrared (FTIR) stand-off chemical detectors is the detection library optimization, which reduces the number of false alarms and maintains the detection performance. Ideally, a detection library should be established through high-resolution (0.5 cm-1) FTIR spectroscopy in the laboratory. However, owing to the weight requirement of a portable FTIR stand-off detector, its optical system and mirror-moving range have limitations. Consequently, most portable FTIR stand-off detectors have been developed with a low resolution of approximately 4–16 cm-1. In this study, we developed a portable FTIR stand-off detector with a dual library of SF6. Moreover, we investigated its detection efficiency effect depending on the single library condition through realistic long-range (3 km) SF6 spectrum data in a field test.
The increasing risk of future simultaneous droughts over the Yangtze River basin based on CMIP6 models
Authors: Zhang Ying , Hu Xin , Zhang Zengxin , Kong Rui , Peng Zhenhua , Zhang Qi , Chen Xi
Published: December 2022

Drought projection is critical for water resource planning and management, as well as disaster prevention and mitigation. As a strategic national water source for China, the Yangtze River Basin (YRB) plays a vital role in the connectivity of rivers and economic development, flowing through 11 provincial administrative regions and is injected into the East China Sea, with a total length of 6,397 kilometers. The watershed covers an area of 1.8 million square kilometers, accounting for about 1/5 of China's total land area. However, frequent droughts have caused water shortages in the YRB in recent years. Based on observed meteorological and hydrological data, the CMIP6 model and SPEI (standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index) drought models were used to elucidate the risk of future simultaneous droughts in the upper and mid-lower reaches of the YRB from 2015 to 2100. The results indicated that, (1) From a historical perspective (1961–2019), the middle reaches of the YRB have seen the highest total basin drought frequency (Frequency of moderate and above drought events) (> 17%), where seasonal drought has mostly been concentrated; (2) Compared with the SSP1-2.6 scenario, the frequency, intensity, and scope of droughts in the YRB will continuously increase, where the frequency of moderate and extreme drought will be stronger under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, from 2020 to 2100; 3) In the near future (2021–2050), the YRB will experience relatively high total drought frequency under the SSP1-2.6 scenario, while in the far future (2071–2100) under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, the SPEI projects a greater intensification of moderate drought; 4) Under all three scenarios, drought is projected to simultaneously occur more frequently basin-wide from 2030–2040. The middle-lower reaches of the YRB are forecast to witness the largest scope and highest intensity of drought under the SSP1-2.6 scenario. While under the SSP5-8.5 scenario, drought is estimated to be distributed basin-wide with a saddle-shaped distribution in the middle reaches, and reaching a maximum in the lower reaches. These trends demonstrate the effects of climate change on spatially variable drought across the entire YRB basin. More attention and improved strategies should be brought to bear to address future simultaneous droughts in the upper and mid-lower YRB.
Conditional Inference on the Inverse Weibull Distribution Parameters
Authors: Maswadah
Published: December 2022

It is widely known that confidence intervals based on conditional inference are usually just as effective as Bayesian confidence intervals based on the non-informative prior. However, they are less efficient than those based on the Bayesian inference using the informative prior distribution. Therefore, this paper's main objective is to find the conditional point estimates using the pivotal functions for the inverse Weibull distribution parameters, based on the generalized progressive hybrid-censoring scheme, and compare them with the Bayesian estimates, via Monte Carlo simulation. The simulation results showed that the conditional inference is highly efficient and provides better estimates than the Bayesian estimates based on different loss functions. Finally, the proposed model could be necessary for analysing real data to demonstrate the efficiencies of the proposed methods.
Integrative multiomics reveals common endotypes across PSEN1, PSEN2, and APP mutations in familial Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Valdes Phoebe , Caldwell Andrew B , Liu Qing , Fitzgerald Michael Q , Ramachandran Srinivasan , Karch Celeste M , (DIAN) Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network , Galasko Douglas R , Yuan Shuana H , Wagner Steven L , Subramaniam Shankar
Published: December 2022

Background
Mutations in PSEN1, PSEN2, and APP can lead to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) with an early age at onset (AAO) and hallmark progressive cognitive decline. These mutations are highly penetrant. Although mutations in PSEN1 are more common and usually have an earlier AAO, certain mutations in PSEN1 cause a later AAO, similar to PSEN2 and APP mutations. We sought to determine whether common disease endotypes exist across these mutations with a relatively late AAO.
Methods
We generated hiPSC-derived neurons from patients harboring autosomal-dominant, familial Alzheimer’s disease (FAD) mutations in PSEN1, PSEN2, and APP with a documented age at onset (AAO) around 55 years: PSEN1A79V, PSEN2N141I, and APPV717I. We carried out RNA-seq and ATAC-seq to mechanistically characterize the gene expression and chromatin accessibility changes, respectively. Differential expression analysis, enrichment analysis, TF activity identification, and co-expression module detection were performed for RNA-seq. Differential peak analysis and annotation, TF motif footprinting and differential motif accessibility, and peak functional enrichment were performed for ATAC-seq. This approach allowed us to identify the correlation between gene expression and chromatin accessibility associated with key disease endotypes.
Results
Using a multiomics approach, we identify and characterize common endotypes in mutations across all three FAD genes: dedifferentiation of a mature neuron to a less differentiated quasi-neuron state, dysregulation of synaptic signaling, repression of mitochondrial function and metabolism, and inflammation. The integrativeanalysis allowed us to ascertain the master transcriptional regulators associated with these endotypes, including REST, ASCL1, and ZIC family members (activation), as well as NRF1 (repression).
Conclusions
Our findings characterize the common regulatory changes within endotypes across these FAD mutations. However, the severity of dysregulation often differs between PSEN1, PSEN2, and APP mutations both in magnitude and direction. The overarching common link between mutations in FAD genes is the reversion to a less-differentiated neuron state. The transcriptional regulatory mechanisms described within disease endotypes offer potential targets for therapeutic interventions.
A Rare Case of Parotid Gland Neoplasm With Squamous Cell Origin
Authors: Khan Yameena Noman , Mala Ali , Osmani Asif Hussain , Kumar Vinesh
Published: December 2022

Primary squamous cell carcinoma of the parotid gland is a rare and an aggressive malignancy and has devastating consequences. Although managed with radical surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy, the outcome of this disease remains dismal. It is vital to distinguish these tumors from metastatic squamous cell carcinoma and other primary malignancies of the parotid gland via clinical and histological examinations. We hereby report a case of a young male patient presented with a progressively increasing mass in the left parotid region, with radiology and pathology consistent with primary parotid gland SCC along with lung metastasis. He received palliative chemotherapy initially but later passed away due to progression of disease.
Classification of anthropogenic minerals for sustainable resource governance
Authors: Zeng Xianlai , Xu Guochang , Li Jinhui
Published: December 2022

The depletion of primary resources and the increase in waste have weakened global sustainability. Recycling secondary resources through a circular economy is playing an increasingly larger role in sustaining supply. However, a lack of scientific classification and quantification of secondary resources, also called “anthropogenic minerals”, has impeded the systematic and efficient governance of these resources. Here, through an analogy to the geological mineral classification framework, we create an assessment methodology of anthropogenic mineral resources, reserve bases, and reserves. Using automobiles and electrical and electronic equipment as examples, we found the formation of anthropogenic mineral resources of 42 target metals reached 15 million metric tonnes in 2021 in China, of which only 11–17 metals have anthropogenic mineral reserves and can be partially recycled, and the other 25–31 undergo a single life cycle in these modern products. A scientific assessment approach will contribute significantly to building industrial material circulation and conserving virgin resources by using secondary resources. This innovative classification framework and quantification method could potentially foster better policy-making for secondary resource governance and an improved technical system in the circular economy with the aim of decoupling economic growth from resource depletion and environmental degradation.
Técnicas de Transplante Capilar e suas Principais Complicações: uma Revisão Integrativa
Authors: Cintra Gabriel Silva , Cristovão Alex Xavier , Silva Marcus Vinícius de Azevedo , Corazza Adalberto Vieira
Published: December 2022

O transplante capilar é um procedimento estético que vem ganhando destaque e popularidade nos últimos anos, devido ao grande avanço das técnicas cirúrgicas, a Extração de Unidade Folicular (FUE) e Transplante de Unidades Foliculares (FUT). Partindo disso, a pesquisa objetivou avaliar, por meio de revisão de literatura, as principais vantagens e desvantagens das duas técnicas, assim como suas principais aplicações e complicações. Através de quatro descritores, as pesquisas foram realizadas nas bases de dados U.S. National Library of Medicine (NIH), através de sua ferramenta de busca PubMed e base de dados MEDLINE. Após a análise do conteúdo encontrado e exclusão dos materiais que não atendiam ao tema do estudo, além de teses, monografias e dissertações, nove artigos foram selecionados para o embasamento do artigo. Ao fim da revisão de literatura proposta, concluiu-se que tanto a técnica FUT quanto a FUE podem ser recomendadas aos pacientes interessados em realizar transplante capilar, embora cada uma possua particularidades que atendem melhor determinados perfis de pacientes. De acordo com uma série de avaliações médicas, o cirurgião pode indicar ou contraindicar as técnicas cirúrgicas, comumente utilizadas para contornar casos de alopecia.
Prevalência de Transtorno de Ansiedade Generalizada em Estudantes de Medicina: Revisão da Literatura
Authors: Cintra Gabriel Silva , Cristovão Alex Xavier , Silva Marcus Vinícius de Azevedo , Japiassú Luiz Felipe Fernandes , Corazza Adalberto Vieira
Published: December 2022

Objetivo: Analisar a prevalência do transtorno de ansiedade generalizada nos acadêmicos de medicina. Revisão bibliográfica: a graduação em medicina é uma formação acadêmica que demanda muita dedicação, tempo e estudo por parte dos alunos, mas é uma cobrança que ocorre em excesso, tanto por parte da instituição, quanto do próprio aluno, a falta de imposição de limites resulta no aumento da pressão psicológica e emocional, sobrecarga de horário e estudos, além de manifestar sintomas de ansiedade que vão se agravando com o passar do tempo. Os fatores de riscos para o desenvolvimento desses sintomas podem estar ligados a alguma condição psicológica que o indivíduo passou no passado, ou situações de estresse psicológico contínuo, além da interferência dos fatores ambientais. A TAG é uma patologia que está em ascensão no meio acadêmico, principalmente no curso de medicina. Considerações finais: A saúde mental dos acadêmicos de medicina está diretamente ligada com a qualidade de vida desses indivíduos e com a qualidade da formação acadêmica que eles apresentam. Diante disso é evidente a urgente necessidade de medidas educativas através das instituições que viabilizem o combate a essa patologia, atrelado ao comprometimento dos próprios estudantes.
Nondestructive Measurement Method of Leaf Area Index Using Near-infrared Radiation and Photosynthetically Active Radiation Transmitted through a Leafy Vegetable Canopy
Authors: Yamaguchi Hiromu , Yasutake Daisuke , Hirota Tomoyoshi , Nomura Koichi
Published: December 2022

Because the leaf area index (LAI) is an essential parameter for understanding the structure and growth status of plant canopies, nondestructive and continuous estimation methods have been required. Recently, an LAI estimation method using the ratio of near-infrared radiation (NIR; 700–1000 nm) to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR; 400–700 nm) (NIRin/PARin) transmitted through a canopy has been proposed. However, because previous studies on this NIRin/PARin-based LAI estimation method are limited to tall plants (e.g., forest and rice canopies), in this study, we applied this method to a short canopy (i.e., spinach) and investigated its validity. NIRin/PARin and three other traditional indices for indirect LAI estimation—relative PPF density (rPPFD), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), and simple ratio (SR)—were measured in 25 canopies with different LAI. NIRin/PARin showed better estimation sensitivity (R2 = 0.88) to the observed LAI than the other three indices, particularly when LAI was greater than 3 m2·m−2. In addition, the LAI estimated from NIRin/PARin measured at 10-min intervals in the entire growth period could capture an increasing trend in the measured LAI throughout the entire growth stage (mean absolute error = 0.87 m2·m−2). Errors in long-term LAI estimations may be caused by the sensor location and insufficient data due to unsuitable weather conditions for measuring NIRin/PARin. The current study demonstrates the merits and limitations of the NIRin/PARin-based LAI estimation method applied to low height canopies, thereby contributing to its practical use in horticultural crops.
Cranberry Fall Nitrogen Fertilization Promotes Subsequent-season Vegetative Growth
Authors: Rojas-Barros Pedro , Bolivar-Medina Jenny , Workmaster Beth Ann , Zalapa Juan , Atucha Amaya
Published: December 2022

Plant reserves play a key role in woody perennial plant winter survival and growth resumption in the spring. In fruit crops, reserves are critical for production in temperate climates when nutrient uptake is minimal and photosynthate production is limited in newly emerged leaves. Fall nitrogen (N) fertilization can be used to increase the availability of plant reserves to support and enhance vegetative growth and fruit production the following growing season. The objective of this study was to test the effect of fall N fertilization on fruit production by evaluating yield components and their relationships to vegetative growth. A split-plot design was established in three ‘HyRed’ cranberry production beds at a farm in central Wisconsin in a 3-year study. Fall N treatments were the main effect and consisted of plots receiving a single application of 0%, 10%, 20%, and 40% of the standard N application (67 kg⋅ha–1) used during the growing season. Summer N fertilization treatments were split in five weekly applications as subplots and consisted of a complete (100%) and a balance (60%, 80%, and 90%) of the standard N application (67 kg⋅ha–1) used during the growing season. Yield was unaffected by either the fall or summer fertilization treatments, but there was an increase in berry weight and a reduction in the number of fruit per unit area using the 40% fall N fertilization treatment. The lower number of fruit per unit area resulted from an increase in the proportion of vegetative uprights—a phenomenon related to an increased length of uprights. Prolonged growth may have affected the flower bud induction window, which occurs in early fall. The fall N fertilization effect of increased vegetative growth may have been the result of an increased availability of N in spring. This result could be advantageous in the establishment of new beds or the recovery of vines that have experienced stress.
Possibilities to improve the psycho-emotional state of children with respiratory tuberculosis in in-patient settings during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Sheloumova O. S. , Zolotova N. V.
Published: December 2022

The objective: to evaluate changes in parameters of psycho-emotional state in children with respiratory tuberculosis (RTB) in in-patient settings after psychological management using relaxation and mindfulness practices and telephone counseling.

Subjects and Methods. 64 children ill with respiratory tuberculosis aged 6-13 years old were enrolled in the study and divided into 2 groups: those examined before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2019 – February 2020) (n = 30) and those examined during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 – February 2022) (n = 34). In the groups, the levels of emotional tension, anxiety and excitement in children were studied. The article also presents comparative assessment of changes in the parameters of psycho-emotional state in the group of children examined during the pandemic and after 2 months of psychological management.

Results. Children admitted to the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic were signiﬁcantly more likely to have abnormal parameters of psychoemotional state versus children hospitalized before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. After 2 months of psychological management using relaxation and mindfulness practices and telephone counseling, most children demonstrated improvement of their psycho-emotional state parameters.
Multi-Analytical Characterization of Rupestrian Precolonial Paintings of Inhuma, Piauí, Brazil
Authors: de Moura Jacira , Lage Maria Conceição , Farias Filho Benedito , de Faria Dalva Lúcia , de Barros Wilkins , Loureiro Hugo
Published: December 2022

The chemical-mineralogical characterization of rupestrian paintings in red, white, black and yellow colors, which decorate the rocky walls from the archaeological sites of Ema and Furna dos Índios (Inhuma, Piauí, Brazil) was performed. The chemical analyses were performed in situ by the non-invasive analytical technique X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) as well as in laboratory using a non-destructive approach, without previous sample preparation, and Raman microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) techniques. The results, when together, allowed unequivocal identification of the main substances responsible for the color pigments, namely, hematite (red pigment), gypsum (white pigment), amorphous carbon from charcoal (black pigment) and goethite (yellow pigment).
THE INTER-RATER AND INTRA-RATER RELIABILITY OF GLENOHUMERAL JOINT POSITION AND MOVEMENT SENSE TESTS APPLIED USING AN ISOKINETIC DYNAMOMETER
Authors: ARSLAN Serdar , YAPALI Gökmen
Published: December 2022

Purpose: This study aimed to test the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of glenohumeral joint (GHJ) position and movement sense tests of an isokinetic dynamometer in healthy individuals.

Methods: The study included 17 healthy subjects (8 female). GHJ position and movement sense tests were applied by two raters with an isokinetic dynamometer to the dominant extremity. Both tests were performed while GHJ positioned 90° abduction and elbow flexion, reference angles for position sense were 30°-60° internal and external rotation and movement sense tests were conducted at 0.1°/s to the both internal and external rotation directions. The error score, by averaging the three trials, was measured as the absolute difference between the target angle and the observed angle.

Results: The different error types calculated for position sense were in the range of mean 0.02±1.62- 5.42±1.74. The ICC value for the different error types was determined in the range of 0.038 - 0.657 for the intra-rater tests, and 0.095-0.779 for the inter-rater tests. The movement sense test results for different directions and angles ranged from 9.61±2.61 to 11.18±2.89. The ICC values for movemeent sense were in the range of 0.687-0.912 for the intra-rater tests, and 0.844-0.925 for the inter-rater tests.

Conclusion: The isokinetic dynamometer showed moderate-good intra-rater and inter-rater test reliability in the measurement of the GHJ internal rotation movement sense. The intra-rater test reliability was poor in external rotation but the inter-rater test reliability was moderate-good. However in the measurement of movement sense, the isokinetic dynamometer showed intra-rater and inter-rater test reliability at an excellent level. The conformity of both the position and the movement sense tests, and therefore, the repeatability, was extremely good.
An assessment methodology for drought severity and vulnerability using precipitation-based indices for the arid, semi-arid and humid districts of Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Natarajan N. , Vasudevan M. , Ahash Raja S. , Mohanpradaap K. , Sneha G. , Joshna Shanu S.
Published: December 2022

As the short- and long-term impacts of climate change are becoming more visible at smaller regional scales, frequent occurrence (absence) of erratic precipitation as well as water scarcity issues can be identified as reliable indicators for predicting meteorological droughts. A supervised declaration of meteorological drought based on available precipitation data requires an understanding of reliability and consistency of drought indices for appropriate severity classification. An attempt has been made in this study to critically evaluate the performance of six popular drought indices namely, Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), China Z Index (CZI), Modified China Z Index (MCZI), Deciles Index (DI), Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI), and Z-Score Index (ZSI) for four districts in Tamil Nadu falling under arid (Karur), semi-arid (Cuddalore), dry sub-humid (Kanyakumari) and moist sub-humid (Coimbatore) conditions based on 120 years of precipitation records. Results showed that the SPI and CZI provided similar quantification of drought events (about 18% of the total months) irrespective of their climatic considerations while ZSI and RAI resulted in overestimation of drought severity (about 30–47%). Based on the classification strategy adopted for the selected indices, a framework for drought vulnerability assessment is proposed in conjunction with the estimated drought severity classifications.
Flow behaviour concerning bank stability in the presence of spur dike – A review
Authors: Patel Harish Kumar , Arora Sukhjeet , Lade Abhijit D. , Kumar Bimlesh , Azamathulla H. Md.
Published: December 2022

Flow in streams and rivers typically erodes the banks, causing channel bank migration laterally, resulting in loss of nearby land, modification in channel morphology, excessive sediment transport, and water quality degradation. A spur dike is a hydraulic structure placed at the channel bank projecting outward to guide or divert the flow away from the bank, thus protecting it from erosion. The stability of the riverbed and banks is influenced by turbulent characteristics such as three-dimensional velocity distribution, turbulent kinetic energy, Reynolds shear stress, turbulent intensity, and bed shear stress. The researchers found that these turbulence parameters are instrumental in sediment movement along the channel's bed and from its banks. Spurs dikes are a significant river training structure provided along the river bank to protect from erosion. Several aspects related to spur dikes, such as their geometry, physical features, design considerations, flow and scour patterns, etc., are critically reviewed in this paper. Despite the numbers of literature in the field of turbulent characteristics and scour depth around spur dike, the role of vegetation and the effect of seepage around spur dike still remains an unexplored area. These knowledge gaps of spur dikes in field conditions are discussed for future studies.
Macro, micromorphological and histological aspects of the intestine pirarucu Arapaima gigas (SCHINZ, 1822) (Osteoglossiformes: Arapaimidae)
Authors: Pinto Keila Silva , Melo Luana Félix de , Aquino Julia Bastos de , Dantas Filho Jerônimo Vieira , Schons Sandro de Vargas , Miglino Maria Angelica , Rici Rose Eli Grassi
Published: December 2022

Currently, the fish farming with Arapaima gigas has suffered from technological obstacles in the fields of reproduction, health and nutrition, making it necessary to know the morphology of its structures, so that it can advance in more technified research in scope of production in Rondônia state, as well as in aquaculture nutrition and health. Therefore, the aimed is to characterize the macro and microscopic morphology of posterior digestive system of A. gigas. The intestine of six specimens A. gigas in ideal slaughter size was analyzed. The analyzes were performed using light-sheet microscopy (LM) and scanning electron (SEM) techniques. The intestine basically showes similar histological characteristics in three analyzed portions (proximal, middle and distal). Same type of simple columnar epithelium with goblet cells was evidenced, with subtle variations in pattern of villi in each segment, and in number of goblet cells. In the rectum, the amount of goblet cells and evident longitudinal villi was expressive. Macroscopic anatomy and histology of the intestine A. gigas analyzed showes characteristics of adaptation to cultivation, according to their diet and habitat. The intestinal mucosa can divided into three distinct portions: proximal, middle and final intestine, in addition to the rectum and anus. In the pyloric cecum, the folds are slightly higher and poorly branched. The rectum, compared to the midgut, showed a higher occurrence of goblet cells in the mucosa. This increase in goblet cells observed in the posterior portion may related to the assimilation of ions and fluids that occur at this location.
Antimicrobial resistance and mecA gene in Staphylococcus spp. isolates from horses used in family farming
Authors: Martins Mariane Pinheiro , Mota Jéssica , Fazoli Kawany Gabrieli Zanetti , Santos Isabela Carvalho dos , Guaitolini Carlos Renato de Freitas , Gonçalves Daniela Dib
Published: December 2022

Horses can contribute to the spread of bacterial diseases, which can be caused mainly by, Staphylococcus spp., which are part of the animals’ commensal microbiota, but it is also considered a pathogenic microorganism capable of causing serious infections. vancomycin, when it is resistant to methicillin. Antimicrobial resistance is considered a major health problem by the World Health Organization and the emergence of the mecA gene, responsible for resistance to the class of beta-lactam antibiotics. Thus, the aim of this work was to investigate the antimicrobial resistance profile and the presence of the mecA gene in Staphylococcus spp. isolated from the nasal, oral and auricular microbiota of horses used as animal traction on small family farms. Nasal, oral and auricular swabs were collected from 38 horses, with 29 (76.3%) isolated in nasal swab, 15 (39.4%) in auricular swab and 9 (23.6%) in oral swab, totaling 53 Staphylococcus spp. and 50 (94.33%) samples were resistant to the 11 antimicrobials tested, none of which were positive for molecular tests to identify the mecA gene. The results demonstrate the presence of Staphylococcus spp. associated with high (94.33%) bacterial resistance, indicating that horses can be considered reservoirs of multi-resistant microorganisms.
Cutaneous candidiasis caused by antifungal-resistant Candida sp. strain in canine individual
Authors: Madureira Luana de Araújo , Cirino Raise Nayara Vieira , Araújo Lorena Santos Rodrigues , Ribeiro Ana Isabela Lima , Oliveira Nayara Silva , Ribeiro Larissa Sarmento dos Santos
Published: December 2022

The aim of the current report is to describe a cutaneous candidiasis case affecting a canine individual treated at the University Veterinary Hospital of State University of Maranhão (UEMA), in São Luís City. The patient had three-month history of skin diseases; it had been previously subjected to several treatments based on antibiotics, corticosteroids and antifungal drugs that have failed to show clinical improvements. Dermatological assessment has indicated generalized moist dermatitis, intense skin desquamation, alopecia, pruritus and meliceric crusts along the animal’s body, mainly in its dorsal region. Complementary tests, such as skin cytology and microscopy, trichogram, qualitative PCR and serology for canine visceral leishmaniasis, as well as fungal culture and antifungigram were requested based on this scenario. Serology recorded inconclusive results for leishmaniasis, whereas PCR recorded negative results in the presence of the agent’s DNA. Cytology, microscopy and trichogram results have evidenced fungal infection in the assessed samples. Moreover, mycological culture and antifungigram resulted in the growth of Candida sp. specimens capable of resisting antifungal agents such as amphotericin B, fluconazole, itraconazole and nystatin. The therapy adopted after candidiasis diagnosis confirmation comprised oral doses of manipulated ketoconazole, in combination to topical therapy with shampoo based on moisturizing formulas associated with Miconazole and Chlorhexidine (at 2%), for four weeks. After 30 days, when the adopted therapy was over, the aforementioned animal presented remission of the previously observed lesions and fully improved condition.
Demografik Özellikler Açısından İş Stresi Algısı: Konaklama Sektörü Örneği
Authors: Sözbilir Fikret
Published: December 2022

Bu çalışmada konaklama ve yiyecek içecek sektöründe çalışan personelin demografik özelliklerinin iş stres düzeyleri üzerindeki etkisinin belirlenmesi ve analiz sonuçları doğrultusunda bazı önerilerde bulunmak amaçlanmıştır. Araştırma kapsamında, Ordu ilinin Altınordu ilçesinde faaliyet gösteren konaklama ve restoran işletmelerinde çalışanlara internet üzerinden anket gönderilmiştir. Kolayda örnekleme yoluyla belirlenen 300 kişilik örnekleme gönderilen ankete 92 kişinin katılımı ile dönüş oranı %30,6 olarak gerçekleşmiştir. Elde edilen verileri analiz etmek için SPSS 25 programı ile betimleyici istatistikler, güvenilirlik, geçerlilik, korelasyon, bağımsız örneklem t testi ve MANOVA analizleri kullanılmıştır. Analiz sonuçlarında, çalışanların demografik özelliklerinin örgütsel iş stres düzeylerini anlamlı biçimde etkilemediği bulgulanmıştır. Araştırma sonuçlarına dayalı olarak, uygulayıcıların çalışanlarının iş stresini azaltmaları için onların demografik özelliklerinden daha çok başka faktörleri dikkate almaları ve çözüm aramaları önerilmiştir.
Bronchoscopy Findings of Severe and Critical COVID-19 Patients Treated in ICU: A Year of Experience in a Developing Country
Authors: Pratomo Irandi Putra , Priyonugroho Gatut , Baskoro Hario , Handayani R.R. Diah , Zaini Jamal , Rozaliyani Anna , Aditianingsih Dita , Kusumaningrum Ardiana , Kinasih Tutug , Maretta Ike , Rasigita Himela Asfi
Published: December 2022

Background:

Bronchoscopy procedure in patients with COVID-19 poses significant challenges, especially in a developing country with limited resources.

Objectives:

We aim to describe the clinical characteristics of severe and critical COVID-19 patients treated in an intensive care unit (ICU) and their bronchoscopy findings.

Methods:

We performed a retrospective analysis of clinical data of ICU patients with COVID-19 treated and received bronchoscopy procedures. This study retrospectively included all consecutive patients who underwent bronchoscopy at a teaching hospital in Depok, Indonesia, from May, 2020, until May, 2021.

Results:

A total of 57 bronchoscopy procedures in 54 patients were performed in this study. Primary procedure indications were retained mucus (68.4%) and ventilatory support weaning failure (15.8%). Bronchoscopic findings were mostly hyperaemic mucosa (95.00%) and purulent secretion (50.90%). Microbiological findings from bronchoalveolar samples were Acinetobacter baumanii, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Candida albicans (33.3%, 26.6%, and 10.5%, respectively). The most common fungal isolated were Candida albicans (28%), followed by Candida tropicalis (16%) and Aspergillus sp. (8%). The overall length of hospital stay was 24 days, and the in-ICU stay was 22.06 ± 10.99 days. The patients’ survival of 28-days postprocedural outcome was 25.9% (14 subjects). Follow-up found that 20.4% of patients survived after sixty days of hospitalization.

Conclusion:

Diagnostic and therapeutic bronchoscopy in ICU patients with COVID-19 was safe and feasible to perform in developing countries with limited resources. It could help bronchial mucous clearance and confirm microbiological infection. The procedures should be strictly performed for patients with indications and comply with safety standards.
Polymeric Nanoparticles as Drug Delivery System: Basic Concepts and Applications
Authors: Tiwari Sakshi , Gidwani Bina , Namdeo Priya , Tripathi Atul , Kumar Pandey Ravindra , Shukla Shiv Shankar , Joshi Veenu , Jain Vishal , Kumar Jain Vikas , Vyas Amber
Published: December 2022

Delivering drugs through various delivery systems into the body for
successful treatment of diseases is most entrancing deeds for the pharmaceutical
analyst. Conventional drug delivery systems have various hindrances like loss of
medication and poor bioavailability of drugs. Polymer-based nanocarriers such as
polymeric nanoparticles upgrade bioavailability of drug, delivery of drug to specific
site and improve solubility of drugs. They are widely explored as controlled, precise,
sustained and continuous release systems for drug delivery and are easily incorporated
and appropriate for practically all parts of nanomedicines and bring new trust in field of
drug conveyance by redesigning drug viability and diminishing drug toxicity. This
chapter mainly focuses on polymers and techniques engaged with advancement of
polymer-based nanoparticles and their applications in therapeutic intervention.
An Overview on Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery System for its Specific and Targeted Effects in Various Diseases
Authors: Krishna Rao Balaga Venkata , Pradhan Aditi , Singh Sneha , Dev Abhimanyu
Published: December 2022

In modern-day medicine, nanoparticles and nanocarriers are rapidly
evolving fields in therapeutics and are the building blocks of nanomedicine, which
emphasize the use of nanoscale particles that have a wide array of functions from
working as a diagnostic tool to the screening, monitoring, and controlling of various
diseases to the delivery of drugs at specific targets in a controlled manner. With the
advancement in technologies, it is proven that nanoparticles have a greater potential in
wide biomedical applications. Due to their ability to bind with both hydrophobic and
lyophilic substances, lower particle size, higher carrier capacity, nanoparticles serve as
a favorable platform for specific and targeted drug delivery in disease treatment.
Nanoformulations can improve the safety, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and
bioavailability of administered drugs, and can improve the therapeutic effect when
compared with conventional therapies. Besides, nanoparticles may also be effective in
delivering nucleotides, vaccines, and recombinant proteins. Several varieties of
nanoparticles are available: different metal and polymeric nanoparticles like gold/silver
nanoparticles and micelles, dendrimers. Carbon-derived nanoparticles like quantum
dots, carbon tubes, and many other nano assemblies. Numerous nanocarriers,
nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, and drug targeting systems are either
developed or under development. In this chapter, we will emphasize mainly the
specific and targeted nanoparticles and the use of various nanocarriers for the targeted
delivery of drugs in various diseases. The opportunities and challenges of using
nanoparticles/nanocarriers in targeted delivery along with its clinical applications are
also discussed here.
Biological Approaches to Nanoparticles Synthesis and their Applications in the Development Of Herbal Formulations
Authors: Shrivastava Vivek , Patel Bhavisha , Jain Akhlesh K.
Published: December 2022

This chapter focuses on the sustainable environment for the synthesis of
nanoparticles using microorganisms, enzymes, or botanical extracts as an alternative to
chemical synthesis, and their subsequent application in herbal drug delivery systems.
The objective is to emphasize the rapid, straightforward, and reliable synthesis of
nanoparticles using a novel, preferably eco-friendly process. Herbal drugs are gaining
prominence due to their ability to treat chronic diseases, such as arthritis and
hypertension. However, several constraints, such as poor solubility, poor
bioavailability, and low oral absorption, have restricted their use. Nanoparticle-loaded
phytochemicals disperse conveniently in liquid and thus perforate easily. Merging
nanotechnology with herbal medicine is required to produce better therapeutics with
improved activity in the fight against long-term chronic disorders. Tissue engineering
is another significant application of nanotechnology.
Characterization of MDF produced with bolaina (Guazuma crinita Mart.) wood residues from plantation
Authors: Cipra Rodriguez José Alberto , Gonzales Mora Héctor Enrique , Cárdenas Oscanoa Aldo Joao
Published: December 2022

Bolaina (Guazuma crinita Mart.) is one of the most widely used plant species in the forest plantations in Ucayali, Peru. The production of bolaina wood has increased, consequently the generation of wood residues has also risen. Fortunately, this waste can be used as raw material to manufacture other products. This study aims to produce test boards that can achieve at least, the minimal requirements of European and American standard for medium-density fiberboards (MDF) produced using two types of pulps, namely refiner mechanical pulp (RMP) and chemi-mechanical pulp (CMP), from bolaina wood residue obtained from a 5 to 8-year-old forest plantation and using two types of resins: urea-formaldehyde (UF) and emulsion polymer isocyanate (EPI). To manufacture RMP and CMP, wood residues were pretreated through water and 5% sodium hydroxide (w/w) soaking respectively for 24 h. The fiber morphological parameters of both pulps were analyzed using the Morfi compact equipment. Additionally, woods and pulps were also chemically characterized. The solid contents of the resins were 65% for UF and 23% for EPI diluted with distilled water. Both resins were applied with a dose of 10% (w/w). Four types of MDF were prepared: RMP-UF, CMP-UF, RMP-EPI, and CMP-EPI. The results confirmed the feasibility of preparing MDF with wood residues (5% bark) of bolaina as the raw material. In terms of the contributions of resins, MDF with EPI exhibited better physical and mechanical properties than that manufactured with the UF. The pulps, RMP and CMP, had similar performance in MDF. The RMP-EPI and CMP-EPI boards exhibited the best properties.
An Intervention Program to Reduce Medication-Related Problems Among Polymedicated Home-Dwelling Older Adults (OptiMed): Protocol for a Pre-Post, Multisite, Pilot, and Feasibility Study
Authors: Pereira Filipa , Dixe Maria dos Anjos , Gonçalves Pereira Sónia , Meyer-Massetti Carla , Verloo Henk
Published: December 2022

Background

Effective medication management is one of the essential preconditions for enabling polymedicated home-dwelling older adults with multiple chronic conditions to remain at home and preserve their quality of life and autonomy. Lack of effective medication management predisposes older adults to medication-related problems (MRPs) and adverse health outcomes, which can lead to the degradation of a patient’s acute clinical condition, physical and cognitive decline, exacerbation of chronic medical conditions, and avoidable health care costs. Nonetheless, it has been shown that MRPs can be prevented or reduced by using well-coordinated, patient-centered, interprofessional primary care interventions.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the feasibility and acceptability of an evidence-based, multicomponent, interprofessional intervention program supported by informal caregivers to decrease MRPs among polymedicated home-dwelling older adults with multiple chronic conditions.

Methods

This quasi-experimental, pre-post, multisite pilot, and feasibility study will use an open-label design, with participants knowing the study’s objectives and relevant information, and it will take place in primary health care settings in Portugal and Switzerland. The research population will comprise 30 polymedicated, home-dwelling adults, aged ≥65 years at risk of MRPs and receiving community-based health care, along with their informal caregivers and health care professionals.

Results

Before a projected full-scale study, this pilot and feasibility study will focus on recruiting and ensuring the active collaboration of its participants and on the feasibility of expanding this evidence-based, multicomponent, interprofessional intervention program throughout both study regions. This study will also be essential to projected follow-up research programs on informal caregivers’ multiple roles, enhancing their coordination tasks and their own needs. Results are expected at the end of 2024.

Conclusions

Designing, establishing, and exploring the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention program to reduce the risks of MRPs among home-dwelling older adults is an underinvestigated issue. Doing so in collaboration with all the different actors involved in that population’s medication management and recording the first effects of the intervention will make this pilot and feasibility study’s findings very valuable as home care becomes an ever more common solution.

Trial Registration

Swiss National Clinical Trials Portal 000004654; https://tinyurl.com/mr3yz8t4