bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of diagnostic tests for detecting bovine brucellosis in animals vaccinated with S19 and RB51 strain vaccines
Authors: Ibarra Marcelo , Campos Martin , Hernán Benavides , Loor-Giler Anthony , Chamorro Andrea , Nuñez Luis
Published: October 2023

Background and Aim: The diagnosis of bovine brucellosis in animals vaccinated with strain-19 (S19) and Rose Bengal (RB)-51 strain vaccines can be misinterpreted due to false positives. This study aimed to compare diagnostic tests for detecting bovine brucellosis in animals vaccinated with S19 and RB51 vaccine strains.

Materials and Methods: Two groups of 12 crossbred Holstein calves between 6 and 8 months of age were used. On day 0, blood samples were collected from the animals, and the competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used for serological diagnosis of bovine Brucellosis. All animals tested negative. After the first blood collection, the animals were subcutaneously vaccinated: one group received the S19 vaccine and the other received the RB51 vaccine. From the 3rd month after vaccination, all animals were sampled. Sampling was repeated every 2 months until the 7th month. Serological diagnosis of bovine brucellosis was performed using RB, tube serum agglutination test (SAT), SAT with 2-mercaptoethanol (SAT-2Me), and fluorescence polarization assay (FPA).

Results: Animals vaccinated with S19 showed positive results with the RB, SAT, and SAT-2Me tests in all months of post-vaccination diagnosis. In animals vaccinated with S19, FPA showed positive results at months 3 and 5 and negative results at month 7, indicating that this test discriminates vaccinated animals from infected animals 7 months after vaccination. Rose Bengal, SAT, SAT-2Me, and FPA tests showed negative results in animals vaccinated with RB51 in all months of diagnosis.

Conclusion: Animals vaccinated with S19 may test positive for brucellosis using RB, SAT, or SAT-2Me tests 7 months later. Fluorescence polarization assay is an optimal alternative for diagnosing animals in the field, thereby preventing false positives, and consequently, unnecessary confiscations of animals. Animals vaccinated with RB51 tested negative with RB, SAT, SAT-2Me, and FPA tests in all months of diagnosis, confirming that the tests are ineffective for diagnosing brucellosis caused by rough strains.

Keywords: agglutination, bovine, brucellosis, vaccination.
Exploring the Impact of Resveratrol on Gynecological Cancer: Insights and Perspectives
Authors: Revathi Unni K , Amrisa Pavithra , Aparna Kumar  G , Santhy K S
Published: October 2023

Gynecological cancers, a group of malignancies affecting the female reproductive system, are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in women. Different types of gynecological cancers differ by distinct attributes, risk determinants, and therapeutic methodologies. So, depending on the type and stage of the cancer, a tailored combination of therapies is required for the treatment. However, it is shocking that the side effects of these therapeutic methods range from mild to severe. Hence, developing innovative therapeutic approaches to improve patient outcomes is imperative. Here's the juncture where the role of plant-derived compounds in curing gynecological cancers becomes evident. Various plant-derived compounds, including phytochemicals, polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids for their cytotoxic, apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, and immunomodulatory properties, have been examined so far. Besides, certain phytocompounds can modulate hormonal-dependent gynecological cancers. Among the widely studied phytocompounds, RSV is the one that is extensively researched in vitro, in vivo and in-silico studies. In this context, this review article provides insights into the present-day knowledge about how RSV can potentially manage gynecological cancers. However, further research is needed to standardize their mode of action, optimal dosages, and potential interactions with conventional treatments. Rigorous clinical trials must validate their safety and efficacy profiles in different patient populations. As a result, a novel avenue for treating and preventing gynecological cancers could emerge by harnessing the multifaceted properties of phyto compounds, instilling new hope for patients and healthcare providers alike.
Enhancing rooting efficiency and nutrient uptake in Rosa damascena Mill. cuttings: insights into auxin and cutting type optimization
Authors: El Malahi Soumia , Sbah Noureddine , Zim Jamaa , Ennami Mounia , Zakri Bahija , Mokhtari Wafaa , Taimourya Houda , Mokhtari Mimoun , Idrissi Hassani Lalla Mina
Published: October 2023

Auxin application plays a crucial role in successfully propagating and cultivating Rosa damascena Mill., a valuable plant species with cultural and economic significance. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of auxin dose and leaf presence on rooting success and nutrient uptake efficiency in Rosa damascena cuttings. Our results demonstrated that applying IBA significantly improved rooting success and nutrient absorption capacity, with a concentration of 1000 ppm being the most effective, resulting in a remarkable rooting percentage (48 ? 6%), increased root length (2.52 ? 0.25 cm) and improving leaf area (70.18 ? 5.10 cm2). The inclusion of leaves on cuttings has greatly magnified root success (90 ? 10%), leaf area (98.86 ? 17.86 cm2) and nutrient absorption efficiency, highlighting the vital role of leaves in early root development. Our findings provide valuable insights into the development of sustainable and productive cultivation methods for this significant plant species. Furthermore, our investigation emphasized the importance of optimizing auxin application, with leafy cuttings treated with 1000 ppm of auxin showing the most promising results regarding growth attributes, nutrient assimilation and survival rate.
A systematic review of digital innovations in technology-enhanced learning designs in higher education
Authors: Choi-Lundberg Derek L. , Butler-Henderson Kerryn , Harman Kristyn , Crawford Joseph
Published: October 2023

In the years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, there was considerable innovation in designing and implementing teaching and learning with technology in fully online, face-to-face and blended modes. To provide an overview of technology-enhanced learning in higher education, we conducted a systematic literature review following PRISMA guidelines of digital innovations in learning designs between 2014 and 2019, prior to emergency remote teaching responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. From 130 publications, we identified eight overlapping categories of digital technologies being deployed across higher education fields: simulation and augmented or virtual reality; Web 2.0; learning management systems; mobile learning; gamification and serious games; various technologies in classrooms; massive open online courses; and other software, websites, applications and cloud computing. We use these publications, supplemented with findings from selected meta-analyses and systematic reviews of specific technologies, as examples to guide educators designing technology-enhanced learning activities in changing circumstances that may require blended or fully online delivery. As the 130 publications had mixed perceived quality, levels of evidence and details of learning designs and evaluation presented, we suggest educators share their innovations following reporting guidelines relevant to their research methodologies, enabling others to consider transferability to other contexts and to build on their work.
Implications for practice or policy:

Leaders and administrators should support staff development of technological pedagogical content knowledge and teaching as design for student learning.
Educators and instructional designers, in designing learning experiences, should consider adult learning theories, inclusive practices and digital equity and leverage multiple technologies to facilitate students learning their curricula.
In educational research or scholarship of teaching and learning, researchers should provide sufficient detail to enable readers to assess transferability to their own contexts.
Lozan Barış Antlaşması ve Montrö Boğazlar Sözleşmesi Çerçevesinde Kanal İstanbul Projesi
Authors: GÜN Ahmet Fethi
Published: October 2023

Lozan Antlaşması kapsamında yürürlüğe giren ve ulusal bir statüye sahip olan Boğazlar, 1939 Montrö Boğazlar Sözleşmesi ile birlikte özel bir statüye kavuşmuştur. Ancak günümüzde gerek coğrafi şartlar gerekse çevresel koşullar nedeniyle Boğazların gemi geçiş trafiği yoğunluğunu azaltmak, bölgeyi daha güvenli bir hale getirmek, ekonomik ve siyasi açıdan da daha büyük faydalar sağlamak adına 2011 yılında Kanal İstanbul Projesi adı altında Boğazlara alternatif bir suyolu oluşturulmak istenmiştir. Ancak bu projenin Montrö Boğazlar Sözleşmesi’ne nasıl bir etki edeceği konusu günümüzde halen tartışma konusudur. Bu bağlamda Kanal İstanbul Projesi Montrö Boğazlar Sözleşmesi kapsamında olası riskleri ve fırsatları incelenecektir.
A Somatosensory Computation That Unifies Limbs and Tools
Authors: Miller Luke E. , Fabio Cécile , de Vignemont Frédérique , Roy Alice , Medendorp W. Pieter , Farnè Alessandro
Published: October 2023

It is often claimed that tools are embodied by their user, but whether the brain actually repurposes its body-based computations to perform similar tasks with tools is not known. A fundamental computation for localizing touch on the body is trilateration. Here, the location of touch on a limb is computed by integrating estimates of the distance between sensory input and its boundaries (e.g., elbow and wrist of the forearm). As evidence of this computational mechanism, tactile localization on a limb is most precise near its boundaries and lowest in the middle. Here, we show that the brain repurposes trilateration to localize touch on a tool, despite large differences in initial sensory input compared with touch on the body. In a large sample of participants, we found that localizing touch on a tool produced the signature of trilateration, with highest precision close to the base and tip of the tool. A computational model of trilateration provided a good fit to the observed localization behavior. To further demonstrate the computational plausibility of repurposing trilateration, we implemented it in a three-layer neural network that was based on principles of probabilistic population coding. This network determined hit location in tool-centered coordinates by using a tool’s unique pattern of vibrations when contacting an object. Simulations demonstrated the expected signature of trilateration, in line with the behavioral patterns. Our results have important implications for how trilateration may be implemented by somatosensory neural populations. We conclude that trilateration is likely a fundamental spatial computation that unifies limbs and tools.
A Unifying Method to Study Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia Dynamics Implemented in a New Toolbox
Authors: Ghibaudo Valentin , Granget Jules , Dereli Matthias , Buonviso Nathalie , Garcia Samuel
Published: October 2023

Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), the natural variation in heart rate synchronized with respiration, has been extensively studied in emotional and cognitive contexts. Various time or frequency-based methods using the cardiac signal have been proposed to analyze RSA. In this study, we present a novel approach that combines respiratory phase and heart rate to enable a more detailed analysis of RSA and its dynamics throughout the respiratory cycle. To facilitate the application of this method, we have implemented it in an open-source Python toolbox calledphysio. This toolbox includes essential functionalities for processing electrocardiogram (ECG) and respiratory signals, while also introducing this new approach for RSA analysis. Inspired by previous research conducted by our group, this method enables a cycle-by-cycle analysis of RSA providing the possibility to correlate any respiratory feature to any RSA feature. By employing this approach, we aim to gain a more accurate understanding of the neural mechanisms associated with RSA.
Connect and Celebrate the Great Mother Online
Authors: Martins Joana
Published: October 2023

Rituals are creative embodied and emotional practices and are central in the lived spiritual and religious experience of contemporary Pagans, strengthening their community ties. In March 2020, with the outbreak of COVID-19 and the consequent restrictions raised by the Portuguese and British governments, isolation and the impossibility of onsite ritualization led to alternative forms of engagement and relationality within the community. Contemporary Pagans used online and digital tools and developed several strategies to care for and offer emotional and spiritual support during these challenging times. This article, based on online fieldwork among Portuguese and British contemporary Pagans during 2020, argues that Pagans embraced online forms of ritualization as an answer to the uncertainty of the period, feeling connected with each other even without the embodied, sensorial, and nature-based experience of onsite ritualization. It examines the challenges that these forms of engagement raise to the academic study of Contemporary Paganism.
Creativity, Adaptation, and Innovation in Contemporary Paganism and New Age during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Boissière Nicolas , Dansac Yael
Published: October 2023

This special issue of Nova Religio aims to document and analyze how creativity, adaptation, and innovation occurred in contemporary Paganism and New Age during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on long-term fieldworks mainly focused on ritual practices, the four articles gathered here provide original ethnographic case studies on the reception of the coronavirus crisis in five European locations: Portugal, Greece, Poland, the United Kingdom, and France. In addition to investigating ritual creativity, these articles offer innovative discussions on central concepts for the study of contemporary Paganism and New Age, as well as methodological and epistemological reflections on conducting ethnography, both offline and online, during challenging times.
New Age Gathering in a Pandemic
Authors: Ratia Katri
Published: October 2023

Rainbow Gatherings are alternative grassroots events that are held as weeks-long camps in natural settings. The Gatherings can be described as temporary intentional communities and transformational events, advocating many central ideals of Western counterculture and alternative-holistic spirituality, inter alia, by employing radical alternatives to market economy, centralized leadership, and religious institutions. These non-commercial and nonviolent Gatherings are fully inclusive and participatory, and before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were dozens of events in Europe annually. The essay depicts how the pandemic and related restrictions were experienced and interpreted among the participants of the 2021 European Rainbow Gathering and describes relevant aspects of the underlying religious and cultural context. The essay connects the observations to recent research on “conspirituality” in its contexts of cultural views, expression, and practices.
Algorithm of rehabilitation intervention after plasty of the anterior cruciate ligament
Authors:   Kharkiv .State Academy of Physical Culture, Semika O.O. , Reminyak I.V. ,   Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture, Bezyazichna O.V. ,   Kharkiv State Academy of Physical Culture
Published: October 2023

Purpose: analysis of various aspects of clinical activity of physical therapists during rehabilitation intervention after plasty of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint. Material and methods: general scientific, bibliosemantic. Results: the main components of the rehabilitation intervention after plastic surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee joint are characterized. Conclusions: the algorithm of rehabilitation intervention after plasty of the anterior cruciate ligament should consist of examination, planning, intervention and control.
A feasibility study of a H2O-moderated 252Cf source for metrology
Authors: Gonçalves Angela Souza , Silva Fellipe Souza da , Fonseca Evaldo Simões da , Patrão Karla Cristina de Souza , Pereira Walsan Wagner
Published: October 2023

The new edition of ISO 8529 series reduced from 4 to 3 standard neutron reference field. Recent studies have highlighted the increasing importance of characterizing neutron source spectra at different energies to obtain appropriate fluence-to-dose-equivalent conversion coefficient. This study presents the determination of neutron energy fluency from a free and moderated 252Cf (120 µg) source placed within spheres of different diameters containing distilled water. The spectrum determination is based on both Monte Carlo simulations and experimental measurements with Bonner Sphere Spectrometer (BSS) of multiple diameters: 5.08 cm (2"), 7.62 cm (3”), 12.70 cm (5”), 20.32 cm (8”), 25.40 cm (10”), and 30.48 cm (12”). The aim was to characterize the new water-moderated spectra, obtaining reference values for operational quantities that represent realistic radiation fields for testing, calibrating, and irradiation of personal dosimetry and survey meters.
Étude sur Loi Climat et Résilience
Authors:   The Institute of Legal Studies, Kyunghee University, Jung Kwan-Seon
Published: October 2023

En réponse au mouvement des “Gilets jaunes” né à l’automne 2018, Emmanuel Macron lance le “grand débat national”. À la suite du grand débat, le président de la République annonce la création d'une Convention citoyenne pour le climat. À partir d’octobre 2019, la Convention citoyenne pour le climat réunit 150 citoyens tirés au sort et chargés de définir une série de mesures susceptibles de réduire d’au moins 40% les émissions de gaz à effet de serre d’ici 2030 par rapport à 1990, dans un esprit de justice sociale. Les 149 propositions de la Convention, remises au gouvernement en juin 2020, se regroupent en cinq thématiques : consommer, produire et travailler, se déplacer, se loger, se nourrir. Emmanuel Macron retient 146 propositions. Le projet de loi “climat et résilience” traduit une partie des mesures législatives préconisées par la Convention citoyenne pour le climat. La loi, adoptée le 20 juillet 2021. La “loi du 22 août 2021 portant lutte contre le dérèglement climatique et renforcement de la résilience face à ses effets” vise à accélérer la transition écologique de la société et de l'économie françaises. Ce texte a d’ores et déjà innové dans la façon dont les lois peuvent être construites en s’appuyant sur une expérience inédite de démocratie participative. Cet article examine les implications d’une part des expérience démocratiques dans le traveax de ladite loi d’autre part les mesures visant à réduire les gaz à effet de serre et à s'adapter au changement climatique. À la suite d’étude, on propose des mesures d'amélioration pour aller encore plus loin dans la transition écologique afin de lutte contre le dérèglement climatique.
VALUE LANDMARKS OF 5-7 YEAR OLDS
Authors: Georgieva G.
Published: October 2023

Children's value landmarks are a major factor in their personal construction in preschool and subsequent periods of development. This report attempts to assess the moral development of 5-7 year olds by analyzing the responses they received regarding a moral case proposed by the teacher. Placed in the same situation, children demonstrate different views about their peers' behavior towards others and how they would react to their loved ones (brother or sister). Their responses are influenced by the values acquired in the family and educational environment. The fact that they are an only child in the family, whether they have siblings, what is the value system of their parents, grandparents, also influences moral information.
An approach for unbalanced fully rough interval transportation problem
Authors: SHİVANİ S. , RANİ Deepika , EBRAHİMNRJAD Ali
Published: October 2023

In this study, we consider an unbalanced fully rough interval transportation problem, where all the parameters and decision variables are represented by rough interval numbers. A method named as split and separation method has been proposed in the literature to find the optimal solution of balanced fully rough interval transportation problem. As per our knowledge, no method exists in the literature to solve an unbalanced fully rough interval transportation problem. Therefore, a new method is proposed in this study to solve such problem. Using proposed methodology, firstly the unbalanced problem is converted into a balanced one and then the optimal solution of the balanced problem is obtained. To show the applicability of the proposed methodology, a numerical example is solved. Finally, the study’s conclusions and future research directions are discussed.
Demonstração do Valor Adicionado e informações ESG
Authors: Checon Bianca Quirantes , Santana Verônica de Fátima
Published: October 2023

O objetivo desta pesquisa é investigar de que forma a Demonstração do Valor Adicionado (DVA) pode contribuir como fonte de divulgação de informação financeira com objetivo social comparativamente à medida Ambiental, Social e de Governança (ESG) disponível em mercado. Para isso, foram coletadas informações relativas ao valor adicionado distribuído por 388 empresas brasileiras listadas na B3 de 2010 a 2022, assim como os respectivos índices ESG agregados, por pilares e por score da base Refinitiv Eikon. A análise fatorial indica que as categorias de valor adicionado distribuído se agrupam apenas com o pilar de Governança, não se relacionando com os pilares social e ambiental. Contudo, por meio de regressões com variáveis de controle e efeitos fixos de empresa e ano, encontra-se que empresas com maiores níveis de distribuição de valor para credores, que ocorre principalmente na forma de pagamentos de juros, têm scores mais baixos no Pilar Ambiental, não havendo relação entre as demais variáveis e pilares. Os resultados indicam, portanto, que as informações constantes na DVA precisam de complemento das constantes nos scores ESG.
When Agreement isn't Agreement: Deflected Agreement in Najdi Arabic as Aspect
Authors: Rouillier Connor Caston
Published: October 2023

In modern Arabic varieties, subject-verb agreement is complicated by plural nouns which can occur with both plural and singular verbs. These have been called strict and deflected agreement respectively. In some varieties such as Modern Standard Arabic, this deflected agreement is fixed and determined by animacy or other features; however, in other varieties such as Najdi Arabic (central Saudi Arabia), whether strict or deflected agreement occurs is less predictable. Kramer & Winchester (2017) have argued that the selection of verb form corresponds to a difference in meaning, specifically, a herd/clump as opposed to an individuated interpretation, which they locate in the nominal features of the noun. However, based on the results of two experiments, this paper argues for an alternate analysis that this meaning difference originates on the verb and corresponds to a speaker’s mental representation of the event structure. This finding leads to the conclusion that only strict agreement is actually an example of subject-verb agreement, while deflected agreement serves to mark features of the event. This usage of deflected agreement to express event structure, while initially surprising, flows from existing understandings of cognition of number and event semantics.
Comparative Evaluation of Application of Universal Bonding on the Microtensile Bond Strength of Light Cure and Dual Cure Composites Bonded to Dentin
Authors: Yarmohamadi Ebrahim , Ahmadi Banafsheh , Farhadian Maryam
Published: October 2023

Objectives: There is limited knowledge on the efficacy of universal adhesives when used in different etching modes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) to dentin using universal adhesives with light-cure and dual-cure composites.
Materials and Methods: In this in vitro experimental study, the occlusal third of 60 caries-free human molars were removed and the exposed surfaces were treated and allocated to 10 groups (N=6). Two different bonding agents (Single Bond Universal, G-Premio) were used to bond 2 different composite resins (Z250 light-cure and CoreFlo DC dual-cure) to dentin, using etch-and-rinse (E&R) and self-etch (SE) modes. Single Bond 2 was applied in E&R mode on wet dentin to serve as control. The specimens were sectioned into 1×1 mm2 sticks with a precision saw. A microtensile testing machine was used to measure the µTBS of the specimens with a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed using three-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post-hoc test (α=0.05).
Results: The Single Bond Universal group in SE mode with light-cure composite yielded the highest (39.24MPa), and the G-Premio SE group with dual-cure composite produced the lowest (13.65MPa) mean µTBS (P<0.05). The dominant failure mode was adhesive, in all groups.
Conclusion: The bonding agent had a significant effect on µTBS of composite to dentin, but different composites and different etching modes were not significantly different in this respect.
Type VI secretion system (T6SS) in Klebsiella pneumoniae, relation to antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation
Authors: Mohamed Nesma A , Alrawy Mohamed H , Makbol Reem M. , Mohamed Arafat M , Hemdan Shimaa B , Shafik Noha S
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: The type VI secretion system (T6SS) was identified as a novel virulence factor in many Gram-negative bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of the T6SS genes in Klebsiella pneumoniae-causing different nosocomial infections, and to study the association between T6SS, antibiotic resistance, and biofilm formation in the isolated bacteria.
Materials and Methods: A total of fifty-six non-repetitive K. pneumoniae isolates were collected from different inpatients admitted at Sohag University Hospital from September 2022 to March 2023. Samples were cultured, colonies were identi- fied, and antimicrobial sensitivity was done by VITEK® 2 Compact. Biofilm formation was checked using Congo red agar method. T6SS genes, and capsular serotypes were detected by PCR.
Results: Fifty-six K. pneumoniae isolates were obtained in culture. 38 isolates (67.86%) produced biofilm and 44 (78.57%) were positive for T6SS in PCR. There was a significant association between the presence of T6SS and resistance to the following antibiotics: meropenem, ciprofloxacin, and levofloxacin. All biofilm-forming bacteria had T6SS, with significant differences towards T6SS -positive bacteria. There was no significant association between T6SS, and the presence of certain capsular types.
Conclusion: The T6SS-positive K. pneumoniae has greater antibiotic resistance, and biofilm-forming ability which is con- sidered a potential pathogenicity of this emerging gene cluster.
High prevalence of OXA-48-like and NDM carbapenemases among carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae of clinical origin from Iran
Authors: Ghanbarinasab Fatemeh , Haeili Mehri , Ghanati Somayeh Nasiri , Moghimi Mohaddeseh
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: Klebsiella pneumoniae is increasingly developing resistance to last-resort antibiotics such as carbapenems. This study aimed to investigate the dissemination of common carbapenemase encoding genes among 48 clinical isolates of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP).
Materials and Methods: Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by broth dilution and disc diffusion methods. The phenotypic evaluation of carbapenemase production was performed by using Modified Carbapenem Inactivation Meth- od. Presence of carbapenemase encoding genes bla KPC , bla , bla OXA-48-like , bla , and bla VIM was screened by PCR.R.
Results: Overall, carbapenemases were produced in all CRKP isolates. The bla OXA-48-like and bla NDM were the most prevalent genes detected among all and 66.6% (n=32) of CRKP isolates respectively. The bla VIM was detected in only one isolate co-harboring NDM and OXA-48-like carbapenemases. The bla KPC and bla IMP genes were not identified in any of the isolates. While tigecycline was the most active agent against CRKP isolates with low resistance rate (4.1%), high rate of resistance was observed to colistin (66.6%), amikacin (79%) and most of other tested antimicrobials.
Conclusion: Our results revealed predominant prevalence of OXA-48-like and NDM carbapenemases among CRKP clinical isolates. High rate of resistance to last-resort agents such as colistin among CRKP isolates is a source of great concern.
Characterization of integrons, extended spectrum beta lactamases and genetic diversity among uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolates from Kerman, south east of Iran
Authors: Mohebi Samane , Golestani-Hotkani Zahra , Foulad-Pour Maryam , Nazeri Peivand , Mohseni Fahimeh , Hashemizadeh Zahra , Moghani-Bashi Zahra , Niksefat Naser , Rastegar Sanaz , Khajedadian Maryam , Lotfian Zahra , Hosseini-Nave Hossein
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: The study aimed to investigate the distribution of genes encoding integrons, extended spec- trum beta-lactamase (ESBL) in E. coli isolated from UTIs, as well as the genetic diversity among the isolates.
Materials and Methods: E. coli isolates were recovered from the patients with UTI in Kerman Iran. Antibiotic susceptibility was done according to CLSI guidelines. The presence of ESBL genes and integrons was evaluated using PCR. PCR and sequencing were applied for the evaluation of cassette content of integrons. Genotyping of the isolates was performed by multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA).
Results: Imipenem was the most effective antibiotic, while the highest resistance was observed to streptomycin. In total 40.2% of isolates were ESBL producers. Of 69 integron-positive isolates, 59 only had class I integrons, 4 only had class II integrons and 6 had both types. The most common gene cassette found within class I integrons was dfrA17-aadA5 (n=27). The  E. coli isolates were divided into 16 MLVA clusters.
Conclusion: The current study demonstrated the simultaneous presence of class I integrons and ESBLs involved in the resistance of UPEC isolates to antibacterial agents. Our finding also revealed that the E. coli isolates belonged to diverse clones.
Molecular detection of genes encoding resistance to tetracycline and quinolones among Shigella strains isolated from children with acute diarrhea in southwest Iran
Authors: Jomehzadeh Nabi , Ahmadi Khadijeh , Ataee Nazanin , Afzali Maryam
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: An increase in the antibiotic resistance of Shigella isolates has caused major global challenges in antimicrobial therapy. Knowledge of local antibiotic resistance trends is essential for selecting appropriate antibiotic treat- ment regimens. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency of efflux-mediated tetracycline resistance (tet) and plasmid-me- diated quinolone resistance (qnr) genes among Shigella isolates.
Materials and Methods: This survey investigated 91 Shigella isolates, obtained from children with acute diarrhea. The iso- lates were identified using standard biochemical tests and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Besides, the susceptibility of isolates to six selected antibiotics was assessed by the disk diffusion method. All tetracycline-resistant and nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin resistant strains were screened for tet and qnr genes by a multiplex PCR assay.
Results: According to the results of antibiotic susceptibility tests, the highest level of antibiotic resistance was related to tet- racycline (80.2%) and doxycycline (78.1%), respectively. All isolates were sensitive to tigecycline. The PCR results showed that 40.6%, 3.1%, 21.8%, 61.6% and 28.7% of the isolates carried qnrA, qnrB, qnrS, tetA, and tetB genes, respectively. None of the isolates contained tetC and tetD genes.
Conclusion: The current findings revealed that tetA and qnrA genes might play a key role in conferring tetracycline and quinolone resistance.
High prevalence of antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation in Salmonella Gallinarum
Authors: Farahani Reza Khaltabadi , Ebrahimi-Rad Mina , Shahrokhi Nader , Khaltabadi Farahani Amir Hossien , Ghafouri Seyed Ali , Rezaei Maryam , Gharibzadeh Safoora , Langeroudi Arash Ghalyanchi , Ehsani Parastoo
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: Antibiotic resistance is an indicator of the passively acquired and circulating resistance genes. Salmonella Gallinarum significantly affects the poultry food industry. The present study is the first study of the S. Gallinarum biofilm in Iran, which is focused on the characterization of the S. Gallinarum serovars and their acquired antibiotic resistance genes circulating in poultry fields in central and northwestern Iran.
Materials and Methods: Sixty isolates of S. Gallinarum serovar were collected from feces of live poultry. The bacteria were isolated using biochemical tests and confirmed by Multiplex PCR. Biofilm formation ability and the antibacterial resistance were evaluated using both phenotypic and genotypic methods. The data were analyzed using SPSS software.
Results: According to Multiplex PCR for ratA, SteB, and rhs genes, all 60 S. Gallinarum serovars were Gallinarum biovars. In our study, the antibiotic resistance rate among isolated strains was as follows: Penicillin (100%), nitrofurantoin (80%), nalidixic acid (45%), cefoxitin (35%), neomycin sulfate (30%), chloramphenicol (20%), and ciprofloxacin (5%). All isolates were susceptible to imipenem, ertapenem, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, and ceftazidime+clavulanic acid. All sixty isolates did not express the resistance genes IMP, VIM, NDM, DHA, bla , and qnrA.  On the other hand, they expressed GES (85%), OXA48 qnrB (75%), Fox M (70%), SHV (60%), CITM (20%), KPC (15%), FOX (10%), MOXM (5%), and qnrS (5%). All S. Galli- narum isolates formed biofilm and expressed sdiA gene.
Conclusion: Considering that the presence of this bacteria is equal to the death penalty to the herd, the distribution of resis- tance genes could be a critical alarm for pathogen monitoring programs in the region. This study showed a positive correla- tion between biofilm formation and 50% of tested resistance genes. Also, it was found that the most common circulating S. gallinarum biovars are multidrug-resistant.
Early detection of a possible multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii outbreak in the local hospital setting by using random amplified polymorphism DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR), oxacillinase gene profiles, and antibiograms
Authors: Fatmawati Ni Nengah Dwi , Suwardana Gede Ngurah Rsi , Wahyudevi Dharmika Ida Ayu Gde , Tarini Ni Made Adi , Sujaya I Nengah , Suranadi I Wayan
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: Detecting the source of a potential outbreak of multidrug resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter bau- mannii is necessary to be investigated. This study aimed to detect the possibility of A. baumannii outbreak in a hospital set- ting using a combination of random amplified polymorphism DNA- polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR), antibiograms, and the presence of oxacillinase genes.
Materials and Methods: The antibiogram of 31 clinical isolates and six environmental isolates of A. baumannii were de- termined by Vitek® 2 Compact. Oxacillinase genes (OXA-23, -24, -51, and -58) were detected by PCR, and RAPD-PCR was conducted using DAF-4 and ERIC-2 primers. The Similarity Index and dendrogram were generated using GelJ v2.3 software.
Results: The antibiograms showed that all MDR A. baumannii isolates has very limited susceptibility to cephalosporins, but mostly susceptible to tigecycline. All isolates were positive for bla gene, thirty-two of 37 total isolates (86.5%) were positive for bla OXA-23-like gene, and none were positive for bla OXA-24-like OXA-58-like genes. RAPD-PCR showed that the DAF-4 primer on average had more band visualization and lower Similarity Index’s variation compared to the ERIC-2. The discriminatory power of DAF-4 was 0.906. There was a significant correlation between the DAF-4 dendrogram pattern with the antibiogram (r=0.494, p<0.001) and the presence of bla gene (r=0.634, p<0.001) from all ICU A isolates. Six out of fourteen ICU A isolates belonged to the same cluster with >95% Similarity Index, while one clinical isolate having an identical dendrogram and antibiogram pattern with an environmental isolate within this cluster.
Conclusion: There is a high probability of MDR A. baumannii outbreak within ICU A detected by multiple analysis of RAPD-PCR, antibiogram and the bla OXA-23-like gene profiles. This combinatorial approach is conceivable to mitigate possible outbreak situations of A. baumannii in the local hospital without sophisticated microbiology laboratory.
Comparison of loop-mediated isothermal amplification, multiplex PCR, and REP- PCR techniques for identification of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii clinical isolates
Authors: Al jebur Aysar Abbood , Soleimani Neda , Hosseini Seyed Masoud
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: Acinetobacter baumannii, an opportunistic pathogen, is related to hospital-acquired infections and increased mortality. This study aimed to develop the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) test for the fast-de- tecting of A. baumannii isolates as well as determining genetic relatedness for these isolates via the REP-PCR technique.
Materials and Methods: LAMP primers and multiplex PCR primers were designed for recognizing A. baumannii isolates harboring the bla SHV-1 , bla PER-1 , bla , AMPC, qnr, and aac (6)-1 genes, were collected (October 2020 to February 2021) from Shahid Motahari Hospital, Tehran, Iran. Combination disc test (CDT) results were used to assess the phenotypic iden- tification of isolates from ESBL producers. The sensitivity of the LAMP method was evaluated using a range of serial dilu- tions of genomic DNA. Results were compared between the LAMP technique, and multiplex PCR. The genetic diversity of clinical isolates was determined by REP-PCR.
Results: Among one hundred A. baumannii samples and based on the combined disc test, 56% of isolates were ESBL pro- ducers. The sensitivity of the LAMP technique for the identification of A. baumannii was 4.06 ng/μl whilst the multiplex PCR was (16.2 ng/μl). Regarding multiplex PCR, (68%) of the isolates were bla SHV-1 positive, (40%) bla , (85%) aac (6́)-1, AMPC (67%), bla TEM-1 (63%), and (15%) qnr respectively. While in LAMP, (69%) of isolates were bla positive, (86%) aac (6')-1, and (20%) qnr. The results of AMPC, bla TEM-1 , and bla PER-1 genes showed 100% compatibility between multiplex PCR and LAMP assays. The results of REP-PCR indicated there were 17 clones, clone A at 14% was the most prevalent of the isolates.
Conclusion: Wherever equipment and financial constraints are crucial, the LAMP test offers a better and more potent detec- tion rate for the identification of A. baumannii isolates than multiplex PCR. Furthermore, the genetic diversity of A. bauman- nii in these clinical isolates showed frequent commonality of genotypes.
Improvement the expression and purification of Loa22: a lipoprotein with OmpA domain from pathogenic Leptospira serovars
Authors: Gharakhani Mehdi , Ghasemi Mohammad Faezi , Khaki Pejvak , Esmaelizad Majid , Tebianian Majid
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: One of the highly conserved outer membrane proteins expressed only by pathogenic Lepto- spires is Loa22. The study aims is to achieve the optimum conditions for high expression of recombinant Loa22 (rLoa22) protein.
Materials and Methods: Complete coding sequence of loa22 gene sub-cloned into a pET32a (+) expression vector. BL21 competent E. coli (pLysS) used as expression host for transformation. The recombinant clones selected on ampicillin plates and subjected to PCR by using pET T7 primers. Then expression conditions optimized by adjusting parameters such as cul- ture media, induction time, temperature, and IPTG concentration.
Results: SDS-PAGE analysis showed that high production of rLoa22 protein obtained when post induction incubation, IPTG concentration, and duration of induction were 37ºC, 0.1 M and 5 h in 2×TY medium respectively. The purification of rLoa22 protein under native conditions using Ni-NTA pull-down was optimum in one hour binding at 37°C, five times washing process and elution buffer with a pH 7.4 and a 0.3 M imidazole concentration.
Conclusion: The findings of the study led to high production of pure Loa22 protein, which can form the basis for future investigation on the design of rapid diagnostic tests and more effective vaccine candidates for leptospirosis
Bacillus megaterium RTS1 enhances resistance of Lycopersicon esculentum to salinity stress through the improvement of antioxidant defenses
Authors: Yavarian Shiva , Jafari Parvaneh , Akbari Neda
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) may reduce the negative effects of salinity stress. The aim of this study was to optimize Bacillus megaterium RTS1 and characterize the effect of the PGPB on the physiolog- ical characteristics of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum).
Materials and Methods: The Central composite design (CCD) of response surface methodology (RSM) was used to opti- mize Bacillus megaterium RTS1 to produce maximum cell biomass and spores. Then the effect of the PGPB on the physi- ological characteristics of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum), including membrane stability, leaf relative water content per- centage, anthocyanin and carotenoids content, chlorophyll photosynthetic parameters, sugar and starch level, superoxide anion and antioxidant activity under salt stress conditions. The NFB medium was inoculated with 5% bacterial culture and the fermentation was carried out in a 10-lit fermenter.
Results: After optimization, the amount of cell biomass by the model was 9.45 log10 CFUs/mL, which showed a 1.2-fold increase compared to the non-optimized medium. Usage of bacteria under the optimal conditions of the culture medium may increase the stability of the membrane and improve the relative water content. Bacteria were able to prevent the excessive increase of anthocyanins. Oxidative stress led to an increase in the content of chlorophyll a, while causing the degradation of chlorophyll b. Bacterial inoculation led to an increase in the level of sugar and starch compared to the control. PGPB showed an increasing effect on the amount of superoxide anion production and caused a significant increase in the antioxidant activity under salinity stress conditions.
Conclusion: The PGPB can be a promising way to boost physiological characteristics of tomato plant under salinity stress. Also, sporulation capacity of Bacillus megaterium with high bacterial cell density in fermenter produce a sustainable product for tomato plants.
Investigation the longevity of hepatitis B surface antibody in vaccinated students of Hormozgan university of medical sciences
Authors: Najafi-Asl Majid , Abdi Soghra , Azad Mehdi Hassani , Norouzian Marzieh
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: Hepatitis B is a common chronic viral infection in humans. Universal use of hepatitis B vaccine is crucial for controlling the infection, but the duration of vaccine-induced immunity remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess hepatitis B antibody levels (anti-HBs) after vaccination in infancy and adolescence, and explore the relation- ship between immunity levels and variables such as age, sex, BMI, place of birth, and duration since last vaccination among students at Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences from 2019 to 2021.
Materials and Methods: The study included 1134 students who completed a questionnaire and provided blood samples for ELISA-based measurement of antibody titers.
Results: The findings revealed that 727 students (64.1%) had no protective antibody level (anti-HBs <10 mIU/ml), 299 (26.4%) had partial immunity (anti-HBs 10-100 mIU/ml), and 108 (9.5%) had complete immunity (anti-HBs >100 mIU/ml). No statistically significant relationships were observed between anti-HBs titer and age, sex, or BMI. However, antibody titer decreased with increasing time since last vaccination (P<0.001).
Conclusion: This study highlights the decline in antibody titer over time following primary vaccination. Sustained immunity against hepatitis B virus relies on antibody durability or robust immunological memory, suggesting the importance of timing booster vaccinations.
Evaluating the viral clearance ability of continuous monoclonal antibody purification steps, in order to inactivate and/or remove four model viruses
Authors: Rasouli-Nejad Mousavi Seyed Mohammad , Hosseini Seyed Masoud , Ansari Samira
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: Viral clearance studies are an essential part of a manufacturer's plan to ensure the safety of an injectable biologic product. In this way, viral safety is a critical quality attribute for biologics such as monoclonal antibodies (Mabs). Evaluation of virus purification by downstream processes is a key component of risk mitigation. In this study, the capability of continuous monoclonal antibody purification steps was evaluated in the process of instant monoclonal antibody purification in different stages of purification, and the amount of reduction or inactivation of each step was determined.
Materials and Methods: Four enveloped and non-enveloped viral models VSV, Reovirus, EMCV, and HSV1 were used for spiking in selected samples in the designated tests, to have a comprehensive examination of the ability to clear the virus such50 as the type of genetic material, chemical resistance, and particle size. A TCIDand qPCR methods were used to measureviral reduction. Two cell lines, Vero (African green monkey kidney) and L929 (Mouse fibroblast) were used for 4 model viruses propagation. The steps that were evaluated included 4 steps monoclonal antibody purification; cation exchange chro- matography, acidic pH treatment, affinity chromatography, and nanofiltration.
Results: The nano-filter stage showed the highest viral reduction and cation exchange chromatography showed the lowest50 reduction. The cumulative decrease using TCIDis equal to 19.27 [log10] for all steps and for the qPCR method is equal to12.47 [log10] in three steps of nano-filter, affinity chromatography, and ion exchange chromatography.
Conclusion: The overall average reduction coefficient for all four model viruses is significantly high, which indicates the high capacity of the monoclonal antibody production process in inactivating and removing viruses leads to reducing the load of all four model viruses.