bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tomato Fungal Disease Diagnosis Using Few-Shot Learning Based on Deep Feature Extraction and Cosine Similarity
Authors: Javidan Seyed Mohamad , Ampatzidis Yiannis , Banakar Ahmad , Asefpour Vakilian Keyvan , Rahnama Kamran
Published: November 2024

Tomato fungal diseases can cause significant economic losses to farmers. Advanced disease detection methods based on symptom recognition in images face challenges when identifying fungal diseases in tomatoes, especially with limited training images. This study utilized novel techniques designed for limited data scenarios, such as one-shot and few-shot learning, to identify three tomato fungal diseases, i.e., Alternaria solani, Alternaria alternata, and Botrytis cinerea. Automated feature extraction was performed using the ResNet-12 deep model, and a cosine similarity approach was employed during shot learning. The accuracy of diagnosing the three diseases and healthy leaves using the 4-way 1-shot learning method was 91.64, 92.37, 92.93, and 100%. For the 4-way 3-shot learning method, the accuracy improved to 92.75, 95.07, 96.63, and 100%, respectively. These results demonstrate that the proposed method effectively reduces the dependence on experts labeling images, working well with small datasets and enhancing plant disease identification.
Multi-Indicator Comprehensive Quality Evaluation of Turpinia arguta (Lindl.) Seem Herbs at Different Harvesting Periods
Authors: Hu Jiangmei , Cai Junhuo , Cheng Qiangqiang , Wang Lijun , Hu Xinrui , Wang Wenzhao , Liao Zhifeng , Tao Xiuhua
Published: November 2024

This study aimed to investigate differences in the leaf biomasses, chemical compositions, and pharmacological activities of Turpinia arguta histocultured seedlings and live seedlings at different harvesting periods (S1, S2, S3, and S4) in order to determine the optimal harvesting period. Eleven indexes, including biomass, key active components, secondary metabolites, nutrient content, and antioxidant activity, were evaluated by high-performance liquid chromatography and colorimetric methods during different harvesting periods. The weights of the 11 indexes were calculated by principal component analysis, and then a comprehensive quality evaluation was performed. The results showed significant differences in leaf biomasses, key active components, secondary metabolites, nutrient contents, and antioxidant activities between the different harvesting periods. The highest quality score was obtained for the S4 period, indicating that the quality of T. arguta was the best at this time and that the S4 period was the most suitable harvesting period. At this period (S4), the medicinal component content, antioxidant activity, and comprehensive quality score of the histocultured seedlings of T. arguta were higher than those of the live seedlings, indicating the importance of tissue culture technology in enhancing the quality of T. arguta. This study provides more novel and abundant information and reference for determining the appropriate harvesting period of T. arguta, with the aim of providing newer scientific guidance for the management of herbs.
Effects of Foliar Application of Magnesium Fertilizer on Photosynthesis and Growth in Grapes
Authors: Bai Rui , Liu Huan , Liu Yifei , Yong Jean Wan Hong
Published: November 2024

Efforts to increase grape yields have focused on using nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers, often causing unintended magnesium (Mg) deficiencies. To overcome Mg deficiency, different concentrations of MgSO4·7H2O (0, 1, 2, 3, 4 mM) and GABA (2.5 mM), as foliar sprays, were applied during the fruit enlargement and color transition stages. Key physiological parameters such as leaf growth, photosynthesis, and chlorophyll fluorescence were assessed. Interestingly, foliar Mg application increased the key physiological parameters, with the 3 mM treatment (M3) delivering the best improvement. Compared to the control, the M3 treatment increased dry weight and leaf area by 35.9% and 37.2%, respectively. Specifically, the foliar Mg application (M3) improved the photosynthesis (Pn), transpiration (Tr), and stomatal conductance (gs) of leaves when compared to the control. Additionally, the foliar Mg application improved the PSII photosynthetic efficiency, electron yield, and electron transport rates, following the order M2 > M3 > M1 > M0 > M4. This study demonstrated the essential role of foliar-applied Mg, with GABA, in improving grape physiology. Interestingly, the curve-fitting analysis of foliar Mg concentration and grape yield identified 2.14 mM of Mg as the optimal concentration for promoting grape growth.
3D-Printed Electrochemical Sensors: A Comprehensive Review of Clinical Analysis Applications
Authors: Cândido Thaís Cristina de Oliveira , Silva Daniela Nunes da , Borges Marcella Matos Cordeiro , Barbosa Thiago Gabry , Trindade Scarlat Ohanna Dávila da , Pereira Arnaldo César
Published: November 2024

Three-dimensional printing technology has emerged as a versatile and cost-effective alternative for the fabrication of electrochemical sensors. To enhance sensor sensitivity and biocompatibility, a diverse range of biocompatible and conductive materials can be employed in these devices. This allows these sensors to be modified to detect a wide range of analytes in various fields. 3D-printed electrochemical sensors have the potential to play a pivotal role in personalized medicine by enabling the real-time monitoring of metabolite and biomarker levels. These data can be used to personalize treatment strategies and optimize patient outcomes. The portability and low-cost nature of 3D-printed electrochemical sensors make them suitable for point-of-care (POC) diagnostics. These tests enable rapid and decentralized analyses, aiding in diagnosis and treatment decisions in resource-limited settings. Among the techniques widely reported in the literature for 3D printing, the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique is the most commonly used for the development of electrochemical devices due to the easy accessibility of equipment and materials. Focusing on the FDM technique, this review explores the critical factors influencing the fabrication of electrochemical sensors and discusses potential applications in clinical analysis, while acknowledging the challenges that need to be overcome for its effective adoption.
Breast Cancer Classification Using Fine-Tuned SWIN Transformer Model on Mammographic Images
Authors: Tanimola Oluwatosin , Shobayo Olamilekan , Popoola Olusogo , Okoyeigbo Obinna
Published: November 2024

Breast cancer is the most prevalent type of disease among women. It has become one of the foremost causes of death among women globally. Early detection plays a significant role in administering personalized treatment and improving patient outcomes. Mammography procedures are often used to detect early-stage cancer cells. This traditional method of mammography while valuable has limitations in its potential for false positives and negatives, patient discomfort, and radiation exposure. Therefore, there is a probe for more accurate techniques required in detecting breast cancer, leading to exploring the potential of machine learning in the classification of diagnostic images due to its efficiency and accuracy. This study conducted a comparative analysis of pre-trained CNNs (ResNet50 and VGG16) and vision transformers (ViT-base and SWIN transformer) with the inclusion of ViT-base trained from scratch model architectures to effectively classify mammographic breast cancer images into benign and malignant cases. The SWIN transformer exhibits superior performance with 99.9% accuracy and a precision of 99.8%. These findings demonstrate the efficiency of deep learning to accurately classify mammographic breast cancer images for the diagnosis of breast cancer, leading to improvements in patient outcomes.
Pilot Study of Intensive Pain Rehabilitation, Sleep, and Small-World Brain Networks in Adolescents with Chronic Pain
Authors: Miller Samantha A. , Farag Salma , Cobos Karen L. , Long Xiangyu , Rasic Nivez , Rayner Laura , Lebel Catherine , Noel Melanie , Walker Andrew , Miller Jillian V.
Published: November 2024

Background: Approximately 25% of adolescents live with chronic pain, with many reporting symptoms of functional impairment and poor sleep quality. Both chronic pain and poor sleep quality can negatively impact brain functional connectivity and efficiency. Better sleep quality may improve pain outcomes through its relationship with brain functional connectivity. Methods: This pilot prospective cohort study used data from 24 adolescents with chronic pain (aged 10–18 years) participating in an Intensive Interdisciplinary Pain Treatment (IIPT) at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Data were collected within the first couple of weeks prior to starting IIPT and on the last day of the 3-week IIPT program. Sleep quality was assessed using the modified Adolescent Sleep-Wake Scale. Resting-state functional MRI data were obtained, and graph-theory metrics were applied to assess small-world brain networks. Questionnaires were used to obtain self-reported functional disability data. Paired t-tests were applied to evaluate changes in outcomes from pre- to post-IIPT, and moderation analyses were used to examine the relationships between sleep, small-world brain network connectivity, and functional disability. Results: Total sleep quality (p = 0.005) increased, and functional disability (p = 0.020) decreased, between baseline and discharge from IIPT. Small-world brain networks did not change pre- to post-IIPT (p > 0.05). Unlike adolescents with high small-worldness (p = 0.665), adolescents with low to moderate small-world brain characteristics (1SD below or at the mean) who reported better sleep quality reported less functional disability (all p ≤ 0.001) over time. Conclusions: The IIPT program was associated with improvements in sleep quality and functional disability. Better sleep quality together with greater small-worldness was associated with less pain-related disability. This suggests that it is equally important for IIPTs to target sleep problems in adolescents with chronic pain, as this may have a key role in producing long-term improvements in pain outcomes.
Bioavailable Selenium Concentration and Bioavailability in Tissues of Beef Cattle
Authors: Juszczak-Czasnojć Marta , Bąkowska Małgorzata , Gączarzewicz Dariusz , Pilarczyk Bogumiła , Tomza-Marciniak Agnieszka
Published: November 2024

The aim of the study was to compare the levels of bioavailable Se between different organs in beef cattle with regard to selenium status. The animals were divided into two groups based on serum selenium concentration, viz. normal and deficient Se status. Bioavailable selenium was extracted from the organs by simulated in vitro digestion, and its concentration was determined by spectrofluorimetry. The percentage of bioavailable Se was calculated in the liver, kidney, lung, spleen, heart, and longissimus dorsi muscle, based on the total Se content. In all animals tested, the highest bioavailable selenium concentrations were found in the kidney (0.175–0.408 µg/g) and the lowest in the longissimus dorsi muscle (0.04–0.042 µg/g), regardless of Se status. The highest bioavailability of Se was recorded in bulls, reaching 56.6% in the longissimus dorsi muscle, and the lowest in the kidney (21.4%). The study showed that cattle with Se deficiency had a higher percentage of bioavailable Se in their tissues than those with normal Se levels. This is most likely related to the fact that the body seeks to ensure optimal levels of the element in the organs during insufficient supply. Despite balanced feeding, there was a deficiency of Se. This is most likely related to the fact that, in plants, it occurs mainly in its inorganic form, which is less well-utilised by the animals and does not cover their needs for this element.
Reassortants of the Highly Pathogenic Influenza Virus A/H5N1 Causing Mass Swan Mortality in Kazakhstan from 2023 to 2024
Authors: Sultankulova Kulyaisan T. , Argimbayeva Takhmina U. , Aubakir Nurdos A. , Bopi Arailym , Omarova Zamira D. , Melisbek Aibarys M. , Karamendin Kobey , Kydyrmanov Aidyn , Chervyakova Olga V. , Kerimbayev Aslan A. , Burashev Yerbol D. , Kasymbekov Yermukhanmet T. , Orynbayev Mukhit B.
Published: November 2024

In the winter of 2023/2024, the mass death of swans was observed on Lake Karakol on the eastern coast of the Caspian Sea. From 21 December 2023 to 25 January 2024, 1132 swan corpses (Cygnus olor, Cygnus cygnus) were collected and disposed of on the coast by veterinary services and ecologists. Biological samples were collected from 18 birds for analysis at different dates of the epizootic. It was found that the influenza outbreak was associated with a high concentration of migrating birds at Lake Karakol as a result of a sharp cold snap in the northern regions. At different dates of the epizootic, three avian influenza A/H5N1 viruses of clade 2.3.4.4.b were isolated from dead birds and identified as highly pathogenic viruses (HPAIs) based on the amino acid sequence of the hemagglutinin multi-base proteolytic cleavage site (PLREKRRRKR/G). A phylogenetic analysis showed that the viruses isolated from the swans had reassortations in the PB2, PB1, and NP genes between highly pathogenic (HP) and low-pathogenic (LP) avian influenza viruses. Avian influenza viruses A/Cygnus cygnus/Karakol lake/01/2024(H5N1) and A/Mute swan/Karakol lake/02/2024(H5N1) isolated on 10 January 2024 received PB2, PB1, and NP from LPAIV, while A/Mute swan/Mangystau/9809/2023(H5N1) isolated on 26 December 2023 received PB1 and NP from LPAIV, indicating that the H5N1 viruses in this study are new reassortants. All viruses showed amino acid substitutions in the PB2, PB1, NP, and NS1 segments, which are critical for enhanced virulence or adaptation in mammals. An analysis of the genomes of the isolated viruses showed that bird deaths during different periods of the epizootic were caused by different reassortant viruses. Kazakhstan is located at the crossroads of several migratory routes of migratory birds, and the possible participation of wild birds in the introduction of various pathogens into the regions of Kazakhstan requires further study.
A Preliminary Study on the Modifying Effect of Strawberry Seed Oil and Sex on Rabbit Meat Quality
Authors: Pałka Sylwia Ewa , Siudak Zuzanna , Kmiecik Michał , Otwinowska-Mindur Agnieszka , Grzesiak Małgorzata
Published: November 2024

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of strawberry seed oil addition to rabbit feed on slaughter performance traits, meat quality traits and plasma cholesterol and triglycerides of purebred Termond White rabbits (n = 24). The experiment used young rabbits born to 6 does. From each litter, two rabbits were randomly assigned into one of the two groups. In each group (2 × n = 12; 6♂, 6♀), the animals were fed a complete pelleted feed. Rabbits from the experimental group received feed enriched with a 1% addition of strawberry seed oil. Animals were slaughtered on day 84. Rabbits fed with pellets with the addition of strawberry oil were characterized by a higher hind part and head and liver weight compared to the rabbits from the control group (p ≤ 0.05). The addition of strawberry seed oil significantly increased the pH of matured meat and affected the colour coordinates of the meat by increasing their values (p ≤ 0.05). The tested oil reduced the values of meat texture parameters such as springiness, cohesiveness and chewiness (p ≤ 0.05). The tested oil impacted the level of HDL, which was higher in the experimental group, as well as lowered the triglyceride level. The addition of strawberry seed oil was proven to significantly increase the linoleic acid content in rabbit meat (p ≤ 0.05).
Survey of Flemish Poultry Farmers on How Birds Fit for Transport to the Slaughterhouse Are Selected, Caught, and Crated and Their Opinions Regarding the Pre-Transport Process
Authors: Delanglez Femke , Watteyn Anneleen , Ampe Bart , Garmyn An , Delezie Evelyne , Antonissen Gunther , Sleeckx Nathalie , Kempen Ine , Demaître Niels , Van Meirhaeghe Hilde , Tuyttens Frank André Maurice
Published: November 2024

The pre-transport phase induces stress, fear, and injury in poultry, but management choices greatly influence this. Pre-transport practices for spent hens and broilers in Flanders (Belgium) were studied. Poultry farmers (31 of 156 layers and 48 of 203 broiler farmers completed the survey) were surveyed on the selection of unfit chickens, catching and crating, and farmer opinion. A minority of farmers made a specific selection of chickens unfit for transport prior to catching (layers 25%: 5.1 ± 5.9 h, broilers 39%: 6.8 ± 7.0 h). More layer (69%) than broiler farmers (19%) withdrew feed too early (EU regulations stipulate max. 12 h before expected slaughter time). Layer farmers withdrew water earlier than broiler farmers (47.9 ± 51.1 min vs. 20.6 ± 23.3 min). More broiler than layer farmers believed that the container type affects the birds’ welfare (48% vs. 27%; p < 0.05). On broiler farms, mechanical catching was preferred for catchers’ well-being, while upright catching was considered better for animal welfare than catching more than three chickens by one/two legs, wings, or mechanically. Poultry farmers should be sensitized about the need for additional selection before catching, including clear guidelines about judging which birds are fit for transport.
Dogs on Film: Status, Representation, and the Canine Characters Test
Authors: Pallotta Nicole R.
Published: November 2024

The representation of animals in cinema and television reflects and reinforces dominant ideologies and traditional stereotypes. While popular culture often legitimizes prevailing social norms and existing power relations, it can also reflect shifting cultural attitudes about traditional axes of inequality such as race, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability, and species. Representations of canine characters incidentally embedded in family life provide a unique lens through which to consider the evolving cultural and legal status of dogs and their place in multispecies families. This article introduces a Canine Characters Test, similar to the Bechdel Test used to measure the representation of women in movies, to critically evaluate the representation of dogs in film and television. Applying the test and its four criteria—Role in Narrative, Agency, Language, and Animality—to two examples, this article argues that portrayals that pass the test support a positive shift in social norms regarding dog–human relationships, which in turn bolsters efforts to elevate dogs’ status under the law. Benevolent speciesism, authenticity, and problematic tropes such as vanishing, ornamental, and miraculous canines are also discussed.
The Germline-Restricted Chromosome of Male Zebra Finches in Meiotic Prophase I: A Proteinaceous Scaffold and Chromatin Modifications
Authors: Matveevsky Sergey
Published: November 2024

Among eukaryotes, there are many examples of partial genome elimination during ontogenesis. A striking example of this phenomenon is the loss of entire avian chromosomes during meiosis, called a germline-restricted chromosome (GRC). The GRC is absent in somatic tissues but present in germ cells. It has been established that a prophase I male GRC is usually represented by a univalent surrounded by heterochromatin. In the present study, an immunocytochemical analysis of zebra finch spermatocytes was performed to focus on some details of this chromosome’s organization. For the first time, it was shown that a prophase I GRC contains the HORMAD1 protein, which participates in the formation of a full axial element. This GRC axial element has signs of a delay of core protein loading, probably owing to peculiarities of meiotic silencing of chromatin. The presence of repressive marks (H3K9me3 and H3K27me3) and the lack of RNA polymerase II, typically associated with active transcription, indicate transcriptional inactivation in the GRC body, despite the known activity of some genes of the GRC. Nevertheless, RPA and RAD51 proteins were found at some GRC sites, indicating the formation and repair of double-strand breaks on this chromosome. Our results provide new insights into the meiotic behavior and structure of a GRC.
Investigation of Carriers of Salmonella and Other Hydrogen Sulphide-Positive Bacteria in the Digestive Content of Fish from the Atlantic Area of Macaronesia: A Comparative Study of Identification by API Gallery and MALDI-TOF MS
Authors: Rosario Medina Inmaculada , Suárez Benítez Marco Antonio , Ojeda-Vargas María del Mar , Gallo Kiara , Padilla Castillo Daniel , Batista-Arteaga Miguel , Déniz Suárez Soraya , Díaz Rodríguez Esther Licia , Acosta-Hernández Begoña
Published: November 2024

Salmonella spp. are known pathogens in fish, with their presence potentially resulting from the contamination of the aquatic environment or improper handling. Accurate bacterial identification is crucial across various fields, including medicine, microbiology, and the food industry, and thus a range of techniques are available for this purpose. In this study, Salmonella spp. and other hydrogen sulphide-positive bacteria were investigated in the digestive contents of fish destined for consumption from the Atlantic area of Macaronesia. Two identification techniques were compared: the traditional API method and the MALDI-TOF MS technique. For the identification of Salmonella spp. carriers, 59 samples were processed following ISO 6579–1:2017. A total of 47 strains of Gram-negative bacilli were obtained. No Salmonella spp. isolates were detected. The most frequent genus was Enterobacter (76.50%), followed by Shewanella (10.63%). The MALDI-TOF MS technique showed a high concordance with the API technique, with 72.34% concordance at the species level. Both techniques demonstrated a high degree of concordance in the identification of Enterobacter cloacae, with 87.23% genus-level concordance and 12.76% non-concordant identifications. This study highlights the limitations of the API technique and the speed and precision of MALDI-TOF MS. The identified bacteria could pose a health risk to humans.
A Brief Chronicle of Antibody Research and Technological Advances
Authors: Araki Kazutaka , Maeda Ryota
Published: November 2024

This review briefly traces the historical development of antibody research and related technologies. The path from early perceptions of immunity to the emergence of modern immunotherapy has been marked by pivotal discoveries and technological advances. Early insights into immunity led to the development of vaccination and serotherapy. The elucidation of antibody structure and function paved the way for monoclonal antibody technology and its application in diagnosis and therapy. Breakthroughs in genetic engineering have enabled the production of humanized antibodies and the advances in Fc engineering, thereby increasing therapeutic efficacy. The discovery of immune checkpoints and cytokines revolutionized the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. The field continues to evolve rapidly with the advent of antibody–drug conjugates, bispecific antibodies, and CAR T-cell therapies. As we face global health challenges, antibody research remains at the forefront of medical innovation and offers promising solutions for the future.
The Therapeutic Potential of Agarwood as an Antimicrobial and Anti-Inflammatory Agent: A Scoping Review
Authors: Abd Rashed Aswir , Jamilan Mohd Azerulazree , Abdul Rahman Salina , Amin Nordin Fatimah Diana , Mohd Nawi Mohd Naeem
Published: November 2024

Background/Objectives: Microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi are frequently the cause of infections. Antimicrobial agents, such as antibiotics, antivirals, and antifungals, are used to target and eliminate these infectious agents. On the other hand, inflammation is a natural response of the immune system to injury, infection, or irritation. Although herbal remedies have been used to treat these conditions for centuries and can be effective in certain situations, it is crucial to use them with caution. Not all herbal remedies are supported by scientific evidence, and their safety and efficacy can vary. Thus, we conducted this review to determine the potential health benefits of agarwood as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent. Methods: Three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were used to search for original papers submitted between 2013 and 2023, using the Medical Subject Heading (MeSH) terms “agar-wood” crossed with the terms “antimicrobial” and/or “anti-inflammatory”. Synonyms and relevant search terms were also searched. Results: The most-studied agarwood for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agents is Aquilaria sinensis. Some studies have shown its potential application as a potent inhibitor of fungi, including Lasiodiplodia theobromae, Fusarium oxysporum, and Candida albicans. Moreover, it is capable of inhibiting Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus activities. Several chromones detected in agarwood have been shown to inhibit NF-κB activation, LPS-induced NO production, and superoxide anion generation. In conclusion, more research is needed, particularly regarding future intervention studies, to enhance our knowledge and understanding of agarwood and its isolates. Conclusions: This review reveals that despite the absence of clinical trials, agarwood exhibits antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Antimicrobial Resistance of Escherichia coli for Uncomplicated Cystitis: Korean Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System
Authors: Yu Seong Hyeon , Jung Seung Il , Lee Seung-Ju , Oh Mi-Mi , Choi Jin Bong , Choi Chang Il , Kim Yeon Joo , Park Dong Jin , Bae Sangrak , Min Seung Ki ,   KAUTII Investigators
Published: November 2024

Objectives: Uncomplicated cystitis is a leading form of bacterial UTI; the most common causative bacterium worldwide is Escherichia coli. This internet-based, prospective, multicenter, and national observational study aimed to report the antimicrobial resistance of E. coli in patients with uncomplicated cystitis through the use of the Korean Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (KARMS) in 2023. Results: Data for a total of 654 patients were retrieved from the KARMS database. The mean (standard deviation) patient age was 55.9 (18.3) years. The numbers of postmenopausal women and patients with recurrent cystitis were 381 (59.4%) and 78 (11.9%), respectively. Regarding antimicrobial susceptibility, 96.8% were susceptible to fosfomycin, 98.9% to nitrofurantoin, 50.9% to ciprofloxacin, and 82.4% to cefotaxime. Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase positivity was 14.4% (89/616), and was significantly higher in tertiary hospitals (24.6%, p < 0.001) and recurrent cystitis (27.6%, p < 0.001). Fluoroquinolone resistance was significantly higher in tertiary hospitals (57.8%, p < 0.001), postmenopausal women (54.2%, p < 0.001), and recurrent cystitis (70.3%, p < 0.001). In addition, postmenopausal status (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.44–3.17, odds ratio [OR] 2.13, p < 0.001), recurrent cystitis (95% CI: 1.40–4.66, OR 2.56, p = 0.002) and tertiary hospitals (95% CI: 1.00–2.93, OR 1.71, p = 0.049) were associated with significantly increased fluoroquinolone resistance. Methods: Any female patient diagnosed with clinical uncomplicated cystitis and microbiologically proven E. coli infection in 2023 was eligible for this study. Patient data were obtained from the web-based KARMS database. The antimicrobial susceptibility of E. coli was analyzed according to clinical factors, including hospital region, hospital type, menopause status, and recurrence status. Conclusions: The antimicrobial resistance of E. coli in patients with uncomplicated cystitis in the Republic of Korea has reached a serious level, especially in fluoroquinolone resistance. Therefore, major efforts should be made to reduce antimicrobial resistance.
Investigation of the Mechanism of Action of AMPs from Amphibians to Identify Bacterial Protein Targets for Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Canè Carolina , Tammaro Lidia , Duilio Angela , Di Somma Angela
Published: November 2024

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) from amphibians represent a promising source of novel antibacterial agents due to their potent and broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, which positions them as valid alternatives to conventional antibiotics. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms through which amphibian-derived AMPs exert their effects against bacterial pathogens. We focus on the identification of bacterial protein targets implicated in the action of these peptides and on biological processes altered by the effect of AMPs. By examining recent advances in countering multidrug-resistant bacteria through multi-omics approaches, we elucidate how AMPs interact with bacterial membranes, enter bacterial cells, and target a specific protein. We discuss the implications of these interactions in developing targeted therapies and overcoming antibiotic resistance (ABR). This review aims to integrate the current knowledge on AMPs’ mechanisms, identify gaps in our understanding, and propose future directions for research to harness amphibian AMPs in clinical applications.
Differences in Patient Access to Newly Approved Antibacterial Drugs in EU/EEA Countries
Authors: Zasheva Anelia , Batcheva Elina , Ivanova Kremena Dimitrova , Yanakieva Antoniya
Published: November 2024

The introduction of antibiotics in the beginning of the 20th century was one of the most important scientific breakthroughs in history. However, in recent decades, the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has shown the limitations of the current research and development programs for new antimicrobial drugs. In the last decade, 20 antibiotics, 7 β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor (BL/BLI) combinations and 4 non-traditional antibacterial drugs have been launched worldwide. Methods: This study aimed to assess the time to patient access for new antibacterial drugs in countries in the European Union and the European Economic Area (EU/EEA). Time differences in marketing authorization from the U.S. Food and Drug Agency (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) were also described, as well as the availability of each drug in the countries in the EU/EEA according to the national competent authorities. Results: Substantial differences between countries were observed, with no or only one new drug available in some countries. Conclusions: Improving pricing and reimbursement timelines and fostering collaboration between national health authorities and market authorization holders can enhance timely and equitable patient access to new antibacterial treatments in Europe. Equitable and sustainable access to antibacterial drugs is a cornerstone in the battle against AMR.
Antioxidant Therapy in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: How Far Have We Come and How Close Are We?
Authors: Xavier Lylian Ellen Militão dos Santos , Reis Thays Cristhyna Guimaraes , Martins Amylly Sanuelly da Paz , Santos Juliana Célia de Farias , Bueno Nassib Bezerra , Goulart Marília Oliveira Fonseca , Moura Fabiana Andréa
Published: November 2024

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) pose a growing public health challenge with unclear etiology and limited efficacy of traditional pharmacological treatments. Alternative therapies, particularly antioxidants, have gained scientific interest. This systematic review analyzed studies from MEDLINE, Cochrane, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus using keywords like “Inflammatory Bowel Diseases” and “Antioxidants.” Initially, 925 publications were identified, and after applying inclusion/exclusion criteria—covering studies from July 2015 to June 2024 using murine models or clinical trials in humans and evaluating natural or synthetic substances affecting oxidative stress markers—368 articles were included. This comprised 344 animal studies and 24 human studies. The most investigated antioxidants were polyphenols and active compounds from medicinal plants (n = 242; 70.3%). The review found a strong link between oxidative stress and inflammation in IBD, especially in studies on nuclear factor kappa B and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathways. However, it remains unclear whether inflammation or oxidative stress occurs first in IBD. Lipid peroxidation was the most studied oxidative damage, followed by DNA damage. Protein damage was rarely investigated. The relationship between antioxidants and the gut microbiota was examined in 103 animal studies. Human studies evaluating oxidative stress markers were scarce, reflecting a major research gap in IBD treatment. PROSPERO registration: CDR42022335357 and CRD42022304540.
Armillaria mellea Mycelia Alleviate PM2.5-Induced Pulmonary Inflammation in Murine Models
Authors: Huang Yi-Ping , Huang Yu-Tsen , Wu Hui-Yu , Chou Li-Fang , Tsai You-Shan , Jiang Yih-Min , Chen Wan-Ping , Lin Ting-Wei , Chen Chin-Chu , Lai Chih-Ho
Published: November 2024

Particulate matter (PM) with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) significantly contributes to various disease-related respiratory inflammations. Armillaria mellea, recognized for its medicinal properties, could alleviate these respiratory ailments. However, its efficacy against PM2.5-induced inflammation remains elusive. In this study, we investigated whether A. mellea mycelia could mitigate PM2.5-induced respiratory inflammation and assessed the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that A. mellea mycelia significantly reduced PM2.5-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and nuclear factor (NF)-κB activation in macrophages. Furthermore, A. mellea mycelia suppressed the expression of inflammatory mediators, indicating their potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In murine models, A. mellea mycelia mitigated PM2.5-induced lung inflammation and cytokine secretion, restoring lung inflammatory status. Our results highlight the potential of A. mellea mycelia to treat PM2.5-induced respiratory inflammation. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of A. mellea mycelia demonstrated in vitro and in vivo hold promising potential for developing respiratory health improvement interventions upon PM2.5 exposure.
Impact of Drying on Phytonutritional Compounds, In Vitro Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity of Spiny Saltbush (Rhagodia spinescens)
Authors: Mianda Sephora Mutombo , Li Jiaxuan , Akter Saleha , Adiamo Oladipupo , Sivakumar Dharini , Sultanbawa Yasmina
Published: November 2024

The Spiny saltbush (Rhagodia spinscens) is a halophyte species with the potential to provide natural ingredients used in food and pharmaceutical industries. In food and pharmaceutical applications, drying is necessary to maintain shelf-life, which reduces phytonutrient content. In this study, changes in the nutritional composition, phenolic and carotenoid profiles of radical antioxidant scavenging activity [(2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)(ABTS)], antioxidant power [ferric reducing antioxidant ability assay (FRAP)], and cytotoxicity of freeze- and oven-dried (55 °C for 24 h) spiny saltbush were determined. Sodium (4.72 g/100 g dry weight (DW), potassium (6.86 g/100 g DW), calcium (4.06 g/100 g DW), zinc (372 mg/kg DW) and protein content were higher in oven-dried samples than freeze-dried samples. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis detected 18 metabolites in saltbush extracts. Partial Least-Squares Discriminant Analysis, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis, and Variable Importance in Projection discriminated between freeze-dried and oven-dried samples. Freeze-dried samples retained more individual metabolites than oven-dried samples, while oven-dried samples had higher antioxidant activity (ABTS and FRAP), lutein, trans-β carotene, and cis-β-carotene. Correlation analysis identified potential antioxidant candidates between phenolic and carotenoid compounds. Neither freeze-dried nor oven-dried spiny saltbush samples showed cytotoxicity. The study uncovered changes in phytonutritional compounds after the oven and freeze-drying spiny saltbush, a potential salt alternative and functional ingredient for the food industry.
Strength, Durability, and Aesthetics of Corner Joints and Edge Banding in Furniture Design: A Review
Authors: Vlaović Zoran , Gržan Tomislav , Župčić Ivica , Domljan Danijela , Mihulja Goran
Published: November 2024

Corner joints and edge banding are essential components that significantly impact the strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal of particleboard furniture. This review examines the critical role of edge banding in enhancing the performance of corner joints, which are fundamental to the overall quality of panel furniture. A targeted literature search was conducted across key databases, including the Web of Science Core Collection (WoS CC), Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on scientific resources in the technical and biotechnical sciences. The selection of joint types, materials, and construction methods can substantially influence both the structural integrity and visual design of the furniture. Well-designed corner joints improve durability and longevity by ensuring that furniture can withstand various forces and loads without failure or deformation. These joints enhance the aesthetics of furniture by providing seamless and visually appealing connections between different elements. Edge banding is vital for reinforcing corner joint strength, as different materials exhibit varying degrees of resistance to impact, scratches, and abrasion, thereby safeguarding furniture surfaces. Also, edge banding contributes to the furniture’s longevity, ensuring durability during use as well as through disassembly and transport during remodeling or relocation. This review aims to consolidate existing knowledge and establish parameters for future research on the quality and performance of corner joints and edge bands in particleboard furniture.
LEM-Detector: An Efficient Detector for Photovoltaic Panel Defect Detection
Authors: Zhou Xinwen , Li Xiang , Huang Wenfu , Wei Ran
Published: November 2024

Photovoltaic panel defect detection presents significant challenges due to the wide range of defect scales, diverse defect types, and severe background interference, often leading to a high rate of false positives and missed detections. To address these challenges, this paper proposes the LEM-Detector, an efficient end-to-end photovoltaic panel defect detector based on the transformer architecture. To address the low detection accuracy for Crack and Star crack defects and the imbalanced dataset, a novel data augmentation method, the Linear Feature Augmentation (LFA) module, specifically designed for linear features, is introduced. LFA effectively improves model training performance and robustness. Furthermore, the Efficient Feature Enhancement Module (EFEM) is presented to enhance the receptive field, suppress redundant information, and emphasize meaningful features. To handle defects of varying scales, complementary semantic information from different feature layers is leveraged for enhanced feature fusion. A Multi-Scale Multi-Feature Pyramid Network (MMFPN) is employed to selectively aggregate boundary and category information, thereby improving the accuracy of multi-scale target recognition. Experimental results on a large-scale photovoltaic panel dataset demonstrate that the LEM-Detector achieves a detection accuracy of 94.7% for multi-scale defects, outperforming several state-of-the-art methods. This approach effectively addresses the challenges of photovoltaic panel defect detection, paving the way for more reliable and accurate defect identification systems. This research will contribute to the automatic detection of surface defects in industrial production, ultimately enhancing production efficiency.
External Validation of Accelerometry-Based Mechanical Loading Prediction Equations
Authors: Veras Lucas , Oliveira Daniela , Diniz-Sousa Florêncio , Boppre Giorjines , Resende-Coelho Ana , Oliveira José , Fonseca Hélder
Published: November 2024

Accurately predicting physical activity-associated mechanical loading is crucial for developing and monitoring exercise interventions that improve bone health. While accelerometer-based prediction equations offer a promising solution, their external validity across different populations and activity contexts remains unclear. This study aimed to validate existing mechanical loading prediction equations by applying them to a sample and testing conditions distinct from the original validation studies. A convenience sample of 49 adults performed walking, running, and jumping activities on a force plate while wearing accelerometers at their hip, lower back, and ankle. Peak ground reaction force (pGRF) and peak loading rate (pLR) predictions were assessed for accuracy. Substantial variability in prediction accuracy was found, with pLR showing the highest errors. These findings highlight the need to improve prediction models to account for individual biomechanical differences, sensor placement, and high-impact activities. Such refinements are essential for ensuring the models’ reliability in real-world applications, particularly in clinical and biomechanical research contexts, where accurate assessments of mechanical loading are critical for designing rehabilitation programs, injury prevention strategies, and optimizing bone health interventions.
Monitoring of Overburden Failure with a Large Fractured-Height Working Face in a Deep Jurassic Coal Seam Based on the Electric Method
Authors: Wu Rongxin , Wu Yuze , Sun Binyang , Zhou Guanqun , Zheng Leilei
Published: November 2024

The development height of a water-flowing fractured zone is the key parameter to consider when carrying out mining under water pressure and coal mining with water conservation. In this paper, Jurassic coal seam 3-1 in the Menkeqing Coal Mine was taken as the research target, and a three-dimensional mining geological model was established by using FLAC3D to study the deformation and failure rules of overburden. Three roof boreholes were drilled in the auxiliary transportation roadway of adjacent working faces for dynamic monitoring by the resistivity method, which can better observe the whole process from failure to stability of the overburden. The results show that due to the complex sedimentary environment and large buried depth of coal seams in western China, there is a large deviation between the calculation results of the empirical formula of the fractured zone height under the “Regulations of buildings, water, railway and main well lane leaving coal pillar and press coal mining” (three regulations) and the simulation and on-site measurement. Based on the comprehensive analysis, the influence range of mining advance abutment pressure is approximately 60 m. The height of the water-flowing fractured zone is approximately 106 m, and it is located at the interface between sandy mudstone and mudstone. The height of the caving zone is approximately 22 m, and it is located at the interface between fine sandstone and medium sandstone. The ratio of the fractured height and coal seam thickness (Rf) reached 24.4, which was basically consistent with the test result of the adjacent Yushenfu mining area (which was 26 on average). There is no obvious change in the development height of the caving zone and water-flowing fracture zone from the working face to the drilling borehole position of more than 120 m, which reflects that the height of the overburden failure zone is related to the control of lithological combination.
Cognitive Diagnosis Method via Q-Matrix-Embedded Neural Networks
Authors: Tao Jinhong , Zhao Wei , Liu Fengjuan , Guo Xiaoqing , Cheng Nuo , Guo Qian , Xu Xiaoqing , Duan Hong
Published: November 2024

Cognitive diagnosis is one of the essential components in intelligent education and aims to diagnose student’s skill or knowledge mastery based on their responses. Recently, with the development of artificial intelligence, some researchers have applied neural network methods to cognitive diagnosis. Although they achieved some success, they seemed to lack a certain basis for designing network structures and could not obtain a unified method for designing network structures. We propose a neural network method for cognitive diagnosis based on Q-matrix constraints, introducing the Q-matrix from traditional cognitive diagnosis to enhance the reliability and interpretability of the network structure. Specifically, our method is highly consistent with generalized deterministic inputs, the noisy “and” gate model (GDINA), and the network structure reflects the direct contribution of skills to answering questions correctly, as well as the indirect contribution of interactions between skills to answering questions correctly. Finally, extensive experiments on both simulated and real datasets demonstrated that our method achieved high accuracy and reliability, with a particularly notable performance on low-quality datasets. As the number of questions and skills increased, our approach exhibited greater robustness compared to the classical methods, highlighting its potential for broad applicability in cognitive diagnosis tasks.
A Case Study Comparing Methods for Coal Thickness Identification in Complex Geological Conditions
Authors: Ding Tao , Wu Yanhui , Wang Lei , Nie Zhen , Zhang Lei
Published: November 2024

This study compares the effectiveness of different methods for coal thickness identification, aiming to identify the most accurate approach and provide a reference for intelligent coalmine development. Focused on the No. 2 coal seam in a mining area in Shanxi, China, the analysis employs well log-constrained impedance inversion and seismic multi-attribute techniques. The results show that the back propagation (BP) neural network model, as part of the seismic multi-attribute approach, delivers prediction accuracy comparable to the well log-constrained inversion method. Specifically, after applying proper static corrections, a four-layer BP neural network was constructed using four optimized sensitive attributes as the input layer, achieving an error range of 0.11% to 1.36%, compared to 0.03% to 6.59% for the logging-based method. The BP neural network demonstrated strong applicability in complex geological environments. Empirical analysis further validated the BP neural network’s geological reliability and practicality in systematic coal thickness determination.
Investigation of Adsorption and Young’s Modulus of Epoxy Resin–Sand Interfaces Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Shen Dejian , Pi Xueran , Cai Lili , Wang Xin , Wu Chunying , Liu Ruixin
Published: November 2024

Epoxy resins exhibit outstanding curability, durability, and environmental compatibility, rendering them extensively utilized in the realm of engineering curing. Nevertheless, the current curing mechanism of epoxy-based resins in cohesion with sand remains inadequately elucidated, significantly impeding their applicability within the domain of soil curing. This study employed molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the adsorption behavior of three distinct types of epoxy resins on the sand surface: diglycidyl ether of bisphenol-A epoxy resin (DGEBA), diglycidyl ether 4,4′-dihydroxy diphenyl sulfone (DGEDDS), and aliphatic epoxidation of olefin resin (AEOR). The objective was to gain insights into the interactions between the sand surface and the epoxy resin polymers. The results demonstrated that DGEDDS formed a higher number of hydrogen bonds on the sand surface, leading to stronger intermolecular interactions compared to the other two resins. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the adsorbed models of the three epoxy resins with sand were found to be relatively similar. This similarity can be attributed to their comparable chemical structures. Finally, analysis of the radius of gyration for the adsorbed epoxy resins revealed that AEOR exhibited a rigid structure due to strong molecular interactions, while DGEDDS displayed a flexible structure owing to weaker interactions.