bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and predictors of opportunistic infections in adolescents and adults after the initiation of antiretroviral therapy: A 10-year retrospective cohort study in Ethiopia
Authors: Woldegeorgis Beshada Zerfu , Diro Chala Wegi , Yohannes Bereket , Kerbo Amene Abebe , Asgedom Yordanos Sisay
Published: December 2022

Background

Opportunistic infections (OIs) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in people living with the human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). However, there are few robust recent data on the rates of OIs and the risk factors that contribute to their occurrence. Therefore, the current study sought to determine the incidence of OIs and identify predictors among adolescents and adults after the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) at Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital (WSUCSH), Southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study design was employed. The study population was adolescents and adults who initiated ART between 1 January 2012 and 31 December 2021. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 537 participants' records. We reviewed the medical records of the sampled individuals from 1 May 2022 to 15 June 2022. KoboCollect version 2021.2.4 and STATA version 14.0 software were used for data collection and analysis, respectively. We calculated the incidence rate per 100 person-years of observation (PYO) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the occurrence of any OIs. The Weibull regression model was fitted after the goodness-of-fit test for the Cox proportional hazard model was deemed inadequate. An adjusted hazard ratio (AHR) with 95% CI was used to identify a significant predictor of OIs. The statistical significance was made at a 5% significance level.

Results

A total of 515 participants contributed to 1,829 person-years of risk, of whom 164 (31.84%) exhibited at least one OI. The overall incidence rate of OIs was 8.97 cases (95% CI: 7.69, 10.44) per 100 PYO. The independent predictors of OIs were being female [AHR: 1.65 (95% CI (1.15, 2.36), P = 0.007)], individuals classified as World Health Organization (WHO) HIV clinical stage III [AHR: 1.98 (95% CI (1.12, 3.51), P = 0.019)], individuals who did not take cotrimoxazole preventive therapy (CPT) [AHR: 2.58 (95% CI (1.62, 4.11), P < 0.001)], mild malnutrition [AHR: 1.62 (95% CI (1.06, 2.54), P = 0.035)], and poor adherence to ART [AHR: 4.21 (95% CI (2.39, 7.44), P < 0.001)].

Conclusion

The rate of OIs after the initiation of ART was still high. Moreover, being female, not taking CPT, poor adherence to ART, mild malnutrition, and advanced HIV disease at presentation were found to increase the hazards of developing OIs.
A critical comparative review of evidence on alternative instruments for supporting research and innovation in agri-food systems in the Global South
Authors: Letty Brigid Aileen , Hart Tim G. B. , Murugan Simone , Naidoo Theolin , Rai Sharad , Thiam Djibril , Zake Joshua , Sershen  , Annor-Frempong Irene
Published: December 2022

Financial support is a critical enabling factor for healthy agri-food innovation systems, particularly within resource-limited settings, though additional forms of support are also necessary. This motivated a critical comparative review of evidence in peer-reviewed and gray literature on the range of instruments that support innovation in agri-food systems in the Global South, toward achieving sustainable agriculture intensification. The main aim is to provide recommendations to innovation managers on the choice of different instruments for supporting innovation. The key guiding questions for the comparative analysis were whether the instrument fosters uptake of innovation and whether it promotes inclusive development. A review of the literature was supplemented with a scan of websites for sources of peer-reviewed and gray literature documenting the application of the 12 selected instruments. The study revealed three categories of instruments: (Type A) those that support entrepreneurship; (Type B) those that primarily finance innovation; and (Type C) those that support innovation in real-life contexts. Our analysis indicates that innovation managers and funders need to select instruments that are likely to fit the specific context as well as to address the mandates of their organizations, and in so doing, they must consider how to ensure the sustainability of their investments and meet the needs of their beneficiaries. This review represents one of a handful that have compared the use of multiple instruments across multiple continents in the Global South, and can serve as an important decision-making tool for investors and funders looking to invest in agri-food innovation systems.
Connection between Circadian Rhythm and Rumen Digestibility of Concentrate and Roughage in Sheep
Authors: Zhang Chuntao , Tu Yan , Ma Tao , Diao Qiyu
Published: December 2022

This study investigated the effects of circadian rhythm on rumen nutrient digestibility using the nylon bag method and the digestibility characteristics of dietary nutrients during the daytime and at night. It also presents modification suggestions for evaluating the nutritional value of raw feed materials. The rumen nutrient digestibility was measured and investigated for correlation with circadian rhythm using the nylon bag method. We established a sheep-feeding program to determine the differences in rumen nutrient digestibility between the daytime and nighttime. The digestibility of 18 standard feed samples was investigated in 6 Hu sheep with ruminal fistulas (body weight: 33.59 ± 0.39 kg, 12 months old). Samples were incubated in the rumen for three periods: daytime (12 h, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM), night (12 h, 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM), and the entire day (24 h, 6:00 AM to 6:00 AM). The activities of enzymes amylase, lipase and cellulase were higher during the day than at night. The rumen digestibility of organic matter was significantly higher during the daytime than at night compared to the digestibilities of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and ether extract (EE). Among them, the rumen digestibility of DM and CP was higher, but the digestibility of EE was lower during the daytime than at night in cereal feed fed sheep. The rumen digestibility of DM was higher in roughage-fed sheep but lower in rice straw- and corn silage-fed sheep during the day than at night. Circadian rhythms correlate strongly with the activities of major digestive enzymes in the rumen and the rumen digestibility of nutrients. Moreover, the nylon bag method needs to be modified and improved to ascertain the appropriate time for placing the nylon bag in the rumen and thus establish a unified procedure.
Soil Aggregate Breakdown with Colloidal Particles Release and Transport in Soil: A Perspective from Column Experiments
Authors: Cao Gang , Chang Bokun , Zhou Zhiying , Hu Liang , Du Wei , Lv Jialong
Published: December 2022

The strongest fortresses often disintegrate from the inside. Likewise, soil internal forces play a critical role in the initial breakdown process of soil aggregate, thus accelerating soil erosion and the release of soil colloid particles. To date, research on the effect of soil internal forces, especially separating the electrostatic force, and on the process of soil aggregate breakdown with particle release and transport in soil is largely inadequate. Therefore, column experiments were used to investigate the properties of transport and soil particles released from the disintegration of model soil aggregates caused by different levels of electrostatic forces. We found that the increase of electrostatic repulsive pressure was the immediate cause of soil aggregate breakdown, that the highest concentration of released soil particles could reach 808.36 mg L−1, and that the mean particle sizes of the released soil ranged from 100 nm to 300 nm. The particle size distributions and clay mineral composition of the released soil particles were not dominated by the electrostatic force. In practice, the change of external conditions of agricultural soil would lead to the change of soil internal forces, then affect soil aggregate stability. This study aims to provide a micro perspective to understand the release of fine particles from soil matrix and its implication for agricultural soil.
Soil Phosphorus Fractionation and Bio-Availability in a Calcareous Soil as Affected by Conocarpus Waste Biochar and Its Acidified Derivative
Authors: Akanji Mutair A. , Ahmad Munir , Al-Wabel Mohammad I. , Al-Farraj Abdullah S. F.
Published: December 2022

Biochar possesses more profound effects on the availability of soil P in acidic soil than in alkaline and/or calcareous soil, mainly due to P fixation. Therefore, biochar derived from Conocarpus waste (BC) was acidified with sulfuric acid to produce acidified biochar (ABC) and incorporated into a calcareous soil planted with alfalfa in order to investigate P availability and fractionation. Additionally, the changes in some other soil chemical properties were investigated. Both BC and ABC were applied at three rates (0%, 2.5%, and 5%) along with P fertilizer application at four rates (0, 75, 150 and 300 ppm). The results showed that acidification remarkably reduced the pH of ABC by 6.84 units. The application of ABC considerably lowered the soil pH; however, it did not significantly increase P availability in the studied soil. Furthermore, BC, especially at a higher application rate, increased the extractable soil K. Similarly, the amendments increased the soil cation exchangeable capacity (CEC) and soil organic matter (OM), where a profound increase was observed at a higher application rate in the case of soil OM. Similarly, soil-available micronutrients were increased over the control, where a more profound increase was observed in soils treated with ABC. The NaHCO3−P (exchangeable) fraction increased with increasing fertilizer application rate while the residual–P decreased. Therefore, BC and ABC could be used to improve soil quality and enhance soil nutrient availability. However, further studies are required on how to significantly improve soil available P in calcareous soil.
Computational Model for the Dynamic Characterisation of a Trunk Shaker
Authors: Sanchez-Cachinero Pedro , Luque-Mohedano Rafael , Sola-Guirado Rafael R.
Published: December 2022

The development of trunk shaker machines over the years has been based on test-error methods in field. Mathematical or computational models have been studied with great simplifications. This paper presents a method for modelling the dynamic behaviour of a trunk shaker with a test bench. Two mass configurations were used on the test bench as well as two different vibration frequencies on the trunk shaker. Acceleration values were recorded at different points of the system. The binomial shaker-post was computationally modelled, and its dynamic response was analysed based on a modal and transient study with a series of proposed simplifications. The results of the simulations were compared with experimentally recorded acceleration values. In both cases, a linear response to mass and frequency variation was observed in the acceleration that the shaker performed. There was a high correlation in the effective accelerations (error < 4%) between experimental and computational studies measured in the trunk shaker. However, there were higher errors when the post was used in the test in the post structure points. The greatest uncertainty in the model may lie in the assumption of contact between the attachment pad and the post, but if this is not carried out, it makes convergence in the computational calculations very difficult. The method has proved its worth in determining the dynamic behaviour of these machines.
Identification of Sugarcane S. spontaneum (Poaceae) Germplasm: Evidence from rDNA-ITS and rDNA Locus Analyses
Authors: Lin Pingping , Hu Xuguang , Xue Li , Li Xinyi , Wang Ping , Zhao Xinwang , Zhang Muqing , Deng Zuhu , Yu Fan
Published: December 2022

Sugarcane is a major crop for sugar production around the world. The complexity of the sugarcane genome creates challenges for the use of both conventional and molecular breeding methods to improve sugarcane at a genetic level. DNA sequencing is an important tool to assess how the genus Saccharum and the genera of the Saccharum complex are interrelated. Here, we identify the kinship of Nepal2013-6 (Saccharum spontaneum, x = 10) using a tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) PCR. Based on rDNA-ITS sequence analysis, the accession Nepal2013-6 falls within a single cluster with S. spontaneum (Yunnan82-114 and SES208), which is consistent with the previous results. Moreover, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results indicate that the 5S rDNA spots are consistent with the chromosomal ploidy in the analytical Saccharum materials, whereas 35S rDNA has similar or fewer sites than the ploidy. Therefore, 5S rDNA FISH patterns would be more suitable than 35S rDNA for chromosomal ploidy analysis in S. spontaneum with varied basic chromosome number x = 8, 9, 10. Altogether, these results indicate that the rDNA sequences will be a useful marker for further rapidly identifying the relationship and ploidy of S. spontaneum in sugarcane breeding.
Dissipation, Residue, and Dietary Risk Assessment of Methoxyfenozide, Chlorantraniliprole, Indoxacarb, Lufenuron, and Chlorfenapyr in Spinach Using a Modified QuEChERS Method Combined with a Tandem Mass Spectrometry Technique
Authors: Feng Yizhi , Zhang Guofu , Zhang Aijuan , Zhou Li , Bian Yanli , Pan Jinju , Yang Sumei , Han Jifeng , Ma Xingang , Qi Xiaoxue , Liang Lin , Zuo Bojun
Published: December 2022

Spinach is a frequently consumed vegetable worldwide. Chemical pesticides are widely used to produce spinach with high yield and quality. However, the unregulated use of pesticides negatively impacts human and environmental health. A simple and efficient method using dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) combined with field experiments was conducted to study the residue dissipation of methoxyfenozide, chlorantraniliprole, indoxacarb, lufenuron, and chlorfenapyr in spinach under different planting conditions. The results showed that the half-lives of methoxyfenozide, chlorantraniliprole, indoxacarb, lufenuron, and chlorfenapyr in spinach were 1.1–3.0 d, 2.6–4.0 d, 1.7–4.2 d, 3.4–4.4 d, and 2.8–4.3 d, respectively. The five pesticides rapidly degraded without significant differences between the open and greenhouse fields. The final residue of indoxacarb in spinach was not higher than the maximum residue limit (MRL) in China (3 mg kg−1); the highest residual value was 1.0 mg kg−1. Although the MRLs of methoxyfenozide, chlorfenapyr, and lufenuron for spinach are yet to be formulated in China, the long-term dietary risk for the four pesticides was acceptable, with an RQ < 100%, according to the international and national assessments. These results are necessary to provide guidance for the proper and safe use of these pesticides.
Is the Weight of the Newborn Puppy Related to Its Thermal Balance?
Authors: Lezama-García Karina , Martínez-Burnes Julio , Marcet-Rius Míriam , Gazzano Angelo , Olmos-Hernández Adriana , Mora-Medina Patricia , Domínguez-Oliva Adriana , Pereira Alfredo M. F. , Hernández-Ávalos Ismael , Baqueiro-Espinosa Uri , Geraldo Ana de Mira , Casas-Alvarado Alejandro , Mota-Rojas Daniel
Published: December 2022

Hypothermia, a factor associated with neonatal mortality, can occur immediately after birth as a protective mechanism to prevent hypoxic damage in neonates, or to reduce the metabolic rate to improve the chances of survival in the first hours of life. The heat interchange through the superficial temperature of animals can be evaluated with infrared thermography (IRT). However, to date, there is no information on thermal windows in puppies. This study aimed to evaluate, with the use of IRT, the microcirculatory alterations in 8 different thermal windows identified at 7 different times in 289 newborn puppies assigned to different groups. Three thermograms were taken from four zones of each puppy: the facial, frontal, right lateral, and left lateral regions. Newborn puppies were grouped in 4 quartiles according to their weight: Q1 (126–226 g) n = 73, Q2 (227–330 g) n = 72, Q3 (331–387 g) n = 74, and Q4 (388–452 g) n = 70. A total of 8 thermal windows were considered at 7 evaluation times from Wet at birth until 24 h after birth (AB). Two-way mixed ANOVA within and between subjects’ design for each thermal window (eight models) was performed. Results revealed a positive correlation between the puppy’s weight and its ability to achieve thermostability in all the evaluated thermal windows. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.0001) between the 4 quartiles (Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4) were found. The lowest temperatures were recorded when the pups were still wet and the highest at 24 h AB. Thermal windows with the highest temperatures were abdominal (34.234 ± 0.056 °C), thoracic (33.705 ± 0.049 °C), nasal (30.671 ± 0.110 °C), and upper left palpebral (34.066 ± 0.052 °C), while the lowest were thoracic limb brachial biceps (27.534 ± 0.051 °C), thoracic limb elbow (27.141 ± 0.049 °C), thoracic limb metacarpal (27.024 ± 0.062 °C), and femoral pelvic limb (27.654 ± 0.055 °C). Assessing the thermal response in newborn puppies can help identify drastic temperature reductions or deficient thermoregulatory compensation during the first hours of life, preventing the consequences of hypothermia.
Avian Alarm Calls Do Not Induce Anti-Predator Response in Three Anuran Species
Authors: Zhao Longhui , Qin Yuanyu , Wang Jichao , Liang Wei
Published: December 2022

Many species produce alarm calls in response to predators, and the anti-predator signals are often used by other species. Eavesdropping on heterospecific alarm calls has been widely found in bird and mammal species. Other taxa, such as reptiles and amphibians, however, receive limited attention at present. Here, we selected three types of alarm calls of Japanese Tits (Parus minor) that were evoked by the Siberian Chipmunk (Eutamias sibiricus), Eurasian Sparrow Hawk (Accipiter nisus), and model snake (Elaphe spp.), respectively, and then carried out playback experiments to test whether three frog species changed their behaviors in response to the three treatments of Japanese Tit calls while the tit’s territory song was used as a control. The results showed that Little Torrent Frogs (Amolops torrentis), Ornamented Pygmy Frogs (Microhyla fissipes) and Spot-legged Treefrogs (Polypedates megacephalus) did not jump off their positions in response to the same four acoustic signals. They also did not change their calling behaviors in response to the alarm calls of Japanese Tits. This study found no evidence that these anuran species can eavesdrop on heterospecific tits’ alarm signals.
Protective Application of Morus and Its Extracts in Animal Production
Authors: Wang Lixue , Gao Huaqi , Sun Cui , Huang Lingxia
Published: December 2022

Different components of the mulberry tree (fruits, leaves, twigs, and roots) are rich in active compounds, and have been reported to possess potent beneficial properties, including antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, anti-allergenic, antihypertensive, and neuroprotective. The mulberry and its extracts can effectively improve the growth performance and fitness of animals. They not only possess the properties of being safe and purely natural, but also they are not prone to drug resistance. According to the literature, the supplemental level of the mulberry and its extracts in animal diets varies with different species, physiological status, age, and the purpose of the addition. It has been observed that the mulberry and its extracts enhanced the growth performance, the quality of animal products (meat, egg, and milk), the antioxidant and the anti-inflammatory responses of animals. Furthermore, the mulberry and its extracts have antibacterial properties and can effectively moderate the relative abundance of the microbial populations in the rumen and intestines, thus improving the immunity function of animals and reducing the enteric methane (CH4) production in ruminants. Furthermore, the mulberry and its extracts have the potential to depurate tissues of heavy metals. Collectively, this review summarizes the nutrients, active compounds, and biological functions of mulberry tree products, as well as the application in livestock production with an aim to provide a reference for the utilization of the mulberry and its extracts in animal production.
Evaluation of Resilient Modulus and Rutting for Warm Asphalt Mixtures: A Local Study in Iraq
Authors: Hilal Miami M. , Fattah Mohammed Y.
Published: December 2022

Warm-Mix-Asphalt (WMA) allows aggregates to be coated with asphalt binder at a temperature lower than the Hot-Mix-Asphalt (HMA) temperatures by using additives that make the asphalt mixtures more workable and the asphalt binder viscosity reduced. Due to the cost and environmental advantages of WMA, it is now more frequently employed in the mixtures of asphalt pavement. WMA with two percentages of zeolite (0.3% and 0.5%) is used in this research. The optimum asphalt content of WMA mixtures has a lower value compared to the HMA mixture. According to Marshall Stability’s findings, the HMA has a higher value of stability, whereas the WMA mixtures for both percentages of zeolite have a lower value of stability. WMA mixture with 0.5% zeolite has a higher Marshall Flow value, which is followed by zeolite at 0.3% and the lower value of flow was for HMA. The resilient modulus for both HMA and WMA was determined. The findings indicate that, for the two percentages of zeolite, the resilience modulus of the WMA mixtures was lower than that of the HMA. Additionally, the findings indicate that the WMA has a high potential resistance against rutting that competes with the HMA mixture.
Methodology for the Assessment of Multi-Hazard Risk in Urban Homogenous Zones
Authors: Mladineo Nenad , Mladineo Marko , Benvenuti Elena , Kekez Toni , Nikolić Željana
Published: December 2022

The multi-hazard risk assessment of urban areas represents a comprehensive approach that can be used to reduce, manage and overcome the risks arising from the combination of different natural hazards. This paper presents a methodology for multi-hazard risk assessment based on Spatial Multi-Criteria Decision Making. The PROMETHEE method was used to assess multi-hazard risks caused by seismic, flood and extreme sea waves impact. The methodology is applied for multi-hazard risk evaluation of the urban area of Kaštel Kambelovac, located on the Croatian coast of the Adriatic Sea. The settlement is placed in a zone of high seismic risk with a large number of old stone historical buildings which are vulnerable to the earthquakes. Being located along the low-lying coast, this area is also threatened by floods due to climate change-induced sea level rises. Furthermore, the settlement is exposed to flooding caused by extreme sea waves generated by severe wind. In the present contribution, the multi-hazard risk is assessed for different scenarios and different levels, based on exposure and vulnerability for each of the natural hazards and the influence of additional criteria to the overall risk in homogenous zones. Single-risk analysis has shown that the seismic risk is dominant for the whole pilot area. The results of multi-hazard assessment have shown that in all combinations the highest risk is present in the historical part of Kaštel Kambelovac. This is because the historical part is most exposed to sea floods and extreme waves, as well as due to the fact that a significant number of historical buildings is located in this area.
A New Research Scheme for Full-Scale/Model Test Comparisons to Validate the Traditional Wind Tunnel Pressure Measurement Technique
Authors: Cheng Xiao-Xiang , Zhao Lin , Ke Shi-Tang , Ge Yao-Jun
Published: December 2022

A new research scheme for a full-scale/model test comparison is proposed for effectively validating the wind tunnel pressure measurement technique in this article. With the new research scheme and using quantifiable data, future full-scale/model test comparisons are expected to reasonably disclose the main problem with the traditional atmospheric boundary layer wind tunnel pressure measurement technique with regard to the Reynolds number (Re) effects, the aero-elastic effects and the flow characteristic effects. Based on the engineering background of the Peng-cheng cooling tower, it was quantified by using the new research scheme that the average relative errors of the mean wind pressure coefficients are 52.39%, 1.87% and 35.91% for the Re effects, the aero-elastic effects and the flow characteristic effects, respectively. In view of the fluctuating wind pressure coefficients, the average relative errors are 97.58%, 21.14% and 20.20% for the Re effects, the aero-elastic effects and the flow characteristic effects, respectively. These suggest that Re effects are extremely significant for pressure measurement model tests of circular cylindrical structures, and flow characteristic effects are noticeable too. They should be mitigated using effective approaches, i.e., increasing the model surface roughness and placing the actively controlled devices at the beginning of the wind tunnel’s working section, respectively. Additionally, the key field measurement technique adopted (i.e., the calculation of the reference static pressure) and details of manufacturing the aero-elastic pressure measurement model for the present study are also expounded in the article for reference.
Assessment of Adjustment of GNSS Railway Measurements with Parameter-Binding Conditions in a Stationary Scenario
Authors: Dabrowski Pawel S. , Specht Cezary , Specht Mariusz , Burdziakowski Paweł , Lewicka Oktawia
Published: December 2022

The study aims to assess the applicability of the ordinary least squares method, robust estimation, and conditions-binded adjustment in processing the six synchronous coordinate pairs of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers. The research is part of the research project InnoSatTrack, focused on the enhancement of the determination of geometrical parameters of railway tracks using GNSS, inertial, and other sensors. A fixed frame of installation of six receivers is used in the data processing. Due to the limited availability of railway routes for measurements, the stationary campaign was conducted to gather data for the adjustment procedures tests. Six GNSS receivers in the frame-restricted configuration were set up using the tachymetric method for recording 96,729 synchronous static observations. Post-processed coordinates of the receivers were adjusted according to the geometrical conditions of the survey frame. Analysis showed higher applicability of the conditions-binded method than other estimation methods by obtaining superior results in both the precision and the maintenance of the design conditions factors than in the OLS and robust estimators.
Assessment of the Ecotoxicity of Ag, Bi, Te and Tl According to the Biological Indicators of Haplic Chernozem
Authors: Kolesnikov Sergey , Minnikova Tatiana , Tsepina Natalya , Evstegneeva Natalya , Timoshenko Alena
Published: December 2022

Soil contamination with such rare heavy metals as silver (Ag), bismuth (Bi), tellurium (Te), and thallium (Tl) leads to disruption of its agricultural and ecological functions. Each of these rare heavy metals has a different level of soil toxicity, which affects the ecological state of the soil and its recovery degree estimated by biological indicators. The work objective is to assess the ecotoxicity of oxides and nitrates of silver, bismuth, tellurium, and thallium by biological indicators of Haplic Chernozem. Under the conditions of a laboratory simulation experiment, silver, bismuth, tellurium, and thallium were introduced into the samples of soil. The ecological state of the soil for each incubation period was assessed by the activity of soil enzymes (catalase and dehydrogenases), the intensity of seed development in polluted soil (the length of shoots and roots of winter wheat), and microbiological indicators (the total number of bacteria and Azotobacter sp. abundance). For 90 days, when contaminated with oxides of silver, bismuth, tellurium, and thallium, the most sensitive biological indicator was the length of wheat roots; when contaminated with nitrates, the total number of bacteria was the most sensitive biological indicator. The most informative biological indicator for contamination with both chemical forms of rare elements (silver, bismuth, tellurium, and thallium) was the Azotobacter sp. abundance. The most ecotoxic elements among those studied were thallium and tellurium, both in the form of oxides and nitrates. The results of the study may be useful for biomonitoring and diagnostics of the state of soils contaminated with silver, bismuth, tellurium, and thallium.
RFID Authentication System Based on User Biometric Information
Authors: Huang Yuanmu , Fu Bin , Peng Ningwei , Ba Yanwen , Liu Xuan , Zhang Shigeng
Published: December 2022

Traditional authentication technologies usually perform identity authentication based on user information verification (e.g., entering the password) or biometric information (e.g., fingerprints). However, there are security risks when applying only these authentication methods. For example, if the password is compromised, it is unlikely to determine whether the user entering the password is legitimate. In this paper, we subdivide biometric information into physiological and behavioral information, and we propose a novel user authentication system, RF-Ubia, which utilizes the low-cost radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to capture unique biological or behavioral information rooted in the user and can be used in two schemes for user authentication. Consisting of an array of nine passive tags and a commercial RFID reader, RF-Ubia provides double assurance for security of identity authentication by combining user information and biometric characteristics. It first verifies the user’s password, and then identifies the biometric characteristics of the legitimate user. Due to the coupling effect among tags, any change in tag signal caused by the user’s touch will affect other tag signals at the same time. Since each user has different fingertip impedance, their touch will cause unique tag signal changes. Therefore, by combining biometric information, the tag array will uniquely identify users. The evaluation results show that RF-Ubia achieves excellent authentication performance with an average recognition rate of 93.8%.
Green Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles by Aqueous Extract of Zingiber officinale: Characterization and Insight into Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, and In Vitro Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Fouda Amr , Eid Ahmed M. , Guibal Eric , Hamza Mohammed F. , Hassan Saad El-Din , Alkhalifah Dalal Hussien M. , El-Hossary Dalia
Published: December 2022

The main challenge for researchers in the biomedical sectors concerns the development of new active compounds through cost-effectiveness, rapid, simple, and ecofriendly methods to overcome antibiotic resistance to pathogenic microbes. Herein, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were fabricated by a green approach through the reduction of chloroauric acid (HAuCl4) by harnessing the metabolites present in the aqueous extract of Zingiber officinale rhizome. UV-Vis spectroscopy, FT-IR, XRD, TEM, DLS, and zeta potential were used to characterize phytosynthesized AuNPs. In addition, the antimicrobial effect was investigated against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli), unicellular fungi (Candida albicans), and multicellular fungi (Aspergillus brasiliensis). Antioxidant and in vitro cytotoxic activities were assessed. TEM and XRD showed the successful formation of spherical and crystalline structures, with sizes in the range of 5–53 nm (average size: 15.11 ± 8.5 nm). The zeta potential value (i.e., –28.8 mV) explains the high stability of synthesized AuNPs. AuNPs exhibit promising activity against prokaryotic and eukaryotic microorganisms with variable inhibition zones and low MIC values in the range of 25–6.25 µg mL−1. Phytosynthesized AuNPs exhibit DPPH scavenging activity with percentages of 87.6 ± 0.5% at a maximum concentration (1000 µg mL−1), which can be compared with ascorbic acid (97.3 ± 0.2%). Moreover, the AuNPs displayed a target-oriented effect for cancer cell lines HepG2 and MCF7 at low IC50 concentrations of 131.9 ± 9.34 and 288.23 ± 31.39 µg mL−1 compared to the normal oral epithelial OEC cell line (487.612 ± 3.53 µg mL−1). Overall, the phytosynthesized AuNPs show wide activities that enable their use in various biomedical and biotechnological applications.
A Highly Sensitive Urinary Exosomal miRNAs Biosensor Applied to Evaluation of Prostate Cancer Progression
Authors: Chiou Yueh-Er , Yu Kai-Jie , Pang Sow-Neng , Yang Yan-Lin , Pang See-Tong , Weng Wen-Hui
Published: December 2022

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in the male population, carrying a significant disease burden. PSA is a widely available screening tools for this disease. Current screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE)-based biosensors use a two-pronged probe approach to capture urinary miRNA. We were able to successfully detect specific exosomal miRNAs (exomiRs) in the urine of patients with prostate cancer, including exomiR-451 and exomiR-21, and used electrochemistry for measurement and analysis. Our results significantly reaffirmed the presence of exomiR-451 in urine and that a CV value higher than 220 nA is capable of identifying the presence of disease (p-value = 0.005). Similar results were further proven by a PAS greater than 4 (p-value = 0.001). Moreover, a higher urinary exomiR-21 was observed in the high-T3b stage; this significantly decreased following tumor removal (p-values were 0.016 and 0.907, respectively). According to analysis of the correlation with tumor metastasis, a higher exomiR-21 was associated with lymphatic metastasis (p-value 0.042), and higher exomiR-461 expression was correlated with tumor stage (p-value 0.031), demonstrating that the present exomiR biosensor can usefully predict tumor progression. In conclusion, this biosensor represents an easy-to-use, non-invasive screening tool that is both sensitive and specific. We strongly believe that this can be used in conjunction with PSA for the screening of prostate cancer.
Recent Advances in the Development of Bioreactors for Manufacturing of Adoptive Cell Immunotherapies
Authors: Ganeeva Irina , Zmievskaya Ekaterina , Valiullina Aygul , Kudriaeva Anna , Miftakhova Regina , Rybalov Alexey , Bulatov Emil
Published: December 2022

Harnessing the human immune system as a foundation for therapeutic technologies capable of recognizing and killing tumor cells has been the central objective of anti-cancer immunotherapy. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in improving the effectiveness and accessibility of this technology to make it widely applicable for adoptive cell therapies (ACTs) such as chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells, and many other. Automated, scalable, cost-effective, and GMP-compliant bioreactors for production of ACTs are urgently needed. The primary efforts in the field of GMP bioreactors development are focused on closed and fully automated point-of-care (POC) systems. However, their clinical and industrial application has not yet reached full potential, as there are numerous obstacles associated with delicate balancing of the complex and often unpredictable cell biology with the need for precision and full process control. Here we provide a brief overview of the existing and most advanced systems for ACT manufacturing, including cell culture bags, G-Rex flasks, and bioreactors (rocking motion, stirred-flask, stirred-tank, hollow-fiber), as well as semi- and fully-automated closed bioreactor systems.
Association between the Strength of Flexor Hallucis Brevis and Abductor Hallucis and Foot Mobility in Recreational Runners
Authors: Andrade Antonio C. F. , Catelli Danilo S. , Bedo Bruno L. S. , Cesar Guilherme M. , Santos Thiago F. , Junqueira Eduardo B. , Santiago Paulo R. P.
Published: December 2022

Different measurements of foot morphological characteristics can effectively predict foot muscle strength. However, it is still uncertain if structural and postural alterations leading to foot pronation could be compensated with more efficient function of the intrinsic foot muscles and how mobility and strength are associated. Additionally, the relationship between foot mobility and the strength of the intrinsic muscles that control the foot arch is still unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the morphological parameters between dominant and non-dominant feet and the relationship between the intrinsic foot muscle strength and foot mobility in recreational runners. We used a cross-sectional study design to evaluate twenty-four healthy recreational runners (minimum 15 km/week) with an average training history of 70 ± 60 months. Foot Posture Index (FPI-6), isometric intrinsic muscle strength, overall morphology, and normalized mobility of both feet were assessed. Parametric tests analyzed the unidimensional measures, and paired analysis determined differences between dominant and non-dominant sides. Pearson’s and Spearman’s correlation coefficients determined the relationships between normalized strength and the variables of interest (CI = 95%). There was no significant association between intrinsic foot muscle strength and mobility. The only difference observed was between the dominant and non-dominant foot regarding the normalized foot length and midfoot width during non-weight-bearing, with small and medium effect sizes, respectively. Neither foot morphology nor foot mobility was associated with strength from intrinsic foot muscles in healthy recreational runners. Further work should explore the relationship investigated in our study with professional athletes and runners with symptomatic lower limb injuries to potentialize training and rehabilitation protocols.
Factors of Persistent Limited Exercise Tolerance in Patients after COVID-19 with Normal Left Ventricular Ejection Fraction
Authors: Gryglewska-Wawrzak Katarzyna , Sakowicz Agata , Banach Maciej , Maciejewski Marek , Bielecka-Dabrowa Agata
Published: December 2022

Exercise intolerance de novo is one of the most common reported symptoms in patients recovering from the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The present study determines etiological and pathophysiological factors influencing the mechanism of impaired exercise tolerance in patients during Long-COVID. Consequently, the factors affecting the percentage predicted oxygen uptake at peak exercise (%VO2pred) in patients after COVID-19 with a normal left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were assessment. A total of 120 patients recovering from COVID-19 at three to six months after confirmed diagnosis were included. The clinical examinations, laboratory test results, echocardiography, non-invasive body mass analysis, and spiroergometry were evaluated. The subjects were divided into the following groups: study patients’ group with worsen oxygen uptake (%VO2pred < 80%; n = 47) and control group presenting%VO2pred ≥ 80% (n = 73). ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04828629. The male gender and the percent of total body water content (TBW%) were significantly higher in the study group compared to the control group (53 vs. 29%, p = 0.007 and 52.67 (±6.41) vs. 49.89 (±4.59), p = 0.02; respectively). Patients with %VO2pred < 80% presented significantly lower global peak systolic strain (GLPS), tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), and late diastolic filling (A) velocity (19.34 (±1.72)% vs. 20.10 (±1.35)%, p = 0.03; 21.86 (±4.53) vs. 24.08 (±3.20) mm, p = 0.002 and median 59.5 (IQR: 50.0–71.0) vs. 70.5 (IQR: 62.0–80.0) cm/s, p = 0.004; respectively) compared to the controls. The results of the multiple logistic regression model show that (A) velocity (OR 0.40, 95%CI: 0.17–0.95; p = 0.03) and male gender (OR 2.52, 95%CI: 1.07–5.91; p = 0.03) were independently associated with %VO2pred. Conclusions: Men have over twice the risk of persistent limited exercise tolerance in Long-COVID than women. The decreased (A) velocity, TAPSE, GLPS, and hydration status are connected with limited exercise tolerance after COVID-19 in patients with normal LVEF.
Assessing the Food Quality Using Carbon Nanomaterial Based Electrodes by Voltammetric Techniques
Authors: Rajendrachari Shashanka , Basavegowda Nagaraj , Adimule Vinayak M , Avar Baris , Somu Prathap , R. M. Saravana Kumar , Baek Kwang-Hyun
Published: December 2022

The world is facing a global financial loss and health effects due to food quality adulteration and contamination, which are seriously affecting human health. Synthetic colors, flavors, and preservatives are added to make food more attractive to consumers. Therefore, food safety has become one of the fundamental needs of mankind. Due to the importance of food safety, the world is in great need of developing desirable and accurate methods for determining the quality of food. In recent years, the electrochemical methods have become more popular, due to their simplicity, ease in handling, economics, and specificity in determining food safety. Common food contaminants, such as pesticides, additives, and animal drug residues, cause foods that are most vulnerable to contamination to undergo evaluation frequently. The present review article discusses the electrochemical detection of the above food contaminants using different carbon nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, ordered mesoporous carbon (OMC), carbon dots, boron doped diamond (BDD), and fullerenes. The voltammetric methods, such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), have been proven to be potential methods for determining food contaminants. The use of carbon-based electrodes has the added advantage of electrochemically sensing the food contaminants due to their excellent sensitivity, specificity, large surface area, high porosity, antifouling, and biocompatibility.
Hardware-Related Skin Erosion in Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease: How Far Can We Go? An Illustrative Case Report
Authors: Zeppa Pietro , Fraccalvieri Marco , Fronda Chiara , Lo Bue Enrico , Rizzi Laura , Caliendo Virginia , Lanotte Michele Maria
Published: December 2022

Skin erosion is a hardware-related complication commonly described after deep brain stimulation (DBS). Hardware exposure is often associated with the development of infection that can lead to implant removal. However, in selected cases, it is possible to manage skin erosion without having to remove the hardware. This article presents the case of a patient with recurrent skin erosions above the IPG, who underwent multiple surgeries. Given the failure of less invasive approaches, a more complex surgery with the employment of a pedunculated flap of pectoralis major in order to cover the IPG was attempted. Nevertheless, the IPG removal was finally unavoidable, resulting in a rapid decline in clinical performance. This illustrative case suggests how, in patients with sustained stimulation who benefit from a good degree of autonomy, it may be useful to use invasive surgical techniques to resolve skin erosions and save the DBS system. In spite of everything, sometimes complete or partial removal of the implant still becomes unavoidable, but this can lead to a severe worsening of PD symptoms. Definitive removal of the system should therefore be considered only in cases of frank infection or after failure of all other approaches.
Effects of Faces and Voices on the Encoding of Biographic Information
Authors: Fransson Sarah , Corrow Sherryse , Yeung Shanna , Schaefer Heidi , Barton Jason J. S.
Published: December 2022

There are multiple forms of knowledge about people. Whether diverse person-related data interact is of interest regarding the more general issue of integration of multi-source information about the world. Our goal was to examine whether perception of a person’s face or voice enhanced the encoding of their biographic data. We performed three experiments. In the first experiment, subjects learned the biographic data of a character with or without a video clip of their face. In the second experiment, they learned the character’s data with an audio clip of either a generic narrator’s voice or the character’s voice relating the same biographic information. In the third experiment, an audiovisual clip of both the face and voice of either a generic narrator or the character accompanied the learning of biographic data. After learning, a test phase presented biographic data alone, and subjects were tested first for familiarity and second for matching of biographic data to the name. The results showed equivalent learning of biographic data across all three experiments, and none showed evidence that a character’s face or voice enhanced the learning of biographic information. We conclude that the simultaneous processing of perceptual representations of people may not modulate the encoding of biographic data.
Verification of Building Structures Using Point Clouds and Building Information Models
Authors: Erdélyi Ján , Honti Richard , Funtík Tomáš , Mayer Pavol , Madiev Aset
Published: December 2022

The effort towards automation of the building industry processes has increased significantly over the last years worldwide. One of the key tools in this process is the modeling of buildings using Building Information Modeling (BIM). When following fundamental principles, a BIM model serves as an up-to-date pool of information. Combining the results of effective spatial data collection techniques with the information from a BIM model, it is possible to increase the effectiveness of as-built documentation of the structures or in-site clash detection between the built and planned parts. In this paper, we describe an approach for the verification of building structures by comparing the as-built model created from point clouds with the as-planned model of the building. The point clouds can be collected by laser scanning or photogrammetry, while the geometry of the planned (designed) structures is derived from the BIM model in the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) format. The advantage of the approach is that the as-built model is created by regression models from point clouds preprocessed by detailed segmentation. The deviations from the design and the relative geometry (e.g., flatness) of the elements are expressed by signed color maps. The presented workflow enables semi-automated verification of building structures.