bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Processes controlling the dispersion and beaching of floating marine debris in the Barcelona coastal region
Authors: Hernandez Ivan , Castro-Rosero Leidy M. , Espino Manuel , Alsina Jose M.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Coastal areas are considered potential sinks for plastic in marine environments. Data from a Lagrangian numerical simulation at a coastal scale using high-resolution hydrodynamic information and observational data of river debris discharge were analysed to determine the environmental variables from meteorological forcing or coastline orientation contributing to particle beaching.

Method

A beaching likelihood parameter was developed to quantitatively measure the propensity for an area to receive or accumulate particles from a known outflow source. Statistical analyses of particle beaching were conducted to reveal possible relationships with hydrodynamic variables. A debris mass budget was calculated from the river release observational data used in the simulation.

Results

Areas close to the release points received the highest amounts of particles and also registered the highest beaching likelihood values. Significant wave height mildly affected particle beaching (Pearson’s r=0.36). Relative perpendicular wave directions promoted beaching in coastlines with lower azimuths (vertical orientation), whereas those with higher azimuths (horizontal orientation) were more affected by relative alongshore wave directions. The mass contribution from river discharge on beaches where cleanup data was available was 6.0% of the total debris collected.

Discussion

The beaching likelihood parameter revealed the influence of coastal geometry on particle deposition in an area. Comparisons with other studies regarding beaching amounts and particle residence times are challenging due to the scale difference. The complexity of the beaching process makes it difficult to establish relationships with hydrodynamic variables, although a clear association between the coastline orientation and wave direction was established. The debris mass contribution from the two rivers included in the simulation was two orders of magnitude lower than indicated in other studies for the area.
Inverted U-shaped association between the systemic immune-inflammation index and colorectal polyps in Chinese patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Bao Jie , Teng Yajie , Yang Yingxue , Wang Qinghua
Published: January 2025

Purpose

The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) has been found to be associated with various inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the SII and colorectal polyps (CPs) in Chinese patients.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. We retrospectively collected data from 3,028 Chinese patients who underwent physical examinations, including colonoscopy, from 2018 to 2022. We conducted a comparative analysis of patient characteristics among those with adenomatous polyps, non-adenomatous polyps, and individuals without CPs using descriptive statistics. We calculated the SII for each group and assessed the relationship between SII values and the presence of CPs.

Results

Our study included 3,028 individuals, of whom 1,432 (47.29%) had colorectal polyps. After adjusting for confounding variables, the natural logarithm of the SII (Ln-SII) was significantly associated with the prevalence of adenomatous polyps in both males and females, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.76 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.65–0.88, p = 0.0003]. An inverted U-shaped relationship was observed between Ln-SII and the prevalence of colorectal polyps, including both adenomatous and non-adenomatous polyps, with a cut-off point at 5.78 (5.39 for adenomatous polyps and 5.79 for non-adenomatous polyps). Below this cut-off point, a significant association with colorectal polyps was identified, with an OR of 1.73 (95% CI: 1.25–2.40, p = 0.0009). Specifically, for adenomatous polyps, the OR was 2.91 (95% CI: 1.03–8.20, p = 0.0437), and for non-adenomatous polyps, the OR was 1.86 (95% CI: 1.31–2.65, p = 0.0006). Beyond the cut-off point, the association between Ln-SII and colorectal polyps remained significant, with an OR of 0.56 (95% CI: 0.46–0.68, p < 0.0001). In the adenomatous polyps group, the OR was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.43–0.74, p < 0.0001), and in the non-adenomatous polyps group, the OR was 0.57 (95% CI: 0.46–0.70, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

The inverted U-shaped association between Ln-SII and the risk of colorectal polyps highlights the potential relevance of monitoring variations in SII and suggests that SII may be a promising predictor for colorectal polyp development.
Efficacy of dietary modifications and mucosal protectors in the treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux: a multicenter study
Authors: Gelardi Matteo , Giancaspro Rossana , Fiorentino Christian , Patruno Stefano , Marroni Jacopo , D’Avino Alessandro , Neri Letizia , Cassano Michele , Neri Giampiero
Published: January 2025

Background

Laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) is defined as an extraesophageal reflux of gastroduodenal contents to the laryngopharynx, affecting the upper aerodigestive tract. There is currently no standardized treatment protocol for LPR. The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) is widely established in common practice and derives from the standard approach of using PPIs to treat patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, as PPIs may not be effective on all types of reflux, the aim of our study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary changes and mucosal protectants, alone or in combination, in LPR treatment.

Methods

This multicenter randomized controlled trial included 48 patients divided into three groups: dietary modifications only, mucosal protectors only, and a combination of both. The patients’ responses were assessed over 1 month using the Reflux Symptom Index (RSI) and Reflux Finding Score (RFS), along with measurements of salivary and nasal pepsin concentration and rhinomanometry.

Results

Significant improvements were observed in RSI and RFS scores across all groups. The group receiving combined dietary modifications and mucosal protectors showed the most substantial benefits. Additionally, a notable reduction in salivary and nasal pepsin concentrations and nasal resistances was observed, particularly in patients combining dietary modifications and mucosal protectors.

Conclusion

The study showed that combined dietary modifications and mucosal protects strategies effectively manage LPR symptoms, offering a potential therapeutic approach.
Machine learning models reveal microbial signatures in healthy human tissues, challenging the sterility of human organs
Authors: Skoulakis Anargyros , Skoufos Giorgos , Ovsepian Armen , Hatzigeorgiou Artemis G.
Published: January 2025

Background

The presence of microbes within healthy human internal organs still remains under question. Our study endeavors to discern microbial signatures within normal human internal tissues using data from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) consortium. Machine learning (ML) models were developed to classify each tissue type based solely on microbial profiles, with the identification of tissue-specific microbial signatures suggesting the presence of distinct microbial communities inside tissues.

Methods

We analyzed 13,871 normal RNA-seq samples from 28 tissues obtained from the GTEx consortium. Unaligned sequencing reads with the human genome were processed using AGAMEMNON, an algorithm for metagenomic microbial quantification, with a reference database comprising bacterial, archaeal, and viral genomes, alongside fungal transcriptomes. Gradient-boosting ML models were trained to classify each tissue against all others based on its microbial profile. To validate the findings, we analyzed 38 healthy living tissue samples (samples from healthy tissues obtained from living individuals, not deceased) from an independent study, as the GTEx samples were derived from post-mortem biopsies.

Results

Tissue-specific microbial signatures were identified in 11 out of the 28 tissues while the signatures for 8 tissues (Muscle, Heart, Stomach, Colon tissue, Testis, Blood, Liver, and Bladder tissue) demonstrated resilience to in silico contamination. The models for Heart, Colon tissue, and Liver displayed high discriminatory performance also in the living dataset, suggesting the presence of a tissue-specific microbiome for these tissues even in a living state. Notably, the most crucial features were the fungus Sporisorium graminicola for the heart, the gram-positive bacterium Flavonifractor plautii for the colon tissue, and the gram-negative bacterium Bartonella machadoae for the liver.

Conclusion

The presence of tissue-specific microbial signatures in certain tissues suggests that these organs are not devoid of microorganisms even in healthy conditions and probably they harbor low-biomass microbial communities unique to each tissue. The discoveries presented here confront the enduring dogma positing the sterility of internal tissues, yet further validation through controlled laboratory experiments is imperative to substantiate this hypothesis. Exploring the microbiome of internal tissues holds promise for elucidating the pathophysiology underlying both health and a spectrum of diseases, including sepsis, inflammation, and cancer.
Multi-institutional evaluation comparing guidance from International Ki67 Working Group vs National Health Commission of China on immunohistochemistry-based Ki67 assessment alongside the Quantitative Dot Blot method
Authors: Wang Yin , Zou Jiarui , Cao Qinghua , Dai Guihong , Fan Panhong , Gong Xue , Jiang Jinyan , Kong Yanqing , Liu Chao , Liu Chunhui , Lu Chenjia , Li Meiren , Lang Zhiqiang , Lin Yang , Peng Yan , Shi Haiyan , Wang Yuhuan , Wang Jiu , Xie Bichen , Yang Bing , Yu Guohua , Zhang Cuiping , Zhang Hengming , Zhou Luting , Zhang Zilan , Zhu Zhenli , Hao Junmei
Published: January 2025

Purpose

Recommendations from the National Health Commission of China (NHCC) and the International Ki67 Working Group (IKWG) were issued to guide immunohistochemistry (IHC)-based Ki67 scoring for breast cancer patients in daily clinical practice. They were evaluated in this multi-institutional study alongside the results from the Quantitative Dot Blot (QDB) method.

Methods

Three alternative adjacent sections from 40 primary ER+ breast cancer resection blocks were randomly assigned a number from 1 to 120 for Ki67 staining and reviewed by 21 pathologists, while the other three alternative sections were sent for QDB analysis of Ki67 protein levels. Ki67 scores were grouped by 5/30% (IKWG), 10/30% (NHCC) and 20/30% (NHCC appendix 9, NHCCa9), respectively while QDB results were grouped by C5–C95 of 2.31 nmol/g defined in previous study as low-, equivocal-, and high-risk groups.

Results

The overall Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) was 0.785 for IHC evaluations from 21 pathologists, with Fleiss Kappa values of 0.555, 0.628, and 0.480 when Ki67 scores were grouped by guidance from IKWG, NHCC, and NHCCa9, respectively. In comparison, the ICC and Fleiss kappa values for the QDB analysis were 0.939 and 0.831, respectively. When IHC and QDB results were cross-referenced, more specimens were grouped as high-risk by QDB than IHC, and NHCCa9 led to the highest percentage of disagreement between the two methods.

Conclusion

The IKWG recommendation was harder to achieve categorized agreement among pathologists than the NHCC recommendation, yet it led to the best agreement with the QDB to define the low-risk group. The QDB method offers significantly improved consistency compared to the current IHC-based Ki67 assessment.
DESTiny, an online farm-wide tool to estimate the net carbon emissions of a pasture-based dairy farms in South Africa
Authors: Reinecke Riana , Blignaut James N. , Meissner Heinz H. , Swanepoel Pieter A.
Published: January 2025

The dairy farming industry is an important contributor to both South Africa’s economy and food security. However, dairy in South Africa, like elsewhere in the world, has come under scrutiny because of animal welfare concerns and contributions to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. To address GHG mitigation, we have constructed a farm-level system dynamics model to assess both the emissions, and capture and storage of carbon (C) on farms, to determine whether farms are net emitters of C (i.e., sources) or sequestrators (i.e., sinks). We have considered nutrient flows, the type and volume of feed, the effluent management system, various parameters relating to the herd dynamics, and the overall effect on the farm economy. The resulting online Dairy Environment Sustainability Tool (DESTiny) can help dairy farmers adopt sustainable practices, as well as improve competitiveness and financial sustainability while reducing the farm’s emissions profile, thereby building value-chain and consumer trust. DESTiny can be considered a science-informed evidence-based tool for estimating, monitoring and understanding nutrient and C flows in dairy production systems. It is also a web-based tool (see https://assetresearch.org.za/destiny-tool/) with a user-interface which allows remote users, researchers, practitioners, farmers and technicians ease of access while integrating the system dynamics models with on-farm realities.
DCFA-YOLO: A Dual-Channel Cross-Feature-Fusion Attention YOLO Network for Cherry Tomato Bunch Detection
Authors: Chai Shanglei , Wen Ming , Li Pengyu , Zeng Zhi , Tian Yibin
Published: January 2025

To better utilize multimodal information for agriculture applications, this paper proposes a cherry tomato bunch detection network using dual-channel cross-feature fusion. It aims to improve detection performance by employing the complementary information of color and depth images. Using the existing YOLOv8_n as the baseline framework, it incorporates a dual-channel cross-fusion attention mechanism for multimodal feature extraction and fusion. In the backbone network, a ShuffleNetV2 unit is adopted to optimize the efficiency of initial feature extraction. During the feature fusion stage, two modules are introduced by using re-parameterization, dynamic weighting, and efficient concatenation to strengthen the representation of multimodal information. Meanwhile, the CBAM mechanism is integrated at different feature extraction stages, combined with the improved SPPF_CBAM module, to effectively enhance the focus and representation of critical features. Experimental results using a dataset obtained from a commercial greenhouse demonstrate that DCFA-YOLO excels in cherry tomato bunch detection, achieving an mAP50 of 96.5%, a significant improvement over the baseline model, while drastically reducing computational complexity. Furthermore, comparisons with other state-of-the-art YOLO and other object detection models validate its detection performance. This provides an efficient solution for multimodal fusion for real-time fruit detection in the context of robotic harvesting, running at 52fps on a regular computer.
Oat and Forage Pea Mixed Sowing Improves Soil Chemical Fertility and Fresh and Dry Mass Yield in Light Saline–Alkali Land: Preliminary Results
Authors: Guo Changying , Xu Chengti , Pu Xiaojian , Zhao Yuanyuan , Wang Jie , Fu Yunjie , Wang Wei
Published: January 2025

Saline–alkali land is widely distributed worldwide, and poses significant challenges to agricultural productivity and ecological restoration, particularly in the Qaidam Basin. This study investigates the effects of intercropping and mixed sowing systems of oats (Avena sativa L.) and forage peas (Pisum sativum L.) on hay yield and soil chemical fertility in mildly saline–alkali soils of the Qaidam Basin. Through a comprehensive analysis of hay yield, soil chemical properties, and enzyme activities under different sowing methods (mixed sowing, intercropping, and monoculture) and row spacings (30, 25, 20 and 15 cm), an optimal planting pattern was identified. The 25 cm intercropping treatment produced the highest amount of fresh biomass (2242 kg hm−1), with an increase ranging from 3.17% to 70.44% compared to other treatments. Additionally, this treatment led to significant reductions in soil pH and electrical conductivity (by 3.87–8.31% and 5.13–6.05%, respectively), while enhancing organic matter content and enzyme activities. The intercropping system also demonstrated higher ammonium nitrogen and available phosphorus contents compared to the mixed sowing system. Structural equation modeling revealed that row spacing indirectly influenced both hay yield and enzyme activities, with the 25 cm row spacing proving to be the most effective. A comprehensive evaluation using the TOPSIS model further affirmed that the 25 cm intercropping system significantly enhanced hay yield, soil chemical properties, and enzyme activities, making it the most suitable planting pattern for sustainable land management in the study area. Therefore, the 25 cm intercropping model not only optimizes hay yield, but also improves soil quality and ecological functions in saline–alkali land, offering valuable insights and practical recommendations for the sustainable use of saline–alkali land in the Qaidam Basin.
Genome-Wide Identification of the GRAS Transcription Factor Family in Medicago ruthenica and Expression Analysis Under Drought Stress
Authors: Wang Xingli , Dong Xueming , Li Pengzhen , Li Mingyu , Wang Zhaoming , Zhou Qiang , Liu Zhipeng , Yan Longfeng
Published: January 2025

The GRAS gene family encodes a group of plant-specific transcription factors essential for regulating plant growth, development and stress responses. While the GRAS gene family has been extensively studied in various plant species, a comprehensive characterization of the GRAS gene family in Medicago ruthenica has not yet been conducted. In this study, a total of 62 MrGRAS gene family members were identified through a comprehensive whole-genome analysis of M. ruthenica, and phylogenetic analysis categorized these 62 genes into 13 distinct groups. Gene structure and conserved domain analysis showed that MrGRAS genes from the same evolutionary branch share similar exon–intron architecture and conserved motifs. A large number of hormone-responsive, growth and development and stress-responsive cis-regulatory elements were detected in the upstream sequences of MrGRAS genes. RT-qPCR analysis showed that drought stress significantly induced the expression of nine selected MrGRAS genes. Overall, this study analyzed the phylogenetic relationships, conserved domains, cis-regulatory elements and expression patterns of the GRAS gene family in M. ruthenica, filling the gap in the identification of the MrGRAS gene family and laying the foundation for functional analysis of the MrGRAS gene family.
The Effects of the Addition of Secondary Phyllosilicate Minerals on the Decomposition Process and Products of Maize Straw in Black Soil
Authors: Zhao Qi , Wang Hongbin , Zhao Chenyu , Liu Jinhua , Huang Ning , Sui Biao , Yang Luze , Wang Nan , Zhao Xingmin
Published: January 2025

The interaction between secondary phyllosilicate minerals and straw is crucial for preserving soil organic carbon (SOC) and fertility. However, the specific mechanism through which these minerals affect straw decomposition and its products in northeast China’s black soil remains unclear. In this study, montmorillonite, illite, and vermiculite were mixed with quartz sand and maize straw, inoculated with microbes, and incubated to analyze the effects of different secondary phyllosilicate minerals on the degradation of organic components in maize straw and the formation of soil humus. The results showed that montmorillonite significantly facilitated the decomposition of maize straw hemicellulose and lignin, which decreased by 95.85% and 76.38%, respectively. Conversely, vermiculite decelerated hemicellulose and lignin degradation. Regarding soil organic acids, lactic acid and malic acid were predominant, with the highest content being found after the montmorillonite treatment. Montmorillonite was the most effective in enhancing extractable humic-like substances, which increased by 71.68%. Montmorillonite increased the content of G0 (water dispersion group), G1 (sodium ion dispersion group), and G2 (sodium grinding dispersion group) complexes. The addition of secondary phyllosilicate minerals increased the organic carbon (OC) content in the G0, G1, and G2 samples, with montmorillonite demonstrating the most pronounced effect. Secondary phyllosilicate minerals increased the abundance of fungi, particularly Ascomycota, with the highest abundance being found after the montmorillonite treatment. In conclusion, our results indicated that montmorillonite facilitated the decomposition of lignocellulose in maize straw, enhanced the accumulation of humus, and promoted the formation of organic–mineral complexes. These findings provide valuable insights into the interaction between secondary phyllosilicate minerals and maize straw and have important implications for improving the quality of black soil in northeast China.
Abortions and Congenital Malformations in Small Ruminants Associated with Toxic Plant Consumption in the Brazilian Semi-Arid Region
Authors: Rocha Valdemar C. , Santos Filho Givanildo J. , de Souza Maria de Fátima , Assis Edson B. , da Silva Misael A. , Sousa Mônica S. , Sousa Eduardo Sérgio S. , Simões Sara V. D. , Lucena Ricardo B.
Published: January 2025

The Northeast of Brazil is a leading region for small ruminants. However, these herds are primarily located in the semi-arid region and face significant losses due to fetal and perinatal mortality, frequently linked to the consumption of teratogenic toxic plants during pregnancy. This study investigated the clinical and epidemiological aspects related to abortions and malformations in 80 small ruminant farms in the semi-arid region of Brazil. Necropsies were also performed on fetuses and neonates, along with histopathological, molecular, and serological analyses of the herds to differentiate other conditions. Malformations were identified on approximately 42 farms, with arthrogryposis being the most common abnormality. Toxic plants, including Mimosa tenuiflora and Cenostigma pyramidalis, were recorded on 95.23% of the properties with reported malformations. Additionally, necropsies confirmed the association between the occurrence of these plants and malformations, abortions, and mortality, excluding infectious causes. These results underscore the urgent need for prevention and control strategies to mitigate the impact of toxic plants on small ruminant production in the semi-arid region.
The Costs of Living Side-by-Side with Monkeys: Economic Impacts on Commercial Farms and Property by Toque Macaques and Proposed Deterrent Strategies in a Rural Agriculture Area of Kurunegala District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Jayarathne S. D. Yeshanthika , Nahallage Charmalie A. D. , Huffman Michael A.
Published: January 2025

As the human population has grown and expanded, increasing pressure is being put on natural habitats in Sri Lanka. This situation has led to a noticeable increase in human–primate conflicts. To understand the situation, we studied the interactions between humans and macaques in three administrative divisions of the Kurunegala District. Data was gathered from 875 informants through interviewer-administered questionnaires between 2020 and 2022. The monthly economic loss by commercial farmers due to macaque damage to fruits and vegetables doubled by 2022, amounting to approximately 5000 LKR. In non-fruiting seasons, losses from coconut damage increased, ranging from 3000 to 14,000 LKR/month, decreasing by over 50% during fruiting seasons. Property damage per household averaged between 850~4000 LKR/month. A cost of approximately 1200~3000 LKR was borne per household/month to deter monkeys from the fields. Macaques were the primary culprits for crop damage in this area, and were also responsible for property damage, surpassing that of other animals. The consensus among the community is that either relocating macaques to other forested areas or sterilizing them to control their population could mitigate the issue to some extent. An integrated management plan involving relevant stakeholders including the Forest Department, the Wildlife Conservation Department, the local agricultural agency, and local citizens is necessary to address the conflict arising from human–macaque crop utilization.
Circulation of a Unique Klebsiella pneumoniae Clone, ST147 NDM-1/OXA-48, in Two Diverse Hospitals in Calabria (Italy)
Authors: Nicitra Emanuele , Terrana Morena , Bongiorno Dafne , Dodaro Saveria , Greco Francesca , Greco Sonia , Marascio Nadia , Mauro Maria Vittoria , Pantanella Marta , Privitera Grete Francesca , Quirino Angela , Serapide Francesca , Trecarichi Enrico Maria , Vangeli Valeria , Mastroianni Antonio , Matera Giovanni , Russo Alessandro , Stefani Stefania
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae has become endemic in Europe, including in Italy, where its prevalence has risen dramatically, primarily due to epidemic clones harboring metallo-enzymes. This study aims to investigate the dissemination of K. pneumoniae strains co-producing OXA-48 and NDM-1 between two hospitals in southern Italy using molecular analyses. Methods: A total of 49 K. pneumoniae strains, predominantly co-producing OXA-48 and NDM-1, were collected between March and December 2023. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was conducted following EUCAST guidelines. Whole-genome sequencing (Illumina MiSeq) and bioinformatics tools (CARD, CLC Genomics Workbench) were used to identify resistance and virulence genes, capsule loci, and phylogenetic relationships. Results: All isolates exhibited multidrug-resistant or extensively drug-resistant profiles, including resistance to ceftazidime/avibactam and meropenem/vaborbactam. Genomic analysis revealed diverse resistance genes such as blaOXA-48, blaNDM-1, blaCTX-M-15, and blaSHV variants. Virulence genes associated with capsules, fimbriae, and siderophores were widespread. Most strains were classified as ST147 by MLST and contained various plasmids known to carry antimicrobial resistance. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed their clonal relatedness, highlighting the intra-hospital dissemination of high-risk clones. Conclusions: High-risk K. pneumoniae clones, particularly ST147, pose significant challenges in healthcare settings due to the extensive antimicrobial resistance driven by plasmid-borne resistance genes, including those that co-produce carbapenemases, like blaNDM-1 and blaOXA-48. Molecular monitoring of these clones is essential for improving targeted infection control strategies, mitigating the spread of multidrug-resistant pathogens, and managing their clinical impact effectively.
Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Pediatric Intensive Care Units: A Systematic Scoping Review
Authors: Liberati Cecilia , Brigadoi Giulia , Barbieri Elisa , Giaquinto Carlo , Donà Daniele
Published: January 2025

Objectives: We aimed to summarize the current state of antimicrobial stewardship (ASP) and diagnostic stewardship programs (DSPs) implemented in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Methods: Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library were searched, including studies from 1 January 2007 to 20 February 2024. Studies were included in the review if they assessed the implementation of an ASP or a DSP in a PICU. Identified references were downloaded into Rayyan software, and data were extracted using a standardized data collection form. Results: 18 studies were included; 13 described an ASP intervention, and 5 described a diagnostic stewardship intervention. Most studies were retrospective and adopted a persuasive strategy for ASP, reporting positive effects on antimicrobial consumption. However, studies were dramatically heterogeneous in terms of intervention type, outcomes and metrics used, limiting the possibility of a broader comparison. Diagnostic stewardship studies included mainly the impact of biomarkers and pathogen testing panels without significant impact on antibiotic prescription patterns. Antimicrobial resistance changes were not described by the majority of studies. Conclusions: the implementation of ASP in PICUs is still limited, with significant variability in the metrics used to evaluate outcomes. To enhance the effectiveness of these programs, it is crucial to harmonize reporting metrics to allow an adequate comparison of results and to find the best strategies to inform ASP in PICUs.
The Impact of Wastewater on Antimicrobial Resistance: A Scoping Review of Transmission Pathways and Contributing Factors
Authors: La Rosa Maria Clara , Maugeri Andrea , Favara Giuliana , La Mastra Claudia , Magnano San Lio Roberta , Barchitta Martina , Agodi Antonella
Published: January 2025

Background/Objectives: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global issue driven by the overuse of antibiotics in healthcare, agriculture, and veterinary settings. Wastewater and treatment plants (WWTPs) act as reservoirs for antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). The One Health approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health in addressing AMR. This scoping review analyzes wastewater’s role in the AMR spread, identifies influencing factors, and highlights research gaps to guide interventions. Methods: This scoping review followed the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across the PubMed and Web of Science databases for articles published up to June 2024, supplemented by manual reference checks. The review focused on wastewater as a source of AMR, including hospital effluents, industrial and urban sewage, and agricultural runoff. Screening and selection were independently performed by two reviewers, with conflicts resolved by a third. Results: Of 3367 studies identified, 70 met the inclusion criteria. The findings indicated that antibiotic residues, heavy metals, and microbial interactions in wastewater are key drivers of AMR development. Although WWTPs aim to reduce contaminants, they often create conditions conducive to horizontal gene transfer, amplifying resistance. Promising interventions, such as advanced treatment methods and regulatory measures, exist but require further research and implementation. Conclusions: Wastewater plays a pivotal role in AMR dissemination. Targeted interventions in wastewater management are essential to mitigate AMR risks. Future studies should prioritize understanding AMR dynamics in wastewater ecosystems and evaluating scalable mitigation strategies to support global health efforts.
State of the Art of Antimicrobial and Diagnostic Stewardship in Pediatric Setting
Authors: Donà Daniele , Barbieri Elisa , Brigadoi Giulia , Liberati Cecilia , Bosis Samantha , Castagnola Elio , Colomba Claudia , Galli Luisa , Lancella Laura , Lo Vecchio Andrea , Meschiari Marianna , Montagnani Carlotta , De Luca Maia , Mercadante Stefania , Esposito Susanna
Published: January 2025

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (ASPs) and diagnostic stewardship programs (DSPs) are essential strategies for effectively managing infectious diseases and tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR). These programs can have a complementary impact, i.e., ASPs optimize antimicrobial use to prevent resistance, while DSPs enhance diagnostic accuracy to guide appropriate treatments. This review explores the current landscape of ASPs and DSPs in pediatric care, focusing on key factors, influencing their development, implementation, and evaluation across various settings. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary, involving multiple healthcare professionals to support comprehensive stewardship practices in pediatric care. No single intervention suits all settings, or even the same setting, in different countries; interventions must be tailored to each specific context, considering factors such as hospital capacity, patient complexity, and the parent–child dynamic. It is essential to educate caregivers on optimal antibiotic use through clear, concise messages adapted to their socioeconomic status and level of understanding. The cost-effectiveness of ASPs and DSPs should also be assessed, and standardized metrics should be employed to evaluate success in pediatric settings, focusing on outcomes beyond just antibiotic consumption, such as AMR rates. This manuscript further discusses emerging opportunities and challenges in ASP implementation, offering insights into future research priorities. These include large-scale studies to evaluate the long-term impact of ASPs, cost-effectiveness assessments of pediatric-specific diagnostic tools, and the integration of artificial intelligence to support clinical decision making. Addressing these areas will enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of ASPs, contributing to global efforts to combat AMR and improve pediatric health outcomes.
Macroporous Resin Recovery of Antioxidant Polyphenol Compounds from Red Onion (Allium cepa L.) Peel
Authors: Aliya Khanafina , Cho Ha-Seong , Olawuyi Ibukunoluwa Fola , Park Ju-Hwi , Nam Ju-Ock , Lee Won-Young
Published: January 2025

In this study, polyphenols in the crude extract (CE) from red onion peel were recovered by macroporous resin, and their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated. Among the four resins screened (SP850, XAD2, XAD7HP, and XAD16N), XAD7HP showed the highest desorption and recovery ratios, and it was used to optimize polyphenol recovery through single-factor experiments. The optimal conditions were established as 1 g resin, pH 4, 25 °C, 7 h for adsorption, followed by desorption with 70% ethanol for 1 h at 25 °C. These conditions achieved 85.00% adsorption ratio, 87.10% desorption ratio, and 20.9% yield of the macroporous resin-recovered extract (MRE) from the CE. HPLC analysis revealed that rosmarinic acid, quercetin, and myricetin were major compounds in the MRE, with the content of these compounds higher (about 7-fold) compared to the CE, confirming enhanced recovery of polyphenols by macroporous resin. Moreover, FT-IR and ¹H-NMR analysis confirmed the successful recovery of these polyphenol compounds in the MRE. Furthermore, the MRE displayed significantly improved antioxidant activities (DPPH, ABTS, and FRAP) and anti-inflammatory activities (inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis and reactive oxygen species production) compared to the CE. In summary, our findings suggest that macroporous resin can effectively recover polyphenol compounds from red onion peel extract and enhance their biological activities.
Licochalcone A Induces Uterine Leiomyoma Cell Apoptosis via the ROS-Mediated JNK Activation of the GRP78/NRF2 Pathway In Vitro and In Vivo
Authors: Chien Hung-Ju , Hu Huang-Ming , Tsai Su-Ju , Lin Chu-Liang , Yang Shun-Fa , Chen Ju-Kai , Liu Chung-Jung , Hsieh Yi-Hsien
Published: January 2025

Licochalcone A (LicoA) possesses anti-tumor properties. However, the potential therapeutic effect of LicoA on uterine leiomyomas (ULs) remains unknown. In this study, the effects of LicoA on the proliferation of ULs and its underlying mechanism were explored. LicoA treatment significantly decreased the viability of uterine smooth muscle cells (UtSMCs) and ELT3 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The induction of ELT3 cell apoptosis by LicoA was accompanied by the increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), elevated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (GRP78/IRE1α/ATF6/CHOP), and the increased expression of proapoptotic proteins (c-caspase-3, c-caspase-9, and c-PARP). The ability of Z-VAD-FMK (a caspase inhibitor) and n-acetylcysteine (NAC; a cell membrane permeable antioxidant) to reverse LicoA-induced ROS-mediated ER stress pathways also observed. Furthermore, GRP78 or JNK knockdown was involved in LicoA-induced ROS-mediated ER stress and apoptosis in ELT3 cells. In immunodeficient mice, LicoA significantly suppressed the growth of ELT3 tumor cells, without toxicity. This study is the first to show that LicoA exerts anti-leiomyoma effects via the modulation of ROS-mediated ER stress-induced apoptosis through the JNK/GRP78/NRF2 signaling pathway.
Investigation of Phytochemical Composition, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Five Red Flower Extracts
Authors: Popescu (Stegarus) Diana Ionela , Botoran Oana Romina , Cristea Ramona Maria (Iancu)
Published: January 2025

The presence of bioactive compounds in plants with red flowers constitutes a valuable natural resource for the food, pharmaceutical, and medical industries. This paper aims to highlight these characteristics to facilitate the selection of extracts according to market needs. The analyzed parameters can provide valuable insights into the compositional variability of the five red flower plants, as new sources of bioactive compounds and natural antioxidants of plant origin. Five plants with red flowers (Magnolia liliiflora, Chrysanthemum morifolium, Hibiscus sabdariffa, Petunia grandiflora, Rosa hybrida L.) were selected and investigated regarding their polyphenol concentration, total anthocyanins, antioxidant activity, phenolic compounds, and antimicrobial activity. Total polyphenols were found in concentrations ranging from 75.17 ± 0.16 mgGAE/g (C. morifolium) to 107.49 ± 0.19 mgGAE/g (R. hybrida L.), and total anthocyanins between 14.99 ± 0.13 mg Cy-3-Glu/g and 21.66 ± 0.18 mg Cy-3-Glu/g. The antioxidant activity DPPH/IC50 mg/mL for the extract from R. hybrida L. flowers reached a value of 29.35 ± 0.17 mg/g, with ABTS and FRAP achieving maximum values of 49.89 ± 0.24 mmol TE/g and 48.68 ± 0.23 mmol TE/g, respectively. The antibacterial activity was particularly evident against strains commonly encountered in human pathology, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, with reduced or no impact on strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Proteus mirabilis. The results demonstrated that the extracts from the selected, red-flowered plants contain valuable biologically active compounds in generous quantities, thus recommending their use in the food, pharmaceutical, and medical sectors.
Improving Emotion Regulation, Internalizing Symptoms and Cognitive Functions in Adolescents at Risk of Executive Dysfunction—A Controlled Pilot VR Study
Authors: Carballo-Marquez Anna , Ampatzoglou Aikaterini , Rojas-Rincón Juliana , Garcia-Casanovas Anna , Garolera Maite , Fernández-Capo Maria , Porras-Garcia Bruno
Published: January 2025

Executive functions (EFs) are essential cognitive processes involved in concentration, planning, decision-making, and impulse control during adolescence. Executive Dysfunction (ED) can lead to significant academic and socio-emotional difficulties, particularly with impairments in emotion regulation (ER). This study aims to assess a virtual reality (VR) cognitive training intervention on EFs, ER, and internalizing symptoms in adolescents at risk for ED. Thirty-eight adolescents aged 12–14 years, identified as being at moderate to high risk for ED, were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group (n = 22) received gamified VR cognitive training, while the control group (n = 16) received VR nature-based relaxation training. Both interventions lasted five weeks, twice a week for 30 min each. Pre- and post-assessments included ER skills, internalizing symptoms, and cognitive performance measures. Two-way mixed ANOVAs showed significant group × time interactions (p < 0.05) in measures of depression and internalizing symptoms. The experimental group showed significant reductions in these symptoms compared with the control group. Significant main effects of time (p < 0.05) were also found on some measures. Both groups experienced reduced anxiety, improved emotional control and cognitive functioning, and VR cognitive training was particularly effective in reducing internalizing symptoms, while both interventions showed promising results in improving some ER skills and cognitive performance. The findings demonstrate the preliminary effects of VR-based cognitive training in improving the psychological and cognitive well-being of adolescents at risk for ED and suggest that integrating VR technologies into educational settings can effectively address the cognitive and emotional challenges faced by these students.
A Thorough Examination of Innovative Supplementary Dampers Aimed at Enhancing the Seismic Behavior of Structural Systems
Authors: Katsimpini Panagiota , Papagiannopoulos George , Hatzigeorgiou George
Published: January 2025

This review article presents a detailed investigation into the seismic behavior of structures employing supplementary dampers or additional damping mechanisms over the past decade. The study covers a range of damping systems, including viscous, viscoelastic, and friction dampers, as well as tuned mass dampers and other approaches. A systematic analysis of more than 160 publications in the current literature is undertaken, providing a clear overview of structures equipped with supplementary damping devices and the challenges they face. The theoretical principles that underpin these technologies are examined, along with their practical applications and effectiveness in alleviating seismic effects. Additionally, the article highlights recent developments in the design of damping devices, the challenges related to their implementation, and prospective directions for future research. By synthesizing results from experimental studies, numerical simulations, and real-world applications, this review offers valuable insights for researchers and engineers involved in the design of earthquake-resistant structures.
Dynamic, Over-Valgus Correction Without Osteotomy for Nonunion of Subtrochanteric Hip Fractures Using a Dynamic Hip Screw
Authors: Delgado-Martínez Alberto D. , Cañada-Oya Hermenegildo , Zarzuela-Jiménez Cristina
Published: January 2025

Subtrochanteric nonunion is especially challenging. Extramedullary fixation using fixed-angle devices with a closing lateral wedge osteotomy is the standard surgical procedure for restoring the hip’s normal alignment and achieving bone union. However, this procedure is technically demanding and relies on devices that facilitate bone union in a non-dynamic manner, along with the limitations that this type of fixation entails, especially in this highly biomechanically stressed area. This paper aims to describe a novel surgical technique to heal subtrochanteric nonunion based on dynamic fixation performed through an over-valgus correction of the hip and fixed with a dynamic hip screw (DHS). Between March 2022 and July 2023, five patients diagnosed with nonunion of a subtrochanteric fracture were operated on by a single surgeon and followed prospectively. The average age of the patients was 64 (range: 34–85). The mean duration of surgery was 112 min (range: 63–153). The femoral neck angle before surgery was 120° (range: 110°–122°) and 147° (range: 142°–150°) after surgery. The mean leg length increased by 8 mm (range: 6–12). The Harris hip score improved from 38 points (range: 30–44) to 90 points (range: 88–96), corresponding to excellent or good results. All patients healed without major complications and were asymptomatic after 12 months of follow-up. In conclusion, over-valgus correction using a DHS is a novel technique that seems helpful for subtrochanteric nonunion. It allows for dynamic fixation, offering the advantages of dynamic fixation, especially in this high-stress area. It is also performed without osteotomy, making it a less demanding technique than the current methods described.
Detection of Rock Mass Defects Using Seismic Tomography
Authors: Jian Zheng , Zhao Guoyan , Ma Ju , Liu Leilei , Liang Weizhang , Wu Shuang
Published: January 2025

Elastic wave tomography is a non-destructive technique used to obtain velocity images of internal structures. Wave velocity tomography has been used to quantitatively describe abnormal structures and identify boundaries in different media and shapes. This research aims to quantitatively describe anomalous structures on a laboratory scale and identify boundaries in different media and shapes. Wave velocity tomography technology was applied to non-empty and empty anomalous areas, and the accuracy of the resulting velocity images was quantified. The reliability of boundary recognition was studied and analyzed. The accuracy of the results was found to relate to the size and shape of the anomalous structures estimated in the prior model, as well as the wave velocity difference between the anomalous and normal regions. In practical engineering, when the presence of abnormal areas cannot be determined, a completely homogeneous prior model is used. The results indicate that, although the inversion velocity may not be accurate, it is sufficient to identify boundaries. The larger the velocity difference, the clearer the boundary to be recognized. Furthermore, to assess the practical efficacy of this physical detection method, the wave velocity tomography technology was used to detect hidden goafs within a tantalum–niobium mine belonging to the Hunan Fuguihengtong Mining Company. Utilizing physical detection, 12 potential goafs and 100 confirmed goafs were identified within the mine, demonstrating the efficacy of the proposed empty anomalous area detection methodology in accurately identifying and delineating the boundaries of hidden goafs.
Large-Area Coverage Path Planning Method Based on Vehicle–UAV Collaboration
Authors: Zhang Nan , Zhang Bingbing , Zhang Qiang , Gao Chaojun , Feng Jiahao , Yue Linkai
Published: January 2025

With the widespread application of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in surveying, disaster search and rescue, agricultural spraying, war reconnaissance, and other fields, coverage path planning is one of the most important problems to be explored. In this paper, a large-area coverage path planning (CCP) method based on vehicle–UAV collaboration is proposed. The core idea of the proposed method is adopting a divide-and conquer-strategy to divide a large area into small areas, and then completing efficient coverage scanning tasks through the collaborative cooperation of vehicles and UAVs. The supply points are generated and adjusted based on the construction of regular hexagons and a Voronoi diagram, and the segmentation and adjustment of sub-areas are also achieved during this procedure. The vehicle paths are constructed based on the classical ant colony optimization algorithm, providing an efficient way to traverse all supply points within the coverage area. The classic zigzag CCP method is adopted to fill the contours of each sub-area, and the UAV paths collaborate with vehicle supply points using few switching points. The simulation experiments verify the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed vehicle–UAV collaboration CCP method, and two comparative experiments demonstrate that the proposed method excels at large-scale CCP scenarios, and achieves a significant improvement in coverage efficiency.
FPE–Transformer: A Feature Positional Encoding-Based Transformer Model for Attack Detection
Authors: Çavşi Zaim Hande , Yolaçan Esra Nergis
Published: January 2025

The increase in cybersecurity threats has made attack detection systems critically important. Traditional deep learning methods often require large amounts of data and struggle to understand relationships between features effectively. With their self-attention mechanism, Transformers excel in modeling complex relationships and long-term dependencies. They are also adaptable to various data types and sources, making them advantageous in large-scale attack detection scenarios. This paper introduces the FPE–Transformer framework, leveraging the strengths of the Transformer architecture. FPE–Transformer incorporates an innovative feature positional encoding mechanism that encodes the positional information of each feature separately, enabling a deeper understanding of feature relationships and more precise attack detection. Additionally, the model includes a ClassificationHead for enhanced accuracy and complex pattern recognition. The framework’s performance was validated using the NSL-KDD and CIC-IDS2017 datasets, demonstrating its superiority over traditional methods in detecting diverse attack types and improving overall performance. This study highlights FPE–Transformer’s innovative approach and ability to address key limitations of traditional deep learning methods, establishing it as a robust solution for modern attack detection challenges.