bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Willow (Salix spp.) bark hot water extracts inhibit both enveloped and non-enveloped viruses: study on its anti-coronavirus and anti-enterovirus activities
Authors: Reshamwala Dhanik , Shroff Sailee , Liimatainen Jaana , Tienaho Jenni , Laajala Mira , Kilpeläinen Petri , Viherä-Aarnio Anneli , Karonen Maarit , Jyske Tuula , Marjomäki Varpu
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Recurring viral outbreaks have a significant negative impact on society. This creates a need to develop novel strategies to complement the existing antiviral approaches. There is a need for safe and sustainable antiviral solutions derived from nature.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the antiviral potential of willow (Salix spp.) bark hot water extracts against coronaviruses and enteroviruses. Willow bark has long been recognized for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicines. However, its potential as a broad-spectrum antiviral agent remains relatively unexplored.

Methods

Cytopathic effect inhibition assay and virucidal and qPCR-based assays were used to evaluate the antiviral potential of the bark extracts. The mechanism of action was investigated using time-of-addition assay, confocal microscopy, TEM, thermal, and binding assays. Extracts were fractionated and screened for their chemical composition using high-resolution LC-MS.

Results

The native Salix samples demonstrated their excellent antiviral potential against the non-enveloped enteroviruses even at room temperature and after 45 s. They were equally effective against the seasonal and pandemic coronaviruses. Confocal microscopy verified the loss of infection capacity by negligible staining of the newly synthesized capsid or spike proteins. Time-of-addition studies demonstrated that Salix bark extract had a direct effect on the virus particles but not through cellular targets. Negative stain TEM and thermal assay showed that antiviral action on enteroviruses was based on the added stability of the virions. In contrast, Salix bark extract caused visible changes in the coronavirus structure, which was demonstrated by the negative stain TEM. However, the binding to the cells was not affected, as verified by the qPCR study. Furthermore, coronavirus accumulated in the cellular endosomes and did not proceed after this stage, based on the confocal studies. None of the tested commercial reference samples, such as salicin, salicylic acid, picein, and triandrin, had any antiviral activity. Fractionation of the extract and subsequent MS analysis revealed that most of the separated fractions were very effective against enteroviruses and contained several different chemical groups such as hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives, flavonoids, and procyanidins.

Conclusion

Salix spp. bark extracts contain several virucidal agents that are likely to act synergistically and directly on the viruses.
Unveiling the inhibition mechanism of Clostridioides difficile by Bifidobacterium longum via multiomics approach
Authors: Jo Sung-Hyun , Jeon Hyo-Jin , Song Won-Suk , Lee Jae-Seung , Kwon Ji-Eun , Park Ji-Hyeon , Kim Ye-Rim , Kim Min-Gyu , Baek Ji-Hyun , Kwon Seo-Young , Kim Jae-Seok , Yang Yung-Hun , Kim Yun-Gon
Published: November 2023

Antibiotic-induced gut microbiota disruption constitutes a major risk factor for Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). Further, antibiotic therapy, which is the standard treatment option for CDI, exacerbates gut microbiota imbalance, thereby causing high recurrent CDI incidence. Consequently, probiotic-based CDI treatment has emerged as a long-term management and preventive option. However, the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of probiotics for CDI remain uninvestigated, thereby creating a knowledge gap that needs to be addressed. To fill this gap, we used a multiomics approach to holistically investigate the mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of probiotics for CDI at a molecular level. We first screened Bifidobacterium longum owing to its inhibitory effect on C. difficile growth, then observed the physiological changes associated with the inhibition of C. difficile growth and toxin production via a multiomics approach. Regarding the mechanism underlying C. difficile growth inhibition, we detected a decrease in intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis due to B. longum–produced lactate and a subsequent decrease in (deoxy)ribonucleoside triphosphate synthesis. Via the differential regulation of proteins involved in translation and protein quality control, we identified B. longum–induced proteinaceous stress. Finally, we found that B. longum suppressed the toxin production of C. difficile by replenishing proline consumed by it. Overall, the findings of the present study expand our understanding of the mechanisms by which probiotics inhibit C. difficile growth and contribute to the development of live biotherapeutic products based on molecular mechanisms for treating CDI.
Inteins—mechanism of protein splicing, emerging regulatory roles, and applications in protein engineering
Authors: Wood David W. , Belfort Marlene , Lennon Christopher W.
Published: November 2023

Protein splicing is a posttranslational process in which an intein segment excises itself from two flanking peptides, referred to as exteins. In the native context, protein splicing results in two separate protein products coupled to the activation of the intein-containing host protein. Inteins are generally described as either full-length inteins, mini-inteins or split inteins, which are differentiated by their genetic structure and features. Inteins can also be divided into three classes based on their splicing mechanisms, which differ in the location of conserved residues that mediate the splicing pathway. Although inteins were once thought to be selfish genetic elements, recent evidence suggests that inteins may confer a genetic advantage to their host cells through posttranslational regulation of their host proteins. Finally, the ability of modified inteins to splice and cleave their fused exteins has enabled many new applications in protein science and synthetic biology. In this review, we briefly cover the mechanisms of protein splicing, evidence for some inteins as environmental sensors, and intein-based applications in protein engineering.
Redox imbalance in patients with heart failure and ICD/CRT-D intervention. Can it be an underappreciated and overlooked arrhythmogenic factor? A first preliminary clinical study
Authors: Szyller Jakub , Antoniak Radosław , Wadowska Katarzyna , Bil-Lula Iwona , Hrymniak Bruno , Banasiak Waldemar , Jagielski Dariusz
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Redox imbalance and oxidative stress are involved in the pathogenesis of arrhythmias. They also play a significant role in pathogenesis of heart failure (HF). In patients with HFand implanted cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D), the direct current shocks may be responsible for additional redox disturbances and additionally increase arrhythmia risk. However, the precise role of oxidative stress in potentially fatal arrhythmias and shock induction remains unclear.

Methods: 36 patients with diagnosed HF and implanted ICD/CRT-D were included in this study. Patients were qualified to the study group in case of registered ventricular arrhythmia and adequate ICD/CRT-D intervention. The control group consisted of patients without arrhythmia with elective replacement indicator (ERI) status. Activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH) in erythrocyte (RBC), SOD, GPx activity and reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) concentration in plasma were determined. The values were correlated with glucose, TSH, uric acid, Mg and ion concentrations.

Results: In the perishock period, we found a significant decrease in RBC and extracellular (EC) SOD and RBC CAT activity (p = 0.0110, p = 0.0055 and p = 0.0002, respectively). EC GPx activity was also lower (p = 0.0313). In all patients, a decrease in the concentration of all forms of glutathione was observed compared to the ERI group. Important association between ROS/RNS and GSH, Mg, TSH and uric acid was shown. A relationship between the activity of GSH and antioxidant enzymes was found. Furthermore, an association between oxidative stress and ionic imbalance has also been demonstrated. The patients had an unchanged de Haan antioxidant ratio and glutathione redox potential.

Conclusion: Here we show significant redox disturbances in patients with HF and ICD/CRT-D interventions. Oxidative stress may be an additional risk factor for the development of arrhythmia in patients with HF. The detailed role of oxidative stress in ventricular arrhythmias requires further research already undertaken by our team.
Mining the Utricularia gibba genome for insulator-like elements for genetic engineering
Authors: Laspisa Daniel , Illa-Berenguer Eudald , Bang Sohyun , Schmitz Robert J. , Parrott Wayne , Wallace Jason
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Gene expression is often controlled via cis-regulatory elements (CREs) that modulate the production of transcripts. For multi-gene genetic engineering and synthetic biology, precise control of transcription is crucial, both to insulate the transgenes from unwanted native regulation and to prevent readthrough or cross-regulation of transgenes within a multi-gene cassette. To prevent this activity, insulator-like elements, more properly referred to as transcriptional blockers, could be inserted to separate the transgenes so that they are independently regulated. However, only a few validated insulator-like elements are available for plants, and they tend to be larger than ideal.

Methods

To identify additional potential insulator-like sequences, we conducted a genome-wide analysis of Utricularia gibba (humped bladderwort), one of the smallest known plant genomes, with genes that are naturally close together. The 10 best insulator-like candidates were evaluated in vivo for insulator-like activity.

Results

We identified a total of 4,656 intergenic regions with expression profiles suggesting insulator-like activity. Comparisons of these regions across 45 other plant species (representing Monocots, Asterids, and Rosids) show low levels of syntenic conservation of these regions. Genome-wide analysis of unmethylated regions (UMRs) indicates ~87% of the targeted regions are unmethylated; however, interpretation of this is complicated because U. gibba has remarkably low levels of methylation across the genome, so that large UMRs frequently extend over multiple genes and intergenic spaces. We also could not identify any conserved motifs among our selected intergenic regions or shared with existing insulator-like elements for plants. Despite this lack of conservation, however, testing of 10 selected intergenic regions for insulator-like activity found two elements on par with a previously published element (EXOB) while being significantly smaller.

Discussion

Given the small number of insulator-like elements currently available for plants, our results make a significant addition to available tools. The high hit rate (2 out of 10) also implies that more useful sequences are likely present in our selected intergenic regions; additional validation work will be required to identify which will be most useful for plant genetic engineering.
Risk perception and usage of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis among fisherfolk in Ggulwe parish on the shores of Lake Victoria in central Uganda
Authors: Bahikire Daraus , Nanyingi Miisa , Atuhairwe Christine , Matama Catherine , Ninsiima Lesley Rose , Bbuye Mudarshiru
Published: November 2023

Background

The use of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) to prevent HIV acquisition among those exposed as an approach to HIV prevention has expanded in Uganda. Although there are increased efforts to avail nPEP services among most at-risk populations, the usage of nPEP medicines remains low. Therefore, this study examined the risk perception and usage of non-occupational post-exposure prophylaxis (nPEP) among fisherfolk in the Ggulwe fishing parish, Bussi sub-county, Wakiso district.

Methods

A cross-sectional study among adults was carried out from October 2020 to January 2021 in Ggulwe parish, Bussi sub-county, Wakiso district, to examine the usage of nPEP and factors influencing the usage. Data were collected using semi-structured questionnaires, and key informants' interviews were conducted among healthcare providers and the local leadership. The quantitative data were summarized using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression, while the qualitative data were analyzed thematically to enrich the quantitative results.

Results

Overall, 248 fisherfolk encountered an event that required the use of nPEP, and of these, 55/248 (22.2%) were able to use nPEP to prevent them from acquiring HIV. The usage of nPEP among adults in the Bussi sub-county, Wakiso district, was associated with not knowing that HIV can be prevented using nPEP medicines (AOR:0.1, 95% CI 0.03–0.36, p < 0.001), lack of knowledge of the existence of nPEP (AOR: 0.3, 95% CI 0.13–0.76, p = 0.01), the perception that nPEP can effectively prevent HIV infection after exposure (AOR 0.0586, 95% CI: 0.0177–0.1944, p < 0.001), and the community's opinion affecting the willingness to take nPEP (AOR 0.1924, 95% CI: 0.0380–0.9727, p = 0.0462).

Conclusion

The usage of nPEP among fisherfolk was low (22.2%). The low usage of nPEP was associated with a lack of knowledge and awareness about nPEP. This effort to improve the usage of nPEP should include community sensitization and HIV infection prevention using nPEP to raise awareness about HIV infection exposures and the risk of HIV infection during non-occupational exposures.
Regional and epidemiological characteristics of tuberculosis and treatment outcomes in West China
Authors: Wang Qiaolan , Zhu Jiangchuan , Zhang Luoning , Xie Linshen
Published: November 2023

Objective

To understand the prevalence and treatment outcome of tuberculosis in a typically regional County from 2016 to 2021, so as to provide reference and basis for the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis in this area.

Methods

Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the population, time and location distribution of pulmonary tuberculosis in Dazhu County from 2016 to 2021. The incidence rates were compared by Chi-square test and trend test, time distribution combined with seasonal index analysis, and the test level was α = 0.05.

Results

A total of 2,899 cases of pulmonary tuberculosis were reported in Dazhu County from 2016 to 2021, with an average annual incidence rate of 44.29/100,000 and standardized reported incidence rate was 36.77/100,000, showing a downward trend year by year (χ2 trend = 124.629, p < 0.001). A total of 955 cases of pathogen positive were reported, showing an increasing trend year by year (χ2 trend = 59.773, p < 0.001). In terms of time distribution, the incidence rate was high in autumn and winter, and September and December were the peak of the disease in the whole year, and the overall trend increased first, then decreased and once again increased (F = 5.861, p < 0.05). In regional distribution, the highest annual average reported incidence rate was in concentrated population. The incidence rate of male was higher than female in population distribution. After standardization, the overall incidence rate increased from 34 to 45 years old (χ2 trend = 6963.101, p < 0.001), and decreased after 45 years old (χ2 trend = 1104.393, p < 0.001). The occupation distribution is mainly farmers (82.75%). The overall arrival rate and cure rate of patients showed an upward trend year by year (χ2 trend = 4.306, χ2 trend = 5.772, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The incidence rate of pulmonary tuberculosis in this regional county is decreasing year by year. Male patients are higher than female patients and have certain seasonal characteristics. Attention should be paid to male, older adult, farmers and other groups, and corresponding measures should be taken to strengthen the prevention and treatment of tuberculosis in high incidence areas.
Governance of the business environment based on food safety disputes: empirical analysis based on the case of “Cordyceps sinensis”
Authors: Sun Jiangjie , Li Limin , Li Hui , Liu Tong , Deng Jianyi , Zhang Tingting , Li Junhao , You Jinliang , Zhang Liping
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The use of the fungus Cordyceps sinensis (CS), which has a long history of use in China for its tonic properties, has sparked controversy based on the risk from high arsenic levels in CS.

Methods

This study collected all 24 online dispute cases related to CS from the China Legal Documents Network. Excel software was applied to fit the distribution of the sample data and analyze the trend of trial results of CS disputes and the tendency of professional claims trials. The analysis covers the trend of trial results of contract dispute cases involving CS products (CDCCS), and the tendency of the results of CDCCS, using correlation to analyze the factors influencing the results. We analyzed trial tendencies in CDCCS by the methods of complex network analysis (Gephi software) to explore each factor’s effect on the trial outcome of in these claims cases and to predict the trial outcomes of new cases. Simultaneously use KNN to train and predict CS cases.

Results

The peak number of trial cases was in 2018, and there has been a gradual increase in the rate of losing claims on the claimant. Correlation analysis was used to obtain that the likelihood of the defendant winning a claim is positively correlated with DR, FSS, IDP, and KSP, and negatively correlated with the adoption of JIFDD (3), JIFDD (15), and APL. Gephi software was used to conduct a complex network analysis of the factors influencing the tendency of trial results in CS disputes, showing that noncompliance with FSS, existence of KSP, and submission of IDP evidence by the buyer are the direct factors influencing the seller’s defeat. The seller’s “failure to perform DR” is the key factor in the seller’s defeat in cases. On this basis a probability function is developed to predict a trial win rate of 0.7803 for freshman cases, classifier to predict the remaining four samples and new cases, and get the prediction accuracy is 0.8, 95% CI: (0.2836, 0.9949), and the latter was higher than the former.

Discussion

It is concluded that the attribute of CS products is a scientific issue, the jurisdiction of CS disputes is confusing and needs to be clarified, and the application of the provisions in judicial trials is cannot adapt to the current environment and needs to be resolved. This study advocates that the government design policy from the top and establish a study on the boundary between administrative and judicial functions to provide a theoretical guarantee to circumvent lazy administration and unscientific law enforcement. The government can provide a legal and regulatory system to improve food quality and regulate management.
Mechanical Property Degradation of Entangled Metallic Wire Materials under Vibration Environment: Experiments and Prediction Models
Authors: Ma Yanhong , Liang Tianyu , Wang Yongfeng , Wang Zhizhou , Hong Jie
Published: November 2023

Entangled metallic wire material (EMWM) can be utilized as a novel elastic element in vibration isolation devices for mechanical actuators. This paper presents a vibration experiment aimed at investigating the degradation behavior of mechanical performance in EMWM under a cyclic compressive environment. An electric vibration testing system, coupled with an isolation structure, is employed to apply compressive loads to the EMWM specimens. Through visual observations and quasi-static compression tests, the variations in geometric morphology and mechanical properties are studied, considering different relative densities and vibrational stress amplitudes. The results indicate a significant reduction in the compressed dimension of the specimens as the number of cycles increases, without any wire fractures or wear. The mechanical properties exhibit an increasing secant modulus and a decreasing loss factor. These variations ultimately lead to a gradual deviation of the vibration characteristics of the isolation structure from its design state, including resonance frequency and transmission rate. To forecast the mechanical property degradation of EMWM, prediction models are proposed, incorporating its dimensions, modulus, and damping by fitting the experiment results. This research provides valuable experimental data and presents an effective method to determine the operational lifespan of vibration isolators utilizing EMWM.
Effects of Tebuconazole on the Earthworm Dendrobaena veneta: Full Life Cycle Approach
Authors: Kovačević Marija , Stjepanović Nikolina , Zelić Luca , Lončarić Željka
Published: November 2023

Tebuconazole (TEB), a widely used triazole fungicide, is effective against soil-borne and foliar fungal pathogens. Toxicants can exhibit varying effects depending on the life stage of organisms, although standard toxicity tests typically focus on adult individuals. This study aimed to assess TEB’s potential adverse effects on the earthworm Dendrobaena veneta throughout its life cycle. Effects were evaluated by exposing cocoons to varying TEB concentrations, monitoring hatching, newly hatched juvenile mass, and growth to adulthood. A reproduction test assessed impacts on adults, offering insights into how these results compared with cocoon exposure findings. Results revealed that TEB delayed hatching at concentrations of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg by 6, 8, and 15.5 days, respectively. Newly hatched juveniles exhibited a 15.96% (50 mg/kg) and 27.37% (100 mg/kg) reduction in body mass compared to controls, with no subsequent compensation during growth. Results from the reproduction tests showed no adverse effects on adult survival, but the effects are observed on juveniles, indicating a higher sensitivity of this developmental stage. While several adverse effects were observed, it is important to note that these occurred at concentrations exceeding recommended application rates. TEB appears safe for earthworms when used correctly, but the presence of multiple contaminants and stressors warrants consideration.
Study on Illumination Intensity and Duration of LED Light Sources for a Weaned Piglet House without Natural Light
Authors: Zeng Yaqiong , Long Dingbiao , Hu Bin , Wang Hao , Pu Shihua , Jian Yue , Liu Zuohua , Xu Shunlai
Published: November 2023

Lighting is an important environmental parameter in livestock farming, which can affect the physiology and behavior of animals, and it can regulate animal production. To explore the comprehensive effects of light intensity and duration on the performance, behavior, and physiological indicators of piglets, a 3 × 2 two-factor experiment (three levels of lighting intensity × two lighting durations) was conducted. The three light intensities used were high (100–120 lux), medium (40–50 lux), and low (5–20 lux). The two lighting durations were 8 h and 10 h of light per day. The experiment used a total of six lighting combinations, which corresponded with the six test units. A total of 96 Landrace–Yorkshire hybrid piglets, with an initial body weight of 13.23 ± 0.18 kg, were randomly assigned to six lit units, four pens per unit, and four piglets per pen. The results showed that lighting intensity and duration had no significant effect on the average daily feed intake, average daily gain, feed/gain, or water consumption of pigs (p > 0.05). For IgM, the main effect caused by the light duration was significant. When the light intensity was 5–20 lux and 40–50 lux, the serum IgM levels of piglets in the 10 h/day light group were 45.80% and 39.54% higher than those in the 8 h/day group, respectively (p < 0.05). For SOD and GSH-Px, the interaction between the lighting duration and intensity was significant (p < 0.05). In the 8 h/day light group, the serum SOD levels of piglets at light intensities of 5–20 lux and 40–50 lux were significantly higher than those at 100–120 lux (p < 0.05). When the light intensity was 5–20 lux and 40–50 lux, the SOD level in the 8 h/day group was significantly higher than that of the 10 h/day group (p < 0.05). The main effect of lighting duration on lying down and abnormal behavior was significant (p < 0.05). In the 8 h/day light group, the abnormal behavior of piglets under a light intensity of 5–20 lux was twice that of 40–50 lux (p < 0.05), and the lying percentage of piglets under a light intensity of 40–50 lux was 14.03% higher than that of piglets under a light intensity of 5–20 lux (p < 0.05). Overall, under the conditions used in this study, although extending the duration of light with an intensity of 40–50 lux to 10 h can improve some immune-related indicators, the extent of this effect was limited. The recommended lighting scheme for piglet houses is a light intensity of 40–50 lux and a lighting duration of 8 h. However, the range of lighting conditions set in this study was still very limited, and various environmental factors must be comprehensively considered in an actual production setting.
Study on the Influence of Grooved-Wheel Working Parameters on Fertilizer Emission Performance and Parameter Optimization
Authors: Wang Jinfeng , Wang Ruidong , Ju Jinyan , Song Yuling , Fu Zuodong , Lin Tenghui , Chen Guoqing , Jiang Rui , Wang Zhentao
Published: November 2023

The grooved-wheel fertilizer machine is one of the most widely used pieces of fertilization equipment. However, detailed information on the fertilizer filling status and the mechanism of particle interactions during the operation of the grooved wheel remains limited. To delve into the underlying mechanisms through which working parameters affect fertilization performance, this study, building upon prior research, conducted a qualitative analysis and numerical investigation of fertilizer particles using the Discrete Element Method. The analysis examined the impact of three working parameters, namely the grooved-wheel speed, working length, and forward speed of the fertilization equipment, on the morphology, forces, and kinetic properties of the fertilizer particles. Combining this analysis with orthogonal experimental research, we optimized the aforementioned working parameters. Both simulation and benchtop experimental results indicate that the grooved-wheel speed and working length influence the fertilizer filling status, while the forward speed of the equipment has no effect on the filling status. The connection between fertilizer force and kinetic changes is influenced by particle-free space. The lowest coefficient of variation (CV) for fertilization uniformity was observed at the grooved-wheel speed of 53.64 r/min, the wheel working length of 33.45 mm, and the forward speed of 0.7–1 m/s. The research findings contribute to a better understanding of the influencing mechanism of particle movement and fertilization outcomes in the operation of grooved-wheel fertilizer spreaders. This understanding enables precise control of the fertilizer application process, facilitating accurate and efficient fertilization. As a result, it enhances fertilizer utilization rates and reduces agricultural costs.
Plant Defence Induction by Meyerozyma guilliermondii in Vitis vinifera L.
Authors: Alonso de Robador José María , Ortega Pérez Nora , Sanchez-Ballesta M. Teresa , Tello Mariscal M. Luisa , Pintos López Beatriz , Gómez-Garay Arancha
Published: November 2023

This article emphasizes the crucial importance of yeast Meyerozyma guilliermondii (Patent CECT13190) as a biological control agent (BCA) in eliciting defensive responses in vine plants, and is supported by comprehensive physiological, proteomic, and transcriptomic analyses. The results demonstrate that the BCA M. guilliermondii can induce enhanced defensive responses, as reflected in the regulation of key proteins. Notably, the upregulated expression of calmodulin and pathogenesis-related protein 10 (PR-10) are indicative of a complex interplay between calcium signalling, salicylic acid accumulation, and the elicitation of plant defence responses against pathogens. Furthermore, changes in microtubule dynamics and proteins related to protein synthesis and folding are observed, confirming the elicitation of defence responses. The correspondence between proteomic and transcriptomic analyses for genes codifying pathogenesis-related proteins, such as Vcgns1, VviTL1, and Vcchit1b, reinforces the empirical robustness of our findings. Collectively, our research explores the modulation of plant defences by the BCA, opening promising avenues for innovative agricultural strategies that enhance crop resilience and productivity.
The Future of Weed Science: Novel Approaches to Weed Management
Authors: Travlos Ilias , Scavo Aurelio , Kanatas Panagiotis
Published: November 2023

The European Union takes the sustainability of pesticide use into serious account, and one of the main challenges of the EU Green Deal is the significant reduction in chemical control [...]
Sand-Related Factors Influencing Nest Burrowing Potential of the Sand Martins
Authors: Çelik Emrah , Durmus Atilla , Jokimäki Jukka
Published: November 2023

Vertical embankments and mounds serve as suitable habitats for burrowing birds, such as the Sand Martin (Riparia riparia). Sand Martins have decreased in many countries during the last two decades, possibly because of the decline in suitable nest sites. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors affecting nest burrowing and nest hole characteristics for the Sand Martin. A smaller entrance hole would be beneficial for regulating the internal environment of the nest, whereas deeper nests are more advantageous against nest predators and parasites. We examined the general structure of Sand Martin colonies and determined if particle size, pH, or electrical conductivity (EC) of the soil and the location of the colony affects the morphology of Sand Martin nest holes. We hypothesized that the climate of near lakeshore and non-lakeshore differs; consequently, we predicted that Sand Martins would construct wider nest tunnel entrances in more humid environments near the lakeshore than further from the lake. We also hypothesized that a lower pH of clay loam soil would result in an increasing level of exchangeable aluminum (Al) and acidity, which in turn would promote soil aggregation. Because soils with a low EC are more stable and less prone to flooding or erosion, we predicted that Sand Martins in such soils would have deeper nesting burrows. A total of four colonies were located in the study area in Turkey. They contained 2510 burrows, of which 91.83% were used for breeding. The mean colony size was 627. We measured the soil and the nest burrow characteristics from the 80 nest bottoms used for breeding by the Sand Martin. The mean pH was 8.8, and the mean EC was 171. Tunnel depth was longer in nests with greater pH and EC and in lakeshore than in non-lakeshore colonies. The distance between nest holes increased with the EC, and nests were located nearer to each other in the lakeshore colonies than in non-lakeshore colonies. The width of the entrance opening increased with soil particle size and was wider in nests located at the lakeshore areas. Our results indicated that Sand Martins will avoid sites with too compact or loose soils for nesting, probably to avoid nest collapses. Vertical lakeshore embankments offer good nesting sites for Sand Martins and should, therefore, be protected. Because soil particle size, pH, EC, and distance from the lakeshore influenced the nest hole characteristics of the Sand Martin, conservation and management efforts should take these variables into account when maintaining or establishing suitable soil conditions for the Sand Martin.
Targeting FMN, TPP, SAM-I, and glmS Riboswitches with Chimeric Antisense Oligonucleotides for Completely Rational Antibacterial Drug Development
Authors: Pavlova Nikolet , Traykovska Martina , Penchovsky Robert
Published: November 2023

Antimicrobial drug resistance has emerged as a significant challenge in contemporary medicine due to the proliferation of numerous bacterial strains resistant to all existing antibiotics. Meanwhile, riboswitches have emerged as promising targets for discovering antibacterial drugs. Riboswitches are regulatory elements in certain bacterial mRNAs that can bind to specific molecules and control gene expression via transcriptional termination, prevention of translation, or mRNA destabilization. By targeting riboswitches, we aim to develop innovative strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria and enhance the efficacy of antibacterial treatments. This convergence of challenges and opportunities underscores the ongoing quest to revolutionize medical approaches against evolving bacterial threats. For the first time, this innovative review describes the rational design and applications of chimeric antisense oligonucleotides as antibacterial agents targeting four riboswitches selected based on genome-wide bioinformatic analyses. The antisense oligonucleotides are coupled with the cell-penetrating oligopeptide pVEC, which penetrates Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and specifically targets glmS, FMN, TPP, and SAM-I riboswitches in Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli. The average antibiotic dosage of antisense oligonucleotides that inhibits 80% of bacterial growth is around 700 nM (4.5 μg/mL). Antisense oligonucleotides do not exhibit toxicity in human cell lines at this concentration. The results demonstrate that these riboswitches are suitable targets for antibacterial drug development using antisense oligonucleotide technology. The approach is fully rational because selecting suitable riboswitch targets and designing ASOs that target them are based on predefined criteria. The approach can be used to develop narrow or broad-spectrum antibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacterial strains for a short time. The approach is easily adaptive to new resistance using targeting NGS technology.
Point Prevalence Survey of Antimicrobial Use and Resistance during the COVID-19 Era among Hospitals in Saudi Arabia and the Implications
Authors: Haseeb Abdul , Abuhussain Safa S. Almarzoky , Alghamdi Saleh , Bahshwan Shahad M. , Mahrous Ahmad J. , Alzahrani Yazeed A. , Alzahrani Albaraa Faraj , AlQarni Abdullmoin , AlGethamy Manal , Naji Asem Saleh , Khogeer Asim Abdulaziz Omar , Iqbal Muhammad Shahid , Godman Brian , Saleem Zikria
Published: November 2023

The inappropriate prescribing of antimicrobials increases antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which poses an appreciable threat to public health, increasing morbidity and mortality. Inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing includes their prescribing in patients hospitalized with COVID-19, despite limited evidence of bacterial infections or coinfections. Knowledge of current antimicrobial utilization in Saudi Arabia is currently limited. Consequently, the objective of this study was to document current antimicrobial prescribing patterns among Saudi hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study included patients with or without COVID-19 who were admitted to five hospitals in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Data were gathered using the Global PPS methodology and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Out of 897 hospitalized patients, 518 were treated with antibiotics (57.7%), with an average of 1.9 antibiotics per patient. There were 174 culture reports collected, representing 36.5% of all cases. The most common indication for antibiotics use was community-acquired infections, accounting for 61.4% of all cases. ‘Watch’ antibiotics were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, with the cephalosporins and carbapenems representing 38.7% of all antibiotics prescribed, followed by the penicillins (23.2%). Notably, Piperacillin/Tazobactam and Azithromycin were prescribed at relatively higher rates for COVID-19 patients. These findings highlight the need for continuous efforts to optimize the rational use of antibiotics through instigating appropriate antimicrobial stewardship programs in hospitals and, as a result, reduce AMR in the country.
Effects of a 12-Week Low-Intensity Resistance Training Program on Force-Matching Task and Balance in Young Men
Authors: Szafraniec Rafał , Harmaciński Dariusz , Kuczyński Michał
Published: November 2023

Background: The effects of low-intensity resistance training on health and muscular performance have been widely reported, but its effects on motor skills such as balance and force matching have been overlooked. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine the effects of low-intensity resistance training on a force-matching task and balance. Methods: The subjects from the intervention group (EXP; n = 20) participated in a 12-week low-intensity resistance training program. The measurements of balance and force-matching ability were conducted before and after the intervention. To determine the accuracy and steadiness (variability) in the force matching task, we calculated the values of three errors: (1) absolute error (AE), (2) constant error (CE), and (3) variable error (VE). Results: In the force-matching task performed after the training, the values of two errors decreased: (1) AE (right leg, p = 0.0008; left leg, p = 0.0008), and (2) CE (right leg, p = 0.0064; left leg, p = 0.0440). Resistance training did not significantly affect VE and the parameters characterizing COP sway in the balance test. Conclusions: The 12-week low-intensity resistance training improved the accuracy of the force-matching task but did not change postural stability or postural strategies.
A GPU-Accelerated Method for 3D Nonlinear Kelvin Ship Wake Patterns Simulation
Authors: Sun Xiaofeng , Cai Miaoyu , Ding Junchen
Published: November 2023

The study of ship waves is important for ship detection, coastal erosion and wave drag. This paper proposed a highly paralleled numerical computation method for efficiently simulating three-dimensional nonlinear kelvin waves. First, a numerical model for nonlinear ship waves is established based on potential flow theory, the Jacobian-free Newton–Krylov (JFNK) method and the boundary integral method. To reduce the amount of data stored in the JFNK method and improve the computational efficiency, a banded preconditioner method is then developed by formulating the optimal bandwidth selection rule. After that, a Graphics Process Unit (GPU)-based parallel computing framework is designed, and we used the Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) language to develop a GPU solution. Finally, numerical simulations of 3D nonlinear ship waves under multiple scales are performed by using the GPU and CPU solvers. Simulation results show that the proposed GPU solver is more efficient than the CPU solver with the same accuracy. More than 66% GPU memory can be saved, and the computational speed can be accelerated up to 20 times. Hence, the computation time for Kelvin ship waves simulation can be significantly reduced by applying the GPU parallel numerical scheme, which lays a solid foundation for practical ocean engineering.
Innovative Application of Subwavelength Periodic Polystyrene Microspheres as Saturable Absorbers in Nonlinear Optics
Authors: Huang Yancheng , Wang Hongpei , Chu Huiyuan , Dai Hao , Liu Boyuan , Zhang Ziyang , Jiang Cheng
Published: November 2023

Polystyrene (PS) possesses numerous remarkable properties like high transparency, impressive mechanical strength, and a large specific surface area, making it an excellent mask plate or template for the preparation of anti-opal structures. Moreover, it should be noted that PS also exhibits exceptional nonlinear properties due to the subwavelength periodic configuration. In this paper, a self-assembled PS microsphere photonic crystal saturable absorber (PSM-SA) has been proposed and fabricated. It exhibits impressive properties including high stability, high damage threshold, high refractive index, and large specific surface area. It is suggested that the periodic structure of PS in the film has a significant impact on the photonic band gap, resulting in excellent adjustable optical nonlinear characteristics. By integrating PSM-SA into a self-built ring fiber laser system, a Q-switched laser with a pulse width of approximately 2 μs and a repetition rate of 40 kHz at a wavelength of 1562 nm is obtained. These findings demonstrate its potential for enabling efficient and adjustable nonlinear optical functionalities in various optical devices, contributing to the expanding realm of PS microsphere photonic crystals and their significant impact on advancing nonlinear optics technology.
esCorpius-m: A Massive Multilingual Crawling Corpus with a Focus on Spanish
Authors: Gutiérrez-Fandiño Asier , Pérez-Fernández David , Armengol-Estapé Jordi , Griol David , Kharitonova Ksenia , Callejas Zoraida
Published: November 2023

In recent years, transformer-based models have played a significant role in advancing language modeling for natural language processing. However, they require substantial amounts of data and there is a shortage of high-quality non-English corpora. Some recent initiatives have introduced multilingual datasets obtained through web crawling. However, there are notable limitations in the results for some languages, including Spanish. These datasets are either smaller compared to other languages or suffer from lower quality due to insufficient cleaning and deduplication. In this paper, we present esCorpius-m, a multilingual corpus extracted from around 1 petabyte of Common Crawl data. It is the most extensive corpus for some languages with such a level of high-quality content extraction, cleanliness, and deduplication. Our data curation process involves an efficient cleaning pipeline and various deduplication methods that maintain the integrity of document and paragraph boundaries. We also ensure compliance with EU regulations by retaining both the source web page URL and the WARC shared origin URL.
Trends and Technological Challenges of 3D Bioprinting in Cultured Meat: Technological Prospection
Authors: Barbosa Willams , Correia Paulo , Vieira Jaqueline , Leal Ingrid , Rodrigues Letícia , Nery Tatiana , Barbosa Josiane , Soares Milena
Published: November 2023

Cultured meat presents a possible alternative to conventional meat products and may be used to address growing food demands attributable to global population growth. Thus, a comprehensive technological prospection of the scientific literature related to cultured meat produced by 3D bioprinting is of great interest to researchers. The purpose of this article is to review and analyze published studies related to the biofabrication of cultured meat using 3D bioprinting techniques. The growing number of related publications in recent years highlights that cultured meat has gained traction in the scientific community. Furthermore, private companies and startups have contributed to advancements in the biofabrication of cultured meat for consumption, illustrating that cultured meat as a conventional meat substitute is already becoming reality. However, like any scientific advance, 3D bioprinting of cultured meat faces challenges involving regulation, acceptance, the selection of ideal biomaterials and cell lines, the replacement of fetal bovine serum (FBS), and attaining a texture and nutritional value similar to those of conventional meat.
ENN: Hierarchical Image Classification Ensemble Neural Network for Large-Scale Automated Detection of Potential Design Infringement
Authors: Lee Chan Jae , Jeong Seong Ho , Yoon Young
Published: November 2023

This paper presents a two-stage hierarchical neural network using image classification and object detection algorithms as key building blocks for a system that automatically detects a potential design right infringement. This neural network is trained to return the Top-N original design right records that highly resemble the input image of a counterfeit. This work proposes an ensemble neural network (ENN), an artificial neural network model that aims to deal with a large amount of counterfeit data and design right records that are frequently added and deleted. First, we performed image classification and objection detection learning per design right using acclaimed existing models with high accuracy. The distributed models form the backbone of the ENN and yield intermediate results aggregated at a master neural network. This master neural network is a deep residual network paired with a fully connected network. This ensemble layer is trained to determine the sub-models that return the best result for a given input image of a product. In the final stage, the ENN model multiplies the inferred similarity coefficients to the weighted input vectors produced by the individual sub-models to assess the similarity between the test input image and the existing product design rights to see any sign of violation. Given 84 design rights and the sample product images taken meticulously under various conditions, our ENN model achieved average Top-1 and Top-3 accuracies of 98.409% and 99.460%, respectively. Upon introducing new design rights data, a partial update of the inference model was performed an order of magnitude faster than the single model. The ENN maintained a high level of accuracy as it was scaled out to handle more design rights. Therefore, the ENN model is expected to offer practical help to the inspectors in the field, such as customs at the border that deal with a swarm of products.
Application of EDEM Simulation for Calculating and Optimizing a Closed Coal Fly Ash Screw Conveyor
Authors: Tran Van-Thien , Bui Ngoc-Tam , Bui Tuan-Anh
Published: November 2023

In contemporary bulk material transportation systems, closed screw conveyors have become prevalent. These conveyors, enclosed within troughs or cylindrical bodies, effectively mitigate environmental contamination and material toxicity during transit. Their hermetic design prevents material dispersion by wind, thereby minimizing losses and preserving the integrity of raw materials, particularly those with potential health implications such as urea and cement. Consequently, employing a screw conveyor constitutes a prudent safety measure. Despite the widespread use of screw conveyors, a comprehensive understanding of the behavior of material particles within these systems remains elusive and subject to discrepancies across various methodologies. Presently, a multitude of calculation methods and applications exist, resulting in disparities between theoretical computations and practical implementation. Drawing upon Alan W. Roberts’ meticulously devised calculation methodology, renowned for its precision, the authors have developed a swift computational tool utilizing VBA Excel software 2023. Additionally, EDEM simulation software was employed to model granular material behavior. The ensuing calculations guided the selection of optimized technical dimensions for the screw conveyor, which were then fabricated and subjected to real-world testing at the Vinh Tan thermal power plant. Remarkably, the achieved output capacity demonstrated a mere 7% deviation from calculations performed with the VBA program and a 2% variation from those conducted via EDEM simulation. Furthermore, a comprehensive graph depicting the relationship between screw conveyor speed and capacity has been provided, affording a means to finely tune throughput with exceptional accuracy along the production line. The results obtained provide the basis for the development of a device that meets the required capacity specifications accurately and precisely on the first attempt. This accomplishment satisfies stringent capacity standards without the need for any adjustments or modifications, all while ensuring minimal cost and time efficiency.