bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sakuranin represses the malignant biological behaviors of human bladder cancer cells by triggering autophagy via activating the p53/mTOR pathway
Authors: Hao Ling , Mu Dandan , Mu Haitao
Published: October 2023

Objective

Sakura extract is a natural flavonoid compound that may have potential anti-tumor effects. The paper focuses on investigating Sakuranin mechanism on bladder cancer (BC) cells.

Methods

BC cells (T24) were treated with different concentrations of Sakuranin, with 48-h IC50 determined. T24 cells were treated with Sakuranin at IC50, followed by assessment of cell proliferative/apoptotic/migrative/invasive activities by CCK-8, EdU and plate clone formation assays/flow cytometry/Transwell/scratch test. MMP-2 (migration and invasion-related protein) protein level was assessed by Western blot. Cell autophagy was evaluated by measuring the protein levels of autophagy markers (LC3-I/LC3-II/p62) through Western blot. The autophagy inhibitor 3-MA was used to validate the role of autophagy in the regulatory mechanism of Sakuranin in T24 cell behaviors. Furthermore, the activation of the p53/mTOR pathway in cells was detected and a combination of Sakuranin and p53 inhibitor Pifithrin-µ was adopted to explore the involvement of this pathway.

Results

Sakuranin decreased T24 cell proliferation/EdU positive cell percentage/colony formation number and area/migration/invasion/scratch healing/MMP-2 protein level, and accelerated apoptosis. Sakuranin elevated the LC3-II/I ratio and lowered p62 level in T24 cells. 3-MA partially averted Sakuranin-mediated repression on cell malignant behaviors. Sakuranin upregulated p-p53 and p53 levels, and decreased the p-mTOR/mTOR ratio in T24 cells. The effects of Sakuranin on cell biological behaviors were partly annulled by Pifithrin-µ treatment.

Conclusion

Sakuranin suppressed T24 cell proliferation/migration/invasion, and enhanced apoptosis by potentiating autophagy through activating the p53/mTOR pathway. This study provided a theoretical basis for Sakuranin as a potential drug for clinical treatment of BC.
A comparative assessment of color stability among various commercial resin composites
Authors: Uctasli MB , Garoushi Sufyan , Uctasli M , Vallittu PK , Lassila L
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The aim was to evaluate the color stability of six commercial restorative resin composites after being exposed to commonly consumed beverages. Repolishing impact on the stained composite was also assessed.

Methods

One-hundred and fifty disc specimens (8 mm diameter & 3 mm thickness) were prepared from Filtek™ Universal Restorative, SDR flow+, everX Flow, G-ænial A’CHORD, G-ænial Universal Flo and G-ænial Universal Injectable. To assess the color stability in five various beverages, 25 specimens from each material were randomly distributed into five groups (n = 5), according to the utilized staining solution. Group 1: distilled water, Group 2: coffee, Group 3: red wine, Group 4: energy drink, Group 5: coke. The color changes (∆E) for all materials were measured using spectrophotometer at the baseline, after 84 days of staining and after repolishing. Data was collected and analyzed using ANOVA (α = 0.05).

Results

Both material type and staining solution had a significant effect on the color stability of specimens (p < 0.05). Compared to other beverages, the color value of the specimens submerged in coffee and wine showed the most statistically significant (p < 0.05) mean ∆E. SDR flow + in coffee and wine presented the highest ∆E when compared to other tested materials (p < 0.05). After staining of the composites, repolishing was successful in lowering the ∆E value.

Conclusions

All the beverages had an impact on the color stability of the tested resin composites, with coffee and wine demonstrating the most significant effects. The variations in color stability varied depending on the specific material utilized. Dentists should possess awareness regarding the chemical interactions that occur between different beverages and various types of resin composites. Additionally, repolishing serves as an effective technique for eliminating surface discoloration in composite restorations.
Residential status and household wealth disparities in modern contraceptives use among women in Ghana: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Tampah-Naah Anthony Mwinilanaa , Yendaw Elijah , Sumankuuro Joshua
Published: October 2023

Background

Modern contraceptive refers to “a product or medical procedure that interferes with reproduction from acts of sexual intercourse”. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between residential status and wealth quintile, and modern contraceptive use among women in Ghana.

Methods

We examined residential status and wealth quintile on contraceptive use analysing the 2006, 2011 and 2018 Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys datasets. A sample of 30,665 women in their reproductive ages (15–49 years) were enrolled in the surveys across Ghana. STATA version 13 was used to process and analyse the data. It examined socioeconomic and demographic characteristics, assessed modern contraceptive use prevalence among women, and used logistic regression models to determine predictors. The results were presented in odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. All statistical tests were measured with p < 0.05.

Results

In the three survey years, the highest prevalence of modern contraceptive usage was observed in 2011 (27.16%). The odds of using modern contraceptive increased by 19% in rural places (AOR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.097–1.284) compared to urban places. The likelihood of women in second (AOR = 1.17; 95% CI = 1.065–1.289), middle (AOR = 1.24; 95% CI = 1.118–1.385), and fourth (AOR = 1.25; 95% CI = 1.113–1.403) wealth quintile using contraceptives increased compared to those of low wealth quintile. With the interactive terms, rural-second (AOR = 1.38; 95% CI = 1.042–1.830), rural-middle (AOR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.084–1.933), rural-fourth (AOR = 1.52; 95% CI = 1.128–2.059), and rural-high (AOR = 1.42; 95% CI = 1.019–1.973) were more likely to use contraceptives compared to urban-low women. Despite lower odds, women of the age groups 20–24 (AOR = 2.33; 95% CI = 2.054–2.637), cohabitaing (AOR = 1.07; 95% CI = 0.981–1.173), secondary or higher education (AOR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.385–1.736), Central (AOR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.296–1.682) and Eastern (AOR = 1.48; 95% CI = 1.289–1.695) regions significantly predicted modern contraceptive use.

Conclusion

Modern contraceptive use in Ghana is low. Women in rural-rich categories are more likely to use modern contraceptives. Background factors such as age, marital status, educational attainment, and previous child experiences predict modern contraceptive use. It is recommended for the intensification of contraceptive awareness and utilization for all reproductive age women, regardless of education, marriage, or wealth.
Professional identity formation amongst peer-mentors in a research-based mentoring programme
Authors: Krishna Lalit Kumar Radha , Pisupati Anushka , Teo Kelly Jia Hui , Teo Mac Yu Kai , Quek Chrystie Wan Ning , Chua Keith Zi Yuan , Venktaramana Vaishnavi , Raveendran Vijayprasanth , Singh Harpreet , Hui Sabine Lauren Wong Chyi , Ng Victoria Wen Wei , Ting Ong Yun , Loh Eleanor Kei Ying , Yeoh Ting Ting , Owyong Jasmine Lerk Juan , Ong Eng Koon , Phua Gillian Li Gek , Hill Ruaraidh , Mason Stephen , Ong Simon Yew Kuang
Published: October 2023

Background

Mentoring plays a pivotal yet poorly understood role in shaping a physician’s professional identity formation (PIF) or how they see, feel and act as professionals. New theories posit that mentoring nurtures PIF by functioning as a community of practice through its structured approach and its support of a socialisation process made possible by its assessment-directed personalized support. To test this theory and reshape the design, employ and support of mentoring programs, we evaluate peer-mentor experiences within the Palliative Medicine Initiative’s structured research mentoring program.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews with peer mentors under the Palliative Medicine Initiative (PMI) at National Cancer Centre Singapore were conducted and triangulated against mentoring diaries to capture longitudinal data of their PMI experiences. The Systematic Evidence-Based Approach (SEBA) was adopted to enhance the trustworthiness of the data. SEBA employed concurrent content and thematic analysis of the data to ensure a comprehensive review. The Jigsaw Perspective merged complementary themes and categories identified to create themes/categories. The themes/categories were compared with prevailing studies on mentoring in the Funnelling Process to reaffirm their accuracy.

Results

Twelve peer-mentors participated in the interviews and eight peer-mentors completed the mentoring diaries. The domains identified were community of practice and identity work.

Conclusions

The PMI’s structured mentoring program functions as a community of practice supporting the socialisation process which shapes the peer-mentor’s belief system. Guided by a structured mentoring approach, stage-based assessments, and longitudinal mentoring and peer support, peer-mentors enhance their detection and evaluation of threats to their regnant belief system and adapt their self-concepts of identity and personhood to suit their context. These insights will help structure and support mentoring programs as they nurture PIF beyond Palliative Medicine.
Factors related to the resignation and migration of physicians in public health administration agencies using nationwide survey data in Japan
Authors: Saijo Yasuaki , Yoshioka Eiji , Sato Yukihiro , Kunori Yuki
Published: October 2023

Background

Physicians in public health administration agencies (public health physicians: PHP) play important roles in public health; however, there are not enough such physicians in Japan. This study aimed to elucidate the factors related to the resignation and migration of PHPs using nationwide survey data.

Methods

Data from the Survey of Physicians, Dentists, and Pharmacists (2010, 2012, 2014, and 2016) were analyzed. The outcome was the resignation of PHPs or migration to public health administration agencies. The explanatory variables in the resignation analysis were age, sex, workplace, and board certification status. The type of work was added as an explanatory variable in the migration analysis, and clinical specialty was added to the clinical doctor-restricted analysis. The odds ratios (ORs) of the explanatory variables were calculated using generalized estimation equations.

Results

In the resignation analysis among PHPs, women had a significantly lower OR, whereas younger PHPs and those with board certifications had significantly higher ORs. In the migration to public health administration agencies analysis among medical doctors, women and those aged between 35 and 39 years had significantly higher ORs, but those with board certifications had significantly lower ORs. Hospital/clinic founders or directors had significantly lower ORs, but the clinic staff and ‘others/not working’ had significantly higher ORs. In the migration to public health administration agencies analysis among clinical physicians, those aged between 35 and 39 years had significantly higher ORs. Still, those with two or more board certifications had significantly lower ORs. Hospital/clinic founders or directors had significantly lower ORs, but the clinic staff had significantly higher ORs. Clinical doctors specializing in surgery and other specialties had significantly lower ORs, but those specializing in pediatrics and psychiatry/psychosomatic medicine had significantly higher ORs.

Conclusions

Having board certifications were significantly related to the resignation of PHPs and migration to public health administration agencies. Women migrated to public health administration agencies more than men and younger PHPs were more likely to resign. However, medical doctors aged between 35 and 39 years were more likely to migrate to public health administration agencies. Similarly, clinic staff, non-clinical physicians, and those whose specialties were pediatrics and psychiatry/psychosomatic medicine were more likely to migrate to public health administration agencies.
Global issues, local action: exploring local governments use of research in “tackling climate change and its impacts on health” in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Dam Jennifer , Wright Annemarie , Bos Joannette J , Bragge Peter
Published: October 2023

Background

Local government plays an important role in addressing complex public health challenges. While the use of research in this work is important, it is often poorly understood. This study aimed to build knowledge about how research is used by investigating its use by local government authorities (LGAs) in Victoria, Australia in responding to a new legislative requirement to prioritise climate and health in public health planning. The role of collaboration was also explored.

Methods

Informed by Normalization Process Theory (NPT), this study adopted multiple research methods, combining data from an online survey and face-to-face interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics; thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data.

Results

Participants comprised 15 interviewees, and 46 survey respondents from 40 different LGAs. Research was most commonly accessed via evidence synthesis, and largely used to inform understanding about climate and health. When and how research was used was shaped by contextual factors including legislation, community values and practical limitations of how research needed to be communicated to decision-makers. Collaboration was more commonly associated with research access than use.

Conclusions

Greater investment in the production and dissemination of localised research, that identifies local issues (e.g. climate risk factors) and is tailored to the communication needs of local audiences is needed to foster more impactful research use in local public health policy.
A robot-aided visuomotor wrist training induces motor and proprioceptive learning that transfers to the untrained ipsilateral elbow
Authors: Zhu Huiying , Wang Yizhao , Elangovan Naveen , Cappello Leonardo , Sandini Giulio , Masia Lorenzo , Konczak Jürgen
Published: October 2023

Background

Learning of a visuomotor task not only leads to changes in motor performance but also improves proprioceptive function of the trained joint/limb system. Such sensorimotor learning may show intra-joint transfer that is observable at a previously untrained degrees of freedom of the trained joint.

Objective

Here, we examined if and to what extent such learning transfers to neighboring joints of the same limb and whether such transfer is observable in the motor as well as in the proprioceptive domain. Documenting such intra-limb transfer of sensorimotor learning holds promise for the neurorehabilitation of an impaired joint by training the neighboring joints.

Methods

Using a robotic exoskeleton, 15 healthy young adults (18–35 years) underwent a visuomotor training that required them to make continuous, increasingly precise, small amplitude wrist movements. Wrist and elbow position sense just-noticeable‐difference (JND) thresholds and spatial movement accuracy error (MAE) at wrist and elbow in an untrained pointing task were assessed before and immediately after, as well as 24 h after training.

Results

First, all participants showed evidence of proprioceptive and motor learning in both trained and untrained joints. The mean JND threshold decreased significantly by 30% in trained wrist (M: 1.26° to 0.88°) and by 35% in untrained elbow (M: 1.96° to 1.28°). Second, mean MAE in untrained pointing task reduced by 20% in trained wrist and the untrained elbow. Third, after 24 h the gains in proprioceptive learning persisted at both joints, while transferred motor learning gains had decayed to such extent that they were no longer significant at the group level.

Conclusion

Our findings document that a one-time sensorimotor training induces rapid learning gains in proprioceptive acuity and untrained sensorimotor performance at the practiced joint. Importantly, these gains transfer almost fully to the neighboring, proximal joint/limb system.
Brequinar inhibits African swine fever virus replication in vitro by activating ferroptosis
Authors: Chen Yang , Guo Yanchen , Chang Hao , Song Zebu , Wei Zhi , Huang Zhao , Zheng Zezhong , Zhang Guihong , Sun Yankuo
Published: October 2023

Background

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is one of the most fatal swine etiological agents and has a huge economic impact on the global pork industry. Given that no effective vaccines or anti-ASFV drugs are available, there remains a pressing need for novel anti-ASFV drugs. This study aimed to investigate the anti-African swine fever virus (ASFV) activity of brequinar, a DHODH inhibitor.

Methods

The anti-ASFV activity of brequinar was investigated using IFA, HAD, HAD50, qRT-PCR, and western blotting assays. The western blotting assay was used to investigate whether brequinar inhibits ASFV replication by killing ASFV particles directly or by acting on cell factors. The confocal microscopy and western blotting assays were used to investigate whether brequinar inhibits ASFV replication by activating ferroptosis.

Results

In this study, brequinar was found to effectively inhibit ASFV replication ex vivo in porcine alveolar macrophages (PAMs) in a dose-dependent manner. In kinetic studies, brequinar was found to maintain ASFV inhibition from 24 to 72 hpi. Mechanistically, the time-of-addition assay showed that brequinar exerted anti-ASFV activity in all treatment modes, including pre-, co-, and post-treatment rather than directly killing ASFV particles. Notably, FerroOrange, Mito-FerroGreen, and Liperfluo staining experiments showed that brequinar increased the accumulation of intracellular iron, mitochondrial iron, and lipid peroxides, respectively. Furthermore, we also found that ferroptosis agonist cisplatin treatment inhibited ASFV replication in a dose-dependent manner and the inhibitory effect of brequinar on ASFV was partially reversed by the ferroptosis inhibitor ferrostatin-1, suggesting that brequinar activates ferroptosis to inhibit ASFV replication. Interestingly, exogenous uridine supplementation attenuated the anti-ASFV activity of brequinar, indicating that brequinar inhibits ASFV replication by inhibiting DHODH activity and the depletion of intracellular pyrimidine pools; however, the induction of ferroptosis by brequinar treatment was not reversed by exogenous uridine supplementation, suggesting that brequinar activation of ferroptosis is not related to the metabolic function of pyrimidines.

Conclusions

Our data confirm that brequinar displays potent antiviral activity against ASFV in vitro and reveal the mechanism by which brequinar inhibits ASFV replication by activating ferroptosis, independent of inhibiting pyrimidine synthesis, providing novel targets for the development of anti-ASFV drugs.
Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside regulates estrogen receptor expression to ameliorate OVX-induced osteoporosis
Authors: Chen Guofang , Chen Yansong , Hong Junyi , Gao Junwei , Xu Zhikun
Published: October 2023

Objective

Secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG) is a phytoestrogen that has been reported to improve postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMOP) caused by estrogen deficiency. In our work, we aimed to investigate the mechanism of SDG in regulating the expressions of ERs on PMOP model rats.

Methods

Ovariectomization (OVX) was used to establish PMOP model in rats. The experiment was allocated to Sham, OVX, SDG and raloxifene (RLX) groups. After 12-week treatment, micro-CT was used to detect the transverse section of bone. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining and Safranine O-Fast Green staining were supplied to detect the femur pathological morphology of rats. Estradiol (E2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), bone formation and bone catabolism indexes in serum were detected using ELISA. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining was used to detect the osteogenic ability of chondrocytes. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were applied to detect the protein expressions of estrogen receptors (ERs) in the femur of rats.

Results

Compared with the OVX group, micro-CT results showed SDG could lessen the injury of bone and improve femoral parameters, including bone mineral content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD). Pathological results showed SDG could reduce pathological injury of femur in OVX rats. Meanwhile, SDG decreased the level of IL-6 and regulated bone formation and bone catabolism indexes. Besides, SDG increased the level of E2 and conversed OVX-induced decreased the expression of ERα and ERβ.

Conclusion

The treatment elicited by SDG in OVX rats was due to the reduction of injury and inflammation and improvement of bone formation index, via regulating the expression of E2 and ERs.
Trabecular bone score in type 1 diabetes: a meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies
Authors: Pan Runzhou , Zhang Yan , Zhao Yongcai
Published: October 2023

Background

Bone fragility is a recognized complication of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Thus, lower trabecular bone score (TBS) measurements in T1D patients can be predicted. However, the results of current studies on TBS in patients with T1D are inconsistent. In this context, the present study aimed to test the hypothesis that T1D is associated with lower TBS through a meta-analysis.

Methods

An electronic search of the literature was conducted using PubMed, Embase and Web of science databases to identify studies related to TBS and T1D, supplemented by an additional manual check of the reference list of relevant original and review articles. All data was analyzed using a random effects model. Results were compared using standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Review Manager 5.4 software and Stata 17.0 software were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Seven cross-sectional studies involving 848 participants were included. TBS was lower in T1D patients than in healthy controls on random effects analysis, with no heterogeneity (SMD =  − 0.39, 95% CI [− 0.53, − 0.24], P < 0.001; I2 = 0%). In addition, by subgroup analysis, T1D patients were strongly associated with reduced TBS in different regions and age groups, and the results were independent of covariate adjustment.

Conclusion

This study showed that TBS was lower in patients with T1D than in healthy individuals with normal blood glucose levels, suggesting that TBS may be a useful measure to assess fracture risk in T1D.
Interpretable machine learning models for predicting venous thromboembolism in the intensive care unit: an analysis based on data from 207 centers
Authors: Guan Chengfu , Ma Fuxin , Chang Sijie , Zhang Jinhua
Published: October 2023

Background

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a severe complication in critically ill patients, often resulting in death and long-term disability and is one of the major contributors to the global burden of disease. This study aimed to construct an interpretable machine learning (ML) model for predicting VTE in critically ill patients based on clinical features and laboratory indicators.

Methods

Data for this study were extracted from the eICU Collaborative Research Database (version 2.0). A stepwise logistic regression model was used to select the predictors that were eventually included in the model. The random forest, extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and support vector machine algorithms were used to construct the model using fivefold cross-validation. The area under curve (AUC), accuracy, no information rate, balanced accuracy, kappa, sensitivity, specificity, precision, and F1 score were used to assess the model's performance. In addition, the DALEX package was used to improve the interpretability of the final model.

Results

This study ultimately included 109,044 patients, of which 1647 (1.5%) had VTE during ICU hospitalization. Among the three models, the Random Forest model (AUC: 0.9378; Accuracy: 0.9958; Kappa: 0.8371; Precision: 0.9095; F1 score: 0.8393; Sensitivity: 0.7791; Specificity: 0.9989) performed the best.

Conclusion

ML models can be a reliable tool for predicting VTE in critically ill patients. Among all the models we had constructed, the random forest model was the most effective model that helps the user identify patients at high risk of VTE early so that early intervention can be implemented to reduce the burden of VTE on the patients.
Benchmarking algorithms for joint integration of unpaired and paired single-cell RNA-seq and ATAC-seq data
Authors: Lee Michelle Y. Y. , Kaestner Klaus H. , Li Mingyao
Published: October 2023

Background

Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) measures gene expression in single cells, while single-nucleus ATAC-sequencing (snATAC-seq) quantifies chromatin accessibility in single nuclei. These two data types provide complementary information for deciphering cell types and states. However, when analyzed individually, they sometimes produce conflicting results regarding cell type/state assignment. The power is compromised since the two modalities reflect the same underlying biology. Recently, it has become possible to measure both gene expression and chromatin accessibility from the same nucleus. Such paired data enable the direct modeling of the relationships between the two modalities. Given the availability of the vast amount of single-modality data, it is desirable to integrate the paired and unpaired single-modality datasets to gain a comprehensive view of the cellular complexity.

Results

We benchmark nine existing single-cell multi-omic data integration methods. Specifically, we evaluate to what extent the multiome data provide additional guidance for analyzing the existing single-modality data, and whether these methods uncover peak-gene associations from single-modality data. Our results indicate that multiome data are helpful for annotating single-modality data. However, we emphasize that the availability of an adequate number of nuclei in the multiome dataset is crucial for achieving accurate cell type annotation. Insufficient representation of nuclei may compromise the reliability of the annotations. Additionally, when generating a multiome dataset, the number of cells is more important than sequencing depth for cell type annotation.

Conclusions

Seurat v4 is the best currently available platform for integrating scRNA-seq, snATAC-seq, and multiome data even in the presence of complex batch effects.
Colitis-associated carcinogenesis: crosstalk between tumors, immune cells and gut microbiota
Authors: Li Junshu , Ji Yanhong , Chen Na , Dai Lei , Deng Hongxin
Published: October 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. One of the main causes of colorectal cancer is inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD). Intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), intestinal mesenchymal cells (IMCs), immune cells, and gut microbiota construct the main body of the colon and maintain colon homeostasis. In the development of colitis and colitis-associated carcinogenesis, the damage, disorder or excessive recruitment of different cells such as IECs, IMCs, immune cells and intestinal microbiota play different roles during these processes. This review aims to discuss the various roles of different cells and the crosstalk of these cells in transforming intestinal inflammation to cancer, which provides new therapeutic methods for chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and microbial therapy.
Activity of antimicrobial examination gloves under realistic conditions: challenge not fulfilled
Authors: Klupp Eva-Maria , Knobling Birte , Franke Gefion , Belmar Campos Cristina , Maurer Philipp M. , Knobloch Johannes K.
Published: October 2023

Background

Antimicrobial materials or surfaces are advertised as part of infection prevention bundles. However, the efficacy of such antimicrobial surfaces has not been sufficiently investigated in hospitals. In this study, the antimicrobial activity of examination gloves with light-activated antimicrobial properties against Gram-positive microorganisms was investigated modelling real live conditions.

Method

In a standardized experimental set-up with dry and realistic contamination, the antimicrobial properties of gloves claiming light dependent antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive organisms were tested in comparison with conventional examination gloves. All gloves were contaminated through a standardized activity of the test persons for construction with contaminated building blocks. For contamination suspensions of Enterococcus faecium ATCC 6057, Acinetobacter baumannii (outbreak strain), methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300 or E. faecium (VRE) patient isolate were dried on the surfaces. After the standardized activity, the gloves were held for 10 min in the light present in the room (bright conditions) and the grade of contamination was determined subsequently by quantitative culture. In one experimental series gloves were held in a dark box after contamination as a control (dark conditions).

Results

The light intensity in all experiments under bright conditions was significantly above the limit value specified by the manufacturer for the activation of antimicrobial properties (> 500 lx). The mean values for experiments with antimicrobial active and non-active gloves were 955 and 935 lx, respectively. As claimed by the manufacture, the gloves showed no sufficient efficacy against A. baumannii under bright conditions. Against Gram-positive microorganisms such as E. faecium, E. faecium (VRE) and methicillin resistant S. aureus the gloves showed only very low antimicrobial activity with a reduction factor < 1 log10 even after 10 min in bright conditions. Interestingly, comparable results for experiments with A. baumannii and E. faecium were shown under dark conditions.

Conclusion

The lack of activity of the active principle against Gram-negative microorganisms could be confirmed. The reduction factors of > 4 log10 within 5 min for Gram-positive microorganisms claimed for the product using a standard test procedure (ASTM D7907) could not be confirmed in a realistic experimental test set-up even after 10 min of light exposure. The effectiveness against Gram-positive microorganisms should be further investigated under realistic (dry) conditions, including patient care. At this stage, the use of supposedly antimicrobial gloves should not be recommended, as the belief in their efficacy may encourage the misuse of gloves.
Three-dimensional cooperative inversion of airborne magnetic and gravity gradient data using deep-learning techniques
Authors: Hu Yanyan , Wei Xiaolong , Wu Xuqing , Sun Jiajia , Huang Yueqin , Chen Jiefu
Published: October 2023

Using multiple geophysical methods has become a prevailing approach in numerous geophysical applications to investigate subsurface structures and parameters. These multimethod-based exploration strategies have the potential to greatly diminish uncertainties and ambiguities encountered during geophysical data analysis and interpretation. One of the applications is the cooperative inversion of airborne magnetic and gravity gradient data for the interpretation of data obtained in mineral, oil and gas, and geothermal explorations. In this paper, a unified cooperative inversion framework is designed by combining the standard separate inversions with a deep neural network (DNN), which serves as the link between different types of data. A well-trained DNN takes the separately inverted susceptibility and density models as the inputs and provides improved models that will be used as the initial models of deterministic inversions. A two-round iteration strategy is adopted to guarantee the reasonability of the recovered models and overall efficiency of the inversion. In addition, this deep-learning (DL)-based framework demonstrates excellent generalization abilities when tested on models that are entirely distinct from the training data sets. The framework can easily incorporate multiphysics without necessitating any structural changes to the network. Synthetic experiments validate that our DL-based method outperforms conventional separate inversions and cross-gradient-based joint inversion in view of the accuracy of the recovered models and inversion efficiency. Successful application to field data further verifies the effectiveness of our DL-based method.
A year at the forefront of plasmodesmal biology
Authors: Paterlini Andrea
Published: October 2023

Cell–cell communication is a central feature of multicellular organisms, enabling division of labour and coordinated responses. Plasmodesmata are membrane-lined pores that provide regulated cytoplasmic continuity between plant cells, facilitating signalling and transport across neighboring cells. Plant development and survival profoundly depend on the existence and functioning of these structures, bringing them to the spotlight for both fundamental and applied research. Despite the rich conceptual and translational rewards in sight, however, the study of plasmodesmata poses significant challenges. This Review will mostly focus on research published between May 2022 and May 2023 and intends to provide a short overview of recent discoveries, innovations, community resources and hypotheses.
Η θέση των βιοδεικτών στην αναγνώριση της παρουσίας και έκβασης της σήψης, σε ασθενείς με υποψία λοίμωξης στο τμήμα επειγόντων περιστατικών
Authors: Κατσαρός Κωνσταντίνος
Published: October 2023

Πλαίσιο: Η εγκυρότητα των νέων βιοδεικτών για τη διάγνωση και τη διαβάθμιση του ρίσκου των ασθενών με σήψη σε πρώιμο στάδιο είναι ουσιώδης για την επιτυχή θεραπεία. Πρόσφατες δημοσιεύσεις μας ώθησαν να διερευνήσουμε την πρωτεΐνη που δεσμεύει την ηπαρίνη για τις εισαγωγές στο Τμήμα Επειγόντων Περιστατικών (ΤΕΠ). Υλικά & Μέθοδοι: Σε αυτή την πολυκεντρική, διατμηματική μελέτη, η HBP και η προκαλσιτονίνη (PCT) μετρήθηκαν την πρώτη ώρα μετά την εισαγωγή στο ΤΕΠ, σε δείγματα πλάσματος 371 ασθενών με σημεία λοίμωξης. Οι ασθενείς κατηγοριοποιήθηκαν σε αυτούς χωρίς σήψη και σε αυτούς με σήψη από τους ορισμούς κατά Σήψη – 3 και παρακολουθήθηκαν για την έκβαση.Αποτελέσματα: Η HBP ήταν σημαντικά υψηλότερη σε ασθενείς με σήψη και ήταν θετικά συσχετιζόμενη με την προκαλσιτονίνη PCT και την C-αντιδρώσα πρωτεΐνη, τις απόλυτες μετρήσεις των ουδετερόφιλων και των μονοκυττάρων, την κρεατινίνη, τη χολερυθρίνη και το γαλακτικό οξύ. Η ευαισθησία, η ειδικότητα, η θετική προγνωστική αξία και η αρνητική προγνωστική αξία της HBP περισσότερο από 19.8 ng/ml για τη διάγνωση της σήψης ήταν σε ποσοστά 66.3%, 44.9%, 49.3%, και 62.2% αντίστοιχα και για την πρόγνωση του πρόωρου θανάτου ήταν σε ποσοστά 100%, 41.0%, 4.5% και 100% αντίστοιχα. Από μόνη της η HBP και η PCT δε μπορούσε να προγνώσει θνητότητα στις 28 ημέρες, αυτό έγινε με ευαισθησία, ειδικότητα, θετική προγνωστική αξία και αρνητική προγνωστική αξία σε ποσοστά 44.8%, 81.8%, 17.3% και 94.6% όταν χρησιμοποιήθηκαν σε συνδυασμό.Συμπέρασμα: Η εισαγωγή της HBP μπορεί να χρησιμοποιηθεί ως εργαλείο για την έγκαιρη διάγνωση της σήψης και για το ρίσκο πρόωρου θανάτου στο ΤΕΠ.
Effects of different levels of methionine in pre-starter diets on immunity function and DNA methylation in broilers
Authors: Mahmoudnezhad W , Nobakht A , Mehmannavaz Y , Mahdavi S
Published: October 2023

The study was carried out to determine the effects of different levels of methionine in Pre-starter diets on PPAR gene expression and immune function of broiler chickens. Methionine (Met) is necessary to achieve a fast growth rate in chickens. A total of 240 Ross 308 broilers were equally assigned to 8 treatments with 3 replicates. The treatments included T1: diet with 20% methionine less than Ross catalog recommendation. T2: Standard diet in accordance with the recommendations of the Ross catalog. T3, T4, T5, T6, T7 and T8: diets with 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 120 % methionine more than Ross catalog recommendation. The results showed that there was a significant difference in the expression of PPAR gene with the difference in diet methionine levels in the 8 groups. PPAR controls the expression of several genes involved in the proliferation and differentiation of adipose tissue cells. Gene expression in broiler chickens with methionine deficiency and excess may have compensated for this deficiency and excess in the birds. Also, the results indicated that increasing in the levels of methionine in Pre-starter diets of chickens the antibody production against ND increased significantly (P<0.05). Besides, the antibody production against IBD increased significantly (P<0.05). Furthermore, the antibody production against H9N1 not affected (P>0.05). Studies suggest that dietary protein deficiency reduces the concentration of most amino acids in plasma and compromises the immune system. Totally it is suggested that the high levels of Met in the diet maybe beneficial and it needs more studies.
The influence of various rates of royal jelly enriched extenders on frozen/thawed sperm quality and fertility in goats
Authors: Coskun Cetin N , Karaca F
Published: October 2023

The goal of this study was to detect the influence of royal jelly which has a strong antioxidant capacity supplementation in TRIS egg yolk and TRIS soybean lecithin extenders on quality and fertility. Sperm was collected from 5 Damascus bucks via an electro ejaculator during the breeding season. After dilution and cooling, the lowest motility and membrane integrity were detected in TEY-1RJ, in terms of abnormal spermatozoon rate, the TEY-1RJ group was the highest in cooled semen (P<0.05). After dilution and cooling, osmolality decreased significantly when the RJ ratio increased (P<0.05). After freezing-thawing, in both TEY and TSL extenders, the lowest sperm quality was detected in the 1% RJ groups. In terms of intact acrosome ratio, the highest value was recorded in the 0.50% RJ group in TEY and TSL diluents (P<0.05). Fertility assessments were conducted with 150 goats synchronized with intravaginal sponges and goats were inseminated transcervical. There was no difference between pregnancy rates between TEY and TSL-control and RJ groups (P>0.05). As a result, it was deduced that RJ additions to TEY and TSL extenders did not produce any alternative to freezing on sperm quality in Damascus goat semen except for the intact acrosome ratio and had no positive effect on fertility.
Effects of Antioxidants Supplemented Feed in Coccidiosis Treatment, Blood Antioxidative Status, and Enzymatic Activity of Domestic Cats
Authors: Bizhga B , Cocoli S , Stevanović A , Bajić S , Lika E , Shtylla Kika T , Puvača N
Published: October 2023

As coccidia become increasingly resistant to anticoccidial drugs, efforts have been made to find alternatives. In recent years, botanicals have been reported as potential alternatives to anticoccidials since they are effective against protozoa, arthropods, and helminths. In this study, different doses of dried pomegranate fruit (Punica granatum L.) were evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing the number of oocysts in domestic cats and their antioxidant properties. Under in vivo conditions, 24 six-month-old domestic cats of both genders naturally infected with Cytoisospora felis were tested. Four equal groups of infected cats were formed. Six cats made up each group. The control group (C) was on a basal diet, and one group received the chemical coccidiostat robenidine (CR), supplemented in the amount of 0.5%. Two levels of whole dried pomegranate fruit as a natural antioxidant were applied in a concentration of 0.5% (P1) and 1.0% (P2) on top of the basic diet. With the McMaster technique, oocysts number and eggs per gram of feces were determined. From each cat, 6 per group, blood samples were taken from a jugular vein at the end of the experimental period to investigate the influence of dried pomegranate fruit on blood enzymatic activity and lipid oxidation. In conclusion, supplementing cats' diets with dried pomegranate fruit reduced the number of oocysts per gram of feces significantly, but it is important to carry out further and more detailed studies to prove the anticoccidial and antioxidant properties of dried pomegranate fruit in cats' diets.
Ruminal Acidosis Part I: Clinical manifestations, epidemiology and impact of the disease
Authors: Voulgarakis N , Gougoulis D , Psalla D , Papakonstantinou G , Angelidou-Tsifida M , Papatsiros V , Athanasiou LV , Christodoulopoulos G
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Ruminal acidosis is presented as the most considerable nutritional disorder of ruminants with severe impacts in animal health, animal welfare and considerable economics losses in ovine and bovine herds. The disease can be distinguished as Acute (ARA) and Sub-Acute Ruminal Acidosis (SARA). SARA constitutes as the main nutritional disorder in intensive ruminant farming with several complications, such as liver abscesses, milk fat depression, reduced milk yield and early culling. This paper constitutes the first part of a thorough review about ruminal acidosis. The first part focuses on definition, types of ruminal acidosis, epidemiology, economic impacts and welfare implications.
THE RESULTS OF STUDIES OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF FELLING LIGHTENING OF OLD WINDLESS FOREST STRIPS
Authors: Safiollin Faik , Suleymanov Salavat , Loginov Nikolay , Gabbasov Ilfat
Published: October 2023

On the experimental field of the Faculty of Agronomy (S. Usady) of the Kazan State Agrarian University in 2015, the State Institution "Laishevsky Forestry" carried out a clearing (all shrubs and American maple on the old 300-meter-long forest strip were completely cut down) and the work was not completed. Taking this opportunity, we took the next 300 m as a control and conducted a comparative assessment of the effectiveness of the blown and windless forest strip. The experiment was conducted in 2016-2018. in the link of crop rotation: winter rye for grain (Radon variety) - spring wheat for grain (Ulyanovsk 100 variety) and spring rapeseed (Gedemin variety of Belarusian selection). The results of the research showed that the zone of positive influence of the lightened forest strip increases to 120 m against 150 m for the dense forest strip. The increase in the gross harvest of winter rye grain from the zone of influence of the clarified forest strip was 9.5 t/ha, spring wheat - 10.1 and rapeseed oil raw materials – 6.0 t/ha. When converted into grain units, in contrast to the increase in yield, spring rapeseed comes out on top (an increase of 31.2%), since the high content of crude fat (45-46%) ensures a high gross harvest of grain units. The second position is occupied by spring wheat (the gain from clearing is 27.6%) and winter rye occupies the last place with an increase of grain units of 18.8 percent.The final gross harvest of grain cutting units of the field turnover link after clearing exceeds the old forest strip of a dense windless forest strip by 25.2%.The total cost of clearing a dense forest strip, depending on the culture, pays off within 0.8- (spring rapeseed) - 2.2 years (winter rye).
Combining Observational and Experimental Data to Improve Efficiency Using Imperfect Instruments
Authors: Gui George Z.
Published: October 2023

The paper studies how to combine experimental and observational data using imperfect instruments—variables that satisfy the first-stage relevance condition, but violate the exclusion restrictions.
On Strategic Measures and Optimality Properties in Discrete-Time Stochastic Control with Universally Measurable Policies
Authors: Yu Huizhen
Published: October 2023

This paper concerns discrete-time infinite-horizon stochastic control systems with Borel state and action spaces and universally measurable policies. We study optimization problems on strategic measures induced by the policies in these systems. The results are then applied to risk-neutral and risk-sensitive Markov decision processes to establish the measurability of the optimal value functions and the existence of universally measurable, randomized or nonrandomized, ϵ-optimal policies, for a variety of average cost criteria and risk criteria. We also extend our analysis to a class of minimax control problems and establish similar optimality results under the axiom of analytic determinacy.

Funding: This work was supported by grants from DeepMind, the Alberta Machine Intelligence Institute (AMII), and Alberta Innovates-Technology Futures (AITF).
Clinical pharmacists’ involvement in carbapenem antibiotics management at Wenzhou Integrated Hospital
Authors: Xu Xue-Mei , Pan Cai-Yu , Zeng Da-Li
Published: October 2023

Rehabilitation of lower limb amputation in developing countries is quite challenging. Though there are basic to highly advanced prostheses available in India, the set-up is still facing difficulties in developing countries. Prosthetic management is difficult due to lack of availability of prostheses and reduced affordability among low income populations. In this review we highlighted the lower limb amputation and prosthetic rehabilitation status in India. Currently, India is advancing well in the rehabilitation field, but further studies are required to provide more evidence and recommendation.
Left lateral decubitus sleeping position is associated with improved gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Simadibrata Daniel Martin , Lesmana Elvira , Amangku Bagus Ramasha , Wardoyo Muhammad Prasetio , Simadibrata Marcellus
Published: October 2023

Rehabilitation of lower limb amputation in developing countries is quite challenging. Though there are basic to highly advanced prostheses available in India, the set-up is still facing difficulties in developing countries. Prosthetic management is difficult due to lack of availability of prostheses and reduced affordability among low income populations. In this review we highlighted the lower limb amputation and prosthetic rehabilitation status in India. Currently, India is advancing well in the rehabilitation field, but further studies are required to provide more evidence and recommendation.
Fournier gangrene in an infant, complicated with severe sepsis and liver dysfunction: A case report
Authors: Bakalli Ilirjana , Heta Saimir , Kola Ermira , Celaj Ermela
Published: October 2023

Rehabilitation of lower limb amputation in developing countries is quite challenging. Though there are basic to highly advanced prostheses available in India, the set-up is still facing difficulties in developing countries. Prosthetic management is difficult due to lack of availability of prostheses and reduced affordability among low income populations. In this review we highlighted the lower limb amputation and prosthetic rehabilitation status in India. Currently, India is advancing well in the rehabilitation field, but further studies are required to provide more evidence and recommendation.
Iatrogenic bladder neck rupture due to traumatic urethral catheterization: A case report
Authors: Ekici Ozgur , Keskin Ercüment , Kocoglu Fatih , Bozkurt Ali Seydi
Published: October 2023

Rehabilitation of lower limb amputation in developing countries is quite challenging. Though there are basic to highly advanced prostheses available in India, the set-up is still facing difficulties in developing countries. Prosthetic management is difficult due to lack of availability of prostheses and reduced affordability among low income populations. In this review we highlighted the lower limb amputation and prosthetic rehabilitation status in India. Currently, India is advancing well in the rehabilitation field, but further studies are required to provide more evidence and recommendation.
Near obstructing painful anorectal mass and facial rash in a man with monkeypox: A case report
Authors: Akpoigbe Kesiena , Yannick Jones , Culpepper-Morgan Joan
Published: October 2023

Rehabilitation of lower limb amputation in developing countries is quite challenging. Though there are basic to highly advanced prostheses available in India, the set-up is still facing difficulties in developing countries. Prosthetic management is difficult due to lack of availability of prostheses and reduced affordability among low income populations. In this review we highlighted the lower limb amputation and prosthetic rehabilitation status in India. Currently, India is advancing well in the rehabilitation field, but further studies are required to provide more evidence and recommendation.