bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comprehensive metabolomics and transcriptomics analyses investigating the regulatory effects of different sources of dietary astaxanthin on the antioxidant and immune functions of commercial-sized rainbow trout
Authors: Chen Li , Wang Lei , Li Yaopeng , Wu Xugan , Long Xiaowen
Published: September 2024

Astaxanthin is an important aquatic feed additive that enhances the antioxidant capacity, and immune function of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss); however, very limited information is available on its underlying molecular mechanisms. Haematococcus pluvialis powder, Phaffia rhodozyma powder, and synthetic astaxanthin were added to the commercial feed (no astaxanthin, NA) to prepare three experimental feeds, referred to as the HPA, PRA, and SA groups, respectively, and their actual astaxanthin contents were 31.25, 32.96, and 31.50 mg.kg-1, respectively. A 16-week feeding trial was conducted on the O. mykiss with an initial body weight of 669.88 ± 36.22 g. Serum and head kidney samples from commercial-sized O. mykiss were collected for metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis, respectively. Metabolomics analysis of the serum revealed a total of 85 differential metabolites between the astaxanthin-supplemented group and the control group. These metabolites were involved in more than 30 metabolic pathways, such as glycerophospholipid metabolism, fatty acid biosynthesis, linoleic acid metabolism, and arginine and proline metabolism. It is speculated that different sources of dietary astaxanthin may regulate antioxidant capacity and immunity mainly by affecting lipid metabolism and amino acid metabolism. Transcriptomic analysis of the head kidney revealed that the differentially expressed genes between the astaxanthin-supplemented group and the control group, such as integrin beta-1 (ITGB1), alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M), diamine acetyltransferase 1 (SAT1), CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein beta (CEBPB) and DNA damage-inducible protein 45 alpha (GADD45A), which are involved in cell adhesion molecules, the FoxO signaling pathway, phagosomes, and arginine and proline metabolism and play regulatory roles in different stages of the antioxidant and immune response of O. mykiss.
Integrated approaches for plastic waste management
Authors: Kherdekar Rajkumar D. , Ade Avinash B.
Published: September 2024

Plastic pollution is the challenging problem of the world due to usage of plastic in daily life. Plastic is essential for packaging food and other goods and utensils to avoid the risk of microbial attack. Due to its hydrophobic nature, it is used for wrapping as laminates or packaging liquid substances in pouches and sachets. The tensile strength of the plastic is more therefore it is used for manufacturing carrying bags that can bear heavy loads. Plastic is available in various forms as per the requirements in our daily life. Annually millions to trillions of polyethene carry bags are being manufactured and utilized throughout the world. The plastic requires millions of years for natural degradation. The physical and chemical processes are able to degrade plastic material at the meager level by 200 to 500 years in natural conditions. Many industries focus on recycling of plastic. Biodegradation is a comparatively slow and cheaper process that involves microbes. To dispose of plastic completely there is a need of an integrated process in which all the possible methods of disposal are involved and used sustainably so that minimum depletion occurs to the livestock and the environment. In the current review, we could try to emphasize the intricate nature of plastic polymers, pollution caused by it and possible mitigation strategies for plastic waste management.
Spatiotemporal patterns of rheumatic heart disease burden attributable to high systolic blood pressure, high sodium diet, and lead exposure (1990 to 2019): a longitudinal observational study
Authors: Zhang Yanli , Zhang Jun , Liu Yonggang , Zhou Yuzhe , Ye Lu , Chen Kaiming , Jiao Jinghua
Published: September 2024

Background

Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) continues to be a significant global health concern, exhibiting unique regional disparities. Although there is a noted decline in the burden of RHD, the specific causatives for this decrease remain unclear. This study aims to identify and quantify the spatiotemporal patterns related to the RHD-attributable risk burden.

Methods

The data pertaining to deaths and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to RHD risk were drawn from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study conducted from 1990 to 2019. These data, categorized by age, gender, and geographical location, highlighted risk factors including diets high in sodium, elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP), and lead exposure. To examine the long-term trends in RHD changes due to these specific risk factors, the average annual percentage change (AAPC) method was used.

Results

During the past 30 years, the highest decrease in RHD burden was attributed to high SBP. An AAPC of −2.73 [95% confidence interval (CI): −2.82 to −2.65] and − 2.45 (95% CI: −2.55 to −2.36) in deaths and DALYs was attributable to high SBP, while an AAPC of −3.99 (95% CI: −4.14 to −3.85) and − 3.74 (95% CI: −3.89 to −3.6) in deaths and DALYs was attributed to a diet high in sodium. Moreover, the trends in deaths and DALYs due to lead exposure also showed decreases with an AAPC of −2.94 (95% CI: −3 to −2.89) and − 3.46 (95% CI: −3.58 to −3.34) from 1990 to 2019. Oceania showed an upward trend of the RHD DALYs due to high SBP, with an AAPC of 0.23 (95% CI: 0.13 to 0.33). In general, countries in Oceania, East Asia, and South Asia had higher age-standard deaths and DALY rates of RHD due to diets high in sodium.

Conclusion

Our study has revealed that high SBP remains the prime risk factor contributing to the RHD burden. There are decreasing spatiotemporal patterns in RHD-related deaths and burdens. Gaining this knowledge is fundamental to making informed public health strategies and clinical decisions, especially concerning risk assessment, screening, and prevention initiatives.
Sex differences in nicotine intake and relapse behavior in nicotine-dependent adult wistar rats
Authors: Chellian Ranjithkumar , Behnood-Rod Azin , Bruijnzeel Adriaan W.
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Tobacco use is highly addictive and the leading cause of premature mortality in the world. Long-access nicotine self-administration procedures in rats closely model human smoking behavior. However, significant gaps remain in our understanding of sex differences in the development of dependence and relapse in adult rats.

Methods

In the present study, we investigated operant responding for both nicotine and saline and the development of dependence in adult rats of both sexes. The rats had daily access to nicotine or saline for 6 h per day, 7 days per week. Dependence was assessed by evaluating precipitated and spontaneous somatic withdrawal signs, measuring locomotor activity in the small open field test, and assessing anxiety-like behavior in the large open field and elevated plus maze test. The sucrose preference test was used to determine if cessation of nicotine intake leads to anhedonia. It was also investigated if a period of forced abstinence affects nicotine-seeking behavior.

Results

This study showed that nicotine intake is higher in females than in males when given daily long access to nicotine. Daily nicotine self-administration led to more precipitated and spontaneous somatic withdrawal signs compared to saline self-administration, with no sex differences observed. In addition, cessation of nicotine intake led to a similar increase in activity in both males and females in the small open field test. However, cessation of nicotine intake did not increase anxiety-like behavior or cause anhedonia in either males or females. A time course analysis revealed that the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist mecamylamine affected nicotine intake differently in males and females, increasing intake in males and decreasing intake in females. Three weeks of forced abstinence led to an increase in nicotine and saline-seeking behavior. The rats exhibited more nicotine than saline seeking, and the females displayed more nicotine seeking than the males.

Discussion

The present findings demonstrate that females self-administer more nicotine and display more nicotine-seeking behavior than males. Furthermore, there were no sex differences in somatic withdrawal signs or activity during abstinence from nicotine. This work underscores the importance of considering sex differences across various aspects of addiction, including intake and relapse, when developing novel treatments for tobacco use disorder.
Do gifted children without specific learning disabilities read more efficiently than typically developing children?
Authors: Lesecq Laurent , Querne Laurent , Gornes Julie , Buffo Laura , Corbel Louise , Le Moing Anne Gaelle , Berquin Patrick , Bourdin Béatrice
Published: September 2024

Introduction

There are no published data on the written language skills of gifted children (GC). The objective of the present study was to evaluate reading abilities of GC vs. normative data from typically developing French children (TDC). Like English, French is considered to be an opaque language.

Method

GC completed the Wechsler Intelligence Scales and a battery of language tests. Only children with a score two standard deviations (SD) above the norm were included. GC with current or past academic difficulties or specific learning disorders were excluded. The GC’s scores were compared with TDC’s normative scores for language tests in a chi-square-test and corrected for multiple comparisons.

Results

Forty-five GC were included. The highest GC’s mean scores were for the WISC’s Verbal Comprehension Index (VCI) and the lowest for the Processing Speed Index (from more than two SDs to one SD higher above the TDC’s normative scores). GC were between 1.3 and 4.7 times more likely than TDC to achieve a high score. After correction, the distributions of the GC’s and TDC’s scores differed significantly with regard to spoonerism, phoneme deletion, and rapid automatic naming (p < 0.001), word and sentence repetition (p ≤ 0.007), and the reading of meaningful text (p = 0.03). GC and TDC did not differ significantly for reading meaningless texts and spelling accuracy.

Discussion

As described in the literature, the GC in the present study had heterogeneous scores on the Wechsler Intelligence Scales. The GC performed better than TDC in assessments of the underlying skills of reading and when reading of meaningful texts. This advantage was lost in the absence of context, as shown by the lack of significant GC vs. TDC differences for reading meaningless texts and for spelling accuracy. Hence, GC presented a heterogeneous profile with regard to the underlying skills of reading and reading abilities. The present data should help to improve our understanding of GC’s reading skills. In particular, it is now essential to determine which written language tests and which score thresholds are appropriate for identifying specific learning disorders in GC.
Hybrid-AI and Model Ensembling to Exploit UAV-Based RGB Imagery: An Evaluation of Sorghum Crop’s Nitrogen Content
Authors: Hammouch Hajar , Patil Suchitra , Choudhary Sunita , El-Yacoubi Mounim A. , Masner Jan , Kholová Jana , Anbazhagan Krithika , Vaněk Jiří , Qin Huafeng , Stočes Michal , Berbia Hassan , Jagarlapudi Adinarayana , Chandramouli Magesh , Mamidi Srinivas , Prasad KVSV , Baddam Rekha
Published: September 2024

Non-invasive crop analysis through image-based methods holds great promise for applications in plant research, yet accurate and robust trait inference from images remains a critical challenge. Our study investigates the potential of AI model ensembling and hybridization approaches to infer sorghum crop traits from RGB images generated via unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). In our study, we cultivated 21 sorghum cultivars in two independent seasons (2021 and 2022) with a gradient of fertilizer and water inputs. We collected 470 ground-truth N measurements and captured corresponding RGB images with a drone-mounted camera. We computed five RGB vegetation indices, employed several ML models such as MLR, MLP, and various CNN architectures (season 2021), and compared their prediction accuracy for N-inference on the independent test set (season 2022). We assessed strategies that leveraged both deep and handcrafted features, namely hybridized and ensembled AI architectures. Our approach considered two different datasets collected during the two seasons (2021 and 2022), with the training set from the first season only. This allowed for testing of the models’ robustness, particularly their sensitivity to concept drifts, in the independent season (2022), which is fundamental for practical agriculture applications. Our findings underscore the superiority of hybrid and ensembled AI algorithms in these experiments. The MLP + CNN-VGG16 combination achieved the best accuracy (R2 = 0.733, MAE = 0.264 N% on an independent dataset). This study emphasized that carefully crafted AI-based models applied to RGB images can achieve robust trait prediction with accuracies comparable to the similar phenotyping tasks using more complex (multi- and hyper-spectral) sensors presented in the current literature.
Correlation between Kinetics of Pectin Degradation and Texture Loss of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) Puree during Thermal Treatments
Authors: Petrovic Markovic Milena , Servent Adrien , Savoure Timoty , Collignan Antoine , Dornier Manuel , Achir Nawel
Published: September 2024

Okra is a common vegetable in the African cuisine, known for its distinctive slimy texture. Plant cell walls include hydrocolloids, especially pectin, which contribute to their sliminess. This textural property is known to become lost during thermal treatment. In this research, okra hydrocolloid is extracted and used to produce a model medium at a pH of 6.0, representing okra’s natural state. This medium is subjected to various controlled thermal treatments (70–130 °C) to evaluate their impact on pectin degradation. At the same time, the texture of okra puree is also assessed using an instrumental method under the same conditions. The two main products of pectin degradation—reducing end sugars from depolymerization and methanol from a demethylation—are measured and found to show an increase as a function of time and temperature. Kinetic modeling indicates that a first-order reaction fits well with the experimental concentrations of both products. The rate constants, as a function of temperature, aligns with the Arrhenius model, confirming the chemical basis of the degradation. Instrumental results correlate well with the production of methanol and reducing end sugars, indicating that pectin degradation is the primary cause of texture changes during the thermal treatment of okra and that this change can be controlled by adjusting the temperature.
Design and Testing of a Closed Multi-Channel Air-Blowing Seedling Pick-Up Device for an Automatic Vegetable Transplanter
Authors: Zhang Bingchao , Wen Xiangyu , Wen Yongshuang , Wang Xinglong , Zhu Haoqi , Pan Zexin , Yang Zhenyu
Published: September 2024

In this study, a closed multi-channel air-blowing plug seedling pick-up device and a combined plug tray were designed to address the issues of complex structure, high seedling damage rates and low pick-up efficiency in fully automated vegetable transplanter systems. The device operates by sealing the plug seedlings in a seedling cup, where compressed air is channeled into the sealed cavity through multiple passages during the seedling pick-up process. The upper surface of the seedling plug is subjected to uniform force, overcoming the friction and adhesion between the plug seedlings and the tray. This process presses the seedlings into the guide tube, completing the pick-up operation. A mechanical model for the plug seedlings was developed, and the kinetics of the pick-up process were analyzed. The multi-channel high-pressure airflow was simulated and evaluated, identifying three key parameters affecting seedling pick-up performance: water content of the seedling plug, air pressure during pick-up, and air-blowing duration. Using these factors as variables, and with seedling pick-up rate and substrate loss rate as evaluation indicators, single-factor experiments and a three-factor, three-level orthogonal experiment were conducted. The experiments’ results showed that the best seedling pick-up performance was achieved when the water content of the plug was 20%, the air pressure was 0.3 MPa, and the air-blowing time was 30 ms. Under these conditions, the seedling pick-up success rate was 97.22%, and the substrate loss rate was 10.46%.
Responses of Soil Macro-Porosity, Nutrient Concentrations and Stoichiometry Following Conversion of Rice–Wheat Rotation to Organic Greenhouse Vegetable System
Authors: Xin Jia , Mu Jianlou , Qiu Weiwen , Xu Lingying , Guo Jingli , Jiang Zhenfeng , Liu Zhihua
Published: September 2024

To investigate the long-term effects of organic manure on soil macro-porosity and nutrient stoichiometry in greenhouse production, we studied the physical and chemical properties of soils under different vegetable systems in Jiangsu Province. These systems included organic greenhouse vegetable (OGV), organic open-field vegetable (OFV), conventional greenhouse vegetable (CGV), and conventional open-field vegetable (CFV), with rice–wheat rotation (RWR) soils used as a reference.The results showed that, compared to conventional systems, organic vegetable production increased soil macro-porosity, soil organic carbon (SOC), and total nitrogen (TN) content, as well as C:N, C:P, and N:P, particularly in the tilled layer. SOC, TN, and total phosphorus (TP) levels increased rapidly during the first 14 years of OGV cultivation, followed by a decline. SOC, TN, and stoichiometric ratios were significantly positively correlated with soil macro-porosity. The study suggests that converting RWR to OGV does not degrade soil aeration, and long-term application of organic manure positively impacts nutrient retention in the tilled layer, although the effects are time- and depth-dependent. The study highlights the potential of long-term organic manure application to improve soil aeration and nutrient balance in OGV, underscoring the importance of optimizing fertilizer management in intensive agriculture to enhance soil quality and crop yield.
How Tillage System Affects the Soil Carbon Dioxide Emission and Wheat Plants Physiological State
Authors: Sawinska Zuzanna , Radzikowska-Kujawska Dominika , Blecharczyk Andrzej , Świtek Stanisław , Piechota Tomasz , Cieślak Adam , Cardenas Laura M. , Louro-Lopez Aranzazu , Gregory Andrew S. , Coleman Kevin , Lark R. Murray
Published: September 2024

The cultivation or ‘tillage’ system is one of the most important elements of agrotechnology. It affects the condition of the soil, significantly modifying its physical, chemical, and biological properties, and the condition of plants, starting from ensuring appropriate conditions for sowing and plant growth, through influencing the efficiency of photosynthesis and ultimately, the yield. It also affects air transmission and the natural environment by influencing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions potentially. Ultimately, the cultivation system also has an impact on the farmer, providing the opportunity to reduce production costs. The described experiment was established in 1998 at the Brody Agricultural Experimental Station belonging to the University of Life Sciences in Poznań (Poland) on a soil classified as an Albic Luvisol, while the described measurements were carried out in the 2022/2023 season, i.e., 24 years after the establishment of the experiment. Two cultivation methods were compared: Conventional Tillage (CT) and No Tillage (NT). Additionally, the influence of two factors was examined: nitrogen (N) fertilization (0 N—no fertilization, and 130 N–130 kg N∙ha−1) and the growth phase of the winter wheat plants (BBCH: 32, 65 and 75). The growth phase of the plants was assessed according to the method of the Bundesanstalt, Bundessortenamt and CHemische Industrie (BBCH). We present the results of soil properties, soil respiration, wheat plants chlorophyll fluorescence, and grain yield. In our experiment, due to low rainfall, NT cultivation turned out to be beneficial, as it was a key factor influencing the soil properties, including soil organic carbon (SOC) content and soil moisture, and, consequently, creating favorable conditions for plant nutrition and efficiency of photosynthesis. We found a positive effect of NT cultivation on chlorophyll fluorescence, but this did not translate into a greater yield in NT cultivation. However, the decrease in yield due to NT compared to CT was only 5% in fertilized plots, while the average decrease in grain yield resulting from the lack of fertilization was 46%. We demonstrated the influence of soil moisture as well as the growth phase and fertilization on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from the soil. We can clearly confirm that the tillage system affected all the parameters discussed in the work.
Managing a Salmonella Bredeney Outbreak on an Italian Dairy Farm
Authors: Torreggiani Camilla , Paladini Cosimo , Cannistrà Marcello , Botti Benedetta , Prosperi Alice , Chiapponi Chiara , Soliani Laura , Mescoli Ada , Luppi Andrea
Published: September 2024

Salmonellosis in dairy cattle represents an increasing problem for both animal and public health. Nevertheless, in Italy, there is no control plan in place on dairy farms. The aim of this study was to describe a Salmonella Bredeney outbreak that occurred on a dairy farm and the measures that were adopted to control the outbreak. Management consisted in identifying the spread of infection and assessing the environmental contamination of Salmonella spp. and the associated risk factors. After the farm visit, laboratory investigations showed that 48% of rectal swabs collected from calves and 33% of environmental samples were positive for S. Bredeney, and a poor biosecurity level was detected. The farmer and practitioner were provided with a health management plan to control the spread of Salmonella spp., followed by a monitoring period and a follow-up visit in which all samples resulted negative. The results demonstrated the efficacy of indirect prophylaxis measures in reducing the circulation of Salmonella spp., leading to the extinction of the outbreak. Collaboration with farmers, practitioners, and public health veterinarians and the introduction of measures reported in the health management plan constitute a possible model for the management of Salmonella spp. outbreaks in dairy herds, even in complex farm situations.
Dietary Isatidis Root Residue Improves Diarrhea and Intestinal Function in Weaned Piglets
Authors: Chen Zhong , Yan Zenghao , Xia Siting , Wang Kaijun , Han Qi , Zhou Miao , Wang Deqin , Yin Jie , Yin Yulong
Published: September 2024

Weaning stress can trigger diarrhea, cause intestinal damage, and disrupt the intestinal flora of piglets, ultimately resulting in retarded growth or even the death of the animals. Traditional Chinese medicine residues encompass numerous bioactive compounds and essential nutrients; however, their efficient utilization remains a challenge. Consequently, our study sought to explore the impact of traditional Chinese medicine residues, specifically Isatidis Root residue (IRR), on the growth performance, intestinal function, and occurrence of weaning diarrhea in newly weaned piglets. Forty healthy, castrated Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire males, weaned at 21 days old and exhibiting similar body conditions, were randomly allocated into five groups, with eight piglets in each group. The results indicated that the dietary inclusion of IRR at concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 4.0% notably decreased the incidence of diarrhea in weaned piglets compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Serum LDL-C and globulin (GLB) contents were reduced in response to dietary IRR concentrations (0.5% to 4.0%), while serum albumin (ALB) and albumin/globulin (A/G) contents were enhanced (p < 0.05). Dietary 0.5%, 1.0%, and 2.0% IRR resulted in significant increases in villus height (VH) and villus height/crypt depth (V/C) ratios in the jejunum, V/C ratios in the ileum, and the number of villi goblet cells both in the jejunum and ileum. IRR also led to a significant decrease in the crypt depth (CD) of the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the expression of IL-6 in the jejunum was significantly increased in IRR-fed piglets (0.5% to 4.0%) (p < 0.05). IRR demonstrated inhibitory effects on harmful bacteria in the gastrointestinal microbiome, including Campylobacter, Actinobacillus minor, and Ralstonia pickettii, indicating its broad-spectrum bacteriostatic properties. In conclusion, dietary IRR alleviated diarrhea in weaned piglets and improved gut function and microbial compositions.
Impact of ESKAPE Pathogens on Bacteremia: A Three-Year Surveillance Study at a Major Hospital in Southern Italy
Authors: De Prisco Mariagrazia , Manente Roberta , Santella Biagio , Serretiello Enrica , Dell’Annunziata Federica , Santoro Emanuela , Bernardi Francesca F. , D’Amore Chiara , Perrella Alessandro , Pagliano Pasquale , Boccia Giovanni , Franci Gianluigi , Folliero Veronica
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter spp.) pose a serious public health threat as they are resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents. Bloodstream infections (BSIs) caused by ESKAPE bacteria have high mortality rates due to the limited availability of effective antimicrobials. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and susceptibility of ESKAPE pathogens causing BSIs over three years in a large tertiary hospital in Salerno. Methods: Conducted at the Clinical Microbiology Laboratory of San Giovanni di Dio e ‘‘Ruggi D’Aragona’’ Hospital from January 2020 to December 2022, blood culture samples from different departments were incubated in the BD BACTEC™ system for 5 days. Species identification was performed using MALDI-TOF MS, and antimicrobial resistance patterns were determined by the VITEK2 system. Results: Out of 3197 species isolated from positive blood cultures, 38.7% were ESKAPE bacteria. Of these, 59.9% were found in blood culture samples taken from men, and the most affected age group was those aged >60 years. (70.6%). Staphylococcus aureus was the main BSI pathogen (26.3%), followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.8%). Significant resistance rates were found, including 35% of Staphylococcus aureus being resistant to oxacillin and over 90% of Acinetobacter baumannii being resistant to carbapenems. Conclusions: These results highlight the urgent need for antimicrobial stewardship programs to prevent incurable infections.
In Vivo Effect of Halicin on Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus-Infected Caenorhabditis elegans and Its Clinical Potential
Authors: Kao Li-Ting , Yang Tsung-Ying , Hung Wei-Chun , Yang Wei-Te , He Pu , Chen Bo-Xuan , Wang Yu-Chi , Chen Shiou-Sheng , Lai Yu-Wei , Wang Hsian-Yu , Tseng Sung-Pin
Published: September 2024

Recently, the high proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections worldwide has highlighted the urgent need for novel antibiotics to combat this crisis. The recent progress in computational techniques for use in health and medicine, especially artificial intelligence (AI), has created new and potential approaches to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria, such as repurposing existing drugs, optimizing current agents, and designing novel compounds. Halicin was previously used as a diabetic medication, acting as a c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK) inhibitor, and has recently demonstrated unexpected antibacterial activity. Although previous efforts have highlighted halicin’s potential as a promising antibiotic, evidence regarding its effectiveness against clinical strains remains limited, with insufficient proof of its clinical applicability. In this study, we sought to investigate the antibacterial activity of halicin against MRSA clinical strains to validate its clinical applicability, and a C. elegans model infected by MRSA was employed to evaluate the in vivo effect of halicin against MRSA. Our findings revealed the antibacterial activity of halicin against methicillin-resistant S. aureus clinical strains with MICs ranging from 2 to 4 µg/mL. Our study is also the first work to evaluate the in vivo effect of halicin against S. aureus using a C. elegans model, supporting its further development as an antibiotic.
Comparing the Outcomes of Cefoperazone/Sulbactam-Based and Non-Cefoperazone/Sulbactam-Based Therapeutic Regimens in Patients with Multiresistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infections—A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Huang Chienhsiu , Lin Lichen , Kuo Sufang
Published: September 2024

The addition of sulbactam restores the complete range of cefoperazone activity against bacteria and extends its spectrum of action to include the Acinetobacter species. The effectiveness of cefoperazone/sulbactam against multiresistant Acinetobacter baumannii has not been investigated. The purpose of the current meta-analysis was to compare the efficacy of cefoperazone/sulbactam-based therapeutic regimens and non-cefoperazone/sulbactam-based therapeutic regimens in the treatment of multiresistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections. The current meta-analysis of 10 retrospective studies provides evidence that cefoperazone/sulbactam-based therapeutic regimens are superior to non-cefoperazone/sulbactam-based therapeutic regimens in terms of 30-day mortality and clinical improvement in patients with multiresistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections. The risk of mortality was reduced by 38% among multiresistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections in patients who received cefoperazone/sulbactam-based therapeutic regimens. The cefoperazone/sulbactam-based combination therapy was superior to the cefoperazone/sulbactam monotherapy in terms of 30-day mortality when both therapeutic regimens were compared to the tigecycline monotherapy in patients with multiresistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections.
Antifungal Susceptibility Data and Epidemiological Distribution of Candida spp.: An In Vitro Five-Year Evaluation at University Hospital Policlinico of Catania and a Comprehensive Literature Review
Authors: Calvo Maddalena , Scalia Guido , Trovato Laura
Published: September 2024

Background: Invasive fungal infections represent a concerning healthcare issue, with Candida spp. reported as the main aetiological agent. Candida spp. bloodstream infections show high mortality rates, indicating increasing antifungal-resistance episodes as a contributing feature. Despite the global prevalence of C. albicans, non-albicans species emerged as significant in the last decades. Methods: The present manuscript reports a five-year evaluation on Candida spp. bloodstream isolates and their antifungal susceptibility profiles, aiming to enrich the literature and epidemiological data. Results: According to the gathered data, antifungal-resistance cases remained uncommon. However, the study revealed rare resistance phenotypes such as a single case of pan-echinocandin resistance C. albicans. Conclusions: Finally, a comprehensive review of Candida spp. antifungal resistance integrates the data, emphasizing the extreme species-specific variability and the consequent importance of always providing species identification.
Phage–Antibiotic Combination Therapy against Recurrent Pseudomonas Septicaemia in a Patient with an Arterial Stent
Authors: Otava Ulla Elina , Tervo Laura , Havela Riikka , Vuotari Liisa , Ylänne Matti , Asplund Annette , Patpatia Sheetal , Kiljunen Saija
Published: September 2024

Background: Intravascular stent infections are often associated with high risks of morbidity and mortality. We report here a case of a patient with an arterial stent and recurrent Pseudomonas septicaemias successfully treated with phage–meropenem combination therapy. Methods: A 75-year-old female with arteriosclerosis and comorbidities went through a femoropopliteal bypass with prosthesis in the right inguinal area. After the bypass, she developed a recurring Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection and also neutropenia during different antibiotics. A rapidly growing pseudoaneurysm in the right inguinal area led to an emergency intra-arterial stent placement during blood stream infection, later suspected to host a P. aeruginosa biofilm. Removing the stent was deemed precarious, and phage therapy was considered as a compassionate treatment option. A three-phage cocktail infecting the P. aeruginosa strain was prepared and administered intravenously together with meropenem for two weeks, after which, a ten-month follow-up was carried out. Results: No adverse reactions occurred during the phage therapy treatment, while infection markers were normalized. In addition, recovery was seen in a PET-CT scan. During the 10-month follow-up, no further P. aeruginosa septicaemias occurred. Conclusions: Phage–meropenem combination therapy was thus found safe and effective in the treatment of recurrent Pseudomonas septicaemia in a patient with an arterial stent.
Prevalence and Molecular Epidemiology of Intestinal Colonization by Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria among Hematopoietic Stem-Cell Transplantation Recipients: A Bulgarian Single-Center Study
Authors: Niyazi Denis , Vergiev Stoyan , Markovska Rumyana , Stoeva Temenuga
Published: September 2024

Background/Objectives: Intestinal colonization by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria is considered one of the main risk factors for invasive infections in the hematopoietic stem-cell transplant (HSCT) setting, associated with hard-to-eradicate microorganisms. The aim of this study was to assess the rate of intestinal colonization by MDR bacteria and their microbial spectrum in a group of post-HSCT patients to study the genetic determinants of beta-lactam and glycopeptide resistance in the recovered isolates, as well as to determine the epidemiological relation between them. Methods: The intestinal colonization status of 74 patients admitted to the transplantation center of University Hospital “St. Marina”—Varna in the period January 2019 to December 2021 was investigated. Stool samples/rectal swabs were screened for third-generation cephalosporin and/or carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), and Stenotrophomonas maltophilia. Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed by Phoenix (BD, Sparks, MD, USA) and MALDI Biotyper sirius (Bruker, Bremen, Germany). Molecular genetic methods (PCR, DNA sequencing) were used to study the mechanisms of beta-lactam and glycopeptide resistance in the collected isolates, as well as the epidemiological relationship between them. Results: A total of 28 patients (37.8%) were detected with intestinal colonization by MDR bacteria. Forty-eight non-duplicate MDR bacteria were isolated from their stool samples. Amongst them, the Gram-negative bacteria prevailed (68.8%), dominated by ESBL-producing Escherichia coli (30.3%), and followed by carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas sp. (24.2%). The Gram-positive bacteria were represented exclusively by Enterococcus faecium (31.2%). The main beta-lactam resistance mechanisms were associated with CTX-M and VIM production. VanA was detected in all vancomycin-resistant enterococci. A clonal relationship was observed among Enterobacter cloacae complex and among E. faecium isolates. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Bulgarian study that presents detailed information about the prevalence, resistance genetic determinants, and molecular epidemiology of MDR gut-colonizing bacteria in HSCT patients.
Contamination with Pharmaceuticals in Aquatic Environment: Focus on Analytical Methodologies
Authors: Szarka Agneša , Vnuková Lucia , Keršňáková Zuzana , Viktoryová Nicolette , Hrouzková Svetlana
Published: September 2024

The growing prevalence of pharmaceutical compounds in the environment raises significant concerns due to their potential impacts on ecological and human health. This present manuscript focuses on the methods used to extract and determine these pharmaceuticals in water samples. It provides a comprehensive analysis of the extraction techniques and analytical approaches employed for the identification and quantification of pharmaceuticals in environmental water. Due to their chemical properties and widespread use, pharmaceuticals persist in the environment and contaminate water bodies, soil, and sediments. The presence of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment has been linked to several adverse effects on aquatic organisms, including the disruption of physiological processes and reproductive impairment. Furthermore, pharmaceuticals in the environment can affect human health through food and drinking water contamination and contribute to antibiotic resistance. The analysis of pharmaceutical contaminants in water samples presents several challenges due to the complex matrix and low concentrations of target substances. Various sample preparation techniques and protocols, including solid-phase extraction (more than 76% of the studied literature) and QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe), coupled with liquid chromatography–tandem-mass spectrometry, are commonly used for their determination. These methods offer high sensitivity, selectivity, and efficiency in identifying and quantifying pharmaceuticals in environmental samples. It is, therefore, essential that ongoing research is conducted in order to develop more efficient analytical methods and mitigation strategies to address pharmaceutical contamination in the environmental water effectively. It is also crucial that increased awareness and regulatory measures are put in place in order to minimize the environmental and human health risks associated with pharmaceutical pollutants.
Contrastive Enhanced Learning for Multi-Label Text Classification
Authors: Wu Tianxiang , Yang Shuqun
Published: September 2024

Multi-label text classification (MLTC) aims to assign appropriate labels to each document from a given set. Prior research has acknowledged the significance of label information, but its utilization remains insufficient. Existing approaches often focus on either label correlation or label textual semantics, without fully leveraging the information contained within labels. In this paper, we propose a multi-perspective contrastive model (MPCM) with an attention mechanism to integrate labels and documents, utilizing contrastive methods to enhance label information from both textual semantic and correlation perspectives. Additionally, we introduce techniques for contrastive global representation learning and positive label representation alignment to improve the model’s perception of accurate labels. The experimental results demonstrate that our algorithm achieves superior performance compared to existing methods when evaluated on the AAPD and RCV1-V2 datasets.
Study on Sliding Friction Coefficient in Block Element Method Based on Experimental Method
Authors: Liu Pengcheng , Liu Jun , Wang Yue
Published: September 2024

The mechanics and motion behavior of granular materials affect the production and life of human beings. In order to study the influence of the sliding friction coefficients corresponding to different contact types in the block discrete element method on the simulation results, this study established a block discrete element model to analyze a slope example based on the test method. The example was a homogeneous soil slope that did not consider water. The correctness of the models was verified by establishing the block discrete element slope model and comparing it with the known finite element method (FEM) model in terms of the maximum shear strain. Then, the sliding friction coefficient algorithm was embedded into the discrete element slope model for comparative analysis. The results show that in the calculations in the block discrete element method, the sliding friction coefficients of different contact types are different. Different sliding friction coefficients should be set based on different contact types to improve the accuracy of the simulation. Because the block discrete element model needs to preset the landslide surface of the slope, the displacement at the edge of the landslide surface is slightly different. The discrete element method (DEM) model was also compared with the block element model, and the results show that the DEM model is more stable.
Evaluation of Gutta-Percha-Filled Areas in Curved and Straight Root Canals Using Three Reciprocating Single-File Systems Followed by Matching Single-Cone Obturation
Authors: Arvaneh Shakiba , Haghighat Shahpar , Schwesig René , Gernhardt Christian Ralf
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to evaluate and compare the quality of matching single-cone obturation using three different single-file systems—WaveOne® Gold (Dentsply Sirona, Bensheim, Germany), Reciproc® blue (VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany), and Procodile® (Komet Medical, Gebr. Brasseler GmbH & Co. KG, Lemgo, Germany). The evaluation focused on the percentage of gutta-percha-filled areas (PGFAs), sealer-filled areas (PSFAs), and unfilled areas (PUAs) across three different sections of curved and straight root canals. Sixty extracted human teeth were categorized into six groups. Based on radiographically determined root canal curvature, thirty curved and thirty straight root canals were prepared using the single-file systems according to the manufacturers’ instructions and obturated with matching gutta-percha cones using AH-Plus sealer. A total of 180 sections were evaluated digitally under the microscope and the results were statistically analyzed. The mean gutta-percha percentages for Reciproc® blue, Procodile®, and WaveOne® Gold were 83%, 82%, and 80%, respectively. No significant (p > 0.05) and relevant (ηp2 < 0.10) differences were found in the proportion of form-fitting gutta-percha cones between the systems in all sections. Similarly, canal anatomy showed no significant influence (p > 0.05). Ex vivo, all three systems showed comparable filling quality in all sections of curved and straight canals. Therefore, it can be concluded that all three file systems, in combination with their corresponding gutta-percha points, might be reliable methods for root canal obturation. Reciproc® Blue, Procodile®, and WaveOne® Gold consistently achieved comparable obturation results across various root configurations and levels of the root canal.
Research on High-Speed Train Bearing Fault Diagnosis Method Based on Domain-Adversarial Transfer Learning
Authors: Zou Yingyong , Zhao Wenzhuo , Liu Tao , Zhang Xingkui , Shi Yaochen
Published: September 2024

Traditional bearing fault diagnosis methods struggle to effectively extract distinctive, domain-invariable characterizations from one-dimensional vibration signals of high-speed train (HST) bearings under variable load conditions. A deep migration fault diagnosis method based on the combination of a domain-adversarial network and signal reconstruction unit (CRU) is proposed for this purpose. The feature extraction module, which includes a one-dimensional convolutional (Cov1d) layer, a normalization layer, a ReLU activation function, and a max-pooling layer, is integrated with the CRU to form a feature extractor capable of learning key fault-related features. Additionally, the fault identification module and domain discrimination module utilize a combination of fully connected layers and dropout to reduce model parameters and mitigate the risk of overfitting. It is experimentally validated on two sets of bearing datasets, and the results show that the performance of the proposed method is better than other diagnostic methods under cross-load conditions, and it can be used as an effective cross-load bearing fault diagnosis method.
Fault Ride-Through Control Strategy for Variable Speed Pumped Storage Unit with Full-Size Converter
Authors: Shi Huabo , Ding Lijie , Zeng Xueyang , Wang Yuhong , Pan Pengyu , Chen Gang , Liu Yangtao , Liao Jianquan
Published: September 2024

Fault ride-through is a prerequisite for ensuring continuous operation of a variable-speed pumped storage unit with a full-size converter (FSC-VSPU) and providing support for the renewable energy and power grid. This paper proposes low-voltage ride through (LVRT) and high-voltage ride through (HVRT) strategies for FSC-VSPU to address this issue. Firstly, the structure of FSC-VSPU and its control strategy under power generation and pumping conditions are described. Subsequently, the fault characteristics of the FSC-VSPU under different operating conditions are analyzed. More stringent fault ride-through technical requirements than those for wind turbines are proposed. On this basis, the fault ride-through strategies of combining fast power drop, rotor energy storage control, power anti-regulation control, dynamic reactive current control, low power protection, and DC crowbar circuit are proposed. Simulation case studies conducted in PSCAD/EMTDC verify the correctness of the theoretical analysis and the effectiveness of the LVRT and HVRT strategies in this paper.
Heat Treatment of Metals
Authors: Stornelli Giulia , Di Schino Andrea
Published: September 2024

Microstructure design is a key issue in obtaining the target metal’s properties [...]
Lightweight Insulator and Defect Detection Method Based on Improved YOLOv8
Authors: Liu Yanxing , Li Xudong , Qiao Ruyu , Chen Yu , Han Xueliang , Paul Agyemang , Wu Zhefu
Published: September 2024

Insulator and defect detection is a critical technology for the automated inspection of transmission and distribution lines within smart grids. However, the development of a lightweight, real-time detection platform suitable for deployment on drones faces significant challenges. These include the high complexity of existing algorithms, limited availability of UAV images, and persistent issues with false positives and missed detections. To address this issue, this paper proposed a lightweight drone-based insulator defect detection method (LDIDD) that integrates data augmentation and attention mechanisms based on YOLOv8. Firstly, to address the limitations of the existing insulator dataset, data augmentation techniques are developed to enhance the diversity and quantity of samples in the dataset. Secondly, to address the issue of the network model’s complexity hindering its application on UAV equipment, depthwise separable convolution is incorporated for lightweight enhancement within the YOLOv8 algorithm framework. Thirdly, a convolutional block attention mechanism is integrated into the feature extraction module to enhance the detection of small insulator targets in aerial images. The experimental results show that the improved network reduces the computational volume by 46.6% and the mAP stably maintains at 98.3% compared to YOLOv8, which enables the implementation of a lightweight insulator defect network suitable for the UAV equipment side without affecting the detection performance.