bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ethno Apicultural Survey of Melliferous Plant Species in the Great Green Wall Widou and Koyli Alpha, Senegal
Authors: Diatta Kady , Diatta William , Dior Fall Alioune , Mbacké Dieng Serigne Ibra , Mbaye Amadou Ibrahima , Ly Racine
Published: October 2019

This study has surveyed honey plants used by Apis mellifera in the Great Green Wall  of Senegal by  involving 38 people (21 in Widou, 17 in Koyli Alpha). The study  revealed seventeen species divided into fourteen genera and nine families. Fabaceae was the most represented family with 5 species followed by Combretaceae (3 species), Malvaceae and Rutaceae each with 2 species, and Anacardiaceae, Balanitaceae, Rhamnaceae, Sterculiaceae, Meliaceae each with one species.  The most frequent melliferous plant species were : Combretum glutinosum, Guiera senegalensis, Balanites aegyptiaca, Acacia radiana, Lannea acida, Terminalia avicennoides, Sclerocarya birrea, Sterculia setigera and Maytenus senegalensis. The trees were more large with 58.82% followed by shrubs (35.29%) and herbs (5.88%). Spontaneous plants represent 76.47% and cultivated plants represent 23.53%. The melliferous flora was largely dominated by African and Afro-Indian species, which together accounted for 70.58% of the species. According to their apicultural value, the nectariferous species represented 58.82% and the reamining were  polleniferous (41.18%). The species that bloom in the rainy season were more numerous with 52.94% of the species. This  study enabled  us to identify  nine (09) species with  high melliferous value. Further studies on foraging activity and nectar production would be highly useful to test real melliferous potential of these plants and their value further.
Effect of Tillage and Weed Management Practices on Nutrient Uptake and Yield of Wheat under Maize – Wheat Cropping Systems in Haryana, India
Authors: . Kavita , Hooda V. S. , Garg Rajbir , . Kavinder
Published: October 2019

An ongoing field experiment established in 2012 at Agronomy Research Farm, Chaudhary Charan Singh (CCS) Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, India was selected to evaluated the effect of three tillage practices (zero tillage, furrow irrigated raised bed system and conventional tillage with mouldboard plow ) and four weed management practices (W1: Atrazine (50% W.P.) at750 g/ha in maize and pinoxaden 50 g/ha + premix of metsulfuron and carfentrazone (Ally Express 50% DF) 25 g/ha + 0.2% NIS as post-emergence in wheat, W2: Tembotrione (Laudis 42% Sc @ 120 g/ha + S 1000 ml/ha (10-15 days/ 2-4 leaf stage) in maize and clodinafop 60 g/ha + metsulfuron 4 g/ha as post- emergence in wheat, W3: Two HW in maize (20 to 40 days) and wheat (30 to 50 days), W4: Weedy check in maize and wheat) on nutrient uptake and yield of wheat. Treatment was replicated thrice with spilt plot design. Plant samples were collected in the month of April, 2016 after the harvesting of wheat. Significantly higher yield of wheat was reported under FIRBS (66.1 qha-1) followed by zero tillage and under weedy check treatment as compared to other under different tillage and weed management practices. These results suggest that zero tillage and FIRBS along with the weedy check treatment results in higher wheat yield followed by maize.
Knowledge Level of Farmers and Constraints Faced in Adoption of Crop Rotation System
Authors: Sahu Gautam Tanay , Kaur Simarjit , Singh Gurvinder
Published: October 2019

Crop rotation is one of the major agricultural practices in sustainable farming. A proper crop rotation can increase nutrient uptake and improve soil health along with the decrease in pest and weed infection. In Punjab, usually wheat rice cropping system is followed by the farmers. The present study was conducted in five selected villages of Mohali district (Punjab). A sample of 40 farmers was randomly selected from each selected village on the basis of probability proportional to number of farmers in each land holding category. In this way, total 200 hundred farmers were selected for the present study. From this study it was found that 71.50 per cent of the farmers were belonged to middle age group and an equal percentage (i.e. 43.50%) of the farmers had matric level and higher secondary & above education. From total 44.50 per cent of the farmers had more than 5 acres of land holding whereas 37.50 per cent had 2.6 to 5 acres. Study also revealed that 46 per cent of the farmers had low knowledge level about crop rotation whereas 15.50 per cent and 38.50 per cent had moderate and high knowledge level. From different ten aspects, maximum farmers had good knowledge about the effect of crop rotation on annual income and fertilizer input while they had lowest knowledge about recommended crops for crop rotation. Lack of remunerative MSP policy & proper marketing system for alternative crops and high labour cost was the major constraints reported by the farmers.
Determination of the Effect of High-Dose Intralipid in Compared to Its Gradual Dose in Very Low Birth Weight Newborns: A Case-control Study
Authors: Kashaki Mandana , Bordbar Arash , Mazouri Ali , Nikbakht Nikta , Jafarvand Babak
Published: October 2019

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of high dose intralipid in compared to its gradual dose in very low birth weight newborns in Iran. 

Methods: This study was a case-control study that conducted on 104 very low birth weight infants (<1500 g) referred to Akbarabadi hospital of Tehran (Iran) in 2016. The infants were randomly assigned to two groups (case group: 52 vs. control group: 52). The control group received intralipid 20% with a dose of 1 g/kg/24 h in the first and second day of the study, then from 3rd day to 3 g/kg /24h was raised. But, the case group received 3 g/kg/24 h of intralipid 20% from the first day and continued until the end of the study. In both groups, the study lasted for up to 30 days. Data were collected and analyzed using SPSS22 software. Also P-Value <0.05 was considered as a significant level.

Results: The results showed mean daily weight gain in case group is higher than control group and this difference was significant statistically (P-Value < 0.05). Also, although the mean of blood sugar, triglyceride, HCO3, the number of positive blood culture and the number of positive CPR in case group were higher than control group, but these differences were not statistically significant (P-Value >0.05).

Conclusion: Given that the better and faster growth of newborns in the intralipid group with high-dose in compared to intralipid group with gradual dose, the use of higher initial doses is recommended in newborns with very low birth weight.
What to Expect From a Low-Nicotine Product Standard for Cigarettes
Authors: Denlinger-Apte Rachel L. , White Cassidy M. , Donny Eric C.
Published: December 2024

This Viewpoint discusses the public health benefits that could be gained if the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) were to mandate very low-nicotine-content cigarettes (VLNCs).
Asthma Among Children With Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
Authors: Zein Joe , Owora Arthur , Kim Hyun Jo , Marozkina Nadzeya , Gaston Benjamin
Published: December 2024

This case-control study uses electronic health record data to assess the association between primary ciliary dyskinesia and asthma in children.
Neurological Pupil Index and Intracranial Hypertension in Patients With Acute Brain Injury
Authors: Petrosino Matteo , Gouvêa Bogossian Elisa , Rebora Paola , Galimberti Stefania , Chesnut Randall , Bouzat Pierre , Oddo Mauro , Taccone Fabio Silvio , Citerio Giuseppe ,   ORANGE Participants and Investigators
Published: December 2024

Importance

Invasive intracranial pressure (ICP) is the standard of care in patients with acute brain injury (ABI) with impaired consciousness. The Neurological Pupil Index (NPi) obtained by automated pupillometry is promising for noninvasively estimating ICP.

Objectives

To evaluate the association between repeated NPi and invasive ICP values.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This study is a secondary analysis of the Outcome Prognostication of Acute Brain Injury With the Neurological Pupil Index (ORANGE), a multicenter, prospective, observational study of patients with ABI performed from October 1, 2020, to May 31, 2022, with follow-up at 6 months after ABI. The ORANGE study was performed at neurologic intensive care units of tertiary hospitals in Europe and North America. In ORANGE, 514 adult patients receiving mechanical ventilatory support were admitted to the intensive care unit after ABI.

Exposure

Invasive ICP monitoring and automated pupillometry assessment every 4 hours during the first 7 days, considered as a standard of care.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Association between ICP and NPi values over time, using bayesian joint models, with linear and logistic mixed-effects longitudinal submodels.

Results

The study included 318 adult patients (median [IQR] age, 58 [43-69] years; 187 [58.8%] male) who required intensive care unit admission, intubation, and mechanical ventilatory support due to acute traumatic brain injury (n = 133 [41.8%]), intracerebral hemorrhage (n = 104 [32.7%]), or aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (n = 81 [25.5%]) and had automatic infrared pupillometry used as part of the standard evaluation practice and ICP monitoring. A total of 8692 ICP measurements were collected, with a median (IQR) of 31 (18-37) evaluations per patient. The median (IQR) NPi and ICP for the study population were 4.1 (3.5-4.5) and 10 (5-14) mm Hg, respectively. In a linear mixed model, the mean change in the NPi value, as a continuous variable, was −0.003 (95% credible interval [CrI], −0.006 to 0.000) for each 1-mm Hg ICP increase. No significant association between ICP and abnormal NPi (<3; odds ratio, 1.01; 95% CrI, 0.99-1.03) or absent NPi (0; odds ratio, 1.03; 95% CrI, 0.99-1.06) was observed.

Conclusions and Relevance

Although an abnormal NPi could indicate brainstem dysfunction, in this large and heterogeneous population of patients, NPi values were not significantly associated overall with ICP values. Repeated NPi measurements may not be a sufficient replacement for invasive monitoring.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04490005
FDA Approval of Orphan Drug Indications for Pediatric Patients, 2011-2023
Authors: Kakkilaya Apoorva , Shahzad Mahnum , Bourgeois Florence T.
Published: December 2024

This cohort study assesses Pediatric Research Equity Act amendments that may influence approval of orphan drug indications for pediatric patients under current regulatory programs.
Mycobacterium
: Clinical and Laboratory Characteristics of Rapidly Growing Mycobacteria
Authors: Brown‐Elliott Barbara A. , Harrington Susan M. , Morimoto Kozo , Wallace, Richard J.
Published: December 2024

Rapidly growing mycobacteria (RGM) contain long‐chain fatty acids, known as mycolic acids, that can be quantitated with chromatographic techniques such as high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Prior to the molecular era, HPLC was used for identification of RGM species in most major reference laboratories. The RGM are opportunistic pathogens that cause disease in a variety of clinical settings. RGM may also cause bone and joint infections. Chronic lung infections with RGM, most often in nonsmoking older women with bronchiectasis, are sometimes associated with the
Mycobacterium avium
complex. The use of mycobacterial smears is a rapid and reasonably sensitive step in the diagnosis of RGM disease. PCR amplification and sequencing has been used to detect and identify nontuberculous mycobacteria in specimens from sterile sites, but these tests are generally limited to larger, reference laboratories. The adjunctive nonmolecular tests, including antimicrobial susceptibility tests, have been utilized for preliminary identification of the RGM.
Neisseria
Authors: Lâm Thiên‐Trí , Vogel Ulrich , Claus Heike
Published: December 2024

Microaerobic growth by denitrification of nitrite via nitric oxide has also been shown for
Neisseria meningitidis
. The species
N. gonorrhoeae
and
N. meningitidis
are exclusively human pathogens. Identification of the serogroup of invasive
N. meningitidis
isolates is of interest with respect to vaccination of close contacts of the index case. A further level of differentiation to analyze local epidemiology is achieved by DNA sequence‐based typing schemes of hypervariable outer membrane proteins, which have been harmonized throughout Europe. Cultivation of
N. gonorrhoeae
is best performed on chocolate agar, which supports the growth of many other commensal bacteria. DNA‐based methods used for typing of
N. gonorrhoeae
include gel‐based methods such as
opa
typing and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis by pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis. Serologic tests are used for the determination of protection against invasive meningococcal disease after vaccination or for seroepidemiological studies. First‐catch urine is recommended for the molecular detection of genitourinary
N. gonorrhoeae
infections in men.
Aggregatibacter
,
Capnocytophaga
,
Eikenella
,
Kingella
,
Pasteurella
, and Other Fastidious or Rarely Encountered Gram‐Negative Rods
Authors: Zbinden Reinhard
Published: December 2024

This chapter covers the bacterial genera that are taxonomically diverse and belong to the families
Cardiobacteriaceae
,
Flavobacteriaceae
,
Leptotrichiaceae
,
Neisseriaceae
,
Pasteurellaceae
, and
Porphyromonadaceae
; common traits justify their discussion as a group. The taxonomy of the family
Pasteurellaceae
has undergone important changes; the family consists of over 100 named species distributed in over 25 genera, of which 4 include human pathogens:
Actinobacillus
,
Aggregatibacter
,
Haemophilus
, and
Pasteurella
. The chapter focuses on species commonly isolated from humans. Direct microscopy of specimens or of positive blood cultures supported by clinical information may help identify the corresponding bacteria, e.g., the typical morphology of spindle‐shaped cells in the Gram stain in the context of a dog bite allows the presumptive identification of
C. canimorsus
. Phenotypic identification of fastidious Gram‐negative rods presents several challenges.
Haemophilus
Authors: Gonzalez Mark D. , Ledeboer Nathan A.
Published: December 2024

Haemophilus
spp. are members of the family
Pasteurellaceae
. Members of the
Haemophilus
genus are small, nonmotile, non‐spore‐forming, non‐acid‐fast, pleomorphic, Gram‐negative bacilli with fastidious growth requirements.
Haemophilus
spp. can be found as part of the commensal microbiota of mucous membranes in humans.
H. influenzae
may also be found as part of the commensal bacterial microbiota of the mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract (URT) of many healthy individuals; however, asymptomatic colonization of the URT with encapsulated strains of
H. influenzae
type b is rare. Isolates of
H. influenzae
constitute a diverse group of organisms that cause a broad range of human diseases. Collection of specimens for the diagnosis of
Haemophilus
infections is predicated on the nature of the infection being evaluated.
Yersiniaceae
Authors: Kingry Luke C. , Gladney Lori , Petersen Jeannine M.
Published: December 2024

The family
Yersiniaceae
includes two well‐known pathogenic genera,
Serratia
and
Yersinia
, and multiple other genera which inhabit a wide range of ecological niches.
Serratia marcescens
is the
Serratia
species most often isolated from clinical specimens and can cause urinary tract infections, pneumonia, bloodstream infections, endocarditis, and wound infections. This chapter primarily focuses on the taxonomy, detection, and identification of
Serratia
and
Yersinia
.
Yersiniaceae
members are Gram‐negative rods that are non‐spore‐forming, oxidase‐negative, catalase‐positive facultative anaerobes which display nonfastidious growth. The
Yersiniaceae
are widely distributed throughout the environment and transmitted to humans via arthropod bites, contact with infected animals, ingestion of contaminated food or water, or exposure to hospital environments and medical procedures. Serology can be used as an adjunct in the diagnosis of disease due to
Yersinia enterocolitica
or
Yersinia pseudotuberculosis
. Many
S. marcescens
strains carry both chromosomally encoded and plasmid‐mediated resistance determinants for several different types of antimicrobials.
Francisella*
Authors: Dietrich Elizabeth A. , Petersen Jeannine M.
Published: December 2024

Francisella tularensis
is the causative agent of tularemia, an acute and fatal illness in animals and humans. Within the genus
Francisella
,
F. tularensis
is joined by several lesser‐known
Francisella
species which are largely environmental organisms.
F. novicida
,
F. philomiragia
,
F. hispaniensis
, and
F. opportunistica
cause rare opportunistic infections in immunocompromised individuals. The clinical spectrum of tularemia depends on the mode of transmission, the virulence of the infecting strain, the immune status of the host, and timely diagnosis and treatment. Once an isolate has been identified as a
Francisella
sp., supplemental tests can be used for additional characterization, including typing of species, subspecies, and strain. Agglutination testing, by either the tube agglutination or the microagglutination method, is a standard serological test for determining the presence of antibodies in tularemia.
Approaches to the Identification of Anaerobic Bacteria
Authors: Boyanova Lyudmila , Medeiros José Augusto da Silva
Published: December 2024

This chapter focuses on important requirements of anaerobic microbiology and methods and techniques used in the diagnostic workflow. Anaerobic bacteria (anaerobes) can cause infections in all tissues and organs of the human body. The chapter summarizes some important recommendations for specimen collection and handling for diagnosing anaerobic infections. Moreover, since antibiotic resistance in anaerobes and the proportion of patients with immunosuppressive diseases or immunosuppressive therapy are constantly increasing, anaerobic microbiology is becoming increasingly important and must not be neglected in any hospital center or country. The disk diffusion method may facilitate susceptibility testing of anaerobes. However, all microbiology laboratories should, at the minimum, be able to culture and perform basic identification of anaerobes and refer uncommon isolates to a reference laboratory. Both clinicians and laboratory staff should be familiar with the requirements for collection and transport of clinical samples for anaerobic microbiology.
Tropheryma whipplei
Authors: Geißdörfer Walter , Moter Annette , Bogdan Christian
Published: December 2024

Tropheryma whipplei
is the agent of classical Whipple disease, an infection originally described by the American pathologist George Hoyt Whipple in 1907 as intestinal lipodystrophy. Reasons are the rarity of the disease, the diversity and nonspecificity of symptoms, the fastidious nature of the pathogen, and the lack of serological tests. Data from two sequenced
T. whipplei
genomes reveal a small genome lacking key biosynthetic pathways. Whipple disease is a rare condition, with an estimated annual incidence of 1 case per 100,000 to 1,000,000. In classical Whipple disease, infection with
T. whipplei
probably occurs years before clinical manifestations point to the diagnosis.
T. whipplei
was detected in urine sediments by nucleic acid amplification testing in 9 of 12 patients and 10 of 13 patients with classical Whipple disease and in one patient with isolated endocarditis, but not in control persons, including healthy carriers.
Antimicrobial Susceptibility Test Methods: Dilution and Disk Diffusion Methods
Authors: Koeth Laura M. , Miller Linda A.
Published: December 2024

The performance of antimicrobial susceptibility tests (ASTs) to help guide patient therapy is one of the most important functions of a clinical microbiology laboratory. The most commonly used AST methods to date can be categorized into dilution methods that generate minimum inhibitory concentration values and disk diffusion methods that generate a zone diameter result. Most clinical microbiology laboratories in the United States and in many developed countries utilize manual or automated commercial dilution products that provide AST results which are demonstrated to correspond to the International Organization for Standardization/Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute broth microdilution reference method. This chapter provides descriptions, context, advantages, and disadvantages for each of the methods: broth microdilution, broth macrodilution, agar dilution, and disk diffusion. The convenience afforded by the availability of sterile microdilution trays with round or conical bottoms for use in dilution susceptibility testing led to the widespread use of broth microdilution methods.
Susceptibility Test Methods: Anaerobic Bacteria
Authors: Schuetz Audrey N. , Carpenter Darcie E.
Published: December 2024

Anaerobic bacterial pathogens cause serious infections, particularly in the hospital environment. Antimicrobials are a mainstay of treatment, and as with aerobic pathogens, resistance in anaerobic bacteria is increasingly becoming problematic. This chapter covers resistance in specific anaerobe‐antimicrobial agent combinations. It outlines susceptibility testing methods and emphasizes the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. The chapter summarizes susceptibility data for major antimicrobials within four groups of anaerobic pathogens (Gram‐negative bacilli, Gram‐positive spore‐forming bacilli, Gram‐positive non‐spore‐forming bacilli, and cocci). It presents pertinent trends of increasing resistance for each group, and reviews specific recommendations for testing and reporting. A quality control program is designed to monitor the accuracy and precision of the susceptibility testing process being performed. Clinical laboratories should provide susceptibility testing of anaerobes to optimize patient care. More frequent susceptibility testing of anaerobes will lead to a better understanding of the epidemiology of resistance.
Measles and Rubella Viruses
Authors: Crooke Stephen N. , Coughlin Melissa M. , Perelygina Ludmila M.
Published: December 2024

Measles virus is the prototypic member of the genus
Morbillivirus
in the family
Paramyxoviridae
, and it is the only member of the genus that causes human disease. Characteristic cytopathic effects of measles virus infection include giant multinucleated cells (Warthin‐Finkeldey giant cells) as well as intracytoplasmic and intranuclear cellular inclusions. Rubella virus was historically classified in the family
Togaviridae
as the sole member of the genus
Rubivirus
; however, in 2018, rubella virus (and the genus
Rubivirus
) was reclassified as the sole member the new family
Matonaviridae
. The present description of laboratory testing for rubella emphasizes identification of postnatal and congenital rubella cases. However, in the United States, much of the testing is for assessing immunity to rubella, since health care providers should test all pregnant women for immunity by a serum IgG test at the earliest prenatal visit.
Rabies Lyssavirus
Authors: Orciari Lillian A. , Yager Pamela A. , Satheshkumar P. S.
Published: December 2024

This chapter provides information on taxonomy, description of the agent, epidemiology and transmission, clinical significance, collection, transport, and storage of specimens, direct detection methods, isolation procedures, typing systems, serologic tests, and antiviral susceptibilities of Rabies Lyssavirus infection. There are numerous etiologic agents in the genus
Lyssavirus
that result in an acute, fatal viral encephalomyelitis known as rabies in both humans and animals. Rabies is a zoonotic disease. All mammals are susceptible. The main route of transmission is introduction of saliva containing RABV into a wound via the bite of a rabid animal. Direct methods may be used to detect histopathological changes and viral antigen (inclusions) and to observe virion morphology. These methods include: microscopy, antigen detection, and nucleic acid detection. Identification of a
Lyssavirus
infection is made typically by direct examination of brain impressions and demonstration of specific viral inclusions by DFA testing.
Parvovirus B19V, Bocaviruses, and Other Human Parvoviruses
Authors: Söderlund‐Venermo Maria
Published: December 2024

Parvoviruses are small, nonenveloped icosahedral viruses with a linear single‐stranded‐DNA (ssDNA) genome in the family
Parvoviridae
in the realm
Monodnaviria
. The family
Parvoviridae
is divided into three subfamilies,
Parvovirinae
,
Densovirinae
, and the new
Hamaparvovirinae
, on the basis of their ability to infect vertebrates, invertebrates, or both, respectively, and their NS1 amino acid sequences. The first human parvoviruses identified were the nonpathogenic adeno‐associated viruses of the genus
Dependoparvovirus
, which are increasingly used in gene therapy. Human bocavirus (HBoV1) has the typical structure of a member of the
Parvoviridae
. The most common test for diagnosis of HBoV1 infection is DNA detection by qualitative PCR. Parvoviruses are unable to induce cells to divide, so they require actively dividing cells for their replication.
Histoplasma
,
Blastomyces
,
Coccidioides
,
Paracoccidioides
and Other Dimorphic Fungi Causing Systemic Mycoses
Authors: Thompson George R. , Gomez Beatriz L.
Published: December 2024

The dimorphic fungi causing systemic disease belong to the class
Eurotiomycetes
, order
Onygenales
. This chapter covers the dimorphic members of the families
Onygenaceae
and
Ajellomycetaceae
.
Ajellomycetaceae
contains the species
Ajellomyces dermatitidis
,
A. capsulatum
,
A. duboisii
, and
A. crescens
, the anamorphs of which have been placed in the genera
Blastomyces
and
Histoplasma
. DNA sequence data place
Paracoccidioides
in the family
Ajellomycetaceae
as well. However, it is important to appreciate that tissue‐form cells of
Histoplasma
and
Blastomyces
can appear similar to each other as well as to yeast cells of various Candida species,
Cryptococcus neoformans
,
Cryptococcus gattii
, and
Talaromyces marneffei
and to endospores of
Coccidioides
species.
The Dermatophytes and Their Relatives (
Trichophyton
,
Microsporum
,
Epidermophyton
,
Arthroderma
,
Nannizzia
,
Paraphyton
, and
Lophophyton
) and Other Agents of Superficial Mycoses
Authors: Borman Andrew M. , Summerbell Richard C.
Published: December 2024

At present, a large number of primary studies related to rapid PCR of dermatological specimens for dermatophytosis and related mycoses have been published. Dermatophytes can in principle be tested for susceptibility to antifungal drugs using the standard CLSI M38‐A3 standard for moulds. For many years, the etiologic agents of dermatophytosis have been classified, along with some nonpathogenic relatives, in three genera:
Trichophyton
,
Microsporum
, and
Epidermophyton
, in the family
Arthrodermataceae
of the order
Onygenales
, phylum
Ascomycota
. Any dermatophytes capable of reproducing sexually, i.e., producing ascomata with asci and ascospores, also had historical teleomorph names in the genus
Arthroderma
or
Nannizzia
. Conversely, most geophilic species and those zoophilic organisms that rarely cause human disease are divided among
Arthroderma
,
Lophophyton
,
Paraphyton
, and
Nannizzia
.
Fungi Causing Eumycotic Mycetoma
Authors: van de Sande Wendy W. J.
Published: December 2024

Eumycetoma was recognized as a neglected tropical disease by the World Health Organization in 2016. All fungi known to cause eumycetoma belong to the phylum Ascomycota.
Madurella mycetomatis
is the most common fungal causative agent of eumycetoma.
Medicopsis romeroi
is a coelomycetous anamorphic fungus. It might be misidentified as
Trematosphaeria grisea
when cultures lack pycnidia.
Neotestudina rosatii
has been isolated from soil from tropical countries; it is an ascomycete with spherical, deliquescent asci and rhomboid ascospores with one septum each. The genus
Scedosporium
comprises a small group of rather variable species. Magnetic resonance imaging and radiology are often used to identify the limits of the lesions and to determine if bone is affected. Antibody detection tests created in‐house have been used in some locations where eumycetoma is endemic.
Mycotoxins
Authors: Luciano‐Rosario Dianiris , Keller Nancy P.
Published: December 2024

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites produced by many different species of ubiquitous fungi that have adverse effects on humans and animals. This chapter reviews the most common mycotoxins and their relevance to sick building syndrome, bioterrorism, and food safety. It briefly addresses the impact of mycotoxins on animal and human health. The aflatoxin class of mycotoxins was the first to be discovered and studied. Citrinin is a simple, low‐molecular‐weight compound that crystallizes as light yellow needles. Cyclopiazonic acid is an indole‐tetramic acid mycotoxin produced by several species of
Penicillium
and
Aspergillus
. Fumonisins are among the most recently discovered mycotoxins. Zearalenone is a common contaminant of cereal crops worldwide and has been implicated in hyperestrogenism of farm animals as a result of digestion of moldy corn and grains.
Mechanisms of Resistance to Antifungal Agents
Authors: Perlin David S.
Published: December 2024

This chapter focuses on the epidemiologic, biological, and molecular nature of antifungal drug resistance. Antifungal drug action and the host immune system often must work synergistically to control and clear an infection. “Microbiological resistance” refers to decreased susceptibility of a fungal strain to an antifungal agent, which is reflected in standardized antifungal in vitro susceptibility testing relative to susceptible standard reference strains, as defined by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute and the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing. The azole antifungal agents are the most prominent example of drug selection for less susceptible species. The polyene drug amphotericin is fungicidal, and resistance rarely occurs. Fungi encode numerous putative drug efflux transporters that have the potential to influence susceptibility to azole antifungal agents by reducing the effective cellular concentration of drugs below their inhibitory threshold. Biofilms are among the most prevalent forms of microbial growth in nature.
Specimen Collection, Transport, and Processing: Parasitology
Authors: Garcia Lynne S. , Shimizu Robyn Y.
Published: December 2024

Routine diagnostic parasitology generally includes laboratory procedures designed to detect organisms within clinical specimens by using morphological criteria rather than culture, biochemical tools, and/or physical growth characteristics. Parasite identification is frequently based on bright‐field‐microscopic analysis of concentrated and/or stained preparations. The most common specimen submitted to the diagnostic laboratory is the stool specimen, and the most commonly performed procedure in parasitology is the ova and parasite examination, which is composed of three separate protocols: the direct wet mount, the concentration, and the permanent stained smear. The aspirates most commonly processed in the parasitology laboratory include fine needle and duodenal aspirates. Fine‐needle aspirates may be submitted for slide preparation, culture, and/or molecular analyses. Sputum, bronchoalveolar lavage or washings, and transtracheal secretions may be submitted for examination for parasites. Biopsy specimens are recommended for the microscopic detection of tissue parasites. Nucleic acid‐based diagnostic tests have been developed for almost all species of parasites.
Reagents, Stains, and Media: Parasitology
Authors: Potters Idzi , Linscott Andrea J.
Published: December 2024

The evaluation of clinical specimens for ova and parasites in the clinical laboratory can involve the use of direct macroscopic examination of the specimen and microscopic examination of fresh and fixed specimens, as well as culture for some parasitic organisms. Formalin has been used in parasitology as an all‐purpose fixative for concentration procedures. A solution of iodine can be used for preparing direct or concentrated wet mounts for parasitological examination. Iodine stains can be purchased commercially for use in routine parasitology. Examination of blood films for parasites includes the use of two common stains, the Giemsa stain and Wright's stain, both derivatives of the original Romanowsky stain. Cultures can be performed for only a few parasitic organisms, including
Acanthamoeba
species,
Naegleria fowleri
,
Plasmodium
species, intestinal amebae,
Trichomonas vaginalis
,
Leishmania
species, and
Trypanosoma
species. Culture media used for parasite recovery are sometimes referred to as being either defined or undefined.
Cystoisospora
,
Cyclospora
, and
Sarcocystis
Authors: Qvarnstrom Yvonne , Arrowood Michael J.
Published: December 2024

The parasites traditionally referred to as coccidia that develop in the intestines of humans—
Cystoisospora belli
,
Cyclospora cayetanensis
, and
Sarcocystis
spp.—are in the Stramenopiles, Alveolates, Rhizaria supergroup in the current taxonomic scheme used by protozoologists. Oocysts of these coccidia are found in the feces of humans, and diagnosis is based ultimately on demonstrating oocysts in human stool samples. The use of molecular methods to evaluate the phylogenetics and genetic diversity of parasites has resulted in a revision of the coccidian parasites.
In vitro
culture of intestinal coccidian parasites is most often used as a tool to study developmental biology or to identify active chemotherapeutic agents. Differentiation of the intestinal coccidia to the subspecies/strain level—genotyping—can be important for epidemiologic reasons, for example to link cases in outbreak investigations or to better understand clinical outcome differences.
Cestodes
Authors: Cabada Miguel M. , Jimenez Juan , Garcia Hector H.
Published: December 2024

Adult cestode tapeworms have a flattened body composed of the scolex, bearing the fixation organs such as suckers, hooks, and bothria; the neck, where the cellular reproduction occurs; and the strobila, formed by numerous segments called proglottids. The fish tapeworm,
Dibiothriocephalus latus
, is the largest intestinal parasite of humans.
Taenia saginata
, the beef tapeworm, is endemic to most of the world. Humans are the only definitive host for this tapeworm, and infection carries minimal health risks.
Taenia solium
, the pork tapeworm, has an extensive geographic distribution and a large impact on human health due to its association with seizure disorders.
T. solium
neurocysticercosis is the most common cause of acquired epilepsy in developing countries.
Hymenolepis nana
is the smallest of the intestinal tapeworms of humans and the most common tapeworm infection throughout the world. In its zoonotic cycle,
H. nana
is a parasite of mice, and beetles act as intermediate hosts.
Mechanisms of Resistance to Antiparasitic Agents
Authors: Bradbury Richard S. , Talundzic Eldin
Published: December 2024

Parasitic diseases rank among the most prevalent and severe diseases worldwide. The danger of depending on drugs as one of the primary tools for control is compounded by the relatively limited number of antiparasitic agents available. The complex biologic interactions between parasites and their hosts (and, at times, their vectors) significantly influence the emergence and expression of drug resistance. The development of resistance to all antimalarial drugs poses the greatest challenge for malaria control and prevention globally. Praziquantel is the only drug currently being used for treatment of schistosomiasis. The widespread use of albendazole, mebendazole, levamisole, and pyrantel in preventive chemotherapy programs to control soil‐transmitted helminth infections has raised concerns regarding the potential for the development of resistance in this group of intestinal nematodes. Public health interventions to correct these factors have not always been successful and would benefit from a better understanding of the drug resistance mechanisms used by parasites.
Susceptibility Test Methods: Parasites
Authors: CLAIN JÉRÔME , COJEAN SANDRINE , HOUZÉ SANDRINE
Published: December 2024

Accurate methods for ascertaining responses of parasites to antiparasitic drugs can prove useful at several levels. Drug susceptibility tests can be separated into four broad categories:
in vivo
tests,
in vitro
tests, tests with experimental animals, and molecular tests. Most drug resistance tests in malaria focus on
Plasmodium falciparum
, the most prevalent and virulent species.
Trichomonas vaginalis
is one of the most common nonviral sexually transmitted infections in the United States and throughout the world; however, metronidazole and tinidazole are the only drugs currently approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to treat trichomoniasis. Treatment failure in leishmaniasis may result from either true drug resistance, innate differences in the
Leishmania
sp. sensitivity to drugs, or patient factors, such as immunodeficiencies, that preclude effective chemotherapeutic action. Drug resistance testing of schistosomes differs greatly from that of protozoan parasites in both purpose and methods.
Use of computed tomography to determine body surface area and K-constant in Atlantic Stingrays for chemotherapeutic dosing
Authors: Martinelli Laura , Nelson Nathan , Duke Elizabeth , Christiansen Emily F. , Westmoreland Lori S. , Harms Craig A. , Harrison Tara M.
Published: December 2024

Objective

The objective of this study was to use body surface area (BSA) obtained via computed tomography (CT) to calculate a species-specific shape constant (K) and provide a formula for BSA based on body weight (BW) in Atlantic Stingrays Hypanus sabina. Ultimately, this information can be used to more accurately calculate chemotherapeutic doses and other metabolic-related measures.

Methods

Six deceased Atlantic Stingrays of unknown age and with a range of sizes were collected during a natural mortality event and underwent CT scans. Following the scans, three-dimensional surface models were created from the imaging data to measure BSAs and derive a BSA formula based on BW. Nonlinear regression analysis of BSA versus thawed BW was performed, and a species-specific formula was derived.

Result

Body surface area (mean ± standard deviation) was 2015.01 ± 1115.02 cm2 (median = 1841.40 cm2; range = 844.2–4043.12 cm2). The calculated K-constant was 14.9 for the six Atlantic Stingrays, and the CT-derived BSA formula was as follows: BSA (cm2) = 14.9 × (BW, g)2/3.

Conclusion

These results provide a method for calculating BSA in Atlantic Stingrays. The CT-derived BSA formula can be used for allometric dosing of chemotherapeutic agents and other drugs in a clinical setting; in a broader sense, the formula can be applied to studies of nutrition, metabolic rate, and physiology.
Association of Changes in Hand Pain With BMI, Employment, and Mental Well‐Being Over Four Years in Patients With Hand Osteoarthritis
Authors: van der Meulen Coen , van de Stadt Lotte A. , Buck Saskia J. , Rosendaal Frits R. , Terpstra Sietse E. S. , Kloppenburg Margreet
Published: December 2024

Objective

We aimed to characterize patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA) with deteriorating or improving hand pain and to investigate patients achieving good clinical outcome after four years.

Methods

We used four‐year annual Australian/Canadian Hand Osteoarthritis Index (AUSCAN) pain subscale (range 0–20) measurements from the Hand OSTeoArthritis in Secondary Care cohort (patients with hand OA). Pain changes were categorized as deterioration, stable, and improvement using the Minimal Clinical Important Improvement. Good clinical outcome was categorized using the Patient Acceptable Symptom State (PASS). Associations between baseline characteristics (patient and disease characteristics, coping styles, and illness perceptions) and outcomes were investigated using multinomial or binary logistic regression, adjusted for baseline pain, age, sex, and body mass index (BMI).

Results

A total of 356 patients (83% female, mean age 60.6 years, mean AUSCAN score 9.1) were analyzed. Pain improved for 38% of patients, deteriorated for 30% of patients, and remained stable for 32% of patients over four years. Four‐year pain development followed annual trends. At baseline, 44% of patients reached PASS, and 49% of patients reached PASS at follow‐up. Higher BMI, coping through comforting cognitions, and illness comprehension were positively associated with pain deterioration. Higher AUSCAN function score, mental well‐being, and illness consequences were negatively associated with pain improvement. Employment (positive) and emotional representations (negative) were associated with both improvement and deterioration. Higher baseline AUSCAN function, tender joint count, and symptoms attributed to hand OA were associated negatively with PASS after four years.

Conclusion

The pain course of patients with hand OA is variable, not inevitably worsening, and various factors may play a role. Whether modification of these risk factors can influence pain outcomes requires further investigation.
Synergism of Arc Spraying, Laser Processing, and Hydrophobization for Long‐Lasting Corrosion Protection of MA8 Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Boinovich Ludmila B. , Domantovsky Alexandr G. , Emelyanenko Alexandre M. , Emelyanenko Kirill A.
Published: December 2024

Due to a number of unique properties, magnesium and its alloys are attractive for use in mechanical engineering, medicine, aviation, the automotive industry, etc. Unfortunately, the widespread use of these materials is limited by their low corrosion resistance. Traditional surface modification techniques have struggled to simultaneously enhance both the mechanical durability and corrosion resistance of magnesium‐based materials. Herein, a method synergistically combining the advantages of arc spraying, laser processing, and hydrophobization is developed. This finely tuned combination results in the production of an aluminum coating with superhydrophobic properties formed on top of magnesium alloy that has very high mechanical and chemical resistance. The results presented in this article demonstrate that such coatings preserve a constant contact angle exceeding 165° during a year of laboratory storage, withstand long‐lasting humid and salt fog atmosphere, demonstrate corrosion current lower than 3 × 10−8 A cm−2 during 120 days of its continuous contact with chloride‐containing corrosive environments, and preserve the superhydrophobic state after sand abrasion test. The corrosion inhibition mechanisms of the designed coating are discussed. The developed innovative approach addresses a critical challenge in enhancing the corrosion resistance of magnesium‐based materials, paving the way for their broader application across various industrial sectors.
Effects of Laser Oscillation Frequency on the Microstructure and Properties of TiC/Fe‐Based Alloy Composite Coatings
Authors: Zhong Yilan , Hu Yongle , Zhang Mingjun , Wang Kaiming , Mao Cong , Tang Weidong , Pang Xiaotong , Tong Yonggang , Zhang Yun
Published: December 2024

Herein, TiC/Fe‐based alloys are melted and deposited on a 45‐steel substrate by using an oscillating laser with an 8‐shaped trajectory. Four samples are prepared to investigate the phase changes and microstructure characteristics using laser cladding under different oscillation frequencies. The microhardness, wear resistance, and electrochemical corrosion performance on both substrate and coatings are thoroughly evaluated. The results show that with TiC particles uniformly distributed throughout the coatings, the cladded coatings primarily composed of α‐Fe, (Cr, Fe)7C3, M2B (Cr, Fe), and TiC phases contribute to refined grains and enhanced mechanical strength; additionally, an increase in oscillation frequency leads to further grain refinement, which significantly improves the microhardness of coatings; however, higher hardness does not guarantee better wear resistance; the presence of cracks can actually decrease the coating's durability against wear. It is found that the coating with an oscillation frequency of 200 Hz not only achieves the best wear resistance, but also exhibits excellent electrochemical performance.
Soft and Integrable Multimodal Artificial Mechanoreceptors Toward Human Sensor of Skin
Authors: Seo Seunghwan , Na Hyun‐Min , Kim Jin‐Yup , Kim Dokyun , Kim Daekyum , Chun Kyoung‐Yong , Han Chang‐Soo
Published: December 2024

Herein, the development and characterization of three distinct artificial mechanoreceptor sensors meticulously engineered is reported to emulate human skin. By mimicking the morphology, structure, and response characteristics (including preferential sensitivity, adaptation profile, and frequency response) of biological mechanoreceptors, artificial Meissner, Merkel, and Ruffini sensors capable of detecting pressure, shear, and tensile deformations with high fidelity are successfully fabricated. In situ experiments, designed to mimic physiological conditions, demonstrate that the integrated sensor array, mimicking human fingertips, can accurately discriminate seven Braille characters, five distinct surface textures, a grating with ridges, and four‐step delivery stages of an object. Furthermore, a woolen glove incorporating 15 multimodal sensors are developed, which exhibits enhanced classification capabilities for eight objects of varying sizes and surface roughness. Notably, the trimodal sensor integration demonstrates superior recognition speed and precision compared to uni‐ or bimodal configurations, while also improving tactile identification intuition. This biomimetic mechanoreceptor sensor system demonstrates comprehensive and synergistic recognition of diverse stimuli and objects, potentially overcoming technological limitations in applications requiring human‐like tactile perception, such as advanced prosthetics, robotics, and immersive augmented and virtual reality interfaces.
Reversibly Switchable Magnetically Controlled Solid‐Liquid Triboelectric Nanogenerator Using Hierarchical Ecoflex/NdFeB Magnetic Polymer Surface
Authors: Tang Yuanbin , Yu Xijing , Qiu Jianlong , Guo Yanjie , Yang Lei , Jiang Kai
Published: December 2024

Droplet‐driven triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) with reversible switching capability has been widespread concerned; particularly magnetically controlled solid‐liquid TENG, due to its fast and highly reversible responses. Herein, a hierarchical composite structured magnetic polymer surface (HCSMPS) is developed using template method and magnetic field induction, and construct a HCSMPS‐based TENG (HCSMPS‐TENG). The HCSMPS‐TENG shows different states—fallen, upright, and no magnetic field—when applying different magnetic fields. The wetting properties of HCSMPS under three states vary significantly. The current output of the HCSMPS‐TENG driven by deionized water and potassium chloride (KCl) solution varies across these states due to changes in the droplet contact area. As KCl concentration increases, the current signals of the HCSMPS‐TENG initially rise due to the increased free charges but subsequently decrease due to a screening effect caused by ion adsorption. For practical application, a real‐time monitoring system is developed for KCl concentration based on the HCSMPS‐TENG, integrating a convolutional neural network. This system, equipped with a compact current collection circuit capable of remote data transmission and a user‐friendly interface developed with LabVIEW, achieves 98.64% recognition accuracy. The HCSMPS‐TENG is applied to intravenous potassium supplementation, demonstrating its potential for medical KCl concentration and infusion flow rate monitoring.