bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Routine saliva testing for SARS-CoV-2 in children: Methods for partnering with community childcare centers
Authors: Rayack Erica J. , Askari Hibah Mahwish , Zirinsky Elissa , Lapidus Sarah , Sheikha Hassan , Peno Chikondi , Kazemi Yasaman , Yolda-Carr Devyn , Liu Chen , Grubaugh Nathan D. , Ko Albert I. , Wyllie Anne L. , Spatz Erica S. , Oliveira Carlos R. , Bei Amy K.
Published: February 2023

While considerable attention was placed on SARS-CoV-2 testing and surveillance programs in the K-12 setting, younger age groups in childcare centers were largely overlooked. Childcare facilities are vital to communities, allowing parents/guardians to remain at work and providing safe environments for both children and staff. Therefore, early in the COVID-19 pandemic (October 2020), we established a PCR-based COVID-19 surveillance program in childcare facilities, testing children and staff with the goal of collecting actionable public health data and aiding communities in the progressive resumption of standard operations and ways of life. In this study we describe the development of a weekly saliva testing program and provide early results from our experience implementing this in childcare centers. We enrolled children (aged 6 months to 7 years) and staff at seven childcare facilities and trained participants in saliva collection using video chat technology. Weekly surveys were sent out to assess exposures, symptoms, and vaccination status changes. Participants submitted weekly saliva samples at school. Samples were transported to a partnering clinical laboratory or RT-PCR testing using SalivaDirect and results were uploaded to each participant's online patient portal within 24 h. SARS-CoV-2 screening and routine testing programs have focused less on the childcare population, resulting in knowledge gaps in this critical age group, especially as many are still ineligible for vaccination. SalivaDirect testing for SARS-CoV-2 provides a feasible method of asymptomatic screening and symptomatic testing for children and childcare center staff. Given the relative aversion to nasal swabs in younger age groups, an at-home saliva collection method provides an attractive alternative, especially as a routine surveillance tool. Results can be shared rapidly electronically through participants' private medical chart portals, and video chat technology allows for discussion and instruction between investigators and participants. This study fosters a cooperative partnership with participating childcare centers, parents/guardians, and staff with the goal of mitigating COVID-19 transmission in childcare centers. Age-related challenges in saliva collection can be overcome by working with parents/guardians to conceptualize new collection strategies and by offering parents/guardians continued virtual guidance and support.
Impact of chronic benzene poisoning on aberrant mitochondrial DNA methylation: A prospective observational study
Authors: Wang Dianpeng , Lin Dafeng , Feng Gangquan , Yang Xiangli , Deng Lidan , Li Peimao , Zhang Zhimin , Zhang Wen , Guo Yan , Wang Yue , Fu Song , Zhang Naixing
Published: February 2023

Benzene is used as an industrial solvent, which may result in chronic benzene poisoning (CBP). Several studies suggested that CBP was associated with mitochondrial epigenetic regulation. This study aimed to explore the potential relation between CBP and mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) methylation. This prospective observational study enrolled CBP patients admitted to Shenzhen Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases hospital and healthy individuals between 2018 and 2021. The white blood cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), hemoglobin (HB), and platelet (PLT) counts and mtDNA methylation levels were measured using blood flow cytometry and targeted bisulfite sequencing, respectively. A total of 90 participants were recruited, including 30 cases of CBP (20 females, mean age 43.0 ± 8.0 years) and 60 healthy individuals (42 females, mean age 43.5 ± 11.5 years). This study detected 168 mitochondrial methylation sites >0 in all study subjects. The mtDNA methylation levels in the CBP cases were lower than the healthy individuals [median ± interquartile-range (IQR), 25th percentile, 75th percentile: (1.140 ± 0.570, 0.965, 1.535)% vs. median ± IQR, 25th percentile, 75th percentile: (1.705 ± 0.205,1.240,2.445)%, P < 0.05]. Additionally, the spearman correlation analysis showed that the mtDNA methylation levels were positively correlated with the counts of circulating leukocytes [WBC (r = 0.048, P = 0.036)] and platelets [PLT (r = 0.129, P < 0.01)]. We provided solid evidence of association between CBP and aberrant mtDNA methylation.
Inflammation, dysregulated iron metabolism, and cardiovascular disease
Authors: Rosenblum Shaina L.
Published: February 2023

Iron is an essential trace element associated with both pathologic deficiency and toxic overload. Thus, systemic and cell iron metabolism are highly controlled processes regulated by protein expression and localization, as well as turnover, through the action of cytokines and iron status. Iron metabolism in the heart is challenging because both iron overload and deficiency are associated with cardiac disease. Also associated with cardiovascular disease is inflammation, as many cardiac diseases are caused by or include an inflammatory component. In addition, iron metabolism and inflammation are closely linked. Hepcidin, the master regulator of systemic iron metabolism, is induced by the cytokine IL-6 and as such is among the acute phase proteins secreted by the liver as part of the inflammatory response. In an inflammatory state, systemic iron homeostasis is dysregulated, commonly resulting in hypoferremia, or low serum iron. Less well characterized is cardiac iron metabolism in general, and even less is known about how inflammation impacts heart iron handling. This review highlights what is known with respect to iron metabolism in the heart. Expression of iron metabolism-related proteins and processes of iron uptake and efflux in these cell types are outlined. Evidence for the strong co-morbid relationship between inflammation and cardiac disease is also reviewed. Known connections between inflammatory processes and iron metabolism in the heart are discussed with the goal of linking inflammation and iron metabolism in this tissue, a connection that has been relatively under-appreciated as a component of heart function in an inflammatory state. Therapeutic options connecting inflammation and iron balance are emphasized, with the main goal of this review being to bring attention to alterations in iron balance as a component of inflammatory diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Immersive role-playing with avatars leads to adoption of others’ personalities
Authors: Sakuma Hiroshi , Takahashi Hideyuki , Ogawa Kohei , Ishiguro Hiroshi
Published: February 2023

In modern society, where nations and even individuals are divided, building bridges between people of different personalities and backgrounds is essential to achieve harmonious coexistence. In recent years, research has been conducted on the use of technologies to bridge this gap. In this study, the effectiveness of using immersive virtual reality (IVR) technology to play the role of a stranger in helping people learn about and empathize with others was investigated. Specifically, participants were asked to role-play a first-time stranger in an IVR environment after being given prior information about the stranger via a preparatory video. The effects of role-playing between acting as a target stranger through his or her avatar in an immersive environment, acting through a different avatar in an immersive environment, and acting through his or her avatars in a non-immersive interface were compared. The results showed that using IVR technology with an exact avatar to play the target person was found to have the greatest effect on the participants’ personalities and thoughts as well as increasing their empathy for that individual. This finding suggests that IVR technology may be an effective tool for bridging the gap between people from different backgrounds.
Biomarkers for biosensors to monitor space-induced cardiovascular ageing
Authors: Rehnberg Emil , Quaghebeur Katrijn , Baselet Bjorn , Rajan Nicholas , Shazly Tarek , Moroni Lorenzo , Baatout Sarah , Tabury Kevin
Published: February 2023

Human presence in space has uncovered several health concerns related to the space environment that need to be addressed for future space missions. The hostile space environment includes radiation and microgravity that cause various pathophysiological effects. Among them are conditions related to the cardiovascular system. The cardiovascular system shows a dysfunctional and deconditioning state, similar to ageing on Earth, once exposed to the space environment. As we aim for longer space missions to the Moon, Mars, and thus into deep space, better understanding, monitoring, and development of countermeasures for these accelerated ageing processes are necessary. Biomarkers and their integration into biosensors therefore become important tools to understand the underlying mechanisms, develop countermeasures and monitor accelerated cardiovascular ageing. In this review, we will provide a brief overview of the space environment and its effects on the human cardiovascular system. We list the known potential cardiovascular ageing biomarkers relevant to space along with our current knowledge of the underlying mechanisms of cardiovascular ageing. We also explore in more details about the various biosensors used, their specifications, and how lab-on-a-chip systems are crucial to the development of these biosensors for tracking cardiovascular ageing during upcoming space missions.
COVID-19 experiences of small-scale fishing households: The case of Lake Victoria, Kenya
Authors: Okronipa Harriet , Bageant Elizabeth R. , Baez Jazmin , Onyango Horace Owiti , Aura Christopher Mulanda , Fiorella Kathryn Joan
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The impact of COVID-19 on small-scale fishing communities is of great concern given the importance of aquatic foods in trade, nutrition and livelihoods. Using a case study of Lake Victoria, augmented by published literature, we examine the socioeconomic dynamics and severity of COVID-19 impacts on Kenyan fishing communities.

Methods

A household level questionnaire was administered through phone interviews on a monthly basis from June 2020 to May 2021, including a focus group discussion in July 2021.

Results

We find that multifold fear of COVID-19 infection and control measures were present and varied across case rates and stringency of control measures. Fishers and traders reported being affected by disease control measures that limited market access and their ability to fish overnight. In spite of these worries, and contrary to what has been reported in the published literature regarding impacts observed in the early months of the pandemic, we see stable participation in fishing and fish trading over time despite the pandemic. Food insecurity was high before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, but did not substantially shift with the pandemic.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that Kenyan fishing and fish trading households adopted diverse strategies to cope and balance generating income to provide for their families and staying safe. Our results underscore the need to understand ways in which acute pandemic impacts evolve over time given that effects are likely heterogeneous across small-scale fishing communities.
Are digital services the right solution for empowering smallholder farmers? A perspective enlightened by COVID-19 experiences to inform smart IPM
Authors: Sekabira Haruna , Tepa-Yotto Ghislain T. , Ahouandjinou Arnaud R. M. , Thunes Karl H. , Pittendrigh Barry , Kaweesa Yusuf , Tamò Manuele
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic, surprised many through its impact on the food systems, resulting in collapses in the food production value chains and in the integrated pest disease management sector with fatal outcomes in many places. However, the impact of COVID-19 and the digital experience perspective on Integrating Pest Management (IPM) is still yet to be understood. In Africa, the impact was devastating, mostly for the vulnerable smallholder farm households, who were rendered unable to access markets to purchase inputs and sell their produce during the lockdown period. By using a holistic approach the paper reviews different Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs), digitalization, and how this enhanced the capacity of smallholder farmers resilient, and inform their smart-IPM practices in order to improve food systems' amidst climate change during and in the post-COVID-19 period. Different digital modalities were adopted to ensure continuous food production, access to inputs and finances, and selling surplus production among others. This was largely possible by using ICTs to deliver these needed services digitally. The study shares contributions and capacity perspectives of ICTs for empowering smallholder farmers to boost the resilience of their food systems based on COVID-19 successful experiences. Thus digital solutions must be embraced in the delivery of extension service on pest management and good agronomic practices, money transfers for purchasing inputs, receiving payment for sold farm produce, and markets information exchange. These are key avenues through which digital solutions strategically supported smallholder-based food systems through the pandemic.
Comparison of femoral neck system vs. dynamic hip system blade for the treatment of femoral neck fracture in young patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Ge Zilu , Xiong Wei , Wang Dong , Tang Yunfeng , Fang Qian , Wang Limin , Zhang Zhen , Lin Wei , Wang Guanglin
Published: February 2023

Background

Femoral neck fracture is a common fracture in orthopedic practice. This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between the femoral neck system and dynamic hip system blade for the treatment of femoral neck fracture in young patients.

Methods

This retrospective study included 43 and 52 patients who underwent treatment for femoral neck fracture with the femoral neck system and dynamic hip system blade, respectively, between August 2019 and August 2020. Operative indexes, including operation duration, blood loss, incision length, postoperative complications (femoral neck shortening, non-union, screw pull-out, femoral head necrosis), and Harris scale scores were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Compared to that with the dynamic hip system blade, the femoral neck system showed significantly less operation duration (femoral neck system vs. dynamic hip system blade: 47.09 ± 9.19 vs. 52.90 ± 9.64, P = 0.004), less blood loss (48.53 ± 10.69 vs. 65.31 ± 17.91, P < 0.001), and shorter incision length (4.04 ± 0.43 vs. 4.93 ± 0.53, P < 0.001). Femoral neck shortening was significantly lower with the femoral neck system than with the dynamic hip system blade (3.93 ± 2.40, n = 39 vs. 5.22 ± 2.89, n = 44, P = 0.031). No statistical differences were observed between the two groups in nonunion, screw pull-out, and femoral head necrosis. In addition, the latest follow-up Harris scale score was significantly higher with the femoral neck system than with the dynamic hip system blade (92.3 ± 4.5 vs. 89. 9 ± 4.9, P = 0.015).

Conclusion

The femoral neck system results in less trauma, less femoral neck shortening, and better hip joint function than the dynamic hip system blade for the treatment of femoral neck fracture in young patients.
Identification and characterization of extrachromosomal circular DNA in Wei and Large White pigs by high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Wen Aiyou , Zhang Wei , Xu Jingen , Wang Kunping , Hu Hong
Published: February 2023

Wei pig (WP) and Large White pig (LP) are fatty and lean breeds, respectively. Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) plays an important role in regulating signaling pathway processes of cell. However, there are few reports regarding the eccDNA and ecDNA profiles in WP and LP. The present work aimed to investigate the eccDNA and ecDNA profiles between WP and LP. Three WPs and three LPs (100 ± 1.3 kg) were selected for analysis of eccDNA and ecDNA in the ear samples. Results showed that there were 39,686,953,656–58,411,217,258 and 53,824,168,657–58,311,810,737 clean data for WP and LP, respectively. Sequencing yielded 15,587–25,479 and 71,123–79,605 eccDNAs from the ear samples of WP and LP, respectively. There were 15,111 and 22,594 eccDNA-derived genes in the WP and LP, respectively, and 13,807 eccDNA-derived genes were common in the ear samples of both pigs. Sequencing yielded 13–19 and 27–43 ecDNAs in the ears of WP and LP, respectively. There were 1,005 and 1,777 ecDNA-derived genes in WP and LP, respectively, and 351 ecDNA-derived genes were common in the ear samples of both pigs. The most significant KEGG pathways of eccDNA-derived genes were axon guidance, focal adhesion, metabolic pathways, MAPK signaling pathway, Hedgehog signaling pathway, microRNAs in cancer, tight junction, phospholipase D signaling pathway, endocytosis, and sphingolipid signaling pathway. Furthermore, the most significant KEGG pathways of ecDNA-derived genes were olfactory transduction, B cell receptor signaling pathway, and chemical carcinogenesis. The eccDNA00044301 was lower abundance, while the ecDNA00000060 was higher abundance in WP compared with that in LP. Summary, we found that eccDNAs and ecDNAs are common in WP and LP and occur in sizes large enough to carry one or several partial or complete genes. These findings have expanded the knowledge repertoire of circular DNA in pig and will provide a reference for the use of pigs as a medical model and help discovery of new genetic markers to select high-quality breeds.
Stage of infection with Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis impacts expression of Rab5, Rab7, and CYP27B1 in macrophages within the ileum of naturally infected cows
Authors: Wherry Taylor L. T. , Heggen Mark , Shircliff Adrienne L. , Mooyottu Shankumar , Stabel Judith R.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Macrophages are the preferential target of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), the etiologic agent of ruminant paratuberculosis. Uptake of pathogens by intestinal macrophages results in their trafficking through endosomal compartments, ultimately leading to fusion with an acidic lysosome to destroy the pathogen. MAP possesses virulence factors which disrupt these endosomal pathways. Additionally, levels of serum vitamin D3 have proven relevant to host immunity. Dynamics of endosomal trafficking and vitamin D3 metabolism have been largely unexplored in bovine paratuberculosis.

Methods

This study aimed to characterize expression of early and late endosomal markers Rab5 and Rab7, respectively, within CD68+ macrophages in frozen mid-ileum sections harvested from cows at different stages of natural paratuberculosis infection. Additionally, factors of vitamin D3 signaling and metabolism were characterized through expression of vitamin D3 activating enzyme 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1), vitamin D3 inactivating enzyme 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1), and vitamin D3 receptor (VDR) within CD68+ ileal macrophages.

Results and discussion

Cows with clinical paratuberculosis had significantly greater macrophage and MAP burden overall, as well as intracellular MAP. Total expression of Rab5 within macrophages was reduced in clinical cows; however, Rab5 and MAP colocalization was significantly greater in this group. Intracellular Rab7 colocalization with MAP was not detected in subclinical or Johne's Disease negative (JD-) control cows but was present in clinical cows. Additionally, macrophage CYP27B1 expression was significantly reduced in clinical cows. Taken together, the results from this study show disparate patterns of expression for key mediators in intracellular MAP trafficking and vitamin D metabolism for cows at different stages of paratuberculosis.
A Beam Finite Element for Static and Dynamic Analysis of Composite and Stiffened Structures with Bending-Torsion Coupling
Authors: Patuelli Cesare , Cestino Enrico , Frulla Giacomo
Published: February 2023

This research presents a new beam finite element capable of predicting static and dynamic behavior of beam structures with bending-torsion coupling. The model here derived establishes a relation between the bending and torsional nodal degree of freedom of a two node beam element. The equilibrium equations are derived neglecting the non-linear terms while the stiffness and mass matrices are derived with Galerkin’s method. The shape functions are obtained considering Timoshenko’s hypothesis and the torsional moment constant along the element. The model has been validated through numerical and experimental results for static and dynamic simulation. The comparison revealed a relative difference mostly lower than 5% for static deformations and natural frequency prediction, while the Modal Assurance Criterion (MAC) confirmed the consistency with numerical and experimental results in terms of mode shape similarity.
Real-Time Monitoring System of Seedling Amount in Seedling Box Based on Machine Vision
Authors: Li Jinyang , Zhang Miao , Zhang Gong , Ge Deqiang , Li Meiqing
Published: February 2023

Conventional mat-type seedlings are still widely used in autonomous rice transplanters and automatically supplying seedling devices suited to conventional mat-type seedlings is difficult to develop. Thus, an autonomous rice transplanter carries at least one person to load the seedling pieces into the seedling box, which has led to an increase in the labor force and low operational efficiency. To solve this problem from another point of view, a machine vision-based system for the real-time monitoring of the seedling amount in a seedling box is developed. This system aims to achieve the monitoring of the fault of seedlings and seedling amount in the seedling box. According to the real-time and accuracy requirements of the image, the image acquisition platform is designed based on a previously developed autonomous rice transplanter. A camera model was developed and camera parameters for correcting the image distortion is obtained. The image processing method and segment method of seedling rows are presented. The algorithms for fault diagnosis and the calculation of the number of remaining seedlings are proposed by image analysis. The software is developed for seedling box fault diagnosis and monitoring the remaining number of seedlings. Field experiments are carried out to test the effectiveness of the developed monitoring system. The experimental results show that the image processing time is less than 1.5 s and the relative error of the seedling amount is below 3%, which indicates that the designed monitoring system can accurately realize the fault diagnosis of the seedling pieces and monitor for the remaining amount of each row. By combining the navigation information, the developed monitoring system can predict the distance from which the remaining seedlings in the seedling box can be planted, which can guarantee remaining seedlings in a seedling box are enough for transplanting until the rice transplanter returns to the supplying seedling site. This implies that one person can provide seedlings for multiple autonomous rice transplanters. This study was limited to supplying the seedling when the rice transplanter passed through the place of the seedling storage situated at the headland. In the future, we decide to conduct a study on path planning of breakpoint endurance so that the rice transplanter can automatically return to the supplying seedling place when the seedling amount in the seedling box is not enough.
Scrubber Filter in the Phosphate Fertilizer Factory Reduces Fluorine Emission and Accumulation in Corn
Authors: Silva Gleidson Junior , Ferraz-Almeida Risely
Published: February 2023

Fluorine (F) produced from the fertilizer factory occurs in the process of phosphate fertilizer production, using sulfur and phosphate rocks as raw materials. Technologies to control atmospheric pollution with F should be adopted to reduce the impact on agricultural production. This study has the hypothesis that the emission of F, derived from the chimneys of fertilizer factories, is influencing the quality of corn (Zea mays L.) and increasing the F levels in the soil and plants. The objective of the study was to monitor the contents of F in corn leaves and soil in properties located close to the fertilizer production industry (between 1.5 and 2.0 km) before and after the installation of scrubber filters in the chimneys of the factory. A field study was carried out during the 2020/2021 harvest to evaluate the contents of F in corn plants and soil. Results showed that the scrubber filter installation represented a F reduction average of 92% in leaves comparing the average before the scrubber filter installation. Corn showed symptoms of F toxicity, such as leaf chlorosis, caused by the disintegration of chloroplasts, inhibition of photosynthesis, and others. In addition, there was a reduction of 40% (from the first to the second collecting) and 75% (from the first to the third collecting) in the levels of F in the soil after the scrubber filter installation. Based on the results, we conclude that the implementation of a scrubber filter is an optimal alternative to reduce F levels in corn leaves and the soil in properties located close to a fertilizer factory.
Understanding the Role of Community Ecology and Pathogen Dynamics in Infectious Diseases in Animals
Authors: Mesquita João R.
Published: February 2023

Since the beginning of ages, pathogens have circulated worldwide, with many causing significant morbidity and mortality in humans [...]
Anti-RuvBL1/2 Autoantibodies Detection in a Patient with Overlap Systemic Sclerosis and Polymyositis
Authors: Di Pietro Linda , Chiccoli Fabio , Salvati Lorenzo , Vivarelli Emanuele , Vultaggio Alessandra , Matucci Andrea , Bentow Chelsea , Mahler Michael , Parronchi Paola , Palterer Boaz
Published: February 2023

Anti-RuvBL1/2 autoantibodies have recently been detected in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and scleromyositis overlap syndromes. These autoantibodies exhibit a distinct speckled pattern in an indirect immunofluorescent assay on Hep-2 cells. We report the case of a 48 year old man with facial changes, Raynaud’s phenomenon, puffy fingers, and muscle pain. A speckled pattern on Hep-2 cells was identified, but the conventional antibody testing was negative. Based on the clinical suspicion and the ANA pattern, further testing was sought demonstrating anti-RuvBL1/2 autoantibodies. Hence, a review of the English literature was performed to define this newly emerging clinical–serological syndrome. With the one here reported, a total of 52 cases have been described to date (December 2022). Anti-RuvBL1/2 autoantibodies are highly specific for SSc and are associated with SSc/PM overlaps. Apart from myopathy, gastrointestinal and pulmonary involvement are frequently observed in these patients (94% and 88%, respectively).
Association of Antibacterial Susceptibility Profile with the Prevalence of Genes Encoding Efflux Proteins in the Bangladeshi Clinical Isolates of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Suma Tanjina Akter , Alam Nushrat , Raihan Sheikh Zahir , Zahid Md. Al , Mandal Shankar Chandra , Suchana Fahrin Jahan , Kundu Ripa , Hossain Anwar , Muhit Md. Abdul
Published: February 2023

Expelling antibiotic molecules out of the cell wall through multiple efflux pumps is one of the potential mechanisms of developing resistance against a wide number of antibiotics in Staphylococcus aureus. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the antibiotic susceptibility profile and the prevalence of different efflux pump genes i.e., norA, norB, norC, mepA, sepA, mdeA, qacA/B, and smr in the clinical isolates of S. aureus. Sixty clinical isolates were collected from a tertiary level hospital in Bangladesh. The disc diffusion method using ten antibiotics of different classes was used to discern the susceptibility profile. polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed to observe the resistance patterns and to detect the presence of plasmid and chromosomal encoded genes. Among the clinical isolates, 60% (36 out of 60) of the samples were Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), whereas 55% (33 out of 60) of the bacterial samples were found to be multi-drug resistant. The bacteria showed higher resistance to vancomycin (73.33%), followed by ciprofloxacin (60%), cefixime (53.33%), azithromycin (43.33%), and amoxicillin (31.67%). The prevalence of the chromosomally-encoded efflux genes norA (91.67%), norB (90%), norC (93.33%), mepA (93.33%), sepA (98.33%), and mdeA (93.33%) were extremely high with a minor portion of them carrying the plasmid-encoded genes qacA/B (20%) and smr (8.33%). Several genetic combinations of efflux pump genes were revealed, among which norA + norB + norC + mepA + sepA + mdeA was the most widely distributed combination among MRSA and MSSA bacteria that conferred resistance against ciprofloxacin and probably vancomycin. Based on the present study, it is evident that the presence of multiple efflux genes potentiated the drug extrusion activity and may play a pivotal role in the development of multidrug resistance in S. aureus.
Synthesis, Characterization, Cytotoxicity Analysis and Evaluation of Novel Heterocyclic Derivatives of Benzamidine against Periodontal Disease Triggering Bacteria
Authors: Kavitha Ramasamy , Sa’ad Mohammad Auwal , Fuloria Shivkanya , Fuloria Neeraj Kumar , Ravichandran Manickam , Lalitha Pattabhiraman
Published: February 2023

Periodontal disease (PD) is multifactorial oral disease that damages tooth-supporting tissue. PD treatment includes proper oral hygiene, deep cleaning, antibiotics therapy, and surgery. Despite the availability of basic treatments, some of these are rendered undesirable in PD treatment due to side effects and expense. Therefore, the aim of the present study is to develop novel molecules to combat the PD triggering pathogens. The study involved the synthesis of 4-((5-(substituted-phenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)methoxy)benzamidine (5a-e), by condensation of 2-(4-carbamimidoylphenoxy)acetohydrazide (3) with different aromatic acids; and synthesis of 4-((4-(substituted benzylideneamino)-4H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl)methoxy)benzamidine (6a-b) by treatment of compound 3 with CS2 followed by hydrazination and a Schiff reaction with different aromatic aldehydes. Synthesized compounds were characterized based on the NMR, FTIR, and mass spectrometric data. To assess the effectiveness of the newly synthesized compound in PD, new compounds were subjected to antimicrobial evaluation against P. gingivalis and E. coli using the micro-broth dilution method. Synthesized compounds were also subjected to cytotoxicity evaluation against HEK-293 cells using an MTT assay. The present study revealed the successful synthesis of heterocyclic derivatives of benzamidine with significant inhibitory potential against P. gingivalis and E. coli. Synthesized compounds exhibited minimal to the absence of cytotoxicity. Significant antimicrobial potential and least/no cytotoxicity of new heterocyclic analogs of benzamidine against PD-triggering bacteria supports their potential application in PD treatment.
Induction of Viable but Non-Culturable State in Clinically Relevant Staphylococci and Their Detection with Bacteriophage K
Authors: Šuster Katja , Cör Andrej
Published: February 2023

Prosthetic joint infections are frequently associated with biofilm formation and the presence of viable but non-culturable (VBNC) bacteria. Conventional sample culturing remains the gold standard for microbiological diagnosis. However, VBNC bacteria lack the ability to grow on routine culture medium, leading to culture-negative results. Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically recognize and infect bacteria. In this study, we wanted to determine if bacteriophages could be used to detect VBNC bacteria. Four staphylococcal strains were cultured for biofilm formation and transferred to low-nutrient media with different gentamycin concentrations for VBNC state induction. VBNC bacteria were confirmed with the BacLightTM viability kit staining. Suspensions of live, dead, and VBNC bacteria were incubated with bacteriophage K and assessed in a qPCR for their detection. The VBNC state was successfully induced 8 to 19 days after incubation under stressful conditions. In total, 6.1 to 23.9% of bacteria were confirmed alive while not growing on conventional culturing media. During the qPCR assay, live bacterial suspensions showed a substantial increase in phage DNA. No detection was observed in dead bacteria or phage non-susceptible E. coli suspensions. However, a reduction in phage DNA in VBNC bacterial suspensions was observed, which confirmed the detection was successful based on the adsorption of phages.
A Tale of Two Pandemics: Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns of Enterococcus spp. in COVID-19 Era
Authors: Toc Dan Alexandru , Botan Alexandru , Botescu Ana Maria Cristia , Brata Vlad Dumitru , Colosi Ioana Alina , Costache Carmen , Junie Lia Monica
Published: February 2023

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has held the spotlight over the past years, the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenomenon continues to develop in an alarming manner. The lack of strict antibiotic regulation added to the overuse of antimicrobials fueled the AMR pandemic. This paper aims to analyze and identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on antibiotic resistance patterns of Enterococcus spp. The study was designed as a retrospective observational study. Enterococcus spp. infections data were collected from one academic hospital in Cluj-Napoca, Romania over 18 months. A statistical analysis was performed to compare antibiotic resistance phenotypes identified. We recorded an increase in the isolation rates of Enterococcus spp. strains, from 26 isolates (26.53%) during Period A (November 2020–April 2021) to 42 strains (42.85%) during Period C (November 2021–April 2022). The number of strains with resistance to vancomycin increased from 8 during Period A to 17 during Period C. Of the total 36 strains with resistance to vancomycin, 25 were identified as E. faecium. SARS-CoV-2 patients (n = 29) proved to be at risk to develop an E. faecium co-infection (n = 18). We observed that strains with resistance to ampicillin (n = 20) and vancomycin (n = 15) are more often isolated from these patients. All changes identified in our study are to be considered in the light of COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the threatening AMR phenomenon in Romania. Further studies should be performed to quantify the worldwide effects of these pandemics.
Impact of Persistent Multidrug-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacteremia on Clinical Outcome and Mortality
Authors: Kitaya Shiori , Kanamori Hajime , Katori Yukio , Tokuda Koichi
Published: February 2023

The clinical aspects of persistent bacteremia (PB) caused by gram-negative rods (GNRs) in terms of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and PB clearance status are unclear. This secondary analysis of a retrospective cohort study investigated differences in PB caused by Enterobacterales and glucose non-fermentative GNRs (NF-GNRs) based on AMR and PB clearance. We retrospectively surveyed medical records at Tohoku University Hospital. Patients for whom blood cultures were performed between January 2012 and December 2021 were recruited. PB cases were grouped based on AMR and PB clearance; the characteristics of PB due to each bacterial pathogen were examined. The main outcome variable was mortality. The late (30–90-day) mortality rate was significantly higher in the multidrug-resistant (MDR) group than in the non-MDR group for Enterobacterales. However, no significant difference was noted in mortality rates between NF-GNRs with and without AMR. Mortality rates tended to be higher in the non-PB-clearance group than in the clearance group for both Enterobacterales and NF-GNRs. Since the mortality rate was higher in the MDR group in the case of Enterobacterales PB, more careful management is necessary for this condition. Follow-up blood cultures and confirming the clearance of PB are useful for improving the survival rate.
Early-Life Antibiotic Exposure and Childhood Asthma Trajectories: A National Population-Based Birth Cohort
Authors: Lu Yankun , Wang Yichao , Wang Jing , Lowe Adrian J. , Grzeskowiak Luke E. , Hu Yanhong J.
Published: February 2023

Introduction: Early-life antibiotic exposure is common and impacts the development of the child’s microbiome and immune system. Information on the impacts of early-life antibiotics exposure on childhood asthma is lacking. Methods: This study examined associations between early-life (0–24 months) antibiotics exposure with childhood (6–15 years) asthma trajectories through the Australian Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) and their linked data from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. Asthma phenotypes were derived by group-based trajectory modeling. Results: Of 5107 LSAC participants, 4318 were included in the final analyses (84.6% retention). Four asthma phenotypes were identified: Always-low-risk (79.0%), early-resolving asthma (7.1%), early-persistent asthma (7.9%), and late-onset asthma (6.0%). Any early-life antibiotic exposure increased risk 2.3-fold (95% CI: 1.47–3.67; p < 0.001) for early-persistent asthma among all children. In subgroup analyses, early-persistent asthma risk increased by 2.7-fold with any second-generation cephalosporin exposure, and by 2-fold with any β-lactam other than cephalosporin or macrolide exposure. Conclusion: We concluded that early-life antibiotic exposure is associated with an increased risk of early-persistent childhood asthma. This reinforces scrutiny of early-life antibiotic use, particularly for common viral infections where no antibiotics are required.
Chemical Constituents from Streblus taxoides Wood with Their Antibacterial and Antityrosinase Activities Plus in Silico Study
Authors: Parndaeng Kedsaraporn , Pitakbut Thanet , Wattanapiromsakul Chatchai , Hwang Jae Sung , Udomuksorn Wandee , Dej-adisai Sukanya
Published: February 2023

Hyperpigmentation frequently occurs after inflammation from bacterial infection. Thus, the inhibition activity of tyrosinase, the key enzyme to catalyze the melanogenesis and/or inhibition of bacterial infection, could decrease melanin production. Hence, the potential inhibitors could be discovered from natural products. ω-Hydroxymoracin C (1), a new compound with two other 2-arylbenzofurans, i.e., moracin M (2) and moracin C (3), and two stilbenes, i.e., 3, 4, 3’, 5′-tetrahydroxybibenzyl (4) and piceatannol (5), were isolated from the wood of Streblus taxoides. Compound 4 showed a strong inhibitory activity against tyrosinase enzyme with an IC50 value of 35.65 µg/mL, followed by compound 2 with an IC50 value of 47.34 µg/mL. Conversely, compound 1, 3 and 5 showed moderate activity, with IC50 values of 109.64, 128.67 and 149.73 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, compound 1 and 3 showed an antibacterial effect against some Staphylococcus spp. Thus, the isolated compounds exhibited potential antityrosine and antibacterial effects. Additionally, an in silico study was performed in order to predict theoretical molecular interactions between the obtained metabolites from S. taxoides and tyrosinase as an extended in vitro enzyme binding assay experiment.
Why Veterinarians (Do Not) Adhere to the Clinical Practice Streptococcus suis in Weaned Pigs Guideline: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Wayop Isaura Y. A. , de Vet Emely , Wagenaar Jaap A. , Speksnijder David C.
Published: February 2023

The Netherlands has been very successful in the last decade in reducing antimicrobial use in animals. On about a quarter of farms, antimicrobial use in weaned pigs remains relatively high. As Streptococcus suis (S. suis) infections are responsible for a high consumption of antimicrobials, a specific veterinary guideline to control S. suis was developed, but seemed to be poorly adopted by veterinarians. Guided by the theoretical domains framework, the aim of this study was to identify determinants influencing veterinarians’ adherence to this guideline. We interviewed 13 pig veterinarians. Interviewees described multiple approaches to managing S. suis problems and adherence to the guideline. Mentioned determinants could be categorized into 12 theoretical domains. The following six domains were mentioned in all interviews: knowledge, skills, beliefs about capabilities, beliefs about consequences, social influences, and environmental context and resources. The insights derived from this study are relevant for understanding factors influencing veterinarians’ adoption of scientific evidence and guidelines and can be used to develop evidence-based implementation strategies for veterinary guidelines.
Simple HPLC-UV Method for Piperacillin/Tazobactam Assay in Human Plasma
Authors: Abdelkawy Khaled , Le Tyson , Mahmoud Sherif Hanafy
Published: February 2023

Background: Piperacillin (Pip)/tazobactam (Taz) is a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that has been commonly used in the intensive care unit for severe and life-threatening infections. Recent evidence suggests that therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for Pip could be beneficial in clinical practice to facilitate dose optimization and increase the odds of treatment success. The aim was to develop and validate a sensitive and simple high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for the simultaneous quantification of Pip and Taz in human plasma. Methods: Samples (0.3 mL) were deproteinized with acetonitrile. The supernatant was evaporated and then reconstituted and injected into the HPLC. The chromatographic analysis was carried out by using the C18 column and gradient elution with the acetonitrile:water mobile phase mixture with 0.1% trifluoracetic acid at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min using a UV detector at 218 nm. Results: The method had acceptable linearity (r2 > 0.99) over the concentration ranges of 0.5–400 μg/mL and 1–100 μg/mL for Pip and Taz, respectively. The method demonstrated acceptable inter- and intra-day precision and accuracy within ±20% with adequate stability results. Conclusion: The developed method is sensitive and simple and utilizes simple sample preparation and elution steps, making it suitable and practical for Pip/Taz TDM.
Placental Malfunction, Fetal Survival and Development Caused by Sow Metabolic Disorder: The Impact of Maternal Oxidative Stress
Authors: Yang Xizi , Hu Ruizhi , Shi Mingkun , Wang Long , Yan Jiahao , Gong Jiatai , Zhang Qianjin , He Jianhua , Wu Shusong
Published: February 2023

The energy and metabolic state of sows will alter considerably over different phases of gestation. Maternal metabolism increases dramatically, particularly in late pregnancy. This is accompanied by the development of an increase in oxidative stress, which has a considerable negative effect on the maternal and the placenta. As the only link between the maternal and the fetus, the placenta is critical for the maternal to deliver nutrients to the fetus and for the fetus’ survival and development. This review aimed to clarify the changes in energy and metabolism in sows during different pregnancy periods, as well as the impact of maternal oxidative stress on the placenta, which affects the fetus’ survival and development.
Critical Role of the Sulfiredoxin-Peroxiredoxin IV Axis in Urethane-Induced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Hao Yanning , Jiang Hong , Thapa Pratik , Ding Na , Alshahrani Aziza , Fujii Junichi , Toledano Michel B. , Wei Qiou
Published: February 2023

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), the most common type of lung cancer, etiologically associates with tobacco smoking which mechanistically contributes to oxidative stress to facilitate the occurrence of mutations, oncogenic transformation and aberrantly activated signaling pathways. Our previous reports suggested an essential role of Sulfiredoxin (Srx) in promoting the development of lung cancer in humans, and was causally related to Peroxiredoxin IV (Prx4), the major downstream substrate and mediator of Srx-enhanced signaling. To further explore the role of the Srx-Prx4 axis in de novo lung tumorigenesis, we established Prx4−/− and Srx−/−/Prx4−/− mice in pure FVB/N background. Together with wild-type litter mates, these mice were exposed to carcinogenic urethane and the development of lung tumorigenesis was evaluated. We found that disruption of the Srx-Prx4 axis, either through knockout of Srx/Prx4 alone or together, led to a reduced number and size of lung tumors in mice. Immunohistological studies found that loss of Srx/Prx4 led to reduced rate of cell proliferation and less intratumoral macrophage infiltration. Mechanistically, we found that exposure to urethane increased the levels of reactive oxygen species, activated the expression of and Prx4 in normal lung epithelial cells, while knockout of Prx4 inhibited urethane-induced cell transformation. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis found that the Srx-Prx4 axis is activated in many human cancers, and their increased expression is tightly correlated with poor prognosis in NSCLC patients.
Deformation Characteristics and Grouting Control Technology of Reused Roadway in a Fully Mechanized Coalface with Large Mining Height
Authors: Zhao Leilei , Cui Zhendong , Peng Ruidong , Wei Tao , Wang Longcan , Liu Dongxu
Published: February 2023

Reused roadways are increasingly adopted in fully mechanized coalfaces with large mining heights because of the ventilation and gas drainage problems. However, the forced mechanism and grouting control technology of the reused roadway was seldom studied. Hence, in this paper, field monitoring and numerical simulation were undertaken to investigate the distribution of stress and deformation of the reused roadway, and the reasonable grouting opportunities and technological parameters were determined accordingly. Engineering application of grouting control technology with self-developed inorganic double-fluid grouting materials was conducted. The field monitoring and numerical simulation revealed that the reused roadway was significantly affected by the lateral abutment pressure during the first mining operation and by the leading abutment pressure during the second mining operation. It was characterized by lagging stable deformation during the first mining operation and ceaselessly increasing deformation during the second mining operation. The deformation range of the reused roadway during the first mining operation can be divided into three stages: initial deformation, violent deformation and plateaued deformation, while the deformation range can be divided into three distinct stages: initial deformation, slow deformation and violent deformation during the second mining operation. On the basis of the roadway deformation law, two grouting opportunities were confirmed. The first grouting opportunity was suggested in the front part of the plateaued deformation stage during the first mining. The second grouting opportunity was suggested in the slow deformation stage during the second mining. Field engineering applications showed that both the deformation range and value of the reused roadway were decreased obviously after grouting.