bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ursolic Acid Induces Beneficial Changes in Skeletal Muscle mRNA Expression and Increases Exercise Participation and Performance in Dogs with Age-Related Muscle Atrophy
Authors: Ebert Scott M. , Nicolas Celine S. , Schreiber Paul , Lopez Jaime G. , Taylor Alan T. , Judge Andrew R. , Judge Sarah M. , Rasmussen Blake B. , Talley John J. , Rème Christophe A. , Adams Christopher M.
Published: January 2024

Muscle atrophy and weakness are prevalent and debilitating conditions in dogs that cannot be reliably prevented or treated by current approaches. In non-canine species, the natural dietary compound ursolic acid inhibits molecular mechanisms of muscle atrophy, leading to improvements in muscle health. To begin to translate ursolic acid to canine health, we developed a novel ursolic acid dietary supplement for dogs and confirmed its safety and tolerability in dogs. We then conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept efficacy study in older beagles with age-related muscle atrophy, also known as sarcopenia. Animals received placebo or ursolic acid dietary supplements once a day for 60 days. To assess the study’s primary outcome, we biopsied the quadriceps muscle and quantified atrophy-associated mRNA expression. Additionally, to determine whether the molecular effects of ursolic acid might have functional correlates consistent with improvements in muscle health, we assessed secondary outcomes of exercise participation and T-maze performance. Importantly, in canine skeletal muscle, ursolic acid inhibited numerous mRNA expression changes that are known to promote muscle atrophy and weakness. Furthermore, ursolic acid significantly improved exercise participation and T-maze performance. These findings identify ursolic acid as a natural dietary compound that inhibits molecular mechanisms of muscle atrophy and improves functional performance in dogs.
Prospective Study of 506 Dogs with Tick Paralysis: Investigating Measures of Severity and Clinical Signs as Predictors of Mortality and Assessing the Benefits of Different Therapeutics
Authors: Atwell Rick , Vankan Dianne
Published: January 2024

Survey data from 42 Australian eastern seaboard veterinary practices involving 506 cases are reported with regard to clinical signs, disease severity, mortality, use of pharmaceuticals, and recovery times. New measures of disease severity (visual analogue scales (VAS) and facial expressions) were tested alongside “gold standard” measures (neuromuscular junction (NMJ) scores). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate associations between variables. The VAS scores were progressive, prognostic (especially the respiratory scores) and correlated with the NMJ scores. The presence of inspiratory dyspnoea and crackles on the day of hospitalisation, progressing to expiratory dyspnoea and an expiratory wheeze 24 h later, were highly predictive of mortality. Altered facial features on hospital admission were also highly predictive of mortality. The previously used respiratory score (using various clinical signs) was not predictive of mortality. Older animals had a higher mortality rate, and no gender or breed susceptibility was found. The only pharmaceuticals that were positively associated with mortality were tick antiserum and, in severe cases, antibiotics. The use of many pharmaceutical products (acepromazine, atropine, steroids, antihistamines, antiemetics, diuretics, and S8 anti-anxiety and sedation drugs) had no effect on mortality. More drug classes were used with increasing clinical severity and specific factors (e.g., vomiting/retching, hydration) affected the period of hospitalisation. Geographic variation in respiratory signs and toxicity scores was evident, whereas mortality and disease severity were not different across regions.
Shape and Size Variations of Distal Phalanges in Cattle
Authors: Manuta Nicoleta , Çakar Buket , Gündemir Ozan , Spataru Mihaela-Claudia
Published: January 2024

Studies on the structure of the distal phalanx help explain the development of laminitis. Additionally, examining the structure of the distal phalanx from a taxonomic perspective also contributes to veterinary anatomy. In this study, we examined shape variation in the medial and lateral distal phalanx of both fore- and hindlimbs using the geometric morphometry method. We investigated whether the shape of the distal phalanx differed between phalanx positions and how much of the shape variation in this bone depends on size. For this purpose, distal phalanges from 20 Holstein cattle were used, and the bones were digitized in 3D. A draft containing 176 semi-landmarks was prepared for shape analysis, and this draft was applied to all samples using automated landmarking through point cloud alignment and correspondence analysis. A principal component analysis was performed to obtain general patterns of morphological variation. The centroid size (CS) was employed as an approximation of size. Although distal phalanx groups generally showed close variations, PC1 statistically separated the hindlimb lateral distal phalanx (HL) and the forelimb medial distal phalanx (FM) from each other in shape. While PC2 separated HL from other distal phalanx groups, PC3 separated fore- and hindlimb groups. The shape (Procrustes distance) of the hindlimb medial distal phalanx (HM) is markedly less variable than the other three phalanges. The smallest distal phalanx in size was HL. For both forelimb and hindlimb, the medial distal phalanges were larger than the lateral ones. Size (CS) was found to have an effect on PC1 and PC3. In this study, a reference model of the same breeds for distal phalanx was created. These results can provide useful information, especially in terms of veterinary anatomy, zooarchaeology, and paleontology.
Breed-Specific Skull Morphology Reveals Insights into Canine Optic Chiasm Positioning and Orbital Structure through 3D CT Scan Analysis
Authors: Ichikawa Yoichiro , Kanemaki Nobuyuki , Kanai Kazutaka
Published: January 2024

This study’s CT scan-based morphometric analysis of 50 adult dogs explored the relationship between skull shape variations (determined by the skull index, SI), optic chiasm, optic canals, and orbital shape. Dogs were classified as brachycephalic (SI ≥ 59), mesocephalic (SI ≥ 51 but <59), and dolichocephalic (SI < 51). No significant age or weight differences were observed. Skull lengths (brachycephalic: 11.39 ± 1.76 cm, mesocephalic: 15.00 ± 2.96 cm, dolichocephalic: 17.96 ± 3.44 cm) and facial lengths (brachycephalic: 3.63 ± 1.00 cm, mesocephalic: 6.46 ± 1.55 cm, dolichocephalic: 8.23 ± 1.03 cm) varied significantly, with shorter orbital depths (brachycephalic: 2.58 ± 0.42 cm, mesocephalic: 3.19 ± 0.65 cm, dolichocephalic: 3.61 ± 0.77 cm) in brachycephalic dogs. The optic chiasm-to-inion horizontal length ratio to cranial horizontal length positively correlated with the SI (r = 0.883, p < 0.001), while the ratio to neurocranial length showed no SI correlation (range: 55.5–75.0). Brachycephalic breeds had a significantly wider optic canal angle (93.74 ± 16.00°), along with broader lacrimal-zygomatic and zygomatic frontal process angles. These findings highlight the zygomatic bone’s role in influencing breed-specific orbital variations by connecting the face to the neurocranium, projecting the orbital rim outward and forward with facial shortening.
Isolation of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) from Salmonids for Potential Use as Probiotics: In Vitro Assays and Toxicity Assessment of Salmo trutta Embryonated Eggs
Authors: Vargas-González Augusto , Barajas Miguel , Pérez-Sánchez Tania
Published: January 2024

This research investigates the potential of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from freshwater salmonids as prospective probiotics for application in aquaculture. LAB and pathogenic bacteria were obtained from mucus and tissues of Oncorhynchus mykiss and Salmo trutta from fish farms in northeast Spain that had not used antibiotics for the six months preceding the study. Isolates were identified using Gram staining and sequencing of 16S rRNA and ITS-1. To assess the safety of the LAB, antibiotic susceptibility tests (ASTs) against 23 antimicrobials were performed. In vitro antagonism assays were conducted to evaluate the inhibitory effects of living LAB using the agar diffusion test method and their metabolites using the agar well diffusion method. The assays targeted six specific pathogens: Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida, Carnobacterium maltaromaticum, Vagococcus salmoninarum, Yersinia ruckeri, Lactococcus garvieae, and the marine pathogen Vibrio jasicida. Additionally, a toxicity assay was conducted on embryonic eggs of S. trutta. The ASTs on probiotic LAB candidates revealed varied responses to antimicrobials, but no resistance to oxytetracycline or florfenicol, which are two antibiotics commonly used in aquaculture, was detected. The in vitro assays indicate that LAB exhibit antagonistic effects against pathogens, primarily when directly stimulated by their presence. In applications involving embryonic eggs or larvae, certain live strains of LAB were found to have adverse effects, with some isolates resulting in higher mortality rates compared to the control group or other isolates. Furthermore, the potential pathogenicity of certain LAB strains, typically considered safe in salmonids, warrants deeper investigation.
Detection of Runs of Homozygosity and Identification of Candidate Genes in the Whole Genome of Tunchang Pigs
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Zhong Ziqi , Xie Xinfeng , Wang Feifan , Pan Deyou , Wang Qishan , Pan Yuchun , Xiao Qian , Tan Zhen
Published: January 2024

Tunchang pigs are an indigenous pig population in China known for their high tolerance to roughage, delicious meat, and fecundity. However, the number of Tunchang pigs has been declining due to the influence of commercial breeds and African swine fever, which could potentially lead to inbreeding. To assess the inbreeding level and the genetic basis of important traits in Tunchang pigs, our research investigated the patterns in “runs of homozygosity” (ROHs) using whole genome resequencing data from 32 Tunchang pigs. The study aimed to determine the length, number, coverage, and distribution model of ROHs in Tunchang pigs, as well as genomic regions with high ROH frequencies. The results of the study revealed that a total of 20,499,374 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 1953 ROH fragments were recognized in 32 individuals. The ROH fragments in Tunchang pigs were predominantly short, ranging from 0.5 to 1 megabases (Mb) in length. Furthermore, the coverage of ROHs varied across chromosomes, with chromosome 3 having the highest coverage and chromosome 11 having the lowest coverage. The genetic diversity of Tunchang pigs was found to be relatively high based on the values of HE (expected heterozygosity), HO (observed heterozygosity), pi (nucleotide diversity), Ne (effective population size), and MAF (minor allele frequency). The average inbreeding coefficients of Tunchang pigs, as determined by three different methods (FHOM, FGRM, and FROH), were 0.019, 0.0138, and 0.0304, respectively. These values indicate that the level of inbreeding in Tunchang pigs is currently low. Additionally, the study identified a total of 13 ROH islands on all chromosomes, which in total contained 38,913 SNPs and 120 genes. These ROH islands included genes associated with economically important traits, including meat quality (GYS1, PHLPP1, SLC27A5, and CRTC1), growth and development (ANKS1A, TAF11, SPDEF, LHB, and PACSIN1), and environmental adaptation (SLC26A7). The findings of this research offer valuable perspectives on the present status of Tunchang pig resources and offer a reference for breeding conservation plans and the efficient utilization of Tunchang pigs in the future. By understanding the inbreeding level and genetic basis of important traits in Tunchang pigs, conservation efforts can be targeted towards maintaining genetic diversity and promoting the sustainable development of this indigenous pig population.
Changes in Flight Altitude of Black-Tailed Gulls According to Temporal and Environmental Differences
Authors: Park Jong-Hyun , Jeong In-Yong , Lee Seung-Hae , Yoo Jeong-Chil , Lee Who-Seung
Published: January 2024

In this study, GPS trackers were attached to black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris) breeding on five islands in Republic of Korea during April and May 2021, and their flight frequency, behavioral range, and flight altitude were compared during and after the breeding season. During the breeding season, the flight frequency was lowest on Dongman Island (28.7%), where mudflats were distributed nearby, and the range of activity was narrow. In contrast, it tended to be high on Gungsi Island (52%), where the breeding colony was far from land, resulting in a wider range of activity. Although the flight frequency on Dongman Island increased post-breeding season (42.7%), it decreased on other islands. The mean flight altitude during the breeding season was lowest on Dongman Island and highest on Napdaegi Island. In most breeding areas, the mean flight altitude during the post-breeding season was higher than that during the breeding season. However, the lead flight altitude was lower during the non-breeding season compared to that in the breeding season. The home range expanded after the breeding season, with no significant difference in lead time between the breeding and non-breeding seasons. Our findings reveal that black-tailed gulls exhibit varying home ranges and flight altitudes depending on season and geographical location. As generalists, gulls display flexible responses to environmental changes, indicating that flight behavior adapts to the evolving environment over time and across regions.
Research Progress on the Mechanism of Milk Fat Synthesis in Cows and the Effect of Conjugated Linoleic Acid on Milk Fat Metabolism and Its Underlying Mechanism: A Review
Authors: Guo Yuanyin , Wei Ziang , Zhang Yi , Cao Jie
Published: January 2024

Milk fat synthesis in cows mainly includes the synthesis of short- and medium-chain fatty acids, the uptake, transport, and activation of long-chain fatty acids (LCFAs), the synthesis of triglycerides, and the synthesis of the genes, transcription factors, and signaling pathways involved. Although the various stages of milk fat synthesis have been outlined in previous research, only partial processes have been revealed. CLA consists of an aggregation of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic fatty acid, and the accumulated evidence suggests that the two isomers of the active forms of CLA (cis-9, trans-11 conjugated linoleic acid and trans-10, cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid, abbreviated as c9, t11-CLA and t10, c12-CLA) can reduce the fat content in milk by regulating lipogenesis, fatty acid (FA) uptake, oxidation, and fat synthesis. However, the mechanism through which CLA inhibits milk fat synthesis is unique, with most studies focusing only on the effects of CLA on one of the genes, transcription factors, or signaling pathways involved. In this study, we summarized the structure and function of classic genes and pathways (mTOR, SREBP, AMPK, and PPARG) and new genes or pathways (THRSP, METTL3, ELOVL, and LPIN1) involved in each stage of milk fat synthesis and demonstrated the interactions between genes and pathways. We also examined the effects of other substances (melanin, nicotinic acid, SA, etc.). Furthermore, we evaluated the influence of β-sitosterol, sodium butyrate, Met arginine, and Camellia oleifera Abel on milk fat synthesis to improve the mechanism of milk fat synthesis in cows and provide a mechanistic reference for the use of CLA in inhibiting milk fat biosynthesis.
MassArray Genotyping as a Selection Tool for Extending the Shelf-Life of Fresh Gilthead Sea Bream and European Seabass
Authors: Angelakopoulos Rafael , Tsipourlianos Andreas , Giannoulis Themistoklis , Mamuris Zissis , Moutou Katerina A.
Published: January 2024

In modern aquaculture, genomics-driven breeding programs have emerged as powerful tools for optimizing fish quality. This study focused on two emblematic Mediterranean fish species, the European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and the gilthead sea bream (Sparus aurata), with a primary aim of exploring the genetic basis of white muscle/fillet degradation in fresh fish following harvest. We identified 57 and 44 missense SNPs in gilthead sea bream and European seabass, respectively, located within genes encoding for endogenous proteases responsible for fillet quality. These SNPs were cherry-picked based on their strategic location within the catalytic/regulatory domains of endogenous proteases that are expressed in the white muscle. Using MassArray technology, we successfully associated differentiated enzymatic activity of those endogenous proteases post-harvest as a phenotypic trait with genetic polymorphism of six SNPs in gilthead sea bream and nine in European seabass. These findings can be valuable attributes in selective breeding programs toward the extension of freshness and shelf life of these species. The integration of MassArray technology into breeding programs offers a cost-effective strategy for harnessing the potential of these genetic variants to enhance the overall quality of the final product. Recognizing that fresh fish perishability is a challenge, extending shelf-life is pivotal in reducing losses and production costs.
Is It Time to Reconsider Rituximab Dosing Regimens for Pemphigus Vulgaris?
Authors: Ciolfi Christian , Tartaglia Jacopo , Alaibac Mauro
Published: January 2024

Rituximab is currently approved for patients affected by moderate-to-severe pemphigus vulgaris, a severe autoimmune blistering skin disease that can be life-threatening. The standard rituximab dosing regimens, originally established for B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, have been recognized to exceed the effective dose required for inducing B-cell depletion, considering that the B-cell burden in pemphigus vulgaris is considerably lower than in lymphoproliferative disorders. We herein report our experience with very ultra-low-dose rituximab in two patients affected by pemphigus vulgaris.
Isolation and Characterization of Neutralizing Monoclonal Antibodies from a Large Panel of Murine Antibodies against RBD of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein
Authors: D’Acunto Emanuela , Muzi Alessia , Marchese Silvia , Donnici Lorena , Chiarini Valerio , Bucci Federica , Pavoni Emiliano , Ferrara Fabiana Fosca , Cappelletti Manuela , Arriga Roberto , Serrao Silvia Maria , Peluzzi Valentina , Principato Eugenia , Compagnone Mirco , Pinto Eleonora , Luberto Laura , Stoppoloni Daniela , Lahm Armin , Groß Rüdiger , Seidel Alina , Wettstein Lukas , Münch Jan , Goodhead Andrew , Parisot Judicael , De Francesco Raffaele , Ciliberto Gennaro , Marra Emanuele , Aurisicchio Luigi , Roscilli Giuseppe
Published: January 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic, once a global crisis, is now largely under control, a testament to the extraordinary global efforts involving vaccination and public health measures. However, the relentless evolution of SARS-CoV-2, leading to the emergence of new variants, continues to underscore the importance of remaining vigilant and adaptable. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have stood out as a powerful and immediate therapeutic response to COVID-19. Despite the success of mAbs, the evolution of SARS-CoV-2 continues to pose challenges and the available antibodies are no longer effective. New variants require the ongoing development of effective antibodies. In the present study, we describe the generation and characterization of neutralizing mAbs against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by combining plasmid DNA and recombinant protein vaccination. By integrating genetic immunization for rapid antibody production and the potent immune stimulation enabled by protein vaccination, we produced a rich pool of antibodies, each with unique binding and neutralizing specificities, tested with the ELISA, BLI and FACS assays and the pseudovirus assay, respectively. Here, we present a panel of mAbs effective against the SARS-CoV-2 variants up to Omicron BA.1 and BA.5, with the flexibility to target emerging variants. This approach ensures the preparedness principle is in place to address SARS-CoV-2 actual and future infections.
Clinical and Analytical Performance of ELISA Salivary Serologic Assay to Detect SARS-CoV-2 IgG in Children and Adults
Authors: Padoan Andrea , Cosma Chiara , Di Chiara Costanza , Furlan Giulia , Gastaldo Stefano , Talli Ilaria , Donà Daniele , Basso Daniela , Giaquinto Carlo , Plebani Mario
Published: January 2024

Saliva is a promising matrix with several purposes. Our aim is to verify if salivary anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody determination is suitable for monitoring immune responses. One hundred eighty-seven subjects were enrolled at University-Hospital Padova: 105 females (56.1%) and 82 males (43.9%), 95 (50.8%) children and 92 (49.2%) adults. Subjects self-collected saliva using Salivette; nineteen subjects collected three different samples within the day. A serum sample was obtained for all individuals. The N/S anti-SARS-CoV-2 salivary IgG (sal-IgG) and serum anti-SARS-CoV-2 S-RBD IgG (ser-IgG) were used for determining anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. The mean (min–max) age was 9.0 (1–18) for children and 42.5 (20–61) for adults. Of 187 samples, 63 were negative for sal-IgG (33.7%), while 7 were negative for ser-IgG (3.7%). Spearman’s correlation was 0.56 (p < 0.001). Sal-IgG and ser-IgG levels were correlated with age but not with gender, comorbidities, prolonged therapy, previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, or time from last COVID-19 infection/vaccination. The repeatability ranged from 23.8% (7.4 kAU/L) to 4.0% (3.77 kAU/L). The linearity of the assay was missed in 4/6 samples. No significant intrasubject differences were observed in sal-IgG across samples collected at different time points. Sal-IgG has good agreement with ser-IgG. Noninvasive saliva collection represents an alternative method for antibody measurement, especially in children.
An Ocean between the Waves: Trends in Antimicrobial Consumption in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Durà-Miralles Xavier , Abelenda-Alonso Gabriela , Bergas Alba , Laporte-Amargós Júlia , Sastre-Escolà Enric , Padullés Ariadna , Carratalà Jordi , Gudiol Carlota
Published: January 2024

We assessed the antibiotic use in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients during four different waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as its trends over the period and associated risk factors. We performed a cross-sectional retrospective analysis nested in a prospectively collected cohort of hospitalized adult patients with COVID-19 at a university hospital in Spain. A total of 2415 patients were included in this study, among whom 1120 corresponded to the first wave. The highest percentage of patients receiving some sort of antibiotic treatment was higher during the first wave (77.6%) than during the others; nevertheless, our calculation of the average DOT (days of antibiotic treatment) per 100 patient days of stay found that the highest antibiotic prescription rate corresponded to the second pandemic wave (61.61 DOT/100 patient days), which was associated with a higher ICU admission rate and a lower SpO2/FiO2 ratio at admission. After the second wave, the prescription rates presented a steady downward trend. With regard to the use of specific antibiotic families, amoxicillin/clavulanate was the most used antibiotic in our cohort (14.20 DOT/100 patient days) due to a high prescription rate during the first wave. According to the “AWaRe” WHO classification, antibiotics corresponding to the “Watch” group were the most prescribed (27.92 DOT/100 patient days). The antibiotic use rate fell progressively, but it remained high during all four waves analyzed. In conclusion, antibiotic use was high throughout all the waves that were analyzed, despite a relatively low incidence of bacterial coinfection and superinfection. Efforts should be made to keep antimicrobial stewardship programs active, especially in complicated epidemiological situations, such as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
Drug Discovery in the Field of β-Lactams: An Academic Perspective
Authors: Jacobs Lian M. C. , Consol Patrick , Chen Yu
Published: January 2024

β-Lactams are the most widely prescribed class of antibiotics that inhibit penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs), particularly transpeptidases that function in peptidoglycan synthesis. A major mechanism of antibiotic resistance is the production of β-lactamase enzymes, which are capable of hydrolyzing β-lactam antibiotics. There have been many efforts to counter increasing bacterial resistance against β-lactams. These studies have mainly focused on three areas: discovering novel inhibitors against β-lactamases, developing new β-lactams less susceptible to existing resistance mechanisms, and identifying non-β-lactam inhibitors against cell wall transpeptidases. Drug discovery in the β-lactam field has afforded a range of research opportunities for academia. In this review, we summarize the recent new findings on both β-lactamases and cell wall transpeptidases because these two groups of enzymes are evolutionarily and functionally connected. Many efforts to develop new β-lactams have aimed to inhibit both transpeptidases and β-lactamases, while several promising novel β-lactamase inhibitors have shown the potential to be further developed into transpeptidase inhibitors. In addition, the drug discovery progress against each group of enzymes is presented in three aspects: understanding the targets, screening methodology, and new inhibitor chemotypes. This is to offer insights into not only the advancement in this field but also the challenges, opportunities, and resources for future research. In particular, cyclic boronate compounds are now capable of inhibiting all classes of β-lactamases, while the diazabicyclooctane (DBO) series of small molecules has led to not only new β-lactamase inhibitors but potentially a new class of antibiotics by directly targeting PBPs. With the cautiously optimistic successes of a number of new β-lactamase inhibitor chemotypes and many questions remaining to be answered about the structure and function of cell wall transpeptidases, non-β-lactam transpeptidase inhibitors may usher in the next exciting phase of drug discovery in this field.
An Emerging Foodborne Pathogen Spotlight: A Bibliometric Analysis and Scholarly Review of Escherichia coli O157 Research
Authors: Jangid Himanshu , Kumar Deepak , Kumar Gaurav , Kumar Raj , Mamidi Narsimha
Published: January 2024

Foodborne infections pose a substantial global threat, causing an estimated 600 million illnesses and resulting in approximately 420,000 deaths annually. Among the diverse array of pathogens implicated in these infections, Escherichia coli (E. coli), specifically the O157 strain (E. coli O157), emerges as a prominent pathogen associated with severe outbreaks. This study employs a comprehensive bibliometric analysis and scholarly review focused on E. coli O157 research. The bibliometric analysis highlights the significant role played by the United States in the E. coli O157 research domain. Further exploration underscores the noteworthy contributions of the researcher Doyle MP, whose body of work, consisting of 84 documents and an impressive H-Index of 49, reflects their substantial impact in the field. Recent research trends indicate a discernible shift towards innovative detection methods, exemplified by the adoption of CRISPR-CAS and Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification. Moreover, high-throughput whole-genome sequencing techniques are gaining prominence for the expeditious analysis of pathogenic E. coli strains. Scientists are increasingly exploring antimicrobial agents, including phage therapy, to address the challenges posed by antibiotic-resistant E. coli strains, thereby addressing critical concerns related to multi-drug resistance. This comprehensive analysis provides vital insights into the dynamic landscape of E. coli O157 research. It serves as a valuable resource for researchers, policymakers, and healthcare professionals dedicated to mitigating E. coli O157 outbreaks and advancing global public health strategies.
A Genetic Locus in Elizabethkingia anophelis Associated with Elevated Vancomycin Resistance and Multiple Antibiotic Reduced Susceptibility
Authors: Johnson William L. , Gupta Sushim Kumar , Maharjan Suman , Morgenstein Randy M. , Nicholson Ainsley C. , McQuiston John R. , Gustafson John E.
Published: January 2024

The Gram-negative Elizabethkingia express multiple antibiotic resistance and cause severe opportunistic infections. Vancomycin is commonly used to treat Gram-positive infections and has also been used to treat Elizabethkingia infections, even though Gram-negative organisms possess a vancomycin permeability barrier. Elizabethkingia anophelis appeared relatively vancomycin-susceptible and challenge with this drug led to morphological changes indicating cell lysis. In stark contrast, vancomycin growth challenge revealed that E. anophelis populations refractory to vancomycin emerged. In addition, E. anophelis vancomycin-selected mutants arose at high frequencies and demonstrated elevated vancomycin resistance and reduced susceptibility to other antimicrobials. All mutants possessed a SNP in a gene (vsr1 = vancomycin-susceptibility regulator 1) encoding a PadR family transcriptional regulator located in the putative operon vsr1-ORF551, which is conserved in other Elizabethkingia spp as well. This is the first report linking a padR homologue (vsr1) to antimicrobial resistance in a Gram-negative organism. We provide evidence to support that vsr1 acts as a negative regulator of vsr1-ORF551 and that vsr1-ORF551 upregulation is observed in vancomycin-selected mutants. Vancomycin-selected mutants also demonstrated reduced cell length indicating that cell wall synthesis is affected. ORF551 is a membrane-spanning protein with a small phage shock protein conserved domain. We hypothesize that since vancomycin-resistance is a function of membrane permeability in Gram-negative organisms, it is likely that the antimicrobial resistance mechanism in the vancomycin-selected mutants involves altered drug permeability.
Naturally Derived Phenethyl Isothiocyanate Modulates Induction of Oxidative Stress via Its N-Acetylated Cysteine Conjugated form in Malignant Melanoma
Authors: Kyriakou Sotiris , Demosthenous Nikoletta , Amery Tom , Stewart Kyle J. , Winyard Paul G. , Franco Rodrigo , Pappa Aglaia , Panayiotidis Mihalis I.
Published: January 2024

Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a secondary metabolic product yielded upon the hydrolysis of gluconasturtiin and it is highly accumulated in the flowers of watercress. The aim of the current study was to assess the role of a naturally derived PEITC-enriched extract in the induction of oxidative stress and to evaluate its anti-melanoma potency through the regulation of its metabolism with the concurrent production of the N-acetyl cysteine conjugated by-product. For this purpose, an in vitro melanoma model was utilized consisting of human primary (A375) cells as well as metastatic (COLO-679) malignant melanoma cells together with non-tumorigenic immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT). Cytotoxicity was assessed via the Alamar Blue assay whereas the antioxidant/prooxidant activity of PEITC was determined via spectrophotometric assays. Finally, kinetic characterization of the end-product of PEITC metabolism was monitored via UPLC coupled to a tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Our results indicate that although PhEF showed very minor antioxidant activity in a cell-free system, in a cell-based system, it can modulate the activity of key enzyme(s) involved in cellular antioxidant defense mechanism(s). In addition, we have shown that PhEF induces lipid and protein oxidation in a concentration-dependent manner, while its cytotoxicity is not only dependent on PEITC itself but also on its N-acetylated cysteine conjugated form.
Success Prediction of Crowdsourced Projects for Competitive Crowdsourced Software Development
Authors: Rashid Tahir , Anwar Shumaila , Jaffar Muhammad Arfan , Hakami Hanadi , Baashirah Rania , Umer Qasim
Published: January 2024

Competitive Crowdsourcing Software Development (CCSD) is popular among academics and industries because of its cost-effectiveness, reliability, and quality. However, CCSD is in its early stages and does not resolve major issues, including having a low solution submission rate and high project failure risk. Software development wastes stakeholders’ time and effort as they cannot find a suitable solution in a highly dynamic and competitive marketplace. It is, therefore, crucial to automatically predict the success of an upcoming software project before crowdsourcing it. This will save stakeholders’ and co-pilots’ time and effort. To this end, this paper proposes a well-known deep learning model called Bidirectional Encoder Representations from Transformers (BERT) for the success prediction of Crowdsourced Software Projects (CSPs). The proposed model is trained and tested using the history data of CSPs collected from TopCoder using its REST API. The outcomes of hold-out validation indicate a notable enhancement in the proposed approach compared to existing methods, with increases of 13.46%, 8.83%, and 11.13% in precision, recall, and F1 score, respectively.
Making Sense of Machine Learning: A Review of Interpretation Techniques and Their Applications
Authors: Tursunalieva Ainura , Alexander David L. J. , Dunne Rob , Li Jiaming , Riera Luis , Zhao Yanchang
Published: January 2024

Transparency in AI models is essential for promoting human–AI collaboration and ensuring regulatory compliance. However, interpreting these models is a complex process influenced by various methods and datasets. This study presents a comprehensive overview of foundational interpretation techniques, meticulously referencing the original authors and emphasizing their pivotal contributions. Recognizing the seminal work of these pioneers is imperative for contextualizing the evolutionary trajectory of interpretation in the field of AI. Furthermore, this research offers a retrospective analysis of interpretation techniques, critically evaluating their inherent strengths and limitations. We categorize these techniques into model-based, representation-based, post hoc, and hybrid methods, delving into their diverse applications. Furthermore, we analyze publication trends over time to see how the adoption of advanced computational methods within various categories of interpretation techniques has shaped the development of AI interpretability over time. This analysis highlights a notable preference shift towards data-driven approaches in the field. Moreover, we consider crucial factors such as the suitability of these techniques for generating local or global insights and their compatibility with different data types, including images, text, and tabular data. This structured categorization serves as a guide for practitioners navigating the landscape of interpretation techniques in AI. In summary, this review not only synthesizes various interpretation techniques but also acknowledges the contributions of their original authors. By emphasizing the origins of these techniques, we aim to enhance AI model explainability and underscore the importance of recognizing biases, uncertainties, and limitations inherent in the methods and datasets. This approach promotes the ethical and practical use of interpretation insights, empowering AI practitioners, researchers, and professionals to make informed decisions when selecting techniques for responsible AI implementation in real-world scenarios.
Enhancing Residential Electricity Safety and Management: A Novel Non-Intrusive Load Monitoring-Based Methodology for Accurate Appliance Operational State Identification
Authors: Liu Jiameng , Wang Chao , Xu Liangfeng , Wang Mengjiao , Xu Yingjie
Published: January 2024

Non-intrusive load monitoring (NILM) technology, crucial for intelligent electricity management, has gained considerable attention in residential electricity usage studies. NILM enables monitoring of total electrical current and voltage in homes, offering insights vital for enhancing safety and preventing domestic electrical accidents. Despite its importance, accurately discerning the operational status of appliances using non-intrusive methods remains a challenging area within this field. This paper presents a novel methodology that integrates an advanced clustering algorithm with a Bayesian network for the identification of appliance operational states. The approach involves capturing the electrical current signals during appliance operation via NILM, followed by their decomposition into odd harmonics. An enhanced clustering algorithm is then employed to ascertain the central coordinates of the signal clusters. Building upon this, a three-layer Bayesian network inference model, incorporating leak nodes, is developed. Within this model, harmonic signals are used as conditions for node activation. The operational states of the appliances are subsequently determined through probabilistic reasoning. The proposed method’s effectiveness is validated through a series of simulation experiments conducted in a laboratory environment. The results of these experiments (low mode 89.1%, medium mode 94.4%, high mode 92.0%, and 98.4% for combination) provide strong evidence of the method’s accuracy in inferring the operational status of household electrical appliances based on NILM technology.
Influence of Pre-Treatment on the Seasonal Variation of Smoked Baltic Sprat Texture and Color
Authors: Puke Santa , Dmitrijeva Olga , Galoburda Ruta
Published: January 2024

The seasonal variation of Baltic sprat chemical composition leads to a change in smoked fish texture and color, which may pose challenges for industrial processing. This research aimed to evaluate the dependence of smoked sprat texture and color on the catching season and pre-treatment applied before the smoking of fish, following one year of frozen storage. Various proportions of sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium chloride (CaCl2), and acetic acid were used in the solution for fish pre-treatment. The introduction of salts during the pre-treatment process for late-season fish has been found to enhance the texture of the smoked product. The color components of the lightness (L*) and redness (a*) measured on the smoked fish surface remained consistent throughout the catching season, whereas the yellowness (b*) showed a tendency to decrease towards the end of the season. Moreover, when acetic acid was applied to late-season fish, the yellowness of the smoked sprat surface increased compared to that of the sample without this pre-treatment. These findings suggest that the choice of pre-treatment methods can significantly improve the texture and color attributes of the smoked sprat, which is crucial for maintaining quality standards, especially in the context of industrial processing.
Evaluation of Commercial Virus Biopesticides for the Control of Moth Pests in Laboratory Conditions: The Cases of Thaumetopoea pityocampa and Helicoverpa armigera
Authors: Mantzoukas Spiridon , Lagogiannis Ioannis , Zarmakoupi Chrysanthi , Kitsiou Foteini , Eliopoulos Panagiotis A. , Patakioutas Georgios
Published: January 2024

The research on entomopathogenic viruses is of major significance as they could serve as alternatives to chemical pesticides. There are various types of entomopathogenic viruses; among them, Baculoviruses (BVs) are a potential option because they are eco-friendly and target specific. The experiment in question aimed to evaluate the effect of three insect-specific commercial viruses, Cydia pomonella Granulovirus (CpGV), Helicoverpa armigera Nucleopoyhedrovirus (HearNPV), and Phthorimaea operculella Granulovirus (PoG), on the third-instar larvae of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and Thaumetopoea pityocampa Schiff (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae). The viruses’ concentrations when tested were 500 ppm, 1000 ppm, 1500 ppm, 3000 ppm, and 6000 ppm, and were applied on the eating medium. Both mortality and larval weight were monitored for 6 days. All three viruses had significant mortality rates on both moths (23.3–83.3% in the highest dose) and larval weights had considerable decreases (70–80% in the highest dose). Generally, noteworthy insecticidal action was recorded after 4 days and in doses higher than 1500 ppm. These results highlight that entomopathogenic viruses may infect species other than their natural host and can be implemented in terms of Integrated Pest Management.
Plastic Properties of Prestressed High-Strength Steel Reinforced Concrete Continuous Beams
Authors: Wang Jun , Yang Wendong
Published: January 2024

In this paper, the plastic properties of prestressed high-strength steel reinforced concrete (PHSSRC) beams are studied, by performing static load tests on eight built-in Q460 and Q690 prestressed high-strength steel reinforced concrete continuous beams and one built-in Q355 prestressed steel reinforced concrete (PSRC) continuous beam. The design parameters of the specimens were the steel strength grade, the steel ratio, the comprehensive reinforcement ratio, and the stirrup ratio. The failure mode, load–deflection curve, internal force redistribution ability, curvature ductility, plastic hinge performance, and moment modification coefficient of continuous beams under the influence of various parameters were analyzed to measure the plastic performance of the continuous beams. These results show that after the plastic hinge is formed in the middle support and mid-span of the prestressed high-strength steel reinforced concrete continuous beam, the test beam eventually becomes a rotating mechanism and is destroyed with increasing load. The built-in high-strength steel can significantly improve the bearing capacity of the specimen, and the maximum increase in the bearing capacity is 37.3%. The specimen still has a high bearing capacity after reaching the ultimate bearing capacity. With a decrease in the steel ratio, the degree of internal force redistribution is deepened, the curvature ductility is improved, and the plastic performance is enhanced. Increasing the comprehensive reinforcement ratio and the stirrup ratio can improve the plastic performance of the specimen. The calculation formula of the equivalent plastic hinge zone length is proposed. The calculation formula of the moment modification coefficient, with the relative plastic rotation angle and relative compression zone height as independent variables, is established. When the relative plastic rotation angle is not greater than 0.829 × 10−5, the moment modification coefficient increases with increasing plastic rotation angle and is not greater than 0.37. In the range of 0.3~0.4, the moment modification coefficient decreases with increasing height of the relative compression zone.
Design and Testing of a Measurement Device for High-Speed Bearing Evaluation
Authors: Duhancik Michal , Krenicky Tibor , Coranic Tomas
Published: January 2024

The submitted article focuses on the proposal of a testing device for researching alternative methods of lubricating technical systems, specifically high-speed rolling bearings using lubricants containing nanoparticles. The aim of this research is to verify the functionality of the proposed technical device, whose main task is to ensure the measurement of the functional and operational characteristics of high-speed rolling bearings. The proposed technical device allows us to carry out a series of measurements, primarily for the purpose of selecting specific bearings and secondarily for the purpose of conducting technical diagnostic measurements. The results of these measurements are significant in the selection of suitable nano-particle additives for the lubrication of the tested bearings. The tests was carried out using speeds reaching 110,000 rpm. Methods of monitoring vibrational and acoustic diagnostics were chosen for the analysis of the operational processes of loaded technical systems.
Introduction of a Novel Technique in Density-Adjusted 3D Printing for the Manufacture of Soft-Tissue-Equivalent Radiological Phantoms
Authors: Ozsoykal Ismail , Yurt Ayşegül
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study is to introduce a new filament and novel 3D printing technique to adjust the density of a printing job in order to mimic the radiological properties of different tissues. We used a special filament, Light Weight PLA (LW-PLA), which utilizes foaming technology triggered by temperature. Cylindrical samples were printed at various temperatures, flow rates, print speeds, and diameters. A computed tomography (CT) scan was performed to identify their radiological properties in terms of the mean Hounsfield Unit (HU). The densities of the samples ranged from 0.36 g/cm3 to 1.21 g/cm3, corresponding to mean HU values between −702.7 ± 13.9 HU and +141.4 ± 7.1 HU. Strong linear correlations were observed between the flow rate and density as well as the flow rate and mean HU. The axial homogeneity of the samples was reported as being comparable to that of distilled water. A reduction in the mean HU was observed at a lower print speed and it changed slightly with respect to the sample size. Reproducibility assessments confirmed consistent results for identical printing jobs. Comparisons with regular PLA samples revealed a superior homogeneity in the LW-PLA samples. The findings of this study suggest a practical and accessible solution for mimicking all of the soft tissues, including the lungs, by using a single filament.
Digital Twin-Based Clamping Sequence Analysis and Optimization for Improved Geometric Quality
Authors: Sadeghi Tabar Roham , Zheng Hanchen , Litwa Frank , Paetzold-Byhain Kristin , Lindkvist Lars , Wärmefjord Kristina , Söderberg Rikard
Published: January 2024

Geometric deviation associated with the assembly of sheet metal is a general concern for manufacturers. The typical assembly step involves a sequence of events that exert forces on the parts to enforce them to the nominal condition and to connect the parts together. The simulation and optimization of the assembly steps often neglect the sequence of operations due to the problem and computation complexity. This paper investigates the influence of the clamping sequence in the body-in-white (BIW) manufacturing process on the geometrical quality of the assembly. An approach for modeling clamping sequences for non-rigid variation simulation is introduced in a digital twin context, taking the part deviation into consideration. An optimization method is proposed to achieve minimum geometric deviation after clamping the parts and welding them together. The method is successfully applied on two reference assemblies, and the results show that the sequence of clamping can impact the total geometric deviation up to 31%. Combining clamping and welding sequence optimization can enhance the quality improvement to 77% after releasing the assembly from the fixture and springback.
An Experimental Investigation of Various Control Systems for an Archimedes Screw Turbine in a Micro-Hydropower Plant
Authors: González-González Francisco , Barbón Arsenio , Bayón Luis , Georgious Ramy
Published: January 2024

The control system for a micro-hydropower plant using an Archimedes screw turbine is the focus of this work. Three control systems were implemented based on a Barreda micro-hydropower plant (Spain) currently in operation: an optimal water level control (OWLC) system, a maximum power point monitoring (MPPT) system, and a water level control (WLC) system. The comparison was made using several assessment indicators: electricity production, micro-hydropower plant efficiency, and gearbox fatigue. The electricity production is similar in the OWLC and MPPT systems (energy gain +0.5%) and significantly lower in the WLC system (energy gain −12%). The efficiency of the micro-hydro plant is similar in the OWLC and MPPT systems (average efficiency gain +0.9%) and significantly lower in the WLC system (average efficiency gain −15%). The mechanical stress on the gearbox is similar in the OWLC and WLC systems and significantly higher in the MPPT system. It can be concluded that the OWLC system performs better as concerns the three assessment indicators used, followed by the MPPT system. The WLC system is not recommended for use, due to its low electricity production and low efficiency of the micro-hydropower plant.