bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incidence, Risk Factors and Clinical Outcomes of Inoculum Effect against β-lactams Including Ampicillin-Sulbactam and Cefazolin among Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus(MSSA) Strains Isolated from Patients with Bacteremia
Authors: Oglou Moumperra Chral , Yavuz Serap Şimşek , Günel Gülşen , Aktaş Zerrin , Nurtop Elif , Can Füsun , Eraksoy Ömer Haluk 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background Some type of staphylococcal β-lactamases could destroy also β-lactams other than penicillin, including cefazolin (Cz) and ampicillin-sulbactam (SAM) especially in the presence of higher inoculum, which called inoculum effect (InE). We aimed to investigate the incidence, risk factors, simple definiton methods and clinical implication of InE against different β-lactams including SAM and Cz in MSSA strains isolated from patients with bacteremia.
Methods All patients with MSSA bacteremia between 2016 and 2018 at our hospital were included. MSSA strains isolated from blood cultures of those patients were tested via the disk diffusion and broth microdilution methods at standard (105/µl) and high (107/µl) inoculum concentrations. The presence and type of β-lactamases were determined by nitrocefin and PCR plus DNA sequencing. InE was defined as a 4-fold or greater increase in MIC values at high inoculum concentrations. The geometric mean MIC and zonal diameter were compared between the strains with and without InE or β-lactamases. Patient data were obtained retrospectively from the hospital database, and risk factors for Cz IE or SAM IE or mortality were analyzed via univariate analysis.
Results A total of 52 patients with MSSA bacteremia were included in the study. Eighty-five percent of the 52 MSSA strains were β-lactamase positive, all of which were classified as type A. Thirteen (25%), 20 (38.5%), and 2 (3.8%) of the 52 MSSA strains were InE against Cz, SAM, and ceftriaxone, respectively, and no InE was observed against cefuroxime or cefotaxime. The β-lactams most affected by the high inoculum were SAM and Cz, with 2.94- and 2.20-fold increases in the MIC, respectively. Compared with MIC testing, a cefazolin zone diameter of < 28 mm was found to be 100% sensitive to both standard and high inoculum to define the CzInE. Among the β-lactams tested, only penicillin G, SAM and Cz were significantly affected by β-lactamase positivity. The mortality rate in patients infected with MSSA strains showing SAMInE and treated with SAM was significantly greater than that in those not treated with SAM (37.5% vs 68%, p = 0.044, OR 7.8, 95% CI 1.23–49.68).
Conclusions Among Cz, cefuroxime, cefotaxime and ceftriaxone, SAM is the β-lactam most affected by the type A β-lactam of MSSA strains, followed by Cz, and this effect becomes more prominent with increasing inoculum. A cefazolin zone diameter of < 28 mm could be used as a screening method to define Cz InE. SAM treatment of patients infected with MSSA strains harboring SAMInE may increase mortality.
Adaptive Average Arterial Pressure Control by Multi-Agent On-Policy Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Hong Xiaofeng , Ayadi Walid , Alattas Khalid A. , Mohammadzadeh Ardashir , Salimi Mohamad , Zhang Chunwei 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

The current research introduces a model-free ultra-local model (MFULM) controller that utilizes the multi-agent on-policy reinforcement learning (MAOPRL) technique for remotely regulating blood pressure through precise drug dosing in a closed-loop system. Within the closed-loop system, there exists a MFULM controller, an observer, and an intelligent MAOPRL algorithm. Initially, a flexible MFULM controller is created to make adjustments to blood pressure and medication dosages. Following this, an observer is incorporated into the main controller to improve performance and stability by estimating states and disturbances. The controller parameters are optimized using MAOPRL in an adaptive manner, which involves the use of an actor-critic approach in an adaptive fashion. This approach enhances the adaptability of the controller by allowing for dynamic modifications to dosage and blood pressure control parameters. In the presence of disturbances or instabilities, the critic's feedback aids the actor in adjusting actions to reduce their impact, utilizing a complementary strategy to tackle deficiencies in the primary controller. Lastly, various evaluations, including assessments under normal conditions, adaptability between patients, and stability evaluations against mixed disturbances, have been carried out to confirm the efficiency and viability of the proposed method.
Study on the high stability and catalytic properties of MOF materials represented by UiO-66 / g-C3N4
Authors: Gao Lehan , Dai Xiaoyu , Yan Huixuan , Xu Yating , Ding Yang , Ma Jingjing , Sui He , Zhang Yang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

This study examines the potential of UiO-66 and g-C3N4-based composite catalysts for environmental purification and pesticide degradation. By integrating the zirconium-based metal-organic framework UiO-66 with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4), a composite with a Z-type heterojunction structure is created, enhancing photocatalytic pesticide degradation and phosphorus recovery. The optimal composite, UiO-66/g-C3N4(UG6:4), shows high efficiency in degrading organophosphorus pesticides like DDVP under visible light. This catalyst's high surface area and porous nature efficiently adsorb and break down persistent soil pollutants, including DDT and DDVP. Featuring robust stability and effective photocatalytic activity, the UiO-66/g-C3N4 composite holds promise for soil remediation and dealing with organic pollutants. Future research will aim to further refine this material’s structure and properties, ensuring its practical application in environmental cleanup.
Eggs intake reduced the risk of osteoporosis in middle-aged and elderly chinese
Authors: Huang Jinchao , Jiang Wenzhen , Liu Juntian , Ye Zhaoxiang 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Introduction: This study evaluated the association between dietary intake and the risk of osteoporosis and vertebral fractures (VF) in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults. Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 673 Chinese adults aged 40–74 years in Tianjin who underwent Chest low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) combined with asynchronous quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Dietary intake was assessed using questionnaires. Osteoporosis was defined based on QCT-measured lumbar bone mineral density (BMD), and vertebral fractures were evaluated by visual estimation of reductions in vertebral height or area on sagittal CT spinal reformats. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between egg consumption and osteoporosis, as well as VF. Results: Univariate analysis showed that the intake of eggs, meat, tea, and yogurt was significantly associated with the occurrence of osteoporosis (P < 0.05). However, multivariate logistic regression results indicated that only egg intake was an independent risk factor. Participants who consumed eggs daily had higher BMD (96.8 mg/cm³ vs. 79.3 mg/cm³, p = 0.002) and a lower proportion of osteoporosis (27.2% vs. 54.1%, p < 0.001) compared to those who did not. After adjusting for potential confounders, daily egg intake (OR 0.285 and 0.192; 95% CI, 0.169–0.479 and 0.092–0.401; both p < 0.001) remained strongly associated with a lower rate of osteoporosis. However, egg intake was not significantly associated with VF (all p > 0.05). Separate analyses among men and women did not substantively change the results. Conclusion: Daily egg intake was associated with a lower risk of osteoporosis but not VF among middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults.
Research on Multi-Layer Heterogeneous Task Offloading Strategy in Satellite Assisted MEC System
Authors: Song Chaofeng , Zhang Zhenjiang , Shen Bo , Zeng Jianjun 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

In certain regions, the limited coverage capability of ground base stations (BSs), as well as their susceptibility to interference or natural disasters, has resulting in weakened hardware capabilities. As a result, they cannot meet the computational task processing requirements of terrestrial mobile users (MUs). In order to meet the low-delay and low-energy consumption requirements of computational tasks for MUs, and while ensuring high throughput, we first introduce a Space-Terrestrial Collaborative offloading architecture based on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites and design an elastic task offloading strategy. Secondly, to capture the designed offloading strategy, the system model composed of MUs, BS, decision satellite (DS) and agent satellites (ASs) is established. Thirdly, by analyzing the established model, performance measures such as delay, energy consumption, forwarding probability, and utilization are derived. Furthermore, a constrained single-objective optimization problem is formulated by balancing delay and energy consumption while considering constraints of stability and load. For facilitating the solution, we transform the problem into an unconstrained optimization problem by applying the penalty function method. Finally, the system strategy parameters are adjusted to evaluate the performance of system in a steady-state, and an ASs-BS-MUs Offloading Optimization (ABMO) Algorithm is proposed to optimize the designed strategy. Experimental results show that the proposed ABMO is more effective in reducing delay and energy consumption.
Gastrointestinal tolerance enhancement of the LPxTG-motif surface protein overexpressed Lactobacillus reuteri SH23 in vivo
Authors: Liu Jiang , Ye Qianwen , Farid Muhammad Salman , Ji Youwei , Zheng Kaige , Pan Daodong , Guo Yuxing , Chen Bo , Zhu Mingzi , Zhang Tao , Wu Zhen 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

LPxTG, a surface protein of Lactobacillus reuteri, improves gastrointestinal tolerance and Lactobacillus adhesion. This study aimed to investigate the effects of LPxTG overexpression in L. reuteri SH23 on gastrointestinal tolerance, adhesion, and regulation of intestinal flora. The LPxTG-pMG36e-L.SH23 strain was constructed and used in mouse experiments. The results showed that the overexpression strain LPxTG-pMG36e-L.SH23 had an LPxTG protein-related gene expression level of 2.42, which was significantly higher than those of the wild-type and control strains. Although there were no significant differences in the growth curves and acid production, strain LPxTG-pMG36e-L.SH23 exhibits improved hydrophobicity and self-coagulation capacity. After treatment with simulated gastric and intestinal fluids, the viable counts of LPxTG-pMG36e-L.SH23 were 6.90 log CFU/mL and 5.78 log CFU/mL, respectively, indicating enhanced gastrointestinal tolerance. Adhesion rate of LPxTG-pMG36e-L.SH23 to Caco-2 cells was 19% at a concentration of 1×107 CFU/mL, which was significantly higher than that of the other control strains, suggesting better colonization potential. Furthermore, the LPxTG-pMG36e-L.SH23 strain significantly reduced the inflammatory response and regulated the intestinal flora in mice with lincomycin-induced intestinal dysbiosis, and the abundance and diversity of gut microbes increased, as revealed by 16S rDNA sequencing. In conclusion, the LPxTG proteins of L. reuteri SH23 have the potential to enhance colonization and regulation of intestinal flora, highlighting its role as a probiotic in the gastrointestinal tract.
Detection and Tracking of Environmental Sensing System for Construction Machinery Autonomous Operation Application
Authors: Chen Qihuai , Hu Xinhai , Lin Tianliang , Ren Haoling 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

There are a large number of unstructured scenes and special targets in the construction machinery application scene, which brings greater interference to the environment sensing system for Construction Machinery Autonomous Operation Application. The conventional mature sensing scheme in passenger cars is not fully applicable to construction machinery. By taking the environmental characteristics and operating conditions of construction machinery into consideration, a set of environmental sensing algorithm based on LiDAR for construction machinery scenarios is studied. Real-time target detection of the environment, trajectory tracking and prediction for dynamic targets are achieved. Decision instructions are provided for upstream detection information for the subsequent behavioral decision-making, motion planning and other modules. To test the effectiveness of information exchange between the proposed algorithm and the overall machine interface, the early warning and emergency braking for autonomous operation is implemented. Experiments are carried out through an excavator test platform. The superiority of the optimized detection model is verified through real-time target detection tests at different speeds and under different states. Information exchange between environmental sensing and machine interface based on safety warning and braking is achieved.
Effect of six weeks of Whole-body Electromyostimulation on resistin and adiponectin levels in overweight individuals
Authors: Ahmadi Zobir , Habibi Hadi , amani-shalamzari Sadegh 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Electrical muscle stimulation is a new training technique that enhances physical fitness. Due to economic problems, everyone is looking for ways to get the most benefits in the shortest time. This study examines the effectiveness of 20-minute whole-body electromyostimulation (EMS) on the levels of certain adipokines and lipid profiles in sedentary individuals.
Methods
Thirty-eight volunteers were randomly divided into three groups (traditional exercise (TE), EMS, and control groups). The EMS consisted of 10 minutes of resistance stimulation (30 Hz, 350 µs, 4 s of strain 6 s rest) and 10 minutes of endurance stimulation (85 Hz, 350 µs, 6 s of strain, 4 s of rest). The TE group performed 10 minutes of traditional resistance training (2 sets, 10 repetitions, 50–60% of one maximum repetition) and 10 minutes of running on a treadmill.
Results
The ANCOVA indicated that after the intervention, the EMS group had significant improvements in body mass (ηp²=0.53), BMI (ηp²=0.54), fat percentage (ηp²=0.62), aerobic fitness (ηp²=0.46) and adiponectin levels (ηp²=0.60) levels compared to the other two groups. In addition, in comparison to the C group, both training groups demonstrated substantial improvements in subcutaneous fat (arm: ηp²=0.58 and abdomen ηp²=0.55), sit-ups (ηp²=0.38) push-ups (ηp²=0.55), resistin level (ηp²=0.42) and in lipid profiles (cholesterol (ηp²=0.31), triglyceride (ηp²=0.49), LDL (ηp²=0.31) and HDL (ηp²=0.49) levels).
Conclusion
20-minute EMS is more effective in improving lipid profile, adipokines levels, and physical fitness than traditional exercise training. Therefore, this exercise model is time-saving and recommended for overweight individuals.
Pericytes modulate brain vascular integrity in social stress and depression
Authors: Menard Caroline , Dion-Albert Laurence , Cadoret Alice , Solano José , Kotchetkov Pavel , Pancotti Luca , Paton Sam , VanderZwaag Jared , Collignon Adeline , Binder Luisa Bandeira , Linville Raleigh , Richer Emanuelle , Lebel Manon , Consortium Signature , Heiman Myriam , Tremblay Marie-Eve , Proulx Christophe , Turecki Gustavo , Mechawar Naguib , Lacoste Baptiste 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading cause of disease burden worldwide with low therapeutic efficacy. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is essential to maintain brain homeostasis and regulate drug delivery. Chronic social stress, MDD’s main environmental risk factor, is associated with neurovascular pathology in mice including loss of BBB integrity in mood-regulating brain regions in a sex-specific manner, which is also observed in individuals with MDD. Pericytes ensheathe endothelial cells and modulate BBB functions under physiological and pathological conditions, but contribution of these mural cells in stress responses or mood disorders pathogenesis is unknown. Here, we report profound transcriptomic, morphological and functional alterations in pericytes in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) following stress exposure in female mice and women with MDD. Endothelial cell-to-pericyte crosstalk via PDGFB:PDGFRB signaling is critical for BBB dynamics and proper brain function. Targeted ablation of pericytes in the PFC induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviours in mice, while viral-mediated increase in pericyte-endothelial communication promoted stress coping behaviors. RNA-seq of human brain endothelial cells and pericytes exposed to MDD serum revealed changes in extracellular matrix-related genes and cell-cell communication. PDGF-BB serum level correlated with depressive symptoms and diagnosis. Altogether, our findings shed light on a novel mechanism underlying PFC dysfunction in MDD along with a blood biomarker. Our work involves pericytes in the pathophysiology of mood disorders, highlights new therapeutic targets and provides tools to manipulate these cells applicable for vascular, neurodegenerative, or inflammatory diseases all characterized by high rates of depression.
Disease burden attributable to dietary risks in Africa, 1990–2040: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Shan Pengfei , Hu Haiying , Wang Jiepu , Yu Xiaobo , Wang Leilei , Shen Fang , Zheng Jia , Chen Xian , Zhang Pianhong , Wang Yuanyou 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Disease burden linked to sub-optimal diets in Africa remains under-explored. Using data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study, we assessed the disease burden attributable to dietary risks across various locations, age groups, years, and sexes in Africa. Deaths attributable to sub-optimal diet increased from 0.35 million in 1990 to 0.64 million in 2021, and projected increased to 1.62 million in 2040. Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) similarly increased from 9.79 million in 1990 to 18.1 million in 2021, projected to reach 45.6 million by 2040. In 2021, North Africa had the highest proportion of diet-attributable disease burden at 8.52%. The top dietary risk factors for mortality that year included low fruit intake, insufficient vegetable consumption, and inadequate whole grain intake. Cardiovascular diseases were the leading causes of diet-related deaths. The age-standardized rate of death and disability-adjusted life years linked to dietary risk factors were highest in the Central African Republic, Lesotho, and Guinea-Bissau. Furthermore, the disease burden was found to be greater in males compared to females. These findings will highlight the implementation of evidence-based dietary interventions in Africa.
HACCP operation in two Latin American meat packers: Case study
Authors: Guerrero-Castiblanco N. M. , Maldonado-Simán E. , Martínez-Hernández P. A. 
Published: October 2024

The hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) system is a protocol aimed to guarantee food safety, especially in companies dedicated to meat processing. Companies in food international trade are subjected to intense inspection and verification processes, and international standard certifications have become a key factor in global trade. The purpose of this study was a comparative analysis of HACCP certification in the Mexican and Chilean meat packers that send meat to international markets by a field inspection of each to identify opportunities for improvement. International trade standards along with packers’ expectations and needs to be fulfilled to attain a place in world markets were bases for this study. Guidelines for field inspection came from the HACCP protocol. Field data were derived from 15 indicators — five intrinsic to the HACCP plan and ten external. The Chilean packer was superior to the Mexican packer in terms of many indicators. Thus, the first one had a chance for a better position in international markets than the latter. It was concluded that the HACCP audit is an excellent tool to measure the suitability of meat packers in achieving a place as a supplier and remaining in the international food trade.
Exercising of integrated approach for the specialized meat products development
Authors: Aslanova M. A. , Derevitskaya O. K. , Didikin A. S. , Bero A. L. , Soldatova N. E. 
Published: October 2024

The principles of the specialized food products development differ from the traditional technologies, which require the integrated approach to their creation, taking into consideration the specified properties, purpose and type of the food product. This article describes the general algorithm for developing the specialized dietary therapeutic and prophylactic nutrition meat products, and demonstrates the implementation of the individual stages of the algorithm on the example of developing the food products for people who suffer from the most socially significant diseases like diabetes and CVD. The algorithm of methodology is a sequence of stages executed during the product development and a description of their content and practical implementation. The modern approaches to creation of healthy food products for people with socially significant diseases, the recommendations of the World Health Organization based on the analysis of scientific literature posted in open sources and publicly available databases were used as the material of the research, as well as the results of our own studies in the field of technologies for dietary therapeutic and prophylactic nutrition meat products. The specialized meat products for therapeutic and prophylactic nutrition, information about their ingredient composition, nutritional value, results of preclinical and clinical trials were used as the objects of the study. The stages of product creation include medical and biological substantiation of the composition, designing of a virtual model of the food product, technology development, evaluation of the safety and efficiency of the resulting product taking into consideration the technological impact, preclinical and clinical evaluation. The study showed the difference in the approaches to the dietary meat products development depending on the purpose — whether its therapeutic nutrition or prophylactic nutrition. The developed methodology can be used as a tool that provides for scientifically justified development of the specialized meat products and substantiation of their efficiency.
Effect of nutrient imbalance on performance efficiency of an anaerobic baffled reactor and the production of membrane fouling compounds
Authors: Jamali-Behnam Farideh , Bello-Mendoza Ricardo , Wareham David , Masten Susan 
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Anaerobic processes effectively treat high-strength wastewater, while membrane-based technologies are attractive post-treatment options for improving effluent quality. A balanced nutrient level (i.e., chemical oxygen demand (COD):N:P = 300:5:1) is required for optimal anaerobic reactor performance. This research investigated the performance efficiency of an anaerobic baffled reactor (ABR) treating low COD:N:P wastewater and its effluent membrane fouling potential. An unbaffled reactor was used as a control. Initially, both reactors showed ≥80% soluble COD (SCOD) removal even at a low COD:N:P of 27:5:3.5. However, after 134 days, the SCOD removal in the unbaffled reactor decreased from 80.7 ± 3 to 48.7 ± 4.6%. In comparison, it took an extra 46 days for the SCOD removal in the ABR to decrease from 87.7 ± 1.7 to 57.8 ± 2.4%. Once an optimal COD:N:P of 300:5:1 was established, the SCOD removal recovered to 88 ± 2.9% in the control and 93 ± 1.2% in the ABR. Concurrently, both reactors’ effluent membrane fouling potential increased with time at a low COD:N:P ratio and decreased at the optimal nutrient ratio. The ABR's volume compartmentation effectively improved the anaerobic biomass's ability to deal with unbalanced nutrient levels during wastewater treatment.