bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring Listeria monocytogenes in Ewe Milk: ssrA Gene-based Real-time PCR Identification, Phylogenetic Analysis, and Antibacterial Assessment of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles Synthesized with Myrtus communis Leaf Extract
Authors: Sadeq Jenan Nadhim , Mizher Balsam Miri , Alsaedi Alyaa Abdulhussein , Khudhair Ola Hakim 
Published: August 2024

Background: Listeria monocytogenes, a zoonotic pathogen affecting humans and animals, exhibits a global distribution, including Iraq. This study focused on the rapid identification and phylogenetic analysis of L. monocytogenes in freshly collected ewe milk samples from various farms in Al-Qadisiyah province, Iraq.Methods: The study was conducted with care and precision, involving 150 milk samples. These samples were subjected to traditional bacterial isolation and identification using the enrichment culture method and biochemical tests, with the PCR technique confirming the results. The antibacterial activity of MgONPs was then assessed using the disc diffusion method, ensuring a comprehensive and reliable approach to the study.Result: The results show that 150 ewe milk samples underwent real-time PCR (RT-PCR) targeting the ssrA gene, followed by partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing (PSGS) of purified conventional PCR products. Furthermore, the study entails the biosynthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles using Myrtus communis leaf extract, followed by a comprehensive characterization utilizing UV-spectra, FTIR, SEM, and TEM techniques. The Agar well diffusion method assessed the antibacterial efficacy of these Biosynthesized nanoparticles against L. monocytogenes. The RT-PCR results revealed the presence of L. monocytogenes in 36 out of 150 samples (24%). Subsequent PCR analysis confirmed the presence of the pathogen in 30 out of these 36 positive samples (83.33%). Sequencing of two purified PCR products demonstrated 100% nucleotide identity with global isolates from Iraq and Turkey. Furthermore, the study demonstrated that L. monocytogenes exhibited substantial sensitivity (24.66 ± 0.3) to the biosynthesized magnesium oxide nanoparticles. These findings underscore the speed and precision of the RT-PCR method for detecting L. monocytogenes in fresh ewe milk samples.Conclusion: This comprehensive investigation enhances our understanding of L. monocytogenes prevalence in ewe milk and highlights the potential of Myrtus communis -derived nanoparticles for combating this pathogen.Keywords: Antibacterial nanoparticles; Listeria monocytogenes; Magnesium oxide; Myrtus communis sheep milk; ssrA gene
Evaluation of BACTEC™ FX and BacT/Alert™ Automated Blood Culture Systems for Detection of Clinically Relevant Bacterial and Yeast Species
Authors: Absar Muhammad , Alshahrani Ibraheem , Nashmy Fahd , Salami Mosa , Hadadi Ali , AlMarzooq Aous , AlAsiri Alhussain , AlRashidi Abdulaziz , AlFaifi Mohammed 
Published: August 2024

Background: Bloodstream infections (BSI) are a significant health concern, necessitating effective diagnostic tools. This study evaluates the performance of the BD Bactec FX system in comparison to the established BacT/Alert system, examining mean time till detection (TTD) across various blood culture bottles.Methods: The study involves 148 blood culture bottles, inoculated with representative bacterial ATCC strains (n= 15) and 04 yeast isolates. Parallel testing is conducted by seeding 10–30 colony-forming units (CFU) in duplicate in both BD Bactec FX and BacT/Alert systems. TTD is assessed across aerobic, anaerobic, and pediatric bottles for diverse microbial species.Results: All 148 bottles tested in parallel show positive signals in both systems. BD Bactec FX demonstrates significantly shorter TTD for adult-seeded cultures in aerobic and anaerobic bottles compared to BacT/Alert Similarly, pediatric bottles with BD Bactec FX exhibit a shorter TTD compared to BacT/Alert. The statistical significance of TTD, 95% confidence intervals (CI), and p-values is evident for Bactec FX aerobic, anaerobic, and pediatric bottles across tested organisms. Notable examples of faster TTD include; Bacteroides ovatus (16.6h by Bactec FX vs. 70.5h by Bact/Alert 3D), Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (33.7h vs. 72.5h), and Streptococcus pyogenes (8.1h vs. 11.9h).Conclusions: In conclusion, the study’s findings demonstrate that BD Bactec FX surpasses BacT/Alert in prompt microbial detection, showcasing potential for early identification of bacteremia and fungemia. Faster TTD implies the potential to initiate timely antimicrobial treatment, thereby reducing patient morbidity and mortality. However, exceptions in certain microbial species highlight the need for comprehensive clinical validation to establish the broad applicability of these findings.Keywords: Blood Culture System; Recovery Rate; Time to detection; Blood stream infection; BTA3D; Bactec FX
First Report on Clinical Feasibility of Dried Blood Spot Technique for Hemoglobin Estimation in Cholistani Cattle
Authors: Chaudhary Maryam , Farooq Umer , Idris Musadiq , Lashari Mushtaq Hussain , Qasim Saira , Afzal Muhammad Abrar , Khan Musarat Abbas , Ali Asad 
Published: August 2024

Background: The dried blood spot (DBS) technique using filter papers has revolutionized the conventional blood sampling techniques through ease of blood collection, storage and transport. Various analytes (such as hormones, antigens, antibodies and hematochemical attributes) are being estimated through DBS globally. However, this technique has not yet been implied in Pakistan. This research work is the first of its kind regarding hemoglobin (Hb) estimation in Cholistani cattle (n=63) blood through DBS technique using filter paper.Methods: Three methods of Hb estimation were implied in the present study viz. through veterinary hematology analyzer (HbA), and two indirect cyanmethemoglobin methods (HbIC and HbICX) using measured (20µL) and unmeasured blood drops on the filter paper, respectively.Results: Results revealed that HbA and HbIC were non-significantly (P≥0.05) different from each other, being different from HbICX (P≤0.05). The HbICX gave overestimated values of Hb as compared to HbA and HbIC. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for HbIC were higher being 86.1%, 88.3%, 88.0%, and 86.0%, respectively as compared to the lower values of 45.0%, 12.0%, 12.0% and 45.0%, for HbICX. Bland and Altman test revealed a better level of agreement between HbA and HbIC. Around the mean difference line, there was no proportional bias in data distribution (Mean= -0.16, 95% CI= 0.34 to -0.67). Similarly, measures attained through Cronbach alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient between HbA and HbIC were higher being 0.703 and 0.825 values for single and average, respectively, as compared to the values of 0.200 and 0.333 between HbA and HbICX.Conclusion: It is concluded that the indirect cyanmethemoglobin method for Hb estimation is reliable and accurate for cattle blood, if a measured quantity of blood drop is taken on a filter paper. We recommend this DBS technique for Hb estimation in cattle blood for resource-poor settings and for livestock herds being reared distantly from the laboratories. For future, it is recommended that DBS technique with various other modifications and for other hematochemical biomarkers may be validated for livestock blood.Keywords: Dried blood spot; Hemoglobin; Cholistani cattle
Exploring Natural Compounds as Promising Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 inhibitors for Cancer Management: A Biocomputational Study
Authors: Aloqbi Akram Ahmed 
Published: August 2024

Background: Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP2) plays a role in breaking down the components of the extracellular matrix, which allows cancer cells to advance and invade. Therefore, the inhibition of MMP2 shows potential as a promising strategy for treating cancer.Methods: This study employed computational screening to identify MMP2 inhibitors from a collection of 2,405 natural compounds. GLXC-26716, the co-crystal ligand of MMP2, served as the positive control. Virtual screening was performed using PyRx 8.0 software to find molecules that might inhibit the active site of MMP2.Results: The virtual screening process has identified five potential candidates: ZINC000000001412, ZINC000001612328, ZINC000001614079, ZINC000000119988, and ZINC0000000047553. These candidates were selected based on their strong binding affinities and interactions with MMP2. These compounds, which adhere to Lipinski's Rule of Five and have significant physicochemical properties, show promise as MMP2 inhibitors.Conclusion: The finding of this study indicates a preliminary investigation into an innovative approach for managing cancer that inhibits the invasion and dissemination of cancer cells.Keywords: Matrix Metalloproteinase-2; Natural compounds; Cancer; Virtual screening
Identification of phytochemicals as potential inhibitors of Candida albicans SAP3: An in-silico approach
Authors: Alhindi Zain 
Published: August 2024

Background: Candida albicans is a major threat to human health, causing a variety of diseases. Candida albicans can overgrow and trigger infections like thrush, diaper rash, and vaginal yeast infections. Therefore, finding potential inhibitors of C. albicans from plant sources has become important, recently.Methods: This study investigated the interaction of natural compounds (N = 450) from the ZINC database with the C. albicans SAP3 protein. PyRx tools were used to conduct molecular docking analyses, which included ligand and target receptor preparation, data analysis, and visualization.Result: The binding energies between the natural compounds and SAP3 ranged from -8.8 to -7.8 kcal/mol, indicating that the interactions were predominantly strong. Among the compounds screened, ZINC000252509014, ZINC000252509722, ZINC000253389136, ZINC000251981944, and ZINC000252480871 were extensively explored in this study because they were found to be the best among others. Furthermore, these compounds showed favorable drug-like properties.Conclusion: These findings lay the groundwork for future research aimed at developing potent SAP3 inhibitors to treat C. albicans infections.Keywords: Candida albicans; SAP3 protein; Natural compounds; Virtual screening; Drug-likeness
Application of the PCR for diagnosis and monitoring of rotavirus in calves during treatment with the antiviral agent Triazavirin
Authors: Reshetnikova Tatiana , Kuzmin Vladimir , Krylova Tatyana 
Published: August 2024

Background: Rotavirus is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal calves, leading to severe gastrointestinal and systemic illnesses. Current treatments primarily focus on symptomatic relief and prevention through vaccines, with limited use of antiviral agents. This article considers the issue of experiments using the antiviral agent Triazavirin in the treatment of rotavirus infection in calves, with tracking the amount of virus during the polymerase chain reaction examination in fecal samples.Methods: The experiment was conducted at a Mordovian Republican Veterinary Laboratory in the National Research Mordovian State University named after N.P. Ogarev (Republic of Mordovia, Russia), between February and March 2023. Two groups of calves, experimental and control, were assessed. The experimental group received Triazavirin orally at a dose of 500 mg per day for 7 days. Before and after the experiment, fecal samples were taken from experimental calves for the PCR study of the ribonucleic acid of group A rotaviruses.Results: Treatment with Triazavirin resulted in a reduction of the rotavirus load by an average of 35.2%. The PCR analyses before and after treatment indicated a substantial decrease in viral RNA in the majority of treated calves, with variable individual responses.Conclusions: Triazavirin demonstrates potential as an effective antiviral treatment for rotavirus in calves, reducing viral load and possibly improving clinical outcomes. The use of PCR provided a reliable method for monitoring viral levels, thereby facilitating effective management of this infectious disease.Keywords: Calves; Treatment; Digestive and Respiratory Organs; Antiviral Agent; Rotavirus; Treatment
Exploring the Sequence analysis of the Two-Component System Response Regulator OmpR in Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Radwan Ali Israa , Abdulsatar Duaa Mohammed , Salman Ruqaia Sabbar , Khudhair Anfal Mohammed 
Published: August 2024

Background: The study focuses on the clinical profiles, antibiotic susceptibility, and genetic characteristics of 25 A. baumannii isolates from patients with urinary tract infections (UTIs). Patient Cohort: Ages range from 18 to 70 years, with a male to female ratio of 1.375. Notable Finding: Some multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates had commonalities with extensively drug-resistant (XDR) variations, showing the evolution of drug resistance.Methods: Antibiotic Efficacy Analysis: Evaluation of antibiotic efficacy when the variable moved from lower (Bin 1) to higher (Bin 2) levels. Correlation Matrix: An analysis of antibiotic correlations to better identify potential cross-resistance and shared characteristics. Genetic Diversity Analysis: An examination of variants in the OmpR gene, including mutations and polymorphisms. Sequence analysis is used to identify point mutations in OmpR, with an emphasis on transitions such as adenine (A) to guanine (G).Results: Significant improvement in antibiotic efficacy from Bin 1 to Bin 2. Correlation Findings: Antibiotics have complex interactions, which may indicate cross-resistance. Genetic diversity: Variations in the OmpR gene have implications for virulence and adaptability. Sequence Analysis: The majority of point mutations in OmpR were transitions, with A typically changing to G.Conclusion: In Iraq, researchers have discovered the first evidence that clinical resistance in A. baumannii may be caused by structural alterations in the OmpR gene. A. baumannii isolates' genetic diversity at certain locations suggests possible implications on virulence and adaptation.Keywords: Acinetobacter baumannii; OmpR; Polymorphism; MDR
KEGIATAN MENGAJAR, NON MENGAJAR DAN ADMINISTRASI SEKOLAH DALAM MBKM ASISTENSI MENGAJAR DI PANGKALPINANG
Authors: Nurmaisi Nurmaisi , Hidayatulah Ilham Azis , Vebtasvili Vebtasvili 
Published: August 2024

Asistensi mengajar merupakan salah satu bentuk pelaksanaan program Merdeka Belajar - Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) yang bertujuan untuk memberikan kesempatan bagi mahasiswa yang memiliki minat dalam bidang pendidikan untuk turut serta mengajarkan dan memperdalam ilmunya ; membantu meningkatkan pemerataan kualitas pendidikan ; serta relevansi pendidikan dasar dan menengah dengan pendidikan tinggi dan perkembangan zaman. Kegiatan asistensi mengajar ini telah dilaksanakan selama 16 minggu di SMP Muhammadiyah Pangkalpinang, Provinsi Kepulauan Bangka Belitung, yang dilakukan mahasiswa secara kolaboratif di bawah bimbingan guru pamong dan dosen fasilitator. Dalam kegiatan ini, mahasiswa melakukan praktik mengajar khususnya dalam mata pelajaran matematika, pendidikan kewarganegaraan, dan akidah akhlak. Mahasiswa juga melakukan kegiatan non mengajar seperti membantu pelaksanaan kegiatan-kegiatan di sekolah, mendampingi siswa dalam kegiatan karnaval dan jalan sehat, membantu reparasi bangunan sekolah dan penataan perpustakaan. Pada bagian administrasi, mahasiswa membantu guru menyiapkan perangkat pembelajaran dan bahan ajar, serta membantu pendataan kunjungan dan peminjaman buku di perpustakaan. Melalui kegiatan ini, mahasiswa dapat meningkatkan softskills dan hardskills seperti kepemimpinan, inovasi atau pemecahan masalah langsung dari lapangan, kemampuan komunikasi, dan kemampuan di bidang desain. Sedangkan bagi sekolah mitra kegiatan ini mampu meningkatkan pelayanan pendidikan baik dari sisi pengajaran ataupun non pengajaran dan administrasi.
PERCEPÇÃO DOS DOCENTES DO ESTÁGIO CURRICULAR OBRIGATÓRIO NA FORMAÇÃO DO CIRURGIÃO-DENTISTA
Authors: Pontes Mônica , Travassos Rosana , Carneiro Vanda , Rodrigues Verônica , Nascimento Alexandre , Silva Vânia , Asfora Kattyenne , Prosini Priscila , Cardoso Maria , Júnior Paulo 
Published: August 2024

Os estágios supervisionados vêm sendo utilizados como espaços de prática em ensino nas áreas da saúde, viabilizando a inserção dos graduandos em cenários concretos de ensino-aprendizagem. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a percepção dos professores do curso de graduação em Odontologia da Faculdade de Odontologia de Pernambuco (FOP-UPE) sobre o processo de formação acadêmica do cirurgião-dentista no contexto do Estágio Profissional Supervisionado. Trata-se de um estudo de natureza descritiva, no qual foi aplicado um questionário semiestruturado com 10 questões fechadas e 2 abertas (qualiquantitativo), a uma amostra de 53 docentes. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente através de frequências absolutas e percentuais, e também, pela Técnica de Bardin, onde revelaram que 98,1% dos professores consideram que os estágios curriculares contribuem para a formação do aluno do curso de Odontologia; 94,33% acreditam que estagiar no SUS é importante para formação do estudante;81,1% afirmam que é necessário o professor supervisor se fazer presente durante o estágio; 75,5% dos professores julgam que o estágio estimula o estudante para o trabalho em equipe multiprofissional; 100% dos mesmos entendem que o estágio é uma oportunidade de aprendizado para o estudante; 98,1% afirmam como sendo importante a aproximação do serviço com a academia, e 96,2% reconhecem que a prática extramuro proporciona experiências necessárias à formação profissional do egresso. Observa-se que modificações no estágio curricular são necessárias, segundo 96,2% dos entrevistados. As sugestões de melhoria incluíram a inserção do professor supervisor, a inspeção dos locais de estágio antes de lotar o estudante, maior integração ensino-serviço, a abertura de um espaço para discussão de condutas realizadas na academia e no serviço. O estudo permitiu verificar algumas deficiências da prática extramuro, identificadas pelos entrevistados. Entretanto, foi de senso comum das respostas que há a necessidade de um alinhamento entre a Faculdade e o Serviço.
Prevalencia de virus BK en pacientes trasplantados del Hospital de Clínicas, FCM-UNA
Authors: Vera Duarte Rossana Mabel , Stanley Idalina , Aquino Becker Eladio José , Prieto Fernanda , Da Ponte González Héctor Fernando 
Published: August 2024

Introducción: La infección por el poliomavirus BK (PBK) es un problema emergente en el trasplante renal que contribuye a la pérdida crónica de los injertos renales, y en el que la inmunosupresión desempeña un papel decisivo en su aparición.
Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de virus BK en pacientes trasplantados del Hospital de Clínicas, FCM-UNA. Periodo agosto 2019 a mayo 2022.
Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, prospectivo, de corte transversal. Se incluyó a 27 pacientes que fueron sometidos a trasplante renal, a los que se les solicito dosaje para VBK.
Resultados: Se incluyó a 27 pacientes con dosaje para VBK, de los cuales 11,11% (3) tuvieron aislamiento positivo en plasma u orina. La edad promedio de los pa- cientes con aislamiento positivo fue de 39±3 años, con una edad máxima de 52 y mínima de 22 años. De ellos (66,6%) fueron de sexo femenino, 100% procedentes del departamento Central. El tiempo promedio trascurrido entre el trasplante y la primoinfección en sangre u orina fue de 39+/- 13 meses, con un rango de 4-31 meses, de los cuales en un 66,6% ocurrió entre los 4 meses. En cuanto al tipo de donantes, (66,6%) fueron donantes cadavéricos y (33,3%) vivos.
Conclusión: La prevalencia de VBK en pacientes trasplantados del Hospital de Clí- nicas fue de 11,11 %, la edad promedio de los infectados fue de 39 años, predominantemente del sexo femenino, procedentes del departamento Central, el tiempo promedio transcurrido entre el trasplante y la primoinfección fue de 39 meses. En los estudiados, predominó el donante cadavérico.
“Racism is alive and well”: (Re)visiting the University of Florida’s Black Student Union’s history through composite counterstorytelling
Authors: Cowley Matthew , Dowie-Chin Tianna 
Published: August 2024

This study centers on the origins of the Black Student Union (BSU) during the late 1960s and early 1970s at the University of Florida (UF) presented as a speculative fiction composite counterstory. The story presented in this manuscript serves as a cautionary tale of what the future of higher education will be, if white supremacy persists, even when white people will no longer represent a numerical majority. Though the findings utilized in this piece are decades old, we offer the current climate of public institutions and DEI initiatives to emphasize the importance of counterstories that underscore the resistance and activism that challenges oppressive systems and birthed such organizations as Black Student Unions, which are now increasingly under threat of elimination. Utilizing BlackCrit, we look backward to explore the permanence of anti-Black racism in our future. We invoke the genre of speculative fiction to give form to our findings - a fictional short story that posits a possible future world that runs counter to expectations for a post-racial future on college campuses and in the United States more broadly. Through a deeper understanding of how Black students drew upon their social networks during the Long Black Student Movement era, we aim to spark dialogue about the future of Black student advocacy at predominantly white American colleges and universities.
Spatially variable water table recharge and the hillslope hydrologic response: Analytical solutions to the linearized hillslope Boussinesq equation
Authors: Dralle David N. , Boisramé Gabrielle F.S. , Thompson Sally E. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe linearized hillslope Boussinesq equation, introduced by Brutsaert (1994), describes the dynamics of saturated, subsurface flow from hillslopes with shallow, unconfined aquifers. In this paper, we use a new analytical technique to solve the linearized hillslope Boussinesq equation to predict water table dynamics and hillslope discharge to channels. The new solutions extend previous analytical treatments of the linearized hillslope Boussinesq equation to account for the impact of spatiotemporal heterogeneity in water table recharge. The results indicate that the spatial character of recharge may significantly alter both steady state subsurface storage characteristics and the transient hillslope hydrologic response, depending strongly on similarity measures of controls on the subsurface flow dynamics. Additionally, we derive new analytical solutions for the linearized hillslope‐storage Boussinesq equation and explore the interaction effects of recharge structure and hillslope morphology on water storage and base flow recession characteristics. A theoretical recession analysis, for example, demonstrates that decreasing the relative amount of downslope recharge has a similar effect as increasing hillslope convergence. In general, the theory suggests that recharge heterogeneity can serve to diminish or enhance the hydrologic impacts of hillslope morphology.