bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Critical priority third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli in antibiotic- free retail meat
Authors: Fuga Bruna , Neves Ingrith , Fontana Herrison , Bispo Jessica , Sano Elder , Cardenas-Arias Adriana , Esposito Fernanda , Cardoso Brenda , Ienne Susan , Sellera Fábio P. , Lincopan Nilton 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Contamination of food by critical priority third-generation cephalosporin-resistant Escherichia coli poses a significant risk to consumers, potentially leading to foodborne illnesses, silent colonization, and/or antibiotic resistance dissemination. In this study, we report the microbiological and genomic features of ESβL/pAmpC-producing E. coli in conventional (CN) and antibiotic-free (AF) retail meat samples sold in different markets in São Paulo city. Nine representative chicken isolates were investigated by whole-genome sequencing. E. coli ST38 (CTX-M-2), ST350 (CMY-2), ST2179 (CTX-M-8), and ST2040 (CTX-M-55) clones were identified in meat samples from CN, and E. coli clones ST57 (CMY-2), ST117 (CTX-M-55), ST443 (CTX-M-2), ST15579 (CTX-M-8), and ST3258 (CTX-M-55) from AF farming systems. Resistomes to other clinically relevant antibiotics, hazardous heavy metals, disinfectants, and herbicides, were also predicted; whereas a broad virulome was detected in E. coli ST2040 and ST350. High-risk lineages ST38 and ST117 were identified in frozen meat from CN and AF, respectively, whereas phylogenetic analysis revealed relationship with poultry clones previously identified in the United States of America and Brazil. Our findings add new perspectives to current epidemiological knowledge regarding the occurrence of ESβL/pAmpC-producing E. coli in the meat industry, reinforcing the need for genomic surveillance of WHO critical priority pathogens in different rearing systems.
On the continuation of quasi-periodic solutions of rotor systems with fluid-film bearings
Authors: Mereles Arthur , Alves Diogo , Cavalca Katia 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Fluid-film bearings have widespread use in many rotating machines, mainly due to their low friction, high load capacity and ease of manufacture. However, these bearings generally display a self-excited phenomenon, labeled oil-whirl or oil-whip, the latter being known to be more dangerous. In perfectly balanced rotors, this phenomenon can be seen as a Hopf bifurcation, where limit cycles emerge as a parameter is varied in the system, which in this case is the shaft speed. As unbalance is included in the system, the limit cycles turn to quasi-periodic or periodic orbits, depending on the relation between the rotating speed and frequency of the cycle. This quasi-periodic solution can be seen as occurring on a $N$-dimensional torus. This work presents a continuation method to obtain invariant tori of rotors with fluid-bearings subjected to unbalance. The basis of the approach is to use a multidimensional harmonic balance method (MHBM) adopting the shaft speed and the frequency of the limit cycle as harmonic components to estimate the torus function and continue the solution using the pseudo arc-length scheme. The method is valid for obtaining both stable and unstable quasi-periodic solutions, and it is evaluated by comparing the responses with transient simulations and an open-source numerical continuation package (MATCONT). The contribution of this work lies in presenting a new tool to analyze quasi-periodic motions of rotors with unbalance and fluid instability, as well as demonstrating the effect of external excitation on the limit cycles of the autonomous system.
Perceived healthiness leading to unhealthy Snacking among early adolescents in an urban municipality area of Sri Lanka: Descriptive cross-sectional study
Authors: Thrimavithana Amali Maheshika 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Snacking prevalence in all age groups has increased across the globe over the years. Adolescents are a vulnerable population for unhealthy snacking and can be the ideal target group for early nutrition interventions for behavioral changes.
Objective: To assess the snacking behavior, its determinants and its association with nutritional status among students of Grade 6–9 in schools of Galle Municipality area.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 540 early adolescents in Grades 6–9 of Government schools in Galle Municipality area, recruited using multistage cluster sampling. A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire was used. Associations were assessed using Chi-square test.
Results: The prevalence of snacking in the sample was 96.1% and the prevalence of unhealthy snacking was 22.2%. Snacks were taken 1–2 times a day in 81.8%. Snacks were chosen by themselves (38.5%) and in 50.2% the reason was the perceived “healthiness” of the snacks. The evening was the preferred snacking time (49.1%), the context was teatime (62.8%), followed by watching TV (43.0%). The popular snacks were biscuits (43.7%), chips (31.9%) and pastries (22.2%). Nearly 90% replaced main meals with a snack. Significant associations of unhealthy snacking snacking at tea time (p = 0.032) were found. Associations were not significant between unhealthy snacking and gender, parental education status or other contextual factors such as place of stay, and mode of travelling (p > 0.05). The association of Nutritional status and unhealthy snacking was not significant (p > 0.05).
Conclusions and recommendations: Snaking behaviour is common among almost all adolescents. Unhealthy snacking is less prevalent and shows associations with income and availability/use of pocket money for snacks. Nutrition interventions should be conducted focusing on adolescents as well as families to change unhealthy snacking behavior.
Association between Frailty, Metabolic Syndrome, and Mortality across young population and different genders: findings from National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES)
Authors: Ren Jia-Meng , Liu Da , Du Lei-Lei , Lei You-Lan , Li Jing , Tian Zhu-Chang , Guo Ze-Xuan , Meng Xiang-Bin , Gao Jun , Shao Chun-Li , Zheng Mingqi , Liu Gang , Wen Jun , Wang Wen-Yao , Tang Yi-Da 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background: This study aims to elucidate the relationship between frailty score (FS), metabolic syndrome (MS), and their combined impact on mortality among young population and different genders using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 1999-2018.
Methods: 57,368 participants were included. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models were employed to examine the association between FS and MS, and between FS and all-cause mortality, respectively. Interactions between FS and MS were examined, and sensitivity analyses were conducted by excluding individuals aged ≥ 60 years and in different genders.
Results: Individuals with higher FS were correlated with MS, particularly in females, individuals under 60, and those with higher educational levels. Moreover, each 0.1 increase in FS was associated with a 45% increase in the hazard of all-cause mortality (95% CI: 41%-48%) in the general population, which were consistent in patients with or without MS. Notably, there were significant interactions between FS and MS on mortality risk among females and younger participants (＜60 years) (P for interaction = 0.038 and 0.001, respectively). The associations between FS and mortality in non-MS group were more pronounced among females and younger participants.
Conclusion: Frailty staged by FS is associated with MS, especially among individuals with a college education or above, those under the age of 60, and females. FS is a potential approach to stratify mortality risk in MS and non-MS populations. In females and younger participants, FS is considered more associated with death in the non-MS population.
SARS-CoV-2 Omicron BA.2.86 &amp; JN.1 shifting tropism from airway to intestine
Authors: Chan Michael C. W. , Hui Kenrie PY , Ho John , Ng Ka-Chun , Chan Jenny , Poon Leo L. M. , Peiris Malik , Nicholls John 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Omicron has emerged into various sub-lineages. However, the immune landscape against Omicron variants masks their intrinsic phenotypes. We compared replication competence of SARS-CoV-2 variants from BA.1 to JN.1 in explants of human bronchus and lung. Cell entry routes, extrapulmonary infection and innate immune responses were assessed using human airway organoids and intestinal enteroids. BA.5, XBB.1.5 and EG.5.1 replicate to higher titres than BA.2.86 and JN.1 in bronchus and lung explants. Replication of BA.2.86 but not EG.5.1 is inhibited by TMPRSS2 inhibitor. Interestingly, BA.2.86 and JN.1 replicate to higher titres in intestinal enteroids than EG.5.1, which is not seen in colon cells and high expression of ACE2 is found in the intestinal epithelium. BA.5, XBB.1.5 and EG.5.1 intrinsically have higher potential for efficient transmission and causing more severe disease among all tested variants. Dual-pathway cell entry of EG.5.1 contributes to its lung tropism and pathogenicity over BA.2.86. We demonstrate that human airway organoids and intestinal enteroids are more clinically relevant models than cell lines for studying host cell entry and gut tropism, respectively. ACE2 binding affinity is associated with intestinal tropism rather than respiratory tropism. This study reveals the switching from respiratory to intestinal tropism of the BA.2.86 and JN.1.
Free electron topological bound state induced by light beam with a twisted wavefront
Authors: Pan Yiming , Yin Ruoyu , Ding Yongcheng , Wang Huaiqiang , Podolsky Daniel , Zhang Bin 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Recent advances in ultrafast electron emission, microscopy, and diffraction have demonstrated a remarkable ability to manipulate free electrons with quantum coherence using light beams. Here, we present a framework for exploring free electron quantum number in ultrafast electron-light interactions. We derive an explicit Jackiw-Rebbi solution for a low-energy free electron wavefunction subjected to a spatiotemporally twisted laser field, resulting in a flying topologically protected bound state with a quantum number of e/2 – termed a “half-electron”. This flying bound state is dispersion-free due to its topological nature. We demonstrate the topological confinement and pair generation mechanism of half-electrons in free space, expanding their domain beyond the topological states typically found in solids and photonics. This advancement enhances our understanding of emulating exotic quantum and topological effects with low-energy free electrons.
Desert locusts: pest or opportunity? A new solution to solve the food crisis, generate income, and reduce pollution
Authors: Rahimi Farid 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Desert Locust "Schistocerca Gregaria", is a pest that destroys human and livestock food sources, leading to a crisis in food security. Chemical spraying methods, in addition to their high costs, contribute to food chain contamination and the resilience of these insects to pesticides. The first comprehensive field study in 2020, conducted in a southern region of Iran under the influence of Desert Locust attacks, employed traps to capture these insects. The study utilized random sampling for data collection and employed non-parametric tests for data analysis. Additionally, the experiences of hunters were assessed using a case study approach and compared to other similar studies. The results revealed that the number of Locusts on the experimental land was approximately − 27% compared to the control land, while the number of trapped Locusts was 3170% higher on the experimental land. Moreover, the number of Locusts in the traps was 4334% higher than on the experimental land. Regarding weight, the weight of Locusts on the control land was approximately 22% greater than on the experimental land. Furthermore, the weight of Locusts captured in traps was 4705% higher than on the experimental land and 3644% higher than on the control land. By the end of the research (on the fifth day), the harvested product weight from the control land was 2635 kilograms, whereas the experimental land yielded 6045 kilograms (2.3 times more). The findings of this study demonstrate that locust hunting, beyond preserving agricultural yields and reducing environmental pollution, leads to increased income for farmers and savings in water and energy consumption. Given these benefits, it is recommended that this method be tested in other regions facing locust invasions.
Thermal effects on the biological parameters of bean Aphis craccivora (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Dona Rochelyn , Satar Serdar 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

The cowpea aphid Aphis craccivora is a polyphagous species that has spread worldwide. The aim of this study was to investigate the thermal effects on the developmental period, longevity, and fecundity of apterous females of A. craccivora. The experiment was conducted under the effects of four temperature regimes, which included 16°C, 20°C, 24°C, and 28°C, with 65 ± 5% relative humidity (RH) and a photoperiod of long-day 16:8 (L:D) h. Afterwards, the nymphs developed successfully until the adult stage at all temperature regimens. The developmental period of immature A. craccivora ranged from 10.6 days at 16°C to 5.0 days at 28°C. The nymph viability and survival were greater at 24°C than at the other temperatures. However, at a constant temperature of 28°C, the mortality rate was greater than that of the other species at the immature stage of A. craccivora. The lower developmental threshold for cowpea aphids was estimated at 1.77°C and 66.79 degree-days (DD) at the first instar until adulthood. The average longevity of adult females decreased from 22.2 days at 16°C to 10.8 days at 28°C. The net reproduction rate per female was 46.97 at 24°C and 26.93 to 28°C. The largest intrinsic rates of increase (rm= 0.367) occurred at 28°C, and the smallest occurred at 16°C (rm= 0.177). It was obvious that temperatures greater than 28°C resulted in good development, increased mortality at the nymphal stage, reduced adult longevity, and diminished fecundity. The optimal growth temperature for A. craccivora was 20°C-24°C.
Ipratropium-induced bronchospasm in a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease patient-arare and serious clinical vignette of altered drug response: a case report
Authors: S Arun , Anil Abhishek , Iyer Hariharan , Charan Jaykaran , Varthya Shoban Babu , Durgeshwar Gopal , Chatwani Bhavesh , Ambwani Sneha 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:
Ipratropium, an anticholinergic medication, holds a significant position in the management of various respiratory disorders. Primarily utilized in the pharmacotherapy of chronic obstructive lung disease and to relieve the symptoms of bronchospasm by acting on the muscarinic receptors of the bronchial smooth muscle by inhibiting the same receptors.This case report aims to highlight the ipratropium-induced bronchospasm in a patient of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).
Case Presentation:
We present a compelling case of severe bronchospasm occurring in a 65-year-old Indian man following the inhalation of a combination of ipratropium bromide and budesonide. This distressing event was accompanied by a precipitous decline in oxygen saturation, plummeting to as low as 40%. Urgent resuscitation measures were imperative, leading to intubation and ventilatory support to restore the patient to a stable state. Following the initial resuscitation, the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit for further management. Disturbingly, another exacerbation of symptoms ensued during ventilator support subsequent to nebulization with a combination of ipratropium and levosalbutamol. Encouragingly, the patient's condition ameliorated upon discontinuation of the nebulization.
Conclusion:
This case report illuminates the concerning potential for ipratropium-induced bronchospasm in COPD patients. As we navigate these complexities, the pursuit of safer alternatives like tiotropium takes center stage, reminding us of the continuous evolution in optimizing respiratory therapies. These findings emphasize the significance of vigilant monitoring and tailored interventions in clinical practice.
Functional connectivity density of postcentral gyrus predicts rumination and major depressive disorders in males
Authors: FAN QIUYAO , ZHANG HAOBO 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental health condition marked by persistent sadness and loss of interest. Recent evidence suggested that abnormal functional connectivity (FC) may be directly linked to the development of MDD, and that gender differences existed in the FC patterns. In this study, we utilized functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data from 41 healthy participants to identify FC patterns that correlate with levels of rumination in both genders.The results indicated no gender differences in rumination levels. However, the functional connectivity density (FCD) analysis revealed that in males, the FCD of the postcentral gyrus was negatively correlated with the levels of rumination and brooding, while not with reflection. No FCD in females was found to be related to rumination or its subtypes. Further FC analysis revealed that the connectivities between the postcentral gyrus and several regions, predominantly from the default mode network (DMN), were negatively correlated with rumination levels. This link was assumed to be a risk factor for rumination and MDD in males. In conclusion, our findings indicate that the FC between the postcentral gyrus and the DMN is a potential risk factor for MDD in males, while no FC risk factors were found in females.
Assessing TGF-β Prognostic Model Predictions for Chemotherapy Response and Oncogenic Role of FKBP1A in Liver Cancer
Authors: Chen Weimei , Que Qinghe , Zhong Rongrong , Lin Zhou , Yi Qiaolan , Wang Qingshui 
Published: August 2024

Background:
The Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway plays a crucial
role in the pathogenesis of diseases. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed TGF-β-related genes
in liver cancer patients and to correlate these findings with clinical features and immune signatures.

Methods:
The TCGA-STAD and LIRI-JP cohorts were utilized for a comprehensive analysis of TGF-β-
related genes. Differential gene expression, functional enrichment, survival analysis, and machine learning
techniques were employed to develop a prognostic model based on a TGF-β-related gene signature
(TGFBRS).

Results:
We developed a prognostic model for liver cancer based on the expression levels of nine TGF-β-
related genes. The model indicates that higher TGFBRS values are associated with poorer prognosis, higher
tumor grades, more advanced pathological stages, and resistance to chemotherapy. Additionally, the
TGFBRS-High subtype was characterized by elevated levels of immune-suppressive cells and increased expression
of immune checkpoint molecules. Using a Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) machine learning
approach, the FKBP1A gene was identified as playing a significant role in liver cancer. Notably, knocking
down FKBP1A significantly inhibited the proliferation and metastatic capabilities of liver cancer cells both in
vitro and in vivo.

Conclusion:
Our study highlights the potential of TGFBRS in predicting chemotherapy responses and in
shaping the tumor immune microenvironment in liver cancer. The results identify FKBP1A as a promising
molecular target for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies against liver cancer. Our findings could
potentially guide personalized treatment strategies to improve the prognosis of liver cancer patients.
Prompt Multi-level Segmentation with Denoising Model with Fragile Correlated Feature Subset for Brain Tumor Classification
Authors: Krishnaveni Putta Rama , Suman M. 
Published: August 2024

Background:
Classifying brain tumors with extraordinary precision using images is critical for prognosis and treatment planning. The aberrant proliferation of
brain cells characterizes brain tumors. Variations in neuronal development may occur among individuals. The classification of tumors as benign or
malignant is contingent upon their rate of growth. A benign tumor remains localized at its site of origin; one that has spread to distant sites is
malignant. Brain tumor identification may be difficult due to the unique characteristics of brain tumor cells.

Objective:
This study presents a method that methodically improves the identification of brain tumor cells and the analysis of functional structures through the utilization of sample training that incorporates features extracted from Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) images. In the image enhancement phase, the color information of the MRI image is converted to greyscale, and its margins are sharpened to facilitate the detection of finer details.

:
For specialists or general practitioners to accurately diagnose life-threatening conditions, such as brain tumors, medical images are required. Picture denoising has been identified in recent research as a potentially fruitful area of study. It is critical to perform image cleanup while preserving the sharpness of the boundaries.

Methods:
In this research, a Prompt Multi Level Segmentation Denoising model with a Fragile Correlated Feature Subset (PMLSD-FCFS) model is proposed
for accurate denoising of MRI images and to extract the most relevant features set by applying a feature dimensionality reduction model for better
brain tumor predictions.

Results:
The proposed model achieves 98.2% accuracy in Multi-Level Image Segmentation and 98.4% accuracy in Fragile Correlated Feature Subset
Generation.

Conclusion:
The experimental findings indicated that the model proposed exhibits superior performance compared to the traditional algorithms. Furthermore, it
successfully eliminates the noise from the MRI images, and most relevant features are only considered for brain tumor detection, thereby
enhancing the accuracy of classification.
Platinum Group Metals against Parasites: State of the Art and Future
Perspectives
Authors: Mendez-Arriaga Jose Manuel 
Published: August 2024

Background:
Globally, parasitic diseases are considered among the neglected diseases.
Clinically, several drugs are used in treatment, however due to drug resistance and multidrug resistance
and the low investment in new research lines, there has been a failure in the treatment of
parasitic illnesses.

Objectives:
The present mini-review is a comprehensive review of the use of platinum group metals
as biological agents. It aims to establish the actual state of the art of these metal elements in the
antiparasitic activity-specific area and define the future possibilities of action.

Methods:
The review comprises more than 100 research works done in this field. The differences
between platinum group metals chemistry and their use as metal complexes with biological activity
have been discussed.

Results:
This review highlighted the platinum group metal's potential as an antiparasitic agent for
different diseases.

Conclusion:
The review will be helpful for the researchers involved in targeted drugs for parasitic
disease therapy.