bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MICP mediated by indigenous bacteria isolated from tailings for biocementation for reduction of wind erosion
Authors: Maureira Alejandro , Zapata Manuel , Olave Jorge , Jeison David , Wong Liey-Si , Panico Antonio , Hernández Pía , Cisternas Luis A. , Rivas Mariella 
Published: June 2024

In this study, native ureolytic bacteria were isolated from copper tailings soils to perform microbial-induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) tests and evaluate their potential for biocement formation and their contribution to reduce the dispersion of particulate matter into the environment from tailings containing potentially toxic elements. It was possible to isolate a total of 46 bacteria; among them only three showed ureolytic activity: Priestia megaterium T130-1, Paenibacillus sp. T130-13 and Staphylococcus sp. T130-14. Biocement cores were made by mixing tailings with the isolated bacteria in presence of urea, resulting similar to those obtained with Sporosarcina pasteurii and Bacillus subtilis used as positive control. Indeed, XRD analysis conducted on biocement showed the presence of microcline (B. subtilis 17%; P. megaterium 11. 9%), clinochlore (S. pasteurii, 6.9%) and magnesiumhornblende (Paenibacillus sp. 17.8%; P. megaterium 14.6%); all these compounds were not initially present in the tailings soils. Moreover the presence of calcite (control 0.828%; Paenibacillus sp. 5.4%) and hematite (control 0.989%; B. subtilis 6.4%) was also significant unlike the untreated control. The development of biofilms containing abundant amount of Ca, C, and O on microscopic soil particles was evidenced by means of FE-SEM-EDX and XRD. Wind tunnel tests were carried out to investigate the resistance of biocement samples, accounted for a mass loss five holds lower than the control, i.e., the rate of wind erosion in the control corresponded to 82 g/m2h while for the biocement treated with Paenibacillus sp. it corresponded to only 16.371 g/m2h. Finally, in compression tests, the biocement samples prepared with P. megaterium (28.578 psi) and Paenibacillus sp. (28.404 psi) showed values similar to those obtained with S. pasteurii (27.102 psi), but significantly higher if compared to the control (15.427 psi), thus improving the compression resistance capacity of the samples by 85.2% and 84.1% with respect to the control. According to the results obtained, the biocement samples generated with the native strains showed improvements in the mechanical properties of the soil supporting them as potential candidates in applications for the stabilization of mining liabilities in open environments using bioaugmentation strategies with native strains isolated from the same mine tailing.
Storage-induced mechanical changes of porcine lenses assessed with optical coherence elastography and inverse finite element modeling
Authors: Tahsini Vahoura , Gil Iulen Cabeza , Kling Sabine 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionIn an effort of gaining a better understanding of the lens mechanics, ex vivo lenses samples are often used. Yet, ex vivo tissue might undergo important postmortem changes depending on the unavoidable preservation method employed. The purpose of this study was to assess how various storage conditions and the removal of the lens capsule affect the mechanical properties of ex vivo porcine lens samples.MethodsA total of 81 freshly enucleated porcine eyes were obtained and divided into six groups and preserved differently. In the first three groups, the lens within the intact eye was preserved for 24 h by: (i) freezing at −80°C (n = 12), (ii) freezing at −20°C (n = 12), and (iii) refrigeration at +8°C (n = 12). In the remaining groups, the lenses were immediately extracted and treated as follows: (iv) kept intact, no storage (n = 12), (v) decapsulated, no storage (n = 21), and (vi) immersed in Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) at +8°C (n = 12) for 24 h. Frozen lenses were thawed at room temperature. Each lens was compressed between two glass lamella and subjected, first to a period of relaxation during which the compression force was recorded and second to an oscillating micro-compression while the deformation was recorded with a total of 256 subsequent B-scans via optical coherence tomography. The corresponding axial strain was retrieved via phase-sensitive image processing and subsequently used as input for an inverse finite element analysis (iFEA) to retrieve the visco-hyperelastic material properties of the lenses.ResultsAfter freezing at temperatures of −80°C and −20°C, the cortical strains increased by 14% (p = 0.01) and 34% (p &lt; 0.001), and the nuclear strains decreased by 17% (p = 0.014) and 36% (p &lt; 0.001), compared to the lenses tested immediately after postmortem, respectively. According to iFEA, this resulted from an increased ratio of the nuclear: cortical E-modulus (4.06 and 7.06) in −80°C and −20°C frozen lenses compared to fresh lenses (3.3). Decapsulation had the largest effect on the material constant C10, showing an increase both in the nucleus and cortex. Preservation of the intact eye in the refrigerator induced the least mechanical alterations in the lens, compared to the intact fresh condition.DiscussionCombining iFEA with optical coherence elastography allowed us to identify important changes in the lens mechanics induced after different preserving ex vivo methods.
Multiplexed bacterial pathogen detection and clinical characteristics of orthopedic infection in hospitalized patients
Authors: Wang Yani , Xia Wenbo , Wang Ying , Cui Yanxiang , Yu Linhong , Liu Chao , Zhao Dan , Guan Xiaoxuan , Wang Yingdi , Wu Shanrui , Li Jie , Li Yisong , Hu Jianqiang , Liu Jie 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionAccurate identification of the etiology of orthopedic infection is very important for correct and timely clinical management, but it has been poorly studied. In the current study we explored the association of multiple bacterial pathogens with orthopedic infection.MethodsHospitalized orthopedic patients were enrolled in a rural hospital in Qingdao, China. Wound or exudate swab samples were collected and tested for twelve bacterial pathogens with both culture and multiplex real time PCR.Results and discussionA total of 349 hospitalized orthopedic patients were enrolled including 193 cases presenting infection manifestations upon admission and 156 with no sign of infection. Orthopedic infection patients were mainly male (72.5%) with more lengthy hospital stay (median 15 days). At least one pathogen was detected in 42.5% (82/193) of patients with infection while 7.1% (11/156) in the patients without infection (P &lt; 0.001). S. aureus was the most prevalent causative pathogen (15.5%). Quantity dependent pathogen association with infection was observed, particularly for P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae, possibly indicating subclinical infection. Most of the patients with detected pathogens had a previous history of orthopedic surgery (odds ratio 2.8, P = 0.038). Pathogen specific clinical manifestations were characterized. Multiplex qPCR, because of its high sensitivity, superior specificity, and powerful quantification could be utilized in combination with culture to guide antimicrobial therapy and track the progression of orthopedic infection during treatment.
In-vitro effects of different hyaluronic acids on periodontal biofilm-immune cell interaction
Authors: Zhu Xilei , Sculean Anton , Eick Sigrun 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionRecent studies have demonstrated a positive role of hyaluronic acid (HA) on periodontal clinical outcomes. This in-vitro study aimed to investigate the impact of four different HAs on interactions between periodontal biofilm and immune cells.MethodsThe four HAs included: high-molecular-weight HA (HHA, non-cross-linked), low-molecular-weight HA (LHA), oligomers HA (OHA), and cross-linked high-molecular-weight HA (CHA). Serial experiments were conducted to verify the influence of HAs on: (i) 12-species periodontal biofilm (formation and pre-existing); (ii) expression of inflammatory cytokines and HA receptors in monocytic (MONO-MAC-6) cells and periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) with or without exposure to periodontal biofilms; (iii) generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in MONO-MAC-6 cells and PDLF with presence of biofilm and HA.ResultsThe results indicated that HHA and CHA reduced the bacterial counts in a newly formed (4-h) biofilm and in a pre-existing five-day-old biofilm. Without biofilm challenge, OHA triggered inflammatory reaction by increasing IL-1β and IL-10 levels in MONO-MAC cells and IL-8 in PDLF in a time-dependent manner, whereas CHA suppressed this response by inhibiting the expression of IL-10 in MONO-MAC cells and IL-8 in PDLF. Under biofilm challenge, HA decreased the expression of IL-1β (most decreasing HHA) and increased IL-10 levels in MONO-MAC-6 cells in a molecular weight dependent manner (most increasing CHA). The interaction between HA and both cells may occur via ICAM-1 receptor. Biofilm stimulus increased ROS levels in MONO-MAC-6 cells and PDLF, but only HHA slightly suppressed the high generation of ROS induced by biofilm stimulation in both cells.ConclusionOverall, these results indicate that OHA induces inflammation, while HHA and CHA exhibit anti-biofilm, primarily anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in the periodontal environment.
Case Report: Primary malignant mesothelioma of the left atrium easily misdiagnosed as myxoma
Authors: Luo Shuai , Li Yao , Li Jin , Zeng Jiafei , Wang Jinjing 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundMalignant mesothelioma (MM) is a rare and aggressive tumor that is found in the pleura and peritoneum. A few cases of MM in the pericardium and tunica vaginalis testis have been reported. Moreover, primary occurrence in the atrium is extremely rare. The visual appearance of this tumor is similar to that of a common atrial myxoma, which makes it challenging for clinicians and radiologists to diagnose and treat this disease.Case demonstrationAn 18-year-old woman presented with symptoms of chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, and expectoration for 7 days. Echocardiography was performed on the patient, which revealed an atrial mass. Myxoma was one of the differential diagnoses. The tumor was an elliptical mass with tips, and the cut surface was jelly-like, similar to myxoma. After surgery, a pathologic examination of the biopsied tumor confirmed epithelial-type MM. During postoperative follow-up, no recurrence of the tumor was observed.ConclusionsMM originating in the atrium is considered to be extremely rare. Consequently, clinicians can easily misdiagnose atrial MM as a myxoma. Moreover, to confirm the diagnosis, histopathologic biopsy, histomorphological characterization, immunohistochemistry, and molecular genetic testing are required. Therefore, clinical diagnosis and treatment of MM are challenging.
A review of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in biosolids: geographical distribution and regulations
Authors: Saliu Toyin Dunsin , Sauvé Sébastien 
Published: June 2024

Applying sewage sludge and biosolids to agricultural lands has become an increasingly essential aspect of sustainable waste management and circular economy as it contributes positively to nutrient recycling, soil fertility and environmental health. Due to the widespread presence of per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) globally, wastewater treatment plants have become a sink for PFAS. PFAS resist degradation by conventional wastewater treatment processes and are usually adsorbed to sewage sludge and biosolids. However, there have been significant concerns that land application of sewage sludge and biosolids could become a probable pathway for PFAS to enter the food chain. This article assessed the global sewage sludge/biosolids generation and country-to-country management methods through a systematic review. The global occurrence, distribution and prevalence of different classes of PFAS were assessed. We also evaluate the factors influencing PFAS contamination in sewage sludge/biosolids and the existing regulations on the upper limit of PFAS in biosolids before their disposal or application to farmland (or other usages). Additionally, most reports revealed high PFAS concentrations in influent, effluent, sewage sludge and biosolids generated worldwide. Overall, recorded PFAS concentration on a global scale varied from 2.2 to 2,156 ng/L (influents), 1.9–4,800 ng/L (effluents) and 2.1–500,000 ng/g (biosolids). While most studies focused on legacy PFAS detection, recent studies have revealed the prevalence of diPAPs in high concentrations in sewage sludge and biosolids, contributing from 40% to 95% of the total PFAS concentration. Across all PFAS classes, PFAAs and diPAPs were the dominant groups exhibiting elevated detection rates (35%–95%). Due to documented PFAS contamination in agricultural lands, rigorous regulations need to be instituted to govern the application of these biowastes on agricultural lands. However, several countries lack data on the level of PFAS in the sewage sludges they generate, and there are currently few or no regulations guiding their application to farmlands. Notably, the diPAPs class of PFAS was shown to be present in biosolids and sewage sludge; their inclusion in the list of PFAS required in standardized analytical methods and risk assessment becomes imperative.
The photoactivated antifungal activity and possible mode of action of sodium pheophorbide a on Diaporthe mahothocarpus causing leaf spot blight in Camellia oleifera
Authors: Shi Xu-Long , Yang Jing , Zhang Yu , Qin Piao , Zhou He-Ying , Chen Yun-Ze 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionSodium pheophorbide a (SPA) is a natural plant-derived photosensitizer, with high photoactivated antifungal activity against some phytopathogenic fungi. However, its fungicidal effect on Diaporthe mahothocarpus, a novel pathogen that causes Camellia oleifera leaf spot blight, is unclear.MethodsIn the present study, we explored its inhibitory effects on spore germination and mycelial growth of D. mahothocarpus. Then we determined its effects on the cell membrane, mycelial morphology, redox homeostasis, and cell death through bioassay. Finally, RNA-seq was used further to elucidate its mode of action at the transcriptional level.ResultsWe found that SPA effectively inhibited the growth of D. mahothocarpus, with half-maximal effective concentrations to inhibit mycelial growth and spore germination of 1.059 and 2.287 mg/mL, respectively. After 1.0 mg/mL SPA treatment, the conductivity and malondialdehyde content of D. mahothocarpus were significantly increased. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy indicated that SPA significantly affected the morphology and ultrastructure of D. mahothocarpus hyphae, revealing that SPA can destroy the mycelial morphology and cell structure, especially the cell membrane of D. mahothocarpus. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed that SPA significantly suppressed the expression of genes involved in morphology, cell membrane permeability, and oxidative stress. Then, we also found that SPA significantly promoted the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in of D. mahothocarpus, while it decreased the content of reduced glutathione, inhibited the enzyme activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, and exacerbated DNA damage. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining also confirmed that 1.0 mg/mL SPA could significantly induce apoptosis and necrosis.DiscussionGenerally, SPA can induce ROS-mediated oxidative stress and cell death, thus destroying the cell membrane and hyphal morphology, and ultimately inhibiting mycelial growth, which indicates that SPA has multiple modes of action, providing a scientific basis for the use of SPA as an alternative plant-derived photoactivated fungicide against C. oleifera leaf spot blight.
The dietary inflammatory index and cardiometabolic parameters in US firefighters
Authors: Christodoulou Andria , Christophi Costas A. , Sotos-Prieto Mercedes , Moffatt Steven , Zhao Longgang , Kales Stefanos N. , Hébert James R. 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionDietary choices play a crucial role in influencing systemic inflammation and the eventual development of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) is a novel tool designed to assess the inflammatory potential of one’s diet. Firefighting, which is characterized by high-stress environments and elevated CVD risk, represents an interesting context for exploring the dietary inflammatory-CVD connection.AimThis study aims to investigate the associations between Energy-adjusted Dietary Inflammatory Index (E-DII™) scores and cardiometabolic risk parameters among US firefighters.MethodsThe study analyzed 413 participants from the Indianapolis Fire Department who took part in a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)-sponsored Mediterranean diet intervention trial. Thorough medical evaluations, encompassing physical examinations, standard laboratory tests, resting electrocardiograms, and submaximal treadmill exercise testing, were carried out. Participants also completed a detailed food frequency questionnaire to evaluate dietary patterns, and E-DII scores were subsequently computed based on the gathered information.ResultsParticipants had a mean body mass index (BMI) of 30.0 ± 4.5 kg/m2 and an average body fat percentage of 28.1 ± 6.6%. Regression analyses, adjusted for sex, BMI, maximal oxygen consumption (VO2 max), max metabolic equivalents (METS), age, and body fat percentage, revealed significant associations between high vs. low E-DII scores and total cholesterol (β = 10.37, p = 0.04). When comparing low Vs median E-DII scores there is an increase in glucose (β = 0.91, p = 0.72) and total cholesterol (β = 5.51, p = 0.26).ConclusionOur findings support an association between higher E-DII scores and increasing adiposity, as well as worse lipid profiles.
Evaluating the use of laparoscopic gastrostomy in children with congenital heart disease in Colombia: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Chaparro-Zaraza Diego Fernando , Pinilla-Orejarena Adriana Patricia , Otoya-Castrillón Juan Pablo , Chacón-Valenzuela Daniella , Quintero-Olarte Juan Jose , Cifuentes-Rincón Angélica Belen , Quesada-Uribe Bryan Felipe , Durán-Hernandez Alvaro , Bermon Anderson , Manrique-Hernandez Edgar Fabian 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionCongenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the most common congenital disorder and a leading cause of infant mortality. Despite improved survival rates, patients with CHD often face malnutrition due to increased metabolic demands, feeding difficulties, and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Malnutrition in CHD is linked to poor short and long-term clinical outcomes. Gastrostomy (GT) is frequently used for long-term enteral support, and laparoscopic GT (LGT) has demonstrated advantages in children without CHD. This study evaluated a modified Georgeson's percutaneous LGT technique and its perioperative complications in children with CHD.MethodsWe performed an analytical retrospective cohort study from 2018 to 2022, including patients younger than 24 months with a diagnosis of CHD who underwent LGT. The primary outcome evaluated was the presence of complications during surgery and the first thirty postoperative days. Complications were graded using Clavien–Dindo's (CD) classification. Sociodemographic, clinical, and procedure-related variables were collected. A bivariate analysis was performed using STATA 15, and a p &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsSeventy-eight patients were eligible (male 56.41%, Median age 129.5 days, weight: 4.83 kg). The median surgery time was 35 min. The complication rate was 24.36%. The most frequent complications were GT site infection (10.26%), followed by leakage (8.97%) and granuloma formation (6.41%). Conversion to open surgery was significantly associated with postoperative complications (p = 0.002).ConclusionThis modified technique is well-tolerated in children with CHD, demonstrating a low rate of CD grade 3A/3B complications and no grade 4 or 5 complications.
Legume–grass mixtures improve biological nitrogen fixation and nitrogen transfer by promoting nodulation and altering root conformation in different ecological regions of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau
Authors: Luo Feng , Mi Wenbo , Liu Wenhui 
Published: June 2024

IntroductionBiological nitrogen fixation (BNF) plays a crucial role in nitrogen utilization in agroecosystems. Functional characteristics of plants (grasses vs. legumes) affect BNF. However, little is still known about how ecological zones and cropping patterns affect legume nitrogen fixation. This study’s objective was to assess the effects of different cropping systems on aboveground dry matter, interspecific relationships, nodulation characteristics, root conformation, soil physicochemistry, BNF, and nitrogen transfer in three ecological zones and determine the main factors affecting nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (Ndfa) and nitrogen transferred (Ntransfer).MethodsThe 15N labeling method was applied. Oats (Avena sativa L.), forage peas (Pisum sativum L.), common vetch (Vicia sativa L.), and fava beans (Vicia faba L.) were grown in monocultures and mixtures (YS: oats and forage peas; YJ: oats and common vetch; YC: oats and fava beans) in three ecological regions (HZ: Huangshui Valley; GN: Sanjiangyuan District; MY: Qilian Mountains Basin) in a split-plot design.ResultsThe results showed that mixing significantly promoted legume nodulation, optimized the configuration of the root system, increased aboveground dry matter, and enhanced nitrogen fixation in different ecological regions. The percentage of nitrogen derived from the atmosphere (%Ndfa) and percentage of nitrogen transferred (%Ntransfer) of legumes grown with different legume types and in different ecological zones were significantly different, but mixed cropping significantly increased the %Ndfa of the legumes. Factors affecting Ndfa included the cropping pattern, the ecological zone (R), the root nodule number, pH, ammonium-nitrogen, nitrate-nitrogen, microbial nitrogen mass (MBN), plant nitrogen content (N%), and aboveground dry biomass. Factors affecting Ntransfer included R, temperature, altitude, root surface area, nitrogen-fixing enzyme activity, organic matter, total soil nitrogen, MBN, and N%.DiscussionWe concluded that mixed cropping is beneficial for BNF and that mixed cropping of legumes is a sustainable and effective forage management practice on the Tibetan Plateau.
Assessing the impact of short-term ozone exposure on excess deaths from cardiovascular disease: a multi-pollutant model in Nanjing, China’s Yangtze River Delta
Authors: Sun Fengxia , Gong Xing , Wei Li , Zhang Yi , Ge Ming , Xiong Liling 
Published: June 2024

BackgroundOzone pollution is associated with cardiovascular disease mortality, and there is a high correlation between different pollutants. This study aimed to assess the association between ozone and cardiovascular disease deaths and the resulting disease burden in Nanjing, China.MethodsA total of 151,609 deaths from cardiovascular disease were included in Nanjing, China from 2013 to 2021. Daily data on meteorological and air pollution were collected to apply a generalized additional model with multiple pollutants to perform exposure-response analyses, stratification analysis, and evaluation of excess deaths using various standards.ResultsIn the multi-pollutant model, an increase of 10 μg/m3 in O3 was significantly associated with a 0.81% (95%CI: 0.49, 1.12%) increase in cardiovascular disease deaths in lag05. The correlation weakened in both the single-pollutant model and two-pollutant models, but remained more pronounced in females, the older group, and during warm seasons. From 2013 to 2021, the number of excess deaths attributed to ozone exposure in cardiovascular disease continued to rise with an increase in ozone concentration in Nanjing. If the ozone concentration were to be reduced to the WHO standard and the minimum level, the number of deaths would decrease by 1,736 and 10,882, respectively.ConclusionThe risk of death and excess deaths from cardiovascular disease due to ozone exposure increases with higher ozone concentration. Reducing ozone concentration to meet WHO standards or lower can provide greater cardiovascular disease health benefits.