bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Resistance in <i>Burkholderia pseudomallei</i> to Benzalkonium Chloride and Antibiotics
Authors: Luchinin D. N. , Molchanova E. V. , Zakharova I. B. , Viktorov D. V. 
Published: November 2022

The aim of the study was to investigate the features of resistance formation in Burkholderia pseudomallei to quaternary ammonium compounds, as well as to analyze its influence on the development of antibiotic resistance.Materials and methods. 10 strains of melioidosis causative agent with typical cultural and morphological properties have been studied. The selection of variants resistant to benzalkonium chloride was carried out by successive passages on a dense nutrient medium with the addition of a disinfectant in increasing concentrations. The determination of sensitivity to benzalkonium chloride was performed through serial dilutions in agar, to antibacterial drugs from the groups of sulfonamides, β-lactams and tetracyclines – using disk diffusion method. Statistical processing of the obtained results was conducted with the help of the Microsoft Excel 2019 software. Arithmetic mean values and errors of mean values were calculated. The significance of differences between the parameters was determined applying Student’s t-test.Results and discussion. All parental strains showed a similar degree of resistance to the disinfectant compound and most of the strains – susceptibility to the antibiotics tested. Cultivation of B. pseudomallei strains on a nutrient medium with the addition of benzalkonium chloride led to an increase in resistance to this disinfectant. In addition, an increase in the level of resistance to all studied antibiotics was found. Statistical processing of the data collected revealed a significant correlation between the change in sensitivity to benzalkonium chloride and the emergence of resistance to amoxicillin/ clavulanic acid and ceftazidime. It was found that the causative agent of melioidosis, with a natural high susceptibility to benzalkonium chloride, has a high potential for developing resistance to this disinfectant compound, which is of practical importance in the development of disinfection regimens using quarternary ammonium compounds. For the first time, a direct correlation between a decrease in the sensitivity to benzalkonium chloride in B. pseudomallei and emergence of resistance to amoxicillin/clavulonic acid and ceftazidime has been demonstrated.
Real-Time PCR Detection of <i>Bacillus anthracis</i> by Lambda_Ba03 Prophage Genes
Authors: Nizkorodova A. S. , Mal’tseva E. R. , Berdygulova Zh. A. , Naizabaeva D. A. , Kuatbekova S. A. , Zhigailov A. V. , Abdolla N. , Mashzhan A. S. , Akhmetollaev I. A. , Skiba Yu. A. , Mamadaliev S. M. 
Published: November 2022

The aim of the study was to develop a set of primers and fluorescent probes for the detection of two chromosomal targets of Bacillus anthracis using real-time PCR based on the lambda_Ba03 prophage genes.Materials and methods. BLAST analysis of B. anthracis chromosomal DNA identified two target genes in the region of lambdaBa03 prophage, BA_5358 (AE016879.1: 4852332..4853642) and BA_5361 (AE016879.1: 4855298..4856278). The designed primers and fluorescent hydrolysable TaqMan probes for simultaneous detection of B. anthracis chromosomal DNA by two stated genes were tested in qPCR for sensitivity and specificity.Results and discussion. Studies performed on chromosomal DNA samples of closely related bacteria (B. cereus, B. thuringiensis, B. subtilis, B. clausii) have shown 100 % specificity of the developed sets of primers/probes. The sensitivity of the devised multiplex kit, tested on DNA samples of the m55-VNIIVViM vaccine strain and archival DNA samples of B. anthracis, reached 100 fg of bacterial DNA, which sets the limit of sensitivity at 17 genomes per reaction. The developed multiplex kit can be used as a separate tool for research laboratories studying anthrax.
A Pilot Program: Remote Summer Program to Improve Opportunity and Mentorship Among Underrepresented Students Pursuing Orthopaedic Surgery
Authors: Hastings Katherine G. , Freiman Halle D. , Amanatullah Derek F. , Gardner Michael J. , Frick Steven , Shea Kevin G. 
Published: November 2022

Background:
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of an 8-week remote summer program in supporting underrepresented students interested in orthopaedic surgery.

Methods:
We received 115 applications, and a total of 17 students participated in the program (14.8%). Nine faculty mentors were matched with 1 or 2 students each. The program delivered a curriculum from June-August 2021 consisting of (1) weekly instructional courses on research-related topics led by a content expert; (2) weekly faculty lectures discussing topics including orthopaedic topics, diversity in medicine, leadership, and work-life balance; and (3) a research experience paired with a faculty mentor and peer mentor. We surveyed students to measure skill progression, satisfaction, and overall program evaluation. Preprogram/postprogram evaluation, midprogram check-in, and student feedback surveys were collected.

Results:
Program participants represented a range of race and ethnic backgrounds, research experience levels, and various geographic locations across the United States. The cohort included a high rate of female (42%) and Black (35%) participants. On average, postprogram survey scores indicated that participants believed that the summer program improved their research skills (9.6 of 10), improved their orthopaedic interest (8.9 of 10), and improved mentorship and networking (9.1 of 10). For feedback surveys, 14 respondents of 15 total responses (93%) felt they were adequately matched to their faculty mentor. Twelve (80%) felt they had realistic deliverables for research projects within the 8-week program. Thirteen (87%) indicated they contributed to an abstract or manuscript as a coauthor.

Conclusion:
Our findings indicate that students improved their research skills, interest, and confidence to pursue orthopaedic residency and mentorship/networks in the field. The long-term goal is to improve the accessibility and quality of mentorship for underrepresented students in order to foster an equitable pathway into the field of orthopaedic surgery.
An equation for deriving spatial variations in carbonate production rates from sediment deposition rates and dilution: Application to Santa Maria Island, Azores
Authors: Mitchell Neil C. , Quartau Rui , Moreira Sandra , Beier Christoph , Zhao Zhongwei , Ávila Sérgio , Portanyi Elsa-Marie , Rodrigues Aurora 
Published: November 2022

ABSTRACT
Knowledge of how carbonates are produced on shelves is needed for working out how these “carbonate factories” generate stratigraphy by providing particles for potential export or local deposition. Production rates can be derived straightforwardly in low-energy environments from one-dimensional analysis (age–depth variations) but rates are less easily derived for high-energy hydrodynamical environments where particles are transported away from their sites of production. This particularly affects knowledge of spatial variations in production rates, needed for working out controlling influences of light, hydrodynamics, and nutrient availability. We show here that, if a non-carbonate component of the sediment, such as terrigenous particles arising from coastal and subaerial erosion, is conserved and thus acts as a tracer, rates of carbonate production can in principle be derived from carbonate content data, if sediment transport fluxes can also be constrained. In the equation developed here, the spatial rate of change of carbonate content is caused by dilution of the terrigenous component by the newly produced carbonate and depends on the sediment transport flux. We investigate this idea using data from Santa Maria Island, Azores, an inactive volcanic island in a temperate environment. Geochemical, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) data of surface–sediment grab samples indicate nearly simple mixing trends between two components (volcanic rock and marine carbonate), as needed for our simple dilution-based equation to apply. High-resolution boomer seismic data reveal thicker (&gt; 1 m) deposits in the mid- to outer shelf of the island, which we interpret as having been emplaced during the Holocene. These effectively provide time-averaged depositional fluxes and, assuming conservation of mass, can be used to constrain transport fluxes. The derived equation is used to predict the observed deposit thicknesses into the mid-shelf alongside coincident increasing carbonate percentages. The thicknesses are replicated only if carbonate production rates increase with depth and distance away from the coastline into the mid-shelf, quantifying the variation of production of such a nearshore environment for the first time. We speculate that mollusks dominating the production have a preference for sand that is less frequently or strongly agitated by waves, although nutrient availability from occasional upwelling may also regulate growth to create this trend.
Energy-efficient scheduling problem under speed-scaling and power-saving machine state
Authors: Aghelinejad MohammadMohsen , Ouazene Yassine , Yalaoui Alice 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
This paper addresses the problem of scheduling different non-preemptive jobs on a single machine under time of use electricity tariffs consideration. The considered machine has three main states (OFF, ON, Idle) and two transition states (Turn-on and Turn-off). Each of these machine’s states as well as the processing jobs, consume a specific amount of energy. Moreover, a speed-scalable case of the problem is considered, in which jobs can be processed at an arbitrary speed with a trade-off between speed and energy consumption.
First, a mixed-integer linear programming model with the objective of minimizing total energy consumption costs formulates this scheduling problem. Then, since this problem is strongly NP-hard, different approximate optimization methods are investigated to provide near-optimal solutions. Finally, an extensive computational study is carried out to establish the efficiency of the proposed algorithms. The obtained results show, how a well-tuned genetic algorithm combined with an adequate local search procedure constitutes an efficient method for solving this energy-aware scheduling problem.
Sociodemographic profile associated with perinatal depression during the COVID-19 era
Authors: Kovacheva Katina , Rodríguez-Muñoz Maria de la Fe , Gómez-Baya Diego , Domínguez-Salas Sara , Motrico Emma 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has caused an increase in perinatal depression. The aim of this research was to identify which sociodemographic variables are related to the increase in perinatal depression due to the pandemic. In addition to estimating to what extent they predict perinatal depression, differentiating the prenatal and postnatal period.
Methods: The sample consisted of 3,356 subjects, 1,402 in the prenatal period and 1,954 in the postnatal period. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to assess depressive symptomatology. A subset of 14 questions was included to collect demographic data. Items from the Spanish version of the Coronavirus Perinatal Experiences Survey were also included.
Results: Experiencing the change of environment due to COVID-19 as negative and having a history of mental health predict perinatal depression, otherwise having higher education decreases the risk. In the prenatal stage having symptoms compatible with COVID-19 is a predictor of perinatal depression and having more than 3 years living together with the partner and being a housewife decreases the risk. In the postnatal stage being unemployed is a predictor of prenatal depression and being a first-time mother decreases the risk.
Conclusions: This study highlights the relevance of sociodemographic status. It is essential to be aware of the risk factors of perinatal depression, to make adequate prevention and to create health policies to alleviate the consequences of the pandemic.
Transcriptomic study of sex differences in sepsis
Authors: Xu Huachao , Chen Qi , Shen Yuanhao , Lu Jun 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:There are significant differences in sepsis incidence and mortality between men and women, but the pathogenesis has remained unclear. The purpose of this study is to compare sex related expression at the transcriptional level in sepsis, and to explore potential target genes for further research.
METHODS: The train dataset GSE65682 from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database was utilized for bioinformatic analysis. Four subgroups were divided according to different infection types such as CAP, HAP, AS and HC. By analyzing the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in each subgroup between men and women, we got a list of sex related DEGs list. We further analyzed the expression levels of these genes between sepsis and healthy control groups to find the genes of interest (GOIs)with significant changes. Finally the validation dataset GSE134364 was used to verify the changes of GOIs.
RESULTS: 9 genes were found by comparing the 4 subgroups DEGs of train dataset under the standard of |log2 (FC) | >0.5 and adj P.value<0.05. In the following expression analysis we got 3 GOIs, which were distributed on the Y chromosome and their expression was significantly down regulated in sepsis compared with healthy control group. These changes of GOIs were further verified by the validation set.
CONCLUSIONS: The sex-related differences of sepsis in large samples were mainly manifested in sex chromosome at the transcriptomic level. The expressions of TXLNGY, USP9Y and PRKY located in the male Y chromosome were down-regulated significantly in different sepsis types, which might affect their prognosis in sepsis.
Environmental Drivers of Plant Invasion in Wetland Mitigation
Authors: Hunter Dakota M. , DeBerry Douglas A 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

Invasive plant species can alter natural communities and degrade ecosystem function, yet the factors influencing species invasion are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to characterize important environmental drivers of plant invasions on wetland mitigation sites. We sampled vegetation and environmental variables (site hydrology, light availability, soil physiochemistry, site age) across invasion gradients at multiple wetland mitigation sites in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont physiographic provinces of Virginia. Data analysis involved a multi-metric statistical approach combining correlation, AIC, and CCA to arrive at a plausible model for invasion risk by species based on environmental correlates. We targeted Arthraxon hispidus (joint-head grass), Microstegium vimineum (Japanese stiltgrass), and Typha spp. (cattail), three invasive species that are known to be problematic on wetland mitigation sites in the region. Our analysis revealed species-specific environmental drivers of invasion with a few factors consistently important across all targeted invaders – notably, canopy cover (light availability), hydrology, and a handful of important physiochemical variables. The results of this research have been used to develop a suite of recommended best practices that can be implemented at the outset of a wetland mitigation project to reduce the risk of invasion.
Non-destructive monitoring microstructure and properties changes of 35CrMo steel cylinder using magnetic Barkhausen noise and hysteresis loop techniques
Authors: Chai Jun-hui , Lv Zhong-jie , Xu Bo , Zhang Zi-jiang , Shen Zheng-xiang , Shen Jian-min , Zhang Xiao-long 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
An important subject during the inspection and quality control of heat-treated steel components is the accurate determination of their microstructure and properties through efficient methods. Traditional laboratory-based techniques, such as optical microscope and mechanical test, are expensive and require a lot of time for samples preparation. Among the various inspection methods for ferromagnetic materials, magnetic non-destructive testing technology is very suitable for on-line detection of product quality, because it is convenient and sensitive to changes in microstructure.
Objective
The main task of this work is to develop a reliable magnetic method of nondestructive testing of the heat treatment quality of steel components from high strength alloy steel. More specifcally, the relationship between magnetic properties and mechanical properties is provided for rapid on-site inspection of product quality.
Methods
Based on hysteresis loop and Barkhausen noise method, the microstructure characterization and residual stress evaluation of 35CrMo steel cylinders under different heat treatment processes are studied. Simultaneously, microstructure observation and hardness measurement are also carried out for the experimental validation. Finally, based on the destructive mechanical test, the linear relationship between the magnetic properties of the cylinder material and its main mechanical properties is fitted.
Results
The quenching and tempering heat treatment processes result in significant variations in the coercive force and the RMS value of the MBN voltage of the 35CrMo steel cylinders, respectively. The surface hardness is in good agreement with coercive force, and the residual stresses levels are evaluated quantitatively via the calibration curve of stress-RMS value. In particular, the coercivity has a good fit with the hardness and strength, the corresponding correlation coefficients are 0.92 and 0.98, respectively.
Conclusion
To avoid destructive testing, magnetic hysteresis loop and Barkhausen noise techniques could be a better tool for the evaluation of quality of heated steel products.
Accurate and Reproducible Enumeration of Cd4 T Cell Counts and Hemoglobin Levels Using a Point of Care System: Comparison With Conventional Laboratory Based Testing Systems in a Clinical Reference Laboratory in Cameroon
Authors: SAGNIA Bertrand , MOUDOUROU Sylvie , GUTIEREZ Ana , TCHADJI Jules , Sosso Samuel Martin , NDJOLO Alexis , COLIZZI Vittorio , Ghomsi Fabrice Mbakop 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
Background
Measurements of CD4 T cells and hemoglobin (Hb) are used to determine the immunological state and information about disease progression for HIV-infected patients. We analyze the correlation in CD4 and Hb measurements using BD FACSPresto™ system compared with the BD validated FACSCanto™ II clinical software analyzer and Sysmex XN 1000 haematology analyzer. We evaluated the advantages of using the POC device in the era of scale up in access for HIV patient management in resource limited settings
Method
The analytical performance of the BD FACSPresto compared with the FACSCanto II flow cytometer and the Sysmex XN 1000 haematology analyzer was evaluated testing 241 routine clinical specimens collected in EDTA tubes from patients attending the Immunology and Microbiology laboratory of Chantal BIYA International Reference Centre (Yaounde, Cameroon) between January and May 2016.
Results
The mean in absolute counts and percentage of CD4 T cells was 606 cells/mL and 25% respectfully via the FACSPresto and 574 cells/mL and 24% respectfully via the BD FACSCanto II. The mean concentration of Hb levels was 11.90 on the Sysmex XN 1000 and 11.45 via the BD FACSPresto. A high correlation (R2 = 0.95, P < 0.001) of Hb level measurements was noted between the BD FACSPresto™ and Sysmex XN 1000 hematology analyzer. Overall, Bland-Altman plot of the differences between the two methods showed an excellent agreement for absolute and percentage CD4 counts and hemoglobin measurements between POC and conventional methods evaluated here. Furthermore, the study demonstrated the ease of use of the BD FACSPresto POC technology in remote areas.
Conclusion
The BD FACPresto is a suitable tool for CD4 enumeration in resource-limited settings, specifically providing a deployable, reliable POC testing option. The BD FACSPresto™ performed appropriately in comparison to the conventional reference standard technologies The BD FACSPresto system provides accurate, reliable, precise CD4/%CD4/Hb results on venous blood sampling. The data showed good agreement between the BD FACSPresto, BD FACSCanto and Sysmex XN 1000 XN 1000 systems.
An approach to evaluate the influence of deep uncertainties in the design and performance of residential rainwater harvesting systems as an alternative to universalization of water access.
Authors: Pacheco Gabriela Cristina Ribeiro , Alves Conceição de Maria Albuquerque 
Published: November 2022

Abstract

The Rainwater Harvesting Systems (RWHSs) have being used as water conservation alternative to guarantee access to water in urban areas facing increasing demand and climate variability. However, the functioning of these systems depends on socio and economic parameters that usually are defined as constant in traditional viability analyses. The variability of these parameters are not well represented by predefined probability functions, being named in the literature as deep uncertainty factors differentiating from well-characterized uncertainties whose probability functions are known. This research aimed to evaluate the influence of uncertainties (deep and well characterized) in the performance of RWHSs in three towns in the State of Goiás, Brazil (Rio Verde, Ipameri and Formosa). Technical (Satisfied Demand - SD, Reliability - REL and Rainwater Consumed - RH) and economic (Net Present Value - NPV, Net Present Value Volume - NPVV and Benefit Cost Rate - BCR) performance criteria were evaluated under a set of 1,000 scenarios comprised of climate (rainfall) and deep uncertainty factors (water tariff, discount rate and operational costs). According to selected performance criteria, the RWHS performed well in 50.01%, 46.19% and 38.01% of the scenarios in Rio Verde, Ipameri and Formosa, respectively. It was possible to illustrate the impact of the water tariff and the discount rate in the performance of RWHSs in all three cities showing the need to incorporate the variability of these parameters when evaluating RWHSs as alternative source of water supply in urban areas.