bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase Producers (ESBLs) with antibiotic resistance pattern of Gram Negative pathogenic Bacteria isolated from door handles in hospitals of Pokhara, Western Nepal
Authors: Sharma Binita Koirala , Sharma Birendra Prasad , Kunwar Angeela , Basnet Nirmala , Magar Padam Darlami , Adhikari Sajana 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Hospital associated fomites like door handles can serve as vehicles in transmission of pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamase Producers (ESBLs) and antibiotic resistance of Gram-Negative pathogenic Bacteria isolated from door-handles in two selected hospitals in Pokhara Metropolitan City, Nepal.Methods: The study was conducted in selected hospitals in Pokhara Metropolitan, City, Western Nepal. A cross-sectional study design was used. The hospitals were selected randomly. A total of 100 swab samples were taken from door-handles. Isolation and identification of bacteria were done using standard microbiological procedures. An antibiotic susceptibility test, screening and confirmation of ESBLs were performed using the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute’s guidelines.Results: Out of the 100 swab samples cultured, 96 (96%) showed bacterial growth. A total of one hundred and forty isolates were isolated in this study which were further identified based on cultural, morphological and biochemical characteristics. The study also found that door handles/knobs had higher level of contamination in Outpatient Departments (OPDs), Emergency, Laboratory, General wards and Toilets, in that order as compared to Radiology Room, Staff rooms, Intensive Care Unit and Operation Theatre which were lower. The level of contamination varies depending on the traffic exposure and the environment. The most prevalent Gram-negative bacteria identified was Escherichia coli 28.85%, followed by Klebsiella spp 21.15%, Pseudomonas aeruginosa 15.38%, Proteus spp 11.54%, Enterobacter spp 9.62%, Acenetobacter spp 7.69%, Citrobacter spp 5.77%. The most effective drug of choice was Amikacin, Nitrofurantoin, Norfloxacin, Ciprofloxacin, Tetracycline and Imipenem for many gram-negative isolates. The overall prevalence of ESBLs in this study was 27.14%. Out of total 15 Escherichia coli isolated, 11(73.3%), Klebsiella spp 9/11 (81.8%); Pseudomonas spp 7/8 (87.5%), Proteus spp 4/6 (66.6%); Enterobacter spp 3/5 (60%), Acenetobacter spp 3/4 (75%) and Citrobacter spp 1/3 (33.3%) were found to be Extended B-Lactamase Producers (ESBLs).Conclusion: The high drug resistance of pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria and ESBLs in hospital environments strengthens the need for the effective and routine cleaning of door-handles in hospitals and may be the key factor in epidemiology of ESBL producing bacterial infection not only in a hospital setting but also in community.
Many-body Δ-Machine Learning brings the
accuracy of conventional force field to coupled
cluster: application to the TTM2.1 water
force field
Authors: Qu Chen , Yu Qi , Houston Paul , Conte Riccardo , Nandi Apurba , Bowman Joel 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Polarizable force fields are central to computational chemistry and biochemistry;however, they are largely empirical or semi-empirical. Here we propose and demonstrate a Δ-Machine Learning approach to correct such force fields to the gold standard
coupled cluster level of theory. This is done explicitly for the TTM2.1-F water potential. Specifically we correct this potential up to 4-b interactions. The new potential achieves unprecedented accuracy for eight low-lying isomers of the water hexamer and
20-mer clusters. Rigorous diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) calculations of the dissociation energies of the water dimer and trimer using the Δ-corrected potential are in excellent agreement with experiment. In addition, the new potential is robust for unconstrained DMC calculations for the hexamer, as well as VSCF/VCI calculations of the IR spectrum of the book and ring isomers, which agree well with experiment. We show for 256
monomers that the Δ-corrected potential is negligibly more computationally intensive than TTM2.1 for energies and gradients. Thus, the many-body Δ-Machine Learning approach provides a new scheme to significantly elevate the accuracy of conventional force field in a computationally efficient manner.
Growth, physiological, and molecular responses of three phaeophyte extracts on salt-stressed pea (Pisum sativum L.) seedlings
Authors: Hamouda Marwa M. , Badr Abdelfattah , Ahmed Hanan I. Sayed , Saad-Allah Khalil M. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Seaweeds are a viable bioresource for suffering plants against salt stress. The alleviating capacity of extracts from three brown algae (Sargassum vulgare, Colpomenia sinuosa, and Pandia pavonica) in pea (Pisum sativum L.) was investigated in this study. Pea seeds were primed for 2 h either with seaweed extracts (SWEs) or distlled water. Seeds were then subjected to salinity levels of 0.0, 50, 100, and 150 mM NaCl. On 21st day seedlings were harvested for growth, physiological and molecular investigations. SWEs were helpful in reducing the adverse effects of salinity on pea, with S. vulgare extract being the most effective. Furthermore, SWEs diminished the effect of NaCl-salinity on germination, growth rate, pigments content and raised the osmolytes proline and glycine betaine levels. On the molecular level, two low-molecular weight proteins were newly synthesized by the NaCl treatments and three by priming of pea seeds with SWEs. The number of inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers substantially increased from 20 in the control seedlings to 36 in 150 mM NaCl-treated seedlings, including four unique markers. Priming with seaweed extract triggered more markers than the control, however about ten of the salinity-induced markers were not detected following seed priming before NaCl treatments. By priming with SWEs, seven unique markers were elicited. All in all, priming with SWEs alleviated salinity stress on pea seedlings. The response of plants to salt stress and priming with SWEs is reflected by the synthesis of salinity responsive proteins and ISSR markers.
Teacher feedback-based collaborative group-testing improve students’ knowledge gaps of parasitology
Authors: Peng Xiaohong , Jiang Liping , Cao Deping , Chen Gen , Li Dayu , Teng Pingying , Li Jianzhou 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Collaborative group-testing has been demonstrated to be able to improve students’ performance, enhance students’ learning, as well as knowledge retention in many different courses. However, this examination mode lacks the process of teacher feedback. Herein, a short teacher feedback is supposed to be added immediately after the collaborative group testing so as to improve the students’ performance. Methods:The parasitology class of 121 undergraduates were randomized into two groups: Group A (n=61) and Group B (n=60). A collaborative group-testing was carried out at the end of theoretical teaching of this course. During the test, students would first answer questions in the traditional format as individuals for 20 minutes. Then, students from Group A answered the same questions in groups (5 students in each group) for 20 minutes, and students from Group B, like Group A, had a group discussion and answer session, but the duration was only 15 minutes. Immediately after the answers were given by the groups, teachers had conducted a 5-minutes feedback about the morphology identification according to the answers given by Group B. Four weeks later, after the exercises had been finished in classes, a final test was conducted in the traditional format. The total scores and score for each examination content were anlyzed. Results: The results showed that there was no significant difference in the final exam scores between both groups (t=-1.278, p=0.204). However, the morphological and diagnostic test results of the final examination in Group B were significantly higher than those of the mid-term examination, while there was no significant change in Group A (t=4.333, p=0.051). Conclusion: The results confirmed that the timely teacher feedback after the collaborative group-testing can effectively make up for the students' knowledge gaps.
Prognostic markers for the clinical course in the blood of patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Fischer Johannes C , Balz Vera , Jazmati Danny , Bölke Edwin , Freise Noemi F , Keitel Verena , Feldt Torsten , Jensen Björn Eric , Bode Johannes , Lüdde Tom , Häussinger Dieter , Adams Ortwin , Schneider E. Marion , Enczmann Jürgen , Rox Jutta , Hermsen Derik , Schulze-Bosse Karin , Kindgen-Milles Detlef , Knoefel Wolfram Trudo , Griensven Martijn , Haussmann Jan , Tamaskovics Balint , Plettenberg Christian , Scheckenbach Kathrin , Corradini Stefanie , Pedoto Alessia , Maas Kitti , Schmidt Livia , Grebe Olaf , Esposito Irene , Ehrhardt Anja , Peiper Matthias , Buhren Bettina Alexandra , Calles Christian , Stöhr Andreas , Gerber Peter Arne , Lichtenberg Artur , Schelzig Hubert , Flaig Yechan , Rezazadeh Amir , Budach Wilfried , Matuschek Christiane 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background The presentation of peptides and the subsequent immune response depend on the MHC characteristics and influence the specificity of the immune response. In addition to polymorphic T-cell receptor alpha/beta constructs, less variable T-cell receptor gamma/delta cells may respond to a specific peptide presented by MHC molecules of antigen presenting cells as well as other target tissues. Methods: High-resolution HLA typing was performed in 536 non-hospitalized patients infected with SARS-CoV2. For HLA-Class I we obtained results from 519 patients, and for HLA-Class-II from 531. Patients who became ill between March 2020 and August 2021 were tested for the 22 most common HLA class I (HLA-A, -B, -C) or HLA class II (HLA –DRB1/3/4, -DQA1, -DQB1) haplotypes in this collective. The identified HLA haplotypes were associated to disease severity. We also analyzed the influence of CCR5 and the ABO blood groups on the disease duration.Results: The influence of the HLA haplotypes on disease severity was stronger than the influence of age, sex, AB0 blood group, or wave of infection with different mutants of the virus. The presence of mutated CCR5 resulted in a longer recovery period.Conclusion: The existence of certain HLA haplotypes is associated with more severe disease..
Circulating thrombospondin 2 levels reflect fibrosis severity and disease activity in HCV-infected patients
Authors: Iwadare Takanobu , Kimura Takefumi , Tanaka Naoki , Yamazaki Tomoo , Wakabayashi Shun-ichi , Okumura Taiki , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Yamashita Yuki , Pydi Sai P , Nakajima Tomoyuki , Iwaya Mai , Sugiura Ayumi , Joshita Satoru , Uehara Takeshi , Umemura Takeji 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Among several secreted glycoproteins belonging to the thrombospondin family, thrombospondin 2 (TSP2) is involved in various functions, including collagen/fibrin formation, maintenance of normal vascular density, and cell adhesion. Liver/serum TSP2 levels have been correlated to liver fibrosis stage and disease activity in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. This study investigated whether serum TSP2 was associated with clinicopathological features in hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients as well.
Methods
A total of 350 patients with HCV who had undergone liver biopsy were retrospectively enrolled and divided into a discovery cohort (n = 270) and a validation cohort (n = 80). Serum samples collected at the time of biopsy were used to measure TSP2 using enzyme immunoassays.
Results
In the discovery cohort, serum TSP2 levels were moderately correlated with both liver fibrosis stage (r = 0.426, P < 0.0001) and activity grade (r = 0.435, P < 0.0001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of TSP2 for predicting severe fibrosis (≥ F3) was 0.78 and comparable to or better than those of autotaxin (0.78), FIB-4 index (0.78), and aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (0.76). The discovery cohort findings were closely replicated in the validation cohort. Moreover, comprehensive liver genetic analysis of HCV-infected patients confirmed that the expression of the THBS2 gene encoding TSP2 was significantly higher in severely fibrotic F4 than in F1 patients.
Conclusion
Circulating TSP2 levels may reflect the severity of hepatic fibrosis/inflammation in HCV-infected patients. The pathophysiological significance of TSP2 in the liver merits further investigation.
Biomechanical assessment of disease outcome in surgical intervention for medial meniscal posterior root tears: efficacy and considerations
Authors: Xu Zhi , Li Yuwan , Rao Jingcheng , Jin Ying , Xu Xing , Liu Yi , Tian Shoujin 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
The adverse consequences of medial meniscus posterior root tear have become more and more familiar to surgeons, and the treatment strategies have become increasingly abundant. In this paper, the finite element gait analysis method was used to explore the differences in the biomechanical characteristics of the knee joint under different conditions.
Methods
The CT computed tomography images of the knee joint were collected, and the CT two-dimensional tomographic images were converted into three-dimensional models through the procedures of gray value adjustment and regional growth. A structure with bone, cartilage, and meniscus was constructed (i) a finite element model of the intact knee joint. Next (ii) the slight tear model, (iii) the severe tear model, (iv) the entire tear model, (v) partial meniscectomy model, and (vi) meniscus repair model were constructed on the basis of the intact knee joint model. Different models were developed and analyzed under normal gait loading conditions.
Results
Under the gait load, the contact mechanics, kinematics and contact area of the medial and lateral interarticular compartment of the slight tear model and the severe tear model were not significantly different from those of the intact knee joint, while the severe tear model was significantly higher than the intact knee joint in the comparison of the local stress of the posterior root of the meniscus, and the average stress and peak stress increased by 267.1% and 202.9%, respectively. In addition, by comparing the performance of the partial meniscectomy model with the intact knee joint model, it can be concluded that partial meniscectomy did not show an improvement in cartilage contact behavior, and the average stress in the medial compartment still increased by 19.9%. The average contact area of femur and tibial cartilage decreased by 40.7% and 17.7% respectively. Meniscus repair has excellently achieved the task of restoring the biomechanics of the medial meniscus, and it is worth noting that it has also paid a high cost to achieve this benign outcome. The average stress of the posterior root of meniscus and tibial plateau increased by 127.1% and 271.6% respectively compared with the intact model.
Conclusions
The biomechanics of the knee joint is not sensitive to the level of tear of the posterior root. The improvement of partial meniscectomy in relieving intra-articular overload is limited, and the risk factors for accelerating the progression of osteoarthritis still exist. Meniscus repair is recommended for patients with medial meniscus posterior root tear to restore the biomechanical properties of the meniscus.
Analysis of Cryptography before Steganography Operation by ROC Curves and Confusion Matrices Criteria
Authors: Hadipour Ali , Afifi Raheleh , ShojaeiYas Hamed 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The steganography algorithms based on media type, format and capacity are used for different applications. The use of cryptographic algorithms also depends on the type of application. The challenge that can be investigated is the use of cryptographic algorithms in the steganography process, which must be properly scrutinized due to the special sensitivities of these two technologies. The use of cryptographic algorithms in steganographic systems increases the security of hidden data, but this security level should not make the entropy more visible and did not consider other metric. For this reason, in this paper, two steganographic algorithms for JPEG image and two steganographic algorithms for audio in WAV format are investigated, so that before the steganographic operation, a cryptography algorithm is used to encrypt the message. In the following, after reviewing the steganographic algorithms using several valid steganalysis, the advantages of using and not using these cryptographic algorithms against their disadvantages are reviewed and suggestions about their use in steganography algorithms and systems are presented.
Investigation on Microstructural and Mechanical properties of AA7075/SiC/ZrO 2 Hybrid composite fabricated by Powder Metallurgy Techniques
Authors: Manohar Guttikonda 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Due to their superior qualities as compared to their parent alloys, composites are in high demand in the current industrial sectors. In the current study, research was conducted on the hybrid AA7075/SiC/ZrO2 composite that was developed using powder metallurgy techniques. SiC reinforcements were added, and mechanical characteristics began to improve to their best possible state. After optimum levels, properties degradation then started. According to the microstructural observations, agglomerations were the main cause of the decline in mechanical characteristics. The addition of ZrO2 particles to the optimized volume fractionated AA7075/SiC composite further improved the properties of the material. After the 3% ZrO2 level, properties began to deteriorate. Microstructural observations revealed that agglomerates are the main reason for the degradation of mechanical properties. While trying to disperse the agglomerated SiC and ZrO2 particles through higher ball milling periods, compressive lattice strains in the 7% SiC and non-uniform lattice strains in the 8% SiC composites were observed. Due to the differences in hardness of SiC and ZrO2 particles, long period ball milling of AA7075/8%SiC/4%ZrO2 hybrid composite powders showed damaged ZrO2 particles. XRD analysis revealed Al4C3 and Al3Zr intermetallic compounds in the S7 and S7Z4 composites, these cause the composite materials' mechanical characteristics to deteriorate. From the present investigation, it was observed that addition of SiC to the AA7075 contributes more while enhancing the properties of the composite compared to ZrO2. Overall in the current study, a total enhancement of 195% in compression was noticed when compared to base alloy.
Clinical and Imaging Features of Spinal Extradural Arachnoid Cysts: A Retrospective Study of 50 cases
Authors: Ahmed  , Anisetti Bhrugun , Huynh Thien , Agarwal M.B.B.S Amit , Gupta Vivek , Desai Amit , Singh M.B.B.S Rahul , Vibhute Prasanna 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Spinal extradural arachnoid cysts (SEDAC) are thought to arise from leakage of CSF through a spinal dural defect. This study investigates the demographics and imaging spectrum of SEDACs at our academic institution and compares them with those reported in the literature.
Material and Methods
Fifty cases with documented MRI diagnosis of SEDAC, Nabors criteria type I meningeal cyst (MC), were identified from retrospective review of imaging records between 1999 to 2020. Patient demographics, presenting symptoms, cyst characteristics, and management outcomes studied. Statistical analysis to determine associations between maximum cyst size and presenting symptoms along with other imaging findings.
Results
In all 50 subjects, SEDACs were solitary (single) and sporadic (non-familial). The majority were incidental (62%), located posteriorly (92%) and laterally (80%) in the thoracic and thoracolumbar regions (34%, 30%). They were associated with mild mass effect upon the thecal sac (50%) and bone remodeling (92%). Among symptomatic SEDACs, back pain and radiculopathy were the most reported (68%). Larger cysts were located caudally in the spinal canal, and were associated with greater thecal mass effect, bone remodeling, and septations. Four out of six subjects who underwent surgical management had complete or partial remission. One had cyst recurrence.
Conclusion
In this largest series of SEDACs, most were discovered incidentally, stable over time, and located in the thoracic spine dorsal to the thecal sac. When symptomatic, back pain and radiculopathy were the most common presenting symptoms. Treatment with complete surgical excision may yield the best results for symptomatic lesions.
Phenolic Compounds in Two Size-controlling Apple Rootstocks1
Authors: Lockard R. G. , Schneider G. W. , Kemp T. R. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
One-year-old Mailing (M) 26 and Mailing Merton (MM) 111 apple rootstocks (Malus sp) were planted in pots in a greenhouse in March and harvested monthly from May to October. Samples of the shoot tip, stem bark, and new and old roots were collected for PVP-bonded and simple phenol analyses. The PVP-bonded phenols were highest in the shoot tip and lowest in the old roots. There was no consistent relationship with rootstock or time of collection. Five phenols were found in the shoot tip, 8 in the bark, and 8 in the new roots, including protocatechuic, ferulic, and benzoic acids. Benzoic acid was found only in the new roots. Phloridzin composed more than 90% of all the simple phenols found and was higher in MM 111 than in M 26 rootstock. The other phenols were not consistently higher in either rootstock and had few trends with time of collection. No direct relationship was found between phenol levels and dwarfing characteristics.
Selection for Resistance in Phaseolus vulgaris L. to White Mold Disease Caused by Scierotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary
Authors: Dickson M. H. , Hunter J. E. , Boettger M. A. , Cigna J. A. 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Three populations of beans were screened for resistance to white mold using a mycelium/juvenile stem inoculation (JSI) method on 3-week-old plants and an ascospore/blossom test on plants in bloom was used to test resistance of survivors of the JSI test. There were few survivors in the JSI test: 0.8% in the 4-way cross of susceptible × susceptible, 2% in the intermediate × intermediate crosses and 3.8% in 10 P. coccineus lines with intermediate resistance. JSI tests of the progeny produced more survivors, 17% from the first 2 populations. There was good agreement between the JSI test on juvenile plants and the ascospore/blossom tests on blossoming plants respectively. The JSI test appears to he an efficient method with which to identify individual plants with moderate resistance.