Search Results (120,735)

L. monocytogenes is a common foodborne pathogen that typically causes infections through the consumption of food contaminated with this bacterium. This study seeks to elucidate the biodiversity as well as evolutionary characteristics of L. innocua strains from different regions using comparative genomics, exploring the virulence and pathogenic potential of these strains. The findings are expected to deepen our understanding of L. innocua and provide valuable reference for public health risk assessment related to this bacterium. We performed comparative genomics on 108 food-source L. innocua isolates sourced from the USA, England, China, and Egypt to explore their biological traits and assess their pathogenic potential by predicting virulence and antibiotic resistance genes, with subsequent validation of pathogenicity through animal studies. Pan-genomic analysis showed that geographically distinct L. innocua strains possess open genomes, offering a stable genetic basis that facilitates adaptation to diverse environments. Through virulence gene prediction, we found that L. innocua strains from different regions harbor virulence genes identical to those found in pathogenic L. monocytogenes, such as inlA and inlB, as well as internal genes that may enhance the pathogenic potential of the strains. This finding demonstrates that L. innocua strains exhibit pathogenic potential. To validate their virulence, we subsequently conducted virulence assays utilizing the Galleria mellonella larval model. Following infection with L. innocua, 100% mortality was observed in a subset of Galleria mellonella larvae, albeit with a delayed time to death compared to L. monocytogenes infection. This indicates that while L. innocua exhibits attenuated virulence relative to L. monocytogenes, it retains pathogenicity. Consequently, the potential contribution of L. innocua to listeriosis cannot be overlooked in public health risk assessments. L. innocua strains isolated from food can carry virulence and resistance genes identical to those found in pathogenic L. monocytogenes strains, indicating that these L. innocua strains possess certain virulence and pathogenic potential, which was further validated through subsequent animal experimentation. This study enhances our genomic understanding of L. innocua and underscores that detecting its key virulence genes is critical for public health safety, thereby providing valuable insights into its pathogenic potential. Full article

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in intensive care units (ICUs), particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Evidence-based practice (EBP) bundles have shown effectiveness in reducing VAP; however, the implementation in Bangladesh remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of EBP to reduce the incidence rate of VAP among adult ICU patients in Bangladesh. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a historical control group was conducted among 347 eligible ICU patients from October 2024 to April 2025. The intervention included nurse training on VAP bundle practices with advanced equipment support. Data on VAP incidence as a primary endpoint and VAP-related patients’ outcomes were analyzed. Results: The clinically suspected VAP incidence was 30.1 and 51.1 per 1000 ventilator-days, and the prevalence decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to the control group (26.9% vs. 46.1%; p < 0.001), respectively. Logistic regression indicated VAP bundle implementation was associated with reduced VAP (Exp(B) = 0.417, 95% CI: 0.262–0.666), while ventilation ≥96 h was a significant risk factor (Exp(B) = 2.6, 95% CI: 1.385–4.881). Early-onset VAP was reduced (25.0% vs. 10.2%), though late-onset predominated in the intervention group (75.0% vs. 89.8%). Conclusion: Implementation of an EBP-based VAP bundle by trained nurses significantly reduced VAP incidence. However, increased overall ICU mortality highlights the need for broader critical care improvements, including advanced comorbidity management and comprehensive ICU services. This study underscores the feasibility and effectiveness of VAP bundle implementation in the ICU of an LMIC. Full article

Background: This study examines the impact of endometriosis on sexual function, focusing on disease localization, pain severity, and psychosocial factors. It integrates the rASRM and Enzian classification systems to explore anatomical contributions to sexual dysfunction. Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 102 patients with confirmed endometriosis completed an online evaluation. Of these, 77 had surgical and histological confirmation, and 25 had no prior surgery. Thirty-five participants were using hormonal therapy. Validated instruments assessed sexual function, pain intensity (VAS), and psychosocial variables. Analyses included univariate tests and multivariate logistic regression. Results: Deep infiltrating endometriosis involving the sacrouterine ligaments, cardinal ligaments, and pelvic sidewall (Enzian B) was associated with sexual dysfunction, highlighting the anatomical utility of the Enzian system. Surprisingly, those with sexual dysfunction reported lower pain scores (p = 0.024 *). In multivariate analysis (R² = 0.281), no individual factor, including Enzian B involvement or EHP scores, remained significant. No associations were found between sexual dysfunction and anxiety, depression, stress, or relationship satisfaction, though pain was inversely correlated with anxiety (p = 0.025 *). Conclusions: Sexual dysfunction in endometriosis appears multifactorial, not solely driven by lesion burden or pain. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended, addressing anatomical, psychological, and behavioral dimensions. Full article

The Jiaodong gold cluster region (JGCR) at the southeastern edge of the North China Craton (NCC), holding approximately 5000 t gold reserve, is the third largest gold cluster region in the world. The Bidimensional Empirical Mode Decomposition (BEMD) is applied in extracting gravity anomaly components showing deep geological architectures and geodynamics. The research results illustrate that (a) at a depth of about 27 km, there are three tectonic units, namely the mantle uplift (I) with gravity values ranging from 2 to 14 μm/s², a mantle depression (II) with gravity values varying from 0 to −13 μm/s², and a mantle flat (III) with gravity values ranging from −2 to 2 μm/s². All giant gold deposits are distributed within the mantle depression. This implies that mantle uplift can trigger the concentration of hot, ore-forming fluids in mantle depressions, leading to the accumulation of large amounts of gold and the formation of giant deposits. (b) At about 17.1–12.5 km, there are three tectonic units: the Jiaolai–Jiaobei mantle uplift (I), showing a strong positive gravity anomaly with gravity values ranging from 1.5 to 10 μm/s², the Sulu ultra-high pressure metamorphic block (II), displaying a negative gravity anomaly with gravity values ranging from −10 to −1.5 μm/s², and the Jiaoxibei gold cluster region (III), exhibiting gravity background with gravity values varying from −1.5 to 1.5 μm/s². (c) At about 8.9–5.3 km, there are a series of positive and negative gravity anomalies. Most granites with low density display negative gravity anomalies, among which there are some negative anomalies with positive anomalous edges which contain gold deposits. This illustrates an ore-forming pattern, a granite with negative gravity anomaly, around which there is alteration mineralization with positive gravity anomaly. Combined with other studies, it was concluded that the geological architectures at different depths as and the giant Jiaodong gold cluster region were formed by the asthenosphere upwelling triggered by NNW-ward subduction of the Izanagi Plate over a time period of approximately 200–100 Ma. Full article

Background: Infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) is a highly spreading, evolving virus that induces multiple manifestations, including respiratory, urinary, and reproductive symptoms, and presents a considerable risk to the Egyptian poultry sector. This study assessed various IBV vaccination protocols available in broiler populations comprising live attenuated vaccines such as IB Var II, 793/B (4/91), IB Primer, and H120 against the local novel IBV-GI-23.3 strain. Methods: Vaccines were administered to eight groups of SPF chicks at 1 day only or 1 + 14 days of age. Birds were challenged via the oculo-nasal route at 28 days of age using 10⁶ EID₅₀/0.2 mL/chick with the NewValley-1-EGYIBV-GI23.3-2023 local strain. Ciliostasis activity and the scores for histopathological lesions were evaluated at 7 days post-challenge (DPC). Virus shedding was monitored at 3, 5, and 7 DPC using the real-time RT-PCR method. Results: The ciliostasis test indicated that the vaccinated groups receiving the IB Primer + 4/91 vaccine regime at 1 day only or 1 + 14 days of age received the highest level of protection (65%, 68%, respectively). Similarly, administration of IB Primer + IB Var II at 1 + 14 days of age demonstrated substantial protection (63%). Conversely, administering the H120 + 4/91 vaccination protocol at days 1 and 14 resulted in a moderate level of protection (53%). Tracheal IBV shedding quantification and subsequent histopathological signs of trachea, proventriculus, bursa, and kidney degenerative changes were significantly lower in the vaccinated groups (especially the IB Primer + 4/91 vaccine regime at 1 day only or 1 + 14 days) than in the positive control groups. Conclusions: The heterologous combined IB Primer + 4/91 program demonstrated the most significant protective efficacy against the IBV field challenge strains compared with other vaccines in broiler chickens. Full article

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1), a hepatocarcinogenic metabolite of aflatoxin B1, poses significant risks to human health through its presence in milk and dairy products. This study investigates AFM1 contamination in raw milk produced in Serbia from 2021 to 2025, assessing annual and seasonal variations and associated health risks. A total of 907 milk samples were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), revealing contamination in 70.1% of samples, with mean concentrations exceeding the EU regulatory limit of 50 ng/kg. Seasonal analysis identified the highest contamination levels during winter, attributed to increased use of contaminated feed during colder months. Health risk assessments estimated the daily intake of AFM1 and associated health risks, with high-exposure individuals showing notably reduced margins of safety. The research demonstrates the essential requirement for better feed quality management alongside enhanced regulatory oversight along with health programs that reduce AFM1 exposure in Serbian populations. Full article

The Rapidly Exploring Random Tree (RRT) is widely employed in the field of intelligent vehicles, but traditional RRT has issues like inefficient blind expansion, tortuous/discontinuous paths, and slow convergence. Thus, a multi-dimensional optimized RRT is proposed. First, a heuristic search method is adopted to reduce blind sampling, guiding sampling toward the target and cutting irrelevant searches. Second, to fix RRT’s inability to adjust step size dynamically (limiting complex road adaptability), step size is optimized based on environmental information. Third, since treating vehicles as mass points leads to unreasonable paths, sampling points are expanded for practicality. Finally, redundant points are removed via a greedy strategy, and paths are smoothed with quasi-uniform cubic B-splines to meet ride comfort needs. MATLAB R2022b simulations validate the algorithm: in simple scenarios, optimized RRT reduces sampling points to 232 (24.4% of traditional RRT), runtime to 3.25 s (79.4% cut), path length to 673.84 m (15.6% reduction); in complex scenarios, 636 points (37.0%), 11.07 s runtime (58.8% cut), 699.61 m path (21.6% reduction), outperforming traditional RRT and Q-RRT*. Full article

Background/Objectives: Right ventricular (RV) failure (RVF) is associated with poor prognosis and currently has no known treatment. Meldonium is a clinically used cardiometabolic drug that improves RV function in a preclinical RVF model. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of meldonium in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH)-induced RVF. Methods: Twenty RVF patients received meldonium (500 mg, b.i.d.) for 30 days; afterward, they were followed up for 30 days. The 6 min walk test (6MWT), 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36, a quality-of-life questionnaire), WHO functional class (FC), and Borg dyspnea score (BDS) were used to indirectly assess exercise capacity. Blood samples were obtained before and after treatment and at the end of follow-up. Results: Walking distance in the 6MWT increased from 352.2 ± 114.8 m to 398.9.8 ± 128.5 m (p = 0.021) after meldonium. Meldonium treatment markedly improved WHO FC and SF-36 scores (p < 0.05). The drug significantly improved the BDS after the 6MWT (p = 0.003). Meldonium did not affect vital signs or blood biochemistry, including BNP. Meldonium treatment was safe in RVF patients. Conclusions: Meldonium treatment increases the functional capacity and overall well-being of RVF patients. Our results suggest that meldonium might be a viable novel drug for RVF treatment. Full article

Background: Bletilla striata is a medicinal orchid, whose bioactive constituent militarine has therapeutic interest but limited natural availability. Suspension culture coupled with transcriptomics offers a scalable production route and a means to uncover biosynthetic regulators. Methods: Four B. striata landraces were evaluated. Single-factor experiments and response surface methodology optimized sucrose, NH₄NO₃, and agitation to maximize biomass and militarine yield. Militarine and four related metabolites were quantified by HPLC-UV. For transcriptomics, RNA from high- and low-producing landraces was sequenced on Illumina HiSeq, assembled de novo, and analyzed with RSEM (FPKM) and DESeq2 to identify DEGs. Results: The landrace SMPF-NL achieved the highest militarine yield (33.06 mg/g) under optimized conditions (sucrose, 35 g/L; NH₄NO₃, 625 mg/L; agitation, 135 rpm; and half-strength MS medium with 1.0 mg/L of 6-BA, 3.0 mg/L of 2,4-D, and 0.5 mg/L of NAA). Transcriptomic profiling highlighted candidate biosynthetic and regulatory genes, including SuSy2, SUS, ALDO, AOC3, Comt, GOT2, MAOB, BGLU20, and BGLU22. Conclusions: We present an optimized suspension culture system and transcriptomic leads that lay the groundwork for the functional validation and scale-up of controlled militarine production. Full article

Rapid blood type detection in point-of-care testing (POCT) scenarios is crucial for various clinical treatments. In this study, we present a sensitive, cost-effective, and straightforward biosensing approach for visual blood typing that notably simplifies the procedure by eliminating any need for blood sample pretreatment. Our technique achieves this by directly trapping and accumulating red blood cell (RBC) clusters within a photolithography-based microfluidic chip, thereby bypassing complex preprocessing. By employing an antigen–antibody assay involving isoagglutinins A, B, and/or D on the RBC surface and their corresponding antibodies, we effectively determine blood types. When antibodies are present, the corresponding RBCs bind to the antibody-conjugated RBC clusters, which are subsequently trapped within the microfluidic accumulation chip, resulting in the formation of a visible bar. The blood group can then be readily identified by observing this visual bar with the naked eye or under microscopy. Notably, we integrate two continuous mixing units (Z and S) at the entrance of the biochip to improve mixing efficiency and accelerate the antigen–antibody interaction. This method demonstrates high selectivity, accuracy, and stability across various clinical blood samples. Moreover, the sensor operates with minimal sample volume (as low as 10 μL) and delivers results within 5 min. The fabrication cost of the PDMS-based biochip is approximately $0.2 per chip, and the limit of detection (LOD) is determined to be 3 × 10⁶ cells/mL, indicating excellent sensitivity and affordability for practical use. Overall, this biochip provides a fast, low-cost, and reliable solution for emergency blood typing, particularly in resource-limited settings. Full article

This study explores the potential of novel Bifidobacterium isolates as targeted probiotic supplements for children with cystic fibrosis (CF), a condition often associated with gut dysbiosis. Five strains of Bifidobacterium genus (B. animalis IATA01, B. pseudocatenulatum IATA35, B. longum IATA02, B. bifidum IATA13, and B. longum IATA05) isolated from maternal–infant fecal samples were assessed in vitro following the FAO/WHO guidelines. Their probiotic potential was evaluated through simulated gastrointestinal digestion in the CF context, their adhesion to mucin, and their carbohydrate fermentation capacity. Additionally, their impact on colonic microbiota modulation was analyzed using static in vitro colonic fermentation with fecal inocula from four pediatric patients with CF to assess the presence of different bacterial groups associated with dysbiosis via qPCR and short-chain fatty acid production by GC-MS. Three strains (IATA01, IATA35, and IATA05) demonstrated survival after gastrointestinal digestion, with IATA01 exhibiting the highest adhesion to mucin but limited carbohydrate fermentation capacity. All strains increased the Bifidobacterium levels after colonic fermentation, while their effects on reducing pathogenic groups and promoting beneficial bacteria such as Akkermansia and Faecalibacterium varied depending on the strain and the individual inoculum. These findings highlight the strain-specific effects of Bifidobacterium and evidence a specific impact on colonic microbiota, depending on the composition of the basal inoculum, highlighting individual-specific responses. Full article

Background: Intra-abdominal infection (IAI) is a challenging condition that needs both medical and surgical treatment and it is still associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Fosfomycin is approved for use in combination therapy for IAIs. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of intravenous fosfomycin addition in a combination regimen for IAI treatment in an intensive care setting. Methods: We performed a retrospective, observational, monocentric study. We enrolled patients admitted to the ICU with IAIs from April 2022 to June 2024. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A, standard treatment; and Group B, combination therapy including fosfomycin. Primary endpoints were clinical response at 7 days and in-hospital mortality; moreover, a risk factor analysis for mortality was also performed. Results: In total, 104 patients were enrolled, 85 in Group A, and 19 in Group B. Groups were homogenous in regard to demographics, but clinical condition was slightly worst in Group B. Source control < 24 h was performed in 69.6% and 33.3% cases in Group A and Group B, respectively (p = 0.017). Clinical response on day 7 (81.2% vs. 73.7%, p = 0.675) and in-hospital mortality (27.1% vs. 47.2%, p = 0.145) were comparable. Univariate and multivariate analysis highlighted Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) (p = 0.04) and septic shock (p = 0.029) as risk factors, and effective empirical therapy (p = 0.04) as the protective factor; fosfomycin was not directly associated with outcome improvement. Conclusions: The outcome was comparable between groups; clinicians preferred to administer a combination regimen including fosfomycin in patients with statistically significant greater severity of illness and without early source control. Full article

Background/Objectives: Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, and the role of the transcription factor SPDEF remains controversial. We aimed to clarify the prognostic value of SPDEF, explore demographic and molecular correlates of its expression, and investigate potential regulatory mechanisms underlying its dysregulation. Methods: Genomic and clinical data for 1218 breast cancer tumors were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). SPDEF mRNA expression was compared across intrinsic subtypes, age, and race, and prognostic significance was evaluated by Kaplan–Meier analysis. Promoter methylation patterns and DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) expression were examined as potential regulatory drivers. Co-expression analysis was performed using gene panels representing luminal differentiation, basal identity, EMT, proliferation, DNA repair, and immune signaling. Results: Low SPDEF expression was significantly associated with worse overall, relapse-free, and metastasis-free survival across all breast cancers. Expression was lowest in Basal tumors, as well as among younger and Black or African American patients. Promoter methylation at six CpG islands correlated with both reduced SPDEF expression and inferior survival, and DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNMT3B overexpression also aligned with poor prognosis and Basal enrichment. Co-expression analysis revealed that SPDEF downregulation coincided with loss of luminal markers and increased EMT, proliferation, DNA repair, and immune pathways. Conclusions: SPDEF functions as a tumor suppressor in breast cancer, with reduced expression linked to poor outcomes, aggressive molecular features, and epigenetic regulation. These findings highlight SPDEF and DNMT-driven methylation as potential prognostic biomarkers for enhanced risk stratification and targets for novel therapies, particularly in Basal breast cancers. Full article

Objective: This systematic review evaluated the effects of body weight strength training (BWST) on cognitive function and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in apparently healthy older people compared with active/inactive control groups. Methods: A literature search was conducted in six databases: PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, EBSCOhost, and PsycINFO. The PRISMA, TESTEX, RoB 2, and GRADEpro tools were used to assess the methodological quality and certainty of evidence. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42024623038). Results: Among the 27,241 records, 9 randomized controlled trials involving 682 (85% women) apparently healthy older people were included. Compared with the active/inactive control groups, the BWST resulted in significant improvements in orientation to place, language, visuospatial ability, processing speed, attention, and short-term memory. Within-group improvements were observed in general cognitive function and health-related anxiety scores in both the BWST and active control groups. The calculation and set shifting improved only within the BWST group. Conclusions: The individual results of the RCTs suggest that BWST may have potential effects on cognitive function and HRQoL in apparently healthy older people. Nevertheless, the certainty of evidence was insufficient to support definitive recommendations. Therefore, further high-quality studies are needed to establish solid conclusions. Full article

Conventional electro-permanent magnet (EPM) lifting/holding systems, typically based on NdFeB magnets, face efficiency limitations because continuous current is required either for standby condition to avoid accidentally attracting the objects around or for gently approaching and separating from sensitive iron-based target objects during gripping and releasing processes. Low Coercive Force (LCF) magnets offer an alternative, as their magnetization can be tuned with short current pulses and maintained without continuous current. However, this approach demands fast and precise flux control to eliminate the issues mentioned above. This paper introduces a novel flux control method based on the Hill Climb Search (HCS) algorithm. Once the required flux is identified, the system rapidly adjusts the magnetization of LCF magnet by applying optimized pulse trains within a short time. Experimental evaluation confirms that the proposed method effectively establishes and sustains the target magnetization level without additional current input. This approach has significant potential to advance and expand the use of Low Coercivity EPM systems as an alternative to classical systems. Full article