Search Results (1,079)

Infections caused by Acinetobacter baumannii are increasing worldwide. We evaluated the antibiotic resistance profile, biofilm production, and the frequency of 12 genes encoding carbapenemases and 13 virulence factors in 90 isolates from patients of three hospitals in various regions of Poland. Antibiotic resistance survey was performed using the disc-diffusion method, genes encoding resistance to carbapenems and virulence factors were detected with PCR, and biofilm formation was tested using microtiter plates. A total of 52.2% of isolates were resistant to all tested antibiotic groups (penicillins with β-lactamase inhibitors, cephalosporins, carbapenems, aminoglycosides, fluoroquinolones, and trimethoprim plus sulfamethoxazole). Among the genes encoding carbapenem resistance, the bla_OXA-23 (68.9%), bla_OXA-40 (83.3%), and ISAba-bla_OXA-51 (18.9%) were detected. The ompA, ata, and recA genes responsible for biofilm formation, adhesion, and stress response, respectively, occurred in all isolates. Genes responsible for the production of other adhesins (bap—94.4%, espA—4.4%, chop—37.7%), biofilm formation (pbpG—90.0%), production of siderophore (basD—97.7%), toxins (lipA—92.2%, cpaA—1.1%), glycoconjugates (bfmR—84.4%), and inducing host cell death (fhaB—71.1%, abeD—93.3%) were also found. A total of 68.8% of isolates produced biofilm. The isolates from Masovia had more virulence genes than isolates from the other regions; moreover, all isolates from Masovia and West Pomerania were multidrug-resistant (MDR), including resistance to carbapenems. Full article

Background: Methylene blue (MB), a versatile redox agent, is emerging as a promising therapeutic in diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction. Its ability to optimize the electron transport chain increases ATP synthesis (30–40%) and reduces oxidative stress, protecting cellular components such as mitochondrial DNA. The protective role of this compound has been described in several neurodegenerative disease such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. However, its role in cardiovascular disease has been poorly explored. Methods: In this study, we explored the impact of MB on murine (HL1) and human (AC16) cardiomyocyte redox signaling and cellular survival using RT-Qpcr analysis and immunochemistry assays. Results: Our results revealed that MB increased functional mitochondria, reversed H₂O₂-induced oxidative damage, and modulated antioxidant gene expression. Furthermore, it regulated the microRNA16–UPR signaling axis, reducing CHOP expression and promoting cell survival. Conclusions: These findings underscore its potential in cardioprotective therapy; however, its putative use as a drug requires in vivo validation in preclinical animal models. Full article

Researchers increasingly agree that livestock farming is the leading cause of air pollution with ammonia (NH₃) gas. The existing research suggests that 30–80% of nitrogen is lost from slurry and liquid manure in the gaseous form of ammonia. Most studies have focused on environmental factors influencing ammonia volatilization and manure composition but not on controlling the moisture level on the surface of the excreta. Applying the principles of convective mass exchange, this study was undertaken to compare different types of organic covers that mitigate NH₃ emissions and offer recommendations on how to properly apply organic covers on the surface of manure. Data was obtained from research in laboratory conditions comparing well-known coatings (chopped straw) with less commonly used organic materials (peat) or waste generated in other industries (sawdust, hemp chaff). This research demonstrated that applying bio-coatings can reduce ammonia (NH₃) emissions at coating thicknesses of ≥5 cm for sawdust, ≥3 cm for peat, ≥10 cm for hemp chaff, and 8–12 cm for straw. These reductions are linked to the ability of the coatings to lower manure surface moisture evaporation, a key driver of ammonia volatilization, highlighting the role of surface moisture control in emission mitigation. Full article

This article presents a review on the applications of basalt fibers and their composites in infrastructures. The characteristics and advantages of high-performance basalt fibers and their composites are firstly introduced. Then, the article discusses strengthening using basalt fiber sheets and BFRP bars or grids, followed by concrete structures reinforced with BFRP bars, asphalt pavements, and cementitious composites reinforced with chopped basalt fibers in terms of mechanical behaviors and application examples. The load-bearing capacity of the strengthened structures can be increased by up to 60%, compared with those without strengthening. The lifespan of the concrete structures reinforced with BFRP can be extended by up to 50 years at least in harsh environments, which is much longer than that of ordinary reinforced concrete structures. In addition, the fatigue cracking resistance of asphalt can be increased by up to 600% with basalt fiber. The newly developed technologies including anchor bolts using BFRPs, self-sensing BFRPs, and BFRP–concrete composite structures are introduced in detail. Furthermore, suggestions are proposed for the forward-looking technologies, such as long-span bridges with BFRP cables, BFRP truss structures, BFRP with thermoplastic resin matrix, and BFRP composite piles. Full article

Intravascular lymphoma (IVL) is a rare, aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) characterized by the selective proliferation of neoplastic lymphoid cells within small and medium-sized blood vessels, most frequently of B-cell origin (IVLBCL). Its protean clinical presentation, lack of pathognomonic findings, and absence of tumor masses or lymphadenopathies often lead to diagnostic delays and poor outcomes. IVLBCL can manifest in classic, hemophagocytic syndrome-associated (HPS), or cutaneous variants, with extremely variable organ involvement including the central nervous system (CNS), skin, lungs, and endocrine system. Diagnosis requires histopathologic identification of neoplastic intravascular lymphoid cells via targeted or random tissue biopsies. Tumor cells are highly atypical and display a non-GCB B-cell phenotype, often expressing CD20, MUM1, BCL2, and MYC; molecularly, they frequently harbor mutations in MYD88 and CD79B, defining a molecular profile shared with ABC-type DLBCL of immune-privileged sites. Therapeutic approaches are based on rituximab-containing chemotherapy regimens (R-CHOP), often supplemented with CNS-directed therapy due to the disease’s marked neurotropism. Emerging strategies include autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and novel immunotherapeutic approaches, potentially exploiting the frequent expression of PD-L1 by tumor cells. A distinct but related entity, intravascular NK/T-cell lymphoma (IVNKTCL), is an exceedingly rare EBV-associated lymphoma, showing unique own histologic, immunophenotypic, and molecular features and an even poorer outcome. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current understandings about clinicopathological, molecular, and therapeutic landscape of IVL, emphasizing the need for increased clinical awareness, standardized diagnostic protocols, and individualized treatment strategies for this aggressive yet intriguing malignancy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Proper management of food services aimed at preventing malnutrition and weight loss among residents of long-term care facilities is a critical priority. Accordingly, accurate prediction of energy intake requirements is necessary. This study aimed to estimate the energy intake required to prevent weight loss in residents of Japanese long-term care facilities. Methods: Body weight and 12-day dietary intake were measured from residents aged ≥75 years with a body mass index (BMI) < 25.0 kg/m² who were consuming a regular or chopped diet. In the survey, individuals with oral intake were included, while those with swallowing problems, serious illnesses, dietary restrictions, or medications causing appetite loss were excluded. The rate of body-weight loss and the energy intake per kilogram of body weight (kcal/kg BW) during each 6-month period were calculated. The energy intake per kilogram of body weight corresponding to the rate of body-weight loss of 0% was estimated from the regression line between the rate of body-weight loss and energy intake per kilogram of body weight. Results: The data was analyzed for 99 residents (15 men and 84 women, age 89.3 ± 5.0 years, BMI 20.3 ± 2.6 kg/m²). From the regression results in all participants, the energy intake per kilogram of body weight corresponding to the rate of body-weight loss of 0% was 31.4 kcal/kg BW overall and 33.4 kcal/kg BW for those with a BMI < 18.5 kg/m². Conclusions: The calculation of energy intake using a regression line may be able to predict the energy intake required for weight maintenance without using instrumental measurements or estimation equations, especially in the case of underweight individuals. Full article

Aminoglycoside antibiotics are critical in clinical use for treating severe infections, but they can occasionally cause irreversible sensorineural hearing loss. To establish a rational pathway for otoprotectant discovery, we provide an integrated, three-tier methodology—comprising cell-model selection, transcriptomic analysis, and a gentamicin–Texas Red (GTTR) uptake assay—to guide the development of otoprotective strategies. We first utilized two murine auditory cell lines—UB/OC-2 and HEI-OC1. We focused on TMC1 and OCT2 and further explored the underlying mechanisms of ototoxicity. UB/OC-2 exhibited a higher sensitivity to gentamicin, which correlated with elevated OCT2 expression confirmed via RT-PCR and Western blot. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of PI3K-Akt, calcium, and GPCR-related stress pathways in gentamicin-treated HEI-OC1 cells. Protein-level analysis further confirmed that gentamicin suppressed phosphorylated Akt while upregulating ER stress markers (GRP78, CHOP) and apoptotic proteins (cleaved caspase 3, PARP). Co-treatment with PI3K inhibitors (LY294002, wortmannin) further suppressed Akt phosphorylation, supporting the role of PI3K-Akt signaling in auditory cells. To visualize drug entry, we used GTTR to evaluate its applicability as a fluorescence-based uptake assay in these cell lines, which were previously employed mainly in cochlear explants. Sodium thiosulfate (STS) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) significantly decreased GTTR uptake, suggesting a protective effect against gentamicin-induced hair cell damage. In conclusion, our findings showed a complex ototoxic cascade involving OCT2- and TMC1-mediated drug uptake, calcium imbalance, ER stress, and disruption of PI3K-Akt survival signaling. We believe that UB/OC-2 cells serve as a practical in vitro model for mechanistic investigations and screening of otoprotective compounds. Additionally, GTTR may be a simple, effective method for evaluating protective interventions in auditory cell lines. Overall, this study provides molecular-level insights into aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity and introduces a platform for protective strategies. Full article

Nanomaterials have been one of the latest trends used by geotechnical engineers for improving insufficient soil criteria. This study aims to assess the usability of CaCO₃, nano-CaCO₃ and Glass Fiber Chopped Strands (GFCSs) in the improvement procedures for clay soil media by performing traditional and laboratory model experiments. Clay samples mixed with CaCO₃ at 5%, nano-CaCO₃ at 0.75% and GFCSs at 2.0% separately provided 1.49, 1.68 and 1.86 times increments in the bearing capacity values in comparison with plain clay, respectively. Mixtures of clay, GFCSs at 1.5% and nano-CaCO₃ at 0.75% enabled the most optimal result of 2.58 times improved bearing capacities. Curing durations had a significant effect on increasing the bonding between nano-CaCO₃ and clay which led to further improved conditions. Settlement enhancements of up to 6.80% were recorded for the mixtures of nano-CaCO₃, GFCSs and clay as well. Thus, improvements were reached in terms of bearing capacity and settlements along with the applicability and economy of the related procedures, of which the details can be seen in the following sections of this study. Full article

Cyclic Solvent Injection (CSI), one of the most promising solvent-based enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods, has attracted the oil industry’s interest due to its energy efficiency, produced oil quality, and environmental suitability. Previous studies revealed that foamy oil flow is considered as one of the main mechanisms of the CSI process. However, due to the presence of complex high-permeable channels known as wormholes in Post-Cold Heavy Oil Production with Sands (Post-CHOPS) reservoirs, understanding the effect of each operational parameter on the performance of the CSI process in these reservoirs requires a pore-scale investigation of different wormhole configurations. Therefore, in this project, a comprehensive microfluidic experimental investigation into the effect of symmetrical and asymmetrical wormholes during the CSI process has been conducted. A total of 11 tests were designed, considering four different microfluidic systems with various wormhole configurations. Various operational parameters, including solvent type, pressure depletion rate, and the number of cycles, were considered to assess their effects on foamy oil behavior in post-CHOPS reservoirs in the presence of wormholes. The finding revealed that the wormhole configuration plays a crucial role in controlling the oil production behavior. While the presence of the wormhole in a symmetrical design could positively improve oil production, it would restrict oil production in an asymmetrical design. To address this challenge, we used the solvent mixture containing 30% propane that outperformed CO₂, overcame the impact of the asymmetrical wormhole, and increased the total recovery factor by 14% under a 12 kPa/min pressure depletion rate compared to utilizing pure CO₂. Moreover, the results showed that applying a lower pressure depletion rate at 4 kPa/min could recover a slightly higher amount of oil, approximately 2%, during the first cycle compared to tests conducted under higher pressure depletion rates. However, in later cycles, a higher pressure depletion rate at 12 kPa/min significantly improved foamy oil flow quality and, subsequently, heavy oil recovery. The interesting finding, as observed, is the gap difference between the total recovery factor at the end of the cycle and the recovery factor after the first cycle, which increases noticeably with higher pressure depletion rate, increasing from 9.5% under 4 kPa/min to 16% under 12 kPa/min. Full article

Background: Uric acid has been proposed as a diabetogenic factor while its effect on pancreatic β cell function remains elusive. This study aimed to explore the impact of uric acid levels on β cell function and delineate its underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods: Both in vivo hyperuricemia diet-induced mouse models and in vitro pancreatic β cell models were utilized. Results: A progressive decrease in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and increase in β cell apoptosis were observed in the hyperuricemia diet-induced mouse model, and these could be effectively restored by urate-lowering therapy. The dose- and time-dependent direct effects of uric acid on β cell apoptosis and insulin secretion were further confirmed in both INS-1E cells and primary isolated islets. Mechanistically, the primary role of expression of the endoplasmic reticulum stress marker C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) was detected by RNA sequencing, and the inflammatory factor NLRP3 and pro-apoptotic genes were significantly upregulated by uric acid treatment. Conclusions: Together, our findings indicate a direct crosstalk between uric acid and β cells via CHOP/NLRP3 pathway, providing a new understanding of the diabetogenic effect of uric acid. Full article

Steak tartare is a ready-to-eat (RTE) meat product, prepared with finely chopped or ground raw beef, with a rich culinary history and increasing consumption trend in the last years. Yet, its microbiological safety and technological challenges remain largely under-investigated. This review analyses the regulations, the safety, and technological advances in steak tartare manufacturing, focusing on microbiological risks due to potential contamination by pathogens like Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli O157:H7. From this perspective, the outbreaks associated with the consumption of raw meat products have confirmed the importance of good hygiene practice and process control, currently based on the presence of nitrite in the formulation and accurate cold chain management. Recently, the EU regulations have set stricter limits for the use of nitrites and nitrates in meat products, and this evolution has increased the interest in natural alternatives. The scientific literature indicates that plant-based antimicrobials, high-pressure processing (HPP), and novel starter cultures can be promising tools to improve raw meat safety and shelf life. This review analyses the possible options for nitrite replacement, which might involve combined interventions with natural antimicrobials, starter cultures, and packaging solutions. Future studies need to address the microbial behaviour and dynamics in nitrite-free formulations, including safety validation by challenge testing with foodborne pathogens. In this respect, steak tartare could be a model for innovation in the meat industry. However, considering the challenges that must be faced, collaboration across disciplines will be essential to meet regulatory constraints and consumer expectations while ensuring product quality and safety. Full article

Crop straw chopping and returning technology has gained global implementation to enhance soil structure and fertility, facilitating increased crop yield. Nevertheless, technological adoption faces challenges from inherent limitations in machinery performance, including poor chopping and returning quality and high energy consumption. Consequently, this review first presented a theoretical framework that described the mechanical properties of straw, its fracture dynamics, interactions with airflow, and motion characteristics during the chopping process. Then, based on the straw returning process, the chopping devices were classified into five types: the chopped blade, the chopping machine, the chopping device combined with a no-tillage or reduced-tillage seeder, the chopping and ditch-burying machine, the chopping and mixing machine, and the harvester-powered chopping device. Advancements in spreading devices were also summarized. Finally, six key directions for future research were proposed: developing an intelligent field straw distribution mapping system, engineering adaptive self-regulating mechanisms for chopping and returning equipment, elucidating the mechanics and kinematics of straw in the chopping and returning process, implementing real-time quality assessment systems for straw returning operations, pioneering high forward-speed (>8 km/h) straw returning machines, and establishing context-specific straw residue management frameworks. This review provided a reference and offered support for the global application of straw returning technology. Full article

Wireworms are a major threat to potatoes. Agronomic prevention is always the first IPM strategy to be implemented. This work assesses whether a bioactive cover crop, sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea L.), a tropical leguminous plant, reduces wireworm damage risk when cultivated as a crop preceding potatoes. The effects of Crotalaria plants (alive, chopped, and incorporated) on wireworms and tuber-damage prevention were studied in semi-natural (pots) and open-field conditions. The survival of a set number of reared wireworms feeding on Crotalaria plants or potato tubers in soil with incorporated Crotalaria chopped tissues was assessed. Wireworm damage on tubers was assessed in fields where Crotalaria had been cultivated, chopped, and incorporated the previous year. The tuber damage assessment involved counting all the erosions/scars caused by wireworm feeding. The prevalent wireworm species studied was Agriotes sordidus. Our research is the first to demonstrate that Crotalaria as a cover crop can significantly reduce potato damage by wireworms. A major role is likely played by the high pyrrolizidine alkaloid content in Crotalaria juncea tissues, but this has to be specifically proven. Crotalaria juncea may thus represent an effective means for use alone or with complementary ones to produce potatoes with low wireworm damage without using synthetic insecticides. Full article

To address the resource utilization challenges of residual plastic film in Xinjiang and the issues of low reliability, poor cutting length qualification rates, and high energy consumption in existing film-mixed residue choppers, a rotary knife-type mixed film residue chopper was designed based on the “single support cutting + sliding cutting” principle. The device primarily consists of an adaptive feeding mechanism, a chopping mechanism, and a transmission system. The main structural and motion parameters of the mechanisms were determined through the analysis of feeding and chopping conditions. The primary factors affecting the cotton stalk chopping length qualification rate (CLCR-CS), residual film chopping length qualification rate (CFCR-RF), and specific energy consumption (SEC) were identified as the feeding roller speed, chopper speed, and the gap between the moving and fixed blades. Vibration characteristic analysis of the chopper was conducted using ANSYS software. The first six natural frequencies of the chopper were found to range from 112.54 to 186.65 Hz, with maximum deformation ranging from 0.885 to 1.237 mm. The excitation frequency was significantly lower than the first natural frequency, ensuring that the chopper met reliability and operational performance standards. A prototype was fabricated, and a second-order rotational orthogonal experiment was performed with CLCR-CS, CFCR-RF, and SEC as the test indicators and feeding roller speed, chopper speed, and the gap between the moving and fixed blades as the experimental factors. Variance and response surface analyses were conducted using Design-Expert software to clarify the effects and interactions of experimental factors on the test indicators. The second-order polynomial response surface model was optimized, and the optimal factor values were derived based on practical operational conditions. Verification experiments confirmed that the optimal operating parameters were a feeding roller speed of 32.40 r/min, a chopper speed of 222.0 r/min, and a blade gap of 1.0 mm. Under these conditions, CLCR-CS was 89.96%, CFCR-RF was 91.62%, and SEC was 5.36 kJ/kg, meeting the design specifications of the mixed film residue chopper. Full article

Background and objective: Safinamide can improve the non-motor symptoms (NMSs) and quality of life (QoL) in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD). In this post hoc analysis of the SAFINONMOTOR study, we analyzed the effect of safinamide on NMSs and QoL according to age, sex, disease duration (DD), and levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD). Patients and Methods: The change from baseline to the end of the observational period (6 months) in the Non-Motor Symptoms Scale (NMSS) and the 39-item Parkinson’s Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (PDQ-39) was analyzed in subgroups according to sex (male vs. female), age (≤75 vs. >75 years old), DD (≤10 vs. >10 years) and LEDD (≤1000 vs. >1000 mg). Nonparametric tests and general linear model (GLM) repeated measures were applied. Results: A total of 44 patients completed the final visit and were valid for the analysis. A significant reduction in the NMSS score was observed in all groups. Regarding QoL, a significant reduction in the PDQ-39 score was observed in females (p < 0.0001) and in patients with a DD > 10 years (p = 0.011) but not in males or those > 75 years old or receiving an LEDD > 1.000 mg. In the GLM, only LEDD at baseline influenced the degree of change in the NMSS total score (p = 0.026; F = 5.23). None of the variables influenced the change in the PDQ39. Conclusions: Safinamide improved NMSs independently of sex, age, DD, and LEDD. QoL improved independently of DD, and in females and non-elderly and very treated patients. Full article