Search Results (89)

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: The combined diphtheria–tetanus–acellular pertussis (three-component), Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib, conjugate), and ACYW135 meningococcal (conjugate) vaccine (DTaP-Hib-MCV4) offers a promising alternative to single-component vaccines, potentially simplifying immunization schedules and improving vaccination coverage. Methods: We evaluated the safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy of DTaP-Hib-MCV4 in animal models. Acute and long-term toxicity studies were conducted in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with equal numbers of male and female animals. Immunogenicity was assessed in female NIH mice and SD rats using a three-dose regimen at 14-day intervals. Orbital blood was collected 14 days post-immunization to measure IgG titers against pertussis, diphtheria, tetanus, Hib, and meningococcal antigens. The protective efficacy was determined using potency tests for the pertussis, diphtheria, and tetanus components; passive protection studies for Hib; and serum bactericidal antibody (SBA) titers against A/C/Y/W135 meningococcal serogroups. Results: Acute and repeated-dose toxicity studies in SD rats showed no signs of abnormal toxicity or irritation at either high (three doses/rat) or low (one dose/rat) doses levels. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for DTaP-Hib-MCV4 was established at three doses/rat after 8 weeks of repeated intramuscular administration and a 4-week recovery period. Specific IgG antibodies against all the vaccine components were detected in animal sera at both one and three doses/rat, with no evidence of immunotoxicity. Following two-dose primary immunization in murine models, the combined vaccine elicited robust antigen-specific antibody responses, with geometric mean titers (GMTs) as follows: 1,280,000 for pertussis toxin (PT); 761,093 for filamentous hemagglutinin (FHA); 1,159,326 for pertactin (PRN); 1,659,955 for diphtheria toxoid (DT); 1,522,185 for tetanus toxoid (TT); 99 for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib); and 25,600, 33,199, 8300, and 9051 for serogroups A, C, Y, and W135 of Neisseria meningitidis, respectively. In the rat models, three-dose primary immunization also elicited robust antigen-specific antibody responses. Protection studies demonstrated efficacy against pertussis, tetanus toxin, and diphtheria toxin challenges. In the Hib challenge study, none of the 10 animals given anti-DTaP-Hib-MCV4 antiserum developed bacteremia after the live Hib challenge (vs. 5814/0.1 mL in the negative control, p < 0.001). In addition, the SBA titers against meningococcal serogroups exceeded the protective threshold (≥1:8) in 92.2% of the immunized mice and 100% of the immunized rats. Crucially, the combined vaccine induced potent immune responses and protective efficacy, with antibody levels and protection against each component antigen comparable to or greater than those of the individual components: DTaP, Hib, and MCV4. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that the DTaP-Hib-MCV4 combined vaccine is both safe and immunogenic, supporting its potential as a viable alternative to individual vaccines. This combined vaccine may streamline immunization programs and enhance vaccination coverage. Full article

From the late 19th to the early 20th century, Argentina experienced a wave of mass migration due to political, economic, and social instability in Europe. This study examines how idiomatic expressions in Argentine Spanish incorporate Italianisms and Rioplatense slang (lunfardismos), focusing on linguistic contact, transcoding, and performativity. The integration of these lexical and phraseological elements occurred through direct borrowings, phraseological calques, and neological formations influenced by both languages, shaped by continuous interactions between immigrant and local communities. Based on a corpus of 179 phraseological units (PUs) from the Diccionario fraseológico del habla argentina. Frases, dichos y locuciones (DiFHA), compiled by Barcia and Pauer, the study analyzes semantic and structural changes resulting from this exchange. The findings highlight linguistic contact, reflecting the interaction between Italian and Rioplatense Spanish; transcoding, illustrating the adaptation of linguistic elements to a new sociocultural context; and performativity, demonstrating how these expressions acquire distinct meanings in daily communication. By examining these phraseological units, the research reveals how language embodies Argentina’s migratory and cultural history, showing how linguistic contact enriches communication and identity through the interaction of different communities. Full article

Background: Evidence supporting the validity of photogrammetry for assessing body segment alignment remains limited, with most studies focusing on spinal evaluation. Thus, there is a lack of robust research examining its use for other body segments such as the lower limbs. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the concurrent validity of three photogrammetric methods for measuring knee alignment in the sagittal plane with and without corrections for potential rotational deviations in the participant’s thigh and leg. Methods: A total of 21 adults underwent sequential evaluations involving panoramic radiography of the lower limbs and photogrammetry at a private radiology clinic. Photogrammetric analysis involved identifying the following anatomical landmarks: the greater trochanter of the femur (GTF), the lateral condyle of the femur (LCF), the head of the fibula (HF), and lateral malleolus (LM). Three photogrammetric methods were employed: (1) the condylar angle (CA) defined by the GTF, LCF, and LM points; (2) the fibula head angle (FHA) defined by the GTF, HF, and LM points; and (3) the four-point angle (4PA) incorporating the GTF, LCF, HF, and LM. Concurrent validity was assessed using correlation analysis, agreement with radiographic measurements, and the root mean square error (RMSE). Each photogrammetric method was tested using raw (CA, FHA, and 4PA) and corrected (CAcorr, FHAcorr, and 4PAcorr) values, accounting for thigh and/or leg rotational deviations. Results: Correcting for thigh and leg rotations significantly improved the validity metrics for all methods. The best performance was observed with the corrected condylar angle (CAcorr: r = 0.746; adjusted r² = 0.533; RMSE = 2.9°) and the corrected four-point angle (4PAcorr: r = 0.733; adjusted r² = 0.513; RMSE = 3.0°); however, the measurements presented proportional errors, possible due the method of assessment of rotations. Conclusions: The findings validate the evaluated photogrammetric methods for assessing sagittal knee alignment. Accounting for thigh and leg rotational deviations is critical for achieving accurate measurements, raising the need of accurate tools for measuring rotational changes in the lower limbs to avoid errors. Full article

Urban air mobility (UAM) is expected to provide environmental benefits while enhancing transportation for citizens and businesses, particularly in commercial and emergency medical applications. The rapid development of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft has demonstrated the potential to introduce new technological capabilities to the market, fostering visions of widespread and diverse UAM applications. This paper reviews state-of-the-art occupant safety for personal drones and examines existing occupant protection methods in the aircraft. The study serves as a guide for stakeholders, including regulators, manufacturers, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals—by providing insights into the regulatory landscape and safety assurance frameworks for eVTOL aircraft in UAM applications. Furthermore, we present a functional hazard assessment (FHA) conducted on a reference concept, detailing the process, decision-making considerations, and key variations. The analysis illustrates the FHA methodology while discussing the trade-offs involved in safety evaluations. Additionally, we provide a summary and a featured description of current eVTOL aircraft, highlighting their key characteristics and technological advancements. Full article

Ti and Ti alloys are being widely used as bone tissue repair materials. Progress on mechanical properties and bio-functionality is required for their applications due to the large difference in elastic modulus between bone and Ti implants and the fact that the Ti materials themselves are biologically inert. In this work, a low-modulus, β-phase Ti-15Mo alloy based on a triply periodical minimal surfaces (TPMS) structure was fabricated using a Powder Bed Fusion-Laser Beam (PBF-LB) under optimized printing parameters into implant samples with controllable porous structures. The selection of TPMS, lattice unit cell size, and relative density was based on a combination of mechanical properties and cytocompatibility. Surface modifications were used to further impart antibacterial, antioxidant, and osteogenesis properties to the implants. Broad-spectrum antibacterial Ag, antioxidant tannic acid (TA), and highly stable fluorinated hydroxyapatite ((F)HA) were applied as an advanced coating on a microporous TiO₂ surface modification layer formed by micro-arc oxidation. Ultimately, porous Ti-15Mo implant samples with a biofunctional coating were obtained with Young’s modulus 15–50 GPa, a yield strength of approximately 100 MPa, and good cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and bactericidal effects. This study provides a systematic scheme for the preparation and surface modification of β Ti alloy implants for subsequent studies. Full article

Objective: Upper crossed syndrome (UCS) is an abnormal upper extremity movement pattern characterized by muscle tightness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back, coupled with weakness in opposing muscle groups. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Pilates training combined with fascial massage as an intervention in office workers with UCS. Methods: 34 subjects were recruited and randomly divided into an experimental group (n = 17) and a control group (n = 17). The control group underwent 12 weeks of Pilates training, and the experimental group received 12 weeks of Pilates training combined with fascial massage. Body posture was assessed using the forward head angle (FHA) and forward shoulder angle (FSA), joint mobility was evaluated using cervical spine range of motion (ROM), muscle activity was assessed using surface electromyography (sEMG), and quality of life was evaluated using pain level (VAS) and cervical spine dysfunction index (NDI). Results: After 12 weeks of intervention, the FHA, FSA, VAS, and NDI of the experimental group were significantly lower than those of the pre-intervention group (p < 0.05) and significantly lower than those of the control group (p < 0.05); the extension and left–right rotation cervical spine ROM of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the pre-intervention group (p < 0.05) and significantly higher than those of the control group (p < 0.05); and sEMG indexes (mean power frequency and median frequency) of the upper trapezius and the pectoralis major in the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the pre-intervention group (p < 0.05) and significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Compared with Pilates training alone, Pilates training combined with fascial massage demonstrated a more significant effect in improving muscle activation, body posture, and pain and enhancing the quality of life for patients with UCS. Full article

Background/Objectives: An assay for protein content is essential but insufficient for quality control of acellular pertussis vaccines, which might consist of up to five components, each needing individual quantification. Generally, purified pertussis antigens such as pertussis toxin (PTx), filamentous haemagglutinin (FHA), and pertactin (PRN) should be detoxified or stabilized chemically before being formulated into vaccine bulk. The use of chemical agents like formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde can alter the immunological reactivity of these antigens, rendering direct assays by methods such as ELISA ineffective. Methods: In this study, a simple method based on single radial diffusion (SRD) using low concentrations of polyclonal antisera against PT toxoid (PTd), FHA, and PRN was developed. By adding a detergent, diffusible subunits are produced regardless of the original physical state of the antigens, making it suitable for quantifying these antigens after chemical treatment. Results: The assay has shown good specificity, accuracy, and precision. Furthermore, it can differentiate between preparations with the same protein concentration but different antigenic contents. A significant positive correlation between the antigen content and the in vivo immunogenicity has also been demonstrated. Conclusions: An assay for quality control and consistency monitoring of combined vaccines containing acellular pertussis antigen components has been established. Full article

‘Frame blocking’ or ‘Framing’ is a technique that divides a time-sampled speech or audio signal into consecutive and equi-sized short-time frames, either overlapped or non-overlapped, for analysis. The framing hardware architectures (FHA) in the literature support framing speech or audio samples of specific word size with specific frame size and frame overlap size. However, speech and audio applications often require framing signal samples of varied word sizes with varied frame sizes and frame overlap sizes. Therefore, the existing FHAs must be redesigned appropriately to keep up with the variability in word size, frame size and frame overlap size, as demanded across multiple applications. Redesigning the existing FHAs for each specific application is laborious, prompting the need for a configurable intellectual property (IP) core. The existing FHAs are inappropriate for creating configurable IP cores as they lack adaptability to accommodate variability in frame size and frame overlap size. Therefore, to address these issues, a novel FHA, adaptable to accommodate the desired variability, is proposed. Furthermore, the proposed FHA is transformed into a field-programmable gate array-based soft, ready-to-use and configurable frame blocking IP core using the Xilinx^® Vivado^™ tool. The resulting IP core is versatile, offering configurability for framing in numerous applications incorporating real-time digital speech and audio systems. This research article discusses the proposed FHA and frame blocking IP core in detail. Full article

Hyaluronic acid (HA) plays important roles in tissue hydration and the transport of fluid and solutes through the interstitium. Hydroxyethyl starch (HES) solution is a synthetic colloid solution used during surgery. As HES leaks into the interstitium under inflammatory conditions during surgery, the effects of HES on HA’s structure and distribution are of clinical relevance. To examine these under fluid shear stress, dynamic shear moduli of 0.1% sodium hyaluronic acid (NaHA) solution with or without HES during shear stress loading were measured using a rotational rheometer for 8 h. The loss shear modulus of NaHA in 0.15 M NaCl solution decreased over time by 30% relative to that before shear stress loading. The presence of 1% and 2% HES reduced the decrease in loss shear modulus of NaHA solution to 20% and 4%, respectively. To investigate the convective transport of 0.1% fluorescein-labeled hyaluronic acid (FHA) by infusion of 0.15 M NaCl or HES solution, the absorbance of FHA in a UV flow cell was continuously measured. HES solution of 0.5% increased transported FHA quantities by 120% compared to 0.15 M NaCl solution. HES-induced attenuation of shear-induced distortion of HA and acceleration of convective transport of HA should be considered during surgery. Full article

Background: Colorectal cancer is one of the leading and most lethal neoplasms. Standard chemotherapy is ineffective, especially in metastatic cancer, and does not target cancer stem cells. A promising approach to improve cancer treatment is the combination therapy of standard cytostatic drugs with natural compounds. Several plant-derived compounds have been proven to possess anticancer properties, including the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of cancer invasion. This study was focused on investigating in vitro the combination of camptothecin (CPT) with celastrol (CEL) or resveratrol (RSV) as a potential strategy to target metastatic (LOVO) and stem-like (LOVO/DX) colon cancer cells. Methods: The genotoxic effects that drive cancer cells into death-inducing pathways and the ability to inhibit the migratory properties of cancer cells were evaluated. The γH2AX+ assay and Fast-Halo Assay (FHA) were used to evaluate genotoxic effects, the annexin-V apoptosis assay to rate the level of apoptosis, and the scratch test to assess antimigratory capacity. Results: The results showed that both combinations CPT-CEL and CPT-RSV improve general genotoxicity of CPT alone on metastatic cells and CSCs. However, the assessment of specific double-stranded breaks (DSBs) indicated a better efficacy of the CPT-CEL combination on LOVO cells and CPT-RSV in LOVO/DX cells. Interestingly, the combinations CPT-CEL and CPT-RSV did not improve the pro-apoptotic effect of CPT alone, with both LOVO and LOVO/DX cells suggesting activation of different cell death mechanisms. Furthermore, it was found that the combinations of CPT-CEL and CPT-RSV improve the inhibitory effect of camptothecin on cell migration. Conclusions: These findings suggest the potential utility of combining camptothecin with celastrol or resveratrol in the treatment of colon cancer, including more aggressive forms of the disease. So far, no studies evaluating the effects of combinations of these compounds have been published in the available medical databases. Full article

In this paper, a complete analysis of an LLC resonant converter with a customized rectifier structure is presented. The converter is intended for wide, low-input, high-output voltage DC bus applications. The performance of the converter is assessed using comprehensive time-domain and fundamental harmonic approximation (FHA), which demonstrates its capacity to operate across an ample range of voltages by precisely adjusting the rectifier structure. The converter’s capability is illustrated by deriving and discussing detailed mode operation, steady-state analysis, and DC gain equations. In order to verify the theoretical analysis, a prototype with a power output of 250 watts is constructed and subjected to testing. The results of the testing demonstrate that the converter is both feasible and effective. The experimental findings illustrate its capacity to manage vast voltage ranges while upholding high efficiency. In addition, the converter utilizes a frequency switching modulation (FSM) to connect with a photovoltaic (PV) panel and control the high output voltage. This demonstrates its adaptability in renewable energy applications. The validation is in accordance with theoretical predictions, demonstrating the converter’s high-efficiency performance and versatility. Full article

To realize two-way power transfer without physical connections under a grid-connected application, bidirectional wireless power transfer (BDWPT) is introduced. This paper proposes an LCC-S compensated BDWPT system based on dual-active-bridge (DAB) topology with the minimum component counts. LCC-S is designed to be a constant voltage (CV) network. To obtain the power transmission characteristics of the system, a mathematical model based on the fundamental harmonic approximation (FHA) method is established, and the result shows that the direction and amount of transfer power can be controlled by changing the magnitude of output voltages of either/both side of H-bridges. The reactive power of the system can be controlled to be zero when the output voltages of two H-bridges are in the same phase. Compared with DAB-based BDWPT systems with constant current (CC) compensation networks, the proposed structure has better transfer power regulation capability and easier control of the direction of power flow. A 1.1 kW experimental prototype is built in the laboratory to verify the characteristics of the proposed system. The results indicate that the power transfer characteristics of the proposed BDWPT system match its mathematical derivation results based on the FHA model. Full article

Functional Hypothalamic Amenorrhea (FHA) is a condition characterized by the absence of menstruation, which is increasingly affecting young women. However, specific recommendations for treating and preventing this condition are lacking. Based on a review of the available literature, this article provides practical and feasible dietary management recommendations for healthcare professionals and researchers in women’s health and nutrition. It answers the question of what interventions and nutritional recommendations are necessary to restore menstrual function in women struggling with FHA. Physicians recommend an energy availability threshold of 30 kcal/kg FFM/day to prevent FHA. Also, energy availability below and above this threshold can inhibit LH pulsation and cause menstrual disorders. In addition, the risk of menstrual disorders increases with a decrease in the caloric content of the diet and the duration of the energy deficit, and women with FHA have significantly lower energy availability than healthy women. It is essential to ensure that adequate kilocalories are provided throughout the day (regular meals that are a source of proper glucose) to avoid a negative energy balance, as glucose has been proven to affect LH pulses and T3 and cortisol concentrations in the body. Dietary intervention should focus on increasing the caloric content of the diet, thus increasing energy availability and restoring energy balance in the body. Treatment and diagnosis should also focus on body composition, not just body weight. An increase in body fat percentage above 22% may be required to restore menstrual function. In women with FHA, even an increase in body fat mass of one kilogram (kg) increases the likelihood of menstruation by 8%. It is advisable to reduce the intensity of physical activity or training volume, while it is not advisable to give up physical activity altogether. It is also important to ensure adequate intake of micronutrients, reduce stress, and incorporate cognitive–behavioral therapy. Full article

Background: For years, bone mineral density (BMD) has played a key role in assessing bone health, but the trabecular bone score (TBS) is emerging as an equivalent measure. However, BMD alone may not fully measure bone quality or predict osteoporosis risk. To evaluate the usefulness of TBS and BMD in estimating the risk of bone fracture in young women with FHA, this study examined the association between metabolic parameters and bone quality, which was measured using TBS and BMD. Methods: We analyzed the association of metabolic factors with tests assessing bone quality—TBS and BMD. Patients were checked for BMI, measured body fat, and determined serum glucose levels and insulin levels in a 75g glucose load test. Spearman correlation analysis was used. Results: Significant positive correlations were found between BMD and age (p < 0.001) and body fat (p < 0.001), as well as between TBS values and BMI (p < 0.001) and TBS and percent body fat (p < 0.001). Of the variables analyzed in the multivariate analysis, the only independent predictor of higher bone mineral density in the lumbar spine was found to be higher values of the trabecular bone index in the same segment (p < 0.001). Conclusions: The use of TBS provides a simple tool for estimating the risk of bone damage. Ultimately, early screening, diagnosis and treatment of patients with FHA may help prevent osteoporosis and fragility fractures in the long term. Full article