Search Results (10,837)

The monitoring and surveillance of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an important procedure in clinical patient management and epidemiological public health. Conventionally, culture-based tools such as disk diffusion methods or broth dilution methods for antibiotic susceptibility tests are used. While culture-independent approaches, such as PICRUSt2, Tax4Fun, or MicFunPred, have recently been tried based on predictive functional profiling using the 16S rRNA marker gene, evaluations of AMR tools are scarce. A total of 20 E. coli strains (Carbapenem-resistant (CRE) positive: 10, CRE negative: 10) were used. The AMR phenotype was based on Vitek2 (bioMerieux). DNA was extracted from the 20 strains, and 16S rRNA (V3-V4 region) and shotgun sequencing was carried out. The bioinformatic pipelines were QIIM2 for 16S rRNA and MetaPhlAn4 for shotgun. The functional prediction tools were PICRUSt2, Tax4Fun, and MicFunPred for 16S rRNA and AMRFinderPlus for shotgun. The presence/absence of 23 KEGG numbers regarding AMR in PICRUSt2, Tax4Fun, and MicFunPred were compared to shotgun AMR profiles. The F1 scores were calculated according to each 16S marker gene-based prediction tool using a confusion matrix. A total of 12 classes of antibiotics, including carbapenem, were analyzed. The F1 scores of 16S predictive functional profilers regarding AMR were 0.22 for Tax4Fun, 0.12 for PICRUSt2, and 0.08 for MicFunPred. While Tax4Fun showed the highest F1 score of the three 16S predictive functional profilers, the F1 scores were generally low. Our study highlights the necessity of integrating specialized AMR databases and improving algorithmic approaches to achieve meaningful accuracy in resistance prediction. Full article

Light plays an essential role in regulating the growth, development, and metabolic activities of the edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus. In this research, the influence of white, blue, green, yellow, and red light, and darkness, on the global protein expression of P. ostreatus LGAM 1123 grown in submerged culture was explored. The growth of the fungus was not inhibited by light in any of the conditions tested compared with the dark. However, the mycelial protein content was reduced by 10% under blue and white light. Proteomic analysis revealed distinct proteomes for each light wavelength, with red and blue light presenting the most distinctive proteome profiles. (Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD065402.) Blue light activates pathways such as the citrate cycle (TCA cycle), glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and amino acid biosynthesis, while red light stimulates mRNA-related pathways. GC-MS analysis of the biomass revealed differences in the amino acids, sugars, and lipids produced. The distinct regulation of proteins and bioactive compounds under different light wavelengths suggests that specific wavelengths can direct the metabolism of P. ostreatus into biochemical pathways. These strategies could be beneficial for the food industry because particular nutrients can be increased during the fermentation of edible fungi without the need for genetic engineering of the strain. Full article

Impairment of the intestinal epithelial barrier, accompanied by local and systemic inflammation, underlies numerous human pathologies, including inflammatory bowel diseases, celiac disease, sepsis, as well as severe acute malnutrition. Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis and Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG^®) have been shown in preclinical studies to strengthen the gut epithelial barrier and attenuate inflammation. This study aimed to compare the ability of four commercial strains of B. infantis, LGG, and their combination to mitigate inflammation-mediated epithelial damage using an in vitro immunocompetent intestinal model. A microfluidic mid-throughput platform OrganoPlate^® was used to co-culture intestinal epithelial cells (Caco-2) with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Epithelial damage was induced by stimulating PBMCs with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and probiotic-conditioned media were applied to the apical side of Caco-2 cells to assess effects on barrier integrity, cytokine secretion, and gene transcription. All tested probiotics significantly protected the epithelium by modulating tight junction protein expression and promoting transcription of homeostatic cytokines, resulting in a “leak-tight” phenotype. These findings indicate that metabolites produced by B. infantis and/or LGG can protect the intestinal epithelium in vitro, warranting further in vivo studies to evaluate the translational relevance of this effect. Full article

The current study aims to address the research gap regarding inconsistent findings on the effect of environmental knowledge (EK) in enhancing green purchase intention (GPI) by incorporating pro-environmental behavior (PEB) and environmental concern (EC) as factors to leverage green purchase intention. Five hypotheses were developed and tested using a sample of 300 respondents in Indonesia. Survey data from 300 respondents were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings demonstrate the pivotal role of pro-environmental behavior in two ways. First, pro-environmental behavior mediates the relationship between environmental knowledge and green purchase intention. Second, while pro-environmental behavior enhances environmental concern, it is insufficient to fully strengthen green purchase intention; additional factors, such as the activation of ethical values of concern, are needed to reinforce this intention further. However, the limitations include reliance on quantitative cross-sectional data and focus on Bali, suggesting a need for longitudinal and cross-cultural studies. Practical recommendations include incorporating local communities in eco-tourism programs to ensure social acceptance and sustainability. In general, the results contribute theoretically by integrating knowledge, concern, and behavior into a cohesive model explaining green consumer intentions in tourism. This comprehensive approach supports efforts to transform individual values and behavior, which are critical alongside systemic or policy changes in advancing sustainable tourism. Full article

Implementation of molecular detection methodology of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) in Danish patients began in 1997. Since then, changes in molecular detection methods and diagnostic criteria have led to the present situation, in which almost all diarrhoeal stool specimens are examined for STEC. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of STEC isolates referred to the national reference laboratory has increased the detailed characterisation, and revealed a large spectrum, of STEC types, including cross-over pathotypes typically associated with extraintestinal disease or traveller’s diarrhoea. Association of subtype stx2a (and stx2d) with the risk of developing haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) was confirmed. These changes have resulted in an increase in the number of diagnosed STEC cases from 31 cases in 1997 to 1432 in 2023. Similar increases in Europe have also been recorded. Culture of STEC is, on the other hand, declining, which poses a challenge to the identification of multiple STEC infections and outbreaks. Syndromic (PCR) test panels have also resulted in an increase in the detection of multiple microorganisms. Double or triple infections have increased the role of clinical microbiologists in interpreting and assessing the significance of diagnostic results and have also increased the need for high-quality curation of surveillance data. Full article

The aim of this study was to analyze international differences in online consumer behavior. The analysis was carried out on a sample of 763 participants from the countries of Spain, France, Poland and Russia. Online consumer behavior was examined from the perspective of seven dimensions: shipping-related concerns and preferences, price sensitivity and perceived cost advantage, quality perception, security concerns, time-related benefits, availability and quality of information, and shopping service satisfaction. Data were verified using Average inter-item correlation, the Shapiro–Wilk test and Levene Statistic. Subsequently, Welch’s ANOVA and one-way ANOVA and the Games–Howell and Tukey HSD post hoc tests were applied. Statistically significant differences were fully identified in all examined dimensions. The largest differences were recorded in price sensitivity, shipping-related concerns and security concerns. The effect measurements, in addition to ANOVA and post hoc tests, confirm the significance of these differences. National context, shaped by culture, institutional trust and digital infrastructure, continues to influence online consumer behavior. The strategies that the businesses should adopt should focus on approaches that are tailor-made for a specific market. This means that adapting pricing models, strengthening trust (e.g., through secure payments and strengthening safe return policies), and adapting delivery options to local preferences can lead to improved customer satisfaction in cross-border e-commerce. Full article

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common pathologies, with a high incidence in women and hospitalized patients. Their diagnosis is based on the presence of clinical symptoms and signs in addition to the detection of microorganisms in urine trough urine cultures, a time-consuming and resource-intensive test. The goal was to optimize UTI detection through artificial intelligence (machine learning) using non-microbiological laboratory parameters, thereby reducing unnecessary cultures and expediting diagnosis. A total of 4283 urine cultures from patients with suspected UTIs were analyzed in the Microbiology Laboratory of the University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves (Granada, Spain) between 2016 and 2020. Various machine learning algorithms were applied to predict positive urine cultures and the type of isolated microorganism. Random Forest demonstrated the best performance, achieving an accuracy (percentage of correct positive and negative classifications) of 82.2% and an area under the ROC curve of 87.1%. Moreover, the Tree algorithm successfully predicted the presence of Gram-negative bacilli in urine cultures with an accuracy of 79.0%. Among the most relevant predictive variables were the presence of leukocytes and nitrites in the urine dipstick test, along with elevated white cells count, monocyte count, lymphocyte percentage in blood and creatinine levels. The integration of AI algorithms and non-microbiological parameters within the diagnostic and management pathways of UTI holds considerable promise. However, further validation with clinical data is required for integration into hospital practice. Full article

Background: The rising prevalence of neurodegenerative conditions such as dementia underscores the impact of population aging. Consequently, long-term care needs have increased and are often met by family members through informal caregiving, thereby supporting formal care systems by reducing associated costs. These caregivers face physical and mental health challenges, raising concerns about their psychological well-being and prompting interest in both clinical and psychosocial research. Ryff’s eudaimonic model offers a robust framework for the assessment of psychological well-being; yet, in Romania, data on this population segment remain limited. Objective: This study aimed to compare the psychological well-being of Romanian dementia family caregivers with a reference population from the Romanian adaptation of the 54-item Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale, and to explore how sociodemographic characteristics relate to relevant differences across well-being dimensions. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 70 Romanian family caregivers recruited from a single clinical hospital in Bucharest, Romania. Caregivers completed the 54-item Ryff Scale (Romanian adaptation), and scores were compared to reference values using one-sample t-tests with bootstrap confidence intervals. The most relevant dimension (purpose in life) was dichotomized and further examined in relation to sociodemographic and caregiving variables using Chi-squared and Fisher’s exact tests. Results: Caregivers reported significantly lower scores compared to the reference population in purpose in life (p < 0.001, d = −1.01), personal growth (p < 0.001, d = −0.91), and positive relations (p = 0.01, d = −0.30). The most pronounced deficit was observed in purpose in life, with 85.7% of caregivers scoring below the reference mean. This dimension was further examined in relation to caregiver characteristics. Retirement status showed a statistically significant association with Purpose in Life, with retired caregivers more likely to report lower scores (χ² (1) = 4.04, p = 0.04), supported by the likelihood ratio test (p = 0.01) and a linear trend (p = 0.05). Additional marginal associations were found for household income (p = 0.14) and whether the patient slept in a separate room (p = 0.15), suggesting possible links between caregiver well-being and economic or environmental conditions. Conclusions: The study findings highlight notable psychological vulnerabilities among Romanian dementia caregivers, particularly in purpose in life and personal growth. Associations with structural and contextual factors such as retirement status, income, and caregiving environment suggest that caregiver well-being is shaped by broader socioeconomic conditions. While the magnitude of these deficits may be underestimated due to elevated stress levels in the reference group, the findings underscore the need for targeted clinical, social, and policy-level interventions aimed at strengthening existential meaning and personal development in culturally specific settings. Full article

Background: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) depends on patients’ self-management abilities, supported by nursing interventions that extend beyond technical skills to include psychosocial and educational domains. Evidence from Saudi Arabia on how these behaviors relate to clinical and quality-of-life outcomes remains limited. Aim: To assess self-management behaviors among adult PD patients, examine their associations with clinical and quality-of-life outcomes, and explore the mediating role of emotional well-being, with implications for nursing practice. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 adult PD patients at King Saud University-affiliated centers in Riyadh. Validated Arabic versions of the Chronic Illness Self-Management Scale and KDQOL-SF were administered. Clinical indicators were extracted from medical records. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, multivariate linear regression, and mediation analysis. Results: Technical skills achieved the highest self-management scores (mean 3.78 ± 0.62), while emotional coping was lowest (mean 2.71 ± 0.69). Participants with higher self-management had fewer hospitalizations (0.9 ± 0.5 vs. 1.6 ± 0.8, p = 0.01), higher serum albumin (3.60 ± 0.56 vs. 3.44 ± 0.61 g/dL, p = 0.04), and better emotional well-being (60.1 ± 14.9 vs. 55.3 ± 12.4, p = 0.03) than their counterparts. Educational level (β = 0.208, p = 0.001) and emotional well-being (β = 0.197, p = 0.001) were independent predictors of self-management, with partial mediation by emotional well-being (indirect β = 0.062, p = 0.004). Conclusions/Clinical Implications: Optimizing nursing support for PD patients requires moving beyond technical instruction to address health literacy, emotional resilience, and culturally sensitive education. Nurse-led interventions integrating psychosocial support with skill-building may enhance self-management, reduce hospitalizations, and improve quality of life in PD populations. Full article

Throughout history, cultural heritage has accumulated, and is often embodied in monuments, structures, and notable figures. Cultural heritage preservation and management also include digitalization, allowing tangible monuments to be managed as digital inventory with “digital twins”. This provides innovative ways to experience and interact with the real world, in particular by using modern mobile devices. The digitalization of monuments opens new ways to produce decorative items based on the shape of the monuments. Usually, decorative items are produced by craft businesses, family-run for generations, with specialized skills in metal and stone processing. We developed and tested a methodological proposal for frugal innovation: how to produce decorative items with minimal costs based on digital twins, which are particularly in demand in tourism-driven countries like Croatia. A micro-business with three employees, specializing in “metal art,” aims to innovate and expand by producing small-scale replicas of cultural heritage objects, such as busts, statues, monuments, or profiles. A method has been developed to create replicas in the desired material and at a desired scale, faithfully reproducing the original—whether based on a physical object, 3D model, or photograph. The results demonstrate that this sustainable frugal innovation can be successfully implemented using affordable tools and licenses. Full article

Gastrochilus fuscopunctatus is a rare epiphytic orchid in Korea threatened by habitat loss and illegal collection. This study aimed to establish an efficient in vitro propagation system by evaluating asymbiotic germination and seedling growth. Mature seeds germinated on both Hyponex (Hy) and Orchid Seed Sowing Medium (OSM), but protocorm development was more active on Hy, regardless of 1 µM NAA supplementation. For seedling culture, Murashige and Skoog (MS), Hy, and Orchid Maintenance Medium (OM) were tested with apple homogenate (AH), banana homogenate (BH), and coconut water (CW). At 7 months, Hy supported the greatest biomass and root formation, while Hy + BH produced the highest values (0.066 g fresh weight, 1.3 cm root length). Although BH improved growth on MS and OM, the effects were less pronounced. At 14 months, Hy + BH again yielded superior results (1.93 g fresh weight, 5.3 cm root length, 17.2 leaves), clearly outperforming all other combinations. AH and CW showed inconsistent or limited effects across media, indicating strong medium–additive interactions. These findings demonstrate that Hy + BH is the most effective combination for both early and prolonged growth of G. fuscopunctatus, providing a practical framework for ex situ conservation and reintroduction. Full article

The continuous advancement of the food industry is accompanied by increased generation of animal waste, including poultry feathers. Composting presents a sustainable alternative to disposal methods such as incineration by converting waste into valuable fertilizer products. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of inoculation with the keratinolytic strain Bacillus subtilis P22 on the quality and maturity of compost produced from feathers combined with organic additives (wood shavings and lignite). The experiment involved evaluation of the keratinolytic potential of the tested strain, and characterization of its proteolytic enzymes, solid-state cultures and composting conducted at semi-technical scale. The B. subtilis P22 strain demonstrated the ability to solubilize 78% of feather material within 7 days of cultivation. The keratinolytic enzyme complex was likely dominated by polycatalytic alkaline serine proteases, i.e., subtilisins. The effectiveness of the inoculum was confirmed in laboratory solid-state cultures, where the dry mass loss in inoculated samples was twice that of the control containing only endogenous microflora. At the semi-technical scale, inoculation with B. subtilis P22 significantly accelerated compost maturation and mineralization (C/N = 10.2; N-NH₄⁺/N-NO₃⁻ = 0.4; Cw/Corg = 0.9) compared to the control. The final compost’s mineral composition indicates its potential for use as an organic soil amendment. Full article

Lardizabala biternata is a culturally valued, endemic vine of the Chilean Winter Rainfall–Valdivian Forest biodiversity hotspot, traditionally harvested for its sweet, edible fruits. Despite its ecological singularity as the sole species in a monotypic genus, the species remains biologically and agronomically understudied, with no formal cultivation systems. There is currently no baseline information on its fruit morphology, which limits the design of conservation strategies and the development of its agronomic potential. This study provides the first phenotypic characterisation of L. biternata fruits, aimed at supporting germplasm evaluation, ex situ conservation, and sustainable domestication of this rare species. A total of 205 fruits were sampled across two seasons and two geographically distant populations. We measured 14 traits, including weight, length, diameter, pulp content, and seed metrics, and analysed morphological variation using t-tests, ANOVA, regression, and principal component analysis or PCA. Fruits averaged 21.0 g in weight, 54.2 mm in length, and 23.8 mm in diameter. Edible pulp constituted 44.4% of total fruit weight and showed strong positive correlations with fruit size, seed number, and seed weight. Significant differences were observed across seasons and populations, with cooler, wetter conditions associated with larger fruits and higher pulp yield. Our findings reveal substantial morphological variability and climate sensitivity, providing a crucial baseline for selecting desirable traits. This work informs ongoing efforts in plant domestication, sustainable agriculture, and the conservation of underutilised species of cultural and ecological importance. Full article

The transformation of national education policy during Indonesia’s governmental era has led to regulatory disruptions through the rapid revocation of previous policies and swift introduction of new ones. This landscape requires teachers to possess technological proficiency as well as 21st-century competencies and pedagogical readiness to adopt innovative learning. This study examines the influence of technological knowledge and 21st-century competencies on teachers’ readiness to adopt deep learning pedagogy, while also exploring perceptions of opportunities and challenges. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was employed, involving a survey of $802$ teachers from regions of Indonesia. The instrument comprised $25$ items across three variables, validated by experts, and tested with confirmatory factor analysis, which showed acceptable fit and reliability. Quantitative data were analyzed statistically, while qualitative insights came from interviews with 30 teachers and analyzed thematically. Results indicate that 21st-century competencies $(\beta =0.639,R^2=0.432)$ exert stronger influence than technological knowledge $(\beta =0.575,R^2=0.310)$ in shaping readiness. The integration of connecting and embedding strategies revealed personal, structural, and cultural complexities in implementing deep learning. The study recommends localized training and partnerships with professional organizations, higher education institutions, and NGOs to generate systemic support for school reform toward learning organizations. Full article

The increased consumption of apparel has resulted in a corresponding increase in the volume of waste textiles, with polyester–cotton blended textiles accounting for as much as 80% of the total. However, extant recycling methodologies are beset by challenges, including high cost and difficulty in separation. Mycelium has been shown to possess the ability to degrade complex components in culture substrates. The present study explores the feasibility of using polyester–cotton yarn as a substrate for mycelium composite materials, thus offering an innovative approach to the treatment of waste blended textiles. Five mycelium composite materials with varying polyester–cotton ratios were prepared and tested for mechanical strength, moisture resistance, and biodegradability. ANOVA analysis confirmed that all properties of the mycelium composites were significantly influenced by the polyester–cotton matrix ratio, with effect sizes exceeding 84% across all properties. The most significant effect was observed in compressive strength (effect size > 99%). Experiments identified a 65:35 polyester–cotton ratio as yielding optimal comprehensive properties: namely, a compressive strength of 0.221 MPa and flexural strength of 0.791 MPa, coupled with excellent moisture resistance and biodegradability. This provides data support for the development of textile-based mycelium composite products. In light of the aforementioned performance studies and material characteristics, the development of three series of experiential home products was undertaken. Design evaluations were conducted to explore the potential application of mycelium composites, which could have significant implications for promoting sustainable development in the textile and apparel industry and advancing innovative designs for mycelium composite materials. Full article