Group B2 Research Articles

Diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism: when photon-counting-detector CT replaces energy-integrating-detector CT in daily routine.

To compare the diagnostic approach of acute pulmonary embolism (PE) with photon-counting-detector CT (PCD-CT) and energy-integrating-detector CT (EID-CT). Two cohorts underwent CT angiographic examinations with EID-CT (Group 1; n = 158) and PCD-CT (Group 2; n = 172), (b) with two options in Group 1, dual energy (Group 1a) or single energy (Group 1b) and a single option in Group 2 (spectral imaging with single source). In Group 2, all patients benefited from spectral imaging, only accessible to 105 patients (66.5%) in Group 1, with a mean acquisition time significantly shorter (0.9 ± 0.1 s vs 4.0 ± 0 .3 s; p < 0.001) and mean values of CTDIvol and DLP reduced by 46.3% and 47.7%, respectively. Comparing the quality of 70 keV (Group 2) and averaged (Group 1a) images: (a) the mean attenuation within pulmonary arteries did not differ (p = 0.13); (b) the image noise was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in Group 2 with no difference in subjective image noise (p = 0.29); and (c) 89% of examinations were devoid of artifacts in Group 2 vs 28.6% in Group 1a. The percentage of diagnostic examinations was 95.2% (100/105; Group 1a), 100% (53/53; Group 1b), and 95.3% (164/172; Group 2). There were 4.8% (5/105; Group 1a) and 4.7% (8/172; Group 2) of non-diagnostic examinations, mainly due to the suboptimal quality of vascular opacification with the restoration of a diagnostic image quality on low-energy images. Compared to EID-CT, morphology and perfusion imaging were available in all patients scanned with PCD-CT, with the radiation dose reduced by 48%. PCD-CT enables scanning patients with the advantages of both spectral imaging, including high-quality morphologic imaging and lung perfusion for all patients, and fast scanning-a combination that is not simultaneously accessible with EID-CT while reducing the radiation dose by almost 50%.

Decreased Ubiquitination and Acetylation of Histones 3 and 4 Are Associated with Obesity-Induced Disorders of Spermatogenesis in Mice.

Obesity, a chronic metabolic disorder, is related to cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, cancer, and reproductive disorders. The relationship between obesity and male infertility is now well recognized, but the mechanisms involved are unclear. We aimed to observe the effect of obesity on spermatogenesis and to investigate the role of histone ubiquitination and acetylation modifications in obesity-induced spermatogenesis disorders. Thirty male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into two groups. The control group was fed with a general maintenance diet (12% fat), while a high-fat diet (HFD) group was fed with 40% fat for 10 weeks; then, they were mated with normal females. The fertility of male mice was calculated, testicular and sperm morphology were observed, and the expression levels of key genes and the levels of histone acetylation and ubiquitination modification during spermatogenesis were detected. The number of sperm was decreased, as well as the sperm motility, while the number of sperm with malformations was increased. In the testes, the mRNA and protein expression levels of gonadotropin-regulated testicular RNA helicase (GRTH/DDX25), chromosome region maintenance-1 protein (CRM1), high-mobility group B2 (HMGB2), phosphoglycerate kinase 2 (PGK2), and testicular angiotensin-converting enzyme (tACE) were decreased. Furthermore, obesity led to a decrease in ubiquitinated H2A (ubH2A) and reduced levels of histone H3 acetylation K18 (H3AcK18) and histone H4 acetylation K5, K8, K12, and K16 (H4tetraAck), which disrupted protamine 1 (Prm1) deposition in testis tissue. These results suggest that low levels of histone ubiquitination and acetylation are linked with obesity-induced disorders during spermatogenesis, contributing to a better understanding of obesity-induced damage to male reproduction.

Population characteristics of pathogenic Escherichia coli in puerperal metritis of dairy cows in Ningxia region of China: a systemic taxa distribution of virulence factors and drug resistance genes.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is closely associated with the occurrence of puerperal metritis in dairy cows. E. coli carries some the virulence and multi-drug resistant genes, which pose a serious threat to the health of postpartum cows. In this study, E. coli was isolated and identified from the uterine contents of postpartum cows with puerperal metritis in the Ningxia region of China, and its phylogenetic subgroups were determined. Meanwhile, virulence and drug resistance genes carried by E. coli and drug sensitivity were detected, and the characteristics of virulence and drug resistance genes distribution in E. coli phylogroups were further analyzed. The results showed that the isolation rate of E. coli in puerperal metritis samples was 95.2%. E. coli was mainly divided into phylogroups B2 and D, followed by groups A and B1, and was more connected to O157:H7, O169:H4, and ECC-1470 type strains. The virulence genes were mainly dominated by ompF (100%), traT (100%), fimH (97%), papC (96%), csgA (95%), Ang43 (93.9%), and ompC (93%), and the resistance genes were dominated by TEM (99%), tetA (71.7%), aac(3)II (66.7%), and cmlA (53.5%). Additionally, it was observed that the virulence and resistance gene phenotypes could be divided into two subgroups, with subgroup B2 and D having the highest distributions. Drug sensitivity tests also revealed that the E. coli was most sensitive to the fluoroquinolones enrofloxacin, followed by macrolides, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, β-lactams, peptides and sulfonamides, and least sensitive to lincosamides. These results imply that pathogenic E. coli, which induces puerperal metritis of dairy cows in the Ningxia region of China, primarily belongs to the group B2 and D, contains multiple virulence and drug resistance genes, Moreover, E. coli has evolved resistance to several drugs including penicillin, lincomycin, cotrimoxazole, and streptomycin. It will offer specific guidelines reference for the prevention and treatment of puerperal metritis in dairy cows with E. coli infections in the Ningxia region of China.

Functional Movement Screening Test in Female Athletes with Visual Impairments

Background: Vision provides 80% of human sensory perception. Hence, loss of the visual sense can cause severe motor problems. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the total score of functional movement screening test (FMSTM) and its components in three groups B1, B2 and B3 in female athletes who are visually impaired. Methods: Seventy-three female athletes with visual acuity at different levels of blindness (B1, B2 and B3) were selected as participants. Functional movement were measured by FMS tests including deep squats, hurdle steps, in-line lunges, shoulder mobility, active straight leg raises, trunk stability push-ups, and rotary stability. Data were analyzed by SPSS software version 22, using ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests at a significant level of P ≤ 0.05. Results: The finding showed that the quality of performing functional movements declined with blindness acuity, but it was not significant statistically in total score of functional movement screen (FMS) test between groups. However, there was a significant difference between B1 with B2 group only at the inline lunge. Conclusions: Therefore, coaches are recommended to include FMSTM in the programs for screening, pre-participation, and assessments of athletes with visual impairments to improve functional movements.

On the irreducibility of local representations of the Braid group Bn\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$B_n$$\\end{document}

We prove that any homogeneous local representation φ:Bn→GLn(C)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\varphi :B_n \\rightarrow GL_n(\\mathbb {C})$$\\end{document} of type 1 or 2 of dimension n≥6\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$n\\ge 6$$\\end{document} is reducible. Then, we prove that any representation φ:Bn→GLn(C)\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\varphi :B_n \\rightarrow GL_n(\\mathbb {C})$$\\end{document} of type 3 is equivalent to a complex specialization of the standard representation τn\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\ au _n$$\\end{document}. Also, we study the irreducibility of all local linear representations of the braid group B3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$B_3$$\\end{document} of degree 3. We prove that any local representation of type 1 of B3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$B_3$$\\end{document} is reducible to a Burau type representation and that any local representation of type 2 of B3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$B_3$$\\end{document} is equivalent to a complex specialization of the standard representation. Moreover, we construct a representation of B3\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$B_3$$\\end{document} of degree 6 using the tensor product of local representations of type 2. Let ui\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$u_i$$\\end{document}, i=1,2\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$i=1,2$$\\end{document}, be non-zero complex numbers on the unit circle. We determine a necessary and sufficient condition that guarantees the irreducibility of the obtained representation.

Biomimetic MDSCs membrane coated black phosphorus nanosheets system for photothermal therapy/photodynamic therapy synergized chemotherapy of cancer

Photothermal therapy is favored by cancer researchers due to its advantages such as controllable initiation, direct killing and immune promotion. However, the low enrichment efficiency of photosensitizer in tumor site and the limited effect of single use limits the further development of photothermal therapy. Herein, a photo-responsive multifunctional nanosystem was designed for cancer therapy, in which myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) membrane vesicle encapsulated decitabine-loaded black phosphorous (BP) nanosheets (BP@ Decitabine @MDSCs, named BDM). The BDM demonstrated excellent biosafety and biochemical characteristics, providing a suitable microenvironment for cancer cell killing. First, the BDM achieves the ability to be highly enriched at tumor sites by inheriting the ability of MDSCs to actively target tumor microenvironment. And then, BP nanosheets achieves hyperthermia and induces mitochondrial damage by its photothermal and photodynamic properties, which enhancing anti-tumor immunity mediated by immunogenic cell death (ICD). Meanwhile, intra-tumoral release of decitabine induced G2/M cell cycle arrest, further promoting tumor cell apoptosis. In vivo, the BMD showed significant inhibition of tumor growth with down-regulation of PCNA expression and increased expression of high mobility group B1 (HMGB1), calreticulin (CRT) and caspase 3. Flow cytometry revealed significantly decreased infiltration of MDSCs and M2-macrophages along with an increased proportion of CD4+, CD8+ T cells as well as CD103+ DCs, suggesting a potentiated anti-tumor immune response. In summary, BDM realizes photothermal therapy/photodynamic therapy synergized chemotherapy for cancer.

The clade III subfamily of OsSWEETs directly suppresses rice immunity by interacting with OsHMGB1 and OsHsp20L.

The clade III subfamily of OsSWEETs includes transmembrane proteins necessary for susceptibility to bacterial blight (BB). These genes are targeted by the specific transcription activator-like effector (TALE) of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae and mediate sucrose efflux for bacterial proliferation. However, the mechanism through which OsSWEETs regulate rice immunity has not been fully elucidated. Here, we demonstrated that the cytosolic carboxyl terminus of OsSWEET11a/Xa13 is required for complementing susceptibility to PXO99 in IRBB13 (xa13/xa13). Interestingly, the C-terminus of ZmXa13, the maize homologue of OsSWEET11a/Xa13, could perfectly substitute for the C-terminus of OsSWEET11a/Xa13. Furthermore, OsSWEET11a/Xa13 interacted with the high-mobility group B1 (OsHMGB1) protein and the small heat shock-like protein OsHsp20L through the same regions in the C-terminus. Consistent with the physical interactions, knockdown or knockout of either OsHMGB1 or OsHsp20L caused an enhanced PXO99-resistant phenotype similar to that of OsSWEET11a/OsXa13. Surprisingly, the plants in which OsHMGB1 or OsHsp20L was repressed developed increased resistance to PXO86, PXO61 and YN24, which carry TALEs targeting OsSWEET14/Xa41 or OsSWEET11a/Xa13. Additionally, OsHsp20L can interact with all six members of clade III OsSWEETs, whereas OsHMGB1 can interact with five other members in addition to OsSWEET12. Overall, we revealed that OsHMGB1 and OsHsp20L mediate conserved BB susceptibility by interacting with clade III OsSWEETs, which are candidates for breeding broad-spectrum disease-resistant rice.

HMGB1 prefers to interact with structural RNAs and regulates rRNA methylation modification and translation in HeLa cells

BackgroundHigh-mobility group B1 (HMGB1) is both a DNA binding nuclear factor modulating transcription and a crucial cytokine that mediates the response to both infectious and noninfectious inflammation such as autoimmunity, cancer, trauma, and ischemia reperfusion injury. HMGB1 has been proposed to control ribosome biogenesis, similar as the other members of a class of HMGB proteins.ResultsHere, we report that HMGB1 selectively promotes transcription of genes involved in the regulation of transcription, osteoclast differentiation and apoptotic process. Improved RNA immunoprecipitation by UV cross-linking and deep sequencing (iRIP-seq) experiment revealed that HMGB1 selectively bound to mRNAs functioning not only in signal transduction and gene expression, but also in axon guidance, focal adhesion, and extracellular matrix organization. Importantly, HMGB1-bound reads were strongly enriched in specific structured RNAs, including the domain II of 28S rRNA, H/ACA box snoRNAs including snoRNA63 and scaRNAs. RTL-P experiment showed that overexpression of HMGB1 led to a decreased methylation modification of 28S rRNA at position Am2388, Cm2409, and Gm2411. We further showed that HMGB1 overexpression increased ribosome RNA expression levels and enhanced protein synthesis.ConclusionTaken together, our results support a model in which HMGB1 binds to multiple RNA species in human cancer cells, which could at least partially contribute to HMGB1-modulated rRNA modification, protein synthesis function of ribosomes, and differential gene expression including rRNA genes. These findings provide additional mechanistic clues to HMGB1 functions in cancers and cell differentiation.

Manajemen Sarana Prasarana dalam Menunjang Proses Pembelajaran

Management of facilities and infrastructure in schools is a crucial activity that greatly influences the success of the learning process. This research aims to understand the management of facilities and infrastructure in the learning process of group B1 at kindergarten 17 Teladan Sugar Factory Sumberharjo, Pemalang District. The research adopts a qualitative approach with a case study design. Primary data is obtained from the school principal, educators, and parents, while secondary data is gathered from relevant documents and records. Data collection techniques include observation, interviews, and documentation. Data processing involves reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. Research findings indicate that planning: is conducted through discussions with teachers and parents, along with short, medium, and long-term school programs. Procurement: realized through funding from operational assistance and parental contributions. Arrangement: carried out by placing learning facilities according to the needs in classrooms and schoolyards. Utilization: is the responsibility of all school members, with routine maintenance every Friday. Disposal: This is done by storing damaged items or disposing of unused ones. Inhibiting factors include limited funds, lack of specialized management, and parental cooperation in fundraising. Supporting factors include committee involvement, financial support, and student numbers. Conclusion: facility management has been maximized, leading to quality learning outcomes.

PEEK and glass fiber post pushout bond strength and vickers hardness of canal disinfected with curcumin photosensitizer activated by microbubble emulsion and sodium-hypochlorite with EDTA

AIMSImpact of different post-space disinfectants (Saline, Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) followed by ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA) and curcumin activated by microbubble emulsion (MBE) on the Vickers hardness (VH) of root canal dentin and extrusion bond strength (EBS) of Glass fiber post (GFP) and PEEK post. MethodsNinety maxillary central incisors having fully formed roots were included. After the specimen's disinfection, root canal treatment was completed. Post space was prepared by removing gutta-percha using gates glidden drills. Teeth were then arbitrarily allocated into three groups based on the methods of disinfection regime used. Group 1: Saline, Group 2: NaOCl+ EDTA and Group 3: Curcumin activated by MBE (n = 30). Analysis of VH of radicular dentin was performed using a micro-Vickers tester on ten samples from each group. After post-space disinfection, twenty specimens from each group were further divided into two subgroups (n = 10) In group-1A 2A, and 3A, GFP was used. Whereas, prefabricated PEEK posts were used in 1B, 2B, and 3B subgroups. The PBS and failure modes were performed using a universal testing machine and stereomicroscope respectively. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test to identify significant variations among groups concerning the MH and EBS of the different posts used (p = 0.05). ResultsGroup 2 (5.25 % NaOCl + 17 % EDTA) (0.15 ± 0.02 GPa) treated specimens presented lowest scores of VH. However, Group 1 (Saline) irrigated canals displayed the highest scores of surface hardness (0.25 ± 0.07 GPa). Additionally, a cervical third of 3A (CP activated by MBE + GFP) (11.22 ± 0.79 MPa) presented the highest scores of bond integrity. Whereas Group 1B (Saline + PEEK post) treated specimens presented the lowest scores of PBS (4.15 ± 0.15 MPa). ConclusionCurcumin activated by microbubble emulsion for disinfection of canal dentin demonstrated favorable VH. Similarly, glass fiber post-cemented in radicular walls disinfected with curcumin activated with MBE showed promising post-bond integrity to the canal dentin.

A microbial assessment of instrumentation and noninstrumentation laser disinfection technique: An in vivo study

ABSTRACT Introduction: The present study compares the reduction in microbial count of instrumentation versus noninstrumentation laser disinfection technique. Methods: Thirty patients with periapical lesions ranging 3–5 mm in single-rooted teeth were selected for the study. The groups were divided into two main groups: Group 1 – instrumentation technique and Group 2 – noninstrumentation technique subjected to laser disinfection. Group 2 was again subdivided into two groups: Group 2A – only laser disinfection and Group 2B – laser disinfection and medicament. The groups were analyzed for the reduction in microbial count. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare mean differences in colony-forming unit (CFU) counts. Post operative mean CFU between the three groups were compared using Dunn’s Post Hoc analysis. The level of significance was set at P &lt; 0.05. Results: Significant differences were noted in mean CFU counts between Group 1 and Groups 2A and 2B (P = 0.006 and P = 0.001, respectively). Among Groups 2A and 2B, the reduction in the microbial count of Group 2B is better than 2A although not significant. Discussion: The use of Er:YAG laser allows for effective use in disinfection due to its favorable properties such as antimicrobial effect, photoacoustic streaming, vapor bubbles effect, and lack of negative thermal impact on the periodontium. Conclusion: Significant shifts were observed in both the groups, but the impact of the shift was greater in the laser-assisted groups. Noninstrumentation laser disinfection technique shows promising results when compared to conventional techniques.

The Effectiveness of the Traditional Congklak Game in Developing Fine Motor Skills in Early Childhood at the Kasih Bunda Kindergarten, South Aceh

Purpose of the study: The primary objective of this research is to investigate the influence of the traditional game, Congklak, on the development of fine motor skills in early childhood at Kasih Bunda Kindergarten.&#x0D; Methodology: This study employed an experimental research design with a pre-experimental approach. The participants consisted of students from the B2 group at Kasih Bunda Kindergarten, South Aceh, totaling 27 students in the experimental class. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive quantitative methods, comparing the averages of pre-test and post-test data collected through observations. Hypothesis testing was performed using the t-test based on the results of the activity scale.&#x0D; Main Findings: The main finding of this research is the comparison of average values before and after the treatment. With tcount &gt; ttable, specifically 27.30 &gt; 2.056, the null hypothesis (Ho) is rejected, indicating a significant difference between the scores obtained from the initial and final tests at a 95% confidence level. Consequently, it can be concluded that the Congklak game significantly contributes to the development of fine motor skills in young children at Kasih Bunda Kindergarten.&#x0D; Novelty/Originality of this study: The novelty of this research lies in the discovery of the potential of traditional games, such as Congklak, not merely as recreational activities but as effective tools for enhancing young children's fine motor skills, particularly in understanding number concepts and counting activities, thereby making classroom learning more engaging and enjoyable.

Persistent Conjunctival Chemosis after Lower Lid Blepharoplasty: A Comparison of Different Surgical Techniques.

Background: Conjunctival chemosis, a complication of lower blepharoplasty, can cause persistent discomfort and functional disturbances with worsening in the postoperative period following surgery. Methods: A review of the records of the lower blepharoplasty procedures carried out at the Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy was performed. Patients were categorized into two groups depending on the procedure performed: (1) transconjunctival blepharoplasty with the removal of the fatty lodges with canthopexy and (2) transcutaneous blepharoplasty with the removal of the fatty lodges with lateral canthoplasty. Each group was further divided into two more groups based on the surgical method used, that is either (a) cold blade and disposable cautery or (b) radiofrequency cut and coagulation and colorado tip (respectively 1a, 1b, 2a and 2b). All patients underwent a postoperative follow-up up to 24 months, which included an evaluation of cosmetic appearance, eyelid scarring and the severity of chemosis. The aim of the study was to investigate which of the surgical procedures causes a lower incidence of persistent type 3 conjunctival chemosis. Results: A total of 1047 patients who underwent lower lid blepharoplasty were included in the study. A total of 512 patients underwent transcutaneous blepharoplasty and 535 underwent the transconjunctival procedure. Among the first group of patients, 266 belong to group 1a and 246 to group 1b. In the second group, 264 were categorized as group 2a and 271 as group 2b. The incidence of type 3 chemosis in the transcutaneous blepharoplasty procedure with lateral canthoplasty was statistically significantly higher than in the transconjunctival approach, considering both the cold blade and the radiofrequency (p = 0.012, 0.010, 0.006, 0.004, respectively). Conclusions: A higher incidence of persistent type 3 conjunctival chemosis is associated with lateral canthus surgery and with the use of radiofrequency.

Escherichia coli Isolated from Bovine Sources Encoding the Fosfomycin Resistance Gene fosA7.5.

Dairy animals are reservoirs of antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli that are frequently resistant to tetracycline, aminoglycoside, β-lactam, sulfonamide, and macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B antibiotics. However, resistance to other classes of antimicrobials is less frequently observed, and resistance to fosfomycin is rarely observed in E. coli. In this study, we describe the genomic characteristics of E. coli encoding fosA7.5 that have been recovered from bovine sources in the United States. Most isolates only encoded the fosA7.5 gene, whereas 37% encoded at least one other resistance gene, and 25% were genotypically multidrug-resistant. Most (112 isolates, 93%) belonged to phylogenetic group B1 and were assigned to 19 sequence types (STs), the most frequently identified being ST1727, ST2307, and ST3234. Results of this study indicate that fosA-encoding E. coli from bovine sources is very rare in the United States with isolates demonstrating a high level of similarity across a broad geographic region.

Characterization of lipid peroxidation processes and antioxidant defense in parturients with COVID-19

Aim. The aim of the study was to investigate the functional state of the «lipid peroxidation - antioxidant defense» system in the peripheral blood of parturients with mild and severe COVID-19.Materials and methods. This casecontrol study examined 95 parturients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis in the third trimester, divided into two groups based on the severity of the disease. Group 1a included parturients with severe COVID-19 (community-acquired pneumonia, n=48), while group 1b consisted of patients with mild COVID-19 (acute respiratory viral infection, n=47). The control group was composed of 45 parturients without a prior or current diagnosis of COVID-19. The average age of women in the study groups was 23.9±0.50 years, and 24.4±0.60 years in the control group (p&gt;0.05). Peripheral venous blood served as the material for the study. Spectrophotometric methods were used to examine the concentrations of primary (diene conjugates - DC) and final (active thiobarbituric acid products - TBARS) products of lipoperoxidation. The content of 8-isoprostane, total antioxidant capacity of plasma components, and phospholipase A2 were investigated using enzymelinked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).Results. Study showed that parturients with severe COVID-19 had increased levels of phospholipase A2 by 2.1 times (p&lt;0.001), oxidative stress markers: diene conjugate concentrations by 1.94 times (p&gt;&lt;0.001), TBARS by 2.2 times (p&gt;&lt;0.001), and 8-isoprostane by more than 2 times (p&gt;&lt;0.001), along with a simultaneous decrease in the total antioxidant capacity of blood plasma components by 1.7 times (p&gt;&lt;0.001) compared to the control group. In the group of parturients with mild COVID-19, the studied indicators changed less significantly. Conclusion. The study established the pathogenetic role of SARS-CoV-2 in disrupting the functional system of «lipid peroxidation - antioxidant defense» and the development of oxidative stress in parturients who had COVID-19 in the third trimester. A dependency of oxidative stress marker concentrations in peripheral blood on the severity of COVID-19 was identified. It was shown that COVID-19 in the third trimester of pregnancy is associated with high levels of phospholipase A2, an imbalance in the prooxidant-antioxidant system, characterized by a reduction in the level of total antioxidant capacity and an increase in oxidative modification products of biomolecules, expressed by the growth of DC, TBARS, and 8-isoprostane levels, leading to oxidative stress correlated with the severity of lung damage. Key words: COVID-19, parturients, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defense, oxidative stress&gt; ˂ 0.001), oxidative stress markers: diene conjugate concentrations by 1.94 times (p ˂ 0.001), TBARS by 2.2 times (p ˂ 0.001), and 8-isoprostane by more than 2 times (p ˂ 0.001), along with a simultaneous decrease in the total antioxidant capacity of blood plasma components by 1.7 times (p ˂ 0.001) compared to the control group. In the group of parturients with mild COVID-19, the studied indicators changed less significantly.Conclusion. The study established the pathogenetic role of SARS-CoV-2 in disrupting the functional system of «lipid peroxidation - antioxidant defense» and the development of oxidative stress in parturients who had COVID-19 in the third trimester. A dependency of oxidative stress marker concentrations in peripheral blood on the severity of COVID-19 was identified. It was shown that COVID-19 in the third trimester of pregnancy is associated with high levels of phospholipase A2, an imbalance in the prooxidant-antioxidant system, characterized by a reduction in the level of total antioxidant capacity and an increase in oxidative modification products of biomolecules, expressed by the growth of DC, TBARS, and 8-isoprostane levels, leading to oxidative stress correlated with the severity of lung damage.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF ABUTMENT TOOTH CONDITION WITH STUMP INLAYS OVER VARIED USAGE PERIODS

The aim of this study is to compare the condition of abutment teeth restored with stump inlays over different periods of use by applying periotestometry and radiography findings.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Ninety-six patients with extensively decayed dental crowns, including low crowns, were examined and treated. The patients were divided into two groups: Group A (main group, standard method for inlays) and Group B (control group, domestic ashless plastic used for modeling). Each group was further divided into three subgroups: A1 and B1 (single-rooted teeth with different crown types), A2 and B2 (collapsible cusp inlays with subsequent artificial crowns), and A3 and B3 (cusp inlays for bridge structures). The stability of the tooth was determined using a Periotest periotestometer (Germany), with scores ranging from -08 to +50 units. Radiological diagnostics and monitoring were conducted using targeted dental radiography with the X-genus DS apparatus. The degree of alveolar bone resorption was quantified using the Fuchs index of alveolar bone destruction.&#x0D; Result. In group A1, prosthetics with full cast crowns prior to orthopedic treatment initially improved stability by 2.93%, but this effect diminished by 3.39% after 12 months. Both metal-ceramic and all-ceramic crowns led to a decline in stability over the study period. Group B1 exhibited a stability increase of 1.42%, which reduced to 1.14% after 12 months. Metal-ceramic and all-ceramic crowns influenced tooth stability differently throughout the study. Within group B2, prosthetics with full cast crowns initially raised stability by 1.92%, yet this effect decreased to 0.28% after 12 months. Similarly, metal-ceramic and all-ceramic crowns indicated fluctuations in stability of supporting teeth over the study duration. In group A3, prosthetics with full cast bridges prior to orthopedic treatment initially increased stability by 0.86%, declining to a decrease of 2.07% after 12 months. Metal-ceramic bridges exhibited a smaller indicator at 6 months compared to pre-treatment, with this decrease persisting after 12 months. Conversely, all-ceramic bridges demonstrated stability enhancement by 0.61% after 6 months, persisting higher by 1.92% after 12 months. For group B3, prosthetics with full cast bridges prior to orthopedic treatment increased stability by 1.55%, maintaining a higher stability by 1.91% after 12 months. Metal-ceramic bridges indicated a decrease at 6 months compared to pre-treatment, persisting after 12 months. All-ceramic bridges showed a stability decrease by 2.42% after 6 months, yet remaining higher by 1.92% after 12 months compared to pre-treatment levels.&#x0D; Conclusions. The choice of prosthetic method for the manufacture of pin-and-stem inlays should be justified, taking into account the clinical situation and individual needs of each patient.

A randomized controlled trial of sweet basil leaf powder-enriched cookies for anemia management in adolescent girls.

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of sweet basil leaf powder as a natural source of iron for the treatment of anemia in adolescent girls. Purposive sampling technique of two-stage sampling; part of the nonprobability sampling approach. Out of 2400 approached adolescent girls, 1645 agreed to participate and their nutritional status was assessed. Of these, 89.95% had clinical signs and symptoms of anemia, and 59.79% were found to be anemic based on Hb levels. From the anemic group, 65.18% were randomly selected to receive either B0 (Control), B1 (12.699 g FeSO4.7H2O/100 g), and B3 (16 g SBLP/100 g) cookies for 4 months. At the end of the intervention, the assessment of nutritional status, complete blood count, serum iron, serum ferritin, serum total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation was explored. Hematological parameters such as Hb, Hct, TIBC, MCV, MCH, MCHC, serum iron, and serum ferritin were significant (p ≤ .05). The result showed that the serum Fe was highest in group B3 while a significant decline was noted for group B0. Serum ferritin for B1 was better than B3. The entire treatment for transferrin saturation showed a highly significant increasing trend in B3 and B1, regardless of the control. TIBC levels raised in the control group while in all other treatments, it declined. The study demonstrated that SBLP-fortified cookies can be an effective treatment option for anemia, as evidenced by significant improvements in key hematological parameters.

Metagenome reveals the possible mechanism that microbial strains promote methanogenesis during anaerobic digestion of food waste

For better understanding the mechanism of microbial strains promoting methane production, four strains Hungatella xylanolytica A5, Bacillus licheniformis B1, Paraclostridium benzoelyticum C2 and Advenella faeciporci E1 were inoculated into anaerobic digestion systems. After bioaugmentation, the cumulative methane production of A5, B1, C2 and E1 groups elevated by 11.68%, 8.20%, 18.21% and 15.67% compared to CK group, respectively. The metagenomic analysis revealed that the species diversity and uniformity of the experimental groups was improved, and hydrolytic acidifying bacteria, represented by Clostridiaceae, Anaerolineaceae and Oscillospiraceae, and methanogens, such as Methanotrichaceae and Methanobacteriaceae, were enriched. Meanwhile, the abundance of key genes in carbohydrate, pyruvate and methane metabolism was increased in the inoculated groups, providing reasonable reasons for more methane production. The strengthening mechanism of microbial strains in this study offered a theoretical foundation for selecting a suitable bioaugmentation strategy to solve the problems of slow start-up and low methane production in anaerobic digestion.

Antimicrobial Resistance and Genomic Characteristics of Escherichia coli Strains Isolated from the Poultry Industry in Henan Province, China.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is an important foodborne pathogen and a biomarker for monitoring antimicrobial resistance. Investigating the prevalence of E. coli in the poultry industry holds great importance, particularly in Henan province, a major poultry-producing region in China. Here, we investigated the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) phenotypes of E. coli strains obtained from the poultry industry in Henan, China. A total of 344 E. coli strains were isolated from 638 samples collected from seven farms, three slaughterhouses, and ten terminal markets. Approximately 96.4%, 81.7%, and 52.5% of the isolates from the farms, slaughterhouses, and terminal markets exhibited multidrug resistance. Whole-genome sequencing was performed on 169 strains to reveal their genomic characteristics. The sequence type (ST) analysis revealed that ST10 and ST156 were the most frequent types within the poultry supply chain, whereas ST10 and ST162 were commonly found across the farms, slaughterhouses, and terminal markets. Fourteen ST10 E. coli strains belonged to phylogenetic group A, while fifteen ST165 and six ST162 E. coli strains belonged to phylogenetic group B1. In addition, several antimicrobial resistance genes and virulence factor genes were identified. The blaNDM-5 gene mediated carbapenem resistance in two E. coli strains, while mcr-1-mediated colistin resistance was detected in nine E. coli strains. Phylogenetic group A exhibited fewer virulence genes compared to other groups of E. coli. Plasmid replicons, such as IncFIB (AP001918), IncX1, IncFIC (FII), and IncFII (pHN7A8), were frequently observed. These findings provide valuable insights into the current AMR profiles of E. coli strains isolated from the poultry industry in Central China and highlight the need to implement good manufacturing practices and reduce antibiotic usage to mitigate potential risks associated with E. coli.

Synergistic effects of combined probiotics Bacillus pumilis D5 and Leuconostoc mesenteroide B4 on immune enhancement and disease resistance in Litopenaeus vannamei

This study investigated the effects of two distinct probiotics, Leuconostoc mesenteroides B4 (B4) and Bacillus pumilus D5 (D5), along with their combination, on the diet of white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) during an eight-week feeding trial. The diets tested included B4 + dextran at 107 CFU/g feed (the B4 group), D5 alone at 107 CFU/g feed (the D5 group), and a combination of B4 + dextran and D5 at 5 × 106 CFU/g feed each (the B4+dextran + D5 group). Relative to the control group, those administered probiotics exhibited moderate enhancements in growth. By the eighth week, the weight gain for the B4, D5, and B4+D5 groups was 696.50 ± 78.15%, 718.53 ± 130.73%, and 693.05 ± 93.79%, respectively, outperforming the control group's 691.66 ± 31.10% gain. The feed conversion ratio was most efficient in the B4 group (2.16 ± 0.06), closely followed by B4+D5 (2.21 ± 0.03) and D5 (2.22 ± 0.06), with the control group having the highest ratio (2.27 ± 0.03). While phenoloxidase activity was somewhat elevated in the B4 and D5 groups, no significant differences were noted in respiratory burst activity or total hemocyte count across all groups. Challenge tests at weeks 4 and 8 showed that the B4 + D5 combination offered superior protection against AHPND-causing Vibrio parahaemolyticus. The 4-week cumulative survival rate was highest in shrimp treated with B4 + dextran + D5 (56.25%), followed by B4 + dextran (31.25%), control (18.75%), and lowest in D5 (12.5%). By week 8, the B4 + dextran + D5 (43.75%) and B4 + dextran (37.5%) groups significantly outperformed the control group (6.25%, p < 0.05), with no significant difference observed between the D5 group (37.5%) and the control group at day 56. Analysis of the shrimp's foregut microbiota revealed an increase in unique OTUs in the B4 and B4 + D5 groups. Compared to the control, Proteobacteria abundance was reduced in all probiotic groups. Potential pathogens like Vibrio, Bacteroides, Neisseria, Botrytis, Clostridioides, and Deltaentomopoxvirus were detected in the control but were reduced or absent in probiotic groups. Beneficial microbes such as Methanobrevibacter and Dictyostelium in the B4+D5 group, and Sugiyamaella in the B4 group, showed significant increases.Probiotics also led to higher transcript levels of nitric oxide synthase in the hemocytes, and lysozyme and transglutaminase in the midgut, along with lysozyme and α2-macroglobulin in the foregut. Notably, the combined B4 + D5 probiotics synergistically enhanced the expression of superoxide dismutase and prophenoloxidase in the foregut, indicating an improved immune response. In summary, this study demonstrates that the probiotics evaluated, especially when used in combination, significantly boost the expression of specific immune-related genes, enhance the bacterial diversity and richness of the intestine, and thus prevent the colonization and proliferation of Vibrio spp. in L. vannamei.