Science ProgressPub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1177/00368504251315807
Abebech Dinku, Tamene Milkessa Jiru
{"title":"Isolation, screening, and characterization of heavy metal-resistant bacteria from solid waste dumping sites in Central Gondar, Northwest, Ethiopia.","authors":"Abebech Dinku, Tamene Milkessa Jiru","doi":"10.1177/00368504251315807","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00368504251315807","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Heavy metal pollution is one of the more recent problems of environmental degradation caused by rapid industrialization and human activity. The objective of this study was to isolate, screen, and characterize heavy metal-resistant bacteria from solid waste disposal sites.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this study, a total of 18 soil samples were randomly selected from mechanical sites, metal workshops, and agricultural land that received wastewater irrigation. Isolation and screening of the isolates were based on multiple heavy metal (copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb)) resistance potential. Morphological, biochemical, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing techniques were used to identify the isolates. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the potential isolates was further examined at various concentrations (3, 6, 12, 25, 50, and 100 µg/mL). Each isolate's ability to biodegrade and resist antibiotics was also examined.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>About 21 bacterial isolates were obtained. Among these, six potential isolates (Agri10<sup>-2</sup>Is2, Agri10<sup>-3</sup>Is2, Agri10<sup>-3</sup>Is1, AL10<sup>-1</sup>Is2, AL10<sup>-3</sup>Is1, and GA10<sup>-2</sup>Is1) were selected. The isolates displayed varied colony morphologies and biochemical characterization features. Phylogenetic tree results revealed that Agri10<sup>-2</sup>Is2, Agri10<sup>-3</sup>Is2, Agri10<sup>-3</sup>Is1, AL10<sup>-1</sup>Is2, AL10<sup>-3</sup>Is1, and GA10<sup>-2</sup>Is1 were identified as <i>Bacillus subtilis</i>, <i>Bacillus subtilis</i>, <i>Bacillus</i> species, <i>Bacillus tequilensis</i>, <i>Klebiesella</i> species, and <i>Cronobacter sakazakii</i>, respectively. Every isolate gave a different MIC value. The biodegradation capacity of Agri10<sup>-2</sup>Is2, Agri10<sup>-3</sup>Is2, Agri10<sup>-3</sup>Is1, AL10<sup>-1</sup>Is2, AL10<sup>-3</sup>Is1, and GA10<sup>-2</sup>Is1 was 92.2%, 92.57%, 92.37%, 92.66%, 92.85%, and 92.52% against Cu; 95.07%, 94.07%, 93.07%, 93.4%, 91.4%, and 94.4% on Cr; and 95.51%, 94.53%, 95.62%, 96.87%, 94.86%, and 97.09% against Pb, respectively. All isolates were found to be resistant to the tested antibiotics.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study concludes that the selected bacterial isolates could be potential agents for bioremediation of heavy metal-polluted environments.</p>","PeriodicalId":56061,"journal":{"name":"Science Progress","volume":"108 1","pages":"368504251315807"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11783474/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143069897","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science ProgressPub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1177/00368504251315805
Akuro Big-Alabo, Maruchi Triumph Chuku
{"title":"Stability, bifurcation, and large-amplitude vibration analysis of a symmetric magnetic spherical pendulum.","authors":"Akuro Big-Alabo, Maruchi Triumph Chuku","doi":"10.1177/00368504251315805","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00368504251315805","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Existing studies on the symmetric spherical pendulum are limited to small- and moderate-amplitude vibrations. This study was conducted to obtain accurate solutions for analysis of the large-amplitude vibration of a symmetric magnetic spherical pendulum using the continuous piecewise linearization method (CPLM). The stability conditions and bifurcation of the pendulum were derived based on the critical points, while the CPLM was used to estimate the frequency response and vibration histories to less than 0.1% and 1.0% relative error respectively when compared to numerical solutions. The CPLM was found to be significantly more accurate than the Laplace transform homotopy perturbation method and predicted the large-amplitude bi-stable vibrations accurately. The stability analysis that was conducted enabled the characterization of all bounded symmetric vibrations based on the relationship between the cyclotron frequency and azimuthal velocity, whereas the bifurcation analysis confirmed that the symmetric vibrations can undergo pitchfork bifurcation that results in transition from single-well to double-well (or bi-stable) vibrations and vice versa. Finally, a parametric analysis was conducted to study the effect of the cyclotron frequency and uniform azimuthal velocity on the frequency-amplitude response and vibration histories The parametric analysis showed that the frequency-amplitude response has a strong dependence on the cyclotron frequency and azimuthal velocity for all amplitudes. On the other hand, the oscillation profile only depends on the cyclotron frequency and azimuthal velocity for some amplitudes. The results of this study can be applied in the design of energy harvesters and elliptic tanks for liquid transport.</p>","PeriodicalId":56061,"journal":{"name":"Science Progress","volume":"108 1","pages":"368504251315805"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11786292/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143069919","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science ProgressPub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2025-03-25DOI: 10.1177/00368504251325630
Suqin Guo, Fa Zhang, Feng Peng, Haixia Yu, Kun Zhang, Guiyu Tan
{"title":"A <i>t</i>-anol/isoeugenol synthase responsible for converting coumaryl acetate to <i>t</i>-anol in <i>Illicium verum</i>.","authors":"Suqin Guo, Fa Zhang, Feng Peng, Haixia Yu, Kun Zhang, Guiyu Tan","doi":"10.1177/00368504251325630","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00368504251325630","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong><i>Illicium verum</i> is an endemic plant of southern China, which is the primary country for its production. Trans-anethole (<i>t</i>-anethole) is the key component of the volatile aromatic essence in <i>I. verum</i>, and it has therapeutic effects such as anti-cancer and anti-diabetes. However, its biosynthetic pathway in <i>I. verum</i> is rarely reported.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In the present study, we cloned and expressed the cDNA encoding <i>t</i>-anol/isoeugenol synthase (IvAIS1) in <i>Escherichia coli</i>. The characteristics of the IvAIS1 were determined and its gene expression in different tissues was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The IvAIS1 protein is 76% identical to <i>Schisandra chinensis</i> isoeugenol synthase, and the two proteins were clustered closely together in the clade of IGS and EGS. IvAIS1 exhibits NADPH-dependent enzyme activity and dual product specificity, and it converts coumaryl acetate and coniferyl acetate to <i>t</i>-anol (the precursor of <i>t</i>-anethole) and isoeugenol, respectively. The Km values for coniferyl acetate and coumaryl acetate were 438.4 ± 44.3 μM and 480.30 ± 86.61 μM, respectively. The catalytic efficiency of IvAIS1 for coniferyl acetate was found to be higher than that for coumaryl acetate. The gene expression profiles showed that IvAIS1 accumulated in the roots, leaves, and fruits, but the levels were relatively low in the stems and flowers of <i>I. verum</i>.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study showed a putative <i>t</i>-anol/isoeugenol synthase responsible for converting coumaryl acetate to <i>t</i>-anol in <i>I. verum.</i> It expands our current knowledge of the enzymes involved in <i>t</i>-anethole biosynthesis.</p>","PeriodicalId":56061,"journal":{"name":"Science Progress","volume":"108 1","pages":"368504251325630"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11938873/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143702156","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science ProgressPub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1177/00368504251315801
Yu-Hao Zhou, Rong-Pei Jiang, Guo-Xiu Li, Hong-Meng Li, Tao Fang, Kun Tong
{"title":"Effects of NO in oxidant and initial temperature on working characteristics of MON-X/MMH liquid space thruster.","authors":"Yu-Hao Zhou, Rong-Pei Jiang, Guo-Xiu Li, Hong-Meng Li, Tao Fang, Kun Tong","doi":"10.1177/00368504251315801","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00368504251315801","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>With the progress of deep space exploration activities, low freezing point propellants are required to ensure the normal operation of aerospace engines in deep space environments. Blending NO and nitrogen tetroxide is a commonly used method to decrease freezing point of propellant, which is called MON-X. Researches on MON-X/methyl hydrazine thruster with impinging injection and influences of initial temperature are rare, and there hasn't been a comparison between nitrogen tetroxide/methyl hydrazine thrusters and MON-X/methyl hydrazine thrusters. In order to study the operation characteristics of nitrogen tetroxide/methyl hydrazine and MON-25/methyl hydrazine bipropellant thrusters with impinging injection and investigate the influence of initial temperature on performances, simulation model was developed for a 25 N thruster, starting and stable working process of thrusters was numerically simulated with different oxidant types and initial temperatures. The results show that NO in the oxidant leads to differences in operating characteristics of nitrogen tetroxide thruster and MON-25 thruster. During starting and stable operating processes, dominant reactions of methyl hydrazine dehydrogenation are self-decomposition of methyl hydrazine and extraction of H from methyl hydrazine by NO<sub>2</sub>, respectively. The main reactions that affect the temperature rise of combustion chamber are the oxidation of CH<sub>3</sub> to H<sub>2</sub>O by OH, as well as small molecule oxidation-reduction reactions such as CO generated by HCN and OH. In a stable operating state, the smaller mass fraction of N<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> in MON-25 leads to a lower temperature in the middle of the cylindrical section of MON-25 thruster than that in nitrogen tetroxide thruster. The combustion chamber pressure of MON-25 thruster does not change significantly in the initial temperature range from 293 K to 263 K. When the initial temperature of MON-25 thruster is 243 K and lower, severe lost on working performance of thruster occurred due to the impact of temperature on propellant gasification.</p>","PeriodicalId":56061,"journal":{"name":"Science Progress","volume":"108 1","pages":"368504251315801"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11843694/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143470070","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science ProgressPub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1177/00368504241292457
Gaofei Yin, Xiaohong Chen, Yang Zhang, Zhigang Huang, Wei Guo
{"title":"Exploration of the role of AIM2/IL-1β in adult laryngeal papilloma.","authors":"Gaofei Yin, Xiaohong Chen, Yang Zhang, Zhigang Huang, Wei Guo","doi":"10.1177/00368504241292457","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00368504241292457","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is closely related to upper respiratory mucosal lesions, and the most common disease is adult upper respiratory papilloma, which has a certain probability of cancer transformation.This study conducted in vitro tissue and cell experiments to explore the inflammatory mechanisms associated with HPV + adult laryngeal papilloma.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We compared differential expression of AIM2 and IL-1β between HPV (High-risk) negative and positive adult laryngeal papilloma patients. In vitro experiments were conducted to investigate the differences in expression of AIM2, Caspase-1, and IL-1β in HPV- and HPV+ upper respiratory mucosal cells.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The expression level of AIM2 and IL-1β was higher in HPV (High-risk) positive papilloma tissue than HPV (High-risk) negative papilloma tissue. The expression of AIM2, Caspase-1, and IL-1β in HPV+ cells was also significantly higher than in HPV- cells.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The expression of IL-1β mediated by AIM2 was associated with chronic inflammation of upper respiratory mucosal tissue caused by HPV infection, and it may yet be associated with further pathological changes.</p>","PeriodicalId":56061,"journal":{"name":"Science Progress","volume":"108 1","pages":"368504241292457"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11874212/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143538203","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Comparative study between unilateral and bilateral extrapedicular approaches for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: A retrospective study.","authors":"Xuequan Zhao, Xixi Han, Chenxu Li, Baoguo Han, Tianjiao Zhu, Yuxue Shi, Qinglei Liu, Yafeng Zhang","doi":"10.1177/00368504251318194","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00368504251318194","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP) is a primary treatment for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCF). Historically, surgeons preferred a bilateral approach for PVP; however, this approach may impose greater financial strain on patients. This retrospective study examines the efficacy of the unilateral approach compared to the bilateral approach.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of193 patients were categorized into Group A (unilaterally extrapedicular approach) and Group B (bilateral approach) based on the operative method. Efficacy was evaluated using perioperative indicators, follow-up results, and imaging evaluation results.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of the 193 patients involved, 169 were eligible for analysis. All patients completed follow-up visits lasting 49-70 months. Compared to Group B, Group A exhibited significantly shorter operation time, puncture duration, amount of bone cement injected, and number of X-ray fluoroscopies (<i>P </i>< 0.05). While initial pain reduction, as measured by the visual analog scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores, was lower in Group A, the difference between the groups narrowed by the final follow-up. At the final imaging follow-up, no statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding the relative height of the injured vertebral bodies and local Cobb angle measurements.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This technique holds the potential for accelerated patient rehabilitation and reduced hospitalization expenses, presenting a promising treatment option for OVCF patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":56061,"journal":{"name":"Science Progress","volume":"108 1","pages":"368504251318194"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11800245/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143256710","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science ProgressPub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1177/00368504241308959
Lixin Gu, Dekun Gao, Xiaobao Ma, Jiali Shen, Lu Wang, Jin Sun, Wei Wang, Xiangping Chen, Qing Zhang, Yulian Jin, Jun Yang, Shuna Li, Jianyong Chen
{"title":"Effect of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo course on residual symptoms after successful canalith repositioning procedures: A prospective controlled trial.","authors":"Lixin Gu, Dekun Gao, Xiaobao Ma, Jiali Shen, Lu Wang, Jin Sun, Wei Wang, Xiangping Chen, Qing Zhang, Yulian Jin, Jun Yang, Shuna Li, Jianyong Chen","doi":"10.1177/00368504241308959","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00368504241308959","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Following successful canalith repositioning procedures (CRPs), some patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) may experience residual symptoms. There is currently no consensus on whether these residual symptoms are related to the disease duration.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>To examine the impact of BPPV duration on the persistence of residual symptoms following successful CRP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 102 idiopathic BPPV patients were enrolled and categorized into short-course and long-course groups based on the duration of the disease. The course of disease in the short-course group was less than or equal to 7 days. The long course of disease was longer than 7 days. All patients underwent swivel-chair-assisted CRP and were followed up 7-10 days after successful CRP. The Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) questionnaire was administered to all patients before and after CRP.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Before CRP, significant differences were observed between the two groups in total DHI score and its subdomains: Physical (DHI-P), Functional (DHI-F), and Emotional (DHI-E) (<i>p</i> < 0.05), indicating that long disease duration significantly affected all patient aspects. After CRP, significant differences remained in total DHI, DHI-P, DHI-F, and DHI-E scores (<i>p</i> < 0.05), with the long-course group consistently scoring higher. However, no significant differences were found in the changes in DHI scores across dimensions before and after CRP between the two groups.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The duration of BPPV did not influence CRP outcomes, but patients with a longer disease course were more likely to experience residual symptoms after successful CRP.</p>","PeriodicalId":56061,"journal":{"name":"Science Progress","volume":"108 1","pages":"368504241308959"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11811982/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143392414","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science ProgressPub Date : 2025-01-01Epub Date: 2025-03-20DOI: 10.1177/00368504251329190
Jinfang Xue, Ning Zhou, Quan Li, Ruijie Wang, Yan Li, Huadong Zhu, Chuanzhu Lv
{"title":"Exploring the pathogenesis of sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy: Multilayered mechanisms and clinical responses.","authors":"Jinfang Xue, Ning Zhou, Quan Li, Ruijie Wang, Yan Li, Huadong Zhu, Chuanzhu Lv","doi":"10.1177/00368504251329190","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00368504251329190","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC), as a common complication in the intensive care unit, not only increases the complexity of patient care but also greatly enhances the risk of death. Currently, clinical management of SIC remains challenging, mainly due to the complexity of its pathogenesis and the lack of targeted therapies. Although the specific etiology of SIC is not yet fully understood, existing studies have revealed several vital pathological processes that are intertwined and contribute to the progression of the disease. This narrative review summarizes the existing pathogenesis of SIC, which involves multiple aspects including the inflammatory response, mitochondrial dysfunction, cell death mechanisms, immune regulation, and calcium homeostasis imbalance. Given the multifactorial pathogenesis of SIC, future studies need to explore the interactions between these mechanisms and how to intervene to develop more precise and effective therapeutic strategies to reduce mortality and improve prognosis in patients with SIC.</p>","PeriodicalId":56061,"journal":{"name":"Science Progress","volume":"108 1","pages":"368504251329190"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11926820/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143671724","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science ProgressPub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1177/00368504241311963
Joel Cox Menka Banahene, Isaac Williams Ofosu, Herman Erick Lutterodt, William Otoo Ellis
{"title":"Assessing the fungal contamination and potential impact of ochratoxigenic <i>Aspergillus</i> species on cocoa beans from cocoa-growing regions of Ghana.","authors":"Joel Cox Menka Banahene, Isaac Williams Ofosu, Herman Erick Lutterodt, William Otoo Ellis","doi":"10.1177/00368504241311963","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00368504241311963","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study investigated the fungal contamination profile of cocoa beans from cocoa-growing regions in Ghana, with particular emphasis on the potential impact of ochratoxigenic <i>Aspergillus</i> species.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 104 fermented and dried cocoa beans were randomly collected from farmers for analysis. Fungal isolation was conducted using potato dextrose agar and malt extract agar media. Species-level identification was performed through macroscopic and microscopic techniques. Ochratoxin A (OTA) quantification and confirmation were carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The investigation revealed 163 fungal isolates representing 14 distinct species across 10 genera. <i>Aspergillus</i> species, including <i>Aspergillus flavus</i>, <i>Aspergillus niger</i>, <i>Aspergillus parasiticus</i>, and <i>Aspergillus fumigatus</i>, were predominant. No statistically significant differences in fungal species occurrence were observed among the different cocoa-growing regions. However, certain species exhibited preferential growth on specific media, emphasizing the importance of medium selection in mycological studies. Of the 14 fungal species tested, only <i>Aspergillus niger</i> demonstrated the ability to produce OTA <i>in vitro</i>, as confirmed by LC-MS/MS analysis.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This discovery holds substantial implications for both the cocoa industry and public health, considering that OTA is a potent mycotoxin subject to strict regulatory limits in food commodities. It is crucial to implement enhanced monitoring and control measures to mitigate fungal contamination in cocoa beans, particularly targeting OTA-producing species. The study also highlights the need for improved post-harvest handling practices, optimized storage conditions, and potential biocontrol approaches.</p>","PeriodicalId":56061,"journal":{"name":"Science Progress","volume":"108 1","pages":"368504241311963"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11736777/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143017032","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Science ProgressPub Date : 2025-01-01DOI: 10.1177/00368504241312295
Houyong Kang, Xi Ouyang, Bin Xiang, Xiaodong Wen, Jing Xiao, Jie Hou, Dongbao Yang
{"title":"Evaluation and analysis of the transmission route of sigmoid sinus tinnitus by HRCT of the temporal bone: A retrospective analysis.","authors":"Houyong Kang, Xi Ouyang, Bin Xiang, Xiaodong Wen, Jing Xiao, Jie Hou, Dongbao Yang","doi":"10.1177/00368504241312295","DOIUrl":"10.1177/00368504241312295","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to analyze anatomical parameters of the transmission route of sigmoid sinus tinnitus (SST) to explore its mechanism and speculate on possible responsible anatomical abnormalities.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Clinical data were retrospectively collected from SST and sigmoid sinus wall dehiscence (SSWD) patients suggested by temporal bone high resolution computed tomography (HRCT), with and without tinnitus, at the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2015 to August 2022. Patients were divided into SSWD tinnitus (<i>n</i> = 61), and non-tinnitus (<i>n</i> = 60) groups based on HRCT features. Mimics Medical 22.0 and 3-matic Medical 13.0 software measured curvature of the sigmoid sinus bone wall, defect distribution, related parameters, distance to the tympanic sinus and cochlear window, degree of mastoid pneumatization, temporal bone air chamber surface area, volume, and S/V value. Mechanisms were analyzed by comparing clinical data and imaging anatomical parameters between groups.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The tinnitus group was significantly younger and had more severe low-frequency hearing loss (<i>P</i> = 0.002). The degree of mastoid pneumatization was significantly lower in the tinnitus group (<i>P</i> = 0.032). The volume of the temporal bone air chamber was smaller (<i>P</i> = 0.020), and the S/V value was higher in the tinnitus group (<i>P</i> = 0.001). Bone wall defects in the lower curvature were protective against tinnitus (<i>P</i> = 0.007, OR = 0.071). Larger maximum transverse diameter of the defect increased tinnitus risk (<i>P</i> = 0.030, OR = 1.875). Higher S/V value was also a significant risk factor (<i>P</i> = 0.009, OR = 24.210).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>SST patients exhibit significant female and right-sided predominance, with low-frequency hearing loss. Defects in the superior curvature and descending part of the sigmoid groove are more likely to cause tinnitus. Larger transverse diameters and higher S/V values are independent risk factors for tinnitus. Over-pneumatized temporal bones do not facilitate transmission of sigmoid sinus blood flow murmur, highlighting the importance of specific anatomical features in SST development.</p>","PeriodicalId":56061,"journal":{"name":"Science Progress","volume":"108 1","pages":"368504241312295"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11752393/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143017042","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"综合性期刊","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}