Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Risk Factors for Antimicrobial Use on Irish Pig Farms

Simple Summary Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major threat to public health. There are concerns that antimicrobial use (AMU) in agriculture has a role in the development of AMR. Pigs are one of the main consumers of veterinary antimicrobials and a better understanding of the drivers for AMU in this sector will help in efforts to reduce use. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between antimicrobial use, farm characteristics, biosecurity, the presence of respiratory disease on the farm and health management practices on Irish pig farms. Farms that manufactured their feed on-site had lower total AMU than farms that purchased their feed from a feed mill. Higher levels of lung abscesses and pericarditis (inflammation of the lining around the heart), both indicators of respiratory disease, were associated with increased AMU. Higher levels of pericarditis were also associated with increased use of critically important antimicrobials. Farms vaccinating against swine influenza also had higher AMU. Farms that administered prophylactic antimicrobial treatments to piglets had higher use of individual treatments and critically important antimicrobials. The results from this study show that prophylaxis and respiratory disease are the main drivers of AMU on Irish pig farms. These findings highlight areas of farm management where interventions may aid in reducing AMU on Irish pig farms. Abstract The threat to public health posed by antimicrobial resistance in livestock production means that the pig sector is a particular focus for efforts to reduce antimicrobial use (AMU). This study sought to investigate the risk factors for AMU in Irish pig production. Antimicrobial use data were collected from 52 farrow-to-finish farms. The risk factors investigated were farm characteristics and performance, biosecurity practices, prevalence of pluck lesions at slaughter and serological status for four common respiratory pathogens and vaccination and prophylactic AMU practices. Linear regression models were used for quantitative AMU analysis and risk factors for specific AMU practices were investigated using logistic regression. Farms that milled their own feed had lower total AMU (p < 0.001), whereas higher finisher mortality (p = 0.043) and vaccinating for swine influenza (p < 0.001) increased AMU. Farms with higher prevalence of pericarditis (p = 0.037) and lung abscesses (p = 0.046) used more group treatments. Farms with higher prevalence of liver milk spot lesions (p = 0.018) and farms practising prophylactic AMU in piglets (p = 0.03) had higher numbers of individual treatments. Farms practising prophylactic AMU in piglets (p = 0.002) or sows (p = 0.062) had higher use of cephalosporins and fluoroquinolones. This study identified prophylactic use and respiratory disease as the main drivers for AMU in Irish pig production. These findings highlight areas of farm management where interventions may aid in reducing AMU on Irish pig farms.
Conceiving Particles as Undulating Granular Systems Allows Fundamentally Realist Interpretation of Quantum Mechanics

The strange behavior of subatomic particles is described by quantum theory, whose standard interpretation rejected some fundamental principles of classical physics such as causality, objectivity, locality, realism and determinism. Recently, a granular relativistic electrodynamical model of the electron could capture the measured values of its observables and predict its mass from the stability of its substructure. The model involves numerous subparticles that constitute some tight nucleus and loosely bound envelope allegedly forming real waves. The present study examines whether such a substructure and associated dynamics allow fundamentally realist interpretations of emblematic quantum phenomena, properties and principles, such as wave-particle duality, loss of objectivity, quantization, simultaneous multipath exploration, collapse of wavepacket, measurement problem, and entanglement. Drawing inspiration from non-linear dynamical systems, subparticles would involve realist hidden variables while high-level observables would not generally be determined, as particles would generally be in unstable states before measurements. Quantum mechanics would constitute a high-level probabilistic description emerging from an underlying causal, objective, local, albeit contextual and unpredictable reality. Altogether, by conceiving particles as granular systems composed of numerous extremely sensitive fluctuating subcorpuscles, this study proposes the possible existence of a local fundamentally realist interpretation of quantum mechanics.
Outcomes of Scarf and Akin Osteotomy with Intra-Articular Stepwise Lateral Soft Tissue Release for Correcting Hallux Valgus Deformity in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background. The effectiveness of scarf and Akin osteotomy with intra-articular lateral soft tissue release for the correction of hallux valgus (HV) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has not been elucidated. Methods. A total of 36 feet in 28 patients with RA who had scarf and Akin osteotomy with intra-articular stepwise lateral soft tissue release between 2015 and 2020 at a single institute were investigated retrospectively, with a mean follow-up period of 32.0 ± 16.9 months. Radiographic evaluations including the HV angle, intermetatarsal angle, and sesamoid position were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Japanese Society of Surgery of the Foot (JSSF) hallux scale and self-administered foot evaluation questionnaire (SAFE-Q). Results. The procedure resulted in significant HV correction, with a recurrence rate of 13.9%. The JSSF scale and all five SAFE-Q subscale scores significantly improved (p < 0.05), with no major complications. More than 90% of cases achieved adequate lateral soft tissue release without sacrificing the adductor tendon of the hallux. Conclusions. Intra-articular stepwise lateral soft tissue release in combination with scarf and Akin osteotomy provided satisfactory radiographic and patient-reported outcomes for the correction of HV in patients with RA with minimum lateral soft tissue release.
Targeting the Redox Balance Pathway Using Ascorbic Acid in sdhb Zebrafish Mutant Larvae

Simple Summary Thus far, no curative therapies are available for malignant SDHB-associated phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). Therapy development is severely hampered by the limited availability of suitable animal models. In this study, we investigated the potential of the sdhbrmc200 zebrafish model to study SDHB-associated PPGLs using a drug screening approach. One of the key features of cancer initiation and progression is redox imbalance. First, we identified increased reactive oxygen species levels in homozygous sdhbrmc200 larvae at baseline. Next, we tested the effect of anti- and pro-oxidant ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) on these larvae. We validated the sdhbrmc200 zebrafish model as a powerful drug screening tool to provide valuable insights into pathomechanisms, which may lead to novel therapeutic targets and therapy development in the future. Abstract Patients with mutations in the β-subunit of the succinate dehydrogenase (SDHB) have the highest risk to develop incurable malignant phaeochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). Therapy development is hindered by limited possibilities to test new therapeutic strategies in vivo. One possible molecular mechanism of SDHB-associated tumorigenesis originates in an overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to mitochondrial dysfunction. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) has already been shown to act as anti-cancer agent in several clinical trials for various types of cancer. In this study, the potential of the sdhbrmc200 zebrafish model to study SDHB-associated PPGLs using a drug screening approach was investigated. First, we identified increased basal ROS levels in homozygous sdhb larvae compared to heterozygous and wild-type siblings. Using a semi high-throughput drug screening, the effectiveness of different dosages of anti- and pro-oxidant Vitamin C were assessed to evaluate differences in survival, ROS levels, and locomotor activity. Low-dosage levels of Vitamin C induced a decrease of ROS levels but no significant effects on lifespan. In contrast, high-dosage levels of Vitamin C shortened the lifespan of the homozygous sdhbrmc200 larvae while not affecting the lifespan of heterozygous and wild-type siblings. These results validated the sdhbrmc200 zebrafish model as a powerful drug screening tool that may be used to identify novel therapeutic targets for SDHB-associated PPGLs.
Reporting Guidelines for Whole-Body Vibration Studies in Humans, Animals and Cell Cultures: A Consensus Statement from an International Group of Experts

Simple Summary Whole-body vibration (WBV) is an exercise or treatment method used in sports, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation. During WBV, people sit, stand, or exercise on a platform that generates vibrations. These vibrations generally occur between 20 and 60 times per second and have a magnitude of one or several millimeters. Research is focused on the effects of WBV on, for instance, physical and cognitive functions as well as the underlying mechanisms that may explain the effects. Research is not only done in humans but in animals and cell cultures as well. It is important to report the studies correctly, completely, and consistently. This way, researchers can interpret and compare each other’s studies, and data of different studies can be combined and analyzed together. To serve this goal, we developed new guidelines on how to report on WBV studies. The guidelines include checklists for human and animal/cell culture research, explanations, and examples of how to report. We included information about devices, vibrations, administration, general protocol, and subjects. The guidelines are WBV-specific and can be used by researchers alongside general guidelines for specific research designs. Abstract Whole-body vibration (WBV) is an exercise modality or treatment/prophylaxis method in which subjects (humans, animals, or cells) are exposed to mechanical vibrations through a vibrating platform or device. The vibrations are defined by their direction, frequency, magnitude, duration, and the number of daily bouts. Subjects can be exposed while performing exercises, hold postures, sitting, or lying down. Worldwide, WBV has attracted significant attention, and the number of studies is rising. To interpret, compare, and aggregate studies, the correct, complete, and consistent reporting of WBV-specific data (WBV parameters) is critical. Specific reporting guidelines aid in accomplishing this goal. There was a need to expand existing guidelines because of continuous developments in the field of WBV research, including but not limited to new outcome measures regarding brain function and cognition, modified designs of WBV platforms and attachments (e.g., mounting a chair on a platform), and comparisons of animal and cell culture studies with human studies. Based on Delphi studies among experts and using EQUATOR recommendations, we have developed extended reporting guidelines with checklists for human and animal/cell culture research, including information on devices, vibrations, administration, general protocol, and subjects. In addition, we provide explanations and examples of how to report. These new reporting guidelines are specific to WBV variables and do not target research designs in general. Researchers are encouraged to use the new WBV guidelines in addition to general design-specific guidelines.
Deep-Learning-Based Hair Damage Diagnosis Method Applying Scanning Electron Microscopy Images

In recent years, with the gradual development of medicine and deep learning, many technologies have been developed. In the field of beauty services or medicine, it is particularly important to judge the degree of hair damage. Because people in modern society pay more attention to their own dressing and makeup, changes in the shape of their hair have become more frequent, e.g., owing to a perm or dyeing. Thus, the hair is severely damaged through this process. Because hair is relatively thin, a quick determination of the degree of damage has also become a major problem. Currently, there are three specific methods for this purpose. In the first method, professionals engaged in the beauty service industry make a direct judgement with the naked eye. The second way is to observe the damaged cuticle layers of the hair using a microscope, and then make a judgment. The third approach is to conduct experimental tests using physical and chemical methods. However, all of these methods entail certain limitations, inconveniences, and a high complexity and time consumption. Therefore, our proposed method is to use scanning electron microscope to collect various hair sample images, combined with deep learning to identify and judge the degree of hair damage. This method will be used for hair quality diagnosis. Experiment on the data set we made, compared with the experimental results of other lightweight networks, our method showed the highest accuracy rate of 94.8%.
Comprehensive Assessment of Triggers for Behaviours of Concern Scale (CATS): Initial Development

Challenging behaviour displayed by people with intellectual disabilities (ID) can be difficult to manage if caregivers do not understand the reasons for the behaviour. Identifying the contextual variables/triggers for the behaviour is likely to help undertake a functional analysis leading to a person-centred positive behaviour support plan. Currently, a limited number of checklists are available for trigger assessment and none were developed using an interview with the family caregivers. This article describes the development and contents of the comprehensive assessment of triggers for behaviours of concern scale (CATS). CATS was developed in two stages. Stage 1 used a ‘bottom-up’ approach, in which caregivers of adults with ID who show aggressive behaviour were interviewed to identify the triggers for aggression. In stage two, using a ‘top-down’ approach, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to gather items from existing trigger checklists. Trigger items from both stages were combined and the duplicates were removed. The final list in CATS consists of 333 contextual triggers categorised under five main domains and 12 subdomains. CATS can be used by caregivers to identify triggers or antecedents of challenging behaviour. Further work is needed to test its psychometric properties, utility, and acceptability.
Validation of a Commercial Collar-Based Sensor for Monitoring Eating and Ruminating Behaviour of Dairy Cows

Simple Summary This paper aims to validate a recently released commercial sensor (AFICollar®, Afimilk, Israel) to monitor dairy cows’ feeding and ruminating behavior. In order to evaluate the sensor’s performance under different feeding scenarios, the cows involved were divided into groups and fed different types of feed, including grazed pasture. Further, two version of the software used to convert raw data into behavioral information were tested and compared. Sensor data have been validated against visual observations, which served as the gold standard. Various statistical methods have been employed to assess sensor precision and accuracy. The results indicate that the sensor is adequately accurate for both feeding and ruminating time. However, the precision of the system appeared somewhat limited and should be improved. Abstract The use of sensor technologies to monitor cows’ behavior is becoming commonplace in the context of dairy production. This study aimed at validating a commercial collar-based sensor system, the AFICollar® (Afimilk, Kibbutz Afikim, Israel), designed to monitor dairy cattle feeding and ruminating behavior. Additionally, the performances of two versions of the software for behavior classification, the current software AFIfarm® 5.4 and the updated version AFIfarm® 5.5, were compared. The study involved twenty Holstein-Friesian cows fitted with the collars. To evaluate the sensor performance under different feeding scenarios, the animals were divided into four groups and fed three different types of feed (total mixed ration, long hay, animals allowed to graze). Recordings of hourly rumination and feeding time produced by the sensor were compared with visual observation by scan sampling at 1 minute intervals using Spearman correlation, concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), Bland–Altman plots and linear mixed models for assessing the precision and accuracy of the system. The analyses confirmed that the updated software version V5.5 produced better detection performance than the current V5.4. The updated software version produced high correlations between visual observations and data recorded by the sensor for both feeding (r = 0.85, CCC = 0.86) and rumination (r = 0.83, CCC = 0.86). However, the limits of agreement for both behaviors remained quite wide (feeding: −19.60 min/h, 17.46 min/h; rumination: −15.80 min/h, 15.00 min/h). Type of feed did not produce significant effects on the agreement between visual observations and sensor recordings. Overall, the results indicate that the system can provide farmers with adequately accurate data on feeding and rumination time, and can be used to support herd management decisions. Despite all this, the precision of the system remained relatively limited, and should be improved with further developments in the classification algorithm.
Improved ECG-Derived Respiration Using Empirical Wavelet Transform and Kernel Principal Component Analysis

Many methods have been developed to derive respiration signals from electrocardiograms (ECGs). However, traditional methods have two main issues: (1) focusing on certain specific morphological characteristics and (2) not considering the nonlinear relationship between ECGs and respiration. In this paper, an improved ECG-derived respiration (EDR) based on empirical wavelet transform (EWT) and kernel principal component analysis (KPCA) is proposed. To tackle the first problem, EWT is introduced to decompose the ECG signal to extract the low-frequency part. To tackle the second issue, KPCA and preimaging are introduced to capture the nonlinear relationship between ECGs and respiration. The parameter selection of the radial basis function kernel in KPCA is also improved, ensuring accuracy and a reduction in computational cost. The correlation coefficient and amplitude square coherence coefficient are used as metrics to carry out quantitative and qualitative comparisons with three traditional EDR algorithms. The results show that the proposed method performs better than the traditional EDR algorithms in obtaining single-lead-EDR signals.
Threads of Practice: Enhanced Maternal and Child Health Nurses Working With Women Experiencing Family Violence

Family violence is a serious public health issue with significant health consequences for women and children. Enhanced Maternal and Child Health nurses (EMCH) in Victoria, Australia, work with women experiencing family violence; however, scholarly examination of the clinical work of nurses has not occurred. This qualitative study explored how EMCH nurses work with women experiencing abuse, describing the personal and professional challenges for nurses undertaking family violence work. Twenty-five nurses participated in semi-structured interviews. Using interpretive description methodology has enabled an insight into nurses' family violence work. Threads of practice identified included (1) Validating/Reframing; (2) Non-judgmental support/Safeguarding and (3) Following/Leading. The nurses highlighted the diversity of experience for women experiencing abuse and nurses' roles in family violence nurse practice. The research contributes to understanding how EMCH nurses traverse threads of practice to support women experiencing family violence.
Quality Assessment of Wheat Bread Incorporating Chia Seeds

The aim of this study was to develop a concept of production for wheat bread enriched with chia seeds and to examine selected physicochemical properties. The examined product was wheat-flour bread made by a single-phase method, using yeast. The production concept assumed the modification of the recipe by replacing part of the wheat flour (1 or 5% w/w) with whole (CHw) or ground chia seeds (CHg). Bread quality was determined by calculating: dough yield, bread yield, baking loss, total baking loss and loaf volumes. Color was determined using the CIE L*a*b* system. In the texture analysis, the following texture parameters were measured: hardness, cohesion, chewiness and elasticity. The contents of crude fat, crude fiber, total protein, total ash and the total content of polyphenols were assessed to characterize the nutritive value of the bread. The breads with 1% addition of chia (1%CHw, 1%CHg) were characterized by the highest volume of loaves, which increased by at least 8.6% compared to the control bread (C), while in the case of 5% chia, the loaf volume depended on the form of seeds (better results were obtained with whole seeds). Substituting wheat flour with 1% chia seeds (whole or ground) resulted in a significant increase in nutritional value. For potential bread manufacturers, from a technological and economic point of view, replacing wheat flour with whole chia seeds at 1% (w/w) is most advantageous, compared to 5% (w/w).
Skull Morphology, Bite Force, and Diet in Insectivorous Bats from Tropical Dry Forests in Colombia

Simple Summary The cranial structure is highly variable among mammals and thought to reflect specializations for feeding and echolocation in bats. However, recent analyses of skull structure, feeding behavior and bite force across a wide range of bats suggest that correlations between morphology, performance, and ecology are not as delineated as previously thought. For example, most of the variations in bite force in insectivorous bats have been explained by differences in body size rather than specific cranial traits. We tested several relationships associated with the cranium to ascertain predictors of bite force in different bat species based on in vivo measurements from the Colombian tropical dry forests and museum specimens. Our data show that skull size had a significant contribution to bite force for beetle-eating bats, such as Noctilio albiventris, Molossus molossus, M. coibensis, and Molossops temminckii. Cranial traits and the combined action of the jaw morphology generate a biomechanical comparative advantage that allows these species to feed on “hard” prey, supporting the hypothesis that skull morphology, bite force, and diet are linked in insectivorous bats. Abstract In Neotropical bats, studies on bite force have focused mainly on differences in trophic ecology, and little is known about whether factors other than body size generate interspecific differences in bite force amongst insectivorous bats and, consequently, in their diets. We tested if bite force is related to skull morphology and also to diet in an assemblage of Neotropical insectivorous bats from tropical dry forests in the inter-Andean central valley in Colombia. It is predicted that the preference of prey types among insectivorous species is based on bite force and cranial characteristics. We also evaluated whether skull morphology varies depending on the species and sex. Cranial measurements and correlations between morphological variation and bite force were examined for 10 insectivorous bat species. We calculated the size-independent mechanical advantage for the mandibular (jaw) lever system. In all species, bite force increased with length of the skull and the jaw more than other cranial measurements. Obligate insectivorous species were morphologically different from the omnivorous Noctilio albiventris, which feeds primarily on insects, but also consumes fish and fruits. Our results show that bite force and skull morphology are closely linked to diets in Neotropical insectivorous bats and, consequently, these traits are key to the interactions within the assemblage and with their prey.