bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Policy implementation challenges and the ritualization of public health emergency plans: An investigation of urban communities in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Zhang Rui , Wang Chengli , Li Changgui , Xiong Yachao
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a global public health emergency, and countries worldwide have responded to it through a vast array of pre-planned, adaptively devised and ad-hoc measures. In China, public health emergency plans - the plans expected to drive the response to epidemics or pandemics - demonstrated a concerning tendency towards “ritualization.” “Ritualization” denotes the practice of public health emergency plans to be reliably developed so that a formal requirement is met, while being implemented selectively or not at all in the emergency response.

Methods

This study explored the phenomenon of ritualization by analyzing data from 1485 questionnaires, 60 in-depth interviews and 85 actual public health emergency plans. It used the Smith Policy-Implementation-Processing pattern as its conceptual framework.

Results

The study found that the infeasibility of plans, their ineffective implementation by emergency management agencies, the obstructive behaviors of community residents, and the lack of an appropriate policy environment all contributed to the practice of ritualization.

Discussion

As China seeks to better respond to COVID-19 and accelerate the recovery of its health system, it is essential to ensure that its public health emergency plans are effectively developed and implemented.
Development and validation of the regarding infection prevention and control among environmental service workers on knowledge, attitudes, practise, and experience questionnaire
Authors: Chen Xiaohang , Zhang Pan , Zhang Ruhan , Li Shuting , Cao Rui , Hu Fen , Jin Ying-Hui , Lin Likai , Cai Lin , Feng Bilong , Zhang Chunhua , Wang Xinghuan
Published: January 2023

Purpose

This study aimed to develop and test the validity and reliability of the Knowledge, Attitudes, Practise, and Experience regarding Infection Prevention and Control-associated Questionnaire for environmental service workers.

Design

This study was a development and validation study of a questionnaire using multiple methods, including literature review, questionnaire survey, and Delphi technique.

Methods

Phase I of the study entailed the development of items through an extensive literature review and two round Delphi process with 15 experts specialised in infection prevention and control, environmental service worker management, or scale construction to examine the content validity of the questionnaire. Phase II involved administering the questionnaire to a convenience sample of 1,176 environmental service workers from the public hospital from 13 provinces in China to evaluate its construct validity and reliability.

Findings

In the two rounds of Delphi consultation, the recovery rate were 93.75 and 100%. Moreover, the expert authority coefficient was 0.93, and the coordination coefficients of expert opinions in the first round were as follows: correlation of 0.204 and importance of 0.249 for the first-level index; correlation of 0.128 and importance of 0.142 for the secondary index. In round two, the coordination coefficients of expert opinions were as follows: correlation of 0.221 and importance of 0.221 for the first-level indicators; correlation of 0.096 and importance of 0.101 for the secondary index. The results for the index were P < 0.05 for the two rounds. The pilot survey shows the instrument was excellent content validity (S-CVI/Ave = 0.989). The overall internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach's α = 0.967). The questionnaire ultimately comprised four first-level indices (knowledge, attitudes, practise, and experience) and 49 second-level indices.

Conclusion

The Questionnaire demonstrated good reliability and validity and is effective in measuring levels of infection prevention and control-related knowledge, attitudes, practise, and experience among environmental service workers. It will provide a tool for future national investigations of the current infection prevention and control situation among environmental service workers. Future research should explore determinants of environmental service workers' knowledge, attitudes, practise, and experience and associations between infection prevention and control knowledge, attitudes, practises, and experience.
Health literacy and health outcomes among older patients suffering from chronic diseases: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Lu Jinjin , Sun Shuting , Gu Yechun , Li Huihui , Fang Liangyu , Zhu Xiaoling , Xu Hongbo
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Aging brings with an increased risk of chronic diseases among older adults, which could affect health outcomes. Evidence has showed that health literacy is associated with health outcomes. However, limited studies explore the underlying mechanism between health literacy and health outcomes. Hence, this study aimed to determine whether self-efficacy for managing chronic disease mediates the relationship between health literacy and health outcomes among older patients with chronic diseases, and to explore whether disease duration moderates the relationship between health literacy, self-efficacy for managing chronic disease, and health outcomes.

Methods

Participants were recruited from tertiary hospitals in Zhejiang Province, China from May 2019 to June 2020 using a convenience sampling method. A total of 471 older patients with chronic diseases completed questionnaires measuring demographics, disease-related information, health literacy, self-efficacy for managing chronic disease, and health outcomes. The mediation effect was examined using the structural equation model method, based on the bias-corrected bootstrapping method. The moderation effect was tested by the multiple-group analysis.

Results

A good fit model suggested that self-efficacy for managing chronic disease partially mediated the relationships between health literacy and health outcomes. In addition, disease duration moderated the relationships between health literacy, self-efficacy for managing chronic disease, and health outcomes.

Discussion

The findings highlight that adequate health literacy improved health outcomes among older patients with chronic diseases, which was further promoted by self-efficacy for managing chronic diseases. Moreover, a long disease duration could enhance the effect.
Network structure of family function and self-management in patients with early chronic kidney disease amid the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Cui Yi , Yang Tianqi , Li Rong , Wang Hua , Jin Shasha , Liu Na , Liu Xufeng , Liu Hongbao , Zhang Yinling
Published: January 2023

Background

Family function plays a pivotal role in self-management among patients with early chronic kidney disease (CKD), which has been especially important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Previous studies have investigated the relationships between family function and self-management using total scores through self-report questionnaires while ignoring the different components in both family function and self-management. The specific objective of this study was to explore the network structure of family function and self-management at the component level.

Methods

A total of 360 patients with early CKD from three tertiary hospitals were enrolled in our cross-sectional survey from September to December 2021 in China. Components of family function were measured by the Family Adaptation Partnership Growth and Resolve Index, and components of self-management were measured by the Chronic Kidney Disease Self-management Instrument. Network analysis was used to establish the network structure.

Results

Edges across the community of family function and self-management were mainly positive. Edges between F3 “Growth” and M1 “Self-integration”, F2 “Partnership” and M3 “Seeking social support,” F5 “Resolve” and M3 “Seeking social support” were the strongest. F3 “Growth” had the greatest positive bridge expected influence of family function community (0.12), and M3 “Seeking social support” had the greatest positive bridge expected influence of self-management community (0.16).

Conclusion

We explored the potential pathways between different components of family function and self-management among patients with early CKD during the COVID-19 pandemic and found fine-grained relationships between them. The two nodes F3 “Growth” and M3 “Seeking social support” may provide a new idea from the perspective of family function for interventions to improve self-management.
Point prevalence survey on antibiotic use in the hospitals of Mauritius
Authors: Veerapa-Mangroo Lovena Preeyadarshini , Rasamoelina-Andriamanivo Harena , Issack Mohammad Iqbal , Cardinale Eric
Published: January 2023

Background

This study aims at determining the antibiotic prescribing pattern in admitted patients in the regional public hospitals of Mauritius.

Methods

A Point Prevalence Survey (PPS) on antibiotic use according to the World Health Organization Methodology for PPS on antibiotic use in hospitals, was carried out in 3 secondary public hospitals. Data was collected in February 2018 for Hospital 1 and in April-May 2019 for Hospital 2 and Hospital 3. Eligible inpatients were those who were hospitalized in the ward at 8.00 a.m. on the day of the survey.

Results

Among 915 inpatients, 482 (53%) were treated with 753 therapies or prescriptions of antibiotics, averaging 1.6 therapies or prescriptions per patient. Among those treated with antibiotics, an average of 88 patients (55%), 58 patients (36%) and 15 patients (9%) were given 1, 2 and 3 or more antibiotics respectively. The highest proportion of inpatients treated with antibiotics was among those with community acquired infections (n=243, 50%) followed by surgical prophylaxis (n=191, 40%). In the three hospitals, it was observed that third generation cephalosporins (ceftriaxone, cefotaxime), amoxicillin, metronidazole (parenteral) and ciprofloxacin accounted for more than 75% of total prescriptions and sixteen per cent (16%) of patients had an Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing report before prescription of antibiotics.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable information on antibiotic use in the country. Several misuses have been identified such as the excessive use of antibiotics for surgical prophylaxis, the high use of third generation cephalosporins and of the WATCH category of antibiotics. It also demonstrates a low percentage of Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing prior to prescription of antibiotics. This investigation shows that there is now a pressing need to repeat the Point Prevalence Survey on antibiotic use in hospitals in future whilst extending the survey to the private healthcare system to get a complete picture concerning antibiotic use in Mauritius.
Biofilm growth and microbial contamination of dental unit waterlines at Kuwait University dental center
Authors: Hussain Akbar Jaber , Behbehani Jawad , Karched Maribasappa
Published: January 2023

Biofilm formation in dental unit waterlines and the resulting microbial contamination of the water in the system has become a significant problem. Contaminated water in the dental units is a major concern in dental clinics due to potential risk of causing infections particularly in elderly and immunocompromised patients. The aim of this study was at first to determine microbial contamination of the dental unit waterlines and then to study the efficacy of a comprehensive disinfection protocol on decreasing the microbial load. Water samples were collected before and after disinfection procedure from handpieces and water storage bottles from the dental units, a small 1-cm tubing was cut from each unit and subjected to microbiological culture on different growth media. Identification of the predominant species was achieved by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Microbial growth was observed in samples collected from all dental units. Upon disinfection procedure, microbial contamination in the water samples and in the tubing surfaces was significantly reduced (P > 0.05). 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed the presence of several species belonging to the genera Staphylococcus, Corynebacterium and Roseomonas, some of which are implicated in human infections. Aggravation of the biofilm growth on the tubing surfaces and the microbial contamination in the water can be effectively controlled by implementing appropriate and routine disinfection protocols. This may help protect the dental unit staff and the patients being exposed to the risk of infections.
Uncertainty is not sufficient for identifying noisy labels in training data for binary segmentation of building footprints
Authors: Ulman Hannah , Gütter Jonas , Niebling Julia
Published: January 2023

Obtaining high quality labels is a major challenge for the application of deep neural networks in the remote sensing domain. A common way of acquiring labels is the usage of crowd sourcing which can provide much needed training data sets but also often contains incorrect labels which can affect the training process of a deep neural network significantly. In this paper, we exploit uncertainty to identify a certain type of label noise for semantic segmentation of buildings in satellite imagery. That type of label noise is known as “omission noise,” i.e., missing labels for whole buildings which still appear in the satellite image. Following the literature, uncertainty during training can help in identifying the “sweet spot” between generalizing well and overfitting to label noise, which is further used to differentiate between noisy and clean labels. The differentiation between clean and noisy labels is based on pixel-wise uncertainty estimation and beta distribution fitting to the uncertainty estimates. For our study, we create a data set for building segmentation with different levels of omission noise to evaluate the impact of the noise level on the performance of the deep neural network during training. In doing so, we show that established uncertainty-based methods to identify noisy labels are in general not sufficient enough for our kind of remote sensing data. On the other hand, for some noise levels, we observe some promising differences between noisy and clean data which opens the possibility to refine the state-of-the-art methods further.
Use of planar covariation in lower limb kinematics to characterize adaptations of running after cycling in elite triathletes
Authors: Walsh Joel A. , Stamenkovic Alexander , Dawber James P. , Stapley Paul J.
Published: January 2023

Purpose

To characterize alterations of lower limb intersegmental coordination during the acute phase of running after cycling among highly trained triathletes using an analysis of planar covariation.

Methods

Nine highly trained triathletes completed a control run (CR) and a run after transitioning from cycling exercise (transition run, or TR condition) on a motorized treadmill at a self-selected pace. Sagittal plane kinematics were recorded using a 3D Vicon motion capture system. Intersegmental coordination of the thigh, shank and foot segments of the right lower limb and run loop planarity were calculated during running before cycling and at four different times after the end of cycling.

Results

PCA showed a significant within-subject phase shift of the run loop planarity (F = 6.66, P = 0.01). Post hoc analysis showed significance median differences increase for u3t parameter between CRSS vs. TR30 (P = 0.01), TRt1/2 (P = 0.01) and TRMRT (P = 0.01). No difference for u3t parameter existed between CRSS vs. TRSS.

Conclusion

Prior variable-cadence, moderate intensity cycling has a significant effect on run loop planarity and therefore intersegmental coordination during the acute transition phase among highly trained triathletes. However, alterations to lower limb coordination are corrected by the 3rd minute after the beginning of the post cycle run. We suggest that planar covariation can be used as a more sensitive measure of cycling-induced variations in running to characterize adaptation in elite and importantly, developing athletes.
Factors affecting adoption intensity of climate change adaptation practices: A case of smallholder rice producers in Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Upendram Sreedhar , Regmi Hari P. , Cho Seong-Hoon , Mingie James C. , Clark Christopher D.
Published: January 2023

This study examines how smallholder rice producers' adoption intensity for climate change adaptation practices (i.e., improved varieties, irrigation practices, direct seeded rice, integrated pest management, and adjustment in crop calendar) is influenced by access to Extension services, training, weather-related information, and membership in farmer groups or cooperatives (referred to as “institutional resources”). We use survey data collected from 359 smallholder rice producers in the Chitwan district of Nepal in 2019. The results indicate that: (1) access to institutional resources significantly enhance the likelihood of adoption of more climate change adaptation practices; (2) high intensity climate change adaptation practice measured by the adoption of three, four, and five practices significantly increases with access to institutional resources; (3) intensity of adoption of climate change adaptation practices is reduced with greater adaptation alternatives available to rice producers; and (4) lack of information and technical knowledge are the most important reasons for non-adoption of climate change adaptation practices by smallholder rice producers. The results are valuable for policy makers and planners to prioritize training opportunities and allocate scarce resources to enhance climate change adaptation and improve sustainability of rice production practices.
Vertical migration of nutrients and water-soluble organic matter in the soil profile under pre-sowing seed treatment with plant growth promoting rhizobacteria
Authors: Volkogon Vitaliy V. , Potapenko Lyudmyla V. , Volkogon Mykola V.
Published: January 2023

Studies conducted in a stationary lysimeter experiment in the conditions of the washing water regime have shown that the use of PGPR for pre-sowing seed inoculation of agricultural crops reduces vertical migration of biogenic nutrients and water-soluble organic matter down the soil profile. The effect of seed inoculation with PGPR on the reduction of nutrient losses was not specific to the type of rhizobacteria and was similar for crops grown on different mineral fertilizers backgrounds (spring barley and winter rye seeds were inoculated with the nitrogen-fixing bacteria—Azospirillum brasilense 410 and A. brasilense 18-2, respectively, while maize seeds were inoculated with the phosphate-mobilizing Paenibacillus polymyxa KB). Seed inoculation has decreased nitrogen leaching down the soil profile by 4–9 kg/ha, phosphorus compounds—by 0.5–3.0 kg/ha, potassium—by 0.6–3.0 kg/ha, calcium—by 6–42 kg/ha, magnesium—by 3.0–6.0 kg/ha, water-soluble organic matter—by 0.8–8.0 kg/ha, subject to crop and norms of mineral fertilizers. Maize seeds inoculated with phosphorous-mobilizing P. polymyxa KB under crop cultivation on the cattle manure background did not affect the intensity of nutrient migration. On the other hand, the combination of green manure (narrow-leaved lupine as an intermediate crop) with pre-sowing seed inoculation had significantly reduced nutrient losses beyond the root zone soil layer. It is concluded that the use of PGPR in crop production on mineral and green manure backgrounds contributes to the preservation of soil fertility by limiting biogenic nutrients and water-soluble organic matter leaching with the water drainage down the soil profile. Pre-sowing seed inoculation had no significant effect on the vertical migration of nutrients in the soil on the background of cattle manure, due to the highly competitive environment created with the introduction of microorganisms from organic fertilizer, preventing the establishment of close interactions between PGPR and plants.
Association between epidural-related maternal fever and short-and long-term prognosis of parturients: A prospective observational study
Authors: Li Bing , Liao Yicong , Wang Qingning , He Shiyuan , Yang Lulu , Jia Junxiang , Zhao Baisong
Published: January 2023

We aimed to explore the association between epidural-related maternal fever (ERMF) and prognosis of parturients. 159 parturients who underwent vaginal delivery under labor epidural analgesia (LEA) received noninvasive continuous core body temperature monitoring. 122 of them completed the 42-day postpartum follow-up. Parturients with body temperature ≥38°C during labor were categorized as the Fever group, while the others were categorized as the No-Fever group. Compared to No-Fever group, Fever group had a greater proportion of primiparas, greater gestational age of parturients, and longer third stage of labor. The cesarean section and forceps delivery rates, and the amount of intrapartum hemorrhage in Fever group were significantly higher. There were no significant between-group differences with respect to puerperal infection, and amniotic fluid turbidity degree, neither significant between-group difference at 42-days postpartum. We found that ERMF was associated with some short-term outcomes. However, it showed no relation with long-term prognosis of the parturients at 42-days postpartum.
The role of endplate injury in intervertebral disc degeneration after vertebral augmentation in OVCF patients
Authors: Li Yongchao , Su Qihang , Feng Xiaofei , Li Lijun , Tan Jun , Ke Rongjun
Published: January 2023

Background

Whether vertebral augmentation can induce or aggravate the degeneration of adjacent intervertebral discs remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of endplate injury in intervertebral disc degeneration after vertebral augmentation.

Methods

The imaging data of patients with single-segment osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) were retrospectively analyzed. The upper and lower discs of the fractured vertebrae were defined as cranial and caudal discs, and the discs adjacent to the cranial discs were defined as control discs. According to the integrity of the cranial and caudal endplates, they were divided into an injury group and a noninjury group. At follow-up, the increase in the modified Pfirrmann score on MRI compared with the baseline grade was defined as the occurrence of a degenerative disc change (DDC). The changes in the disc height and the number of DDC cases on MRI during the follow-up in each group were analyzed.

Results

A total of 56 patients with OVCFs were included in this study, with an average follow-up time of 18.8 ± 14.1 months (3–62 months). In the cranial and caudal discs, the number of DDC cases in the endplate injury group was significantly higher than that in the noninjury group (P = 0.007 and P = 0.018). However, the number of DDC cases in the whole endplate injury group (including the cranial and caudal endplates) was significantly higher than that of the whole noninjury group (P = 0.000) and the control group (P = 0.000). The number of DDC cases in the whole noninjury group was not different from that of the control group (P = 0.192). At follow-up, the disc height of the cranial and caudal endplate injury group was significantly lower than the baseline (P = 0.000 and P = 0.001), but the disc height of the noninjury group was not significantly lower than the baseline (P = 0.074 and P = 0.082).

Conclusion

Endplate injury is associated with adjacent intervertebral disc degeneration in OVCF patients after vertebral augmentation. Evaluation of endplate damage before vertebral enhancement in OVCF patients has an important reference value for predicting the outcome of adjacent intervertebral discs after surgery.
Prognostic value of preoperative modified Glasgow prognostic score in surgical non-small cell lung cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: Yang Chenli , Ren Guangshu , Yang Qingqing
Published: January 2023

Background and purpose

The predictive role of modified Glasgow prognostic score (mGPS) for long-term survival in several types of cancers has been well manifested. We supposed that preoperative mGPS might also be associated with long-term survival of operated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. The aim of this meta-analysis was to identify the prognostic value of preoperative mGPS in surgical NSCLC patients.

Methods

The PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE and CNKI databases were searched for relevant studies up to November 7, 2022. The primary and secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), respectively. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were combined.

Results

A total of 3,803 patients from 11 studies were enrolled and analyzed. The combined results demonstrated elevated preoperative mGPS was significantly related to poorer OS (HR = 2.11, 95% CI: 1.83–2.44, P < 0.001) and DFS (HR = 1.70, 95% CI: 1.42–2.03, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis for the OS further identified the predictive role of elevated preoperative mGPS for worse OS in NSCLC.

Conclusion

Preoperative mGPS was significantly associated with prognosis in NSCLC and patients with elevated preoperative mGPS experienced poorer long-term survival.
Personalized alignment™ for total knee arthroplasty using the ROSA® Knee and Persona® knee systems: Surgical technique
Authors: Massé Vincent , Cholewa Jason , Shahin Maged
Published: January 2023

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) procedures are expected to increase up to 565% in the United States over the next 3 decades. TKAs were traditionally performed with neutral mechanical alignments that provided equal medial and lateral gaps in extension and flexion to reduce implant wear but were less successful at restoring native knee function and associated with high patient dissatisfaction. Kinematic alignment (KA) restores native anatomy and minimizes soft tissue release; however, KAs that recreate severe deformities and/or biomechanically inferior alignments result in significant increases in implant stress and risk of aseptic loosening. Restricted kinematic alignment (rKA) recreates pre-arthritic anatomy within a range of acceptable alignment boundaries, and improved patient clinical scores and faster recoveries have been reported with rKA techniques. Personalized Alignment™ is an evolution of rKA that relies heavily upon robotic assistance to reliably recreate patient anatomy, native soft tissue laxity, and accurate component placement to improve patients' clinical outcomes. The purpose of this surgical technique report is to describe the Personalized Alignment TKA method using the ROSA® Knee System and Persona® The Personalized Knee® implants. Herein we provide specific procedures for pre-operative planning, anatomical landmarking and evaluation, intra-operative planning and adjustment of resections and cuts, cut validation and soft tissue evaluation with robotic-assisted personalized TKA.
A clinical analysis of intestinal mucosal necrosis and exfoliation induced by superior mesenteric vein thrombosis: A case report
Authors: Lin Bin , Zhang Yan-ping , Xue Lin-ying , Ye Ying , Tang Yi , Yang Chang Shun , Luo Jie-wei , Gao Mei-zhu , Fang Zhu-ting
Published: January 2023

Background

Superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis is a rare intestinal ischemic disease. The clinical manifestations of patients differ, and most experience gastrointestinal symptoms.

Case summary

A 45-year-old female patient presented with persistent abdominal pain and abnormal vaginal bleeding for 7 days. A physical examination revealed significant abdominal tenderness with positive rebound tenderness. A laboratory examination revealed a white blood cell count of 27 × 109/l, hemoglobin level of 52 g/L, and D-dimer of 4.54 mg/l. Enhanced computed tomography revealed a thickening and swelling of the jejunum and ileum in the left upper quadrant and portal vein. Filling defects in the main lumen and branch lumen suggested the possibility of portal vein and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. Symptoms improved after treatment with low-molecular-weight heparin and warfarin. One month later, the patient developed occasional dull pain in the left lower quadrant, with long strips of discharge. An electronic colonoscopy revealed avascular necrosis and tissue exfoliation of the intestinal mucosa. After the continuation of warfarin therapy, the abdominal pain resolved. Five months later, the patient experienced recurrent abdominal pain and vomiting. A physical examination revealed a blood pressure of 75/49 mm Hg. An incomplete ileus with the portal and superior mesenteric vein thrombosis was diagnosed, partial jejunectomy and gastrointestinal bypass anastomosis were performed, and warfarin was continued postoperatively.

Conclusion

The intestinal mucosal shedding observed, in this case, was caused by SMV thrombosis, which enriched the clinical manifestations of the disease and provided a new basis for the clinical diagnosis of SMV thrombosis.
Hospital-acquired and zoonotic bacteria from a veterinary hospital and their associated antimicrobial-susceptibility profiles: A systematic review
Authors: Sebola Dikeledi C. , Oguttu James W. , Kock Marleen M. , Qekwana Daniel N.
Published: January 2023

Background

Hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) are associated with increased mortality, morbidity, and an economic burden due to costs associated with extended hospital stays. Furthermore, most pathogens associated with HAIs in veterinary medicine are zoonotic. This study used published data to identify organisms associated with HAIs and zoonosis in veterinary medicine. Furthermore, the study also investigated the antimicrobial-susceptibility profile of these bacterial organisms.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Search terms and five electronic databases were used to identify studies published over 20 years (2000–2020). The risk of bias was assessed using the “Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology-Vet” (STROBE-Vet) checklist.

Results

Out of the identified 628 papers, 27 met the inclusion criteria for this study. Most studies (63%, 17/27) included were either from small animal or companion animal clinics/hospitals, while 5% (4/27) were from large animal clinics/hospitals inclusive of bovine and equine hospitals. Hospital-acquired bacteria were reported from environmental surfaces (33%, 9/27), animal clinical cases (29.6%, 8/27), and fomites such as cell phones, clippers, stethoscopes, and computers (14.8%, 4/27).Staphylococcusspp. was the most (63%; 17/27) reported organism, followed byEscherichia coli(19%; 5/27),Enterococcusspp. (15%, 4/27),Salmonellaspp. (15%; 4/27),Acinetobacter baumannii(15%, 4/27),Clostridioides difficile(4%, 1/27), andPseudomonas aeruginosa(4%; 1/27). Multidrug-resistant (MDR) organisms were reported in 71% (12/17) of studies linked to Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA), Methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus pseudintermedius(MRSP),Enterococcusspp.,SalmonellaTyphimurium, A. baumannii, andE. coli. ThemecA gene was identified in both MRSA and MRSP, theblaCMY-2 gene inE. coliandSalmonellaspp., and thevanA gene inE. faeciumisolate. Six studies reported organisms from animals with similar clonal lineage to those reported in human isolates.

Conclusion

Organisms associated with hospital-acquired infections and zoonosis have been reported from clinical cases, environmental surfaces, and items used during patient treatment and care.Staphylococcusspecies is the most reported organism in cases of HAIs and some isolates shared similar clonal lineage to those reported in humans. Some organisms associated with HAIs exhibit a high level of resistance and contain genes associated with antibiotic resistance.
L-Glu Hierarchical Structure Crystallization Using Inorganic Ions
Authors: Ejgenberg Michal , Mastai Yitzhak
Published: January 2023

Hierarchical organic structures have gained vast attention in the past decade owing to their great potential in chemical and medical applications in industries such as the food and pharmaceutical industries. In this paper, the crystallization of L-glu hierarchical spheres using inorganic ions, namely calcium, barium and strontium cations, is described. The anti-solvent precipitation method is used for the spherical crystallization. The L-glu microspheres are characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photo-electron microscopy (XPS) and polarized microscopy (POM). It is shown that without additives, L-glu crystallizes as flower-like structures, very different from the hierarchical spheres crystallized with the charged additives. Based on our results, we suggest a mechanism for the hierarchical sphere formation based on the crystallization and self-assembly of L-glu in emulsion droplets using charged additives.
Forecast of Winter Precipitation Type Based on Machine Learning Method
Authors: Lang Zhang , Wen Qiuzi Han , Yu Bo , Sang Li , Wang Yao
Published: January 2023

A winter precipitation-type prediction is a challenging problem due to the complexity in the physical mechanisms and computability in numerical modeling. In this study, we introduce a new method of precipitation-type prediction based on the machine learning approach LightGBM. The precipitation-type records of the in situ observations collected from 32 national weather stations in northern China during 1997–2018 are used as the labels. The features are selected from the conventional meteorological data of the corresponding hourly reanalysis data ERA5. The evaluation results of the model performance reflect that randomly sampled validation data will lead to an illusion of a better model performance. Extreme climate background conditions will reduce the prediction accuracy of the predictive model. A feature importance analysis illustrates that the features of the surrounding area with a –12 h offset time have a higher impact on the ground precipitation types. The exploration of the predictability of our model reveals the feasibility of using the analysis data to predict future precipitation types. We use the ECMWF precipitation-type (ECPT) forecast products as the benchmark to compare with our machine learning precipitation-type (MLPT) predictions. The overall accuracy (ACC) and Heidke skill score (HSS) of the MLPT are 0.83 and 0.69, respectively, which are considerably higher than the 0.78 and 0.59 of the ECPT. For stations at elevations below 800 m, the overall performance of the MLPT is even better.
Integrated Energy System Powered a Building in Sharjah Emirates in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Salameh Tareq , Olabi Abdul Ghani , Abdelkareem Mohammad Ali , Masdar Mohd Shahbudin , Kamarudin Siti Kartom , Sayed Enas Taha
Published: January 2023

In this study, a green hydrogen system was studied to provide electricity for an office building in the Sharjah emirate in the United Arab Emirates. Using a solar PV, a fuel cell, a diesel generator, and battery energy storage; a hybrid green hydrogen energy system was compared to a standard hybrid system (Solar PV, a diesel generator, and battery energy storage). The results show that both systems adequately provided the power needed for the load of the office building. The cost of the energy for both the basic and green hydrogen energy systems was 0.305 USD/kWh and 0.313 USD/kWh, respectively. The cost of the energy for both systems is very similar, even though the capital cost of the green hydrogen energy system was the highest value; however, the replacement and operational costs of the basic system were higher in comparison to the green hydrogen energy system. Moreover, the impact of the basic system in terms of the carbon footprint was more significant when compared with the green hydrogen system. The reduction in carbon dioxide was a 4.6 ratio when compared with the basic system.
Impact of Superconducting Cables on a DC Railway Network
Authors: Hajiri Ghazi , Berger Kévin , Trillaud Frederic , Lévêque Jean , Caron Hervé
Published: January 2023

The Société Nationale des Chemins de fer Français (SNCF) is facing a significant challenge to meet the growth in rail traffic while maintaining continuous service, particularly in densely populated areas such as Paris. To tackle this challenge, the SNCF has implemented several electrification projects. These projects aim to reduce line losses and decrease voltage drops on the railway network. Amongst the possible technological choices, high temperature superconductor (HTS) cables have been evaluated, since they offer greater energy density at lower electrical losses than conventional cables. This feature is advantageous in order to transmit more electrical energy at a lesser footprint than conventional cable, therefore avoiding costly modifications of the existing infrastructures. In the present work, the electromagnetic response of two HTS cables topologies, unipolar and bipolar, was analyzed, and their impact on a direct current (DC) railway network under load was assessed. A commercial finite element (FE) software, COMSOL Multiphysics, was used to carry out a detailed FE model that accounts for the non-linearity of the electrical resistivity ρ (J, B, θ) of the superconducting cable. This FE model was coupled with a lumped-parameter circuit model of the railway network, which is particularly suited for transient simulations considering train motion. Based on a case study representing a portion of the Parisian railway network, it was found that the insertion of a superconducting cable can result in a reduction of electrical losses by 60% compared to conventional cable as well as an 8.6% reduction in the total electrical consumption of the traction network.
Effect of CO2 Corrosion and Adsorption-Induced Strain on Permeability of Oil Shale: Numerical Simulation
Authors: Ao Xiang , Wang Baobao , Rao Yuxi , Zhang Lang , Wang Yu , Tang Hongkun
Published: January 2023

Permeability is a crucial parameter for enhancing shale oil recovery through CO2 injection in oil-bearing shale. After CO2 is injected into the shale reservoir, CO2 corrosion and adsorption-induced strain can change the permeability of the oil shale, affecting the recovery of shale oil. This study aimed to explore the influence of CO2 corrosion and adsorption-induced strain on the permeability of oil shale. The deformation of the internal pore diameter of oil shale induced by CO2 corrosion under different pressures was measured by low-pressure nitrogen gas adsorption in the laboratory, and the corrosion model was fitted using the experimental data. Following the basic definitions of permeability and porosity, a dynamic mathematical model of porosity and permeability was obtained, and a fluid–solid coupling mathematical model of CO2-containing oil shale was established according to the basic theory of fluid–solid coupling. Then the effects of adsorption expansion strain and corrosion compression strain on permeability evolution were considered to improve the accuracy of the oil shale permeability model. The numerical simulation results showed that adsorption expansion strain, corrosion compression strain, and confining pressure are the important factors controlling the permeability evolution of oil shale. In addition, adsorption expansion strain and corrosion compression strain have different effects under different fluid pressures. In the low-pressure zone, the adsorption expansion strain decreases the permeability of oil shale with increasing pressure. In the high-pressure zone, the increase in pressure decreases the influence of expansion strain while permeability gradually recovers. The compressive strain increases slowly with increasing pressure in the low-pressure zone, slowly increasing oil shale permeability. However, in the high-pressure area, the increase in pressure gradually weakens the influence of corrosion compressive strain, and the permeability of oil shale gradually recovers.
Electricity and Heat Demand in Steel Industry Technological Processes in Industry 4.0 Conditions
Authors: Gajdzik Bożena , Wolniak Radosław , Grebski Wieslaw Wes
Published: January 2023

The publication presents heat and electricity management in the Polish steel industry. The paper is based on actual data on heat and electricity consumption and intensity by processes in the steel industry in Poland in Industry 4.0 conditions. Two steel production processes are used in Poland: EAF Electric Arc Furnace and BOF Basic Oxygen Furnace. The analysis is an analysis of actual data is used to characterise the electricity and heat consumption by processes in the Polish steel industry. The analysis shows that the EAF technology is always more electricity intensive and the BOF technology more heat intensive. On the basis of conducted analysis, it can be concluded that pro-environmental innovations in the steel industry should first aim to reduce the electricity consumption of EAF technology and the heat consumption of BOF. An analysis of data for Poland for the period 2004–2020 shows that both cases occurred. The study shows that the heat consumption of BOF technologies has been steadily decreasing since 2010, and the electricity consumption of EAF technologies has been decreasing throughout the period under review. It can be concluded from this that the Polish steel industry is adapting to pro-environmental requirements and, through the introduction of technological innovations, is moving towards the concept of sustainable steel production according to green steel principles. The decrease in energy intensity (means electricity) of steel produced according to EAF technology is an important issue, as the high energy intensity of EAF processes affects the overall energy intensity of the steel production in Poland. In the future, the use of new innovative technological solutions, including solutions based on Industry 4.0 principles, should help the Polish steel industry to further reduce the level of electricity and heat consumption. The driving force behind the investment is the boom in the steel market. The authors made a short-term forecasts of steel production (2022–2025). The annual forecasts determined and analyses made were used to determine the heat and energy consumption of the Polish steel industry up to 2025.
Quantifying In-Host Quasispecies Evolution
Authors: Gregori Josep , Ibañez-Lligoña Marta , Quer Josep
Published: January 2023

What takes decades, centuries or millennia to happen with a natural ecosystem, it takes only days, weeks or months with a replicating viral quasispecies in a host, especially when under treatment. Some methods to quantify the evolution of a quasispecies are introduced and discussed, along with simple simulated examples to help in the interpretation and understanding of the results. The proposed methods treat the molecules in a quasispecies as individuals of competing species in an ecosystem, where the haplotypes are the competing species, and the ecosystem is the quasispecies in a host, and the evolution of the system is quantified by monitoring changes in haplotype frequencies. The correlation between the proposed indices is also discussed, and the R code used to generate the simulations, the data and the plots is provided. The virtues of the proposed indices are finally shown on a clinical case.
The LysR-Type Transcription Regulator YhjC Promotes the Systemic Infection of Salmonella Typhimurium in Mice
Authors: Li Wanwu , Ma Shuai , Yan Xiaolin , Wang Xinyue , Li Huiying , Jiang Lingyan
Published: January 2023

Salmonella Typhimurium is a Gram-negative intestinal pathogen that can infect humans and a variety of animals, causing gastroenteritis or serious systemic infection. Replication within host macrophages is essential for S. Typhimurium to cause systemic infection. By analyzing transcriptome data, the expression of yhjC gene, which encodes a putative regulator in S. Typhimurium, was found to be significantly up-regulated after the internalization of Salmonella by macrophages. Whether yhjC gene is involved in S. Typhimurium systemic infection and the related mechanisms were investigated in this study. The deletion of yhjC reduced the replication ability of S. Typhimurium in macrophages and decreased the colonization of S. Typhimurium in mouse systemic organs (liver and spleen), while increasing the survival rate of the infected mice, suggesting that YhjC protein promotes systemic infection by S. Typhimurium. Furthermore, by using transcriptome sequencing and RT-qPCR assay, the transcription of several virulence genes, including spvD, iroCDE and zraP, was found to be down-regulated after the deletion of yhjC. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that YhjC protein can directly bind to the promoter region of spvD and zraP to promote their transcription. These findings suggest that YhjC contributes to the systemic virulence of S. Typhimurium via the regulation of multiple virulence genes and YhjC could represent a promising target to control S. Typhimurium infection.
CD96 as a Potential Immune Regulator in Cancers
Authors: Feng Shikai , Isayev Orkhan , Werner Jens , Bazhin Alexandr V.
Published: January 2023

The discovery of CTLA-4 and PD-1 checkpoints has prompted scientific researchers and the pharmaceutical industry to develop and conduct extensive research on tumor-specific inhibitors. As a result, the list of potential immune checkpoint molecules is growing over time. Receptors for nectin and nectin-like proteins have recently emerged as promising targets for cancer immunotherapy. Potential immune checkpoints, including CD226, TIGIT, and CD96, belong to this receptor class. Among them, CD96 has received little attention. In this mini-review, we aim to discuss the basic biology of CD96 as well as the most recent relevant research on this as a promising candidate for cancer immunotherapy.
Profiling Chromatin Accessibility Responses in Goat Bronchial Epithelial Cells Infected with Pasteurella multocida
Authors: Chen Qiaoling , Chen Zhen , Zhang Zhenxing , Pan Haoju , Li Hong , Li Xubo , An Qi , Cheng Yiwen , Chen Si , Man Churiga , Du Li , Wang Fengyang
Published: January 2023

Pasteurella multocida can cause goat hemorrhagic sepsis and endemic pneumonia. Respiratory epithelial cells are the first line of defense in the lungs during P. multocida infection. These cells act as a mechanical barrier and activate immune response to protect against invading pathogenic microorganisms. Upon infection, P. multocida adheres to the cells and causes changes in cell morphology and transcriptome. ATAC-seq was conducted to determine the changes in the chromatin open region of P. multocida-infected goat bronchial epithelial cells based on transcriptional regulation. A total of 13,079 and 28,722 peaks were identified in the control (CK) and treatment (T) groups (P. multocida infection group), respectively. The peaks significantly increased after P. multocida infection. The specific peaks for the CK and T groups were annotated to 545 and 6632 genes, respectively. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the specific peak-related genes in the T group were enriched in immune reaction-related pathways, such as Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis, MAPK signaling pathway, bacterial invasion of epithelial cells, endocytosis, and autophagy pathways. Other cellular component pathways were also enriched, including the regulation of actin cytoskeleton, adherent junction, tight junction, and focal adhesion. The differential peaks between the two groups were subsequently analyzed. Compared to those in the CK group, 863 and 11 peaks were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, after the P. multocida infection. Fifty-six known transcription factor motifs were revealed in upregulated peaks in the P. multocida-infected group. By integrating ATAC-seq and RNA-seq, some candidate genes (SETBP1, RASGEF1B, CREB5, IRF5, TNF, CD70) that might be involved in the goat bronchial epithelial cell immune reaction to P. multocida infection were identified. Overall, P. multocida infection changed the structure of the cell and caused chromatin open regions to be upregulated. In addition, P. multocida infection actively mobilized the host immune response with the inflammatory phenotype. The findings provide valuable information for understanding the regulatory mechanisms of P. multocida-infected goat bronchial epithelial cells.