bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Believe. Engage. Connect.
Authors: Plate-Church Amy te
Published: February 2023

Consumers are increasingly curious about food and farming today; in recent research by The Center for Food Integrity, 65% of consumers say they want to learn more about farming. Driving factors include heightened concerns about animal care and food safety, ingredients consumers don’t understand, interest in the relationship between diet and health, and belief that “Big Food” and “Big Ag” will put profit ahead of public interest. Amy te Plate-Church will share research-based insights on current consumer attitudes and beliefs around animal agriculture, biotechnology, gene editing and other innovations that produce safe, healthy, and affordable food. Importantly, the presenter will provide recommendations about how farmers and the agriculture community can earn trust and maintain the social license for science-based tools and practices in dairy and meat production. Veterinarians have an important role in building consumer trust. They are uniquely considered a trusted messenger, having credibility and trust from the American public. Practitioners serve the critical role as trusted consultants for dairy and beef producers. This session will guide veterinarians to serve as effective spokespersons for animal care and practices used in food animal production, such as judicious use of antibiotics, hormones, animal handling, transport and animal care practices.
What we know that just ain’t so
Authors: Schwartzkopf-Genswein K. S. , Marti S. , Janzen E. D. , Meléndez D.
Published: February 2023

It is well documented that castration, regardless of age or method (surgical or band) causes pain in beef cattle. At the same time, consumer concern and awareness regarding painful routine management procedures in livestock is at an all-time high. Developing pain mitigation strategies that are practical and cost effective for producers is also important to facilitate their adoption by the beef industry. The goal of this paper is to review current pain assessment and mitigation strategies for knife and band castration in pre-weaned calves with focus on the influence of the age and method of castration, including a summary of recent studies assessing the effects of meloxicam in controlling calf pain and improving calf comfort.
high fertility cycle
Authors: Fricke Paul M. , Wiltbank Milo C. , Pursely J. Richard
Published: February 2023

Over the past 2 decades, a reproduction revolution has occurred in the dairy industry in which average 21-d pregnancy rates have more than doubled from around 14% to more than 30% in many herds. Much of this increase in reproductive performance has been driven by development and adoption of fertility programs. Despite the dramatic increase in 21-d pregnancy rates, substantial variation exists among herds using the exact same reproductive management, suggesting that factors other than fertility programs can affect fertility. Change in body weight or body condition score postpartum or during the periparturient period dramatically affects embryo quality, reproductive outcomes, and transition cow health. Although some cows lose body weight or body condition score after calving, some cows maintain, whereas some cows even gain body weight or body condition score during this time period. Surprisingly, milk production during early lactation is not affected based on body condition score change during the first 3 weeks postpartum; however, peak milk measured near 60 DIM was less in both primiparous and multiparous cows that either gained or maintained compared to cows that lost body condition during the 1st 30 DIM. The high fertility cycle coupled with the dramatic increases in reproductive performance due to the development and adoption of fertility programs is a new paradigm that we can now use to explain much of the variation in reproductive performance among herds. The high-fertility cycle: how timely pregnancies in 1 lactation may lead to less BCS loss, fewer health issues, greater fertility, and reduced early pregnancy losses in the next lactation.
perspective on the evaluation of dairy calf rearing operations
Authors: Robison Jon D.
Published: February 2023

The basis for evaluation of calf rearing operations is to determine the role of the operational activities in affecting calf growth and development. The evaluation process should include the following; understanding and establishment of expectations for physiological growth and development, unbiased observation of the existing operation, compilation of operational activities and facilities as they relate to observed performance, identification and explanation of strengths and weaknesses, prioritization of corrective measures including impact on the operational function and economics, and a plan for education and implementation of corrective measures with expected outcomes. The evaluative process can help improve the calf rearing operation by focusing the operational activities on quality care of the calf to enable optimal genetic expression.
What is all the fuss over the microbiome and immunity?
Authors: Chase Christopher C.L.
Published: February 2023

The interaction of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and the microbiome (all the microbes in the lumen of the GIT) has become an increasing area of interest in terms of the effect on the immune system and overall health of cattle. Feed changes (including feed restriction) and dehydration (including water restriction), let alone the use antimicrobials, plus the normal stressors (weather, density, weaning, etc.) all effect both the mucosal epithelial (ME) cells of the GIT and the microbiome. The ME maintain a kill zone barrier to keep out pathogens in concert with the commensal microorganisms (microbiome) and other cells of the immune system. The microbiome functions best when it is in a stable condition resulting in immune homeostasis. Immunoregulation by the ME and microbiome results in the establishment of a mucosal firewall. Disruptions in the microbiome result in dysbiosis, which decreases the kill zone, allows leaky gut, and increases inflammation. This increased inflammation is seen as an important part of pathogenesis of infectious diseases of the GIT, respiratory, and reproductive tract. This inflammation often results in a “cytokine storm”- a perfect storm that involves a physiological component of the GIT along with microbiome changes in the gut (diet change), triggering systemic changes which result in enhanced disease. By improving mucosal barriers and the decreasing stressors, overall health and productivity of the cattle can be enhanced.
Developing small ruminant mastitis treatment protocols
Authors: Mongini Andrea
Published: February 2023

Small ruminant dairies experience mastitis at a much higher rate than most producers appreciate. Intramammary infections are frequently subclinical and overlooked as such. In order to develop an effective treatment program we must first define the problem on farm, then we can create strategies for improving udder health and milk quality. This talk will cover mastitis detection methods along with various treatment programs aimed at sheep and goat udder health in backyard or commercial herd settings.
Use of RFID in small ruminant dairies
Authors: Mongini Andrea
Published: February 2023

Technology is advancing in all realms of agriculture and the use of radio-frequency identification (RFID) in livestock presents many new options for management success. The utilization of RFID tags on goat dairies allows for improved production monitoring, breeding management, and culling decisions. Dairy management is greatly improved with RFID information. This talk will detail methods for using RFID in small ruminant dairies and how to interpret and manage information collected.
Your best business asset
Authors: Taylor Becky
Published: February 2023

This session will outline strategies to use in hiring top performers, outlining expectations and monitoring best performance. When used in combination, these can lead the way to creating a strengths based team that contributes to practice success. A high functioning team creates a service model that promotes high level patient care and exceptional client service.
Climbing Mt. Debt
Authors: Bartels Tony , Pion Paul
Published: February 2023

Federal student debt is different from other types of debt. Traditional time-driven repayment strategies of paying as much as you can as quickly as possible may be contraindicated, depending on your student debt balance and student debt-to-income ratio. The ability to repay using federal income-driven repayment (IDR) plans can greatly increase monthly cash flow and decrease total student loan repayment costs for most recent graduate veterinarians with student debt. This was true before COVID-19, but has been emphasized during the pandemic with the bonus interest and payment suspension applied to federally held student loans. The challenge is understanding the various loan types, repayment options available, and choosing an IDR strategy appropriate for each veterinarian’s circumstances. This often includes student loan forgiveness and a tax liability due 20 to 25 years after starting repayment. Using objective measures for analyzing repayment options, as well as knowing the rules and political landscape around federal student loans, a borrower can create a student loan repayment treatment plan that can lead to increased financial flexibility and improved financial wellness.
Update on Trichomoniasis
Authors: Estill Charles T. , Schnuelle Julie G.
Published: February 2023

In recent years diagnostic surveillance for bovine trichomoniasis has increased since most states require testing prior to interstate movement of non-virgin bulls. However, bovine trichomoniasis continues to be an economically significant disease, particularly in beef cattle, in much of the United States. The disease produces no clinical signs in bulls but can have devastating reproductive consequences on females resulting in reduced calf crops and extended calving seasons. The organism is efficiently transmitted via the venereal route. Although prevalence may be highest in older bulls it has been documented to occur in non-virgin bulls of any age. Bulls are believed to be persistently infected but females develop short lived immunity and naturally clear the infection within 3-22 months. Diagnosis is made by culture in selective media and/or by PCR identification of the organism in smegma samples collected by preputial scraping. Samples of reproductive or fetal fluids obtained from females can also be tested. Readers should consult their state veterinary diagnostic labs for instructions on sample preparation and shipment.

Control of trichomoniasis is primarily through testing and culling of positive bulls. There are no approved, effective treatments available. However, vaccination of females will, in most cases, improve reproductive indices in infected herds.
Clinical tips
Authors: Hartnack Amanda
Published: February 2023

This lecture will cover clinical tips for improving hernia surgery success in calves, from diagnosis to surgery. Proper surgical technique, including anesthesia, suture pattern, and suture material selection will be covered. The goal is for the clinician to be able to perform these surgeries with maximum success and minimal difficulty.
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing
Authors: Kreuder Amanda J.
Published: February 2023

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and interpretation is a critical component of antimicrobial stewardship in bovine practice, yet it remains 1 of the most poorly understood diagnostic tests in veterinary medicine. Improved practitioner understanding of the process of antimicrobial susceptibility testing, clinical breakpoint determination, and the limitations of this critical diagnostic tool are important in ensuring appropriate results interpretation and improving clinical decision making in the context of antimicrobial stewardship.
Investigation of the relationship between method of processing and bacteria counts in ready-to-use recycled manure solids bedding on Midwest dairy farms
Authors: Godden S. M. , Mosca F. P. , Royster E. , Crooker B. , Hadrich J. , Raynor P. , Singer R. , Janni K.
Published: February 2023

There has been a rapid increase in adoption of recycled manure solids (RMS) as bedding in Midwest dairy herds over the past 10 to 15 years due to perceived advantages such as cost and availability. However, several studies have reported increased bedding bacteria counts (BBC) and increased mastitis risk in herds using RMS as compared to inorganic or organic non-manure materials. Although many RMS dairies use either green/raw (GRN) solids or solids first processed through an anaerobic methane digester (DIG), some herds have adopted mechanical composters (COM) or dryers (DRY) in an effort to lower BBC and control mastitis. Research is needed to evaluate potential benefits and costs of adopting these technologies. This research team initiated a study to evaluate udder health, air quality, antimicrobial resistance in solids, and economics, for herds using different RMS processing methods. In a companion abstract, we determined that use of COM or DRY was associated with improved udder health and milk production as compared to GRN. In this abstract, we explore if these benefits are likely to be explained by differences in bedding characteristics, such as BBC, for the 4 processing systems investigated. The objective of this portion of the study is to investigate if method of processing RMS is associated with BBC in ready-to-use (RTU) RMS on Midwest dairy farms.
Effects of plane of nutrition and as-fed milk replacer temperature on abomasal dynamics in Holstein calves
Authors: Kasl B. A. , Hoff C. K. , Silva T. H. , Caetano I. , Machado V. S. , Carroll J. A. , Ballou M. A.
Published: February 2023

Fluctuations in as-fed milk replacer have been implicated as a potential cause of abomasal diseases, including abomasitis and bloat. As feeding preweaned calves a higher plane of fluid milk nutrition becomes increasingly common, understanding how specific feeding management factors affect the abomasal compartment will aid in optimizing milk ration development and implementation. The objectives were to determine the effects of plane of nutrition (PON) and as-fed milk replacer temperature (AFMRT) on the functionality and environment of the abomasum in healthy Holstein calves.
Clinical trial to determine efficacy of copper oxide wire particle administration to decrease gastrointestinal nematode concentrations in adult alpacas
Authors: Wright W. , Needleman A. , Schaffer J. , Videla R. , Lear A.
Published: February 2023

Gastrointestinal nematode (GIN) parasitism, particularly Haemonchus contortus infection, is of grave concern to producers due to its ability to dramatically decrease the productivity and profitability of livestock. With increasing resistance to commonly used antihelmintics, it is important to investigate alternative GIN therapy methods. Copper oxide wire particles (COWP) administered as an oral bolus are effective at decreasing fecal egg counts and H. contortus concentrations in sheep and goats. The use of this alternative method of parasite control has not been evaluated in new world camelids. The purpose of this study was to determine if COWP administered as an oral bolus would effectively decrease fecal GIN egg counts in adult alpacas.
Parlor analysis
Authors: Brennan David T.
Published: February 2023

Milk quality on the dairy farm is influenced by the cow environment, the milkers, and the milking machine. A total milk quality program must therefore not overlook the milking system. The milking system can influence milk quality, bulk tank somatic cell counts, and clinical mastitis rates in many ways. Understanding what each part of the milking system does and how to test that it is functioning appropriately is key to providing milking system evaluation and milk quality troubleshooting services at your dairy practice.
Buying into a large animal ambulatory practice
Authors: Gewiss Cassandra
Published: February 2023

Most large animal ambulatory veterinary practices are owned by 1 or more of their practicing veterinarians. For associate veterinarians who aspire to be practice owners, there are several areas which should be investigated before purchasing a share of a business. The advantages and disadvantages associated with ownership should be recognized and considered heavily. Having a working knowledge of the business finances, partner pay structure, decision-making process, and ownership contract details makes for an informed buyer. Before purchasing into a veterinary business, it is important to understand what is included in the purchase price and how the purchase will be paid If financing outside of the current business owner(s) will be used, there are several requirements that must be met to be considered eligible for a business loan from a lending institution.
Adding value to your veterinary practice with producer education resources
Authors: Herman Julia
Published: February 2023

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) Producer Education team works on the Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) and other Beef Checkoff-funded programs each day to ensure cattle producers have industry leading information and resources. Veterinarians can use these resources to build on new or existing producer relationships to enhance the care and productivity of the operation. These opportunities not only add value to your practice, but they also reinforce livestock veterinarians’ dedication to healthy animals and a safe food supply. It is important not only to the producer and veterinarian, but to the industry as a whole, that cattle are responsibly handled and transported, and welfare of the animal is always a priority. Several resources developed by the Producer Education team at NCBA are available for producers, veterinarians, and transporters to review for more information on cattle welfare. Producers and veterinarians are encouraged to review the tools and resources, get certified in BQA, and ensure they are following best management practices for cattle in their care. It is important that the education producers, veterinarians, and transporters receive is current and up to date, but not all groups have the time or resources to leave their operation.
future of the cow-calf veterinarian
Authors: Navarre Christine
Published: February 2023

The cow-calf industry is very diverse in size and type of opera­tion which makes predicting future veterinary services needs difficult. Solid business principles apply to both the cow-calf in­dustry and veterinary practices. Veterinarians are educated in a diverse number of subjects and can combine their own knowl­edge with the expertise of others to better serve cow-calf clients.
Chute side (point-of-care) diagnostics in beef cattle practice
Authors: Willis Lisa
Published: February 2023

Making a correct diagnosis at the time of physical examination is imperative while dealing with beef cattle to decrease stress and number of times the animal is required to go in the chute. Ancillary tests can be used to assist physical exam interpreta­tions and facilitate proper treatment of the animal. Chute side diagnostics can decrease trips to the ranch and increase effi­ciency. Point-of-care diagnostics including blood tests and im­aging modalities are readily available.
Facilitating profit-driven breeding for commercial cow-calf producers
Authors: Rowan Troy
Published: February 2023

Sire selection is one of the most critical decisions that a com­mercial beef cattle operation makes. Many producers look to their veterinarians for advice on genetic selection decisions. Developing a profit-aligned breeding goal is essential in setting up an operation for success. Breeding goals should consider marketing endpoints and opportunities for producers to reduce animal maintenance and development costs. Each producer is different, so breeding goals must be appropriate for the pro­ducer’s environment and management level. A wealth of selec­tion tools exist for producers to maximize genetic progress and reduce risk. Using expected progeny differences (EPDs) for se­lection allows producers to focus selection on an animal’s esti­mated genetic merit. This reduces risk and increases the rate of genetic progress. Breed associations report EPDs on dozens of economically-relevant traits. Selection indices have been devel­oped to weight trait predictions by their economic importance and simplify the selection process. Using an index well-aligned with the breeding goal allows producers to select for increased profitability using a single value. These selection tools, com­bined with effective phenotypic evaluation, can enhance the ability of producers to make an effective bull selection decision.
Feedlot rumen development from new calf to finish ration and working to avoid digestive disease as a veterinarian
Authors: Johnson Blaine
Published: February 2023

Mitigating digestive mortalities begins when new cattle arrive. The proportion of U.S. feedlot mortalities attributable to di­gestive diseases accounts for 19.5% to 28.4% of all mortalities. Veterinarians provide a key role in the health and husbandry of cattle feeding operations. It is important to not overlook cer­tain aspects of cattle feeding such as water, rest and food for newly received cattle. Water plays a crucial role in an animal’s physiology/homeostasis. Rest from a stressful event, such as transportation, should be addressed prior to processing. A gen­eral industry recommendation for rest after transportation is one hour of rest for every hour of transportation. Food in the form of good-quality long-stem hay must be provided at arrival along with fresh water. The next phase is transitioning cattle to a high-grain diet. The transition period typically lasts around 28-45 days, which coincides with the highest risk period for bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Proper management during the transition phase relies on bunk management, reading the cattle, monitoring the weather and proper communication be­tween personnel working with and/or feeding the cattle. Fail­ure in one or more of these areas will likely result in undesir­able returns.
Preweaned dairy calf nutrition: Veterinarian’s role in a milk feeding program
Authors: Cox Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2023

The herd veterinarian has an important role on calf raising op­erations to promote the health and welfare of calves through having a role in the milk phase nutrition program. Optimal nutrition will benefit the calves and the herd veterinarian can help provide input and critique of a milk program using their expertise in animal health, husbandry, nutrition and behav­ior. Milk feeding of calves, traditionally around 60 days, has been shown to have long term production benefits for adult dairy cows, and yet often the milk feeding plan is delegated to a private or feed company nutritionist. This paper describes tools and best practices for herd veterinarians to ensure young calves are fed appropriately to meet their genetic potential and the dairy producer’s goals. Even if the herd veterinarian does not have overall authority of a milk program, they can use the best practices to align producer expectations with what is be­ing offered to the calves and give their impartial input of how to best apply the producer’s resources in a feeding program for the benefit of the calves.
Propiedades Psicométricas de la Escala Breve de Afrontamiento Religioso (Brief-RCOPE) en adultos colombianos
Authors: Trejos Herrera Ana María , Bahamón Marly , Alarcón-Vásquez Yolima , Vinaccia-Alpi Stefano , González-Gutierrez Orlando , Llinás Humberto , Quevedo-Barrios Daniela
Published: February 2023

Objetivo: determinar las propiedades psicométricas de la Escala Breve de Afrontamiento Religioso (Brief-RCOPE, Brief Religious Coping) en adultos colombianos. Método: la muestra estuvo conformada por 456 adultos colombianos (41,7% hombres y 58,3% mujeres) con edades comprendidas entre 18 y 98 años. Para analizar la estructura factorial, se realizó un análisis factorial confirmatorio con el método de mínimos cuadrados no ponderados. Resultados: el análisis factorial confirmatorio mostró un nivel de ajuste satisfactorio al modelo teórico propuesto de dos factores (χ2=2187.25; RMSEA=.061 (IC 95%: .033-.085); SRMR=.059, TLI=.924; CFI=.940). Las estimaciones de los índices de confiabilidad del Brief-RCOPE, medida con el Alfa de Cronbach y la Omega de McDonald alcanzaron el límite tradicional de .70. Se encontró un índice de discriminación de los ítems de la Brief-RCOPE alto (R²= .302** - .729**). Conclusiones: la evidencia sugiere que la Brief-RCOPE es un instrumento válido y confiable para la evaluación del afrontamiento religioso en adultos colombianos.
Carbon footprint (kg CO2e) expended in the aquaculture: An assessment of concrete pond rainbow trout farming from Türkiye
Authors: Diken Gürkan
Published: February 2023

The carbon footprint (CF) of animal production systems can be estimated by their standings against global protein demand. Türkiye is the largest producer of rainbow trout in Europe, but there is little data on its CF. This study aimed to evaluate the CF expended of concrete pond rainbow trout (CPRT) farming. The data were obtained from a farm with an annual project production capacity of 350 tonnes (APC) over a three-year production (TYP) with different harvest amounts. The total CF expended was the summation of CF expended on compound diets, general management, transportation and machinery, equipment, and construction. The total CF expended was calculated at 1.78 and 1.67 kg CO2e on average for TYP and APC, respectively. The TYP average values of CF expended per kg of protein deposited in harvested/fresh weight fish and CF expended per Mcal of cultural energy expended during production were 10.66 and 0.36 kg CO2e, respectively. The CF expended per 100 kcal food energy in harvested fish was calculated at 0.1263 and 0.1173 kg CO2e on average for TYP and APC, respectively. Aquafeed production and transportation are the important CF expended sources in CPRT. Future studies must be species-specific and culture-specific.
Naturally Occurring Xanthones; Biological Activities, Chemical Profiles and In Silico Drug Discovery
Authors: El-Seedi Hesham R. , Ibrahim Hasnaa M.S. , Yosri Nermeen , Ibrahim Mahmoud A.A. , Hegazy Mohamed-Elamir F. , Setzer William N. , Guo Zhiming , Zou Xiaobo , Refaey Mohamed S. , Salem Suhila E. , Musharraf Syed G. , Saeed Aamer , Salem Sara E. , Xu Baojun , Zhao Chao , Khalifa Shaden A.M.
Published: February 2023

Xanthones are widely distributed polyphenols, present commonly in higher
plants; Garcinia, Calophyllum, Hypericum, Platonia, Mangifera, Gentiana and Swertia.
Xanthone tricyclic scaffold is able to interact with different biological targets, showing
antibacterial and cytotoxic effects, as well as potent effects against osteoarthritis, malaria,
and cardiovascular diseases. Thus, in this article we focused on pharmacological effects,
applications and preclinical studies with the recent updates of xanthon´s isolated compounds
from 2017-2020. We found that only α-mangostin, gambogic acid, and mangiferin,
have been subjected to preclinical studies with particular emphasis on the development
of anticancer, diabetes, antimicrobial and hepatoprotective therapeutics. Molecular docking
calculations were performed to predict the binding affinities of xanthone-derived
compounds against SARS-CoV-2 Mpro. According to the results, cratoxanthone E and morellic
acid demonstrated promising binding affinities towards SARS-CoV-2 Mpro with
docking scores of −11.2 and −11.0 kcal/mol, respectively. Binding features manifested the
capability of cratoxanthone E and morellic acid to exhibit nine and five hydrogen bonds,
respectively, with the key amino acids of the Mpro active site. In conclusion, cratoxanthone
E and morellic acid are promising anti-COVID-19 drug candidates that warrant further detailed
in vivo experimental estimation and clinical assessment.
A Review on Garlic as a Supplement for Alzheimer’s Disease: A Mechanistic
Insight into its Direct and Indirect Effects
Authors: Ghazimoradi Mohammad Mahdi , Pour Mozhgan Ghobadi , Ghoushi Ehsan , Ahmadabadi Hadise Karimi , Rafieian-Kopaei Mahmoud
Published: February 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most complicated neurodegenerative diseases causing dementia
in human beings. Aside from that, the incidence of AD is increasing and its treatment is very complicated.
There are several known hypotheses regarding the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease, including the amyloid beta
hypothesis, tau hypothesis, inflammation hypothesis, and cholinergic hypothesis, which are investigated in
different researches to completely elucidate the pathology of AD. Besides, some new mechanisms, such as immune,
endocrine, and vagus pathways, as well as bacteria metabolite secretions, are being explained as other
causes to be somehow related to AD pathogenesis. There is still no definite treatment for Alzheimer’s disease
that can completely cure and eradicate AD. Garlic (Allium sativum) is a traditional herb used as a spice in different
cultures, and due to the organosulfur compounds, like allicin, it possesses highly anti-oxidant properties; the
benefits of garlic in cardiovascular diseases, like hypertension and atherosclerosis, have been examined and reviewed,
although its beneficiary effects in neurodegenerative diseases, such as AD, are not completely understood.
In this review, we discuss the effects of garlic based on its components, such as allicin and S-allyl cysteine,
on Alzheimer’s disease and the mechanisms of garlic components that can be beneficiary for AD patients,
including its effects on amyloid beta, oxidative stress, tau protein, gene expression, and cholinesterase enzymes.
Based on the literature review, garlic has been revealed to have beneficiary effects on Alzheimer’s disease,
especially in animal studies; however, more studies should be done on humans to find the exact mechanisms
of garlic’s effects on AD patients.
2-Guanidinobenzazoles as Building Blocks to Afford Biologically Active Derivatives
Authors: Rosales-Hernández Martha Cecilia , Cruz Alejandro , Mendieta-Wejebe Jessica Elena , Tamay-Cach Feliciano
Published: February 2023

1,3-Benzazoles (BZs) are interesting compounds in medicinal chemistry. For instance,
compounds with the BZ nucleus exhibit diverse biological activities and some of them
are broadly utilized in clinical applications. In this sense, medicinal chemists aim at the development
of new procedures to synthesize these kinds of molecules. The 2-aminobenzimidazole
2ABI derivatives, such as Enviradine (antiviral), Astemizole (antihistaminic), and Albendazole
(antimicrobial), which contain the intra-cyclic guanidine nucleus, are used in medicinal chemistry.
The guanidine group, considered a super base, when bonded to a benzazole ring, results
in the 2-guanidinobenzazoles (2GBZs), modifying the biological activity of these heterocycles.
The structure of 2GBZs is of significance as the 10-π electron system of the aromatic benzazole
ring is conjugated with the exocyclic guanidine group to acquire a planar delocalized
structure. This class of molecules has at least four nitrogen atoms with free lone pairs and four
labile hydrogen atoms, resulting in these compounds having amphoteric character. On the other hand, synthetic
chemists have used 2GBZs as a building block to produce derivatives as medicinally important molecules. On these
bases, in this work, we prepared a bibliographic review of the methodologies reported in the literature used in the
synthesis of 2GBZ derivatives of pharmacological interest. We focused the investigation on 2-guanidinebenzoxazol
(2GBO), 2-guanidinebenzothiazol (2GBT) and 2-guanidinebenzimidazole (2GBI) as building blocks. We found that
compounds derivatives were N-substituted-2GBZs, 2-(pyrimidyl)-ABZs and 1,3,5-triazino[1,2-a]-BZs, which are
described chronologically. This work will help searchers related to bioorganic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, medicinal
chemistry and pharmaceutical industry in the recent methodologies to synthetize 2-guanidinobenzazole derivatives
to be proposed as materials in the different areas. This topic will provide information on the utility for
medicinal chemists dedicated to the design and synthesis of this class of compounds to be tested with respect to
their biological activities and be proposed as new pharmacophores.
An Observational Study of Genetic Diversity of HIV-1 vpu in Rapid Progressors
in India
Authors: Husain Mohammad , Gupta Poonam , Rai Arvind , Hans Charoo
Published: February 2023

Background:

The genetic diversity in HIV-1 genes affects viral pathogenesis in HIV-1
positive patients. Accessory genes of HIV-1, including vpu, are reported to play a critical role in HIV
pathogenesis and disease progression. Vpu has a crucial role in CD4 degradation and virus release.
The sequence heterogeneity in the vpu gene may affect disease progression in patients, therefore, the
current study was undertaken to identify the role of vpu in patients defined as rapid progressors.

Objective:

The objective of the study was to identify the viral determinants present on vpu that may
be important in disease progression in rapid progressors.

Methods:

Blood samples were collected from 13 rapid progressors. DNA was isolated from PBMCs
and vpu was amplified using nested PCR. Both strands of the gene were sequenced using an automated
DNA Sequencer. The characterization and analysis of vpu was done using various bioinformatics
tools.

Results:

The analysis revealed that all sequences had intact ORF and sequence heterogeneity was
present across all sequences and distributed all over the gene. The synonymous substitutions, however,
were higher than nonsynonymous substitutions. The phylogenetic tree analysis showed an evolutionary
relationship with previously published Indian subtype C sequences. Comparatively, the cytoplasmic
tail(77 – 86) showed the highest degree of variability in these sequences as determined by Entropy-
one tool.

Conclusion:

The study showed that due to the robust nature of the protein, the biological activity of
the protein was intact and sequence heterogeneity may promote disease progression in the study
population.
Computational Study of Designed Peptide Analogs against Pseudomonas aeruginosa as a Possible Inhibitor of LptD Membrane Protein
Authors: Tauseef Saba , Uddin Reaz
Published: February 2023

Background:

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a common cause of nosocomial infection worldwide
and is responsible for 18-61% of deaths alone. The organism has gained resistance to many known antibiotics
and evolved into a multidrug-resistant strain. The LptD outer membrane protein of P. aeruginosa is
a special target of interest due to its role in outer membrane biogenesis.

Objective:

The study aimed to gain an insight into how mutations affect the overall properties of antimicrobial
peptides and to identify novel peptide analogs against P. aeruginosa.

Methods:

The peptide analogs were designed and shortlisted based on physicochemical parameters and
estimated free energy change in the current study. The docking studies for wild type and shortlisted peptides
were performed against LptD protein of P. aeruginosa. The toxicity, allergenicity, and solubility
analyses of peptide analogs with high binding affinity to LptD were also conducted.

Results:

The molecular docking results indicated that peptide analogs 523M26, 523M29, 523M34, and
523M35 for AP00523 (wild type); 608M12, 608M13, 608M19, 608M31, 608M32, 608M39, and 608M43
for AP00608 (wild type); and 2858M25 for AP02858 (wild type) bound effectively with LptD membrane
than their wild types. The toxicity, allergenicity, and solubility analyses revealed all these peptide analogs
to be nontoxic, non-allergen, and have good water solubility.

Conclusion:

The binding energies predicted 523M26, 608M39, and 2858M25 bind effectively to LptD
proteins than their wild type. Based on docking analysis, it was further predicted that 608M39 has an
estimated binding affinity greater than L27-11, which is a known peptidomimetic inhibitor of the LptD
protein.
Everything Midwives Need to Know about Postpartum Women's Health
Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An Updated Evidence Review and
Practical Guide
Authors: Larki Mona , Sharifi Farangis , Manouchehri Elham , Roudsari Robab Latifnejad
Published: February 2023

Clinical practices vary significantly between countries, so healthcare providers must be
aware of the differences in recommendations among guidelines to give the best care possible. It is up
to the clinician to decide whether and to what extent to follow guidelines, based on each patient's special
situation. This study aimed to review the updated evidence regarding practical aspects required for
midwives to do postpartum care for mothers and newborns during COVID-19. The relevant guidelines
in English were searched through databases including Cochrane Library, PubMed, EBSCO, and Scopus,
from December 2019 to May 17, 2022, using keywords of ‘puerperium ‘, ‘newborn ‘, ‘2019-
nCoV’ ‘SARS-CoV-2‘, ‘coronavirus ‘, and ‘guideline‘. Recommendation reports of WHO, FIGO,
RCOG, UNFPA, CDC, and APA were also searched. Out of the 40 guidelines retrieved, 15 met the
inclusion criteria. Postnatal care is divided into two general categories: maternal and neonatal care.
The principles of postpartum care for maternal consisted of maternal assessment, venous thromboembolism
prophylaxis, postnatal visits schedule, visitor restriction, vaccination, and postnatal mental
support. Also, care for the neonatal included newborn assessment, visitation in the neonatal intensivecare
units, breastfeeding, vaccination, circumcision, the decision for location and the separation of the
newborn and mother, and discharge. During the COVID-19 pandemic, midwives and other maternal
care professionals faced issues due to discrepancies between the guidelines of various global organizations.
By obtaining recommendations and guidance and keeping up with the latest data, midwives can
help women and their newborns get the best care possible.
An Innovative Metal Artifact Reduction Algorithm based on Res-U-Net
GANs
Authors: Zhang Ziheng , Yang Minghan , Xu Lei , Yang Jiazhao , Guo Hu , Wang Jianye
Published: February 2023

Background:

During X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans, the metal implants in the
patient's body will produce severe artifacts, which reduce the image quality and interferes with the
doctor's judgment. Therefore, it is necessary to develop an algorithm for removing metal artifacts in
CT images and reconstructing high-quality images.

Objective:

In this article, we proposed a generative adversarial networks (GANs)-based metal artifact
reduction algorithm for the image domain, Res-U-Net GANs. This method can effectively suppress
noise and remove metal artifacts in CT images.

Methods:

Our new approach includes a generator and a discriminator. The generator contains several
residual blocks, a U-Net structure and skip connections. And a weighted joint loss function is also used
for training. These structures can reduce metal artifacts in images, improve image quality, and restore
implant details.

Results:

We use SSIM, PSNR and RMSE to evaluate the performance of the proposed method. The
mean SSIM, PSNR and RMSE of the testing set images are 0.977, 39.044 and 0.011, respectively. And
the trained model which is compiled and encapsulated, also show excellent performance in processing
clinical data sets, which can remove metal artifacts in clinical CT images.

Conclusion:

We consider that the proposed algorithm can remove metal artifacts in CT images and
restore image details, which is very helpful for radiologists.
DTPA(DOTA)-Nimotuzumab Radiolabeling with Generator-produced
Thorium for Radioimmunotherapy of EGFR-overexpressing Carcinomas
Authors: Bravo Magdiel G. , Egorova Bayirta V. , Vasiliev Aleksandr N. , Lapshina Elena V. , Ermolaev Stanislav V. , Durymanov Mikhail O.
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

The feasibility of preparing the “in-house” generators and the Th-
DTPA(DOTA)-Nimotuzumab radioimmunoconjugate was evaluated. 226Th is perspective for
TAT, however, due to short half-life it is preferable to apply this radionuclide for readily available
epithelial malignancies. Nimotuzumab being specific for EGFR expressing cells as a targeting
moiety is considered to be suitable for thorium delivery.

Methods:

TEVA extraction chromatographic resin and anion exchange resin AG 1x8 were used as
sorbents for 226Th generator. In order to determine features of labeling by Th4+ we applied 234Th as a
longer-lived analog of short-lived 226Th and the immunoconjugates DTPA(DOTA)-Nimotuzumab
were used for radiolabeling.

Results:

The generator on the base of TEVA resin has shown higher volume activity of the product
compared to the AG 1x8. The 226Th volume concentration was up to 80%/mL. The radiolabeling
of BFCA by thorium radioisotopes reached 95% at the MR(Th:p-SCN-Bn-DTPA) = 1:100 and
86% for MR(Th:p-SCN-Bn-DOTA) = 1:5000 at 90°C. The procedure of Nimotuzumab labeling
with Th4+ for radiotherapy of EGFR-overexpressing carcinomas was established. The overall labeling
yield in both radioimmunoconjugates - DTPA and DOTA functionalized - was in the range
of 45-50%. The immunoconjugate Nimotuzumab-p-SCN-Bn-DTPA was obtained with a molar
ratio 1:25 (Nimotuzumab: BFCA), within 1 hour of conjugation at 25¹C and labelled via postconjugation
approach. Whereas Nimotuzumab-p-SCN-Bn-DOTA was obtained at the same conditions,
but radiolabeled by the method of pre-conjugation.

Conclusion:

Thorium-234 incorporation into both radioimmunoconjugates reached 45-50%. It has
been shown that Th-DTPA-Nimotuzumab radioimmunoconjugate specifically bound with EGFR
overexpressing epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells.
Herbal Approach for Diabetic Cure and Futuristic Dimension
Authors: Singh Jangjeet Karan , Chakraborty Snigdha , Nagpal Manju , Aggarwal Geeta
Published: February 2023

Engulfing almost 537 million people, the most commonly occurring metabolic disorder,
diabetes mellitus, is emerging as an epidemic worldwide. Diabetes mellitus is identified as a heterogeneous
pathological condition that is marked by extreme hyperglycemic (glucose) levels
caused by reduced insulin sensitivity. Synthetic antidiabetic medications are widely commercialized
but have slowly expressed several inevitable side effects and limitations in treated diabetic
subjects. Researchers have been exploring herbal medicine due to its esteemed therapeutic effects.
WHO have enlisted almost 21,000 herbal components that have established therapeutic benefit.
Several herbs, most of them widely available, have been studied to extract their active phytoconstituents
that have effective diabetes management potential with the least risk factor for side effects
and acute toxicity. Though acceptable standardization, awareness, and clinical trials are yet
to be established before mainstreaming herbal formulation, preclinical studies have confirmed the
higher safety and efficacy of several extracted phytoconstituents and formulation in comparative
analysis with synthetic products. The authors have also discussed their opinions with regard to the
vast usability of herbal components along with the multi-target functionality of several phytoconstituents,
as well as the challenges faced for standardizing, formulating, and marketing herbal
medicines. Other than this, several cases of clinical trials showing effectivity of herbal antidiabetic
aid are mentioned. In this review, an attempt has been made to summarize the potential antidiabetic
herbs, marketed herbal formulations, and patented formulations that have established
therapeutic prospects to downregulate diabetic conditions.
The Potential Role of Probiotics in the Management of COVID-19
Authors: Huidrom Sangeeta , Beg Mirza Atif , Bawa Shalu , Malhotra Shruti
Published: February 2023

COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 is an ongoing global pandemic that causes catastrophic
devastation to humankind. COVID-19 virus mainly affects the human respiratory and gastrointestinal
systems. Currently, vaccines are available globally and are a game-changer in the fight against COVID-
19. However, it has a long way to go to achieve the war against COVID-19 as it will take some more
years to completely vaccinate the people, and there are threats and concerns of COVID-19 due to the
high mutagenicity rate of the virus. The current methods of treatment involve the use of antiviral drugs
and anti-inflammatory drugs but without much success. To date, there is no established prevention or
treatment method for this novel virus. The best preventive strategy to combat this disease is to keep the
immune system strong. Evidence showed a correlation between gut dysbiosis, COVID-19, and immunomodulation.
Since time immemorial, probiotics have improved general health and immunity to
various diseases. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria when administered in the right doses conferring a
health benefit to the host. Various scientific evidence has proved the therapeutic and protective effects
of probiotics against respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. This review aims to outline the potential
role of probiotics in fighting COVID-19 by highlighting the recent evidence on the association between
dysbiosis, COVID-19, and probiotics and outlining the antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects of probiotics.
This review highlight the association between gut and lung in the gut-lung axis. Furthermore,
this review also provides an insight into the indirect evidence of the potential protective role of probiotics
in combating COVID-19 or its associated symptoms.
Application of D-Optimal Mixture Design in the Development of
Nanocarrier-Based Darifenacin Hydrobromide Gel
Authors: Patel Divya , Menon Maanika , Shah Pranav , Patel Meenakshi , Lalan Manisha
Published: February 2023

Background:

Darifenacin hydrobromide, a BCS Class II drug, is poorly bioavailable due to
extensive first-pass metabolism. The present study is an attempt to investigate an alternative route of
drug delivery by developing a nanometric microemulsion-based transdermal gel for the management
of an overactive bladder.

Methods:

Oil, surfactant, and cosurfactant were selected based on the solubility of the drug, and surfactant:
cosurfactant in surfactant mixture (Smix) was selected at a 1:1 ratio as inferred from the pseudo
ternary phase diagram. The D-optimal mixture design was used to optimize the o/w microemulsion
wherein the globule size and zeta potential were selected as dependable variables. The prepared microemulsions
were also characterized for various physico-chemical properties like transmittance, conductivity,
and TEM. The optimized microemulsion was gelled using Carbopol 934 P and assessed for
drug release in vitro and ex vivo, viscosity, spreadability, pH, etc.

Results:

Drug excipient compatibility studies showed that the drug was compatible with formulation
components. The optimized microemulsion showed a globule size of less than 50 nm and a high zeta
potential of -20.56 mV. The ME gel could sustain the drug release for 8 hours as reflected in in vitro
and ex vivo skin permeation and retention studies. The accelerated stability study showed no significant
change in applied storage conditions.

Conclusion:

An effective, stable, non-invasive microemulsion gel containing darifenacin hydrobromide
was developed. The achieved merits could translate into increased bioavailability and dose reduction.
Further confirmatory in vivo studies on this novel formulation, which is a cost-effective & industrially
scalable option, can improve the pharmacoeconomics of overactive bladder management.