bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of calving assistance and supplementation of colostrum with sodium bicarbonate on newborn calf vigor, success of passive transfer, health, and growth of dairy calves
Authors: Murray-Kerr Christine F. , Bielmann Vivianne , Deelen Sam M. , Leslie Ken E.
Published: March 2023

The objective of this research was to examine the efficacy of supplementing colostrum with sodium bicarbonate for improving passive transfer, health, and growth. An additional objective was to evaluate the effects of calving difficulty on calf vigor. A total of 543 heifer and bull calves from 9 commercial dairy herds were enrolled in this randomized double-blind field trial. At birth, calves were assessed for vigor by the dairy producer, using a prototype calf vigor assessment tool which rated Visual appearance, Initiation of movement, General responsiveness, Oxygenation, and Rates of heartbeat and respiration (VIGOR). Subsequently, calves were fed colostrum supplemented with either 20 g of sodium bicarbonate (SB) or placebo powder. Blood was collected from each calf between 1 and 8 days of age for serum total protein (STP). Each calf was assessed with a standardized clinical score for general health, and measured for growth using a heart girth weight tape at 1, 2, 3, and 6 weeks of age. The findings suggest that calves born with assistance, or that were malpositioned at calving, had lower vigor than those born unassisted. Yet, calf vigor improved with time following birth. Measures from the VIGOR score, including slower responsiveness and a higher heart rate, were associated with reduced health. There was a significant interaction between sex of the calf and SB supplementation of colostrum with STP. Sodium bicarbonate supplementation of colostrum was not significantly associated with improved passive transfer, and had no significant effect on weight gain. Assessment of calf vigor in calves born with assistance may be an important management tool for dairy producers as an indicator that further intervention may be needed to improve health.
Association of floor type with health, well-being, and performance parameters of beef cattle fed in indoor confinement facilities during the finishing phase
Authors: Dewell Reneé D. , Dewell Grant A. , Euken Russ M. , Sadler Larry J. , Wang Chong , Carmichael Brent A.
Published: March 2023

The use of slatted concrete floors (SCF) in indoor confinement housing facilities for finishing beef cattle has increased among US cattle feeders, particularly in the Midwest. The objective of this study was to investigate potential health and performance differences associated with slatted concrete flooring not covered with rubber mats (SCF) and slatted concrete flooring covered with rubber mats (RM) in confined beef operations during the finishing phase of production. An observational cohort study design was conducted by enrolling 4258 calves among 35 pens to compare selected health and performance parameters between beef calves fed in indoor confinement housing using either SCF or RM management. Compared to cattle in the RM group, SCF cattle tended to have higher morbidity (20.5% vs 7.6%; P=0.0701). Cattle in the SCF group had an increased frequency of lameness diagnosis (3.1% vs 1.2%; P=0.0358), increased locomotion score at the end of the feeding period (P=0.0050), and higher mortality (2.1% vs 0.7%; OR=2.1346, P=0.0448). There was no difference between RM and SCF in average daily gain (P=0.2174), mean feed intake (P=0.1986) or mean feed:gain ratio (P=0.6139) when compared to cattle fed indoors on concrete slats without rubber mats. This study demonstrated potential increased health and welfare benefits, but not performance benefits, when rubber mats were utilized.
Treatment efficacy of tildipirosin or tulathromycin for first treatment of naturally occurring bovine respiratory disease in a commercial feedlot
Authors: Theurer Miles E. , Fox J. Trent , Bryant Lonty K. , Nickell Jason S. , Hutcheson John P.
Published: March 2023

Tildipirosin was compared to tulathromycin for treatment of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in feedlot cattle. Six hundred calves identified with BRD by feedlot pen riders with a rectal temperature > 104.0°F (> 40°C) and no previous treatments of disease were randomly allocated to treatment with either tildipirosin or tulathromycin in a 1:1 ratio within lot. Eligible lots included 2 different risk categories: 1) calves with low or moderate risk of developing BRD that did not receive a metaphylactic antimicrobial at arrival, or 2) calves determined to be at high risk of developing BRD that were administered a metaphylactic antimicrobial (tilmicosin) at arrival processing. Calves were returned to their home pen immediately after treatment and were monitored for 60 days. All enrolled animals which died during the study were necropsied by a veterinarian or trained feedlot personnel. Data were evaluated with generalized linear mixed models including lot as random effect comparing treatment groups and metaphylaxis status. No differences were observed (P>0.12) in health outcomes between the 2 treatment groups. Also, there were no differences in first treatment success or case fatality rate in calves with differing metaphylaxis status. Tildipirosin and tulathromycin were both effective antimicrobials for first treatment of BRD in medium- to low-risk populations of feedlot cattle.
Evaluation of serum metabolic parameters as predictors of bovine respiratory disease events in high-risk beef stocker calves
Authors: Adkins Morgan L. , Rollin Emmanuel , Heins Bradley D. , Berghaus Roy D. , Credille Brent C.
Published: March 2023

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the association between serum metabolic parameters and the risk of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in high-risk beef stocker calves. Jugular venous blood samples were collected from mixed-breed beef bull, steer, and heifer calves (n=468) at the time of arrival processing at a stocker facility in northeast Georgia. Serum samples were then submitted for determination of serum creatinine, total calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, albumin, serum urea nitrogen, glucose, cholesterol, beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), sodium, potassium, and chloride concentrations, as well as sodium:potassium ratio and NEFA:cholesterol ratio. Calves were monitored for the development of signs consistent with BRD for 45 days following arrival. A multi-variable logistic regression model was created to evaluate the association between serum variables and subsequent risk of BRD. In this analysis, BRD was associated with higher serum potassium, lower serum urea nitrogen, and lower BHBA concentrations at arrival processing. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the ability of the model to predict morbidity was 0.645. These data suggest that hydration status, nutrient balance, and degree of rumen development may play a role in the development of BRD in high-risk beef stocker calves.
Description of feedlot animals culled for slaughter, revenue received, and associations with reported US beef market prices
Authors: Horton Lucas M. , Depenbusch Brandon E. , Pendell Dustin L. , Renter David G.
Published: March 2023

Our objectives were to describe revenue received for feedlot cattle culled for slaughter and associations with reported weekly prices from US beef markets. Observational data on feedlot culls (N = 2,992) were collected from 4 Kansas feedlots over 2 years (2018 to 2020). Weekly prices from various US beef markets were used to evaluate correlations with prices received for culled animals. Descriptive statistics, and linear and generalized linear mixed models, were used to evaluate characteristics of feedlot culls. Musculoskeletal/trauma (49.7%) and respiratory disease (40.9%) were the most common reasons for culling. Culls returned revenue 98.1% of the time; those culled for respiratory disease or “other” reasons returned revenue significantly less frequently (96.7 or 96.3%, respectively) than those culled for musculoskeletal/trauma (99.1%). Mean revenue received [± 95% CI] was 434.81 [427.22 to 442.40] $/animal (culls returning no revenue included); and mean carcass price was 87.40 [86.70 to 88.10] $/hundredweight. Revenue was significantly correlated with several market indices, but most correlations were relatively weak. In this population, national cull cow (Breaker [75% lean]; over 500 lb [227 kg]) prices appeared to be the overall best indicator of feedlot cull prices, with feedlot cull carcasses averaging 74.6% of the weekly cull cow carcass price.
Association of feedlot disease treatments on the probability of heart disease syndrome in U.S. feedlot cattle
Authors: Johnson Blaine T. , Amrine David A. , Larson Robert L. , White Brad J.
Published: March 2023

Data from 14 U.S. feedlots from January 1, 2017, through De­cember 31, 2020, were evaluated for disease treatment on the probability of being terminally diagnosed with heart disease (HD). The study objective was two-fold: 1) determine the as­sociation between the number of bovine respiratory disease (BRD) treatments (0,1,2,3+) and HD, and 2) determine the as­sociation of common feedlot disease treatment (AIP, BRD, Complex Disease, GI+Bloat, Other), and cohort demographics with HD. Data were analyzed using generalized mixed-effects models to evaluate the probability of terminal HD. Covariates of interest include: BRD treatments, feedlot disease category, average cohort arrival weight, arrival year, arrival quarter, feedlot elevation and sex. The number of BRD treatments was associated with HD (P < 0.01). Cattle requiring additional BRD treatments increased their probability of not finishing the feeding period due to HD. The magnitude of this association was influenced by average cohort arrival weight, feedlot eleva­tion, sex and arrival quarter (P < 0.01). Feedlot disease catego­ries were associated with the probability of not finishing the feeding phase due to a HD diagnosis (P < 0.01). The magnitude of this association was influenced by average cohort arrival weight, and feedlot elevation (P < 0.01). Sex was influenced by feedlot elevation on the probability of not finishing due to HD diagnosis (P < 0.01) with higher elevations having a greater probability of HD. The majority of HD cattle were railed prior to death at the feedlot (9 of the 15 per 10,000 cattle received).
Nutritional management of calves grazing wheat and small grain pasture
Authors: Beck Paul A. , Reuter R. Ryan
Published: March 2023

Small grain forages are a unique and economically important resource in the Southern Great Plains and in similar areas worldwide. Income is possible from both increasing value of stocker calves grazing during the fall and winter as well as the harvested grain. Wheat and other small grain species are used in this “dual purpose” production system if calves are removed from pastures at the first hollow stem development stage. As more producers have opted to forgo grain harvest in order to graze-out cropped acres, other small grains (oats, cereal rye, triticale, barley) and cool-season annuals (annual ryegrass) are often planted in mixtures. These alternative cool-season annuals and mixtures have similar protein and digestibility attributes to wheat pasture, so management and supplementation recommendations are similar. Risk factors of production include forage growth and climatic variation as well as the bloat provocative nature of the forage, which impacts performance, death losses and economics of the enterprise. Small grain forages are high in crude Protein (17 to 35% of DM) and are highly digestible (up to 85% IVOMD), which is adequate for potential average daily gains in excess of 2.5 lbs per day. However, these performance levels are often not achieved in practice. Growth performance is impacted by forage availability, mineral deficiencies and imbalances, energy and protein imbalances in the rumen, and bloat. This review focuses on the nutritional management of stocker calves grazing smallgrain forages to improve predictability of performance and maintain economic sustainability.
Beyond Senate Bill 3: How to Achieve Environmental Flows in Texas Under Prior Appropriation
Authors: Rubinstein Carlos , Seaton Curtis , Mace Robert E.
Published: March 2023

In 2007, the 80th Texas Legislature enacted Senate Bill 3 on the 140th and last day of session. This bill was the third far-reaching piece of water legislation after Senate Bill 1 passed in 1997 and Senate Billl 2 passed in 2001. Collectively, these bills changed how Texas plans for future water needs, regulates groundwater, promotes conservation, studies the need for environmental flows balanced with population needs, and establishes environmental flow standards for Texas’ rivers, bays, and estuaries. Senate Bill 3 created a process through which scientists, stakeholders, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality set environmental flow standards. Over 12 years have passed since Senate Bill 3 became law, allowing us to consider the efficacy of the enabling legislation and the resulting rules. In short, identifying and securing water for the environment has been difficult due to little if any unallocated water in the state’s river basins and limitations in Senate Bill 3 and Texas Water Code. We identified seven options for the stakeholders and the state to consider to increase the protection of environmental flows while respecting private property rights: (1) protecting water-right owners that participate in forbearance agreements from cancellation, (2) pursuing cancellations and affirming abandonments, (3) requiring that cancelled or abandoned water be set-aside to meet environmental flow standards, (4) modernizing how surface-water use and diversions are tracked, (5) requiring water rights holders to demonstrate the pursuit of other water supplies before suspending environmental flows, (6) studying ways how environmental flows can co-exist and be protected within a prior-appropriation system, and (7) studying how dedications of water under existing water rights can be considered for tax credit or deductions so as to further incentivize transactions for environmental benefit. If implemented, these options could allow Texas and Texans to more closely achieve the desired outcomes hoped for from Senate Bill 3.
Water Management in the Rio Conchos Basin: Impacts on Water Deliveries Under the 1944 Treaty
Authors: Gonzalez-Velazquez Rodrigo Israel , Castro-Ruiz Jose Luis
Published: March 2023

The unusual drought that struck the Rio Bravo/Grande basin between Mexico and Texas in 1993 marked a new order in the relationship and commitments to water deliveries from both countries in the context of the 1944 Water Treaty. As a result, Mexico did not comply with the volume of deliveries required in the 1992-1997 cycle. Since then, Mexican deliveries have shared a climate of tension with the U.S., blamed partly on Mexico's unpredictability of its obligations. This tendency is gaining academic interest from the perspective of the Treaty and the binational relationship. However, the evidence on Mexico's inability to meet its binational commitments is still scarce. Hence, this article explores the Conchos River, Mexico's most important tributary to comply with its obligations, the water management and actors involved; the competition and possible conflict scenarios and their solutions; and the impacts on water deliveries from Mexico to the United States. The work uses the Multi-level Governance and Sub-national Hydropolitics concepts and the partial results of an investigation on the internal factors in the basin that affect water deliveries to the U.S.
Commentary: Water Infrastructure and Supply Are the Backbone or Achilles’ Heel of Texas’ Future: The Choice is Ours
Authors: Perry Charles
Published: March 2023

Editor-in-Chief's Note: In every odd-numbered year, the Texas Legislature convenes in regular session for 140 days. With this in mind, the Texas Water Journal invited Senator Charles Perry, Chairman of the Senate Water, Agriculture, and Rural Affairs Committee to discuss his priorities and visions for Texas water and the regular session of the 88th Texas Legislature. The opinion expressed in this commentary is the opinion of the individual author and not the opinion of the Texas Water Journal or the Texas Water Resources Institute, or the Bureau of Economic Geology.
Condensing Water Availability Models to Focus on Specific Water Management Systems
Authors: Wurbs Ralph A. , Kim Tae J.
Published: March 2023

The Texas Water Availability Modeling System is routinely applied in administration of the water rights permit system, regional and statewide planning, and an expanding variety of other endeavors. Modeling water management in the 23 river basins of the state reflects about 8,000 water right permits and 3,400 reservoirs. Datasets are necessarily large and complex to provide the decision-support capabilities for which the modeling system was developed. New modeling features are being added, and the different types of applications are growing. Certain applications are enhanced by simplifying the simulation input datasets to focus on particular water management systems. A methodology is presented for developing a condensed dataset for a selected reservoir system that reflects the impacts of all the water rights and accompanying reservoirs removed from the original complete dataset. A set of streamflows is developed that represents flows available to the selected system considering the effects of all the other water rights in the river basin contained in the original complete model input dataset that are not included in the condensed dataset. The methodology is applied to develop a condensed model of the Brazos River Authority reservoir system based on modifying the Texas Water Availability Modeling System dataset for the Brazos River Basin.
Citation: Wurbs RA, Kim TJ. 2010. Condensing water availability models to focus on speciﬁc water management systems. Texas Water Journal. 1(1):20-32. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v1i1.1380.
A New Day? Two Interpretations of the Texas Supreme Court’s Ruling in Edwards Aquifer Authority v. Day and McDaniel
Authors: Johnson Russell S. , Ellis Gregory M.
Published: March 2023

Editors’ Note: Many in Texas waited patiently for the Texas Supreme Court decision on Edwards Aquifer Authority v. Day and McDaniel, arguably the most important decision on Texas groundwater law in a generation. Regardless of which way the decision went, it undoubtedly would have a big impact on the management of groundwater resources in the state. We were not disappointed. The decision is complicated and, in places, seemingly contradictory. By opening groundwater management to regulatory takings, a door to another complicated area of law has been opened. Although the Day case answers some questions, others remain unanswered. And there are strong opinions on what Day means and doesn’t mean.
While the Texas Supreme Court considered the Day case, Russ Johnson and Greg Ellis regaled audiences at multiple venues on their views on the case and what the court would or should do. Johnson’s arguments leaned toward the landowner perspective while Ellis’s arguments leaned toward the groundwater conservation district perspective. With the Day case decided, we thought it would be informative to ask Johnson and Ellis what they thought Day meant. Given the topic and nature of the contributions, only the editorial board reviewed the papers before accepting them for publication. As expected, the papers are interesting and informative—and help set the stage for the path forward.
Citation: Johsnon RS, Ellis GM. 2013. A New Day? Two interpretations of the Texas Supreme Court’s ruling in Edwards Aquifer Authority v. Day and McDaniel. Texas Water Journal. 4(1):35-54. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v4i1.6990.
Groundwater use in the Eagle Ford Shale: some policy recommendations
Authors: Steadman Maxwell Philipp , Arnett Benton , Healy Kevin , Jiang Zhongnan , LeClere David , McLaughlin Leslie , Roberts Joey
Published: March 2023

Advances in hydraulic fracturing (fracking) and horizontal drilling have allowed oil and gas companies to tap into Texas’ previously inaccessible shale reserves. Fracking in the state has grown at an exponential rate and is not expected to decline until 2025. Fracking requires the consumption of vast amounts of groundwater, a resource that is already strained. This study quantifies the water consumption associated with fracking in the Eagle Ford Shale, evaluates the current regulatory framework, and proposes 3 policy recommendations. The data show that fracking has become the primary consumer of groundwater in the most active counties within the Eagle Ford. Our study proposes 3 policy solutions to ensure that groundwater is consumed in an economically efficient manner in these areas. These solutions are a more thorough system for reporting consumption, tax incentives for oil and gas companies to use substitutes for fresh groundwater, and an alternative property rights system to the current rule of capture system.
Citation: Steadman M, Arnett B, Healy K, Jiang Z, David LeClere, Leslie McLaughlin, Roberts J. 2015. Groundwater use in the Eagle Ford Shale: some policy recommendations. Texas Water Journal. 6(1):67-78. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v6i1.7023.
Texas water policy appendix: the weather
Authors: Rubinstein Carlos
Published: March 2023

The climate of Texas makes our state particularly susceptible to droughts, floods, and hurricanes. Weather events over the past 150 years have resulted in policy changes at the state and federal level that have helped us prepare for, respond to, and prevent weather disasters. Many of these efforts have been successful; however, continuous planning and improvement will be necessary to meet the needs of our growing population. Recent droughts and floods have demonstrated that traditional infrastructure must work in tandem with early forecasting and warning systems, which will require effective policies at both the state and federal level to support them along with citizen engagement.
Citation: Rubinstein C. 2015. Texas water policy appendix: the weather. Texas Water Journal. 6(1):121-135. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v6i1.7015.
A literature review: developing an information feedback interface to encourage water conservation behavior among utility customers
Authors: Hawkins Chelsea A.J. , Berthold T. Allen
Published: March 2023

Water conservation behavior among water utility customers can be encouraged by engaging and educating customers about their consumption habits. To be successful, the information used to engage and educate must (1) be comprehensive, including both broad and narrow information, so that individuals understand where they fit into water management and how their actions impact water management and their community, and (2) help them make decisions about their use. 
This article is a literature review of elements that can be incorporated into a customer-friendly information feedback interface. Some elements discussed are billing features, information about the water cycle, and local water sources, and local partnerships. The use of data is also addressed, and to that end, benefits of advanced metering infrastructure systems are mentioned.  The details of these systems are not addressed. The intent of this research is to provide types and styles of information that can be combined to create an effective and meaningful information feedback system for water utility customers to encourage conservation.
Citation: Hawkins CAJ, Berthold TA. 2016. A literature review: developing an information feedback interface to encourage water conservation behavior among utility customers. Texas Water Journal. 7(1):40-55. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v7i1.7029.
Evaluation of potential E. coli transport from on-site sewage facilities in a Texas watershed
Authors: Morrison Derek , Karthikeyan Raghupathy , Munster Clyde , Jacob John , Gentry Terry J
Published: March 2023

Potential E. coli contamination in surface waters from on-site sewage facilities was investigated in the Dickinson Bayou watershed, Texas. This watershed is listed as impaired due to bacteria by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Two water quality monitoring stations, with flow meters and automatic water samplers, were installed in the watershed to assess E. coli concentrations in surface runoff. One monitoring station was installed in a neighborhood that solely used an on-site sewage facility (OSSF) and the second monitoring station, the control site, was installed in a neighborhood connected to a municipal sewage plant. For 16 runoff events at the OSSF site, the combined geometric mean E. coli concentration was 639 colony forming units (CFU)/100milliters while the geometric mean E. coli concentration for 13 runoff events at the control site was 371 CFU/100milliliters. The E. coli concentrations from the 2 sites were not statistically different, suggesting that OSSFs may not be the major cause of bacterial contamination in the Dickinson Bayou watershed. In addition, a bacterial source tracking method was employed, which concluded that a portion of the E. coli from both sites were of human origin.
Citation: Morrison D, Karthikeyan R, Munster C, Jacob J, Gentry T. 2017. Evaluation of potential E. coli transport from on-site sewage facilities in a Texas watershed. Texas Water Journal. 8(1):18-28. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v8i1.7041.
The regional water planning process: a Texas success story
Authors: Bruun Bech
Published: March 2023

In 1997, in the wake of a severe, statewide drought, the Texas Legislature passed an omnibus water bill that, among other things, fundamentally changed how Texas develops its state water plans. The resulting 5-year, bottom-up regional approach to planning has since formed the basis of the last 4 state water plans. Nearly a generation after the regional water planning process began, we can now point to some significant achievements and identify key factors in the success of the process.
Editor’s Note: The opinion expressed in this commentary is the opinion of the individual author and not the opinion of the Texas Water Journal or the Texas Water Resources Institute.
Citation: Bruun B. 2017. The regional water planning process: a Texas success story. Texas Water Journal. 8(1):1-12. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v8i1.7053.
Water barons for the water barren? A survey of interbasin water transfer laws in western states
Authors: Castleberry Brad B. , Acevedo Ashleigh
Published: March 2023

Interbasin transfers of water have become an increasingly popular water management tool—especially among the western states—to address vulnerability to water shortages in those regions susceptible to widely fluctuating drought conditions and population growth. Such transfers offer a practical resolution to the geographic limitations and disparate distribution of water availability. The regulatory frameworks for interbasin transfers adopted across western states, however, vary rather drastically in balancing the practicality of interbasin transfers with equity to the basin of origin. Like its counterparts, Texas has adopted an interbasin transfer statute—Texas Water Code § 11.085—that includes common elements of interbasin transfer regulations aimed at maintaining this balance, including protecting the basin of origin, requiring a distinct demonstration of purpose and need, maintaining existing water rights, and promoting the public interest. However, in comparison to other western states, Texas has a relatively strict framework for interbasin transfers that does not always facilitate the use of such transfers when it is otherwise pragmatic to do so. Policymakers and stakeholders in Texas should thus consider whether and to what extent the balance struck by interbasin transfer laws of other western states is appropriate for Texas and more conducive to using interbasin transfers as a water management strategy across the state.
Citation: Castleberry B, Acevedo A. 2017. Water barons for the water barren? A survey of interbasin water transfer laws in western states. Texas Water Journal. 8(1):29-41. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v8i1.7060.
Economic valuation of groundwater in Texas
Authors: Collins Gabriel Brian
Published: March 2023

Groundwater is a strategic economic asset, and recent Texas Supreme Court decisions have strengthened private ownership rights in groundwater. Despite the economic and political stakes, debate on how to actually value groundwater has been sparse. In response, this article sets forth seven methods of economically valuing groundwater in Texas and uses case studies and hypotheticals informed by real data to assess the valuation techniques’ strengths and weaknesses under a range of conditions. In addition, the analysis shows how in practice, multiple valuation methods can be combined to render the most credible valuation range for a particular groundwater asset. Readers will also see how to marshal a wide range of publicly available data resources—including actual water sale and lease contracts—and analytically mesh them to arrive at a defensible valuation range for water assets under various conditions. These methods can help value water more accurately, create opportunities for unlocking additional economic value, and help manage groundwater resources more effectively for the benefit of future generations.
Citation: Collins GB. 2018. Economic valuation of groundwater in Texas. Texas Water Journal. 9(1):50-68. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v9i1.7068.
Learning a restricted Boltzmann machine using biased Monte Carlo sampling
Authors: Béreux Nicolas , Decelle Aurélien , Furtlehner Cyril , Seoane Beatriz
Published: March 2023

Restricted Boltzmann Machines are simple and powerful generative
models that can encode any complex dataset. Despite all their
advantages, in practice the trainings are often unstable and it is
difficult to assess their quality because the dynamics are affected by
extremely slow time dependencies. This situation becomes critical when
dealing with low-dimensional clustered datasets, where the time required
to sample ergodically the trained models becomes computationally
prohibitive. In this work, we show that this divergence of Monte Carlo
mixing times is related to a phenomenon of phase coexistence, similar to
that which occurs in physics near a first-order phase transition. We
show that sampling the equilibrium distribution using the Markov chain
Monte Carlo method can be dramatically accelerated when using biased
sampling techniques, in particular the Tethered Monte Carlo (TMC)
method. This sampling technique efficiently solves the problem of
evaluating the quality of a given trained model and generating new
samples in a reasonable amount of time. Moreover, we show that this
sampling technique can also be used to improve the computation of the
log-likelihood gradient during training, leading to dramatic
improvements in training RBMs with artificial clustered datasets. On
real low-dimensional datasets, this new training method fits RBM models
with significantly faster relaxation dynamics than those obtained with
standard PCD recipes. We also show that TMC sampling can be used to
recover the free-energy profile of the RBM. This proves to be extremely
useful to compute the probability distribution of a given model and to
improve the generation of new decorrelated samples in slow PCD-trained
models. The main limitations of this method are, first, the restriction
to effective low-dimensional datasets and, second, the fact that the
Tethered MC method breaks the possibility of performing parallel
alternative Monte Carlo updates, which limits the size of the systems we
can consider in practice.
Composite-boson formalism applied to strongly bound fermion pairs in a one-dimensional trap
Authors: Jiménez Martín D. , Cuestas Eloisa , Majtey Ana P. , Cormick Cecilia
Published: March 2023

We analyze a system of fermions in a one dimensional harmonic trap
with attractive delta-interactions between different fermions species,
as an approximate description of experiments involving atomic dimers. We
solve the problem of two fermion pairs numerically using the so-called
"coboson formalism" as an alternative to techniques which are based on
the single-particle basis. This allows us to explore the strongly bound
regime, approaching the limit of infinite attraction in which the
composite particles behave as hard-core bosons. Our procedure is
computationally inexpensive and illustrates how the coboson toolbox is
useful for ultracold atom systems even in absence of condensation.
A cute respiratory viral infections in children: how to improve the quality of treatment
Authors: Safina A. I.
Published: March 2023

The issues of improving the quality of treatment of children with acute respiratory infections combined with minimization of the adverse effects and reduction of polypragmasy are high on the agenda. The safety and efficacy of therapy are the key quality criteria, which allows to use complex bioregulatory drugs with antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects in the combination therapy of acute respiratory infections in children. The article presents clinical cases of effective treatment of acute respiratory infections using bioregulatory therapy. Clinical case 1: a 3-year-old child, general condition of moderate severity during initial presentation, rise of body temperature up to 38.4 ºС, catarrhal manifestations. Diagnosis: J00 – ARVI, acute nasopharyngitis. Clinical case 2: a 5-year-old child, complaints of fever up to 38.3 ºС, nasal breathing difficulty (especially at night) reported, nasal discharge, wet cough with difficulty in expectoration of sputum. Diagnosis: J00, J35.2, J35.8 – ARVI, grade 2 pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy, adenoiditis. Clinical case 3: a 12-year-old child, complaints of fever for 3 days (temperature 38.3–38.7 ºС). General condition of moderate severity due to intoxication syndrome, hyperthermia. Complaints of sore throat that was exacerbated by eating. Pharyngoscopy showed hyperemic, enlarged, edematous palatine tonsils, yellowish overlays located in lacunae. Diagnosis: J03.9 Acute tonsillitis, unspecified? All patients were prescribed combination bioregulatory therapy with a high compliance profile, good tolerance and absence of side effects. This therapy contributed to the reduction of polypragmasy and the prevention of recurrent upper respiratory infections.
Rhythmological features of the nasal mucociliary system functioning in healthy children and children with bronchial asthma
Authors: Golikova E. V. , Kondratyeva E. I. , Shemyakina T. A. , Krivonogova T. S. , Tyuteva E. Yu. , Zhelev V. A. , Solnyshko A. L.
Published: March 2023

Introduction. The circadian rhythms of the nasociliary system of children with bronchial asthma have not been practically studied.

Objective. To evaluate seasonal variations of circa-annual rhythms of the nasociliary system in healthy children and children with year-round bronchial asthma.

Materials and methods. 134 children were examined; the main group consisted of 99 children aged 1.5–7 years with mild and moderate bronchial asthma, the control group was represented by 45 healthy children of the same age. The biorhythms of the nasociliary system were studied for three years, 4 times during each year (in October, January, April, July): smears-prints from the nasal mucosa were studied with the calculation of the specific gravity of neutrophils, eosinophils, cylindrical and squamous epithelium as a percentage, the calculation of the cytolysis index of cells and the average destruction index for each type of cell. To study the near-seasonal rhythms, the KOSINOR program and the computer system of intra-laboratory control “VlCC” were used.

Results. The presence of seasonal changes in cytological parameters of the nasal mucosa with the maximum values of the average values of the average destruction of the flat, cylindrical epithelium, neutrophils in January and acrophases in January was revealed. If eosinophils on the nasal mucosa were not detected in healthy children, then the presence of this type of cells was noted in children with asthma throughout the year. The period of fluctuations of the average destruction index in the flat epithelium (1.7 months) was 4 times shorter, and in the cylindrical epithelium (21.6 months) – 3.5 times longer in children with asthma compared with healthy children. The periods, amplitude and mesor of the average neutrophil destruction index in children with asthma and healthy peers did not differ significantly. Acrophases and bathyphases of the average index of destruction of the flat, cylindrical epithelium, neutrophils in patients with asthma and healthy children were recorded at different times.

Conclusions. The study showed that in children with AD there are no patterns of rhythmological organization in the work of the nasociliary system, characteristic of healthy children.
G-1082A IL-10 polymorphism as a predictor of adenoid hypertrophy in children with human herpes virus
Authors: Popadyuk V. I. , Kastyro I. V. , Korshunova I. A. , Chernolev A. I. , Kirichenko I. M. , Mikhalskaia P. V. , Spirin E. A. , Gusev K. S. , Dubova V. V. , Dolgonovskaya A. S. , Shalamov K. P.
Published: March 2023

Introduction. Adenoid hypertrophy (pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy) is considered as one of the most common diseases of the ENT organs.

Aim. To study the polymorphism of the IL-10 gene (interleukin 10) and infections caused by human herpesvirus 6 (HHV6), cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in children with AH.

Materials and methods. The study included 106 children with adenoid hypertrophy and 38 healthy children aged 2 to 11 years. All children with adenoid hypertrophy were divided into three subgroups depending on the size of the pharyngeal tonsil. Viruses were determined by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

Results. In patients with AH, HHV6 was detected more often than in CMV and EBV. Among the three subgroups of children with HGM, HHV6 and EBV infections prevailed in children with the maximum degree of pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy. The frequency of the GG genotype was higher in the control group of children. Significantly higher frequencies of the G allele and GG and GA genotypes for IL-10 rs1800896 were found in the subgroup of children with the smallest size of the pharyngeal tonsil compared to other subgroups.

Discussions. The frequencies of HHV-6 and CMV in the control group are significantly different. HHV-6 was the most frequently detected virus in patients with HGM compared with CMV and EBV. The frequency of the GG genotype was in the control group of children. A significantly higher frequency of the G allele and GG genotypes was found in the first subgroup of children compared to the second and exclusive subgroups. We found a lower frequency of the G allele and GG and GA genotypes in a significant subgroup of children compared to the second subgroup. Previous studies show a significant increase in the frequency of the A allele and the AA and IL-10 genotypes (rs1800896-1082G/A) in patients resistant to HHV-6 and CMV infections compared to those infected.

Conclusions. The presence of HHV-6 and CMV infections contributes to the development of pharyngeal tonsil hypertrophy, and HHV-6 and EBV may contribute to the size of the pharyngeal tonsil.
Quantitative assessment of structural changes in the cornea against the background of long-term wearing of contact lenses according to the results of confocal microscopy
Authors: Surnina Z. V. , Averich V. V.
Published: March 2023

Introduction. The article presents an objective assessment of the morphofunctional status of the cornea during the long-term wear of soft contact lenses (SCLs). Aim. To assess the qualitative and quantitative changes in the cornea microstructure using the laser confocal microscopy during the long-term wear of SCLs, as well as combined tear replacement therapy based on formulations consisting of trehalose and hyaluronic acid.  Materials and methods. The study included 62 patients (124 eyes) divided into three groups. The first two groups included 32 patients (64 eyes) with different degrees of myopia, using SCLs as an optical correction for 7–15 years (11 years on average): Group 1 included 15 patients (30 eyes) using tear replacement therapy in the form of a drug containing trehalose and hyaluronic acid twice a day for 3 months, Group 2 included 17 patients (34 eyes) who did not receive any tear replacement therapy. The laser corneal confocal microscopy was performed using Heidelberg Retinal Tomograph III followed by digital image processing aided by author software with the focus on the state of nerve fibers and dendritiform macrophages (Langerhans cells). Results and discussion. The laser corneal confocal microscopy with assessment of the structure of the corneal nerve fibers and Langerhans cells can be used for the dynamic monitoring of the state of the anterior segment of the eye in SCL users. When pathological changes are detected, a patient may be recommended the corneotrophic therapy and (or) switching to another type of contact lenses. Conclusion. The use of tear replacement medications containing trehalose and hyaluronic acid improves the subjective tolerance of SCLs and also makes it possible to significantly reduce the severity of epitheliopathy in patients, who use SCLs as optical correction for a long time.
Rational choice of antibiotic therapy in children with acute respiratory infections of the upper respiratory tract
Authors: Zaytseva S. V. , Zaytseva O. V. , Lokshina E. E.
Published: March 2023

Acute respiratory infections are leading in the structure of infectious pathology in children. Despite the high importance of viruses in the etiology of acute respiratory infections, the role of bacterial pathogens remains important. Features of the current course, high frequency of complications, unreasonable prescription of antibacterial drugs and the risk of developing drug-resistant forms of microorganisms require adherence to algorithms for the timely diagnosis of bacterial infections and the rational use of antibacterial drugs. In the article, on the example of the analysis of clinical cases, the main stages of diagnosis and algorithms for choosing the initial antibiotic therapy for acute respiratory infections of the upper respiratory tract in children in an outpatient setting are considered. In the first clinical case, the principles of differential diagnosis of viral and bacterial acute otitis media, the risks of adverse outcome are considered, the main indications for prescribing systemic antibiotic therapy in preschoolers are identified. The second clinical case demonstrates the algorithms for diagnosing bacterial sinusitis, the possible masks of the disease, and the selection of a starting antibacterial drug. The example of the third clinical case shows the etiological diversity of acute tonsillopharyngitis in children, defined indications for systemic antibacterial therapy. It has been noted that only streptococcal tonsillopharyngitis is the primary indication of antibacterial prescription. The features of initial therapy and the duration of the course of antibacterial drugs in children were determined.
Severe acute bronchiolitis in children: etiology, therapy, effectiveness of 3% hypertonic saline containing sodium hyaluronate
Authors: Tsygankov A. E. , Ovsyannikov D. Yu. , Ivanova A. G. , Solodovnikova O. N. , Gosteva O. M. , Dyagileva A. Yu. , Nosov S. A. , Nikolishin A. N. , Gorev V. V.
Published: March 2023

Introduction. Acute bronchiolitis (АB) is a common  infection  in children  under  the  age of 2 years. In modern  clinical protocols, routine use of the studied drugs is not recommended. The effectiveness of a 3% hypertonic sodium chloride solution (HSCS) at vol.

Аim. Тo study the etiology, risk factors, the therapy of acute care in children in intensive  care units (ICU), the effectiveness of inhalations with 3% HSCS with hyaluronate sodium (HS) in comparison  with therapy without  the inclusion of this drug.

Materials and methods. The medical documentation of 54 patients with AB from January 2021 to January 2023 who were treated in the ICU was analyzed. An ambispective comparative study of the effectiveness of therapy  of 3% HSCS with HS AB was conducted  in comparison  with historical control.

Results. Respiratory syncytial viral (RSV) etiology was established in 50% of patients. The most common risk factor for the disease was the  age younger than  3 months  (40.7%). The presence of risk factors for severe  course  of acute  respiratory  failure had an impact  on the average  bed-day and on the need  for respiratory  support  (p = 0.04), in addition  to which patients often  received drug therapy. There were no statistically significant differences  in the terms of hospitalization, the duration  of respiratory support depending on the appointment of 3% of HSCS with HS (p > 0.05), however, there  was an improvement in clinical and functional dynamics estimated by the modified clinical scale of Wood’s asthma  by the 2nd day of the disease.

Conclusion. AB in ICU patients most  often  has RSV etiology, developing in the  presence of risk factors  for severe  course. The influence  of modern  guidelines for the treatment of AB in the ICU remains  controversial. The addition  of 3% HSCS with HS can improve the flow of AB.
Therapeutic nutrition is the most important factor in the treatment and rehabilitation of young children with infectious diseases
Authors: Pilat T. L. , Khanferyan R. A.
Published: March 2023

The article presents current data on the role of therapeutic nutrition in the treatment and rehabilitation of children with acute viral diseases. The main violations in the nutritional status of children with viral diseases of the upper respiratory tract, as well as those caused by coronavirus infection, are described. The paper describes in detail the properties, indications for the use of new health food products in the complex therapy and rehabilitation of young children and older with various viral diseases. The developed therapeutic food products contain plant components with antiviral, immunotropic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities. The clinical and biochemical effects of a specialized product of general strengthening action for children from 12 months of age, containing vitamins and a biologically active phytocomplex, which provides a decrease in ASL-O titers, an increase in the concentration of serum IgA, and indicators of phagocytic activity, are described in detail. A clinical study of a new domestic medical food product used for colds showed its effects in improving the general condition and accelerating the recovery time, reducing inflammation in the ENT organs and coughing. The authors of the article recommend that in the course of viral diseases (influenza, COVID-19, etc.) with symptoms of dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, as a therapeutic food for children from 1 year old, therapeutic jelly for disorders in the gastrointestinal tract, which helps to reduce inflammation of the gastrointestinal mucosa and normalizes microbiota. For older children (from 12 years of age) the following have been developed and clinically studied: a healing drink for viral diseases with vitamin D and a detoxification drink with immunotropic and detoxification activities, respectively. All studied domestic health food products are clinically safe. The article provides detailed recommendations on the use of new therapeutic food products for viral pathology in children.