bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experience of One Medical Center in the United States With Ultrasound-guided Synovial Biopsies in the Assessment of Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Lim Khin Sandar , Ben-Artzi Ami , Forbess Lindsy , DiMundo Natalie , Ishimori Mariko
Published: April 2023

Objective Ultrasound-guided synovial biopsy (USGSB) is a simple, rapid procedure that is well-tolerated by patients and successfully collects samples of synovial tissue from both small and large joints. This retrospective analysis of 25 clinical cases examines its utility in the assessment of inflammatory arthritis.Methods USGSB can be performed as an outpatient procedure using a local anesthetic and a biopsy needle of appropriate gauge (range 14–18 gauge, depending on the size of the joint) introduced under direct ultrasound guidance.Results This procedure provides assessment of synovial thickness in grayscale and synovial vascularity with Doppler signal for biopsy site selection with an estimated 80% success rate. The histological findings of subsequent arthroscopic or surgical synovial biopsies were congruent with those of US-guided synovial biopsies, showing comparable results in large, medium, and small joints.Conclusion In recent years, ultrasound procedures have been increasingly used in routine rheumatology outpatient practice. Given its clinical feasibility, the low rate of complications or adverse events, and its diagnostic value and impact on treatment decisions, USGSB should be a more widely applied practice in the United States.
Neural Computing of Slurry Erosion of Al2O3-13TiO2 Thermal Spray HVOF Coating for Mining Pump
Authors: Singh Jashanpreet , Vasudev Hitesh , Singh Jasgurpreet
Published: April 2023

The purpose of this research was to investigate the cause of a slurry erosion failure in an Al2O3-13TiO2 high-velocity oxygen-fuel coating for SS316L steel. Sand particles served as the erodent in this investigation of wear and erosion. The slurry erosion of SS and HVOF Al2O3-13TiO2 coating was shown to be significantly affected by speed of particles, concentration (wt.%), and exposure period. All characteristics, excluding impingement angle, contribute to faster wear on the parent material, both bare and coated AISI 316L. Coatings were used to slow down the pace at which the source material deteriorated. As a whole, the Al2O3-13TiO2 HVOF coating enhanced the AISI 316L's resistance to erosion by 13.73 percent.
Stability of Standardized Uptake Values of Quantitative Bone SPECT for the Jawbone Lesions: A Single-center Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Hata Hironobu , Shimomura Satoshi , Imamachi Kenji , Sato Jun , Asaka Takuya , Hirata Kenji , Funayama Kyousuke , Mori Yoichi , Matsuzaka Masashi , Nanbu Toshikazu , Kitagawa Yoshimasa
Published: April 2023

Background The long waiting time for bone uptake after radiopharmaceutical injection in bone scintigraphy is a burden for patients with poor health. Thus, we aimed to investigate the equivalence between maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax) for imaging with 2- and 3-h uptake times.Methods Thirty patients with jaw osteomyelitis or medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw who underwent single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) twice in the same day were enrolled. The SUVmax for the normal parietal bones and jawbone lesion was calculated using a quantitative analysis software, and values for 2- and 3-h uptake times were compared. Bland–Altman plots were used to determine the limits of agreement (LOAs) for the difference in SUVmax between 2- and 3-h uptake times for the parietal bones and jawbone lesion.Results The LOA ranged from − 0.33 to 0.25 in the parietal bones and %LOA ranged from − 9.8–17.3% in the jawbone lesion, proving high equivalence. The SUVmax showed no clinical differences between 2- and 3-h uptake times for technetium-99m hydroxymethylene diphosphonate SPECT of the jawbone.Conclusions This is the first study to demonstrate that the uptake time in jawbone SPECT can be reduced to only 2 h, justifying a 2–3-h uptake time margin.
Adsorption of Brilliant Blue Dye on Biochar from the Macroalgae Cladophora glomerata
Authors: Areej Azwa , Mumtaz Maimoona , Aman Fariha , BADSHAH SYED , Khan Asfar , Emwas Abdul-Hamid , Jaremko Mauisz
Published: April 2023

Here we describe the utilization of freshwater macroalgae Cladophora glomerata (C. glomerata) biochar at comparatively low cost for the removal of brilliant blue dye (BBD) from aqueous solutions. The macroalgae was successfully converted into biochar through thermal pyrolysis. The chemical and morphological nature of the biosorbent was analyzed through Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The effect of pH, initial concentration and adsorbent dosage were investigated. The removal of brilliant blue increased linearly with increasing adsorbent dose, concentration, and contact duration. Optimized conditions for adsorption were pH 4, contact time of 150 minutes, and adsorbent dosage of 3.0 g. Langmuir isotherm best explained the adsorption data and required parameters and appropriate constants were calculated. These results suggest that C. glomerata may remove dye from aqueous solutions.
Clinical Prediction Models for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter-Related Venous Thrombosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Fan , Li Hui , Xu Min , Zhou Ying , Zhang Lingling , Hao Zhaohua
Published: April 2023

Background PICC-related venous thrombosis (PICC-RVT) is one of the most serious complications of PICC. Clinical prediction models (CPMs) are statistical models that incorporate a number of variables and forecast the likelihood of outcome events using a few risk factors.Objective To analyze the reported PICC-RVT risk prediction models' bias risks and to conduct out a meta-analysis.Methods PICC-RVT research reports were available in PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, Scopus, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library. Research data from articles fulfilling eligibility conditions were collected and analyzed using the Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modeling Studies checklist. The included studies were assessed for bias using PROBAST. A meta-analysis of the C statistics of the included studies was performed using R software.Results A total of 714 articles were acquired from the electronic database; 5 of these were included in our study. All models were evaluated to have "low risk" in the clinical application domain using PROBAST evaluation. Regarding bias risk, three models were labeled as "high risk," one as "uncertain," and one as "low risk." The C-statistics for each model, which were in the range of 0.636 to 0.802.Conclusions The model's discrimination and prediction are acceptable, and most of the models in our review lack external validation. Our findings suggest reporting predictive model creation or validation utilizing TRIPOD criteria.
Immediate Impacts of Online Service-Learning Engagements on Partner Communities: A Mixed Methods Approach
Authors: Abenir Mark Anthony , Lopez Leslie A. , Mendoza Lara Katrina T. , Panlilio Eugene G.
Published: April 2023

This study investigates the immediate impacts of online Service-Learning (SL) on partner communities in the Philippines, addressing a gap in existing literature focused on face-to-face (f2f) SL engagements. Using a mixed-method convergent design, it assesses benefits, drawbacks, and factors influencing the effectiveness of online SL. Data was collected from 66 key contacts across 36 community partner organizations (CPOs) of a comprehensive university using a survey questionnaire and 11 individual interviews. Results show that online SL projects generally support CPOs' missions, enhance resources, foster new knowledge, and yield positive outcomes. However, qualitative analysis reveals areas for improvement to make online SL more engaging and responsive to community needs. This research emphasizes the importance of examining the immediate impact of online SL, guiding best practices for implementation, and fostering effective online SL collaborations that can be adapted across various countries with similar contexts.
Determination of Paraquat and Diquat in Potato by Liquid Chromatography/Tandem Mass Spectrometer
Authors: Chamkasem Narong , Morris Cynthia , Harmon Tiffany
Published: April 2023

A high-throughput liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of paraquat and diquat in potatoes using a reversed-phase with weak anion-exchange and cation-exchange mixed-mode Acclaim™ Trinity Q1 column. Five grams of sample was shaken with fifteen milliliters of 1:1 MeOH: 0.1 N HCl for 10 min at room temperature and heated for 15 min at 80°C. After centrifugation, the supernatant was passed through an Oasis HLB SPE to retain suspended particulates and non-polar interferences. The sample was directly injected and analyzed for 10 min by LC-MS/MS with no sample concentration. Two multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) channels were monitored in the method for each target compound to achieve true positive identification. Two internal standards corresponding to each analyte were used to counter matrix suppression effect. Linearity of the detector response with a minimum coefficient of determination (r2) of more than 0.997 was demonstrated in the range from 2 to 250 ng/mL for each analyte using matrix-matched standard. The average recovery for all analytes at 10, 25, 100, and 500 ng/g (n$=$5) are between 87-106% with a relative standard deviation of less than 12%.https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v05n01p001 (DOI assigned 4/17/2019)
Histopathology Evaluation and Peer Review for Nonclinical Studies: Raw Data Compliance to GLP Quality Systems
Authors: Settiagounder Natesan
Published: April 2023

Histopathology evaluation of animal tissues from a nonclinical toxicological study by a study pathologist contributes substantially to the endpoint(s) of a GLP compliant study. Often, selected tissue slides, existing and new, evaluated by a study pathologist, are peer reviewed by an expert pathologist, to assure and improve quality of observations and interpretation. The peer review process, having scope to change certain components of a pathology report, can lead to changes in observations, interpretation and potential outcome/conclusions of a study. The GLP regulations of several countries provide quality system approaches, which are though similar have differences in their statutes and expectations. The heart of the matter of GLP quality systems is raw data to ensure their true reflection in final report and help reconstruction. In 1987, the U. S. FDA specially interpreted "raw data" applicable for histopathology evaluation. However, there is no conclusive change by other Agencies, except the OECD (2014) guidance. Inconsistencies and controversies prevailed during the last three decades on different perspectives of raw data applicable for histopathology evaluation and peer review of different types. This paper goes critically between the lines of GLP definitions, expectations and diverse practices, seeking harmonized interpretation by all stakeholders for complying with multiple regulations.https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v05n02p045 (DOI assigned 3/11/2019)
Evaluation of Whole Genome Sequencing and an Insertion Site Characterization Method for Molecular Characterization of GM Maize
Authors: Cade Rebecca , Burgin Kristina , Schilling Kelly , Lee Tae-Jin , Ngam Peter , Devitt Nico , Fajardo Diego
Published: April 2023

Molecular characterization of genetically modified (GM) crops has traditionally been accomplished through a combination of Southern blot, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and Sanger sequencing analyses. This characterization generates critical information that is used in downstream safety assessment of GM crops and development of GM detection methods.Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, such as whole genome sequencing (WGS), have shown the potential to replace some or all of these techniques for molecular characterization of GM crops. This paper describes the characterization of two GM maize events using NGS for WGS in combination with an insertion site characterization (ISC) method.  The sensitivity of the method is also compared to that of Southern blot analysis through detection of small insert fragments. Our results demonstrate that WGS is at least as sensitive as Southern blot analysis for determining the insert copy number, presence or absence unintended insertions, and for characterization of small fragment insertions.These results support the conclusion that WGS along with an appropriate insertion site characterization method are a suitable alternative to Southern blot analyses for molecular characterization of GM maize.https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v06n01p001 (DOI assigned 1/24/2019)
The Pathology Community's Interpretation of Settiagounder’s Proposals on GLP Process as Applied to Pathology Peer Review
Authors: Bennet Bindu
Published: April 2023

https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v06n01pv (DOI assigned 1/24/2019)
Risk Assessment of Copper and Molybdenum and Other Minerals in Feed Ingredients and Finished Feeds
Authors: Post Lynn O. , Williams Sara , Applegate Cynthia , Jones Ben , Herrman Timothy J. , Bailey Jr. E. Murl
Published: April 2023

This is a risk assessment for six mineral contaminants and four essential minerals. A total of 1,466 samples were collected from 18 product categories during 2010 to 2018. The 18 product categories were divided into 11 finished feed (689 samples) categories and seven feed ingredient categories (777 samples). Mineral and vitamin/minerals mixes (565 samples) were the predominant products in the seven feed ingredient categories, and beef cattle feed (351 samples) was the predominant product in the 11 finished feed categories. Samples from the 18 product categories were analyzed for up to 10 minerals: arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), molybdenum (Mo), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), selenium (Se), and thallium (Tl). Cr, Cu, Mo, and Se are essential nutrients, and the other six are contaminants. The ratios of mean concentrations of the 6 inorganic contaminants across the 11 finished feeds were low compared to the seven feed ingedients categories. This implies that the risk of toxicity from the potential carryover of the six contaminants from feed ingredients to finished feeds is low. The mean Cu concentrations were high and the mean Mo concentrations were low in the four finished feed categories for ruminants (cattle, sheep, and goats). The ideal copper:molybdenum (Cu:Mo) ratio is >6:1 and <10:1 in the four finished feed categories for ruminants. The calculated Cu:Mo ratio of 26:1 shows a nutritional imbalance between Cu and Mo that may cause Cu toxicosis with long-term exposure.https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v07post
Sensitive SERS Characterization and Analysis of Chlorpyrifos and Aldicarb Residues in Animal Feed using Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Lee Kyung-min , Yarbrough Danielle , Kozman Mena , Herrman Timothy , Park Jinhyuk , Wang Rui , Kurouski Dmitry
Published: April 2023

The spectroscopic method based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) technique combined with chemometric methods was developed for simple, cost-effective, and efficient analysis of chlorpyrifos (CPF) and aldicarb (ALD) pesticide residues in animal feed. Animal feeds free from the pesticides were spiked at different concentrations of CPF (0-20 mg/kg) and aldicarb (0-100 µg/kg). Gold nanoparticles were mixed with sample extract for SERS measurement. A significant spectral difference induced by the presence and different level of CPF and ALD concentration in animal feed was observed between the pesticide spiking groups. Different chemometric models applied on training datasets showed excellent classification rates (100 percent) while the models on external validation dataset exhibited lower correct classification rates (50.0-76.7 percent) with no false-negative error. The selected chemometric models for CPF and ALD quantification also showed a high predictive ability and performance. The developed models displayed no statistical significant difference between model predicted and reference values in the external validation dataset (p < 0.01). The study results indicate that the SERS spectroscopic method could be an effective and efficient analytical tool for pesticide analysis in highly complex animal feed matrices for screening at a point of sampling to improve food and feed safety.

https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v08lee
Recommendations for Assessing Human Dietary Exposure to Newly Expressed Proteins in Genetically Modified Crops
Authors: Mathesius Carey A. , Sauve-Ciencewicki Alaina , Anderson Jennifer , Cleveland Cheryl , Fleming Carrie , Frierdich Gregory E. , Goodwin Laurie , Grunenwald Mark , Laporte Frank , Lipscomb Elizabeth A. , Oberdoerfer Regina , Petrick Jay S. , Bauman Patricia A.
Published: April 2023

Risk assessment of genetically modified (GM) crops includes an evaluation of hazard and exposure to newly expressed crop constituents, exemplified herein by newly expressed proteins (NEPs). Guidance directing dietary exposure assessments (DEAs) is limited and/or globally inconsistent. Best practices for conducting DEAs are presented and include a preliminary problem formulation step to determine if a formal DEA is necessary to support the risk assessment. If a formal DEA is deemed necessary, the type of exposure (acute or chronic) and the availability of food consumption data relevant to the targeted population should be identified. Exposure should be estimated initially using a simple, straight-forward, and fit-for-purpose DEA (unrefined DEA) approach while ensuring relevance to the risk question. Unrefined assessments, which are very likely to overestimate exposure, provide a high level of protection to consumers of GM crops. If refinement of the DEA is necessary, then the simplest refinements that meet the needs of the risk assessment should be implemented. DEAs are not scientifically necessary for NEPs in GM crops if a hazard has not been identified, since risk is a function of both hazard and exposure. Nonetheless, dietary exposure assessments are sometimes required for regulatory purposes, and this publication outlines some key best practices and considerations for their conduct.

https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v08mathesius
Potential Impact of Accelerated Approval on the Drug Lags for Anticancer Drugs Between the United States and Japan
Authors: Nagasawa Takashi , Aruga Atsushi
Published: April 2023

The term 'drug lag' represents the difference in the timing of drug approval among countries. The impact of accelerated approvals on the drug lag for anticancer drugs between the United States (U.S.) and Japan was evaluated using publicly available information to identify anticancer drugs approved in the U.S. or Japan between January 2006 and March 2017. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the association between the oncology drugs lags and potential factors, including accelerated approval. The median drug lag was 805 days. The drug lag was extended for drugs that were approved in the U.S. under accelerated approval (884 days) compared to the standard approval (606 days). A total of 170 approvals were available for the analysis of drug lags. A multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the following factors contributed significantly to the drug lags (p < 0.05): accelerated approval (odds ratio [OR] 4.48), Phase III study (OR 3.69), major cancer (OR 0.38), and international/global development (OR 0.32). Accelerated approval in the U.S. is one of the significant factors that extend the drug lags for anticancer drugs. The current drug development and approval process in Japan may have advantages, however, since a new regulation to reduce drug lag for anticancer drugs, the conditional early approval system, may help minimize drug lags and support decision making not only for regulators but also pharmaceutical companies.

https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v08nagasawa
Streamlining Data Requirements for the Environmental Risk Assessment of Genetically Modified (GM) Crops for Cultivation Approvals
Authors: Anderson Jennifer , Bachman Pamela , Burns Andrea , Chakravarthy Suma , Goodwin Laurie , Privalle Laura , Song Shuang , Storer Nicholas
Published: April 2023

Genetically modified (GM) crops have been cultivated safely for more than 25 years, and the framework for conducting an environmental risk assessment (ERA) is well-established. Currently, there is alignment of broadly-stated protection goals across global jurisdictions; however, there is a lack of consistency for the data that are required by regulators. Risk assessors have over 25 years of collective experience assessing the environmental safety of GM crops and have conducted hundreds of ERAs to evaluate GM crop safety. This experience provides a scientific basis to help determine which data informs the ERA, and which data does not inform the safety assessment. The goals of this paper are to: 1) define the process for identifying potential pathways to harm based on robust problem formulation; 2) provide an overview of data that inform the science-based ERA for cultivation approval; 3) provide examples of data that are routinely or occasionally required but do not inform the ERA; and 4) make recommendations for harmonization of global ERA data requirements. Refinement and harmonization of data requirements across global regulatory authorities will add transparency and predictability to the ERA of GM crops globally, while ensuring that each country's protection goals are respected.

doi: 10.21423/jrs-v09i1anderson
Data Transportability for Studies Performed to Support an Environmental Risk Assessment for Genetically Modified (GM) Crops
Authors: M. Bachman Pamela , Anderson Jennifer , Burns Andrea , Chakravarthy Suma , Goodwin Laurie , Privalle Laura , Song Shuang , Storer Nicholas
Published: April 2023

Laboratory and field data generated on genetically modified (GM) plants in one country can inform the environmental risk assessment and support regulatory decision-making for GM plants being cultivated in another country. Well-designed studies that test clear risk hypotheses and that follow well-established methods allow for conclusions to be made about potential environmental effects from cultivation of a GM plant relative to its conventional counterparts. Following the principle of data transportability, if no biologically relevant differences between a GM plant and its conventional counterparts are observed in one country or region, data from these studies can be used to inform the risk assessment in another country, regardless of agroclimatic zone. Similarly, if biologically relevant differences are observed in studies conducted in one country, these data can be used to assess potential environmental harm in another country. Gathering additional data for the ERA in a different country or in expanded regions may increase the weight of evidence of environmental safety, but additional field study data are only warranted if specific hypotheses of risk remain after assessing risk based on the existing data, and if they would affect the outcome of decision-making. Transportation of product data across regions has been successfully used by multiple countries to eliminate redundancy, create regulatory efficiencies and enable timely realization of the benefits of GM plants.

doi: 10.21423/jrs-v09i1bachman
Can Mass Spectrometry Analysis of In Vitro Digestion Products Improve the Assessment of Allergenic Potential of a Newly Expressed Protein?
Authors: Wang Rong , Houston Norma , Cheever Matthew L. , Geng Tao , Gillikin Nancy , McDonald Justin , Serrano Hector , Shippar Jeffrey , Tetteh Afua , Wang Yanfei , Liu Lucy
Published: April 2023

The rigorous safety assessment conducted on genetically modified crops includes an evaluation of allergenic potential for an associated newly expressed protein (NEP). Since no single method is recognized as a predictor for protein allergenicity, a weight of evidence approach (WOE) has been adopted. In vitro digestion is a part of the WOE approach and is used to evaluate the susceptibility of a NEP to digestion by gastrointestinal proteases. In 2017, the European Food Safety Authority outlined additional digestion conditions and suggested liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) as an analytical method to detect small post-digestion peptides. This technical review paper focuses on the question of whether LC-MS/MS can aid in assessing allergenic potential of in vitro digestion products generated under the newly proposed conditions. After an extensive review, it was determined that LC-MS/MS can detect very small digestion products. However, the method cannot provide relevant information to differentiate whether these products are allergenic or non-allergenic. Therefore, the use of LC-MS/MS for a standard in vitro digestibility assessment provides no improvement in allergenicity prediction.

doi: 10.21423/jrs-v09i1wang
How Protective to the Environment is the Pesticide Risk Assessment and Registration Process in the United States?
Authors: Moore Dwayne , McCarroll-Butler Caleb , Avanasi Raghavendhran , Chen Wenlin , White Mark , Brain Richard
Published: April 2023

The media, public, and other stakeholders are generally unaware of the degree of protection provided to the environment by the current pesticide registration process in the United States. Each pesticide product must meet extensive fate and toxicological data requirements (typically 100+ studies) to be considered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA uses that information to conduct ecological, human health, and benefits assessments and make decisions on whether to register pesticides and, if so, under what conditions. The assessments rely on conservative assumptions, models, and inputs to consistently err on the side of caution throughout the pesticide registration process. The rigorous compliance requirements specified in the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and Endangered Species Act (ESA) are designed to preclude unacceptable adverse effects. However, this reality seldom, if ever, makes headlines. Pesticides are not causing the dire widespread apocalyptic effects often portrayed by some media outlets. Rather, pesticides have been doing what they were intentionally designed to do, controlling pests and increasing yields, within the stringent limitations of registered labels. The continually evolving pesticide registration process was originally predicated on the unintended adverse effects neither anticipated nor considered over 50 years ago, due to insufficient regulation and oversight at the time. However, the contemporary regulatory paradigm in the U.S. is data rich and analysis intensive by design, and perhaps understandably, biased towards ensuring environmental protection when registering pesticides.
https://doi.org/10.21423/jrs-v09i2moore
How Protective is the Pesticide Risk Assessment and Registration Process to Humans in the United States?
Authors: Avanasi Raghavendhran , Glover Aubrey , Lord Caleb , Macari Jessica , Munday Michael , McKillican Carol , Algarin Nestor , McCaskill Amy , Hampton Ronald , Brain Richard , Leiner Kevin
Published: April 2023

The need to feed the growing world population is a daunting challenge and improving crop yield using technology (e.g., synthetic pesticides) is a primary solution being utilized by growers globally. However, there is a general perception that the U.S. population is not well protected from the effects of using pesticides. This leads us to a natural question: how protective to humans is the pesticide risk assessment and registration process in the U.S.? In this commentary, we aim to give an overview of the regulatory history of pesticides in the U.S. and systematically discuss the data-driven, comprehensive, and health-protective methods employed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in accordance with the stringent mandates of the laws passed by U.S. Congress and the regulations enacted by the EPA to protect the U.S. population. By describing the studies required under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), along with the health-protective models and assumptions employed by the EPA to evaluate the potential for human health risks from pesticides, we aim to highlight the compounding health-protectiveness of the existing regulatory framework. We emphasize the need to maintain a regulated risk-benefit balance in using modern agricultural technology, similar to what is done with other indispensable modern human innovations and technologies.
Application of Raman spectroscopy for qualitative and quantitative detection of fumonisins in ground maize samples
Authors: Lee Kyung-Min , Herrman Timothy J. , Nansen Cristian , Yun Unil
Published: April 2023

The feasibility of Raman spectroscopy for qualitative and quantitative assessment of fumonisins in ground maize was investigated using the samples with concentration range of 2 to 99 mg/kg.  Major Raman bands relevant to fumonisin effects on starch molecules and on increased fumonisin levels were observed in several Raman shift regions.  The k-nearest neighbor (KNN) models achieved highest classification accuracies for both training (100%) and independent validation (96-100%) data.  Three classification models (k-nearest neighbor, linear discriminant analysis, and partial least squares discriminant analysis) correctly classified fumonisin contaminated samples of >5 mg/kg.  All chemometrics models for quantitative determination of fumonisins could explain >90% of variation in spectra data.  Multiple linear regression (MLR) and partial least square regression (PLSR) models showed slightly higher predictive accuracies and lower error rates.  The statistical results showed no significant difference between LC-MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) reference and Raman predicted data, implying some models developed have the ability to accurately predict fumonisin levels in ground maize samples for rapid screening and identification of contaminated samples.  This work characterizes the capability of Raman spectroscopy as a fast screening tool for high-throughput analysis of fumonisin contaminated samples to improve food and feed safety.
Variance structure of aflatoxin contaminated maize in commercial grain elevators and transporters
Authors: Herrman Timothy J , Lee Kyung-Min , Jones Ben L , Haggart Don R
Published: April 2023

The application of risk analysis to manage chemical hazards in the grain industry by regulators presents significant challenges including development of sampling schemes and disposition plans in the presence of high levels of aflatoxin contamination. In this study, a firm comprised of seven grain elevators with 38 storage bins containing aflatoxin contaminated maize were studied to evaluate the risk management effectiveness of a sampling strategy negotiated in bankruptcy court. Samples from 551 incoming trucks and 301 outbound trucks of maize were analyzed for aflatoxin by Grain Inspection and Packers Stockyard Administration (GIPSA) Official Inspection Agencies (OIA). A comparison of the average aflatoxin measures for all incoming and outgoing trucks were 373 and 376 mg/kg, respectively. A comparison of 64 outbound trucks between the GIPSA OIA and the Office of the Texas State Chemist (OTSC) revealed that the aflatoxin measurements between the two agencies were significantly (p<0.01) related, with a correlation coefficient of r=0.80. The outbound trucks sampled by OTSC were subjected to a hierarchical analysis to derive grain elevator, grain bin, truck-to-truck and intra-truck variance components. The variance was partitioned as follows: grain elevator variance (1.9%), bin variance (65.8%), truck variance (9.1%) and the residual error (23%) representing intra-truck aflatoxin variability. This study documents that the negotiated sampling plan provided regulators the ability to detect and isolate grain unfit for commerce.
Analysis of Pesticides in Olive Oil Using a Modified QuEChERS Method with LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS
Authors: Chamkasem Narong , Harmon Tiffany
Published: April 2023

A simple and high-throughput screening method for the analysis of pesticides in olive oil is presented. A modified QuEChERS sample preparation method was developed to improve the extraction recovery of highly lipophilic pesticides. The acetonitrile extract of the olive oil was directly injected to LC-MS/MS, while other GC-amenable compounds were treated with the modified QuEChERS procedure for GC-MS/MS analysis. The method is an extension of the LIB 4517 to include olive oil. The average recoveries for 80 pesticides quantified by LC-MS/MS at 200, 500, and 1000 ng/g fortifying levels were 91% or better (RSD < 5.5%), while GC-MS/MS analysis demonstrated 81% or better (RSD < 7.2%) for average recovery from 59 compounds at the same spike levels. This method showed an improved recovery of several challenging lipophilicpesticides in olive oils.
CROISSANCE DE LEPTADENIA HASTATA (PERS.) DECNE., (ASCLEPIADACEAE) EN PEPINIERE, UNE LIANE COMESTIBLE AU NIGER
Authors:   Universite Abdou Moumouni de Niamey, Faculte des Sciences et Techniques, Departement de Biologie, Laboratoire Garba Mounkaila, BP 10662 Niamey, Niger., Boubacar Halimatou , Mayaki Zoubeirou Alzouma ,   Departement Production Durable des Cultures, Faculte des Sciences Agronomiques, Universite Boubacar BA de Tillaberi, BP 175 Tillaberi, Niger.
Published: April 2023

Dans louest du Niger, Leptadenia hastata tend a occuper une place importante surtout au niveau des plateaux. Ses multiples fonctions alimentaires, medicinales et economiques font quelle est tres sollicitee par les populations rurales. Mais leffet conjugue des actions anthropiques et des aleas climatiques compromet la survie de cette espece en hypothequant les principales fonctions vitales des ressources naturelles pour les populations locales. Aussi assiste-t-on de plus en plus a une faible regeneration de lespece, les jeunes pieds sont devenus tres rares, la production des semences est limitee. Cette etude conduite dans le jardin botanique de la Faculte des Sciences et Techniques (FAST) de lUniversite Abdou Moumouni de Niamey a pour objectif devaluer la dynamique de la croissance morphologique de lespece. Dans des pots en plastique rempli chacun du substrat constitue de 2/3 de sable pour 1/3 de fumier avec un apport deau journalier, deux lots de graines ont ete ensemences: des graines conservees a la temperature ambiante en laboratoire pendant deux mois (graines recentes) et des graines conservees a la temperature ambiante en laboratoire pendant seize mois (graines ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢gees). Le taux de germination et de levee ont ete calcules. Les aspects morphologiques de la croissance des plantules ont ete suivis pendant 50 jours. Le taux de germination pour les graines recentes et ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢gees est respectivement de 97,5% et 96,66%, celui de levee est aussi respectivement de 95,72% et 95,68%. A un mois, les graines ÃƒÂƒÃ‚Â¢gees ont enregistrees une hauteur des tiges moyenne de 36,68 cm plus elevee que ceux des graines recentes (23,02 cm). Mais au 50eme jour il ny a pas eu de difference significative entre les hauteurs de deux types de graines. De meme, jusqu a la fin de lexperience, il ny a pas eu de difference significative au niveau du diametre au collet, du nombre de feuille et du nombre de ramifications des tiges. La croissance tres rapide de lespece lui confere laptitude detre utilisee dans les programmes de reboisement et de restauration des sols degrades apres seulement 50 jours en pepiniere.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IN MOROCCO AND HUMAN CAPITAL: WHAT EMPIRICAL RELATIONSHIP?
Authors:   Researcher in the Department of Electrical Engineering, Mohammedia School of Engineers University Mohamed V Rabat, Morocco., Karim B.
Published: April 2023

In recent years, there have been profound changes in the knowledge economy in the world, which mark in an irreversible way the passage to a new era of the immaterial, the investment in knowledge which has exceeded that made in the equipment. The resources invested in the production and dissemination of knowledge, in particular research and development, education, training, human capital as well as in information and communication technologies (ICT) are constantly increasing. The purpose of this article is to study the importance of human capital in the digital age and find the relationship between digital transformation in Morocco and its human capital?
STUDY OF SLEEP DISORDERS IN PATIENTS WITH END STAGE RENAL DISEASE ON HAEMODIALYSIS: A HOSPITAL BASED CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors:   Post Graduate Resident, Department of General Medicine., Vanaparthy Eshwaraiah , H. Kalbande Sanjay ,   Professor and HOD Department ofGeneral Medicine., Narayana P. ,   Professor of General Medicine., Sandeep Peddi ,   Associate Professor of Nephrology.
Published: April 2023

Background:Sleep disorders are prevalent but underrecognized in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) inparticular those with end stage renal disease (ESRD) undergoing dialysis therapy.9 Although variable,their prevalence has been reported to be much higher than in the general population Aim: To study the pattern of sleep disorder in patients with end stage renal disease onhaemodialysisandtheirassociationwithcomorbidities. Material and Methods:Thiswasacrosssectionalstudyon100patientsattendingthedialysiscentreofChalmedaAnand Rao InstituteofMedicalSciences.Patient datawascollectedusingaself-administeredquestionnaire. Results:Ofthe100patientsofendstagerenaldisease(ESRD)onhaemodialysis,76(76%)hadsomeformofsleepdisorder.Thepatternofsleepdisorderswas:64(84.21%)hadinsomnia,25(32.89%)hadexcessive daytime sleepiness (EDS), 20 (26.32%) had obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), 7 (9.21%) hadrestlesslegsyndrome(RLS),2(2.63%)hadnightmaresand2(2.63%)hadsleep-walking.Patientswithhistoryofsmoking(p=0.034)andhistoryofalcoholconsumption(p=0.010)ortreatmentwithbenzodiazepines (p=.002) were more prone to sleep disorders. Patients with sleep disorders werefound to have lower hemoglobin and iron stores. An association was specially noticed between RLSandlowironstatus. Conclusion:Threeoutof fourof patients withESRD onhemodialysis havesleep disorders.InsomniawasnotedtobethecommonestsleepdisorderfollowedbyEDS.
Molecular background of the merle coat color in dogs and its health consequences
Authors: SZATKOWSKA IWONA , OTRĘBA MARTYNA , KORBECKI JAN , CZERNIAWSKA-PIĄTKOWSKA EWA , WÓJCIK JERZY , GRZESIAK WILHELM , ZABORSKI DANIEL
Published: April 2023

Coat colour in dogs is influenced by many genes and their polymorphic forms. The main coat colour pattern depends on pigment type, i.e. eumelanin or pheomelanin, whose synthesis is regulated by tyrosinase encoded by the TYRP1 gene. However, other genes also contribute to the ultimate phenotype. One of them is PMEL responsible for the merle coat colour. This review focuses on the role of melanocytes in the phenotypic expression of coat colour, the merle phenotype and genotype, phenotypic diversity of the M allele carriers, health consequences for the carriers of the allele responsible for the merle coat colour and problems with the identification of the M allele carriers based on phenotype and dog breeds with the merle coat colour accepted by the FCI.
Histopathological evaluation of canine mammary gland tumours: a study of 92 cases
Authors: TKACZYK-WLIZŁO ANGELIKA , ŚMIECH ANNA , KOWAL KRZYSZTOF , RÓŻAŃSKA DOROTA , ŚLASKA BRYGIDA
Published: April 2023

Neoplasms of the mammary glands are the most common tumours in female dogs, albeit rare cases in male dogs are reported as well. Canine mammary tumours (CMT) are a naturally occurring heterogeneous group of cancers with a high incidence rate of up to 25-50% among females. Despite many years of research, the aetiology and high incidence of these tumours are still poorly understood. There is a need to present epidemiological data on mammary tumour occurrence in different breeds of dogs in different countries to select prognostic risk factors and identify breeds with higher susceptibility to tumour development. The aim of this study was to describe histopathological findings for 92 animals, including 87 female and five male dogs, diagnosed with mammary gland tumours (MGTs) in Poland and to determine such epidemiological characteristics as age, breed and size as well as their relationship with tumour incidence and malignancy. Histopathological analyses showed that 82 (89.1%) of the 92 dogs had malignant tumours, seven dogs (7.6%) had benign tumours, and three dogs (3.3%) had non-neoplastic changes in the form of dysplasias. Thirty (33.7%) of the 89 dogs with mammary gland tumours had more than one neoplasia. The highest number of cases were epithelial tumours (79.8%), followed by mesenchymal (14.6%) and mixed (5.6%) tumours. The vast majority of malignant tumours were tubulopapillary carcinomas (33.7%), complex carcinomas (24.7%) and solid carcinomas (11.2%). It is worth noting a large variation in the degree of tumour malignancy among the tubulopapillary carcinoma cases. The present study showed a higher incidence of mammary gland tumours in female dogs aged 8-13 years. The vast majority of female cases were diagnosed at the age of 12 years. The average year of surgical intervention in the male dogs was 9 years. Among 25 breeds of dogs in which MGTs were noted, the highest number of affected animals were crossbreeds (30.3%), German Shepherds (23.6%) and English Cocker Spaniels (9.0%). The large size of the tumour (≥ 5 cm) was strongly associated with its malignancy.
Occurrence of Salmonella in the environment
Authors: RENATA KWIT , MAGDALENA ZAJĄC , MAGDALENA SKARŻYŃSKA , ANNA LALAK , ALEKSANDRA ŚMIAŁOWSKA-WĘGLIŃSKA , PAULINA PASIM , EMILIA MIKOS-WOJEWODA , DOMINIKA WOJDAT , WERONIKA KOZA , EWELINA SKRZYPIEC , MILENA SKÓRA , DARIUSZ WASYL
Published: April 2023

Salmonella is one of the most common causes of foodborne diseases. Although it is an intestinal bacterium, it can function perfectly well in various environments outside the host’s organism. Salmonella infections in humans are transmitted mainly through food of animal or plant origin and pose a serious problem for public health and the economy. Salmonella is an etiological factor of diseases in farm and free-living animals, which are also the most common source of environmental contamination. Reptiles and amphibians represent an important and often underestimated reservoir of these bacteria. Even under unfavorable conditions, the pathogen can survive for years in feed or food processing facilities mainly because of its ability to form biofilm. Salmonella can colonize plants epiphytically and endophytically. After penetrating external tissues, it can be transferred through the internal transport system to various organs, including fruit and seeds. This process depends on the serovar of the bacteria and the species of the plant being infected. The ability of Salmonella to survive and proliferate in the soil depends on many interacting factors, such as soil type, humidity, pH, temperature, and indigenous flora. Enriching the soil with natural fertilizers increases the occurrence of the pathogen and significantly reduces its rate of decline. In the aquatic environment, as well, Salmonella can survive for months after direct contamination with human or animal faeces or indirect contamination with insufficiently treated sewage sludge or runoff from agricultural land. The main determinants of Salmonella survival are temperature, sunlight, and the presence of accompanying microflora. Contaminated water used in processing can also be an indirect cause of transmission of intestinal pathogens to food.
The effects of vitamin E on T cell subsets and immunoglobulin-containing plasma cells in the spleen of heat-stressed broiler chickens
Authors: KORKMAZ DENIZ , KUM SADIYE , EREN ULKER
Published: April 2023

iven a bird’s underdeveloped lymph vessels and lymph nodes, the spleen is of the utmost importance in the avian immune system. Broiler chickens can be subjected to heat stress (HS), which causes an increase in mortality, a decrease in feed intake, body weight gain, and hatchability. Vitamin E is an important antioxidant for cells, but there is limited information about how heat stress affects spleen tissue in chickens and how vitamin E can change this effect. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of vitamin E based on the location of subpopulations of T cells and immunoglobulin-producing plasma cells in the spleens of broiler chickens subjected to HS. The results indicated that vitamin E supplementation in the broiler chicken diet could increase the population of immune system cells in heat-stressed chickens. The findings of this study could be used as a reference for the development of management strategies for broiler chickens, especially in countries with a hot climate.
Gastrointestinal ulceration in dogs with portosystemic shunt
Authors: FRYMUS JAN , TRĘBACZ PIOTR , GALANTY MAREK
Published: April 2023

Portosystemic shunt (PSS) in dogs is a common abnormality in which blood from the intestines bypasses the liver flowing directly to the systemic circulation through an aberrant vessel. The lack of hepatic detoxication can lead to a fatal outcome. Treatment of choice is a surgical occlusion of the shunt. Gastrointestinal ulceration/ erosion (GUE) has been described as one of the numerous clinical consequences of PSS, As these lesions are a severe complication, and seem to be underestimated, this review presents the current knowledge about GUE in dogs with PSS. Although the pathogenesis of these lesions is not clear and experimental data are scarce, we conclude that proton pump inhibitors should be administered pre- and postoperatively to dogs with PSS to reduce the incidence of GUE and thus increase the recovery rate.
Identidad y performance: revisión crítica de la teoría de género de Butler desde Leibniz
Authors: Casales García Roberto
Published: April 2023

Este artículo analiza la teoría butleriana de los actos performativos y su crítica a las teorías substancialistas o esencialistas del género a la luz de la teoría leibniziana de la acción intencional con el objetivo de mostrar que no podemos disociar la performatividad de la intencionalidad ni, en consecuencia, de una comprensión práctica de la identidad personal. Para lograr este objetivo, realizo tres cosas: en primer lugar, un análisis de la teoría del género y la noción de “performatividad” de Butler desde su crítica a las teorías naturalistas o esencialistas del género; en segundo, confronto su teoría de la performatividad con la teoría leibniziana de “acción intencional” y su noción de “agencia moral”; en tercer lugar, esbozo dos conclusiones: 1) solo podemos hablar de performatividad en términos de intencionalidad, y 2) hablar de actos performativos no implica disociar el género de nuestra identidad personal.
Features of the Expansion of Multiple Stochastic Stratonovich Integrals Using Walsh and Haar Functions
Authors:   Moscow Aviation Institute (National Research University), Rybakov Konstantin
Published: April 2023

The problem of the root-mean-square convergence for approximations of multiple stochastic Stratonovich integrals based on the generalized multiple Fourier series method using Walsh and Haar functions is considered. It is shown that when they are chosen to expand multiple stochastic integrals, the proof of the root-mean-square convergence of a subsequence of series partial sums, which is formed in a way that is quite natural for these functions, does not require the explicit fulfillment of any additional conditions, except for the condition of the existence of the multiple stochastic Stratonovich integral.
El vínculo entre felicidad y virtudes morales en la ética de Tomás de Aquino
Authors: da Silva Dionìsio
Published: April 2023

Santo Tomás de Aquino considera que la finalidad humana es la felicidad, de modo que el hombre orienta todas sus acciones para su alcance. Pero, como el hombre es susceptible al error y puede engañarse en la búsqueda por la felicidad al elegir medios que no conducen a ella, la felicidad solo puede ser alcanzada cuando todas sus potencias estén perfeccionadas por las virtudes morales, pues ellas ordenan las acciones humanas al encuentro de la verdadera felicidad. El objetivo de este trabajo es demostrar que hay un vínculo necesario entre las virtudes morales y la felicidad en la ética tomista.