bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actionable wastewater surveillance: application to a university residence hall during the transition between Delta and Omicron resurgences of COVID-19
Authors: Corchis-Scott Ryland , Geng Qiudi , Al Riahi Abdul Monem , Labak Amr , Podadera Ana , Ng Kenneth K. S. , Porter Lisa A. , Tong Yufeng , Dixon Jess C. , Menard Sherri Lynne , Seth Rajesh , McKay R. Michael
Published: May 2023

Wastewater surveillance has gained traction during the COVID-19 pandemic as an effective and non-biased means to track community infection. While most surveillance relies on samples collected at municipal wastewater treatment plants, surveillance is more actionable when samples are collected “upstream” where mitigation of transmission is tractable. This report describes the results of wastewater surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 at residence halls on a university campus aimed at preventing outbreak escalation by mitigating community spread. Another goal was to estimate fecal shedding rates of SARS-CoV-2 in a non-clinical setting. Passive sampling devices were deployed in sewer laterals originating from residence halls at a frequency of twice weekly during fall 2021 as the Delta variant of concern continued to circulate across North America. A positive detection as part of routine sampling in late November 2021 triggered daily monitoring and further isolated the signal to a single wing of one residence hall. Detection of SARS-CoV-2 within the wastewater over a period of 3 consecutive days led to a coordinated rapid antigen testing campaign targeting the residence hall occupants and the identification and isolation of infected individuals. With knowledge of the number of individuals testing positive for COVID-19, fecal shedding rates were estimated to range from 3.70 log10 gc ‧ g feces−1 to 5.94 log10 gc ‧ g feces−1. These results reinforce the efficacy of wastewater surveillance as an early indicator of infection in congregate living settings. Detections can trigger public health measures ranging from enhanced communications to targeted coordinated testing and quarantine.
UV-C inactivation of microorganisms in droplets on food contact surfaces using UV-C light-emitting diode devices
Authors: Sharma Aakash , Mahmoud Housyn , Pendyala Brahmaiah , Balamurugan Sampathkumar , Patras Ankit
Published: May 2023

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of ultraviolet light (UV-C) emitting diodes for the decontamination of stainless steel food contact surfaces. Listeria monocytogenes (ATCC 19115), Escherichia coli (ATCC 25922), and Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium (ATCC 700720) were chosen as challenge microorganisms. Target microorganisms were subjected to UV-C dosages of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 mJ cm−2 at an average fluence of 0.163 mW/cm2 using a near-collimated beam operating at 279 nm wavelength. Escherichia coli showed lower sensitivity to UV-C light compared to Salmonella Typhimurium and followed first-order kinetics. Escherichia coli and Salmonella Typhimurium were reduced by more than 3-log10 cycles at the maximum UV dosage of 12 mJ cm−2. In contrast, Listeria monocytogenes followed the Weibull model with an apparent shoulder in the initial doses. A maximum reduction of 4.4-log10 was achieved at the highest exposure level. This study showed that UV-C LED devices represent an excellent alternative for the inactivation of foodborne microorganisms in droplets. Results clearly demonstrate that UV-C LED devices can serve as an additional sanitation method to routine cleaning practices, which are commonly utilized in the food industry.
Optimization of electrode positions for equalizing local spatial performance of a tomographic tactile sensor
Authors: Kojima Akira , Yoshimoto Shunsuke , Yamamoto Akio
Published: May 2023

A tomographic tactile sensor based on the contact resistance of conductors is a high sensitive pressure distribution imaging method and has advantages on the flexibility and scalability of device. While the addition of internal electrodes improves the sensor’s spatial resolution, there still remain variations in resolution that depend on the contact position. In this study, we propose an optimization algorithm for electrode positions that improves entire spatial resolution by compensating for local variations in spatial resolution. Simulation results for sensors with 16 or 64 electrodes show that the proposed algorithm improves performance to 0.81 times and 0.93 times in the worst spatial resolution region of the detection area compared to equally spaced grid electrodes. The proposed methods enable tomographic tactile sensors to detect contact pressure distribution more accurately than the conventional methods, providing high-performance tactile sensing for many applications.
A neural network approach to the estimation of in-water attenuation to absorption ratios from PACE mission measurements
Authors: Agagliate Jacopo , Foster Robert , Ibrahim Amir , Gilerson Alexander
Published: May 2023

Introduction: In preparation for the upcoming PACE mission, we explore the feasibility of a neural network-based approach for the conversion of measurements of the degree of linear polarization at the top of the atmosphere as carried out by the HARP2 instrument into estimations of the ratio of attenuation to absorption in the surface layer of the ocean. Polarization has been shown to contain information on the in-water inherent optical properties including the total attenuation coefficient, in contrast with approaches solely based on remote sensing reflectance that are limited to the backscattered fraction of the scattering. In turn, these properties may be further combined with inversion algorithms to retrieve projected values for the optical and physical properties of marine particulates.

Methodology: Using bio-optical models to produce synthetic data in quantities sufficient for network training purposes, and with associated polarization values derived from vector radiative transfer modeling, we produce a two-step algorithm that retrieves surface-level polarization first and attenuation-to-absorption ratios second, with each step handled by a separate neural network. The networks use multispectral inputs in terms of the degree of linear polarization from the polarimeter and the remote sensing reflectance from the Ocean Color Instrument that are anticipated to be fully available within the PACE data environment.

Result and Discussion: Produce results that compare favorably with expected values, suggesting that a neural network-mediated conversion of remotely sensed polarization into in-water IOPs is viable. A simulation of the PACE orbit and of the HARP2 field of view further shows these results to be robust even over the limited number of data points expected to be available for any given point on Earth’s surface over a single PACE transit.
Controlled trial of decision support for men with early-stage prostate cancer: brief research report of effects on patient knowledge
Authors: Belkora Jeffrey K. , Broering Jeanette M. , Neuhaus John , Zargham Ali , Weinberg Tia , Witte John S. , Kenfield Stacey A. , Van Blarigan Erin L. , Cooperberg Matthew R. , Carroll Peter R. , Chan June M.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

A single-arm pre-post pilot study in an academic setting found that pre-consultation decision support was associated with improved patient knowledge among men with early-stage prostate cancer. We now report on exploratory analyses from a controlled study featuring patients from both academic and community settings.

Methods

We enrolled 58 men to usual care and 61 men to the intervention. We evaluated whether the intervention was associated with patients answering key knowledge items correctly just before their urology visit.

Results

Just prior to the urology visit, 39/56 or 70% in the intervention group replied correctly to key knowledge items, compared to 31/55 or 56% in the usual care group (p=0.15). At baseline, the intervention group started with 42/60 or 70% correct and the usual care group started with 28/56 or 50% (p=0.03). This imbalance at baseline created a ceiling effect: more men in the usual care group had room to improve on their knowledge scores. Indeed, seven men moved from incorrect to correct in the usual care group, versus 5 in the intervention group; and five men in the intervention group moved from correct to incorrect versus 3 in the usual care group (p=0.44).

Discussion

In addition to small sample size, reasons for the null findings may include clustering of highly educated participants at the academic site combined with over-representation of academic site participants in the intervention group. We confirmed, from the pilot study, the feasibility of using pre-health student interns as health coaches. Future research should explore whether increasing adoption of telehealth will improve the feasibility of delivering pre-visit decision support in community settings.
Business models for sustainable food systems: a typology based on a literature review
Authors: Donner Mechthild , de Vries Hugo
Published: May 2023

The current state of the agri-food systems calls for more attention to sustainability. This article explores how diverse business models can contribute to sustainability in food systems, and develops a new business model typology in this domain in which the wider business ecosystem is taken into account. A systematic literature review is done and 37 articles are analyzed according to the business model types, their various sustainability dimensions and roles within the food system. Nine different business model types for sustainable food systems are identified: circular business models, place-based social food networks, new logistics or online food distribution business models, disruptive, sufficiency, inclusive, and family business models, the focal company, and regional food hubs. Collaborative approaches, clear sustainability visions, companies' values and continuous innovation are important factors for agri-food business models striving for sustainability. More in-depth single-country but also cross-country comparative and cross-disciplinary research is needed for understanding business models and their transitions toward sustainable outcomes within diverse and complex food systems.
Effects of agroforestry on grain yield of maize (Zea mays L.)—A global meta-analysis
Authors: Baier Clara , Gross Arthur , Thevs Niels , Glaser Bruno
Published: May 2023

Maize cropping systems, the world's most important cropping systems in terms of production volume, are responsible for many environmental problems, such as soil degradation and erosion. This calls for sustainable practises that enable environment-friendly production while generating sufficient output, as farmers and consumers worldwide depend on adequate yields. Agroforestry can offer solutions to both of these pressing concerns—food insecurity and adverse environmental impacts of intensive maize cultivation. This meta-analysis investigated the effects of agroforestry on maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield under different environmental and management regimes on a global scale. It is based on 1,215 pairwise data entries from 95 peer-reviewed studies. Overall, agroforestry increased median maize yields by 0.24 Mg ha−1 (7%) compared to tree/hedgerow-free maize monocultures. In subtropical and tropical regions, the median yield increment under agroforestry was 0.30 Mg ha−1 (+16%), and the best results were achieved using broadleaved trees (+0.42 Mg ha−1, +53%), especially N-fixing tree species (+0.56 Mg ha−1, +60%). Maize yields responded very well to the addition of tree prunings to the soil of the maize crop (+0.48 Mg ha−1, +24%). Rotating maize with other crops was beneficial if the intermediate crop is able to fix atmospheric N (+0.28 Mg ha−1, +13%). We found that hedgerow planting densities of at least 5,000 woody perennials ha−1 are required for the positive impacts of agroforestry on maize yields to take effect, and these effects increased with both tree age (+1.17 Mg ha−1, +48% under trees 11–15 years of age) and time under agroforestry (+0.85 Mg ha−1, 81% in response to >15 continuous maize seasons under agroforestry). In addition, they were particularly pronounced on sandy soils (+0.46 Mg ha−1, +23%), moderately acidic soils of pH 5–6 (+0.67 Mg ha−1, +35%), soils with <0.5 g kg−1 N (+1.19 Mg ha−1, +81%), soils with a plant-available water holding capacity <10 mm dm−1 (+1.10 Mg ha−1, +44%), and hyper-arid conditions (+0.60 Mg ha−1, +35%). These findings prove that if designed with due regard for local conditions and crop/tree species characteristics, agroforestry can be a powerful tool to increase food security and the sustainability of maize production systems.
Chronic corticosterone exposure disrupts hepatic and intestinal bile acid metabolism in chicken
Authors: Wu Lei , Liu Xinyi , Zhang Aijia , Chen Huimin , Zhao Ruqian , Jia Yimin
Published: May 2023

Objective

Chronic stress leads to a high circulating level of glucocorticoids, which disrupts lipid metabolism and causes non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice and humans. Meanwhile, bile acid (BA), a class of metabolites initially synthesized in the liver and further metabolized by gut microbiota, plays a vital role in lipid metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the effects of glucocorticoids on BA metabolism and gut microbiota in chickens.

Methods

In this study, 35-day-old chickens were injected with 4 mg/kg/day corticosterone (Cort) for 14 days to simulate chronic stress.

Results

Cort treatment significantly increased the triglyceride contents in the plasma and the liver. HE and oil-red staining showed that Cort treatment induced fatty liver in chickens. Meanwhile, Cort exposure downregulated total bile acid (TBA) content in the liver while increasing the TBA in feces. UPLC-HRMS results showed that Cort exposure significantly decreased the hepatic levels of CDCA, T-alpha-MCA, and T-beta-MCA. Moreover, Cort exposure significantly reduced the expression of genes related to BA synthesis (CYP8B1 and CYP27A1), conjugation (BACS), and regulation (KLβ and FGFR4). 16s sequencing results showed that Cort treatment significantly decreased the amount of Lachnospiraceae, Eisenbergiella, Blautia, and Eubacterium and increased the abundance of Barnesiella, Lactobacillus, and Helicobacter. Spearman correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between fecal TBA and the abundance of Lactobacillales, Lactobacillus, and Barnesiella. In comparison, TBA in the liver was positively correlated with Eubacterium, and negatively correlated with Helicobacter.

Conclusion

In summary, chronic Cort exposure disrupts hepatic and intestinal bile acid metabolism inducing gut microbiome dysbiosis, which might associate with the development of fatty liver in chickens.
Utilization of the Pancreas From Donors With an Extremely High Pancreas Donor Risk Index: Report of the National Registry of Pancreas Transplantation
Authors: Kaku Keizo , Okabe Yasuhiro , Kubo Shinsuke , Sato Yu , Mei Takanori , Noguchi Hiroshi , Tomimaru Yoshito , Ito Toshinori , Kenmochi Takashi , Nakamura Masafumi
Published: May 2023

Pancreas transplants from expanded criteria donors are performed widely in Japan because there is a shortage of brain-dead donors. However, the effectiveness of this strategy is unknown. We retrospectively studied 371 pancreas transplants to evaluate the possibility of pancreas transplantation from expanded criteria donors by the Pancreas Donor Risk Index (PDRI). Patients were divided into five groups according to quintiles of PDRI values (Q1–Q5). The 1-year pancreas graft survival rates were 94.5% for Q1, 91.9% for Q2, 90.5% for Q3, 89.3% for Q4, and 79.6% for Q5, and were significantly lower with a lower PDRI (p = 0.04). A multivariate analysis showed that the PDRI, donor hemoglobin A1c values, and pancreas transplantation alone significantly predicted 1-year pancreas graft survival (all p < 0.05). Spline curve analysis showed that the PDRI was incrementally associated with an increased risk of 1-year graft failure. In the group with a PDRI ≥ 2.87, 8/56 patients had graft failures within 1 month, and all were due to graft thrombosis. The PDRI is a prognostic factor related to the 1-year graft survival rate. However, pancreas transplantation from high-PDRI donors shows acceptable results and could be an alternative when the donor pool is insufficient.
Neural Network Entropy (NNetEn): Entropy-Based EEG Signal and Chaotic Time Series Classification, Python Package for NNetEn Calculation
Authors: Velichko Andrei , Belyaev Maksim , Izotov Yuriy , Murugappan Murugappan , Heidari Hanif
Published: May 2023

Entropy measures are effective features for time series classification problems. Traditional entropy measures, such as Shannon entropy, use probability distribution function. However, for the effective separation of time series, new entropy estimation methods are required to characterize the chaotic dynamic of the system. Our concept of Neural Network Entropy (NNetEn) is based on the classification of special datasets in relation to the entropy of the time series recorded in the reservoir of the neural network. NNetEn estimates the chaotic dynamics of time series in an original way and does not take into account probability distribution functions. We propose two new classification metrics: R2 Efficiency and Pearson Efficiency. The efficiency of NNetEn is verified on separation of two chaotic time series of sine mapping using dispersion analysis. For two close dynamic time series (r = 1.1918 and r = 1.2243), the F-ratio has reached the value of 124 and reflects high efficiency of the introduced method in classification problems. The electroencephalography signal classification for healthy persons and patients with Alzheimer disease illustrates the practical application of the NNetEn features. Our computations demonstrate the synergistic effect of increasing classification accuracy when applying traditional entropy measures and the NNetEn concept conjointly. An implementation of the algorithms in Python is presented.
Velocity Increment on Incidence Angle near the Leading Edge of the Compressor Cascade
Authors: Xu Xiaobin , Liu Baojie , Yu Xianjun , An Guangfeng
Published: May 2023

The geometry of a compressor leading edge has an important effect on the aerodynamic performance at an off-designed incidence angle. The current geometric design methods of the leading edge are usually developed based on the flow characteristics at the designed incidence angle. However, few research focuses on the quantitative rules of the leading edge flow characteristics at the off-designed incidence angle in a compressor cascade. This situation restricts the further optimization and development of the leading edge geometry design method. In this paper, starting from the research of a potential cascade theory, the singularity point, where the surface velocity approaches infinity in the leading edge region, is eliminated by applying the characteristic that the ratio of the velocity increasement on the incidence angle in the plate cascade and the isolated plate flow is finite. Secondly, the equivalent pitch lengths based on 1/cos(β) and VI caused by a diffuser deceleration in the cascade passage were employed to correct the effect of the stagger angle. Finally, by introducing the isolated flow around the thick airfoil and considering the influence of the camber line geometry, a model of the variation of the surface velocity near the leading edge under the off-designed incidence angle, named the velocity increment on incidence angle, is derived from any compressor cascade. Hence, the relation between the off-designed incidence angle and the designed incidence angle of the surface velocity in a cascade blade is established, and it depends only on the geometrical parameters. Through a verification using numerical calculations and experimental measurement, the explicit formula for the velocity increment on incidence angle proposed in this paper has high precision near the leading edge.
Space Robot On-Orbit Operation of Insertion and Extraction Impedance Control Based on Adaptive Neural Network
Authors: Liu Dongbo , Chen Li
Published: May 2023

The on-orbit operation of insertion and extraction of space robots is a technology essential to the assembly and maintenance in orbit, satellite fuel filling, failed satellite recovery, especially modular in-orbit assembly of micro-spacecraft. Therefore, the force/posture impedance control for the on-orbit operation of insertion and extraction is studied. Firstly, the dynamic model of space robots’ system in the form of uncontrolled carrier position and controlled attitude is derived by using the momentum conservation principle. Through the kinematic constraints of the replacement component plug, the Jacobi relationship of the plug motion in the base coordinate system is established. Secondly, to achieve the output force control of the plug during the on-orbit operation of insertion and extraction, a second-order linear impedance model is established based on the dynamic relationship between the plug posture and its output force and the impedance control principle. Then, in order to improve the stability, robustness, and adaptability of the controller, an adaptive Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) is used to approximate the uncertainties in the dynamic model for the force/posture control of the plug. Finally, the stability of the system is verified by the Lyapunov principle. The simulation results show that the designed neural network impedance control strategy can achieve a control accuracy of less than 10−3 rad for the plug’s attitude tracking error, less than 10−3 m for its position tracking error, and less than 0.5 N for its output force tracking error.
Classification of Typical Pests and Diseases of Rice Based on the ECA Attention Mechanism
Authors: Ni Hongjun , Shi Zhiwei , Karungaru Stephen , Lv Shuaishuai , Li Xiaoyuan , Wang Xingxing , Zhang Jiaqiao
Published: May 2023

Rice, a staple food crop worldwide, is pivotal in agricultural productivity and public health. Automatic classification of typical rice pests and diseases is crucial for optimizing rice yield and quality in practical production. However, infrequent occurrences of specific pests and diseases lead to uneven dataset samples and similar early-stage symptoms, posing challenges for effective identification methods. In this study, we employ four image enhancement techniques—flipping, modifying saturation, modifying contrast, and adding blur—to balance dataset samples throughout the classification process. Simultaneously, we enhance the basic RepVGG model by incorporating the ECA attention mechanism within the Block and after the Head, resulting in the proposal of a new classification model, RepVGG_ECA. The model successfully classifies six categories: five types of typical pests and diseases, along with healthy rice plants, achieving a classification accuracy of 97.06%, outperforming ResNet34, ResNeXt50, Shufflenet V2, and the basic RepVGG by 1.85%, 1.18%, 3.39%, and 1.09%, respectively. Furthermore, the ablation study demonstrates that optimal classification results are attained by integrating the ECA attention mechanism after the Head and within the Block of RepVGG. As a result, the classification method presented in this study provides a valuable reference for identifying typical rice pests and diseases.
Evaluation of Phosphine Resistance in Three Sitophilus Species of Different Geographical Origins Using Two Diagnostic Protocols
Authors: Sakka Maria K. , Athanassiou Christos G.
Published: May 2023

Phosphine resistance occurs in many areas worldwide. The present study evaluated Sitophilus species from different geographical origins using two different protocols: (i) the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) protocol (30 ppm for 20 h) and (ii) the dose–response protocol (50–1000 ppm for 3 d). According to our results, most of the populations tested were susceptible to phosphine. In the FAO protocol, 13 field populations out of the 35 tested were categorized as resistant to phosphine. From the populations tested, only Sitophilus oryzae (L.) G1 showed 100% active individuals after 20 h or even 7 d post-exposure. In contrast, low survival was noted for all populations of Sitophilus granarius (L.) and no survival for Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky. Based on the dose–response protocol, no active individuals were recorded after exposure to 700 ppm for any of the populations tested. For instance, the population G1 showed 89% survival after 3 d at 50 ppm, while the respective figure at 700 ppm was 1.1.%. No survival was recorded for all concentrations and populations of S. granarius and S. zeamais. Our data show that there are considerable similarities between the two diagnostic protocols used for the evaluation of phosphine resistance of these three species.
The Role of Organic and Mineral Fertilization in Maintaining Fertility and Productivity of Cryolithozone Soils
Authors: Lodygin Evgeny , Shamrikova Elena , Kubik Olesia , Chebotarev Nikolai , Abakumov Evgeny
Published: May 2023

Considerable attention of the world community is now focused on the implementation of measures in the interests of achieving the global food security for future generations. Particular aspects of this problem include efforts aimed at increasing crop yields through the use of fertilizers. The purpose of this review is to analyze the experience of using organic and mineral fertilizers to increase crop yields in the cryolithozone of the European part of Russia for food security purposes. The fertility restoration methods of various Retisols considered in the review are of primary importance for the agriculture in the forest zone where 91% of arable lands are represented by this soil type. As these soils are low-fertility, poorly humified and acidic, they largely require the use of chemization and biologization means which are therefore an important factor in ensuring food security under the conditions of modern challenges.
Generalized Unit Half-Logistic Geometric Distribution: Properties and Regression with Applications to Insurance
Authors: Nasiru Suleman , Chesneau Christophe , Abubakari Abdul Ghaniyyu , Angbing Irene Dekomwine
Published: May 2023

The use of distributions to model and quantify risk is essential in risk assessment and management. In this study, the generalized unit half-logistic geometric (GUHLG) distribution is developed to model bounded insurance data on the unit interval. The corresponding probability density function plots indicate that the related distribution can handle data that exhibit left-skewed, right-skewed, symmetric, reversed-J, and bathtub shapes. The hazard rate function also suggests that the distribution can be applied to analyze data with bathtubs, N-shapes, and increasing failure rates. Subsequently, the inferential aspects of the proposed model are investigated. In particular, Monte Carlo simulation exercises are carried out to examine the performance of the estimation method by using an algorithm to generate random observations from the quantile function. The results of the simulation suggest that the considered estimation method is efficient. The univariate application of the distribution and the multivariate application of the associated regression using risk survey data reveal that the model provides a better fit than the other existing distributions and regression models. Under the multivariate application, we estimate the parameters of the regression model using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimations. The estimates of the parameters for the two methods are very close. Diagnostic plots of the Bayesian method using the trace, ergodic, and autocorrelation plots reveal that the chains converge to a stationary distribution.
Signalment, Immunological and Parasitological Status and Clinicopathological Findings of Leishmania-Seropositive Apparently Healthy Dogs
Authors: Baxarias Marta , Jornet-Rius Oriol , Donato Giulia , Mateu Cristina , Alcover Mª Magdalena , Pennisi Maria Grazia , Solano-Gallego Laia
Published: May 2023

Canine leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is a disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations. Epidemiological serosurveys performed in Europe often lack a thorough assessment of clinical health status of studied dogs. The aim of this study was to evaluate signalment, immunological and parasitological status and clinicopathological findings of L. infantum-seropositive apparently healthy dogs (n = 212) living in endemic areas. Routine laboratory tests, endpoint in-house ELISA to quantify the anti-Leishmania antibodies, blood Leishmania qPCR and IFN-γ ELISA were performed. All dogs enrolled were L. infantum-seropositive and were classified as healthy (n = 105) or sick (n = 107) according to LeishVet guidelines. The sick group presented a higher proportion of medium to high antibody levels and positive qPCR and lower IFN-γ concentration compared to the healthy group. Sick dogs were mostly classified in LeishVet stage IIa. Biochemical alterations (98%) were the most common clinicopathological findings, with fewer urinary tract (46%) and hematological (40%) alterations. Apparently healthy L. infantum-seropositive dogs can be classified between truly healthy dogs and sick dogs with clinicopathological findings. Sick dogs presented medium to high seropositivity and parasitemia and low IFN-γ concentrations, and their most common clinicopathological abnormalities were serum protein alterations followed by proteinuria and lymphopenia.
Leishmania Animal Models Used in Drug Discovery: A Systematic Review
Authors: van der Ende Jacob , Schallig Henk D. F. H.
Published: May 2023

Many different animal models are in use for drug development for leishmaniasis, but a universal model does not exist. There is a plethora of models, and this review assesses their design, quality, and limitations, including the attention paid to animal welfare in the study design and execution. A systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines of available literature after the year 2000 describing animal models for leishmaniasis. The risk of bias was determined using the SYstematic Review Centre for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) risk of bias assessment tool. A total of 10,980 records were initially identified after searching the databases PubMed, EMBASE, LILACS, and SciELO. Based on the application of predetermined exclusion and inclusion criteria, a total of 203 papers describing 216 animal experiments were available for full analysis. Major reasons for exclusion were a lack of essential study information or appropriate ethical review and approval. Mice (82.8%; an average of 35.9 animals per study) and hamsters (17.1%; an average of 7.4 animals per study) were the most frequently used animals, mostly commercially sourced, in the included studies. All studies lacked a formal sample size analysis. The promastigote stages of L. amazonensis or L. major were most frequently used to establish experimental infections (single inoculum). Animal welfare was poorly addressed in all included studies, as the definition of a human end-point or consideration of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) was hardly addressed. Most animals were euthanized at the termination of the experiment. The majority of the studies had an unknown or high risk of bias. Animal experiments for drug development for leishmaniasis mainly poorly designed and of low quality, lack appropriate ethical review, and are deficient in essential information needed to replicate and interpret the study. Importantly, aspects of animal welfare are hardly considered. This underpins the need to better consider and record the details of the study design and animal welfare.
Ligilactobacillus salivarius MP100 as an Alternative to Metaphylactic Antimicrobials in Swine: The Impact on Production Parameters and Meat Composition
Authors: Alba Claudio , Castejón David , Remiro Víctor , Rodríguez Juan M. , Sobrino Odón J. , de María Julián , Fumanal Pilar , Fumanal Antonio , Cambero M. Isabel
Published: May 2023

The metaphylactic use of antimicrobials in swine farms contributes to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, which constitutes a major challenge for public health. Alternative strategies are required to eradicate their routine use. In a previous study, metaphylactic antimicrobials were replaced by the administration of Ligilactobacillus salivarius MP100 to sows and piglets for two years. This practice positively modified the fecal microbiota and metabolic profiles in the farm. In this work, the farm dataset was used to compare the productivity-related parameters between a 2-year period of routine metaphylactic antibiotherapy and the first 2 years of a replacement with the probiotic strain. The probiotic period improved these productivity-related parameters, from litter size to growth performance. In addition, samples of Longissimus lumborum, including skin and subcutaneous fat, were obtained from the animals ingesting the probiotic strain and controls (metaphylactic antibiotherapy) and analyzed for their pH, water holding capacity, composition, and metabolic profiling. The probiotic intake did not negatively affect the meat composition and was associated with an increase in inosine concentration and a slight tendency for increasing the intramuscular fat content. These factors are considered as biomarkers of meat quality. In conclusion, the substitution of metaphylactic antimicrobials with the administration of the probiotic strain was associated with beneficial productivity and meat quality outcomes.
Genome-Wide Signal Selection Analysis Revealing Genes Potentially Related to Sheep-Milk-Production Traits
Authors: Li Ruonan , Zhao Yuhetian , Liang Benmeng , Pu Yabin , Jiang Lin , Ma Yuehui
Published: May 2023

Natural selection and domestication have shaped modern sheep populations into a vast range of phenotypically diverse breeds. Among these breeds, dairy sheep have a smaller population than meat sheep and wool sheep, and less research is performed on them, but the lactation mechanism in dairy sheep is critically important for improving animal-production methods. In this study, whole-genome sequences were generated from 10 sheep breeds, including 57 high-milk-yield sheep and 44 low-milk-yield sheep, to investigate the genetic signatures of milk production in dairy sheep, and 59,864,820 valid SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) were kept after quality control to perform population-genetic-structure analyses, gene-detection analyses, and gene-function-validation analyses. For the population-genetic-structure analyses, we carried out PCA (Principal Component Analysis), as well as neighbor-joining tree and structure analyses to classify different sheep populations. The sheep used in our study were well distributed in ten groups, with the high-milk-yield-group populations close to each other and the low-milk-yield-group populations showing similar classifications. To perform an exact signal-selection analysis, we used three different methods to find SNPs to perform gene-annotation analyses within the 995 common regions derived from the fixation index (FST), nucleotide diversity (Ɵπ), and heterozygosity rate (ZHp) results. In total, we found 553 genes that were located in these regions. These genes mainly participate in the protein-binding pathway and the nucleoplasm-interaction pathway, as revealed by the GO- and KEGG-function-enrichment analyses. After the gene selection and function analyses, we found that FCGR3A, CTSK, CTSS, ARNT, GHR, SLC29A4, ROR1, and TNRC18 were potentially related to sheep-milk-production traits. We chose the strongly selected genes, FCGR3A, CTSK, CTSS, and ARNT during the signal-selection analysis to perform a RT-qPCR (Reale time Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction) experiment to validate their expression-level relationship with milk production, and the results showed that FCGR3A has a significant negative relationship with sheep-milk production, while other three genes did not show any positive or negative relations. In this study, it was discovered and proven that the candidate gene FCGR3A potentially contributes to the milk production of dairy sheep and a basis was laid for the further study of the genetic mechanism underlying the strong milk-production traits of sheep.
Symptomatic Infection with Vairimorpha spp. Decreases Diapause Survival in a Wild Bumble Bee Species (Bombus griseocollis)
Authors: Orlova Margarita , Porter Monique , Hines Heather M. , Amsalem Etya
Published: May 2023

Vairimorpha, a microsporidian parasite (previously classified as Nosema), has been implicated in the decline of wild bumble bee species in North America. Previous studies examining its influence on colony performance have displayed variable results, from extremely detrimental effects to no observable influence, and little is known about the effects it has on individuals during the winter diapause, a bottleneck for survival in many annual pollinators. Here, we examined the effect of Vairimorpha infection, body size, and mass on diapause survival in Bombus griseocollis gynes. We demonstrate that gyne survival length in diapause is negatively affected by symptomatic Vairimorpha infection of the maternal colony but does not correlate with individual pathogen load. Our findings further indicate that increased body mass offers a protective effect against mortality during diapause in infected, but not in healthy, gynes. This suggests that access to adequate nutritional resources prior to diapause might offset the harmful effect of Vairimorpha infection.
Regional Perspective of Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs in Latin American Pediatric Emergency Departments
Authors: Yock-Corrales Adriana , Naranjo-Zuñiga Gabriela
Published: May 2023

Antibiotic stewardship (AS) programs have become a priority for health authorities to reduce the number of infections by super-resistant microorganisms. The need for these initiatives to minimize the inadequate use of antimicrobials is essential, and the election of the antibiotic in the emergency department usually impacts the choice of treatment if the patients need hospital admission, becoming an opportunity for antibiotic stewardship. In the pediatric population, broad-spectrum antibiotics are more likely to be overprescribed without any evidence-based management, and most of the publications have focused on the prescription of antibiotics in ambulatory settings. Antibiotic stewardship efforts in pediatric emergency departments in Latin American settings are limited. The lack of literature on AS programs in the pediatric emergency departments in Latin America (LA) limits the information available. The aim of this review was to give a regional perspective on how pediatric emergency departments in LA are working towards antimicrobial stewardship.
Facile Implementation of Antimicrobial Coatings through Adhesive Films (Wraps) Demonstrated with Cuprous Oxide Coatings
Authors: Behzadinasab Saeed , Williams Myra D. , Falkinham Joseph O. , Ducker William A.
Published: May 2023

Antimicrobial coatings have a finite lifetime because of wear, depletion of the active ingredient, or surface contamination that produces a barrier between the pathogen and the active ingredient. The limited lifetime means that facile replacement is important. Here, we describe a generic method for rapidly applying and reapplying antimicrobial coatings to common-touch surfaces. The method is to deposit an antimicrobial coating on a generic adhesive film (wrap), and then to attach that modified wrap to the common-touch surface. In this scenario, the adhesion of the wrap and antimicrobial efficacy are separated and can be optimized independently. We demonstrate the fabrication of two antimicrobial wraps, both using cuprous oxide (Cu2O) as the active ingredient. The first uses polyurethane (PU) as the polymeric binder and the second uses polydopamine (PDA). Our antimicrobial PU/Cu2O and PDA/Cu2O wraps, respectively, kill >99.98% and >99.82% of the human pathogen, P. aeruginosa, in only 10 min, and each of them kill >99.99% of the bacterium in 20 min. These antimicrobial wraps can be removed and replaced on the same object in <1 min with no tools. Wraps are already frequently used by consumers to coat drawers or cars for aesthetic or protective purposes.
Reactive Sulfur Species Omics Analysis in the Brain Tissue of the 5xFAD Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kinno Ayaka , Kasamatsu Shingo , Akaike Takaaki , Ihara Hideshi
Published: May 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder whereby oxidative stress augmentation results in mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death by apoptosis. Emerging evidence indicates that reactive sulfur species (RSS), such as glutathione hydropersulfide (GSSH), is endogenously produced, functions as potent antioxidants, and regulate redox signaling through the formation of protein polysulfides. However, the relationship between RSS and AD pathogenesis is not fully understood. In this study, we analyzed endogenous RSS production in the brain tissue of a familial AD model (5xFAD) mouse using multiple RSS-omics approaches. Memory impairment, increased amyloid plaques, and neuroinflammation have been confirmed in 5xFAD mice. Quantitative RSS omics analysis revealed that the total polysulfide content was significantly decreased in the brains of 5xFAD mice, whereas there was no significant difference in the levels of glutathione, GSSH, or hydrogen sulfide between wild-type and 5xFAD mice. In contrast, a significant decline in the protein polysulfide status was observed in the brains of 5xFAD mice, suggesting that RSS production and subsequent redox signaling might be altered during the onset and progression of AD. Our findings have important implications for understanding the significance of RSS in the development of preventive and therapeutic strategies for AD.
Alteration of Blood Oxidative Stress Status in Patients with Thoracic Aortic Dissection: A Pilot Study
Authors: Pincemail Joël , Tchana-Sato Vincent , Courtois Audrey , Musumeci Lucia , Cheramy-Bien Jean-Paul , Munten Jacobine , Labropoulos Nicos , Defraigne Jean-Olivier , Sakalihasan Natzi
Published: May 2023

Background: Thoracic aortic dissection (TAD) is a life-threatening condition which usually occurs on an aneurysmal aortic wall. Although increasing data have shown that inflammation and oxidative stress play an important role in the patho-physiology of dissection, systemic oxidative stress status (OSS) has not been clearly determined in patients suffering from TAD. Methods: A cohort of 115 patients presenting type A or B TAD were admitted to our center from 2013 to 2017. Out of this cohort, 46 patients were included in a study on dissected aorta (LIege study on DIssected Aorta: LIDIA). In 18 out of the 46 patients, systemic OSS parameters were evaluated after TAD diagnosis by determination of eight different antioxidants, four trace elements, two markers of oxidative lipid damage and two inflammatory markers. Results: The 18 TAD patients included 10 men and 8 women (median age: 62 years; interquartile range: 55–68) diagnosed with type A (N = 8) or B (N = 10) TAD. Low plasma levels of vitamin C, β-carotene, γ-tocopherol, thiol proteins, paraoxonase and selenium were observed in these 18 patients. By contrast, the concentration of copper and total hydroperoxides, copper/zinc ratio, as well as inflammatory markers, were higher than the reference intervals. No difference was observed in oxidative stress biomarker concentrations between type A and B TAD patients. Conclusions: This pilot study, limited to 18 TAD patients, revealed a heightened systemic OSS, determined at 15.5 days (median) after the initial diagnosis, in those TAD patients without complications (malperfusion syndrome and aneurysm formation). Larger studies on biological fluids are needed to better characterize the oxidative stress and interpret its consequence in TAD disease.
Construction Method of Honeycomb Gas Flow Network Channel: Structure-Based and Engineering Response on Plastic Zone Distribution Form
Authors: Yuan Chao , Li Lian-Xin , Fan Lei , Xu Yue-Yang , Wu Jun-Jie
Published: May 2023

The plastic zone of the surrounding rock of the borehole is a high-quality channel for gas flow. Studying the distribution form of the plastic zone in the surrounding rock of the boreholes and the characteristics of the extended connection network is essential for the optimal layout of the gas drainage boreholes. Considering gas pressure parameters based on the modified Terzaghi effective stress principle and Mohr–Coulomb strength criterion. The implicit equation of the plastic zone boundary of the surrounding rock of the borehole is derived. The influence of two-way confining pressure ratio, coal body strength, gas pressure and hole diameter on the distribution of the surrounding plastic rock zone and the permeability-increasing circle is analyzed, and a honeycomb gas flow network channel structure based on the distribution of plastic zones is constructed. The gas flow and enrichment zone of the coal seam are connected, and the gas drainage rate is improved.
Influence of Bogie Maintenance and Retrofitting on Wheel Wear: Analysis Using Integer Programming and Multibody Simulation
Authors: Valente Lucas , Lopes Luiz , Ribeiro Lucas Sousa
Published: May 2023

Brazilian railroads are continuously looking to increase their asset performance. In this sense, wheel/rail interface studies have been conducted, which allowed benefits that were not previously considered. Improved wheel/rail contact can significantly reduce maintenance costs, increase energy efficiency, and increase operational safety. For rolling stock, wheel consumption usually has the highest maintenance cost and is among the highest total costs of a railroad. Therefore, the understanding of wheel wear behavior, which is carried out in an integrated manner with permanent track and operating conditions, must be investigated in depth. This study aims to analyze the influence of bogies on wheel wear. Two aspects were considered: maintenance conditions and bogie design. The maintenance conditions were evaluated through wayside and field measurements. The collected data were later statistically evaluated and modeled in integer programming to optimize and review the maintenance strategy, which could avoid premature wheel scrapping after 5 years, allowing for a regular wheel life of 9 years. This analysis has allowed for the development of a new bogie maintenance parameter, which is not defined in manual and rule standards. The bogie design modernization was analyzed using the VAMPIRE multibody simulation software. The retrofitted bogie was modeled to improve the dynamic behavior and analyzed using wheel/rail contact theory. The polymer suspension elements’ modelings were thoroughly detailed for each property to illustrate the retrofit’s design features. Therefore, to calculate the gains of the retrofitted bogie, a methodology was built to compare the results of wheel wear in a real railroad track section. This methodology can be used to show that the retrofit can provide a reduction in wheel wear of 40% for ride control for a broad gauge (1600 mm).