bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hypocretin role in posttraumatic stress disorder-like behaviors induced by a novel stress protocol in mice
Authors: Lee Tung-Yen , Yi Pei-Lu , Chang Fang-Chia
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric disorder developed in individuals who expose to traumatic events. These patients may experience symptoms, such as recurrent unwanted memory of the traumatic event, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, increased arousal, and cognitive difficulty. The hypocretinergic system originates from the lateral hypothalamic area (LHA) and projects diffusely to the whole brain, and hypocretin may be involved in the features of stress-related disorder, PTSD.

Methods

Our study aimed to investigate the role of basolateral amygdala (BLA) hypocretin signals in the pathophysiology of PTSD-like symptoms induced by the modified multiple-prolonged stress (MPS) protocol. The BLA, a brain region involved in fear-related behaviors, receives the hypocretin projections. In this study, TCS1102, a dual hypocretin receptor antagonist, was used to block the hypocretin signal in BLA.

Results

Our data indicated that the MPS protocol is a potential PTSD-like paradigm in mice. Meanwhile, the blockade of hypocretin signaling in the BLA relieved the MPS-induced fear response, and partially reduced PTSD-like anxiety behaviors performed by the open field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze (EPM) task.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that the hypocretinergic system is a potential therapeutic approach for PTSD treatment. With further research, the hypocretin-based medication can be a candidate for human PTSD treatment.
Risk factors for violence among female forensic inpatients with schizophrenia
Authors: Wolf Viviane , Mayer Juliane , Steiner Ivonne , Franke Irina , Klein Verena , Streb Judith , Dudeck Manuela
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Schizophrenia is associated with a heightened risk of violent behavior. However, conclusions on the nature of this relationship remain inconclusive. Equally, the empirical evidence on female patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) is strongly underrepresented.

Methods

For this purpose, the first aim of the present retrospective follow-up study was to determine the risk factors of violence in a sample of 99 female SSD patients discharged from forensic psychiatric treatment between 2001 and 2017, using three different measures of violence at varying time points (i.e., violent index offense, inpatient violence, and violent recidivism). Potential risk factors were retrieved from the relevant literature on SSD as well as two violence risk assessment instruments (i.e., HCR-20 V3, FAM). Further, we aimed to assess the predictive validity of the HCR-20 V3 in terms of violent recidivism and evaluate the incremental validity of the FAM as a supplementary gender-responsive assessment.

Results

The given results indicate strong heterogeneity between the assessed violence groups in terms of risk factors. Particularly, violence during the index offense was related to psychotic symptoms while inpatient violence was associated with affective and behavioral instability as well as violent ideation/intent, psychotic symptoms, and non-responsiveness to treatment. Lastly, violent recidivism was related to non-compliance, cognitive instability, lack of insight, childhood antisocial behavior, and poverty. Further, the application of the HCR-20 V3 resulted in moderate predictive accuracy (AUC = 0.695), while the supplementary assessment of the FAM did not add any incremental validity.

Discussion

This article provides important insights into the risk factors of violence among female SSD patients while highlighting the importance of differentiating between various forms of violence. Equally, it substitutes the existing evidence on violence risk assessment in female offenders with SSD.
Children's activities, parental concerns, and child care service utilization in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Zhang Jasmine , Smith Jackson , Browne Dillon
Published: June 2023

Introduction

In the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, most Canadian provinces and territories enacted public health measures to reduce virus spread, leading most child care centers across the country to limit or halt in-person service delivery. While it is broadly known that the range of activities available to children and youth reduced drastically as a result, research has yet to explore if and how children's activities shifted in relation to changes in child care arrangements.

Method

Children's activities during the early months of the pandemic were assessed based on parent-report data (n = 19,959). Activity patterns were extracted via latent profile analysis. Thereafter, differences in child-care related outcomes across profiles were compared via logistic regression models.

Results

Latent profile analysis yielded three distinct activity patterns: Screenies (91.5%) were children who engaged in high amounts of screen use relative to all other activities; Analog children (3.1%) exhibited mostly off-screen activities (e.g., reading, physical exercise); and children in the Balanced group (5.4%) appeared to pursue a wide variety of activities. Children were more likely to fall into the Screenies or Balanced profiles when caregivers reported changes in child care arrangements. Moreover, parents of children with Balanced activity profiles were more likely to be planning to use child care when services reopened post-pandemic, compared to parents of children in the Analog group.

Discussion

The present findings call attention to heterogeneity in children's activities during COVID-19, which should be considered in the context of pandemic-related child care closures. Implications for children, families, and child care services during and beyond COVID-19 are discussed.
Rapid and sustained contact tracing training for COVID-19 in San Francisco: a training model for developing an emergency public health workforce
Authors: Martin Shayanne , Kalra Anika , Jenny Alisa , Maher Andrew D. , Foreman Allison , Chavez Alejandro , Gagliano Jayne , Reid Michael J. A. , Brickley Debbie Bain
Published: June 2023

The City and County of San Francisco was the first municipality in the United States to institute a COVID-19 contact tracing program. The San Francisco Department of Public Health (SFDPH) and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) created an outcome-based fully remote contact tracing curriculum using participatory learning methods to train non-public health emergency workers as contact tracers. Between April and December 2020, we trained over 300 individuals in contact tracing skills and procedures over three training phases. Using iterative curriculum design and Kirkpatrick’s evaluation methodology, we aimed to ensure high quality and successful person-centered contact tracing. The resulting curriculum consisted of 24 learning outcomes taught with six participatory skills development activities, asynchronous materials, and one-on-one contact tracer support. We collected more than 700 responses from trainees using various evaluation tools across the training phases, and contact tracers interviewed more than 24,000 contacts after training in our program. Our evaluations showed that knowledge and skills improved for most trainees and demonstrated the utility of the training program in preparing trainees to perform person-centered contact tracing in San Francisco. Local health jurisdictions and state health agencies can use this model of curriculum development and evaluation to rapidly train a non-public health workforce to respond to future public health emergencies.
Expansion of wastewater-based disease surveillance to improve health equity in California’s Central Valley: sequential shifts in case-to-wastewater and hospitalization-to-wastewater ratios
Authors: Kadonsky Krystin F. , Naughton Colleen C. , Susa Mirjana , Olson Rachel , Singh Guadalupe L. , Daza-Torres Maria L. , Montesinos-López J. Cricelio , Garcia Yury Elena , Gafurova Maftuna , Gushgari Adam , Cosgrove John , White Bradley J. , Boehm Alexandria B. , Wolfe Marlene K. , Nuño Miriam , Bischel Heather N.
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Over a third of the communities (39%) in the Central Valley of California, a richly diverse and important agricultural region, are classified as disadvantaged—with inadequate access to healthcare, lower socio-economic status, and higher exposure to air and water pollution. The majority of racial and ethnic minorities are also at higher risk of COVID-19 infection, hospitalization, and death according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy Central Valley Together established a wastewater-based disease surveillance (WDS) program that aims to achieve greater health equity in the region through partnership with Central Valley communities and the Sewer Coronavirus Alert Network. WDS offers a cost-effective strategy to monitor trends in SARS-CoV-2 community infection rates.

Methods

In this study, we evaluated correlations between public health and wastewater data (represented as SARS-CoV-2 target gene copies normalized by pepper mild mottle virus target gene copies) collected for three Central Valley communities over two periods of COVID-19 infection waves between October 2021 and September 2022. Public health data included clinical case counts at county and sewershed scales as well as COVID-19 hospitalization and intensive care unit admissions. Lag-adjusted hospitalization:wastewater ratios were also evaluated as a retrospective metric of disease severity and corollary to hospitalization:case ratios.

Results

Consistent with other studies, strong correlations were found between wastewater and public health data. However, a significant reduction in case:wastewater ratios was observed for all three communities from the first to the second wave of infections, decreasing from an average of 4.7 ± 1.4 over the first infection wave to 0.8 ± 0.4 over the second.

Discussion

The decline in case:wastewater ratios was likely due to reduced clinical testing availability and test seeking behavior, highlighting how WDS can fill data gaps associated with under-reporting of cases. Overall, the hospitalization:wastewater ratios remained more stable through the two waves of infections, averaging 0.5 ± 0.3 and 0.3 ± 0.4 over the first and second waves, respectively.
RETRACTED: Post-acute (long) COVID-19 quality of life: validation of the German version of (PAC19QoL) instrument
Authors: Umakanthan Srikanth , Monice Mariam , Mehboob Salona , Jones Cheryl Linda , Lawrence Sam
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The aim of our study was to validate a German translation of the post-acute (long) COVID-19 quality of life (PAC-19QoL) instrument among German patients with long COVID-19 syndrome.

Patients and methods

The PAC-19QoL instrument was translated into the German language and administrated to patients with long COVID-19 syndrome. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to analyze the internal consistency of the instrument. Construction validity was evaluated by using Pearson's correlation coefficient and Spearman's rank correlation. Scores of patients and controls were compared using the Mann–Whitney U-test.

Results

A total of 45 asymptomatic and 41 symptomatic participants were included. In total, 41 patients with long COVID-19 syndrome completed the PAC-19QoL and EQ-5D-5L questionnaires. PAC-19QoL domain scores were significantly different between symptomatic and asymptomatic participants. All items achieved a Cronbach's alpha >0.7. There was a significant correlation between all domains on the test (p < 0.001), with the highest correlation between total (r = 0.994) and domain 1 (r = 0.991). Spearman's rank correlation analysis confirmed that the instrument items correlated with the objective PAC-19QoL examination findings.

Conclusion

The German version of the instrument is valid and reliable and can be a suitable tool for research and daily clinical practice among patients with long COVID-19 syndrome.
Maternal methylmercury exposure during early-life periods adversely affects mature enamel structure of offspring rats at human exposure levels: a concern for oral health
Authors: Chemelo Victória Santos , Bittencourt Leonardo Oliveira , Nascimento Priscila Cunha , Paiva Mayra Frasson , Delbem Alberto Carlos Botazzo , Pessan Juliano Pelim , do Espírito Santo Alexandre Ribeiro , Albuquerque Alan Rodrigo Leal , Angélica Rômulo Simões , Crespo-Lopez Maria Elena , Pessanha Sofia , Aschner Michael , Lima Rafael Rodrigues
Published: June 2023

Although there are many studies on the health effects of methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity during in utero and early development, little is known about its effects on mineralized tissues present in the oral cavity, such as enamel structure. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of MeHg exposure on the physico-chemical, ultrastructural and functional properties of mature tooth enamel. Specifically, we studied offspring of mothers exposed to MeHg during the prenatal and postnatal periods which are the developmental stages associated with tooth enamel formation. Female rats were exposed to MeHg at a dose of 40 μg/kg/day for 42 days of pregnancy and lactation. The enamel of offspring was analyzed by (1) Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and Raman to assess physicochemical composition, (2) Scanning Electron Microscopy for ultrastructural evaluation, (3) Transmitted Polarizing Light Microscopy for analysis of the enamel extracellular matrix, and (4) resistance and hardness were evaluated by microhardness. The results showed that MeHg exposure during this sensitive enamel formation period induced changes in inorganic and organic content and enamel prisms ultrastructure alterations and disturbed the organic extracellular matrix due to a decreased enamel strength. These novel findings establish for the first time that maternal exposure to MeHg pre and postnatal promoted relevant changes in mature enamel of their offspring rats.
Improved time-varying reproduction numbers using the generation interval for COVID-19
Authors: Kim Tobhin , Lee Hyojung , Kim Sungchan , Kim Changhoon , Son Hyunjin , Lee Sunmi
Published: June 2023

Estimating key epidemiological parameters, such as incubation period, serial interval (SI), generation interval (GI) and latent period, is essential to quantify the transmissibility and effects of various interventions of COVID-19. These key parameters play a critical role in quantifying the basic reproduction number. With the hard work of epidemiological investigators in South Korea, estimating these key parameters has become possible based on infector-infectee surveillance data of COVID-19 between February 2020 and April 2021. Herein, the mean incubation period was estimated to be 4.9 days (95% CI: 4.2, 5.7) and the mean generation interval was estimated to be 4.3 days (95% CI: 4.2, 4.4). The mean serial interval was estimated to be 4.3, with a standard deviation of 4.2. It is also revealed that the proportion of presymptomatic transmission was ~57%, which indicates the potential risk of transmission before the disease onset. We compared the time-varying reproduction number based on GI and SI and found that the time-varying reproduction number based on GI may result in a larger estimation of Rt, which refers to the COVID-19 transmission potential around the rapid increase of cases. This highlights the importance of considering presymptomatic transmission and generation intervals when estimating the time-varying reproduction number.
Feedback in augmented and virtual reality piano tutoring systems: a mini review
Authors: Wilson Katie , Pfeiffer Phillip E.
Published: June 2023

Researchers in music education are exploring the use of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) to support piano instruction. Beginner piano students tend to receive short, infrequent lessons, which they practice on their own. This lack of instructor feedback creates opportunities for students to develop improper technique. Current strategies for using AR and VR to guide solo practice use moving shapes to help students to identify what notes to play. Improvements in commercial AR/VR technology will be needed to provide more detailed real-time feedback.
Animal models of focal ischemic stroke: brain size matters
Authors: Nowak Blazej , Rogujski Piotr , Guzman Raphael , Walczak Piotr , Andrzejewska Anna , Janowski Miroslaw
Published: June 2023

Stroke remains the second leading cause of death worldwide and the third cause of disability-adjusted life-years. Most strokes are ischemic in nature, meaning they are caused by the disruption of cerebral blood flow resulting from obstructed blood vessels. Reperfusion therapies such as thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator and endovascular mechanical thrombectomy are very effective and are becoming game changers for eligible patients. Despite these advances, the achieved effects are insufficient from the perspective of the entire population of stroke patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need to expand eligibility for reperfusion therapies and implement adjuvant therapeutic measures. Animal stroke models are at the forefront of these efforts, helping to untangle complex pathophysiology and providing valuable preclinical data to guide further clinical trials. Various stroke models are available, including direct blocking of cerebral arteries or using other means to recapitulate stroke pathophysiology. International advisory boards recommend initial in vivo experiments be performed in smaller animals, such as rodents. However, second testing would be more desirable in larger animals such as cats, pigs, dogs, and non-human primates. Due to larger cerebral volume, gyrencephalization, and higher white/gray matter ratio, large animals are crucial in translational stroke research. Animal stroke models differ in the time and complexity of the stroke induction procedure, the reproducibility rate, the level of similarity to the human condition, and the possibilities for analysis, imaging, and follow-up studies. The choice of the most appropriate stroke model may translate to better bench-to-bedside translation of preclinical stroke research; ideally, this choice should be based solely on scientific merit.
A comparative study on single and multiple trait selections of equatorial grown maize hybrids
Authors: Azrai Muhammad , Aqil Muhammad , Efendi Roy , Andayani Nining Nurini , Makkulawu Andi Takdir , Iriany Rafidah Neni , Suarni  , Yasin Muhammad , Suwardi  , Zainuddin Bunyamin , Salim  , Sitaresmi Trias , Bahtiar  , Paesal  , Suwarno Willy Bayuardi
Published: June 2023

Maize (Zea mays L.) production in tropical equatorial regions faces significant challenges due to agroclimatic and soil fertility variability, necessitating the evaluation of maize hybrid adaptability and phenotypic stability across diverse agroecosystems. This study compares the effectiveness of the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and multi-trait genotype-ideotype distance (MGIDI) models for identifying superior maize hybrids well-suited to the equatorial climate. Fifteen genotypes, including 13 hybrid candidates and two popular commercial varieties (BISI 2 and NASA 29), were analyzed in 10 distinct environments in Indonesia over three consecutive years (2018–2020). The ANOVA method used in the AMMI model analyzed variance into three major components, with PCA analysis indicating that environments (E), genotypes (G), and their interaction (G × E) had a highly significant effect on yield (p < 0.001). Two hybrids, HM04 (CI301032/G102612) and HM02 (CI272022/G102612), displayed high adaptability and stability across various environments, with significantly higher yields than the grand mean by AMMI analysis. Additionally, HM10 (MAL03/CLYN231) and HM09 (G102612/CLYN231) were narrowly adapted to the ME-1 and ME-2 mega-environments, indicating they are best suited for these specific environments. Similar to AMMI, the MGIDI model suggested HM04 (MGIDI index = 1.74) and HM02 (MGIDI index = 1.76) as the two highest-performing hybrids, determined by their yield and nine other traits. Using the multiple trait combination index as a tool to assess the performance of these hybrids enabled researchers to determine the most effective traits for each genotype. The two models are recommended and may be integrated for comprehensive data interaction analysis, which simplifies the process of delineating genotypes with the environment and enables stakeholders to select desired traits while considering their strengths and weaknesses.
Quantifying antimicrobial use on Canadian dairy farms using garbage can audits
Authors: Warder Landon M. C. , Heider Luke C. , Léger David F. , Rizzo Daniella , McClure J. T. , de Jong Ellen , McCubbin Kayley D. , Uyama Tamaki , Fonseca Mariana , Jaramillo Ana Soffia , Kelton David F. , Renaud David , Barkema Herman W. , Dufour Simon , Roy Jean-Philip , Sánchez Javier
Published: June 2023

Antimicrobial resistance in pathogenic bacteria is one of the preeminent concerns for the future of global health. There is a dose-dependent relationship between antimicrobial use (AMU) and the prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. As most AMU in Canada is related to animal agriculture, there is a need to reduce overall AMU, which could be accomplished through surveillance of AMU in animal agriculture, including the dairy industry. The objective of this study was to quantify AMU on dairy farms across Canada. This study had two parts: a description of data collected in 2019–2020, and a meta-analysis comparing this data to previous estimates of AMU in the Canadian dairy industry. The first included a garbage can audit (GCA) on 107 farms in four Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Nova Scotia) in 2020; AMU data were converted to the dose-based metrics of defined course doses (DCD) and defined daily doses (DDD). Mixed-effect linear models were fit to determine the relationship between province and use of different classes of antimicrobials. On average, for every 100 animals on the farm, 117 DCD of antimicrobials were administered per year (IQR: 55, 158). These treatments amounted to 623 DDD / 100 animal-yr (IQR: 302, 677 DDD/100 animal-years). Penicillins were the most used class of antimicrobials, followed by first-and third-generation cephalosporins. Farms in Ontario used more third-generation cephalosporins than other provinces. The second part of this study compared AMU in 2020 to previously reported Canadian studies through a meta-analysis. A GCA was conducted in 2007–2008 in Alberta, Ontario, Québec, and the Maritime provinces (Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia); another GCA was conducted in Québec in 2018. Overall, AMU was lower in 2018–2020 than in 2007–2008, with the exception of third-generation cephalosporin use, which increased.
Grammatical Evolution-Driven Algorithm for Efficient and Automatic Hyperparameter Optimisation of Neural Networks
Authors: Vaidya Gauri , Kshirsagar Meghana , Ryan Conor
Published: June 2023

Neural networks have revolutionised the way we approach problem solving across multiple domains; however, their effective design and efficient use of computational resources is still a challenging task. One of the most important factors influencing this process is model hyperparameters which vary significantly with models and datasets. Recently, there has been an increased focus on automatically tuning these hyperparameters to reduce complexity and to optimise resource utilisation. From traditional human-intuitive tuning methods to random search, grid search, Bayesian optimisation, and evolutionary algorithms, significant advancements have been made in this direction that promise improved performance while using fewer resources. In this article, we propose HyperGE, a two-stage model for automatically tuning hyperparameters driven by grammatical evolution (GE), a bioinspired population-based machine learning algorithm. GE provides an advantage in that it allows users to define their own grammar for generating solutions, making it ideal for defining search spaces across datasets and models. We test HyperGE to fine-tune VGG-19 and ResNet-50 pre-trained networks using three benchmark datasets. We demonstrate that the search space is significantly reduced by a factor of ~90% in Stage 2 with fewer number of trials. HyperGE could become an invaluable tool within the deep learning community, allowing practitioners greater freedom when exploring complex problem domains for hyperparameter fine-tuning.
On Orthogonal Double Covers and Decompositions of Complete Bipartite Graphs by Caterpillar Graphs
Authors: El-Mesady Ahmed , Farahat Tasneem , El-Shanawany Ramadan , Romanov Aleksandr Y.
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, graph theory is one of the most exciting fields of mathematics due to the tremendous developments in modern technology, where it is used in many important applications. The orthogonal double cover (ODC) is a branch of graph theory and is considered as a special class of graph decomposition. In this paper, we decompose the complete bipartite graphs Kx,x by caterpillar graphs using the method of ODCs. The article also deals with constructing the ODCs of Kx,x by general symmetric starter vectors of caterpillar graphs such as stars–caterpillar, the disjoint copies of cycles–caterpillars, complete bipartite caterpillar graphs, and the disjoint copies of caterpillar paths. We decompose the complete bipartite graph by the complete bipartite subgraphs and by the disjoint copies of complete bipartite subgraphs using general symmetric starter vectors. The advantage of some of these new results is that they enable us to decompose the giant networks into large groups of small networks with the comprehensive coverage of all parts of the giant network by using the disjoint copies of symmetric starter subgraphs. The use case of applying the described theory for various applications is considered.
Robustness of Artificial Neural Networks Based on Weight Alterations Used for Prediction Purposes
Authors: Savva Andreas G. , Theocharides Theocharis , Nicopoulos Chrysostomos
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, due to their excellent prediction capabilities, the use of artificial neural networks (ANNs) in software has significantly increased. One of the most important aspects of ANNs is robustness. Most existing studies on robustness focus on adversarial attacks and complete redundancy schemes in ANNs. Such redundancy methods for robustness are not easily applicable in modern embedded systems. This work presents a study, based on simulations, about the robustness of ANNs used for prediction purposes based on weight alterations. We devise a method to increase the robustness of ANNs directly from ANN characteristics. By using this method, only the most important neurons/connections are replicated, keeping the additional hardware overheads to a minimum. For implementation and evaluation purposes, the networks-on-chip (NoC) case, which is the next generation of system-on-chip, was used as a case study. The proposed study/method was validated using simulations and can be used for larger and different types of networks and hardware due to its scalable nature. The simulation results obtained using different PARSEC (Princeton Application Repository for Shared-Memory Computers) benchmark suite traffic show that a high level of robustness can be achieved with minimum hardware requirements in comparison to other works.
Examination and Prediction of the Lift Components of Low Aspect Ratio Rectangular Flat Plate Wings
Authors: Traub Lance W.
Published: June 2023

An investigation of the lift components present over low aspect ratio rectangular wings is presented. Wing aspect ratios ranging from 0.5 to 3 are examined using published experimental results and analytic analysis methods. The methods are based on the fundamental decomposition of Polhamus; that is, lift is attributed to a potential flow lift component coupled with a vortical lift component stemming from the leading and side edges of the flat plate wing. The analysis suggests a low sensitivity to Reynolds numbers spanning three orders of magnitude and brings into doubt the realization of a leading edge vortex lift component for wings with unswept leading edges under steady state conditions. The analytic prediction method of Purvis is shown to provide close accord with all experimental data sets when lift contributions caused by a leading edge vortex are excluded.
The Reproductive Capacities of the Calanoid Copepods Parvocalanus crassirostis and Acartia pacifica under Different pH and Temperature Conditions
Authors: Behbehani Montaha , Uddin Saif , Habibi Nazima , Al-Sarawi Hanan A. , Al-enezi Yousef
Published: June 2023

The increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations and warming of marine waters have encouraged experiments on multi-stressor interactions in marine organisms. We conducted a multigenerational experiment to assess reproductive capacities regarding egg production in calanoid copepods Parvocalanus crassirostis and Acartia pacifica under different pH and temperature conditions. The experimental set-up allowed assessing the tandem effect of warming and acidification on the number of eggs produced by healthy copepod pairs under two pH conditions of 8.20 and 7.50 (hard selection) as well as with a gradual reduction of 0.05 pH units at each generation (soft selection). The results are quite interesting, with very diverse performance across temperatures. The number of eggs produced under hard selection was higher at pH 8.20 compared to pH 7.50 for both species, with the maximum number of eggs produced at 24–28 °C, whereas under soft selection, there was no significant difference in the egg production rate at 24–28 °C across generations and there was an improvement in the number of eggs produced at 8–16 °C. The results provide evidence that in a future ocean scenario of lower pH and higher temperature, the two species, and possibly the copepod population at large, might not decrease. Copepod populations might be resilient, and the transcriptomic evidence of adaptation to increased temperature and lower pH is a ray of hope. We believe further studies are needed to provide more robust datasets to underpin the hypothesis of adaptation to climate change.
Strategies and Mechanisms of Thermal Compensation in Newborn Water Buffaloes
Authors: Mota-Rojas Daniel , Braghieri Ada , Ghezzi Marcelo , Ceriani María Carolina , Martínez-Burnes Julio , Lendez Pamela Anahí , Pereira Alfredo M. F. , Lezama-García Karina , Domínguez-Oliva Adriana , Casas-Alvarado Alejandro , Sabia Emilio , Pacelli Corrado , Napolitano Fabio
Published: June 2023

Hypothermia is one of the principal causes of perinatal mortality in water buffaloes and can range from 3% to 17.9%. In ruminants, factors affecting hypothermia in newborns may be of intrinsic (e.g., level of neurodevelopment, birth weight, vitality score, amount of brown fat, skin features) or extrinsic origin (e.g., maternal care, environmental conditions, colostrum consumption). When newborn buffaloes are exposed to cold stress, thermoregulatory mechanisms such as peripheral vasoconstriction and shivering and non-shivering thermogenesis are activated to prevent hypothermia. Due to the properties of infrared thermography (IRT), as a technique that detects vasomotor changes triggered by a reduction in body temperature, evaluating the central and peripheral regions in newborn buffaloes is possible. This review aims to analyze behavioral, physiological, and morphological strategies and colostrum consumption as thermal compensation mechanisms in newborn water buffalo to cope with environmental changes affecting thermoneutrality. In addition, the importance of monitoring by IRT to identify hypothermia states will be highlighted. Going deeper into these topics related to the water buffalo is essential because, in recent years, this species has become more popular and is being bred in more geographic areas.
Veterinary Expert: Legal Nature and Responsibility
Authors: Dzikowski Andrzej
Published: June 2023

Veterinary professional practice can be performed in many forms, including expert activity. The importance of veterinary expertise is, however, often underrated and limited to only one of its areas. Nonetheless, veterinary expert opinions have significant social, legal, and economic impacts. This study investigates veterinary expertise from an interdisciplinary, comparative perspective. Ethical and legal analysis and interpretation are performed. Essential concepts and relevant aspects of veterinary expertise are analysed. Legally relevant factors of an expert opinion are identified. The relationship between the law, the language, and the understanding of the role and duties of a veterinary proficient is demonstrated. A variety of possible expert opinions and the multiplicity of veterinary scopes of such activity is presented. It is argued that the ranges of forensic veterinary medicine and of veterinary expertise are broader than is predominantly assumed. Veterinary forensic medicine is a crucial part of veterinary specialisation. Ethical and legal basics, and the scope of veterinary expert’s liability, are revealed and discussed. The conclusion is that the duties and responsibilities of expert veterinarians are particularly great due to the exercise of the public trust profession, with large importance for the whole society. Their observance is, however, crucial to ensure the highest quality of expert opinions issued by veterinarians.
Review of Rat (Rattus norvegicus), Mouse (Mus musculus), Guinea pig (Cavia porcellus), and Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) Indicators for Welfare Assessment
Authors: Cohen Shari , Ho Cindy
Published: June 2023

The monitoring and assessment of animals is important for their health and welfare. The appropriate selection of multiple, validated, and feasible welfare assessment indicators is required to effectively identify compromises or improvements to animal welfare. Animal welfare indicators can be animal or resource based. Indicators can be collated to form assessment tools (e.g., grimace scales) or animal welfare assessment models (e.g., 5 Domains) and frameworks (e.g., 5 Freedoms). The literature contains a wide variety of indicators, with both types needed for effective animal welfare assessment; however, there is yet to be an ideal constellation of indicators for animal-based welfare assessment in small mammals such as guinea pigs (Cavia Porcellus), mice (Mus musculus), rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and rats (Rattus norvegicus). A systematic review of grey and peer-reviewed literature was performed to determine the types of animal-based welfare indicators available to identify and assess animal health and welfare in these small mammals maintained across a wide variety of conditions. The available indicators were categorised and scored against a selection of criteria, including potential ease of use and costs. This review and analysis aim to provide the basis for further research into animal welfare indicators for these species. Future applications of this work may include improvements to animal welfare assessments or schemes, guiding better management, and implementing future strategies to enable better animal welfare.
Prevalence and Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Bacterial Infections in a Large Cohort of Patients Hospitalized for COVID-19 in Southern Italy: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Onorato Lorenzo , Calò Federica , Maggi Paolo , Allegorico Enrico , Gentile Ivan , Sangiovanni Vincenzo , Esposito Vincenzo , Dell’Isola Chiara , Calabria Giosuele , Pisapia Raffaella , Salomone Megna Angelo , Masullo Alfonso , Manzillo Elio , Russo Grazia , Parrella Roberto , Dell’Aquila Giuseppina , Gambardella Michele , Di Perna Felice , Pisaturo Mariantonietta , Coppola Nicola
Published: June 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of bacterial infections and antimicrobial prescriptions in a large cohort of COVID-19 patients and to identify the independent predictors of infection and antibiotic prescription. Methods: All consecutive patients hospitalized for COVID-19 from March 2020 to May 2021 at 1 of the 17 centers participating in the study were included. All subjects showing a clinical presentation consistent with a bacterial infection with microbiological confirmation (documented infection), and/or a procalcitonin value >1 ng/mL (suspected infection) were considered as having a coinfection (if present at admission) or a superinfection (if acquired after at least 48 h of hospital stay). Results: During the study period, of the 1993 patients, 42 (2.1%) presented with a microbiologically documented infection, including 17 coinfections and 25 superinfections, and 267 (13.2%) a suspected infection. A total of 478 subjects (24.5%) received an antibacterial treatment other than macrolides. No independent predictors of confirmed or suspected bacterial infection were identified. On the contrary, being hospitalized during the second wave of the pandemic (OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.18–1.97, p = 0.001), having a SOFA score ≥3 (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.53–2.75, p < 0.001), a severe or critical disease (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.24–2.23, p < 0.001), and a high white blood cell count (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.004–1.06, p = 0.023) were all independently related to having received an antimicrobial prescription. Conclusions: Our study reported a high rate of antimicrobial prescriptions despite a limited number of documented or suspected bacterial infections among the large cohort of hospitalized COVID-19 patients.
Green Antimicrobials
Authors: Felgueiras Helena P.
Published: June 2023

In the last couple of years, the awareness of climate change and high pollution levels have raised our sense of ecological responsibility [...]
Effects of Sihuang Zhili Granules on the Diarrhea Symptoms, Immunity, and Antioxidant Capacity of Poultry Challenged with Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
Authors: Wang Shaolong , Li Chong , Zhang Chaosheng , Liu Guohua , Zheng Aijuan , Qiu Kai , Chang Wenhuan , Chen Zhimin
Published: June 2023

A growing interest has been focused on Chinese herbs as alternatives to antimicrobial growth promoters, which are characterized by non-toxic side effects and drug resistance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of the Sihuang Zhili granule (abbreviated as Sihuang) on diarrhea, immunity, and antioxidation in poultry. Thirty male Leghorn chickens, aged 21 days, were randomly assigned to one of three groups with ten animals each. The control group (CON) received intraperitoneal saline injections, while the LPS-challenged group (LPS) and Sihuang intervention group (SH) received intraperitoneal injections of LPS (0.5 mg/kg of BW) and Sihuang (5 g/kg) at d 31, d 33, d 35, respectively. The control and LPS groups were fed a basal diet, while the SH group was fed a diet supplemented with Sihuang from d 21 to d 35. Analysis of the diarrhea index showed that the addition of Sihuang inhibited the increase in the diarrhea grade and the fecal water content caused by LPS, effectively alleviating poultry diarrhea symptoms. The results of the immune and antioxidant indexes showed that Sihuang significantly reduced the contents of the pro-inflammatory factors TNF- α and IL-1 β, as well as the oxidative stress markers ROS and MDA. Conversely, it increased the contents of the anti-inflammatory factors IL-4 and IL-10, along with the activities of antioxidant enzymes GSH-Px and CAT, thereby enhancing the immune and antioxidant abilities of chickens. Furthermore, Sihuang protected the chicken’s ileum, liver, and immune organs from LPS invasion and maintained their normal development. In conclusion, this study confirmed the antidiarrheal effect of Sihuang in poultry farming and demonstrated its ability to improve poultry immunity and antioxidant capacity by modulating antioxidant enzyme activity and inflammatory cytokine levels.
Assessment of CH4 and CO2 Emissions from a Gas Collection System of a Regional Non-Hazardous Waste Landfill, Harmanli, Bulgaria, Using the Interrupted Time Series ARMA Model
Authors: Borisova Daniela , Kostadinova Gergana , Petkov Georgi , Dospatliev Lilko , Ivanova Miroslava , Dermendzhieva Diyana , Beev Georgi
Published: June 2023

Municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills are among the major sources of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions affecting global warming and the Earth’s climate. In Bulgaria, 53 regional non-hazardous waste landfills (RNHWL) are in operation, which necessitates conducting studies to determine the environmental risk from the emitted GHGs. This study attempted to assess the CH4 and CO2 emissions from three gas wells of a cell (in active and closed phases, each of 2.5 years duration) in an RNHWL, Harmanli (41°54′24.29″ N; 25°53′45.17″ E), based on monthly in situ measurements by portable equipment, using the Interrupted Time Series (ITS) ARMA model. The obtained results showed a significant variation of the CH4 and CO2 concentrations (2.06–15.1% v/v) and of the CH4 and CO2 emission rates (172.81–1762.76 kg/y) by gas wells (GWs), months and years, indicating the dynamics of the biodegradation of the deposited waste in the areas of the three GWs. Throughout most of the monitoring period (2018–2022), the CH4 concentrations were higher than the CO2 concentrations (% v/v), while CO2 emissions were lower than CH4 emissions (kg/y), a fact that could be explained by the differences in the mass of the two gases. The emissions rates of both gases from GW2 dominated over those from GW1 and GW3, giving a reason to determine the zone of GW2 as a hotspot of Cell-1. On the whole, CH4 and CO2 emission rates were higher in the winter (December–February) and partly in the spring (March–May) compared to summer–autumn (June–November). However, the CH4 and CO2 concentrations and emissions decreased drastically after the Cell-1 closure. The CH4/CO2 ratio (0.68–2.01) by months and gas wells demonstrated a great sensitivity, making it a suitable indicator for the assessment of organic waste biodegradation level in the landfills. The ITS ARMA model confirmed the negative and significant effect of the cell closure on CH4 and CO2 emissions; the correlations found between predicted and observed values were strong and positive (0.739–0.896).
Non-Thermal Nitric Oxide Formation in the Earth’s Polar Atmosphere
Authors: Shematovich Valery , Bisikalo Dmitry , Tsurikov Grigory
Published: June 2023

Auroral events are the prominent manifestation of solar/stellar forcing on planetary atmospheres because they are closely related to the stellar energy deposition by and evolution of planetary atmospheres. A numerical kinetic Monte Carlo model was developed with the aim to calculate the steady-state energy distribution functions of suprathermal N(4S) atoms in the polar upper atmosphere formed due to the precipitation of high-energy auroral electrons in the N2-O2 atmospheres of rocky planets in solar and exosolar planetary systems. This model describes on the molecular level the collisions of suprathermal N(4S) atoms and atmospheric gas taking into account the stochastic nature of collisional scattering at high kinetic energies. It was found that the electron impact dissociation of N2 is an important source of suprathermal N atoms, significantly increasing the non-thermal production of nitric oxide in the auroral regions of the N2-O2 atmospheres of terrestrial-type planets.
Temporal Variations and Spatial Distribution of Air Pollutants in Shaoxing, a City in Yangtze Delta, China Based on Mobile Monitoring Using a Sensor Package
Authors: Zhao Gaohan , Pang Xiaobing , Li Jingjing , Xing Bo , Sun Songhua , Chen Lang , Lu Youhao , Sun Qianqian , Shang Qianqian , Wu Zhentao , Yuan Kaibin , Wu Hai , Ding Shimin , Li Haiyan , Liu Yi
Published: June 2023

Currently, traffic-related sources are considered to be one of the major contributors to air pollutants in urban areas. As the number of motor vehicles increases, the impact of traffic-related air pollutants (TRAPs) on human health has also increased in recent years. People are easily exposed to TRAPs in their daily lives. However, long-term exposure to TRAPs can have adverse health effects. Mobile monitoring is more flexible compared to traditional urban monitoring stations and can effectively obtain the spatial variation characteristics of air pollutants. We mounted a sensor package on an electric bicycle and conducted mobile measurements of CO, NO2 and SO2 on a circular road in the center of Shaoxing, a city in the center of the Yangtze Delta, China. The CO, NO2 and SO2 concentrations were observed to be higher in the morning and evening rush hours, and the three pollutants show different seasonal and spatial variation characteristics. CO concentration was higher in urban arterial and crossroads. NO2 concentration was variable, alternating between high and low concentrations. SO2 concentration was relatively stable and aggregated. This study provides important information on the spatial and temporal variations of TRAPs, which helps commuters understand how to effectively reduce pollutant exposure during personal travel.
Influence of Load Condition, Tire Type, and Ambient Temperature on the Emission of Tire–Road Particulate Matter
Authors: Schläfle Stefan , Unrau Hans-Joachim , Gauterin Frank
Published: June 2023

This study focuses on particulate matter emissions from tire–road contact and their investigation using an internal drum test bench. The test bench is equipped with real-road surfaces and has been upgraded to enable real-time measurements of particulate matter. It was found that the road surface changes during the tests due to constant rolling over, influencing the level of emissions significantly. To account for this effect, the micro roughness was characterized before, during, and after the tests. Specific emission values consisting of particle mass and number were determined with summer, all-season, and winter tires for different road conditions, as well as specific longitudinal and lateral forces. It turned out that emissions increase disproportionately with load for both force directions. The winter tire led to the highest emissions across all loads, and the summer tire led to the lowest ones. While lateral forces caused emissions many times higher than longitudinal forces for the summer tire, forces in both directions led to comparable emissions for the all-season and winter tires. Regarding the ambient temperature, a lower one seems to be favorable for summer tires and a higher one seems to be favorable for winter tires. Lastly, particle size distributions during different load conditions show a dependence on load, such that larger particles are emitted with increasing load.
The Atmospheric Vortex Streets and Their Impact on Precipitation in the Wake of the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Liu Qi , Wu Zhaohua , Tan Zhe-Min , Yang Fucheng , Fu Congbin
Published: June 2023

Atmospheric vortex streets (AVSs) are often observed in the wake of the leeward side of mountainous islands and are considered atmospheric analogs of the classic Kármán vortex street when a fluid flows past a cylindrical obstacle. The prevailing westerlies were observed year-round around the Tibetan Plateau. However, it remains to be understood whether the wake on the leeward side of the Tibetan Plateau exhibits a stable AVS and how the AVS impacts precipitation over the downstream region. In this study, the environmental meteorological factors, spatiotemporal characteristics, and various properties of the AVS on the leeward side of the Tibetan Plateau were examined for the period of 1979–2018 using global reanalysis datasets. The results show that the spatial structure of these AVSs closely resembles that of the classic Kármán vortex street observed in the laboratory. The meteorological factors satisfy the conditions in which a stable AVS can exist year-round. Moreover, various properties of these AVSs, including the aspect ratio and Strouhal number, are similar to those in previous studies of smaller obstacle caused AVS. Thus, these AVSs on the leeward side of the Tibetan Plateau can be interpreted as the atmospheric analog of classic Kármán vortex streets. The results further show that the spatiotemporal structure of precipitation over the wake of the Tibetan Plateau was largely shared by the cyclonic activities in the AVS. Approximately 80–90% of the total precipitation and heavy rain days in the main rainband over the wake of the Tibetan Plateau are closely tied to the seasonal evolution of the AVS.