bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The interplay between herbal medicines and gut microbiota in metabolic diseases
Authors: Wang Lijie , Gou Xiaoling , Ding Yin , Liu Jingye , Wang Yue , Wang Yaqian , Zhang Jing , Du Leilei , Peng Wei , Fan Gang
Published: March 2023

Globally, metabolic diseases are becoming a major public health problem. Herbal medicines are medicinal materials or preparations derived from plants and are widely used in the treatment of metabolic diseases due to their good curative effects and minimal side effects. Recent studies have shown that gut microbiota plays an important role in the herbal treatment of metabolic diseases. However, the mechanisms involved are still not fully understood. This review provides a timely and comprehensive summary of the interactions between herbal medicines and gut microbiota in metabolic diseases. Mechanisms by which herbal medicines treat metabolic diseases include their effects on the gut microbial composition, the intestinal barrier, inflammation, and microbial metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids and bile acids). Herbal medicines can increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Akkermansia and Blautia), reduce the abundance of harmful bacteria (e.g., Escherichia–Shigella), protect the intestinal barrier, and alleviate inflammation. In turn, gut microbes can metabolize herbal compounds and thereby increase their bioavailability and bioactivity, in addition to reducing their toxicity. These findings suggest that the therapeutic effects of herbal medicines on metabolic diseases are closely related to their interactions with the gut microbiota. In addition, some methods, and techniques for studying the bidirectional interaction between herbal medicines and gut microbiota are proposed and discussed. The information presented in this review will help with a better understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms of herbal medicines and the key role of gut microbiota.
Efficacy and safety of Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil for human health—A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kairey Lana , Agnew Tamara , Bowles Esther Joy , Barkla Bronwyn J. , Wardle Jon , Lauche Romy
Published: March 2023

Introduction: Leaves of the Australian tea tree plant Melaleuca alternifolia were used traditionally by First Nations Australians for treating wounds, burns, and insect bites. Tea tree oil, the essential oil steam-distilled from M. alternifolia, is well-known for its medicinal properties, the evidence for most applications however is limited. This review aimed to critically appraise evidence from clinical trials examining the therapeutic efficacy and safety of tea tree oil on outcomes.

Methods: Randomized controlled trials with participants of any age, gender, or health status, comparing tea tree oil to any control were included, without limit on publication date. Electronic databases were searched on 12 August 2022 with additional records sourced from article reference sections, reviews, and industry white papers. Risk of bias was assessed by two authors independently using the Cochrane risk-of-bias 1.0 tool. Results were summarized and synthesized thematically.

Results: Forty-six articles were eligible from the following medical fields (Dentistry n = 18, Dermatology n = 9, Infectious disease n = 9, Ophthalmology n = 6, Podiatry n = 3; and Other n = 1). Results indicate that oral mouthwashes with 0.2%–0.5% tea tree oil may limit accumulation of dental plaque. Gels containing 5% tea tree oil applied directly to the periodontium may aid treatment of periodontitis as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing. More evidence is needed to confirm the benefits of tea tree oil for reducing acne lesions and severity. Local anti-inflammatory effects on skin, if any, also require further elucidation. Topical tea tree oil regimens show similar efficacy to standard treatments for decolonizing the body from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, although intra-nasal use of tea tree oil may cause irritation to mucous membranes. Tea tree oil with added iodine may provide an effective treatment for molluscum contagiosum lesions in young children. More evidence on efficacy of tea tree oil-based eyelid wipes for Demodex mite control are needed. Side effects were reported in 60% of included studies and were minor, except where tea tree oil was applied topically in concentrations ≥ 25%.

Discussion: Overall, the quality of research was poor to modest and higher quality trials with larger samples and better reporting are required to substantiate potential therapeutic applications of tea tree oil.

Systematic Review Registration: PROSPERO, identifier [CRD42021285168].
Metabolite-assisted models improve risk prediction of coronary heart disease in patients with diabetes
Authors: Shen Min , Xie Qingya , Zhang Ruizhe , Yu Chunjing , Xiao Pingxi
Published: March 2023

Background: Patients with diabetes have a two-to four-fold increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases compared with non-diabetics. Currently, there is no recognized model to predict the occurrence and progression of CVDs in diabetics.

Objective: This work aimed to develop a metabolic biomarker-assisted model, a combination of metabolic markers with clinical variables, for risk prediction of CVDs in diabetics.

Methods: A total of 475 patients with diabetes were studied. Each patient underwent coronary angiography. Plasma samples were analyzed by liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Ordinal logistic regression and random forest were used to screen metabolites. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, nomogram, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were employed to evaluate their prediction performances.

Results: Ordinal logistic regression screened out 34 differential metabolites (adjusted-false discovery rate p < 0.05) from 2059 ion features by comparisons of diabetics with and without CVDs. Random forest identified methylglutarylcarnitine and lysoPC (18:0) as the metabolic markers (mean decrease gini >1.0) for non-significant CVDs (nos-CVDs) versus normal coronary artery (NCA), 1,3-Octadiene and 3-Octanone for acute coronary syndrome (ACS) versus nos-CVDs, and lysoPC (18:0) for acute coronary syndrome versus normal coronary artery. For risk prediction, the metabolic marker-assisted models provided areas under the curve of 0.962–0.979 by ROC (0.576–0.779 for the base models), and c-indices of 0.8477–0.9537 by nomogram analysis (0.1514–0.5196 for the base models). Decision curve analysis (DCA) showed that the models produced greater benefits throughout a wide range of risk probabilities compared with the base model.

Conclusion: Metabolic biomarker-assisted model remarkably improved risk prediction of cardiovascular disease in diabetics (>90%).
Vulnerability analysis in complex networks under a flood risk reduction point of view
Authors: Santos Leonardo B. L. , Soares Giovanni G. , Garg Tanishq , Jorge Aurelienne A. S. , Londe Luciana R. , Reani Regina T. , Bacelar Roberta B. , Oliveira Carlos E. S. , Freitas Vander L. S. , Sokolov Igor M.
Published: March 2023

The measurement and mapping of transportation network vulnerability to natural hazards constitute subjects of global interest for a sustainable development agenda and as means of adaptation to climate change. During a flood, some elements of a transportation network can be affected, causing the loss of lives. Furthermore, impacts include damage to vehicles, streets/roads, and other logistics services - sometimes with severe economic consequences. The Network Science approach may offer a valuable perspective considering one type of vulnerability related to network-type critical infrastructures: the topological vulnerability. The topological vulnerability index associated with an element is defined as reducing the network’s average efficiency due to removing the set of edges related to that element. In this paper, we present the results of a systematic literature overview and a case study applying the topological vulnerability index for the highways in Santa Catarina (Brazil). We produce a map considering that index and areas susceptible to urban floods and landslides. Risk knowledge, combining hazard and vulnerability, is the first pillar of an Early Warning System and represents an important tool for stakeholders of the transportation sector in a disaster risk reduction agenda.
Indexing hematological and serum biochemical reference intervals of Himalayan snow trout, Schizothorax esocinus to instrument in health assessment
Authors: Reshi Quseen Mushtaq , Ahmed Imtiaz , Al-Anazi Khalid Mashay , Farah Mohammad Abul
Published: March 2023

Schizothorax esocinus, commonly known as snow trout, is one of the main contributors of food and livelihood in the colder zone of Himalayan region. The comprehensive information on its hematological and serum biochemical reference intervals is not reported yet. In the present study an attempt has been made to elucidate the hematological and serum biochemical reference intervals of S. esocinus from River Jhelum using protocols of the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology (ASVCP). Wild fish were sampled over a period of 2 years from the pollution free sites of river Jhelum. Fish blood was harvested through caudal venipuncture and hemato-biochemical analysis performed thereof. Data values from a total of healthy 432 adult fish specimens (216 male, 216 female) were systematically recorded. The reference intervals for hematological and serum biochemical parameters of S. esocinus were established using Reference Value Advisor software v 2.1. RIs for hematological and serum analytes ranged as: hemoglobin (Hb) 78.38–116.35 (g/L); white blood cells (WBC) 10–20 (×109/L); red blood cells (RBC) 1.30–2.15 (×1012/L); packed cell volume 27.00–39.45 (%); total protein 39.21–61.62 (g/L); albumin 8.20–22.02 (g/L); globulin 27.58–49.55 (g/L); glucose 3.25–7.18 (mmol/L); urea 0.96—2.38 (mmol/L); cholesterol 3.80–6.90 (mmol/L). The study also depicted that certain blood measurands were influenced with respect to sex. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher values of Hb, red blood cells count and serum glucose were noted in male as compared to female which, on the other hand, registered higher white blood cells count and serum cholesterol level (Mann Whitney U test, p < 0.05). The work, therefore, provides baseline information on hematological and serum biochemical analytes of this species which holds high commercial importance. RIs reported here can help monitor the health status of fish by improving the use of non-lethal diagnostic methods in piscine medicine.
A decision-making method for reservoir operation schemes based on deep learning and whale optimization algorithm
Authors: Hu Qiang , Hu He-xuan , Lin Zhen-zhou , Chen Zhi-hao , Zhang Ye
Published: March 2023

Reservoir operation is an important part of basin water resources management. The rational use of reservoir operation scheme can not only enhance the capacity of flood control and disaster reduction in the basin, but also improve the efficiency of water use and give full play to the comprehensive role the reservoir. The conventional decision-making method of reservoir operation scheme is computationally large, subjectivity and difficult to capture the nonlinear relationship. To solve these problems, this paper proposes a reservoir operation scheme decision-making model IWGAN-IWOA-CNN based on artificial intelligence and deep learning technology. In view of the lack of data in the original reservoir operation scheme and the limited improvement of data characteristics by the traditional data augmentation algorithm, an improved generative adversarial network algorithm (IWGAN) is proposed. IWGAN uses the loss function which integrates Wasserstein distance, gradient penalty and difference item, and dynamically adds random noise in the process of model training. The whale optimization algorithm is improved by introducing Logistic chaotic mapping to initialize population, non-linear convergence factor and adaptive weights, and Levy flight perturbation strategy. The improved whale optimization algorithm (IWOA) is used to optimize hyperparameters of convolutional neural networks (CNN), so as to obtain the best parameters for model prediction. The experimental results show that the data generated by IWGAN has certain representation ability and high quality; IWOA has faster convergence speed, higher convergence accuracy and better stability; IWGAN-IWOA-CNN model has higher prediction accuracy and reliability of scheme selection.
Functional characterization and transcriptional activity analysis of Dryopteris fragrans farnesyl diphosphate synthase genes
Authors: Zhang Dongrui , Tang Xun , Chen Lingling , Qiu Xiaojie , Song Chunhua , Wang Hemeng , Chang Ying
Published: March 2023

Farnesyl diphosphate synthase (FPS), a key enzyme of the terpene metabolic pathway, catalyzes the precursor of sesquiterpene compounds farnesyl diphosphate (FPP) synthesis, and plays an important role in regulating plant growth and development. Dryopteris fragrans is a medicinal plant rich terpenoids. In this study, the function of the gene was verified in vitro and in vivo, the promoter of the gene was amplified and its transcriptional activity was analyzed. In the present study, we report the molecular cloning and functional characterization of DfFPS1 and DfFPS2, two FPS genes from D. fragrans. We found that the two genes were evolutionarily conserved. Both DfFPS genes were highly expressed in the gametophyte and mature sporophyte leaves, and their expression levels increased in response to methyl jasmonate (MeJA) and high temperature. Both DfFPS proteins were localized in the cytoplasm and could catalyze FPP synthesis in vitro. We also found that the overexpression of DfFPS genes in tobacco plants promoted secondary metabolite accumulation but exhibited negligible effect on plant growth and development. However, the transgenic plants exhibited tolerance to high temperature and drought. The promoters of the two genes were amplified using fusion primer and nested integrated polymerase chain reaction (FPNI-PCR). The promoter sequences were truncated and their activity was examined using the β-glucuronidase (GUS) gene reporter system in tobacco leaves, and we found that both genes were expressed in the stomata. The transcriptional activity of the promoters was found to be similar to the expression pattern of the genes, and the transcriptional core regions of the two genes were mainly between −943 bp and −740 bp of proDfFPS1. Therefore, we present a preliminary study on the function and transcriptional activity of the FPS genes of D. fragrans and provide a basis for the regulation of terpene metabolism in D. fragrans. The results also provide a novel basis for the elucidation of terpene metabolic pathways in ferns.
A systematic scoping review on the evidence behind debriefing practices for the wellbeing/emotional outcomes of healthcare workers
Authors: Evans Thomas Rhys , Burns Calvin , Essex Ryan , Finnerty Gina , Hatton Ella , Clements Andrew James , Breau Genevieve , Quinn Francis , Elliott Helen , Smith Lorraine D. , Matthews Barry , Jennings Kath , Crossman Jodie , Williams Gareth , Miller Denise , Harold Benjamin , Gurnett Philip , Jagodzinski Lee , Smith Julie , Milligan Wendy , Markowski Marianne , Collins Peter , Yoshimatsu Yuki , Margalef Turull Jordi , Colpus Mark , Dayson Mark L. , Weldon Sharon
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Debriefings give healthcare workers voice through the opportunity to discuss unanticipated or difficult events and recommend changes. The typical goal of routine debriefings has been to improve clinical outcomes by learning through discussion and reflection of events and then transferring that learning into clinical practice. However, little research has investigated the effects of debriefings on the emotional experiences and well-being of healthcare workers. There is some evidence that debriefings are a multi-faceted and cost-effective intervention for minimising negative health outcomes, but their use is inconsistent and they are infrequently adopted with the specific intention of giving healthcare workers a voice. The purpose of this systematic scoping review is therefore to assess the scope of existing evidence on debriefing practices for the well-being and emotional outcomes of healthcare workers.

Methods

Following screening, 184 papers were synthesised through keyword mapping and exploratory trend identification.

Results

The body of evidence reviewed were clustered geographically, but diverse on many other criteria of interest including the types of evidence produced, debriefing models and practices, and outcomes captured.

Discussion

The current review provides a clear map of our existing understanding and highlights the need for more systematic, collaborative and rigorous bodies of evidence to determine the potential of debriefing to support the emotional outcomes of those working within healthcare.

Systematic Review Registration

https://osf.io/za6rj.
An Observational Pilot Study using a Digital Phenotyping Approach in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder Treated with Trazodone
Authors: Čermák Jan , Pietrucha Slavomír , Nawka Alexander , Lipone Paola , Ruggieri Alessandro , Bonelli Annalisa , Comandini Alessandro , Cattaneo Agnese
Published: March 2023

This 8-week study was designed to explore any correlation between a passive data collection approach using a wearable device (i.e., digital phenotyping), active data collection (patient’s questionnaires), and a traditional clinical evaluation [Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)] in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) treated with trazodone once a day (OAD). Overall, 11 out of 30 planned patients were enrolled. Passive parameters measured by the wearable device included number of steps, distance walked, calories burned, and sleep quality. A relationship between the sleep score (derived from passively measured data) and MADRS score was observed, as was a relationship between data collected actively (assessing depression, sleep, anxiety, and warning signs) and MADRS score. Despite the limited sample size, the efficacy and safety results were consistent with those previously reported for trazodone. The small population in this study limits the conclusions that can be drawn about the correlation between the digital phenotyping approach and traditional clinical evaluation; however, the positive trends observed suggest the need to increase synergies among clinicians, patients, and researchers to overcome the cultural barriers toward implementation of digital tools in the clinical setting. This study is a step toward the use of digital data in monitoring symptoms of depression, and the preliminary data obtained encourage further investigations of a larger population of patients monitored over a longer period of time.
Utilization and performance of long-term care system for older people with disabilities and dementia in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Sun Tongda , Liu Xiuli , Jiang Wenyin , Dong Xiaoxin , Jiang Minmin , Li Lu
Published: March 2023

Introduction

To explore changes in performance, weaknesses, and utilization of the long-term care (LTC) system for older people with disabilities and dementia (OPWDD) in Zhejiang Province, China, thereby providing a reference for decision-making amid a progressively aging population.

Methods

A performance evaluation model of the LTC system for OPWDD was constructed using three dimensions: input, process, and outcome. Performance indicators and trends were calculated based on data collected from statistical yearbooks, documents, and work reports of the Bureau of Statistics and other government departments in Zhejiang Province, China, published in 2015–2021.

Results

Significant improvements were observed in most LTC performance indicators for OPWDD, such as input, process, and outcome, with notable enhancements in fairness, accessibility, and affordability of LTC services. By 2021, there were 6.20 nursing and rehabilitation beds in medical institutions and 3.77 general practitioners per 1,000 people aged 65 and above, up 144.14% and 13.73%, respectively, from 2015. The rate of health management for older people was 70.91%, representing a 10.33% increase from 2015. The actual reimbursement ratio of hospitalization expenses covered by basic medical insurance for older people rose 7.05%, from 72.76% in 2015 to 77.89% in 2021. Social security satisfaction rose 12.4%, from 71.3% in 2015 to 83.7% in 2021. Certain indicators, however, showed no significant improvement and tended to decline, such as the number of beds at older care institutions and caregivers per 1,000 people aged 65 and over.

Discussion

It is imperative to further balance the allocation of care resources, using a people-centered and integrated LTC system. The proportion of rehabilitation and nursing beds for older people should be consistently increased to effectively alleviate the shortage of care beds. Furthermore, a talent incentive policy should be improved to train caregivers and provide whole-person and whole-life course care based on OPWDD needs.
Inter-agency information sharing coordination on humanitarian logistics support for urban disaster management in Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Mohammed Zain Ruzaidin , Mohd Zahari Haliza , Mohd Zainol Noor Azmi
Published: March 2023

Information sharing is critical in establishing coordinated and effective decision-making processes for a humanitarian logistical response. Better coordination and decision-making will lead to a better response for beneficiaries as a result of timely and high-quality information reaching more humanitarian agencies. However, sharing this information between agencies is a challenge, especially in coordinating logistics response during an urban disaster, due to the sheer scale of potential impacts and risks on human lives and the economy. This research explored the current humanitarian logistics settings and identified issues and challenges of inter-agency information sharing coordination on humanitarian logistics support for urban disasters in Kuala Lumpur. Focus Group Discussion was conducted with participants from six government agencies that are responsible for providing humanitarian logistics support for urban disasters in Kuala Lumpur. This study also examined existing disaster management directives and the agency's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The findings revealed issues with information redundancy, lack of tools to manage and distribute information, and coordination issues among agencies in providing information sharing and managing real-time information during a disaster. A review of existing policies and formulation of clear guidelines are needed to address the issues and improve the overall humanitarian logistics support coordination.
Comprehensive microsurgical anatomy of the middle cranial fossa: Part I—Osseous and meningeal anatomy
Authors: Tayebi Meybodi Ali , Mignucci-Jiménez Giancarlo , Lawton Michael T. , Liu James K. , Preul Mark C. , Sun Hai
Published: March 2023

The middle cranial fossa is one of the most complex regions in neurosurgery and otolaryngology—in fact, the practice of skull base surgery originated from the need to treat pathologies in this region. Additionally, great neurosurgeons of our present and past are remembered for their unique methods of treating diseases in the middle fossa. The following article reviews the surgical anatomy of the middle fossa. The review is divided into the anatomy of the bones, dura, vasculature, and nerves—in two parts. Emphasis is paid to their neurosurgical significance and applications in skull base surgery. Part I focuses on the bony and dural anatomy.
Spatial–Temporal Characteristics and Driving Mechanisms of Rural Industrial Integration in China
Authors: Wang Rui , Shi Jianwen , Hao Dequan , Liu Wenxin
Published: March 2023

The scientific evaluation of the development of rural industrial integration is of great significance to understanding the changes occurring in the industrial structure of China’s agricultural sector. Combined with the practical problems related to the development of China’s rural industrial integration on the basis of four dimensions, i.e., agricultural industrial chain extension, agricultural multifunctionality, agricultural service industry integration development and the economic effect of rural industrial integration, the level of China’s rural industrial integration development is calculated for the period from 2008 to 2020 by means of the entropy method, and its spatial–temporal evolution characteristics and the regional heterogeneity of its driving factors are discussed on the basis of kernel density estimation, hotspot analysis and a fixed effect panel data model. The results showed the following: (1) From 2008 to 2020, the level of rural industrial integration development in 31 provinces in China improved to varying degrees. The growth rate of agricultural service industry integration was the highest, while the economic effect of rural industrial integration was second; the growth rate of the agricultural industrial chain extension was the lowest, and agricultural multifunctionality exhibited a fluctuating upward trend, peaking in 2017. In terms of spatial distribution, the representative provinces and cities with high and low levels of each dimension were different. (2) Rural industrial integration development in China was characterized by a regional imbalance, with polarization in the central and western regions. In terms of spatial distribution, an “east–middle–west” ladder pattern was obvious. The hotspots were mainly concentrated in the southeast region, and they showed a gradually expanding trend, while the coldspots were mainly concentrated in the northwest region, and they showed a trend of gradually decreasing size. (3) In terms of driving factors, the urbanization level, rural human capital, rural transportation facilities, rural ecological environment, intensity of financial support for agriculture and rural digitalization had significantly positive effects, while the degree of industrial upgrade had a significantly negative effect. Each driving factor had different effects on the rural industrial integration development in the eastern, central and western regions.
Root, Yield, and Quality of Alfalfa Affected by Soil Salinity in Northwest China
Authors: Qiu Yuan , Wang Yamin , Fan Yaqiong , Hao Xinmei , Li Sien , Kang Shaozhong
Published: March 2023

Growing crops in salt-affected soils has become increasingly important for sustainable development in arid and semi-arid regions. Knowledge on the responses of alfalfa root development, yield, and quality to soil salinity is critical for assessing the productivity and profitability of salt-affected soils. A field experiment with a total of six treatments combining three soil salinity levels and two biosolids fertilizer levels was conducted in 2018 and 2019 in northwest China. For salinity treatments, the salt addition rates were 2‰, 4‰, and 6‰ of 0–60 cm soil dry weight, while a commercial biosolids fertilizer was added at a rate of 0 and 1.5 Mg·ha−1 of 0–10 cm soil for biosolids treatment. Root parameters of root length (RL), surface area (RSA), diameter (RD), volume (RV), and dry matter (RDM) were obtained at the end of each year, while yield and quality parameters of crude protein (CP), acid detergent fiber (ADF), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were measured for each cut of the two years. Most root parameters were significantly reduced by the highest soil salinity treatment in 2018, but not affected by salinity in 2019. Higher salinity treatments consistently led to lower plant height and yield, higher CP, and lower ADF and NDF in both years. The absolute slope value of the regression between yield of each cut with the respective soil salt content was smaller for the later cuts. The relationship between plant height and quality parameters varied depending on soil salinity levels and between the two years, and plant height was found to be a good predictor for alfalfa quality in 2019. Biosolids fertilizer had no significant effect on any alfalfa root, growth, or quality parameters. The results are expected to assist determining the proper soil salinity range, maximizing the productivity that takes both yield and quality into consideration.
Integration of Vegetables and Fish with Rice in Rain-Fed Farmland: Towards Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Jewel Md. Abu Sayed , Haque Md. Ayenuddin , Ali S. M. Wahed , Pervin Mst. Eliza , Ahmed Md. Giush Uddin , Islam M. Shahanul , Hossain Mohammad Belal , Albeshr Mohammed Fahad , Arai Takaomi
Published: March 2023

Sustainability in aquaculture or agriculture production is depended on its successive use of natural resources that can ensure economic increment and sustainability of the livelihood of people. The objective of the study was to find out suitable combination of rice-fish-vegetable to be cultured in rainfed rice field. Two experiments were conducted for 4 months under rainfed condition. Two rice varieties (BRRI-51 and BRRI-52), three different fish species. i.e., Cyprinus carpio var. communis, Barbonymus gonionotus and Oreochromis niloticus and two combinations of vegetables (Red amaranth + Indian spinach and Cucumber + Water spinach) were selected for these experiments. Significantly higher growth and production performance of fish, B. gonionotus were recorded in both of the experiments. Furthermore, between the rice varieties, BRRI-52 showed significantly higher grain yield, biological yield and harvest index. However, vegetable combination did not show any significant difference between the experiment. Finally, considering economic performance, integration of BRRI-52, B. gonionotus and Cucumber-spinach combinations was provided significantly higher net benefit and benefit-cost ratio (BCR). Therefore, combination of rice-fish-vegetable BRRI-52, B. gonionotus and Cucumber-spinach is recommended to improve food security and sustainability for resource-limited farmers in rainfed rice field. Rice-fish-vegetable integrated culture could address the sustainable development goals (SDG) and therefore policy implications should be considered for institutional support, technical facilities and extension services to increase the knowledge of farmers and to uplift the productivity and profitability.
The Changes in Rhizosphere Metabolome and Microbiota Are the Main Direct Obstacles to Continuous Cropping in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)
Authors: Yu Fei , Yan Yifeng , Dong Qing , Jiang Chaoqiang , Zu Chaolong , Shen Jia
Published: March 2023

Continuous cropping obstacles (CC), typical of negative plant–soil feedback, have become a non-negligible constraint to the development of agriculture. In order to investigate the main direct drivers influencing the formation of CC soils from the rhizosphere of CC, tobacco fields were collected and their physicochemical properties, microbial community, and metabolomics were measured and analyzed. We also built a mixed linear model to evaluate the impact of these factors on CC. The results suggested that the pH, available potassium (AK), and zinc (Zn) were significantly higher in CC than in normal tobacco (NOR). However, the content of available nitrogen (AN) decreased significantly. Alpha diversity of the bacterial community was significantly reduced. Bacterial community structure also varied significantly in CC. The study identified an ecological cluster with a significant negative correlation with the above-ground biomass of plants. In this cluster, the pathogenic microbiome increased and the beneficial microbiome decreased. The orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) indicated clear variations in the metabolomic profiles of the rhizosphere soil between the CC and the NOR. There was an accumulation of toxic compounds and a decrease of beneficial compounds in rhizosphere soils with CC. The mixed linear model showed that only microbiome and metabolites, rather than the soil’s physicochemical properties, significantly affected plant above-ground biomass. According to the model’s standardized coefficients, metabolites contributed more to the continuous crop obstacles than the microbial community. The soil’s physicochemical properties do not directly cause the emergence of CC. The allelochemicals and microbial community are the main direct obstacles to continuous cropping in tobacco, and allelochemicals contribute more than the microbial community.
Animal Protection in Filming in the Context of Spain
Authors: De Damborenea Martín Pablo , Bermejo-Poza Rubén , De la Fuente Vázquez Jesús
Published: March 2023

Animals have fundamentally contributed to the development and growth of different cinematographic and audiovisual activities. As established in article 13 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), the basic text that establishes the objectives of the EU and from which the regulations or directives emanate, animal welfare is protected for the good of the general interest and therefore, must be taken into account when developing different European Union policies, especially those that may affect the internal market. This work aims to analyze each of the European regulations on animal protection and welfare to subsequently focus on each of the animal protection codes of the different countries of the union, trying to determine those premises related to the protection or the welfare of the animals that participate in these types of activities. We also wanted to make a brief comparison with countries such as the United Kingdom (UK) or the United States of America (USA), which are highly relevant to this topic. As a result of this analysis, the absence of standardized norms in the European Union has been revealed; however, in the UK and the USA, specific laws related to animal use in film media exist. Therefore, to develop new standards that guarantee the protection of animals in audiovisual productions in the EU are necessary, and these standards could also be expanded to other sectors or activities related to working animals.
Tramadol Administered Intravenously Either as a Bolus or a Slow Injection in Pain Management of Romifidine-Sedated Calves Undergoing Umbilical Hernia Repair
Authors: Costa Giovanna L. , Leonardi Fabio , Interlandi Claudia , Licata Patrizia , Lizarraga Ignacio , Macrì Francesco , Macrì Daniele , Ferrantelli Vincenzo , Spadola Filippo
Published: March 2023

Umbilical hernias in calves occur with relative frequency. Most abdominal surgeries can be performed in cattle using standing sedation and local blocks. Romifidine is widely used in calves, alone or in combination with opioids. Tramadol administered as an intravenous slow injection provided better analgesia than an IV bolus in cows. The aim of the present study was to compare the response to surgical stimulus, and sedative effects of tramadol administered intravenously either as a bolus or a slow injection in romifidinesedated calves. Twenty Frisian calves undergoing umbilical hernia repair received romifidine (0.08 mg/kg IM; time 0) followed by tramadol (1 mg/kg IV) 5 min later either as a bolus (n = 10, B group) or a slow injection over 10 min (n = 10, SI group). Surgical area was infiltrated with lidocaine (4 mg/kg). Heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), systolic, dyastolic and mean arterial pressure (SAP, DAP, MAP), sedation scores and response to surgical stimulus were recorded for up to 55 min. After the calves recovered a standing position, postoperative pain scores were assessed for up to 50 min. Sedation scores were significantly higher in the SI group than in the B group at 55 min (p < 0.05). HR, RR, SAP and response to surgical stimulus were significantly higher in the B group than in the SI group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were recorded in postoperative pain scores between groups (p > 0.05). Romifidine IM followed by intravenous tramadol, as a bolus or slow injection and local infiltration with lidocaine provided adequate sedation and analgesia in calves undergoing umbilical hernia repair.
Using Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines to Estimate the Body Weight of Savanna Goats
Authors: Rashijane Lebo Trudy , Mokoena Kwena , Tyasi Thobela Louis
Published: March 2023

The Savanna goat breed is an indigenous goat breed in South Africa that is reared for meat production. Live body weight is an important tool for livestock management, selection and feeding. The use of multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) to predict the live body weight of Savanna goats remains poorly understood. The study was conducted to investigate the influence of linear body measurements on the body weight of Savanna goats using MARS. In total, 173 Savanna goats between the ages of two and five years were used to collect body weight (BW), body length (BL), heart girth (HG), rump height (RH) and withers height (WH). MARS was used as a data mining algorithm for data analysis. The best predictive model was achieved from the training dataset with the highest coefficient of determination and Pearson’s correlation coefficient (0.959 and 0.961), respectively. BW was influenced positively when WH > 63 cm and HG >100 cm with a coefficient of 0.51 and 2.71, respectively. The interaction of WH > 63 cm and BL < 75 cm, WH < 68 cm and HG < 100 cm with a coefficient of 0.28 and 0.02 had a positive influence on Savanna goat BW, while male goats had a negative influence (−4.57). The findings of the study suggest that MARS can be used to estimate the BW in Savanna goats. This finding will be helpful to farmers in the selection of breeding stock and precision in the day-to-day activities such as feeding, marketing and veterinary services.
Antimicrobial Resistant Coagulase-Negative Staphylococci Carried by House Flies (Musca domestica) Captured in Swine and Poultry Farms
Authors: Bertelloni Fabrizio , Cagnoli Giulia , Bresciani Flavio , Scotti Bruno , Lazzerini Luca , Marcucci Marco , Colombani Giuseppe , Ebani Valentina Virginia
Published: March 2023

House flies (Musca domestica) are very diffuse insects attracted by biological materials. They are abundantly present in farm environments and can frequently come in contact with animals, feed, manure, waste, surfaces, and fomites; consequently, these insects could be contaminated, carry, and disperse several microorganisms. The aim of this work was to evaluate the presence of antimicrobial-resistant staphylococci in house flies collected in poultry and swine farms. Thirty-five traps were placed in twenty-two farms; from each trap, 3 different kinds of samples were tested: attractant material present in the traps, the body surface of house flies and the body content of house flies. Staphylococci were detected in 72.72% of farms, 65.71% of traps and 43.81% of samples. Only coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) were isolated, and 49 isolates were subjected to an antimicrobial susceptibility test. Most of the isolates were resistant to amikacin (65.31%), ampicillin (46.94%), rifampicin (44.90%), tetracycline (40.82%) and cefoxitin (40.82%). Minimum Inhibitory concentration assay allowed to confirm 11/49 (22.45%) staphylococci as methicillin-resistant; 4 of them (36.36%) carried the mecA gene. Furthermore, 53.06% of the isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant (MDR). Higher levels of resistance and multidrug resistance were detected in CoNS isolated from flies collected in poultry farms than in swine farms. Therefore, house flies could carry MDR and methicillin-resistant staphylococci, representing a possible source of infection for animals and humans.
Discovery of Novel Resistance Mechanisms of Vibrio parahaemolyticus Biofilm against Aminoglycoside Antibiotics
Authors: Tian Cuifang , Yuan Mengqi , Tao Qian , Xu Tianming , Liu Jing , Huang Zhenhua , Wu Qian , Pan Yingjie , Zhao Yong , Zhang Zhaohuan
Published: March 2023

Inappropriate use of antibiotics eventually leads to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant strains and invalidates the treatment of infectious diseases. Aminoglycoside antibiotics (AGAs) are a class of broad-spectrum cationic antibiotics widely used for the treatment of Gram-negative bacterial infections. Understanding the AGA resistance mechanism of bacteria would increase the efficacy of treating these infections. This study demonstrates a significant correlation between AGA resistance and the adaptation of biofilms by Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VP). These adaptations were the result of challenges against the aminoglycosides (amikacin and gentamicin). Confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) analysis revealed an enclosure type mechanism where the biological volume (BV) and average thickness (AT) of V. parahaemolyticus biofilm were significantly positively correlated with amikacin resistance (BIC) (p < 0.01). A neutralization type mechanism was mediated by anionic extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs). The biofilm minimum inhibitory concentrations of amikacin and gentamicin were reduced from 32 µg/mL to 16 µg/mL and from 16 µg/mL to 4 µg/mL, respectively, after anionic EPS treatment with DNase I and proteinase K. Here, anionic EPSs bind cationic AGAs to develop antibiotic resistance. Transcriptomic sequencing revealed a regulatory type mechanism, where antibiotic resistance associated genes were significantly upregulated in biofilm producing V. parahaemolyticus when compared with planktonic cells. The three mechanistic strategies of developing resistance demonstrate that selective and judicious use of new antibiotics are needed to win the battle against infectious disease.
Clonal Spread of Hospital-Acquired NDM-1-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in an Italian Neonatal Surgery Unit: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Agosta Marilena , Bencardino Daniela , Argentieri Marta , Pansani Laura , Sisto Annamaria , Ciofi Degli Atti Marta Luisa , D’Amore Carmen , Bagolan Pietro , Iacobelli Barbara Daniela , Magnani Mauro , Raponi Massimiliano , Perno Carlo Federico , Andreoni Francesca , Bernaschi Paola
Published: March 2023

This article reports a rapid and unexpected spread of colonization cases of NDM-1 carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae and Escherichia coli in a neonatal surgical unit (NSU) at Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital in Rome, Italy. Between the 16th of November 2020 and the 18th of January 2021, a total of 20 NDM-1 carbapenemase-producing K. pneumoniae (n = 8) and E. coli (n = 12) were isolated from 17 out of 230 stool samples collected from neonates admitted in the aforementioned ward and time period by an active surveillance culture program routinely in place to monitor the prevalence of colonization/infection with multidrug-resistant Gram-negative microorganisms. All strains were characterized by antimicrobial susceptibility testing, detection of resistance determinants, PCR-based replicon typing (PBRT) and multilocus-sequence typing (MLST). All isolates were highly resistant to most of the tested antibiotics, and molecular characterization revealed that all of them harbored the blaNDM-1 gene. Overall, IncA/C was the most common Inc group (n = 20/20), followed by IncFIA (n = 17/20), IncFIIK (n = 14/20) and IncFII (n = 11/20). MLST analysis was performed on all 20 carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) strains, revealing three different Sequence Types (STs) among E. coli isolates, with the prevalence of ST131 (n = 10/12; 83%). Additionally, among the 8 K. pneumoniae strains we found 2 STs with the prevalence of ST37 (n = 7/8; 87.5%). Although patient results were positive for CPE colonization during their hospital stay, infection control interventions prevented their dissemination in the ward and no cases of infection were recorded in the same time period.
Population Pharmacokinetic Study of Benzylpenicillin in Critically Unwell Adults
Authors: Shah Reya V. , Kipper Karin , Baker Emma H. , Barker Charlotte I. S. , Oldfield Isobel , Philips Barbara J. , Johnston Atholl , Lipman Jeffrey , Rhodes Andrew , Basarab Marina , Sharland Mike , Almahdi Sarraa , Wake Rachel M. , Standing Joseph F. , Lonsdale Dagan O.
Published: March 2023

Pharmacokinetics are highly variable in critical illness, and suboptimal antibiotic exposure is associated with treatment failure. Benzylpenicillin is a commonly used beta-lactam antibiotic, and pharmacokinetic data of its use in critically ill adults are lacking. We performed a pharmacokinetic study of critically unwell patients receiving benzylpenicillin, using data from the ABDose study. Population pharmacokinetic modelling was undertaken using NONMEM version 7.5, and simulations using the final model were undertaken to optimize the pharmacokinetic profile. We included 77 samples from 12 participants. A two-compartment structural model provided the best fit, with allometric weight scaling for all parameters and a creatinine covariate effect on clearance. Simulations (n = 10,000) demonstrated that 25% of simulated patients receiving 2.4 g 4-hourly failed to achieve a conservative target of 50% of the dosing interval with free drug above the clinical breakpoint MIC (2 mg/L). Simulations demonstrated that target attainment was improved with continuous or extended dosing. To our knowledge, this study represents the first full population PK analysis of benzylpenicillin in critically ill adults.
Antibiotic Overprescribing among Neonates and Children Hospitalized with COVID-19 in Pakistan and the Implications
Authors: Mustafa Zia UI , Khan Amer Hayat , Harun Sabariah Noor , Salman Muhammad , Godman Brian
Published: March 2023

There are concerns with excessive antibiotic prescribing among patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19, increasing antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Most studies have been conducted in adults with limited data on neonates and children, including in Pakistan. A retrospective study was conducted among four referral/tertiary care hospitals, including the clinical manifestations, laboratory findings, the prevalence of bacterial co-infections or secondary bacterial infections and antibiotics prescribed among neonates and children hospitalized due to COVID-19. Among 1237 neonates and children, 511 were admitted to the COVID-19 wards and 433 were finally included in the study. The majority of admitted children were COVID-19-positive (85.9%) with severe COVID-19 (38.2%), and 37.4% were admitted to the ICU. The prevalence of bacterial co-infections or secondary bacterial infections was 3.7%; however, 85.5% were prescribed antibiotics during their hospital stay (average 1.70 ± 0.98 antibiotics per patient). Further, 54.3% were prescribed two antibiotics via the parenteral route (75.5%) for ≤5 days (57.5), with most being ‘Watch’ antibiotics (80.4%). Increased antibiotic prescribing was reported among patients requiring mechanical ventilation and high WBCs, CRP, D-dimer and ferritin levels (p < 0.001). Increased COVID-19 severity, length of stay and hospital setting were significantly associated with antibiotic prescribing (p < 0.001). Excessive antibiotic prescribing among hospitalized neonates and children, despite very low bacterial co-infections or secondary bacterial infections, requires urgent attention to reduce AMR.