Susceptibility Studies Research Articles

Study of AC Susceptibility of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 at Different Frequencies

In the present work, the structural and ac magnetic susceptibility as a function of temperature at different frequencies of perovskite type La08Sr0.2MnO3 (LSMO) compound have been discussed. Conventional solid-state route was used to synthesize LSMO compound. Orthorhombic crystal structure with Pnma space group of the compound was witnessed from the analysis of X-ray diffractograms by Rietveld refinement. The real (χꞌ) and imaginary (χꞌꞌ) part of the ac susceptibility of the compound have been studied. The real part of magnetic susceptibility (χꞌ) of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 sample increases as temperature decrease. This indicates that the paramagnetic-ferromagnetic phase transition occurs. At different frequencies, i.e. 100Hz and 500Hz the Curie temperature Tc are 326K and 336K respectively. Peaks observed in the imaginary part χꞌꞌ) of magnetic susceptibility plot indicate the presence of sample inhomogeneity.

Campylobacter spp. at Different Stages of the Poultry Slaughtering Line in Algeria: Evaluation of Direct and Indirect Modified ISO 10272:2017 Detection Methods and Characterization of the Isolates.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of direct and indirect modified ISO 10272-1:2017 methods for detecting Campylobacter spp. in 10 sites of a poultry slaughterhouse and investigate the relationship between poultry intestinal carriage and carcasses, as well as surfaces contamination during different slaughter steps (scalding, defeathering, evisceration, and rinsing). Antibiotic resistance profiles of the isolates were also determined against 12 antibiotics. A total of 165 intestinal (feces and ceca) and non-intestinal (neck skins and surfaces) samples were collected from 10 different sampling sites before, during, and after the slaughtering of six flocks of broiler chickens. After the isolation and phenotypic identification of the isolates, an antibiotic susceptibility study was performed using the agar diffusion method. Thermotolerant bacteria of the genus Campylobacter (TC) were isolated with a prevalence of 47.04% (127/270), and 39.05% (82/210) of the TC isolates were detected in non-intestinal samples. Moreover, 76.19% (80/105) of these microorganisms were detected by a direct isolation method for a sensitivity of 97.56%, while only 1.90% (2/105) of the samples contained TC by an indirect isolation method for a sensitivity of 2.44%. The samples of intestinal origin were positive for TC with a rate of 75.00% (45/60). C. jejuni (76.38%; 97/127) was the most isolated bacterial species. Furthermore, 98.43% (125/127) of the TC isolates were multidrug-resistant and 69.29% (88/127) showed simultaneous resistance to ciprofloxacin and erythromycin. Direct isolation seems to be the best method for the detection of C. spp. A serious public health problem of multidrug-resistant C. spp. isolates with critical resistance profiles can be transmitted to broiler carcasses before, during, and after the evisceration step.

Quest for iron(III) isoporphyrins: Synthesis, characterization, reactivity and theoretical studies

Detailed studies on iron(III) isoporphyrins, which are isoelectronic with iron(IV)-oxo porphyrin radical and very much reactive in nature are rare in the literature. Therefore, here we have reported the synthesis of a series of methoxy iron(III) isoporphyrins of tetraphenylporphyrin derivatives using chemical oxidants and characterized well with UV–Visible, IR, ESI-Mass, elemental analysis, thermal gravimetric studies (TGA), Powder X-Ray Diffraction studies and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The electrochemical studies were performed for the first time on such type iron(III) isoporphyrins. ESR and magnetic susceptibility studies supported the high-spin iron(III) nature of the isoporphyrins. For the first time, theoretical studies like geometry optimization, simulation of optical spectra, and energy calculations were performed on a methoxy isoporphyrin of simple [FeIII(TPP)Cl] (Iron(III) tetraphenyl porphyrin) using the density functional theory method to understand the typical electronic, redox and highly reactive nature of iron isoporphyrins. The theoretical calculations supported the strong absorptions at the near-IR region in electronic spectra, very reactive nature and typical redox behavior of iron(III) isoporphyrins.

Nosological profile of infections with respiratory syndrome and infection of lymphoid organs in cats in Kryviy Rih

Leading doctors of city veterinary clinics claim that in recent years cases of infectious rhinotracheitis in cats have increased in association with infectious diseases of bacterial etiology, such as Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Pasteurella haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus hyicus, Streptococcus spp., Klebsiella spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Campylobacter spp., Mycoplasma spp., Haemophilus spp. The lack of unified and available methods of laboratory diagnosis of associated cat rhinotracheitis leads to a complicated course and difficulties in timely treatment of sick animals. The aim of the work was to determine the prevalence of respiratory diseases and diseases accompanied by damage to the lymphoid organs of cats in the city of Kryvyi Rih. The material for the work was the results of studies of purebred and outbred cats suffering from infectious diseases in the period from 2021 to 2022. Research was conducted in four private veterinary clinics in Kryvyi Rih, the results were systematized at the Department of Epizootology and Microbiology of the State Biotechnology University (Kharkiv). It was established that the share of infectious respiratory diseases was 19.3%, and the specific weight of infections with damage to lymphoid organs was 13.0%. It was found that infectious rhinotracheitis of cats was manifested in association with calicivirus, chlamydia, bordetelliosis, and mycoplasmosis. When studying the age dynamics of patients with associated infectious cat rhinotracheitis, it was established that the most frequently affected young animals were 10 weeks old (23.0%) and 12 weeks old (20.5%). In the list of immunodeficiencies in cats, such diseases as panleukopenia, viral immunodeficiency, infectious peritonitis, and viral leukemia were registered. In the study of sexual susceptibility to immunodeficiencies, it was established that a higher percentage — 61.5% — of females were ill than males — 38.5%

Individual and Combined Effect of MAO-A/MAO-B Gene Variants and Adverse Childhood Experiences on the Severity of Major Depressive Disorder.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a mood disorder with a high prevalence worldwide that causes disability and, in some cases, suicide. Although environmental factors play a crucial role in this disease, other biological factors may predispose individuals to MDD. Genetic and environmental factors influence mental disorders; therefore, a potential combined effect of MAO-A/MAO-B gene variants may be a target for the study of susceptibility to MDD. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of MAO-A and -B gene variants when combined with adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on the susceptibility and severity of symptoms in MDD. A case-control study was performed, including 345 individuals, 175 MDD cases and 170 controls. Genotyping was performed using real-time PCR with hydrolysis probes. The analysis of the rs1465107 and rs1799836 gene variants of MAO-A and -B, respectively, was performed either alone or in combination with ACEs on the severity of depression, as determined through specific questionnaires, including DSM-IV diagnostic criteria for MDD. According to individual effects, the presence of ACEs, as well as the allele G of the rs1465107 of MAO-A, is associated with a higher severity of depression, more significantly in females. Furthermore, the allele rs1799836 G of MAO-B was associated with the severity of depression, even after being adjusted by gene variants and ACEs (IRR = 1.67, p = 0.01). In males, the allele rs1799836 G of MAO-B was shown to interact with SNP with ACEs (IRR = 1.70, p < 0.001). According to combined effect analyses, the severity of depression was associated with ACEs when combined with either allele rs1465107 of MAO-A or allele rs17993836 of MAO-B, whereas SNP risk association was influenced by gender. The severity of depression is related to either individual or combined effects of temperamental traits and genetic susceptibility of specific genes such as MAO-A and MAO-B.

Hyphae of Rhizopus arrhizus and Lichtheimia corymbifera Are More Virulent and Resistant to Antifungal Agents Than Sporangiospores In Vitro and in Galleria mellonella.

Mucorales species cause debilitating, life-threatening sinopulmonary diseases in immunocompromised patients and penetrating wounds in trauma victims. Common antifungal agents against mucormycosis have significant toxicity and are often ineffective. To evaluate treatments against mucormycosis, sporangiospores are typically used for in vitro assays and in pre-clinical animal models of pulmonary infections. However, in clinical cases of wound mucormycosis caused by traumatic inoculation, hyphal elements found in soil are likely the form of the inoculated organism. In this study, Galleria mellonella larvae were infected with either sporangiospores or hyphae of Rhizopus arrhizus and Lichtheimia corymbifera. Hyphal infections resulted in greater and more rapid larval lethality than sporangiospores, with an approximate 10-16-fold decrease in LD50 of hyphae for R. arrhizus (p = 0.03) and L. corymbifera (p = 0.001). Liposomal amphotericin B, 10 mg/kg, was ineffective against hyphal infection, while the same dosage was effective against infections produced by sporangiospores. Furthermore, in vitro, antifungal susceptibility studies show that minimum inhibitory concentrations of several antifungal agents against hyphae were higher when compared to those of sporangiospores. These findings support using hyphal elements of Mucorales species for virulence testing and antifungal drug screening in vitro and in G. mellonella for studies of wound mucormycosis.

Distribution characteristics of snow and evaluation of snowdrift susceptibility along the Xinku section of Yining-Aksu Railway in China

The frequent occurrence of snowdrift hazards in the Tianshan region of China often poses a serious threat to transportation corridors, such as roads and railways. Revealing and understanding the characteristics of snow distribution and using a mixed model to assess the susceptibility to snowdrifts can effectively and quickly evaluate the regional risk of the snowdrift. In this study, the key factors affecting the formation of a snowdrift in the study area, such as snow, are analyzed by utilizing remote sensing interpretation, meteorological monitoring, and field investigation along the Xinyuan-Kutaikelike railway section of Yining to Aksu Railway in China as the study area object. Based on the multi-source data, ten snowdrift susceptibility evaluation factors were extracted with the help of GIS. On this basis, three susceptibility models were used to evaluate the snowdrift susceptibility, namely the subjective evaluation method – Analytic Network Process (ANP) method, the objective evaluation method - CRITIC weighting method, and the combination of subjective and objective Game theory combination method. The evaluation showed that the susceptibility indices obtained by the ANP, CRITIC, and Game theory combination were in the ranges of [0.243, 0.746], [0.202, 0.751], and [0.249, 0.735] respectively, with the percentages of the area of medium susceptibility and above being 67.3%, 67.2%, and 67.5%. All three models exhibited suitable robustness. The predicted results of the three models were verified by the field survey, and it was found that the results of the Game theory combined model were in good agreement with the field survey, which allows it to be suitable for the study of snowdrift susceptibility zoning in the study area. The results revealed that the medium-high susceptibility areas of a snowdrift were mainly in the grassland area of the Small Yultuz Basin and the A'erxian-Bayinguoleng area. The high susceptibility zones were predominately located in the Nalati Ridge, the northern ridge of the Koktag Mountains, the northern ridge of the Huola Mountains, and the pre-mountain alluvial and floodplain areas of these mountain systems. This study provides a scientific basis and methodology for preventing and mitigating snowdrift disasters in cold regions, specifically for major engineering constructions such as transportation corridors.

Study of susceptibility to vancomycin from clinical isolates of Staphylococcus aureus

Vancomycin has been considered for over 40 years as the primary treatment option for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains. However, excessive, indiscriminate, or inappropriate use has led to the appearance of MRSA strains with intermediate resistance (VISA) and total resistance to vancomycin (VRSA) 1. In Central America, particularly in Honduras, no VRSA strains have been reported. However, it is vitally important to implement an epidemiological surveillance program where this isolation can be traced since its appearance has been considered a severe public health problem in the last two decades 2. By 2002, the first two VRSA strains were isolated, specifically in Michigan and Pennsylvania. Since then, a total of 52 VRSA isolates have been reported worldwide. The only country in Latin America that has reported VRSA strains is Brazil3. In this sense, we have carried out an assay to determine the MIC of the 96 clinical isolates of S.aureus obtained from patients who attended two of the essential hospital centers in Tegucigalpa, Honduras: the Hospital Escuela (HE) and the Honduran Institute of Social Security (IHSS). The samples were the same with which we studied resistance to methicillin, and it is a follow-up to the study that was previously published in this journal4. The MIC of S. aureus to vancomycin was determined using the E-test® strips (Solna, Sweden) under the same conditions reported in the previous study4 and based on what is recommended by the CLSI5 (figure 1). The cohort points to determine the susceptibility and resistance of S.aures to vancomycin can be seen in Table 1.

Cementite-type Y3Ru

Abstract Single crystals of Y3Ru were obtained as a side product during phase analytical studies of yttrium-rich compounds in the system Y–Ru–Zn. The structure of Y3Ru was refined from single-crystal X-ray diffractometer data: Fe3C type, Pnma, a = 732.51(7), b = 925.61(8), c = 633.66(10) pm, wR = 0.0639, 811 F 2 values, 23 variables. The ruthenium atoms have coordination number 9 in form of a strongly distorted tricapped trigonal yttrium prism with Ru–Y distances ranging from 275–391 pm. The second substructure concerns empty Y6 octahedra (d(Y–Y) = 344–396 pm). Electronic structure calculations show a net charge transfer from yttrium to ruthenium and underpin the essentially covalent Y–Ru bonding. A phase-pure sample of Y3Ru was synthesized from the elements by arc-melting. Temperature-dependent magnetic susceptibility studies of this sample reveal Pauli paramagnetism (3.6(1) × 10−5 emu mol−1 at T = 300 K).

Chronology and erosion rate of the Pinedale glaciation, Colorado Front Range (USA), inferred from the sedimentary record of glacial Lake Devlin

Glacial and periglacial sediments and landforms record the chronology of glaciation and amount of Pleistocene erosion during colder periods that added substantially to global sediment budgets and contributed to the global CO2 cycle. The now-drained glacial Lake Devlin, dammed in a Front Range tributary valley by a glacier in the North Branch of Boulder Creek (Colorado, USA) preserves an important sedimentary archive of the ca. 32−14 ka Pinedale glaciation, recording both paleoclimate information and an integrated measure of glacial and periglacial erosion rates over a full glacial cycle. Despite rapid erosion of fine-grained deposits after the lake drained, most sediment generated during Pinedale time remains as legacy deposits in the catchment. Geomorphic evidence and dating of glaciolacustrine sediment from surface exposures demonstrate that the ca. 30 ka Pinedale glacial advance was nearly as extensive as the local Late Glacial Maximum at ca. 20 ka. Sedimentary archives dated by 14C, optically stimulated luminescence, and cosmogenic nuclides extend earlier studies (Madole et al., 1973) of pollen and magnetic susceptibility (MS) in cores from the glaciolacustrine deposits of Lake Devlin and of Pinedale climate. Records suggest short-term warming and biotic change at ca. 15 ka after ∼14 kyr of cold, dry conditions punctuated by MS peaks at ca. 26.5 ka, 20 ka, and 16.5 ka. Lake Devlin drained catastrophically after ca. 14 ka, millennia after ice had retreated upvalley from the lateral moraine that dammed the lake. Sediment production during the Pinedale was equivalent to a periglacial and glacial erosion rate of ∼70 mm kyr−1, several times higher than long-term rates in the adjacent Front Range, but much lower than rates measured where modern glaciers are eroding weak bedrock in zones of rapid rock uplift, such as SSE Alaska, USA. Data from the Lake Devlin basin contribute to contemporary discussions of how glacial erosion influences the global CO2 cycle.

Nickel mixed ligand complexes against drug resistant bacteria: Synthesis, characterization, antibacterial activities and molecular docking studies

Five new nickel complexes of the type NiCl2L2 where (L is 4-picolylchloride (4PY), pyridin-4-ylmethyl 4-nitrobenzoate (L1), 4-(pyridine-4-ylmethoxy)aniline (L2), pyridin-4-ylmethyl 4-aminobenzoate (L3) and 4-((4-nitrophenoxy)methyl)pyridine (L4)) were synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for their ability to inhibit bacterial growth. Four of the complexes were synthesized using a green method of co-grinding using a pestle and mortar. All the complexes synthesized by the mechanochemical method were recovered at favorable yields between 70 and 78%, while Ni4PY was recovered at 47.1%. The thermal studies showed the different transformations of the complexes and their thermal stability through Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), while Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed the loss of different components of the complexes cementing their successful synthesis. FTIR data revealed all the significant functional groups originating from the ligands in the new complexes. The characterization results demonstrated the successful synthesis of these complexes. Electronic spectra and magnetic susceptibility studies showed all the complexes to be d8 tetrahedral, except NiL1 which showed a partial d8 octahedral geometry. To better understand the biological activities, molecular docking calculations against the PBP2a proteins from S. aureus, OmpK36 proteins from K. pneumoniae, and DHPS proteins were also carried out. According to the results, the active nickel complexes should have had better activity than the control drug AgSD, however their activity was decreased due to solubility issues.

Tribocorrosion Susceptibility and Cell Viability Study of 316L Stainless Steel and Ti6Al4V Titanium Alloy with and without DLC Coatings

Stainless steel (SS316L) and titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) exhibit suitable properties for biomedical applications; however, the tribocorrosion of these materials, which is associated with metallosis, is still a significant concern. This work investigates the effectiveness of DLC smoothing coatings applied to the metals to reduce tribocorrosion and improve cell viability. The study was motivated by many reports of metallosis caused by metal debris in the soft tissues of the body. DLC coatings were produced using the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) technique. The cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and cell viability of metallic samples with and without DLC coatings were analyzed, considering the chemical composition of the coating and metallic components. The results show that the DLC coatings presented suitable interaction properties and no cytotoxicity or genotoxicity when exposed to the cellular environment, compared with the control group (p &lt; 0.0001). They also demonstrated cell viability, low friction representing a reduction of 80%, and hardness 23–26 GPa, making them ideal for use on fixed implants. It is necessary to control the thickness and roughness of the coating to avoid pinholes and increase the corrosion protection of implants. These DLC coatings with low friction coefficients could facilitate the fixation of implantable pins and screws, including Kirschner wires.

Genome-wide Association Study of Susceptibility to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalization in Young Children

Worldwide, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections are among the most common causes of infant hospitalization. Host genetic factors influencing the risk and severity of RSV infection are not well known. We conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to investigate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with severe RSV infections using a nested case-control design based on 2 Danish cohorts. We compared SNPs from 1786 children hospitalized with RSV to 45 060 controls without an RSV-coded hospitalization. We performed gene-based testing, tissue enrichment, gene-set enrichment, and a meta-analysis of the 2 cohorts. Finally, an analysis of potential associations between the severity of RSV infection and genetic markers was performed. We did not detect any significant genome-wide associations between SNPs and RSV infection or the severity of RSV. We did find potential loci associated with RSV infections on chromosome 5 in 1 cohort but failed to replicate any signals in both cohorts. Despite being the largest GWAS of severe RSV infection, we did not detect any genome-wide significant loci. This may be an indication of a lack of power or an absence of signal. Future studies might include mild illness and need to be larger to detect any significant associations.

Magnetic field-induced phase transitions in Cu(en)2SO4 – A dimerized S = 1/2 quantum antiferromagnet

Magnetic susceptibility, magnetization and specific heat of powder and single crystal of Cu(en)2SO4 were investigated. The analysis of the data confirmed that Cu(en)2SO4 can be treated as a quasi-two-dimensional array of magnetic dimers with singlet-ground state persisting up to about 6.5 T. Magnetization and susceptibility studies were performed in the singlet phase and the analysis revealed that g-factor anisotropy is the main mechanism responsible for the different behavior in the magnetic field applied along the b and c axis. The investigation of powder and single crystal specific heat in magnetic fields applied along all three crystallographic directions revealed only small anisotropy associated with the g-factor anisotropy. All mentioned data sets resemble main features of the spin 1/2 HAF dimer model with J/kB = -5.52 K. The observed deviations can be ascribed to the presence of inter-dimer interactions with the effective strength z’J’/kB = -2.7 K. In fields above 6.5 T the system passes from the singlet phase to the ordered state stable up to about 11 T. The expectation of a dome shape magnetic phase diagram is based on the strong dimerization of the magnetic lattice. Future experiments and calculations are discussed to identify the origin of the quantum phase transition associated with the gap closing.

The fall of volcanic material from Mount Lawu, Central Java: a case study of magnetic susceptibility

Mount Lawu was recorded to have erupted last on November 28, 1885, releasing volcanic material including magnetic minerals. The material settles in various places carried by the wind and river flow. The movement of wind and river flow is very influential in the process of transporting volcanic material. Large material directly falls around the mountain, usually in the form of large rocks, and undergoes physical and chemical weathering. Small-sized materials such as volcanic ash and small-mass rocks will be carried by the wind and river flows in all directions. However, the displacement does not remove the magnetic minerals contained in it. Magnetic minerals can be evaluated by the method of rock magnetism using MS. Bartington MS2 device with a dependent MS2B sensor by mass. From this tool, the low field susceptibility values in the range of 1467.5 x 10−8 m3/Kg – 5262.1 x 10−8 m3/Kg and high field susceptibility in the range of 1467,1 x 10−8 m3/Kg. The volcanic material of Mount Lawu belongs to the Ilmenite (FeTiO3) group and belongs to the group of weak magnetism. Then further review the frequency-dependent susceptibility (%) to see the magnetic domains contained in the sample. From the magnetic susceptibility data, the percentage of frequency-dependent susceptibility (%) is less than 2%. From these data, the sample is not included in the superparamagnetic (SP) and in general the sample is classified as a multidomain item (MD).

Urinary Tract Infections in Children: Clinical and Antibiotic Susceptibility Data from a Tertiary Care Hospital

Aim: Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are among the most common bacterial infections in children.&#x0D; Empirical antibiotic treatment is recommended until the antibiogram reports of urine culture are&#x0D; available. It is essential to initiate local UTI agents and their antimicrobial susceptibility patterns in&#x0D; specific geographical regions to choose the best empirical antibiotics. The current study aimed to&#x0D; determine causative microorganisms and antibiotic resistance patterns in children diagnosed with UTI.&#x0D; Material and Methods: The study was carried out retrospectively with 216 children diagnosed with&#x0D; UTIs for the first time. The patients were categorized into two groups according to age (≤1 year and &gt;1&#x0D; year). Demographic data, presenting symptoms, imaging findings, and urine and culture analysis results&#x0D; were collected and compared between these two groups.&#x0D; Results: Cefazolin and nitrofurantoin use may be preferred in the empirical treatment of UTIs caused&#x0D; by Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp. Additionally, amoxicillin/clavulanate was recommended in&#x0D; the empirical therapy of UTIs caused by Enterococcus spp., Klebsiella spp., and Proteus spp. The&#x0D; trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and nitrofurantoin resistance of E. coli was found to be statistically&#x0D; significantly higher in the ≤1 year group (p=0.03 and p=0.01, respectively), while the nitrofurantoin&#x0D; resistance of Klebsiella was statistically significantly higher in the &gt;1 year group (p=0.01). The gentamicin&#x0D; resistance of Klebsiella spp. was statistically significantly higher in the ≤1 year group (p=0.03).&#x0D; Conclusion: It is important to detect regional antibiotic resistance patterns to manage UTIs and minimize&#x0D; related complications. Antibiotic susceptibility studies are necessary to reduce improper antibiotic use&#x0D; and resistance rates of antibiotics.

Using Public Landslide Inventories for Landslide Susceptibility Assessment at the Basin Scale: Application to the Torto River Basin (Central-Northern Sicily, Italy)

In statistical landslide susceptibility evaluation, the quality of the model and its prediction image heavily depends on the quality of the landslide inventories used for calibration. However, regional-scale inventories made available by public territorial administrations are typically affected by an unknown grade of incompleteness and mapping inaccuracy. In this research, a procedure is proposed for verifying and solving such limits by applying a two-step susceptibility modeling procedure. In the Torto River basin (central-northern Sicily, Italy), using an available regional landslide inventory (267 slide and 78 flow cases), two SUFRA_1 models were first prepared and used to assign a landslide susceptibility level to each slope unit (SLU) in which the study area was partitioned. For each of the four susceptibility classes that were obtained, 30% of the mapping units were randomly selected and their stable/unstable status was checked by remote analysis. The new, increased inventories were finally used to recalibrate two SUFRA_2 models. The prediction skills of the SUFRA_1 and SUFRA_2 models were then compared by testing their accuracy in matching landslide distribution in a test sub-basin where a high-resolution systematic inventory had been prepared. According to the results, the strong limits of the SUFRA_1 models (sensitivity: 0.67 and 0.57 for slide and flow, respectively) were largely solved by the SUFRA_2 model (sensitivity: 1 for both slide and flow), suggesting the proposed procedure as a possibly suitable modeling strategy for regional susceptibility studies.

Activity of cefotaxime versus ceftriaxone against pathogens isolated from various systemic infections: A prospective, multicenter, comparative, in vitro Indian study

Objectives: To determine the susceptibility of isolated pathogens with different samples collected from patients taking cefotaxime as compared with ceftriaxone. Materials and Methods In vitro susceptibility study was conducted at microbiology laboratories of east (Bhubaneshwar), west (Ahmedabad), north (Delhi), and south (Srikakulam) India. Samples of treatment naïve patients with various clinical infections were included if they were positive for bacterial culture. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and zone of inhibitions (ZoIs) for each isolate were determined using Ezy MIC strip test and disk diffusion methods, respectively. Findings of MIC and ZoI were interpreted as per the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines. Appropriate statistical tests were used. Statistical Analysis: Probable diagnosis, type of sample, and isolated organisms was presented as the proportion. Geometric mean was calculated for MIC and arithmetic mean was calculated for ZoI and they were presented as mean (95% confidence interval). Results: Four hundred clinical samples of urinary tract infection (42.75%), lower respiratory tract infection (20.75%), skin and soft tissue infection (16.75%), and sepsis (12.75%) were evaluated. Escherichia coli (47.75%) was the most common organism isolated followed by Klebsiella (26%), Salmonella (7.75%), and Proteus mirabilis (3.75%). The mean MIC values for E. coli, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, Citrobacter koseri, and Serratia marcescens were found to be lower when treated with cefotaxime compared with ceftriaxone, although the difference was not statistically significant. However, cefotaxime produced significantly (p &lt; 0.05) more ZoI for E. coli, Klebsiella, and Salmonella as compared with ceftriaxone. Conclusion: Cefotaxime has shown better sensitivity profile in terms of MIC and ZoI to most of the isolated organisms as compared with ceftriaxone and thus can be preferred for empirical treatment of such patients.

Genome sequencing of 2000 canids by the Dog10K consortium advances the understanding of demography, genome function and architecture.

The international Dog10K project aims to sequence and analyze several thousand canine genomes. Incorporating 20 × data from 1987 individuals, including 1611 dogs (321 breeds), 309 village dogs, 63 wolves, and four coyotes, we identify genomic variation across the canid family, setting the stage for detailed studies of domestication, behavior, morphology, disease susceptibility, and genome architecture and function. We report the analysis of > 48M single-nucleotide, indel, and structural variants spanning the autosomes, X chromosome, and mitochondria. We discover more than 75% of variation for 239 sampled breeds. Allele sharing analysis indicates that 94.9% of breeds form monophyletic clusters and 25 major clades. German Shepherd Dogs and related breeds show the highest allele sharing with independent breeds from multiple clades. On average, each breed dog differs from the UU_Cfam_GSD_1.0 reference at 26,960 deletions and 14,034 insertions greater than 50bp, with wolves having 14% more variants. Discovered variants include retrogene insertions from 926 parent genes. To aid functional prioritization, single-nucleotide variants were annotated with SnpEff and Zoonomia phyloP constraint scores. Constrained positions were negatively correlated with allele frequency. Finally, the utility of the Dog10K data as an imputation reference panel is assessed, generating high-confidence calls across varied genotyping platform densities including for breeds not included in the Dog10K collection. We have developed a dense dataset of 1987 sequenced canids that reveals patterns of allele sharing, identifies likely functional variants, informs breed structure, and enables accurate imputation. Dog10K data are publicly available.

Holographic study of higher-order baryon number susceptibilities at finite temperature and density

Holographic study of higher-order baryon number susceptibilities at finite temperature and density