Comparison of accuracy of intramuscular fat prediction in live pigs using five different ultrasound intensity levels

The objective of this study was to evaluate the possibility of prediction of intramuscular fat (IMF) in live pigs using ultrasound method. Moreover, the accuracy of prediction at five different ultrasound intensity levels was investigated. Cross-sectional images of longissimus dorsi muscle (LD) at right last rib area, from hybrid pigs, were taken. Each pig was scanned at the same frequency (3.5 MHz) and at the five different ultrasound intensity levels 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% and 90% of total amplifying of sonograph, using the device ALOKA SSD-500. The video image analysis was used to predict IMF content (ultrasound intramuscular fat (UIMF) 70 to UIMF90). The second day after slaughter, the dissection of right half carcass was done. A sample of LD at the last rib was taken for laboratory analysis of IMF content (LAIMF). Scatter plots with UIMF on the x-axis and LAIMF on the y-axis were constructed to account for individual variability within and between intensity levels. Correlations between LAIMF and UIMF were significantly different from zero (r = 0.40–0.52), except for correlation between LAIMF and UIMF90 (r = 0.14). Statistical model with LAIMF (the dependent variable), UIMF (the same model for each intensity level), live weight (the covariates) and sex (the fixed effect) was developed. Coefficients of determination (R²) were 0.33, 0.38, 0.34, 0.25 and 0.17 with UIMF at the intensity level 70%, 75%, 80%, 85% and 90%. Root mean square errors ranged from 0.516% to 0.639%. Standard errors of individual prediction ranged from 0.523% to 0.649%. Goodness-of-fit of the model was also justified by testing the residuals for normality. Although the results are not quite unequivocal in favour of the one intensity level, it seems that intensity levels 75% and 80% are the most suitable to predict IMF in live pigs. Further research is needed, mainly to increase accuracy of collecting, processing and evaluating the sonograms using video image analysis.     

The synthesis and hepatoprotective activity of esters of the lupane group triterpenoids

Hemisuccinates, hemiphthalates, acetylsalicylates, cinnamates, andp-methoxycinnamates of lupeol, betulin, and 3-O-acetylbetulin were synthesized via interaction with corresponding acid anhydrides or acid chlorides. A number of betulin esters in position 3 and 28 were shown to exhibit a pronounced hepatoprotective effect similar to that of betulin and silibor. These experimental data were in a good agreement with the computer prediction of their biological activity. Betulin 3,28-bishemiphthalate was more effective than carsil in models of experimental hepatitis caused by carbon tetrachloride, tetracycline, and ethanol.     

Modelling HIV immune response and validation with clinical data

A system of ordinary differential equations is formulated to describe the pathogenesis of HIV infection, wherein certain features that have been shown to be important by recent experimental research are incorporated in the model. These include the role of CD4+memory cells that serve as a major reservoir of latently infected cells, a critical role for T-helper cells in the generation of CD8 memory cells capable of efficient recall response, and stimulation by antigens other than HIV. A stability analysis illustrates the capability of this model in admitting multiple locally asymptotically stable (locally a.s.) off-treatment equilibria. We show that this more biologically detailed model can exhibit the phenomenon of transient viremia experienced by some patients on therapy with viral load levels suppressed below the detection limit. We also show that the loss of CD4+T-cell help in the generation of CD8+memory cells leads to larger peak values for the viral load during transient viremia. Censored clinical data is used to obtain parameter estimates. We demonstrate that using a reduced set of 16 free parameters, obtained by fixing some parameters at their population averages, the model provides reasonable fits to the patient data and, moreover, that it exhibits good predictive capability. We further show that parameter values obtained for most clinical patients do not admit multiple locally a.s off-treatment equilibria. This suggests that treatment to move from a high viral load equilibrium state to an equilibrium state with a lower (or zero) viral load is not possible for these patients.     

Didymosphenia geminata invasion in South America: Ecosystem impacts and potential biogeochemical state change in Patagonian rivers

The diatom Didymosphenia geminata has emerged as a major global concern, as both an aggressive invader of rivers and streams in the southern hemisphere, and for its ability to form nuisance blooms in oligotrophic systems in its native range. South American D. geminata blooms were first documented in Chilean Patagonia in May 2010, and have spread to over five regions and three provinces, in Chile and Argentina respectively. The Patagonian invasion represents a distinct challenge compared to other regions; not only are affected systems poorly characterized, but also a general synthesis of the nature and magnitude of ecosystem impacts is still lacking. The latter is essential in evaluating impacts to ecosystem services, forms the basis for a management response that is proportional to the potentially valid threats, or aids in the determination of whether action is warranted or feasible. Based on a revision of the recent literature, some of the most significant impacts may be mediated through physical changes: substantially increased algal biomass, trapping of fine sediment, altered hydrodynamics, and consequent effects on biogeochemical states and processes such as redox condition, pH and nutrient cycling in the benthic zone. Surveys conducted during the early invasion in Chile show a strong correlation between benthic biomass and associated fine sediments, both of which were one–two orders of magnitude higher within D. geminata blooms. Experimental phosphorous amendments showed significant abiotic uptake, while interstitial water in D. geminata mats had nearly 10–20 fold higher soluble reactive phosphorous and a pronounced pH cycle compared to the water column. A dominant and aggressive stalk-forming diatom with this combination of characteristics is in sharp contrast to the colonial cyanobacteria and bare gravel substrate that characterize many Patagonian streams. The potential displacement of native benthic algal communities with contrasting functional groups, increased primary producer biomass, and fine benthic sediment accumulation, all may have a significant effect on stream nutrient cycling and ecosystem function, in Patagonia and elsewhere where nuisance blooms have been reported.     

Repeated strand invasion and extensive branch migration are hallmarks of meiotic recombination

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重庆市生态风险预警等级划分及演化趋势模拟

生态风险预警等级评估和演化趋势模拟，可为生态风险管理提供可靠的辅助决策。以重庆市为研究对象，基于驱动力-压力-状态-影响-响应模型，构建重庆市生态风险预警指标体系，采用正态云模型和集对分析法，定量分析重庆市生态风险时空分异特征和演化趋势。研究结果表明：（1）2013-2019年，重庆市生态风险值呈"上升-下降"的波动趋势，综合生态风险隶属于重警等级，生态风险综合值从0.295下降到0.278，生态环境逐年好转；（2）重庆市生态风险有下降、不变、先上升后降低、先降低后上升以及一直升高5种演化趋势，分别占比39%、16%、5%、21%、24%；（3）重庆市生态风险转移分为两个方向，2013-2016年生态风险空间分异性增大，中警、轻警和无警风险等级不断向东北、东南和西部四周分散转移；2016-2019年生态风险分布格局变化较小，重警风险区在东部聚集；（4）演化趋势模拟结果表明，未来重庆市生态风险降低的区县有13个，占比34%，生态环境有向好发展的趋势；生态风险上升的区县有25个，占比66%，生态环境会有所恶化，但是恶化程度较低。将生态风险等级划分与预警演化趋势相结合，能为城市生态风险管理提供科学依据。     

Impact of High Deductible Health Plans on Diabetes Care Quality and Outcomes: Systematic Review

ObjectiveTo provide a review of the impact of high deductible health plans (HDHPs) on the utilizations of services required for optimal management of diabetes and subsequent health outcomes.MethodsSystematic literature review of studies published between January 1, 2000, and May 7, 2021, was conducted that examined the impact of HDHP on diabetes monitoring (eg, recommended laboratory and surveillance testing), routine care (eg, ambulatory appointments), medication management (eg, medication initiation, adherence), and acute health care utilization (eg, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, incident complications).ResultsOf the 303 reviewed articles, 8 were relevant. These studies demonstrated that HDHPs lower spending at the expense of reduced high-value diabetes monitoring, routine care, and medication adherence, potentially contributing to the observed increases in acute health care utilization. Additionally, patient out-of-pocket costs for recommended screenings doubled, and total health care expenditures increased by 49.4% for HDHP enrollees compared with enrollees in traditional health plans. Reductions in disease monitoring and routine care and increases in acute health care utilization were greatest in lower-income patients. None of the studies examined the impact of HDHPs on access to diabetes self-management education, technology use, or glycemic control.ConclusionAlthough HDHPs reduce some health care utilization and costs, they appear to do so at the expense of limiting high-value care and medication adherence. Policymakers, providers, and payers should be more cognizant of the potential for negative consequences of HDHPs on patients’ health.     

Human Health Risk Assessment of Soils Contaminated with Metal(loid)s by Using DGT Uptake: A Case Study of a Former Korean Metal Refinery Site

The human health risk of soils contaminated with As, Pb, Cu, and Zn was evaluated based on pseudo-total concentrations of metal(loid)s, the physiologically based extraction test (PBET), and diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT). Non-carcinogenic (NCR) and carcinogenic (CR) risks exceeded the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency criteria under both the residential and non-residential scenarios. Human bioavailable concentrations (PBET) were much lower than pseudo-total concentrations. The Hazardous Index of NCR (HI (NCR)) for the PBET in the studied soils was 67% and 94% less than that for pseudo-total concentration, respectively, under the non-residential and residential scenarios. Similarly, CR for the PBET was also 65% and 93% less for the two soils. The concentration of metal(loid)s accumulated in the DGT resin was highly correlated with the PBET-extractable concentration (R² > 0.649). Therefore, for both the CR and HI (NCR), the DGT-calculated risk was linearly related to the PBET-calculated risk for the studied soils under both scenarios. The results suggest that DGT uptake and PBET-extracted concentrations are good surrogates for risk estimation and that both J1 and J2 soils require remediation before their use for residential or non-residential purposes.     

Concentrations of Selected Trace Elements in Marine Bivalves and the Dietary Risk to Residents of Dalian City,Northern China

To assess the potential health risks associated with selected trace elements due to consumption of bivalves, a screening-level risk assessment was conducted through consideration of internationally accepted dietary guidelines and the calculation of hazard quotients. Seventeen edible bivalve species were collected from a local market in Dalian City, China. The ranges obtained for the trace elements analyzed in mg/kg dry weight were as follows: Cu (1.8–133), Zn (56–693), Mn (5.7–150), Se (0.2–3.8), Ni (0.56–7.67), Cd (0.04–10.3), Cr (0.48–2.23), Pb (0.01–1.63), Hg (0.07–0.35), and As (0.22–4.00). The estimated daily intake (EDI) of bivalves was 15.0–255.1 times lower than the RfD guidelines for all the trace elements studied. Further, the calculated hazard quotients (HQs) of the trace elements analyzed were well less than 1. Therefore, there were no potential human health risks to Dalian City consumers of marine bivalves.