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The first Tunisian national molecular survey of coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS) isolated from dogs with pyoderma and otitis externa was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of CoPS and identify its phenotypic and genotypic diversities. A total of 99 out of the 195 samples collected from 39 sick dogs were identified across multiple sites as methicillin-susceptible CoPS belonging to the species S. pseudintermedius (64.4%), S. aureus (20.2%), S. coagulans (10.1%), and S. hyicus (5%). Fifteen sampled dogs carried more than one Staphylococcus species. Their antibiotic resistance and virulence factors were determined using conventional and molecular methods. Of the S. pseudintermedius isolates found, 17.4% were multidrug-resistant, whereas high rates of virulence genes were observed among the S. aureus isolates. On polystyrene surfaces, 75% of S. aureus isolates were biofilm producers, of which 15% were classified as strong producers. The capsular polysaccharide cap8 genotype was predominant among them. A MultiLocus Sequence Typing (MLST) analysis clustered the S.aureus isolates into five distinct sequence types (STs), with four assigned for the first time. Our findings highlight the spread of CoPS among diseased dogs and, especially, the emergence of S. hyicus, S. coagulans, multidrug-resistant S. pseudintermedius and S. aureus isolates with high genetic variability. The precise characterization of these strains, as well as their continuous monitoring, is necessary for the implementation of preventive strategies given the significant public health risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first Tunisian national molecular survey of coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS) isolated from dogs with pyoderma and otitis externa was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of CoPS and identify its phenotypic and genotypic diversities. A total of 99 out of the 195 samples collected from 39 sick dogs were identified across multiple sites as methicillin-susceptible CoPS belonging to the species S. pseudintermedius (64.4%), S. aureus (20.2%), S. coagulans (10.1%), and S. hyicus (5%). Fifteen sampled dogs carried more than one Staphylococcus species. Their antibiotic resistance and virulence factors were determined using conventional and molecular methods. Of the S. pseudintermedius isolates found, 17.4% were multidrug-resistant, whereas high rates of virulence genes were observed among the S. aureus isolates. On polystyrene surfaces, 75% of S. aureus isolates were biofilm producers, of which 15% were classified as strong producers. The capsular polysaccharide cap8 genotype was predominant among them. A MultiLocus Sequence Typing (MLST) analysis clustered the S.aureus isolates into five distinct sequence types (STs), with four assigned for the first time. Our findings highlight the spread of CoPS among diseased dogs and, especially, the emergence of S. hyicus, S. coagulans, multidrug-resistant S. pseudintermedius and S. aureus isolates with high genetic variability. The precise characterization of these strains, as well as their continuous monitoring, is necessary for the implementation of preventive strategies given the significant public health risk.

Cobalt phosphosulphide (CoPS) has recently been recognized as a potentially effective electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, there have been no research on the design of CoPS‐based heterojunctions to boost their HER performance. Herein, CoPS/Co4S3 heterojunction was prepared by phosphating treatment based on defect‐rich flower‐like Co1‐xS precursors. The high specific surface area of nanopetals, together with the heterojunction structure with inhomogeneous strain, exposes more active sites in the catalyst. The electronic structure of the catalyst is reconfigured as a result of the interfacial interactions, which promote the catalyst's ability to adsorb hydrogen and conduct electricity. The synergistic effect of the Co and S dual‐site further enhance the catalytic activity. The catalyst has overpotentials of 61 and 70 mV to attain a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in acidic and alkaline media, respectively, which renders it competitive with previously reported analogous catalysts. This work proposes an effective technique for constructing transition metal phosphosulfide heterojunctions, as well as the development of an efficient HER electrocatalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A metal-free, effective, and sustainable protocol has been developed to carry out C–N and C–C bond-forming reactions leading to the formation of 5-amino-pyrazole-4-carbonitriles and 1H-pyrazolo [1,2-b] phthalazine-5, 10-dione derivatives via a tandem multicomponent reaction using mesoporous MPC@TMG as a basic heterogeneous organocatalyst. The reactions were performed in aqueous medium at room temperature. The synthesized organocatalyst MPC@TMG was characterized by numerous spectroscopic techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), elemental mapping, and Thermal Gravimetric (TG) analyses. MPC@TMG displayed excellent catalytic potential, high thermochemical stability, and reusability for up to eight catalytic runs and offered the title compounds in excellent yields (>90 %) in a short reaction time (6–15 min). The synthesized compounds were characterized through FTIR, 1H, and 13C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The use of water as a green solvent, the generality of the method, easy catalyst recovery, a simple work-up procedure, and zero involvement of any metal are the key features of the present protocol making it green and sustainable for the synthesis of the desired heterocycles and is supported by the calculations for green metrics parameters.

Simple Summary: The present study addresses the lack of research on Staphylococcus spp. among dogs in South Africa. The study characterises isolates from retrospective data from a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in terms of time, place, and animal factors. Using data collected from 2012 to 2017, the study analysed 1627 positive Staphylococcus isolates and identified 10 species, the majority (92.0%) of which were classified as coagulase-positive, while a few were coagulase-negative (6.0%) and coagulase-variable (3.0%). Male dogs contributed just over half (53.2%) of the isolates. Dogs aged ≥9 years contributed the most isolates (23.2%). KwaZulu-Natal Province contributed the majority (45.0%) of the isolates, while Northern Cape Province contributed the least (0.1%). Almost half (46.0%) of the isolates came from skin specimens. The study demonstrated a limited variation in the number of Staphylococcus isolates across seasons and the occurrence of a diversity of Staphylococcus species among dogs in South Africa. There is a need for research to improve our understanding of factors that influence the observed disparities in Staphylococcus spp. Proportions observed in this study. There is a scarcity of published studies on the occurrence of Staphylococcus spp. Among dogs in South Africa. The objective of the study was to characterise the Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from dog samples submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in South Africa in terms of time, place, and person. This study utilised a dataset of 1627 positive Staphylococcus isolates obtained from a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in South Africa from 2012 to 2017. Out of the 1627 confirmed isolates, 10 different species of Staphylococcus were identified. Among these, 92.0% were classified as coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS), 6.0% were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), and 3.0% were coagulase-variable. Male dogs contributed just over half (53.2%) of the Staphylococcus isolates, while female dogs contributed the remaining 46.8%. The largest proportion of isolates (23.2%) were obtained from dogs aged ≥ 9 years, with the highest number of isolates originating from KwaZulu-Natal Province (45.0%) and the least from Northern Cape Province (0.1%). Out of the total samples included in the records, the majority (46.0%) were skin specimens. The number of Staphylococcus isolates recorded showed limited variation between the seasons (24.3% in autumn, 26.3% in winter, 26.0% in spring, and 24.0% in summer). This study highlighted the diversity of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from dogs, and the burden of staphylococcal carriage among dogs in South Africa. Further research is required to examine the factors that contribute to the observed discrepancies in the proportions of Staphylococcus spp. between the provinces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raw goat milk can be a potential source to transfer antibiotic-resistant pathogens between animals and humans. Due to increased virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes acquired by Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), it is considered a major public health hazard and has a significant impact on the treatment and management of mastitis in dairy goats. For this purpose, Coagulase-positive S. aureus (n=103) isolates from mastitis samples in goats were evaluated to check the resistance mechanism against β-lactam antibiotics by disc diffusion assay and by PCR. The isolates were tested for the presence of coa, mecA, and blaZ genes. The results of PCR analysis revealed that out of 384 milk samples collected from goats, 103 were identified as CoPS, 37 isolates carried blaZ gene while 19 isolates were identified as methicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The absolute frequency depicted that 13 of the isolates harbored both blaZ + mecA genes in their genetic material. The findings of the antibiogram profile of β-lactam resistant coagulase positive S. aureus was found highly resistant against the oxytetracycline, followed by gentamicin and tylosin while the maximum isolates showed sensitivity towards ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin in both groups. The results of antibiotic susceptibility patterns would be critical for evaluating the trends and patterns of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), estimating the contribution of particular genes in drug-specific resistance, and developing control measures to decrease AMR in goats of Pakistan. The genetic analysis of the current study concluded that genetic divergence, the transfer of zoonotic MRSA, and the involvement of coa, mecA, and blaZ genes serve as important virulence factors of S. aureus leading to the causation of goat mastitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objectives: to synthesize research on factors associated with Burnout Syndrome (BS) in police officers. Methods: a scoping review was conducted without temporal or language restrictions. Data were exported to EndNote to remove duplicates and then imported into the Rayyan app for organization, article selection, and data extraction. Results: a total of 4559 publications were identified, with 50 studies included in the review. Research conducted in Brazil and the United States predominated. Certain occupational factors were found to be more closely linked to police officers compared to other professions, including law enforcement, frequency of interaction with suspects and criminals, rank, dissatisfaction with the organization, and civilian confrontations. Conclusions: certain aspects of the police profession contribute to BS, even in countries with better working conditions in public security. It is recommended to prioritize health promotion initiatives for these professionals.

La guerra de agresión de Rusia en Ucrania ha tenido un gran impacto en las políticas de la Unión Europea, que ahora tratan de estar conectadas con el fin último de alcanzar la autonomía estratégica. En el caso de la Diplomacia del Clima de la UE, ésta deberá adoptar un nuevo enfoque geopolítico para hacer frente a las acciones de Rusia que es el tercer mayor responsable de emisiones de CO2 y ha hecho de la venta de gas y petróleo un arma más en su guerra en Ucrania. Su respuesta frente a Rusia, puede convertir a la UE en un modelo a seguir en la medida en que ha hecho de la necesidad virtud, convirtiendo la descarbonización de su economía en su imperativo estratégico y su principal baza para superar su dependencia del gas y del petróleo ruso.

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ABSTRACT: Exposure to air and light lowers the meat quality of chickens, which is mainly determined by the color alteration and accumulation of detrimental products from lipid oxidation. This study tests the effects of 2 supplements rich in polyphenols, Oxilem (OX) and OxiGem (OG), on broiler Ross 308 performance and meat quality in comparison to a control group (C). A total of 105 one-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were allocated to 21 pens and randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 treatments. The trial lasted 42 d. Individual live weight and feed intake per pen were recorded. Proximate analysis, color, cholesterol content and cholesterol oxidation products (COPs), fatty acids (FAs), volatile aldehydes profile, and secondary oxidation products of meat FAs were determined, with analyses for detecting oxidative alterations conducted on breast burgers preserved for 7 d at 4°C. Birds fed OG grew 7 g/d more than those receiving OX, reaching a higher final weight. After slaughtering, meat from the OX group had a higher yellow index compared to C. After 7 d of air and light exposure, the influence on the color parameters of the OG and OX burgers was significantly less pronounced than that of C. Secondary oxidation products of the FAs of the burgers were not significantly affected by the diet regimens. In addition, OX and OG burgers exhibited lower amounts of volatile aldehydes, triol and COPs. These results confirm the effectiveness of OX and OG supplementation against lipid oxidation at the inclusion level used in this trial.

There is a scarcity of published studies on the occurrence of Staphylococcus spp. Among dogs in South Africa. The objective of the study was to characterise the Staphylococcus spp. Isolated from dog samples submitted to a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in South Africa in terms of time, place, and person. This study utilised a dataset of 1627 positive Staphylococcus isolates obtained from a veterinary diagnostic laboratory in South Africa from 2012 to 2017. Out of the 1627 confirmed isolates, 10 different species of Staphylococcus were identified. Among these, 92.0% were classified as coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS), 6.0% were coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), and 3.0% were coagulase-variable. Male dogs contributed just over half (53.2%) of the Staphylococcus isolates, while female dogs contributed the remaining 46.8%. The largest proportion of isolates (23.2%) were obtained from dogs aged ≥ 9 years, with the highest number of isolates originating from KwaZulu-Natal Province (45.0%) and the least from Northern Cape Province (0.1%). Out of the total samples included in the records, the majority (46.0%) were skin specimens. The number of Staphylococcus isolates recorded showed limited variation between the seasons (24.3% in autumn, 26.3% in winter, 26.0% in spring, and 24.0% in summer). This study highlighted the diversity of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from dogs, and the burden of staphylococcal carriage among dogs in South Africa. Further research is required to examine the factors that contribute to the observed discrepancies in the proportions of Staphylococcus spp. between the provinces.

This study originates in a recognised unsustainable cost escalation for complex defence equipment. In order to understand how such cost escalation for complex product systems (CoPS) can be avoided, this study comparatively explores four different industrial sectors – energy, transportation, healthcare and defence – with and without intergenerational increasing costs, represented by four international companies. The results, collected from studying the development of one of each company's products, reveal some characteristic differences in market factors between those sectors and companies having problems with intergenerational escalating costs and customer affordability, as compared to other sectors and companies. It is suggested that dependent on market characteristics, it might be necessary to actively manage affordability when CoPS are developed. Efforts made by the companies to make products more affordable were identified, and several factors enabling and disabling the development of less costly products without compromising customer needs were explored. Further, the implications of affordability management in a CoPS setting are elaborated on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although staphylococci are commensals of the skin and mucosa of humans and animals, they are also opportunistic pathogens. Some coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (CoNS), such as S. haemolyticus and S. epidermidis , are reported to be zoonotic. Objectives: The prevalence of coagulase positive (CoPS), CoNS and coagulase-variable Staphylococcus spp. isolated from human clinical cases in South Africa was investigated. Method: Retrospective records of 404 217 diagnostic laboratory submissions from 2012 to 2017 were examined and analysed in terms of time, place and person. Results: Of the 32 different species identified, CoPS were the most frequently isolated (74.7%), followed by CoNS (18.9%). Just over half (51.2%) of the Staphylococcus isolates were from males, while females contributed 44.8%. Patients aged 0–4 years contributed the most (21.5%) isolates, with the highest number coming from KwaZulu-Natal (32.8%). Urinary specimens accounted for 29.8% of the isolates reported. There was no variation in the number of Staphylococcus isolates reported in the autumn (25.2%), winter (25.2%), spring (25.1%) and summer (24.5%) seasons. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the diversity of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from humans and the magnitude of infection, with the most predominant species being S. aureus and S. epidermidis. Contribution: Although most isolates were CoPS, the isolation of CoNS seen in this study suggests a need to improve infection control measures in a South African context. More research is needed to investigate the determinants of the observed variations in the study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although staphylococci are commensals of the skin and mucosa of humans and animals, they are also opportunistic pathogens. Some coagulase-negative Staphylococcus spp. (CoNS), such as S. haemolyticus and S. epidermidis, are reported to be zoonotic. Objectives: The prevalence of coagulase positive (CoPS), CoNS and coagulase-variable Staphylococcus spp. isolated from human clinical cases in South Africa was investigated. Method: Retrospective records of 404 217 diagnostic laboratory submissions from 2012 to 2017 were examined and analysed in terms of time, place and person. Results: Of the 32 different species identified, CoPS were the most frequently isolated (74.7%), followed by CoNS (18.9%). Just over half (51.2%) of the Staphylococcus isolates were from males, while females contributed 44.8%. Patients aged 0–4 years contributed the most (21.5%) isolates, with the highest number coming from KwaZulu-Natal (32.8%). Urinary specimens accounted for 29.8% of the isolates reported. There was no variation in the number of Staphylococcus isolates reported in the autumn (25.2%), winter (25.2%), spring (25.1%) and summer (24.5%) seasons. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the diversity of Staphylococcus spp. isolated from humans and the magnitude of infection, with the most predominant species being S. aureus and S. epidermidis. Contribution: Although most isolates were CoPS, the isolation of CoNS seen in this study suggests a need to improve infection control measures in a South African context. More research is needed to investigate the determinants of the observed variations in the study.

Abstract The study aim was to determine the expression of genes potentially related to chronic mastitis at the mRNA and protein levels, viz. chemokine C–C motif receptor 1 (CCR1), C–C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), C–C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), interleukin 18 (IL-18), in bovine mammary gland parenchyma. The study examines the differences in expression of selected genes between cows with chronic mastitis caused by coagulase-positive (CoPS) or coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) and those with healthy udders (H). Samples were collected from the udder quarters from 40 Polish Holstein–Friesian cows; 54 of these samples were chosen for analysis based on microbiological analysis of milk taken two days before slaughter. They were categorized into three groups: CoPS (N = 27), CoNS (N = 14) and H (N = 13). The RNA expression was analyzed by RT-qPCR and protein concentration by ELISA. No differences in the mRNA levels of seven genes (TNFα, IL-18, CCR1, IL-1β, CCL2, IL-8, IL-6) and four proteins (TNFα, IL-18, CCR1, IL-1β) were identified between the CoPS and H groups. Higher transcript levels of CXCL5 (p ≤ 0.05) gene were noted in CoPS than in H. Compared to H, higher concentrations of IL-8 and CXCL5 (p ≤ 0.05) were observed in CoPS (0.05

Background: Dermatological infections are the most common cases in the daily pet clinic. Since its discovery in 1990, Staphylococcus schleiferi subspecies coagulans have been reported more frequently in canine otitis externa and pyoderma and even in cases of zoonoses. Aim: Detect the presence of Staphylococcus schleiferi subsp. coagulans of canine otitis externa and pyoderma, its antimicrobial resistance, and the presence of mecAgen. Methods: Three-hundred-thirty-one swabs from dogs with otitis externa and pyoderma were cultured on bacteriological agar for bacterial isolation and subsequent biochemical and molecular identification. The identified Staphylococcus schleiferi subsp. coagulans were evaluated for their antimicrobial susceptibility using the Kirby-Bauer technique, including an oxacillin disk, and subsequently, a PCR was run to identify which ones had the mecA gene. Results: Thirty-four (22.97%) and twelve (6.56%) isolates were identified as Staphylococcus schleiferi subspecies coagulans from otitis externa and pyoderma, respectively. Fluoroquinolones, the most widely used group of antibiotics in Peru, showed a susceptibility of 58.82% (20/34) in cases of otitis externa and 50% (6/12) in cases of canine pyoderma. Meanwhile, nitrofurantoin was the antibiotic with the best efficacy in both cases, with 97% (33/34) in otitis externa and 83% (10/12) in pyoderma. Furthermore, 40% (13/34) of Staphylococcus schleiferi subsp. coagulans isolated from otitis externa were resistant to methicillin, and 85.29% (29/34) had the mecA gene. On the other hand, the only methicillin-resistant isolate from pyoderma was also the only one with a mecA gene. Conclusion: This study is the first report of S. schleiferi subsp. coagulans in Peru, finding a higher percentage than reported in other South American countries.

Staphylococcus spp. a common genus of bacteria that colonizes the body of dogs. Some families of this genus are pathogenic and are involved in the development of diseases of various systems and organs, especially the skin and outer ear. One of the main signs of the most pathogenic families of this genus is the secretion of the enzyme coagulase. They are grouped into the group of coagulase-positive Staphylococcus (CoPS). S. pseudintermedius most often is isolated from a dog, about 10-60% isolates. S. aureus is identified less frequently, in 4-15% of cases, but it is associated with people who are its natural carriers. S. schleiferi subsp. coagulans is another family that can be identified in the pathological material obtained from dogs. However, coagulase is one of much different pathogenicity factors in this family. Also, microorganisms of this family can exist both in the form of a planktonic culture and in the structure of a biofilm, on which the effect of antibacterial agents is weakened. Some strain of CoPS carry genes of resistance to various antibacterial agents and may occupy a dominant position in the pathogenic process. Such strains can colonize the environment in places where animals congregate, which leads, for example, to the occurrence of clinical infections. Also resistant are strains of this family that can colonize other animals or humans. Owners and specialists working with animals are constantly at risk. To date, the issue of the emergence of resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics (methicelin-resistant strains) and the acquisition of resistance to several groups of antibacterial agents is acute. In the countries of the European Union, a fairly large number of studies are conducted aimed at studying the spread of Staphylococcus spp. analysis of virulence and pathogenicity factors, as well as mechanisms of acquiring antibacterial resistance. Programs to control the prevalence of resistant strains are also being developed there. Different authors show resistance to a large number of antibacterial agents, the profile of antibacterial resistance may differ both within different groups and between different drugs of the same pharmaceutical group. In Ukraine, there are no systematic studies of the spread of resistant strains of microorganisms among small animals.

• Covalent organic polymer material (TB-COP) was successfully synthesized. • TB-COP showed good linearity and high sensitivity for the detection of Hg2+. • The recognition mechanism was verified by DFT theoretical calculation. • TB-COP was successfully applied to the detection and adsorption of Hg2+ in water. Porous materials for fast detection and adsorption of Hg2+, due to their good sensitivity and high adsorption capacity, were currently developed as one of the best ways to solve Hg2+ pollution. Inspired by the structure of small-molecule B-1 demonstrating specific recognition towards Hg2+, the covalent organic polymers (COPs) material TB-COP was constructed for a better demonstration of Hg2+ detection and adsorption. The results indicated that TB-COP could accomplish rapid detection of Hg2+ in about 90 s, with a good linearity (R2 = 0.9993) and high sensitivity (LOD = 36 nM). Because the electron transfer between N and S atoms in the benzothiazole moiety, the recognition of TB-COP towards Hg2+ was achieved, which was further proved by DFT calculation. Though the COPs possess its excellent fluorescence properties, the saturated adsorption capacity for Hg2+ by TB-COP reached 150.38 mg·g−1 at pH = 7. More importantly, TB-COP could be approximately recycled 5 times in the Hg2+ adsorption-desorption cycle at room temperature, providing a new strategy to solve Hg2+ pollution. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given that CoPS development projects are costly, failing to conduct them will ruin the organization. Therefore, the decision to out/in source them, is important. In this paper, the factors influencing this decision are discussed. Employing the Fuzzy Delphi method, the indices are utilized to develop the SEM model. The results s how three dimensions of the "projects characteristics", "requirements" and "competency". Hypothese surge that projects characteristics have a significant effect on the requirements, which in turn have a similar effect on the competency. To compare, the ISM method was used. The results are quite similar to those of the SEM model. No sooner could organizations outsource such projects than they gain the technological, contractual, project control, integration, soft technologies, financial and communications strategies capability. The managers of organizations and companies developing CoPS such as airplanes power plants, express trains and ships can use the results and implications of this model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, a total of 200 caprine milk samples were collected from four organized and six unorganized farms located in and around Bangalore. The total samples were categorized into three groups based on Somatic cell count (SCC) viz., SCC <500 × 10³ cells/ml as Group I (Normal), SCC >500 × 10³ cells/ml as Group II (subclinical mastitis) and Group III as clinical mastitis (CM), which was based on clinical findings and gross changes in milk. In the present study, out of 200 samples, 225 isolates were obtained and subjected to antibiotic sensitivity pattern for the isolates. Isolates obtained were Bacillus spp, E. coli, Klebsiella spp., Mycoplasma spp., Proteus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Staphylococci and Streptococcus spp. The Coagulase negative Staphyloccocus (CoNS) was maximum isolated from Group II, Streptococcus spp., E. coli, Proteus spp., Bacillus spp. and Mycoplasma spp. were isolated maximum from both Group II and Group III and Klebsiella spp. and Pseudomonas spp. was isolated from clinical mastitis alone. Among the antibiotics used in the study Amikacin, Ciprofloxacin and Enrofloxacin were found to be highly sensitive and all the isolates were least sensitive to Clindamycin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cholesterol is a lipid of high nutritional value that easily undergoes oxidation through enzymatic and non-enzymatic pathways, leading to a wide variety of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs), more commonly named oxysterols. The major oxysterols found in animal products are 7α-hydroxycholesterol, 7β-hydroxycholesterol, 7-ketocholesterol, 5α,6α-epoxycholesterol, 5β,6β-epoxycholesterol, cholestan-3β,5α,6β-triol, and 25-hydroxycholesterol. They are all produced by cholesterol autoxidation, thus belonging to the non-enzymatic oxysterol subfamily, even if 7α-hydroxycholesterol and 25-hydroxycholesterol are, in part, generated enzymatically as well. A further oxysterol of the full enzymatic origin has recently been detected for the first time in milk of both human and bovine origin, namely 27-hydroxycholesterol. Nowadays, gas or liquid chromatography combined to mass spectrometry allows to measure all these oxysterols accurately in raw and in industrially processed food. While non-enzymatic oxysterols often exhibited in vitro relevant cytotoxicity, above all 7β-hydroxycholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol, 27-hydroxycholesterol, as well as 25-hydroxycholesterol, shows a broad spectrum in vitro antiviral activity, inhibition of SARS-CoV-2 included, and might contribute to innate immunity. Quantification of oxysterols was afforded over the years, almost always focused on a few family's compounds. More comprehensive COPs measurements, also including oxysterols of enzymatic origin, are, nowadays, available, which better display the many advantages of systematically adopting this family of compounds as markers of quality, safety, and nutritional value in the selection of ingredients in processing and storage. Regarding foodstuff shelf life, COPs monitoring already provided useful hints for more suitable packaging. The identification of a subset of non-enzymatic and enzymatic oxysterols to be routinely assessed in food production and storage is proposed.

Cobalt phosphosulphide (CoPS) has recently been recognized as a potentially effective electrocatalyst for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). However, there have been no research on the design of CoPS-based heterojunctions to boost their HER performance. Herein, CoPS/Co 4 S 3 heterojunction was prepared by phosphating treatment based on defect-rich flower-like Co 1-x S precursors. The high specific surface area of nanopetals, together with the heterojunction structure with inhomogeneous strain, exposes more active sites in the catalyst. The electronic structure of the catalyst is reconfigured as a result of the interfacial interactions, which promote the catalyst's ability to adsorb hydrogen and conduct electricity. The synergistic effect of the Co and S dual-site further enhance the catalytic activity. The catalyst has overpotentials of 61 and 70 mV to attain a current density of 10 mA cm -2 in acidic and alkaline media, respectively, which renders it competitive with previously reported analogous catalysts. This work proposes an effective technique for constructing transition metal phosphosulfide heterojunctions, as well as the development of an efficient HER electrocatalyst., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

The study aim was to determine the expression of genes potentially related to chronic mastitis at the mRNA and protein levels, viz. chemokine C–C motif receptor 1 (CCR1), C–C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), C–C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), interleukin 18 (IL-18), in bovine mammary gland parenchyma. The study examines the differences in expression of selected genes between cows with chronic mastitis caused by coagulase-positive (CoPS) or coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) and those with healthy udders (H). Samples were collected from the udder quarters from 40 Polish Holstein–Friesian cows; 54 of these samples were chosen for analysis based on microbiological analysis of milk taken two days before slaughter. They were categorized into three groups: CoPS (N = 27), CoNS (N = 14) and H (N = 13). The RNA expression was analyzed by RT-qPCR and protein concentration by ELISA. No differences in the mRNA levels of seven genes (TNFα, IL-18, CCR1, IL-1β, CCL2, IL-8, IL-6) and four proteins (TNFα, IL-18, CCR1, IL-1β) were identified between the CoPS and H groups. Higher transcript levels of CXCL5 (p ≤ 0.05) gene were noted in CoPS than in H. Compared to H, higher concentrations of IL-8 and CXCL5 (p ≤ 0.05) were observed in CoPS (0.05 < p < 0.1) and CCL2 (0.05 < p < 0.1) in CoNS, while lower levels of Il-6 were found in CoPS. This may suggest that during chronic mastitis the organism stops producing pro-inflammatory cytokines, probably to protect the host tissues against their damage during prolonged infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The studies of the classical cops and robber problem are generally aimed at determining the minimum number of cops needed to capture the robber, and proposing algorithms for the capture. This paper is a contribution to this problem, directed to two-dimensional grids, cylinders (i. e., grids with toroidal closure in one dimension), and tori, with a new extension to using teams of any number of cops. We discuss some new features of the problem and propose a new solution to the capture problem on grids that was already solved under a different approach, and then give efficient capture algorithms on cylinders and tori making use of these features. We examine the effect of using teams of any number k of cops and give efficient algorithms for this case, evaluating lower and upper bounds on the capture time t k , and compute the minimum value of k needed for any given capture time. To this aim we extend the concept of work w k = k · t k of an algorithm, inherited from parallel processing, and study a possible speed-up phenomenon using larger teams of cops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dermatological infections are the most common cases in the daily pet clinic. Since its discovery in 1990, Staphylococcus schleiferi subspecies coagulans have been reported more frequently in canine otitis externa and pyoderma and even in cases of zoonoses. Aim: Detect the presence of S. schleiferi subsp. coagulans of canine otitis externa and pyoderma, its antimicrobial resistance, and the presence of mecAgen. Methods: Three-hundred-thirty-one swabs from dogs with otitis externa and pyoderma were cultured on bacteriological agar for bacterial isolation and subsequent biochemical and molecular identification. The identified S. schleiferi subsp. coagulans were evaluated for their antimicrobial susceptibility using the Kirby-Bauer technique, including an oxacillin disk, and subsequently, a PCR was run to identify which ones had the mecA gene. Results: Thirty-four (22.97%) and twelve (6.56%) isolates were identified as S. schleiferi subspecies coagulans from otitis externa and pyoderma, respectively. Fluoroquinolones, the most widely used group of antibiotics in Peru, showed a susceptibility of 58.82% (20/34) in cases of otitis externa and 50% (6/12) in cases of canine pyoderma. Meanwhile, nitrofurantoin was the antibiotic with the best efficacy in both cases, with 97% (33/34) in otitis externa and 83% (10/12) in pyoderma. Furthermore, 40% (13/34) of S. schleiferi subsp. coagulans isolated from otitis externa were resistant to methicillin, and 85.29% (29/34) had the mecA gene. On the other hand, the only methicillin-resistant isolate from pyoderma was also the only one with a mecA gene. Conclusion: This study is the first report of S. schleiferi subsp. coagulans in Peru, finding a higher percentage than reported in other South American countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to air and light lowers the meat quality of chickens, which is mainly determined by the color alteration and accumulation of detrimental products from lipid oxidation. This study tests the effects of 2 supplements rich in polyphenols, Oxilem (OX) and OxiGem (OG), on broiler Ross 308 performance and meat quality in comparison to a control group (C). A total of 105 one-day-old Ross 308 male chicks were allocated to 21 pens and randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 treatments. The trial lasted 42 d. Individual live weight and feed intake per pen were recorded. Proximate analysis, color, cholesterol content and cholesterol oxidation products (COPs), fatty acids (FAs), volatile aldehydes profile, and secondary oxidation products of meat FAs were determined, with analyses for detecting oxidative alterations conducted on breast burgers preserved for 7 d at 4°C. Birds fed OG grew 7 g/d more than those receiving OX, reaching a higher final weight. After slaughtering, meat from the OX group had a higher yellow index compared to C. After 7 d of air and light exposure, the influence on the color parameters of the OG and OX burgers was significantly less pronounced than that of C. Secondary oxidation products of the FAs of the burgers were not significantly affected by the diet regimens. In addition, OX and OG burgers exhibited lower amounts of volatile aldehydes, triol and COPs. These results confirm the effectiveness of OX and OG supplementation against lipid oxidation at the inclusion level used in this trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adding massive amounts of lactic starters to raw milk to manage the sanitary risk in the cheese-making process could be detrimental to microbial diversity. Adjusting the amount of the lactic starter used could be a key to manage these adverse impacts. In uncooked pressed cheeses, we investigated the impacts of varying the doses of a lactic starter (the recommended one, 1×, a 0.1× lower and a 2× higher) on acidification, growth of Staphylococcus aureus SA15 and Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O26:H11 F43368, as well as on the bacterial community patterns. We observed a delayed acidification and an increase in the levels of pathogens with the 0.1× dose. This dose was associated with increased richness and evenness of cheese bacterial community and higher relative abundance of potential opportunistic bacteria or desirable species involved in cheese production. No effect of the increased lactic starter dose was observed. Given that sanitary criteria were paramount to our study, the increase in the pathogen levels observed at the 0.1× dose justified proscribing such a reduction in the tested cheese-making process. Despite this, the effects of adjusting the lactic starter dose on the balance of microbial populations of potential interest for cheese production deserve an in-depth evaluation.

The aim of this study was to determine the carriage rate of coagulase-positive staphylococci (CoPS) in wild birds and to characterize recovered isolates. Tracheal samples from 324 wild birds, obtained in different Spanish regions during 2015–2016, were screened for CoPS carriage. The antimicrobial resistance profile and the virulence gene content were investigated. Molecular typing was performed by spa, agr, MLST, SCCmec, and S. delphini group classification. CoPS were recovered from 26 samples of wild birds (8.3%), and 27 isolates were further characterized. Two CoPS species were detected: S. aureus (n = 15; eight cinereous vultures and seven magpies) and S. delphini (n = 12; 11 cinereous vultures and one red kite). Thirteen S. aureus were methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and the remaining two strains were methicillin-susceptible (MSSA). Twelve MRSA were mecC-positive, typed as t843-ST1583/ST1945/ST1581/ST1571 (n = 11) and t1535-ST1945 (n = 1) (all of clonal-complex CC130); they were susceptible to the non-β-lactams tested. The remaining MRSA strain carried the mecA gene, was typed as t011-ST398-CC398-agrI-SCCmec-V, and showed a multiresistance phenotype. MSSA isolates were ascribed to lineages ST97-CC97 and ST425-CC425. All S. aureus lacked the studied virulence genes (lukS/F-PV, tst, eta, etb, and etd), and the IEC type E (with scn and sak genes) was detected in four mecC-positive and one MSSA isolates. S. delphini strains were methicillin-susceptible but showed resistance to at least one of the antimicrobials tested, with high penicillin (75%, with blaZ gene) and tetracycline [58%, with tet(K)± tet(L)] resistance rates. All S. delphini isolates presented the virulence genes lukS-I, siet, and se-int, and four carried the clindamycin-resistance lnu(A) gene. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the strategic cooperation of two competitive suppliers with different abilities and a weak main manufacturer in Complex Products Systems (CoPS), where a main manufacturer signs a revenue-sharing contract based on a relationship-specific investment with the stronger supplier. The stronger supplier provides one key element to the main manufacturer and encroaches on the downstream market by producing substitutable final products simultaneously. We consider multi-period decisions, by building different models based on centralized, decentralized, and cooperative decisions. The equilibrium strategies are characterized under downstream competition, and optimal cooperation strategies are derived by building multi-period game models. The results show that strong cooperation can enhance the economic performance of each individual as well as the whole supply chain. The weak main manufacturer would face the risk of strong suppliers' supply interruptions when the competitive degree of suppliers and downstream competition are fierce enough under decentralized decisions. Additionally, the gap in the abilities of the two competitive suppliers reduces the main manufacturer's profitability. However, the revenue-sharing contract based on a relationship-specific investment can motivate the strong supplier to establish cooperation relationship and improve both stakeholders' profitability. Moreover, strategic cooperation is efficient to prevent the strong supplier encroaching on downstream and has a positive impact on boosting the weak main manufacturer's market share. Meanwhile, nurturing a domestic supplier is an effective measure for improving competitiveness and indigenous technological capability of the main manufacturer in CoPS. Finally, some useful management sights on cooperation strategy and optimal decisions are derived. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For electrochemical water splitting, the development of low‐cost, efficient, and robust electrocatalysts for both the oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction remains challenging. Herein, we report stoichiometric ternary‐phase CoPS with a two‐dimensional ultrathin porous nanosheet structure as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst for overall water splitting. Owing to the stable stoichiometric ternary phase, abundant octahedral Co3+ is observed in CoPS, serving as active sites to boost electrocatalytic activities. With the introduction of the ultrathin porous nanosheet structure, more active sites are exposed to enhance the electrochemical performance. Therefore, the samples display remarkable oxygen evolution activity with a low overpotential of 316 mV at 10 mA cm−2 and a small Tafel slope of 50.2 mV dec−1. Combined with their highly efficient hydrogen evolution activity, CoPS ultrathin porous nanosheets are demonstrated to have extraordinary activities for overall water splitting, with a cell voltage of 1.57 V to reach 10 mA cm−2 current density. This work not only provides a bifunctional catalyst with outstanding performance, but also offers a facile route for improving electrocatalytic activity by synergistic morphology design and electronic modulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective The present study aimed to validate the Centrality of Pain Scale (COPS) for use in Chinese patients with painful temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Methods The Centrality of Pain Scale was firstly translated and cross-culturally adapted following international guidelines. In total, 166 patients with TMD were recruited to complete the Chinese version of the COPS (COPS-C). In addition to the COPS-C, the patients were also administered the Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS) and the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ). The reliability of the COPS-C was evaluated using internal consistency and test–retest methods. The construct validity of the COPS-C was evaluated using exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Convergent validity was determined by analyzing the correlations between COPS-C scores and the scores of the PCS and PSEQ. Results Cronbach's alpha for the total COPS-C score was 0.942. The interitem correlations ranged from 0.356 to 0.901. The intraclass correlation coefficient values of the COPS-C ranged between 0.815 and 0.929. The results of the EFA indicated a one-factor solution for the measure, accounting for 70.4% of the total observed variance. The factor loadings of all items ranged from 0.713 to 0.917. Regarding convergent validity, the COPS-C had moderate correlations with the PCS and the PSEQ. Conclusions The results provide initial evidence that the COPS-C is a reliable and valid measure. It can be used as a suitable instrument for Chinese patients with TMD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we address the evolution of coordination between multiple and diverse partners in a complex R&D innovation project. Because common understanding is crucial to help coordination in complex and uncertain contexts, we performed an in-depth case study of a large European project aiming to investigate the interaction between common understanding and coordination mechanisms during the life cycle of a complex product systems (CoPS) multi-party project. We found that coordination mechanisms are combined according to different stages of the project and create common understanding by managing tasks and roles as the project unfolds. Moreover, to cope with high interdependent tasks and many diverse partners, it seems crucial to implement an iterative process where tasks and roles evolve and mature progressively, and problems are identified earlier, leading to a validated and consistent result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of dietary vitamin E supplementation on the susceptibility to lipid oxidation and colour of the Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle aged in vacuum packaged conditions for 3 or 14 days were studied. For this purpose, Charolais cattle were fed on a diet providing daily 60 mg (control) or 5500 mg of vitamin E per animal (supplemented) for 30 and 60 days before slaughter. Dietary vitamin E supplementation increased the liver vitamin E content, but not in the LT muscle of treated animals. The vitamin supplementation for 30 and 60 days has shown non-consistent effects in reducing cholesterol oxidation products of vacuum-packed aged meat. However, the vitamin E supplementation for 60 days was effective on Lightness stability in LT muscle during vacuum-packed ageing. Overall, from the practical standpoint, this study suggests that supra-nutritional supplementation up to 60 days may not increase the vitamin E content of Charolais LT muscle giving little, if any, benefits on meat colour and cholesterol oxidation. However, the present study suggests that it would be interesting to determine in which extent specific oxy-sterols are related to the meat colour and whether colour parameters can be useful for predicting the formation of cholesterol oxidation products along the industrial meat production chain.

Background: The concept of a virtual community of practice (VCoP) emanates from the need to create a new mode of learning and knowledge development platform. It has also been found that highly structured forums are not always the best way to assist people to learn and improve their knowledge. The first author (main researcher) has limited background knowledge and professional practice in the area of VCoPs. Within this context, the investigation of the use of VCoPs to optimise knowledge sharing within stakeholders is the central theme of this research. The authors adapted the life cycle knowledge flow model and present an extended model that resulted after an empirical research was conducted with various VCoPs. Objectives: The objective of this paper is to report on the research that, firstly, attempted to find a suitable model among all previous research conducted on knowledge sharing (management) and to create a new model that could be used to optimise knowledge sharing within VCoPs. Method: In this research, a review of literature was used to define the main concepts of this research. A qualitative methodology was used. The responses received using two questionnaires were analysed to establish some premise, derived from the findings. The Miles and Huberman framework for qualitative analysis was also used to analyse the data set received from participants in the two questionnaires administered. This framework for analysis includes data reduction, data display, drawing and verifying conclusions. Results: An extended life cycle knowledge flow model is proposed to optimise knowledge sharing within VCoPs. Conclusion: A comprehensive knowledge flow model, namely the extended life cycle knowledge flow model, was found to be most suited from the literature. The analysis of two questionnaires, one administered in 2011–2012 and the other in 2016, led to the adaptation of the model to enhance knowledge sharing within VCoPs and, in turn, to develop and optimise knowledge sharing in enterprises.