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We present a new kind of optical fiber by introducing a perturbation of the classical core-cladding fiber design. The azimuthal symmetry of the refractive index is modified by a narrow parabolic perturbation. The perturbation acts like an azimuthal potential well against the propagating pulse. Theoretical calculations lead to a strong selection of the azimuthal modes. We show that by conveniently choosing the parameters, the fundamental mode is not reflected as a result of its radial field distribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the European Union, salmonellosis is one of the most important zoonoses reported. Poultry meat and egg products are the most common food matrices associated with Salmonella presence. Moreover, wild and domestic animals could represent an important reservoir that could favour the direct and indirect transmission of pathogens to humans. Salmonella spp. can infect carnivorous or omnivorous wild birds that regularly ingest food and water exposed to faecal contamination. Birds kept in captivity can act as reservoirs of Salmonella spp. following ingestion of infected prey or feed. In this paper, we describe the isolation of different Salmonella serovars in several species of raptors hosted in aviaries in an Italian wildlife centre and in the raw chicken necks used as their feed but intended for human consumption. Characterisations of strains were carried out by integrating classical methods and whole genome sequencing analysis. The strains of S. bredeney isolated in poultry meat and birds belonged to the same cluster, with some of them being multidrug-resistant (MDR) and carrying the Col(pHAD28) plasmid-borne qnrB19 (fluoro)quinolone resistance gene, thus confirming the source of infection. Differently, the S. infantis found in feed and raptors were all MDR, carried a plasmid of emerging S. infantis (pESI)-like plasmid and belonged to different clusters, possibly suggesting a long-lasting infection or the presence of additional undetected sources. Due to the high risk of fuelling a reservoir of human pathogens, the control and treatment of feed for captive species are crucial.

Background: Spinal cord injury results in the interruption of neuronal conduction in the spinal cord, a condition that occurs in 0.1% of the world's population. This results in severe limitations in autonomy including locomotor function. Its recovery can be pursued through conventional isolated physiotherapeutic rehabilitation (overground walking training - OGT) or associated with Robot-assisted gait training - RAGT ( e.g. : Lokomat ®)., Aim: The aim of this review is to compare the effectiveness of RAGT combined with conventional physiotherapy., Methods: The databases consulted, from March 2022 to November 2022, were PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Library) and CINAHL. RCT studies of people with incomplete spinal cord injuries treated with RAGT and/or OGT with the aim of improving walking were analysed., Results: Among the 84 RCTs identified, 4 were included in the synthesis, with a total of 258 participants. The outcomes analysed concerned both locomotor function through lower limb muscle strength and the need for assistance in walking, using the WISCI-II scale and the LEMS. Robotic treatment stimulated the greatest improvements in the four studies; however, they were not always statistically significant., Conclusion: A rehabilitation protocol combining RAGT with conventional physiotherapy is more effective than isolated OGT in improving ambulation in the subacute phase., Competing Interests: The authors report no declarations of interest., (© 2023 The Authors.)

We aim to investigate the effect of 6 weeks of betaine supplementation on body composition and muscle performance during CrossFit© training. Twenty-nine subjects matched for training status (4.16 0.95 day/week) and body fat mass (12.66 4.08%) were randomly assigned to a betaine (BET; N = 14) or placebo group (PLA; N = 15). Body composition and cellular hydration were estimated with skinfolds measurement and bioelectrical impendence before and after 6 weeks of training. Muscle performance was assessed using three different tests: 3-RM back-squat for muscle strength, 2 km rowing test for aerobic capacity and Bergeron Beep Test for anaerobic capacity. Muscle strength assessed during back squat significantly increased in BET (p = 0.04) but not in the PLA group, however, there were no statistical differences between groups. Although not significant, fat mass was reduced in BET compared to PLA. Overall, body composition and cell hydration measurements did not change in response to training or betaine supplementation. Short-term (6 weeks) betaine supplementation supports muscle strength but was not ergogenic for trained subjects to aerobic and anaerobic performance in the CrossFit©-specific test., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Competing Interests: the authors declare no potential conflict of interests.