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There is an increasing demand for pet foods considered “natural,” raw, uncooked, minimally processed, and those free of synthetic preservatives used to inactivate spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. These diets are referred to as raw meat-based diets (RMBDs), biologically appropriate raw foods (BARFs) or raw animal products (RAPs). However, the definitions of these diets are highly subjective and rely on the interpretation of pet food manufacturers, researchers, consumers, and animal food regulatory authorities. The lack of standardized definitions hampers the necessary progress in research required to better understand this rapidly growing segment of pet food. The different definitions reduce the efficiency of international and interstate commerce between pet food manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, consumers and the regulatory authorities in different geographical jurisdictions. There is a plethora of existing literature defining and describing what raw pet foods are. Thus, a comprehensive search for published research was conducted regarding definitions and word descriptions tangential to these raw pet foods. This mini review paper explored multiple research and review articles that attempted to define “raw pet foods,” and the word descriptions they used. This review focuses on RMBDs, BARFs, “raw pet foods,” and RAPs as defined from an academic, processing, regulatory and consumer perspective. Furthermore, we have proposed a new working definition for these diets as “Raw and Minimally Processed” (RAMP) pet food to reflect consumer, regulatory and academic needs, and expectations. Reconciling these definitions will lay a better framework for communication, research, regulation, and commerce between stakeholders in the pet food industry.

Raw meat-based diets (RMBDs) or sometimes described as biologically appropriate raw food (BARFs) are gaining in popularity amongst dog and cat owners. These pet guardians prefer their animals to eat minimally processed and more “natural” foods instead of highly heat-processed diets manufactured with synthetic preservatives. The market for RMBDs for dogs and cats is estimated at $33 million in the United States. This figure is likely underestimated because some pet owners feed their animals raw diets prepared at home. Despite their increasing demand, RMBDs have been plagued with numerous recalls because of contamination from foodborne pathogens like Salmonella, E. coli , or Campylobacter . Existing literature regarding mitigation strategies in RMBD's for dogs/cats are very limited. Thus, a comprehensive search for published research was conducted regarding technologies used in meat and poultry processing and raw materials tangential to this trade (e.g., meats and poultry). In this review paper, we explored multiple non-thermal processes and GRAS approved food additives that can be used as potential antimicrobials alone or in combinations to assert multiple stressors that impede microbial growth, ultimately leading to pathogen inactivation through hurdle technology. This review focuses on use of high-pressure pasteurization, organic acidulants, essential oils, and bacteriophages as possible approaches to commercially pasteurize RMBDs effectively at a relatively low cost. A summary of the different ways these technologies have been used in the past to control foodborne pathogens in meat and poultry related products and how they can be applied successfully to impede growth of enteric pathogens in commercially produced raw diets for companion animals is provided.

l -cysteine capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) were synthesized in aqueous solution in open air. In order to improve the crystallinity of the CdTe QDs, synthesis conditions were optimized. Effects of different solution pH were investigated in order to determine the optimum pH for the growth of highly crystalline CdTe QDs. X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) for all the as-prepared samples displayed a zinc blende crystal structure. The XRD peak intensities were found to increase to a certain pH level. This was accompanied by a general increase in the crystallite sizes (3.01–3.25 nm) of the CdTe QDs as the solution pH was gradually increased from 7 to 12.5. The calculated strain in the CdTe QDs was observed to decrease with an increase in the solution pH level. The morphological studies obtained from scanning electron microscope showed clear changes in the shape of CdTe QDs with various solution pH. The shape of the QDs changed from small spherical to large flower-like and needle-like structures for various solution pH. The optical spectroscopy studies revealed that the photoluminescence emissions were shifted to longer wavelength (545–593 nm) as the pH was increased from 7 to 12.5. The ultraviolet–visible analysis displayed a red shift in the absorption peaks with an increase in the pH levels. The optical band gaps obtained from the Tauc formula displayed an inverse relation with the solution pH which could be due to increase in the QDs’ sizes with increasing pH level.

World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines have shifted over time to recommend earlier initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and now encourage ART initiation on the day of HIV diagnosis, if possible. However, barriers to ART access may delay initiation in resource?limited settings. We characterized temporal trends and other factors influencing the interval between HIV diagnosis and ART initiation among participants enrolled in a clinic?based cohort across four African countries. The African Cohort Study enrols adults engaged in care at 12 sites in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria. Participants provide a medical history, complete a physical examination and undergo laboratory assessments every six months. Participants with recorded dates of HIV diagnosis were categorized by WHO guideline era (<2006, 2006 to 2009, 2010 to 2012, 2013 to 2015, ?2016) at the time of diagnosis. Cox proportional hazard modelling was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for time to ART initiation. From January 2013 to September 2019, a total of 2888 adults living with HIV enrolled with known diagnosis dates. Median time to ART initiation decreased from 22.0 months (interquartile range (IQR) 4.0 to 77.3) among participants diagnosed prior to 2006 to 0.5 months (IQR 0.2 to 1.8) among those diagnosed in 2016 and later. Comparing those same periods, CD4 nadir increased from a median of 166 cells/mm[sup.3] (IQR: 81 to 286) to 298 cells/mm[sup.3] (IQR: 151 to 501). In the final adjusted model, participants diagnosed in each subsequent WHO guideline era had increased rates of ART initiation compared to those diagnosed before 2006. CD4 nadir ?500 cells/mm[sup.3] was independently associated with a lower rate of ART initiation as compared to CD4 nadir <200 cells/mm[sup.3] (HR: 0.32; 95% CI: 0.28 to 0.37). Age >50 years at diagnosis was independently associated with shorter time to ART initiation as compared to 18 to 29 years (HR: 1.38; 95% CI: 1.19 to 1.61). Consistent with changing guidelines, the interval between diagnosis and ART initiation has decreased over time. Still, many adults living with HIV initiated treatment with low CD4, highlighting the need to diagnose HIV earlier while improving access to immediate ART after diagnosis.

A highly protective vaccine will greatly facilitate achieving and sustaining malaria elimination. Understanding mechanisms of antibody-mediated immunity is crucial for developing vaccines with high efficacy. Here, we identify key roles in humoral immunity for Fcγ-receptor (FcγR) interactions and opsonic phagocytosis of sporozoites. We identify a major role for neutrophils in mediating phagocytic clearance of sporozoites in peripheral blood, whereas monocytes contribute a minor role. Antibodies also promote natural killer cell activity. Mechanistically, antibody interactions with FcγRIII appear essential, with FcγRIIa also required for maximum activity. All regions of the circumsporozoite protein are targets of functional antibodies against sporozoites, and N-terminal antibodies have more activity in some assays. Functional antibodies are slowly acquired following natural exposure to malaria, being present among some exposed adults, but uncommon among children. Our findings reveal targets and mechanisms of immunity that could be exploited in vaccine design to maximize efficacy. Antibodies plays critical roles in the adaptive immune response to infectious agents including malaria. Here the authors defined antibody interactions with -Fcγ-receptors expressed on immune cells with sporozoites of Plasmodium falciparum, and identified specific target epitopes of antibodies.

Changing athletes’ attitudes towards doping has been shown as crucial in prevention efforts in combating doping in sports, with dispositional goal orientation and perceptions of coach motivational climate identified as factors shaping doping attitudes among athletes. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between dispositional goal orientation and motivational climate on attitudes towards doping among Kenyan Endurance runners. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 323 Kenyan runners with 215 males (66.6%) and 108 females (33.3%). The study assessed athletes’ goal orientation through the Task and Ego Goal Orientation Sport Questionnaire, perceptions of coach motivational climate through Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire, and attitudes towards doping through Performance Enhancement Attitude Scale. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, Mann-Whitney U tests and Kruskal-Wallis H tests was used for data analysis. The study found significant inverse relationships between mastery climate and doping attitudes (rho = -.242; p <.001), as well as between task orientation and doping attitudes (rho = -.158; p <.004). Conversely, performance climate (rho =.362; p <.001) and ego orientation (rho =.362; p <.001) showed significant positive relationships with doping attitudes. There were no significant differences in doping attitudes based on age (U = 11582.500, p <.191), gender (U = 11437.500, p <.827) and athlete’s length of experience (χ2 (2) = 1.359, p <.507). The study concludes that fostering mastery-oriented coach motivational climate and promoting task-oriented goal orientation could effectively cultivate anti-doping attitudes among athletes and enhance clean sport.

Although melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) could alleviate salinity stress in plants, the downstream signaling pathway is still not fully characterized. Here, we report that endogenous melatonin and thereafter nitric oxide (NO) accumulation was successively increased in NaCl-stressed rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) seedling roots. Application of melatonin and NO-releasing compound not only counteracted NaCl-induced seedling growth inhibition, but also reestablished redox and ion homeostasis, the latter of which are confirmed by the alleviation of reactive oxygen species overproduction, the decreases in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances production, and Na+/K+ ratio. Consistently, the related antioxidant defense genes, sodium hydrogen exchanger (NHX1), and salt overly sensitive 2 (SOS2) transcripts are modulated. The involvement S-nitrosylation, a redox-based posttranslational modification triggered by NO, is suggested. Further results show that in response to NaCl stress, the increased NO levels are strengthened by the addition of melatonin in seedling roots. Above responses are abolished by the removal of NO by NO scavenger. We further discover that the removal of NO does not alter endogenous melatonin content in roots supplemented with NaCl alone or together with melatonin, thus excluding the possibility of NO-triggered melatonin production. Genetic evidence reveals that, compared with wild-type Arabidopsis, the hypersensitivity to NaCl in nia1/2 and noa1 mutants (exhibiting null nitrate reductase activity and indirectly reduced endogenous NO level, respectively) cannot be rescued by melatonin supplementation. The reestablishment of redox homeostasis and induction of SOS signaling are not observed. In summary, above pharmacological, molecular, and genetic data conclude that NO operates downstream of melatonin promoting salinity tolerance.

Anammox-mediated systems are thought to be cost-effective and efficient technologies for removing nitrogen from wastewater by converting nitrite and ammonium into dinitrogen gas. However, there are inhibitory substances that reduce the effectiveness and efficiency of these processes, preventing their widespread application. Antimicrobial agents are among these substances that have been observed to inhibit anammox-mediated processes. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive overview of the effects of various antimicrobials on the anammox-based systems with emphasis on the effects in different reactor configurations, sludge types and microbial population of anammox-based systems. In addition, this review also discusses the mechanisms by which nitrifying bacteria are inhibited by the antimicrobials. Gaps in knowledge based on this review as well as future research needs have also been suggested. This review gives a better knowledge of antimicrobial effects on anammox-based systems and provides some guidance on the type of system to use to treat antimicrobial-containing wastewater using anammox-based processes.

Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) remains a significant global health concern with substantial morbidity and mortality. Although effective vaccines exist, vaccination coverage remains suboptimal in many low- and middle-income countries, including Somalia. This descriptive cross-sectional study aimed to assess Coverage of the complete hepatitis B vaccination series and identify associated demographic, occupational, and health-related factors among Somali adults. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in Somalia from April 2024 to November 2024. Data were collected through structured face-to-face interviews and validated with hospital records at multiple healthcare institutions, universities, and community settings. Hepatitis B coverage was defined as completion of the full three-dose series. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with adherence. Results Among 10,300 recruited participants, 9,975 had complete data for analysis. Hepatitis B vaccination adherence was high (81.91%). Females constituted the majority (55.05%), with most being single (56.65%), students (62.50%), and urban residents (89.37%). Significant factors associated with adherence included gender, education level, occupation, residence, and prior health conditions. Females, university graduates, healthcare workers, and hospital staff had notably lower adherence rates. Logistic regression identified male gender (OR = 4.91), student status (OR = 3.64), and urban residence (OR = 3.27) as strong positive predictors of vaccine completion. In contrast, hospital staff (OR = 0.37) and university students (OR = 0.17) had significantly lower odds of adherence. These results highlight the need for targeted interventions among specific subgroups to improve vaccination uptake. Conclusion This study reveals a promising hepatitis B coverage rate in Somalia, with key disparities linked to gender, occupation, education, and residence. Addressing these disparities will require context-specific, multi-pronged strategies that combine expanded access, targeted communication, and flexible delivery methods to reach underserved and high-risk populations.

Water is life. It is an important element of the social and economic well-being of society. Kenya is a water-scarce country, ranked as 21st globally for the worst levels of water accessibility. The town of Eldoret is currently experiencing rapid population growth, resulting in ever-growing water demand. On the other hand, climate variability, land cover, and land use changes have altered the hydrologic response of the Kaptagat catchment, one of the major sources of water for Eldoret. This study uses the SWAT model in seeking to evaluate the impact of land use change and climate variability on the catchment yield, resulting in high variations in river flows and storage reservoir levels, and suggests possible mitigation measures to improve the yield. The model was customized for the study area, calibrated, and validated, and simulations were done to establish the changes in yield and river flow over time. This study observes that with time, land use changed due to increased settlement in the catchment, resulting in a decrease in forest cover (natural and planted) from approximately 37% in 1989 to 26% in 2019. Rainfall events also decreased but became more intense. The results of the changing land use and climate variability were changes in the catchment hydrologic response, occasioned by increased surface runoff and decreased baseflow and groundwater recharge, hence the high variations in water levels at the Elegirini and Two Rivers dams in the catchment during the dry and wet seasons, as modeled. The modeling of the catchment management scenarios indicates groundwater recharge increased by 17% and surface runoff decreased by 9%. Therefore, if the ongoing afforestation, reafforestation, and terracing practices by farmers (although small-scale) increasing vegetation cover in the catchment are adhered to, the catchment response regime will improve significantly with time, despite the increasing climatic variability.