RESUMEN Objetivos. Determinar la proporción de Salmonella enterica en muestras fecales de cerdos vivos con presunta salmonelosis analizadas en la unidad de diagnóstico de la Universidad de Antioquia (Colombia) entre el 2019 y el 2021, así como examinar los serotipos y los patrones de resistencia a los antimicrobianos. Métodos. Se trata de un estudio transversal de laboratorio sobre datos ordinarios de muestras fecales provenientes de granjas porcinas de las nueve subregiones del departamento de Antioquia (Colombia). La detección de Salmonella spp. en la universidad se realiza mediante el enriquecimiento, el cultivo selectivo y la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Se identificaron los serotipos con el esquema de Kauffmann-White y se examinaron las cepas aisladas para determinar la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana mediante microdilución en caldo. Resultados. De las 653 muestras analizadas, 149 (23%) dieron un resultado positivo para S. enterica. Se identificaron nueve serotipos. Los más comunes fueron Salmonella typhimurium (56%) y su variante monofásica (35%). La resistencia a la ampicilina fue la observada con mayor frecuencia (70%), seguida de la resistencia al ciprofloxacino (55%) y al sulfametoxazol-trimetoprima (52%). Ninguna cepa aislada fue resistente a la amikacina y la gentamicina. Se observó resistencia a múltiples fármacos (resistencia a tres o más clases de antibióticos) en 61 cepas (44%). La resistencia a múltiples fármacos fue más elevada en el caso de S. typhimurium (57%) en comparación con los otros serotipos. Se asoció el serotipo con la resistencia a múltiples fármacos (p = 0,01), a diferencia de la edad del cerdo y la subregión. Conclusiones. La proporción de Salmonella spp. y los elevados niveles asociados de resistencia a múltiples fármacos son preocupantes y pueden ser un indicativo de uso irracional de antimicrobianos y malas prácticas de gestión en los sistemas de producción porcina de la región. Es necesario reforzar la vigilancia para dar seguimiento y mejorar las prácticas de gestión agropecuaria y el uso de antimicrobianos en las granjas en Colombia.

RESUMO Objetivos. Determinar a proporção de Salmonella enterica em amostras de fezes de suínos vivos com suspeita de salmonelose analisadas na unidade de diagnóstico da Universidade de Antioquia, Colômbia, entre 2019 e 2021, e examinar seus sorotipos e padrões de resistência a antimicrobianos. Métodos. Estudo transversal, de base laboratorial, utilizando dados de rotina de amostras de fezes recebidas de suinocultores em todas as nove sub-regiões do estado de Antioquia, Colômbia. A detecção de Salmonella spp. na Universidade é feita por enriquecimento, cultura seletiva e reação em cadeia da polimerase. Os sorotipos foram identificados usando o esquema de Kauffmann-White, e os isolados foram testados quanto à suscetibilidade aos antimicrobianos pelo método de microdiluição em caldo. Resultados. Das 653 amostras testadas, 149 (23%) foram positivas para S. enterica. Foram identificados nove sorotipos. Os mais comuns foram Salmonella Typhimurium (56%) e sua variante monofásica (35%). A resistência à ampicilina (70%) foi observada com maior frequência, seguida pela resistência ao ciprofloxacino (55%) e ao sulfametoxazol/trimetoprima (52%). Nenhum isolado apresentou resistência à amicacina ou gentamicina. Multirresistência (resistência a ≥ 3 classes de antibióticos) foi observada em 61 isolados (44%). A multirresistência foi mais comum em S. Typhimurium (57%), em comparação aos outros sorotipos. Foi constatada associação da multirresistência com sorotipos (p = 0,01), mas não com idade do suíno ou sub-região. Conclusões. A proporção de Salmonella spp. e os níveis elevados associados de multirresistência a antimicrobianos aqui constatados são preocupantes, e podem indicar uso irracional de antimicrobianos e práticas inadequadas de manejo nos sistemas de suinocultura da região. É preciso fortalecer a vigilância para monitorar e melhorar as práticas de manejo agrícola e o uso de antimicrobianos em fazendas na Colômbia.

ABSTRACT Objectives. To determine the proportion of Salmonella enterica in fecal samples of live pigs with suspected salmonellosis analyzed at the diagnostic unit of the University of Antioquia, Colombia between 2019 and 2021, and examine the serotypes and antimicrobial resistance patterns. Methods. This was a laboratory-based cross-sectional study of routine data on fecal samples received from pig farms in all nine subregions of Antioquia state, Colombia. Salmonella spp. detection at the university is done using enrichment, selective culture, and polymerase chain reaction. Serotypes were identified using the Kauffmann–White scheme and isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using broth microdilution. Results. Of 653 samples tested, 149 (23%) were positive for S. enterica. Nine serotypes were identified. The most common were Salmonella Typhimurium (56%) and its monophasic variant (35%). Resistance to ampicillin (70%) was most frequently observed, followed by ciprofloxacin (55%), and sulfamethoxazole–trimethoprim (52%). No isolates were resistant to amikacin and gentamicin. Multidrug resistance (resistance to ≥ 3 classes of antibiotics) was observed in 61 (44%) isolates. Multidrug resistance was highest in S. Typhimurium (57%) compared with the other serotypes. Serotype was associated with multidrug resistance (p = 0.01), but age of the pig and sub-region were not. Conclusions. The proportion of Salmonella spp. and the associated high levels of multidrug resistance are of concern and may indicate irrational use of antimicrobials and poor management practices in pig production systems in the region. Strengthened surveillance is needed to monitor and improve farm management practices and the use of antimicrobials in farms in Colombia.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia y resistencia a los antimicrobianos de Escherichia coli y Salmonella spp. en muestras de piensos para animales tomadas entre el 2018 y el 2021 en Colombia. Métodos. Se trata de un estudio transversal realizado en el laboratorio a partir de los datos regulares del programa de inspección, vigilancia y control de alimentos para animales del Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario. Se procesaron muestras de alimentos utilizados en la cría de cerdos, aves de corral, cánidos, félidos, lepóridos, peces y equinos con el fin de detectar E. coli y Salmonella spp. por medio de métodos de enriquecimiento y cultivo selectivo. Se analizó la sensibilidad a los antimicrobianos de las cepas aisladas mediante microdilución automatizada. Resultados. De 1748 muestras de alimentos analizadas, 83 (4,7%) resultaron positivas para E. coli y 66 (3,8%) para Salmonella spp. La presencia de E. coli y Salmonella spp. fue mayor en los alimentos para aves de corral (6,4% y 5,5%) y cerdos (6,1% y 4,3%). Se realizaron pruebas de resistencia a los antimicrobianos en 27 (33%) cepas de E. coli y 26 (39%) de Salmonella. En las cepas de E. coli, se observó una mayor resistencia a la ampicilina (44,5%), seguida de la resistencia a la cefazolina (33,3%), la ciprofloxacina (29,6%), la ampicilina/sulbactam (26%) y la ceftriaxona (11,1%). En el caso de las cepas de Salmonella spp., los niveles de resistencia más elevados fueron para la cefazolina (7,7%) y piperacilina/tazobactam (7,7%). Conclusiones. Este es el primer estudio realizado en Colombia en el que se informa sobre la prevalencia y la resistencia a los antimicrobianos de E. coli y Salmonella spp. en muestras de alimentos para animales. Sus resultados establecen una línea de base para una zona geográfica mucho mayor dentro de Colombia. Se subraya la necesidad de integrar la vigilancia de la resistencia a los antimicrobianos en los alimentos para animales debido a la aparición de bacterias resistentes en esta importante etapa de la cadena de suministro.

RESUMO Objetivo. Determinar a prevalência e a resistência a antimicrobianos de Escherichia coli e Salmonela spp. em amostras de ração animal coletadas entre 2018 e 2021 na Colômbia. Métodos. Estudo transversal de base laboratorial, usando dados de rotina do programa de inspeção, vigilância e controle de ração animal do Instituto Colombiano de Agricultura. Amostras de ração animal para as espécies suína, avícola, canina, felina, leporina, piscina e equina foram processadas para detecção de E. coli e Salmonella spp., usando métodos de enriquecimento e cultura seletiva. Os isolados foram testados quanto à suscetibilidade a antimicrobianos usando um método automatizado de microdiluição. Resultados. Das 1.748 amostras de ração animal analisadas, 83 (4,7%) foram positivas para E. coli e 66 (3,8%) para Salmonella spp. A presença de E. coli e Salmonella spp. foi maior em rações para aves (6,4% e 5,5%) e suínos (6,1% e 4,3%). O teste de resistência a antimicrobianos foi realizado em 27 (33%) isolados de E. coli e 26 (39%) isolados de Salmonella. Em E. coli, a resistência observada com maior frequência foi à ampicilina (44,5%), seguida da cefazolina (33,3%), ciprofloxacino (29,6%), ampicilina/sulbactam (26%) e ceftriaxona (11,1%). Os maiores níveis de resistência em isolados de Salmonella spp. foram contra cefazolina (7,7%) e piperacilina/tazobactam (7,7%). Conclusões. Este é o primeiro estudo da Colômbia a notificar a prevalência e resistência a antimicrobianos de E. coli e Salmonella spp. em amostras de ração animal. Os resultados estabelecem uma linha de base com ampla distribuição geográfica na Colômbia. Destaca-se a necessidade de integrar a vigilância da resistência a antimicrobianos na ração animal, devido ao surgimento de bactérias resistentes nesta importante etapa da cadeia de abastecimento.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in animal feed samples collected between 2018 and 2021 in Colombia. Methods. This was a laboratory-based cross-sectional study using routine data from the program for inspection, surveillance, and control of animal feed at the Colombian Agriculture Institute. Samples of animal feed for swine, poultry, canine, feline, leporine, piscine, and equine species were processed for detection of E. coli and Salmonella spp. using enrichment and selective culture methods. Isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility using an automated microdilution method. Results. Of 1 748 animal feed samples analyzed, 83 (4.7%) were positive for E. coli and 66 (3.8%) for Salmonella spp. The presence of E. coli and Salmonella spp. was highest in feed for poultry (6.4% and 5.5%) and swine (6.1% and 4.3%). Antimicrobial resistance testing was performed in 27 (33%) E. coli isolates and 26 (39%) Salmonella isolates. Among E. coli, resistance was most frequently observed to ampicillin (44.5%) followed by cefazolin (33.3%), ciprofloxacin (29.6%), ampicillin/sulbactam (26%), and ceftriaxone (11.1%). The highest resistance levels in Salmonella spp. isolates were against cefazolin (7.7%) and piperacillin/tazobactam (7.7%). Conclusions. This is the first study from Colombia reporting on the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of E. coli and Salmonella spp. in animal feed samples. Its results establish a baseline over a wide geographical distribution in Colombia. It highlights the need to integrate antimicrobial resistance surveillance in animal feed due to the emergence of resistant bacteria in this important stage of the supply chain.

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to propose an algorithm for finding a common element of the set of fixed points of relatively nonexpansive mapping and the set of solutions of split inclusion problem with a way of selecting the stepsize without prior knowledge of the operator norm in the framework of Banach spaces. Then, the main result is used to the common fixed point problems of a family of relatively nonexpansive mappings and split equilibrium problem. Finally, a numerical example is provided to illustrate the main result.

Resumen El propósito de este artículo es proponer un algoritmo para encontrar un elemento común del conjunto de puntos fijos de aplicaciones relativamente no-expansivas y el conjunto de soluciones de problemas de inclusión escindidos con una manera de seleccionar el tamaño del paso sin conocimiento previo de la norma del operador en el contexto de espacios de Banach. Luego, el resultado principal se usa para los problemas de punto fijo común de una familia de aplicaciones relativamente no expansivas y el problemas del equilibrio escindido. Finalmente, se entrega un ejemplo numérico para ilustrar el resultado principal.

Abstract Background: Acute postoperative pain is associated with poor quality of recovery after surgery. Perioperative use of intravenous lignocaine or dexmedetomidine have demonstrated better pain control, early return of bowel function, and effects on quality of recovery. Methods: Ninety-six women planned for elective robotic abdominal hysterectomy were randomized into four groups. Groups received lignocaine infusion (1.5 mg.kg−1 loading, 2 mg.kg−1.h−1 infusion) (Group I), dexmedetomidine infusion (1 µg.kg−1 loading, 0.6 µg.kg−1.h−1 infusion) (Group 2), lidocaine (1.5 mg.kg−1 loading, 2 mg.kg−1.h−1 infusion), and dexmedetomidine infusions (1 µg.kg−1 loading, 0.5 µg.kg−1.h−1 infusion) (Group 3), and normal saline 10 mL loading, 1 mL.kg−1.h−1 infusion) (Group 4). Primary outcome was visual analogue pain scores at 1, 2, 4, 12, and 24 hours after surgery. Secondary outcomes included postoperative fentanyl requirement, time of return of bowel sounds and flatus, QoR15 score on day 1, 2, and discharge. Results The VAS was significantly lower in Groups 2 and 3 compared to Groups 1 and 4. Total postoperative fentanyl consumption in the first 24 hours was 256.25 ± 16.36 mcg (Group 1), 177.71 ± 16.81 mcg (Group 2), 114.17 ± 16.19 mcg (Group 3), and 304.42 ± 31.26 mcg (Group 4), respectively. Time to return of bowel sounds and passage of flatus was significantly shorter in Groups 2 and 3 (p < 0.01). QoR15 scores after surgery were higher in Group 3 compared to Groups 1, 2, and 4, (p < 0.01) respectively. Conclusion: Combined infusion of lignocaine and dexmedetomidine significantly decreased postoperative pain, fentanyl consumption, and improved quality of recovery score after surgery in patients undergoing Robotic abdominal hysterectomy.

RESUMO A estimativa de fluxo descarga é um componente essencial do planejamento e da tomada de decisões. Está altamente correlacionado com muitas atividades de desenvolvimento envolvendo recursos hídricos. O estudo do transporte de sedimentos nos rios nos ajudará a desenvolver políticas e planos de conservação do solo, controle de enchentes, irrigação, navegação e problemas de biodiversidade aquática. Usando modelos baseados em dados, como Redes Neurais Artificiais (ANNs), a modelagem de vazão e do transporte de sedimentos é frequentemente adotada devido à sua aplicabilidade e capacidade de resolução de problemas. Este estudo utilizou três algoritmos de treinamento como Gradiente Conjugado Escalonado (SCG), Regularização Bayesiana (BR) e Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) para simular o fluxo de vazão e a concentração de sedimentos suspensos (SSC). Depois de otimizar o melhor algoritmo de treinamento baseado nos parâmetros de eficiência do modelo, o modelo LM-ANN foi utilizado para prever o fluxo vazão por dois anos e a modelagem de sedimentos suspensos foi validada com a ajuda de dados observados. O resultado mostrou que os resultados simulados acompanharam o fluxo de vazão, bem como o SSC com a precisão desejada com base nos parâmetros de eficiência do modelo, como coeficiente de determinação (R2), Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) e Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD). Os resultados do estudo revelam que no fluxo de córregos a concentração de sedimentos suspensos é significativamente afetada pelo material de rocha base, geleiras cobertas por detritos e gelo carregado de detritos não consolidados. O transporte dos sedimentos é alto na bacia de Alaknanda em comparação com as outras bacias e os estudos anteriores. Isso pode acontecer devido às severas atividades antropogênicas na bacia circundante.

ABSTRACT The estimation of stream discharge is an essential component of planning and decision-making. It is highly correlated with many development activities involving water resources. The study of transportation of sediments in the rivers will help us to develop policies and plans for soil conservation, flood control, irrigation, navigation, and aquatic biodiversity problems. Using data-driven models such as Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), modeling of streamflow and sediment transport is frequently adopted due to their applicability and problem-solving ability. This study has used three training algorithms such as Scaled Conjugate Gradient (SCG), Bayesian Regularization (BR), and Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) to simulate the streamflow and Suspended Sediments Concentration (SSC). After optimizing the best training algorithm based on the model efficiency parameters, L-M based-ANN model has been used to predict streamflow for two years and the modeling of suspended sediments was validated with the help of observed data. The result shows that the simulated results tracked the streamflow as well as SSC with the desired accuracy based on the model efficiency parameters such as coefficient of Determination (R2), Nash Sutcliffe Efficiency (NSE), Root Mean Square Error (RMSE), and Root Mean Square Deviation (RMSD). The study's outcomes reveal that in the streamflow the concentration of suspended sediments is significantly affected by the base rock material, glaciers covered by debris, and moraine-laden ice. The transportation of the sediments is high in the Alaknanda basin as compared to the other basins and the previous studies. This might happen due to the severe anthropogenic activities in the surrounding basin.

South Africa is among the countries with the highest prevalence of debilitating diseases such as HIV/Aids and diabetes. In this context, the emergence of vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VREs) in most South African ecological niches is quite disturbing, taking into consideration the fact that therapeutic options in a case of resistant-enterococci infection would be limited. Agricultural practices coupled with the misuse of antibiotics in intensive animal rearing and in hospital facilities have led to the creation of reservoirs of VREs in the environment. VREs can cause serious health problems by transmitting their resistance genes to susceptible pathogens; they are transmitted to humans by direct or indirect contact and through the food chain. We screened thoroughly the AJOL and the PubMed databases for studies on VRE incidence in South Africa. This review gives insight into the current status of antimicrobial resistance management in South Africa; it explores the different pathways involved in the spread of VREs and proposes possible solutions to tackle the issue of VREs and antimicrobial resistance in South Africa and other parts of the world. Significance: • The recent detection of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in most South African ecological niches poses a serious threat to public health and is therefore an issue of great concern. • This study not only addresses the causes and patterns of resistance to antimicrobial agents, particularly in South Africa, but also outlines a holistic approach to potential strategies to tackle antimicrobial resistance in South Africa and the world at large.

Abstract In this paper, a novel design of a compact planar ultra wide band (UWB) monopole antenna with triple band notched characteristics has been presented. The antenna has a unique shape and has been fed through a 50 Ω microstrip feedline. The strength of the antenna lies in three band notched properties for WiMax system at 3.3 - 3.7 GHz, WLAN IEEE 802.11a at 5.15 - 5.85 GHz and X band satellite communication at 7.25 - 8.395 GHz. The notched bands have been achieved by incorporating an inverted U-slot etched on the radiator patch, an inverted C-slot also on the radiator patch and a U-slot on the microstrip feed line. In order to achieve FCC defined impedance bandwidth of 7.5 GHz, a rectangular cut in the ground plane has been introduced along with staircase structure in the bottom edge of the radiator. The proposed antenna is having a compact size of 30 X 30 X 1.6 mm3 and exhibits a large bandwidth from 2.8 GHz to 10.7 GHz. The antenna has been successfully simulated and fabricated. The radiation pattern is omni-directional in H-plane and the E-plane exhibits dipole like radiation pattern. The gain of the antenna is stable across the whole operating frequency band except at three notched bands.

Static analysis of skew composite shells is presented by developing a C0 finite element (FE) model based on higher order shear deformation theory (HSDT). In this theory the transverse shear stresses are taken as zero at the shell top and bottom. A realistic parabolic variation of transverse shear strains through the shell thickness is assumed and the use of shear correction factor is avoided. Sander's approximations are considered to include the effect of three curvature terms in the strain components of composite shells. The C0 finite element formulation has been done quite efficiently to overcome the problem of C1 continuity associated with the HSDT. The isoparametric FE used in the present model consists of nine nodes with seven nodal unknowns per node. Since there is no result available in the literature on the problem of skew composite shell based on HSDT, present results are validated with few results available on composite plates/shells. Many new results are presented on the static response of laminated composite skew shells considering different geometry, boundary conditions, ply orientation, loadings and skew angles. Shell forms considered in this study include spherical, conical, cylindrical and hypar shells.