Biotransformation of doxycycline by \u3ci\u3eBrevundimonas naejangsanensis\u3c/i\u3e and \u3ci\u3eSphingobacterium mizutaii\u3c/i\u3e strains

The fate of doxycycline (DC), a second generation tetracycline antibiotic, in the environment has drawn increasing attention in recent years due to its wide usage. Little is known about the biodegradability of DC in the environment. The objective of this study was to characterize the biotransformation of DC by pure bacterial strains with respect to reaction kinetics under different environmental conditions and biotransformation products. Two bacterial strains, Brevundimonas naejangsanensis DD1 and Sphingobacterium mizutaii DD2, were isolated from chicken litter and characterized for their biotransformation capability of DC. Results show both strains rely on cometabolism to biotransform DC with tryptone as primary growth substrate. DD2 had higher biotransformation kinetics than DD1. The two strains prefer similar pHs (7 and 8) and temperature (30 °C), however, they exhibited opposite responses to increasing background tryptone concentration. While hydrolysis converted DC to its isomer or epimer, the two bacterial strains converted DC to various biotransformation products through a series of demethylation, dehydration, decarbonylation and deamination. Findings from the study can be used to better predict the fate of DC in the environment

Semi-automatic retractable handrail utilizing opening/closing movement of sliding door supporting elderly people to walk independently

The purpose of this research is to install a handrail on the sliding doors used in hospitals and nursing facilities to support senior and people with disabilities to walk by themselves. The semi-automatic lifting equipment is utilized for the retractable handrail to make sure people in bad health are able to open the door using a weak force. To design the handrail for this purpose, the theoretical formula for opening force is derived. Then the simulation is performed with varying geometry conditions confirming the results are in good agreement with the experiment results. The opening force is designed to be less than the target value previously reported. The sliding door developed in this study is useful for elderly people walking by themselves safely.Peer Reviewe

Risk analysis and assessment based on Sigma metrics and intended use

Introduction: In order to ensure the quality in clinical laboratories and meet the low risk requirements of patients and clinicians, a risk analysis and assessment model based on Sigma metrics and intended use was constructed, based on which differential sigma performance (σ) expectations of 42 analytes were developed. Materials and methods: Failure mode and effects analysis was applied to produce an analytic risk rating based on three factors, each test of which was graded as follows: 1) Sigma metrics; 2) the severity of harm; 3) intended use. By multiplying the score of Sigma metrics by the score of severity of harm by the score of intended use, each was assigned a typical risk priority number (RPN), with RPN ≤ 25 rated as low risk. Low risk was defined as acceptable standards; the sigma performance expectations were calculated. Results: Among the 42 analytes, tests with σ ≥ 6, 5 ≤ σ < 6, 4 ≤ σ < 5, 3 ≤ σ < 4, σ < 3 were 21, 5, 5, 6, and 5, respectively; there were 7 high-risk tests, 8 of them medium risk tests. According to the risk assessment conclusion, 13 tests had sigma performance expectations ≥ 6; 15 test items had sigma performance expectations ≥ 5, while 3 test items had sigma performance expectations ≥ 4; 11 test items had sigma performance expectations ≥ 3. Conclusions: Constructing the risk analysis and assessment model based on Sigma metrics and intended use will help clinical laboratories to identify the high-risk tests more objectively and comprehensively. Such model can also be used to establish the sigma performance expectations and meet the low risk requirements of patients and clinicians

Semi-Automatic Retractable Handrail Utilizing Opening/Closing of Sliding Door Supporting Elderly People to Walk Independently

The purpose of this research is to install a handrail on the sliding doors used in hospitals and nursing facilities to support seniors and people with disabilities to walk by themselves. The semi-automatic lifting equipment is utilized for the retractable handrail to make sure people in bad health are able to open the door using a weak force. To design the handrail for this purpose, the theoretical formula for opening force is derived. Then the simulation is performed with varying geometry conditions confirming the results are in good agreement with the experiment results. The opening force is designed to be less than the target value previously reported. The sliding door developed in this study is useful for elderly people walking by themselves safely

Global Infectious Diseases in December 2022: Monthly Analysis

The emergence and reoccurrence of infectious diseases constitute a significant threat to human health. Data for this paper were mainly obtained from official websites, such as the WHO and national CDC websites. The report summarizes and analyzes information on infectious diseases for early outbreak monitoring from 24 November to 23 December 2022. Monkeypox cases declined in December 2022 with few deaths, while cholera infections have increased in African regions and war-torn countries. Most sub-Saharan countries are affected by insect-borne diseases, such as dengue, Lassa, and chikungunya fever

Global Infectious Diseases in June 2023: Monthly Analysis

Infectious diseases are a class of diseases caused by various pathogens that can be transmitted between humans and animals or between humans and animals, thus seriously affecting the development of human society. To control the spread of infectious diseases worldwide and ensure the safety of people’s lives, it is essential to regularly analyze global infectious disease cases. This review is based on data from the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control in countries around the world, Outbreak News Today and many other epidemiological websites to predict the global infectious disease outbreak trend. In addition, using the Shuci Technology global epidemic information monitoring system, we analyzed the distribution of infectious diseases that occurred around the world from 24 May 2023 to 23 June 2023

Global Infectious Diseases in March 2023: Monthly Analysis

Infectious diseases pose a major burden on public health and economic stability among societies worldwide. For centuries, they have been among the leading causes of death and disability, and are currently presenting growing challenges to health security and human progress. This report focuses on global outbreaks of infectious diseases, relying on Shusi Tech’s Global Epidemic Information Monitoring System to systematically summarize outbreak timing and location in infected populations from February 24, 2023, to March 23, 2023. Therefore, surveillance of infectious diseases on a continental scale is important to assess, recognize and protect against the risks that these diseases may pose to animal, domestic animal and human health on a global scale

Global Infectious Diseases in November 2022: Monthly Analysis

Infectious diseases, such as COVID-19 and monkeypox, pose a severe threat to economic development in all countries, as well as to the health of people everywhere. The World Health Organization and National Health Council epidemiological websites were used herein as data sources. Shusi Tech’s Global Epidemic Information Monitoring System was used to analyze the data for infectious diseases, determine changes in global epidemics, determine the distribution and quantity of infectious disease cases from October 24, 2022 to November 23, 2022, and analyze their changing trends. Furthermore, the analysis of these data can be used to predict prevalence rates, and assess epidemic prevention and control measures

Global Infectious Diseases in January 2023: Monthly Analysis

Infectious diseases are a major threat to global health and the economic stability of societies worldwide. To prevent outbreaks, monitoring the growth trends of infectious diseases appears to be particularly important and necessary. Herein, data from epidemiological websites, such as the World Health Organization and National Health Council are used to illustrate the outbreak trends for infectious diseases worldwide. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, a global resurgence in other infectious diseases has been observed, particularly influenza in the United States. Proper surveillance and effective strategies are urgently required to keep emerging infectious diseases under control

Global Infectious Diseases in August 2023: A Monthly Analysis

Infectious diseases frequently affect children and adults worldwide. Owing to their specific biology and mode of transmission, the presence of infected individuals or carriers in a region often leads to outbreaks of the disease in that region, and in severe cases, to the death of the infected individual. Infectious diseases have been one of the main causes of mass disability or death in humans for centuries. Surveillance of infectious diseases on a continental scale is therefore important for assessing, recognizing, and preventing the risks that these diseases may pose to animal and human health on a global scale. This report focuses on global infectious disease outbreaks and systematically summarises the timing and location of outbreaks in infected populations between 24 July and 23 August 2023 based on the Global Outbreak Information Surveillance System (GOSIS) of Shusi Technologies