Seroprevalence of Neospora caninum in pet cats, dogs and rabbits from urban areas of Poland.

BACKGROUND: Neospora caninum (N. caninum) has a broad intermediate host range and might cause multisystemic lesions in various species of animals. Dogs are both intermediate and definitive hosts of the parasite and play a crucial role in the horizontal transmission of this protozoan to other animals. Cats and rabbits could be sensitive to infection with N. caninum, however, clinical symptoms and the exact route of infection in these species are unknown. The epidemiology of N. caninum in cats and rabbits has been barely researched, and there is no published record of the seroprevalence of N. caninum infection in these species in Poland. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the frequency of seroreagents for N. caninum within pet dogs, cats and rabbits from urban areas of Poland and to identify possible risk factors for these animals. RESULTS: In total, serum samples from 184 cats (Felis catus), 203 dogs (Canis familiaris) and 70 rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were used in the study. The seroprevalence of anti-N. caninum antibodies in dogs and cats reached 1.0% (2/203; 95% CI: 0.3-3.5) and 3.3% (6/184; 95% CI: 1.5-6.9), respectively. No significant differences in seroprevalence regarding age group, gender, symptoms or sampling location were found. All 70 samples from pet rabbits were negative for anti-N. caninum antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: The seroprevalence rates of N. caninum in dogs and cats in the present study were low, however, our results confirmed N. caninum circulates among dog and cat populations in Poland, and neosporosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of neuro-muscular disorders in these species. This is the first serological survey of N. caninum in European pet cats and rabbits. The role of pet rabbits in N. caninum epidemiology and circulation in Poland is marginal.

No evidence of hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection among pet cats and dogs, and low seroprevalence of hepatitis E virus among pet rabbits in Poland.

The seroprevalence of Paslahepevirus balayani genotype 3 (hepatitis E virus genotype 3 - HEV-3; Hepeviridae family, genus Paslahepevirus) in pet cats, dogs and rabbits was evaluated. Samples from cats and dogs were collected from three veterinary practices from various parts of Poland: Poznan (wielkopolskie voivodeship), Przemysl (podkarpackie voivodeship) and Lublin (lubelskie voivodeship). Samples from rabbits were collected in Poznan. In total, serum samples from 90 cats, 82 dogs and 71 rabbits were selected and tested for specific anti-HEV-3 immunoglobulin (IgG) antibodies using a commercial ELISA test. Pathogen seroprevalence among rabbits was calculated at a 95% confidence interval (CI) for each gender, age (up to 12 months, 1-3 years, 4-7 years and over 8 years), symptoms group (healthy, gastrointestinal disorders, other disorders) and compared with a chi-squared test. No anti-HEV-3 IgG antibodies were detected in any of the samples from cats and dogs. Anti-HEV-3 IgG antibodies were detected in 2.82% of the serum samples from rabbits (2/71; 95% CI: 0.78-9.70). No significant correlations between seropositivity and gender, age, and symptoms (p > 0.05) were observed in rabbits. Our findings indicate that pet rabbits in Poland are exposed to HEV-3, develop humoral response due to infection and might constitute a source for HEV-3 transmission to humans.

Hepatitis E Virus in Livestock-Update on Its Epidemiology and Risk of Infection to Humans.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a public health problem worldwide and an important food pathogen known for its zoonotic potential. Increasing numbers of infection cases with human HEV are caused by the zoonotic transmission of genotypes 3 and 4, mainly by consuming contaminated, undercooked or raw porcine meat. Pigs are the main reservoir of HEV. However, it should be noted that other animal species, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and rabbits, may also be a source of infection for humans. Due to the detection of HEV RNA in the milk and tissues of cattle, the consumption of infected uncooked milk and meat or offal from these species also poses a potential risk of zoonotic HEV infections. Poultry infected by avian HEV may also develop symptomatic disease, although avian HEV is not considered a zoonotic pathogen. HEV infection has a worldwide distribution with different prevalence rates depending on the affected animal species, sampling region, or breeding system.

Enhanced cycle life of starter lighting ignition (SLI) type lead-acid batteries with electrolyte modified by ionic liquid.

The aim of the presented work was to improve the lifetime of lead-acid SLI (starting, lighting and ignition) batteries through electrolyte modification with ionic liquids. The conducted research included the synthesis and determination of the influence of di(hexadecyldimethylammonium) and di(octadecyldimethylammonium) sulphates on the basic parameters (capacity, cranking performance) of the starter battery as well as parameters affecting its lifetime (dynamic charge acceptance, corrosion, water consumption). It has been shown that the addition of these compounds increases corrosion resistance and reduces water consumption, resulting in an increase in cyclic durability by up to 36%. The improvement is associated with the absorption of ionic liquid molecules into the mass of lead(ii) sulphate, which was confirmed by physicochemical and electrochemical studies.

Effect of Versenium Hydrogensulfate on Properties of Nickel Coatings.

The salt of formula [H2EDTA2+][HSO4-]2 (dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate di(hydrogen sulfate(VI)) was used to examine the physicochemical properties of the resulting Ni layer and evaluate the applicability of the salt as a new additive for Watts-type baths. The Ni coatings deposited from baths containing [H2EDTA2+][HSO4-]2 were compared with those obtained from other baths. The nucleation of nickel on the electrode was proven to occur the slowest in the bath that contained the mixture of [H2EDTA2+][HSO4-]2 and saccharin compared with other baths. The addition of [H2EDTA2+][HSO4-]2 alone (bath III) generated a coating with a morphology similar to that obtained from bath I (without additives). Despite the similar morphology and wettability of the Ni-coated surfaces plated from various baths (all Ni coatings were hydrophilic with contact angles in the range of 68 to 77°), some differences in electrochemical properties were noted. The corrosion resistance for the coatings plated from baths II and IV containing saccharin (Icorr = 1.1 and 1.5 µA/cm2, respectively) and the mixture of saccharin and [H2EDTA2+][HSO4-]2 (Icorr = 0.88 µA/cm2), respectively, was similar or even better than the coating obtained from baths without [H2EDTA2+][HSO4-]2 (Icorr = 9.02 µA/cm2).

Creation and Analysis of a Respiratory Sensor Using the Screen-Printing Method and the Arduino Platform.

The aim of this paper is to present novel highly sensitive and stretchable strain sensors using data analysis to report on human live parameters using the Arduino embedded system as a proof of concept in developing new and innovative solutions for health care. The article introduces the solution of textile sensor origination with electrical resistance measurement using the mobile Arduino microcontroller in the designed/elaborated textile printed sensor. The textile sensor was developed by the screen printing technique based on the water dispersion of carbon nanotubes during printing composition. By stretching and squeezing the T-shirt during breathing, the electrical resistances of the printed sensor were changed. The measured resistance corresponded to the number of breaths of the person wearing the T-shirt. The microcontroller calculated the number of breaths as a number of electrical resistance peaks, which then led to monitoring human live parameters.

Ten Years of African Swine Fever in Ukraine: An Endemic Form of the Disease in the Wild Boar Population as a Threat to Domestic Pig Production.

(1) Background: African swine fever (ASF) has been present in Ukraine for more than ten years (2012-2022). The purpose of our study was to perform a retrospective analysis of the spread of ASF to assess the role of wild boar in the epizootic expansion in Ukraine. (2) Methods: Statistical materials were collected and the epizootic situation of ASF from 2012 to 2022 was examined. The potential sources of the African swine fever virus (ASFV) and transmission factors were analysed. The main factors exerting negative impacts on domestic pig production were also analysed. (3) Results: Consequently, from the results of the retrospective analysis of ASF outbreaks in Ukraine, the probability ratio of ASF outbreaks in the wild boar and domestic pig populations was determined. The data show a direct relationship between ASF outbreaks among wild boar and domestic pigs with the observed decay of wild boar outbreaks across the entire territory of Ukraine. At the same time, an increase in the number of wild boars has been observed in the Mykolaiv region, with a parallel spillover of outbreaks in domestic pigs. (4) Conclusions: The epidemiological situation observed for ASF in the wild boar population may suggest an endemic form of the disease. This may further complicate eradication programs and the protection of domestic pig farms from ASF outbreaks. An additional and major reason to control the ASF epizootic is the continuing military Russian offensive in Ukraine.

The Rapeseed Oil Based Organofunctional Silane for Stainless Steel Protective Coatings.

The earlier obtained organosilicon derivatives of rapeseed oil were used for the production of coatings protecting steel surface against corrosion. Vegetable oils have been hitherto used for temporary protection of metals against corrosion, while thanks to the synthesis of appropriate organosilicon derivatives, it is now possible to create durable protective coatings. Due to the presence of alkoxysilyl groups and the use of the sol-gel process, the coatings obtained were bonded to the steel surface. The effectiveness of the coatings was checked by electrochemical methods and steel surface analysis.

Investigation of the Impact of Environmental Parameters on Breath Frequency Measurement by a Textile Sensor.

The aim of this work was to develop sensors that enable the monitoring of respiratory frequencies and will be competitive at a global level in replacing conventional electronic sensors based on rigid and uncomfortable materials. The preliminary work carried out showed the real possibility of creating flat fibrous products containing carbon nanotubes with sensory properties. Bearing in mind the production of a textile deformation sensor, textile materials with high elasticity and deformation reversibility were used in the preliminary studies. The authors assumed that it would be possible to conduct registration associated with the measurement of pneumography continuously in various atmospheric conditions and with varying intensification of human physical activity. The conducted experiment allows us to state that the resistance at the level of 10 kΩ is sufficient to collect results of breathing frequency at rest and after physical effort.

Electric Field-Driven Assembly of Sulfonated Polystyrene Microspheres.

A designed assembly of particles at liquid interfaces offers many advantages for development of materials, and can be performed by various means. Electric fields provide a flexible method for structuring particles on drops, utilizing electrohydrodynamic circulation flows, and dielectrophoretic and electrophoretic interactions. In addition to the properties of the applied electric field, the manipulation of particles often depends on the intrinsic properties of the particles to be assembled. Here, we present an easy approach for producing polystyrene microparticles with different electrical properties. These particles are used for investigations into electric field-guided particle assembly in the bulk and on surfaces of oil droplets. By sulfonating polystyrene particles, we produce a set of particles with a range of dielectric constants and electrical conductivities, related to the sulfonation reaction time. The paper presents diverse particle behavior driven by electric fields, including particle assembly at different droplet locations, particle chaining, and the formation of ribbon-like structures with anisotropic properties.

Incorporation of pyrene in polypyrrole/polystyrene magnetic beads.

Pyrene, a fluorescent dye, was incorporated into polystyrene particles coated with polypyrrole. The incorporation was achieved by treating the polypyrrole/polystyrene (PPy/PS) beads in a tetrahydrofuran (THF) solution of the pyrene fluorophore followed by rinsing with methanol. The polystyrene cores of the beads swell in THF, allowing penetration of pyrene molecules into the polystyrene structure. The addition of methanol causes contraction of the swollen polystyrene, which encapsulates the dye molecules inside the beads. It is shown that the polypyrrole coating is permeable with respect to both the dye and the solvent, allowing the transport of molecules between the polystyrene cores and the contacting solution. The polypyrrole adlayer can be used as a matrix for the incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles. Embedded particles provide magnetic functionality to the PPy/PS beads. It is demonstrated that the pyrene-loaded beads can be manipulated with an external magnetic field.

[The influence of training on rehabilitation and keep-fit tables on the chosen parameters of body weight]. / Wplyw treningu na stolach rehabilitacyjno-rekondycyjnych na wybrane wskazniki masy ciala.

UNLABELLED: More and more people in the world contend with overweight or obesity, and this phenomenon at the moment is being recognized as one of the most important problems of modern civilization observed in many developed countries. Change of the lifestyle connected with turning from the active life to the more sedentary one and bad eating habits led to the development of overweight and obesity at an alarmingly fast rate with the parallel development of interests directed on conducting the research and looking for the effective methods of fighting against the overweight and obesity. The aim of the study was to evaluate some parameters of body weight among people being put on the healthy training on the rehabilitation and keep-fit tables Slender-Life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 50 patients treated in sanatorium were included into the observation. Double measurement of body weight and thickness of the skin and fat were performed during the first and last days of the fifteen day training on the formerly mentioned tables. RESULTS: The statistically important decrease of examined parameters including the real body weight, fat mass, the BMI indication and the thickness of the skin and fat folds was detected. CONCLUSIONS: The healthy training on the rehabilitation and keep-fit tables Slender-Life causes the increase of the body fat-free weight. The positive acceptation of the rehabilitation on tables Slender-Life proves it should be applied.

[The influence of exercises on rehabilitation and reconditioning tables on the selected parameters of fat and carbohydrate management]. / Wplyw treningu na stolach rehabilitacyjno-rekondycyjnych na wybrane parametry gospodarki tluszczowo-weglowodanowej.

UNLABELLED: The results of numerous studies have recently revealed that the motor activity are able to prolong the live of middle-aged and elderly human subjects preventing serious diseases and premature death. A regular physical activity decreases the number of fat cells and increases their vulnerability to insulin. Physical exercises regulate the metabolic disorders observed in obesity. The physical activity of persons with lipid disorders may induce some favorable changes and an increase the HDL of cholesterol fraction. The influence of physical activity on fat and carbohydrate changes was confirmed in some studies. The aim of the study was to evaluate the selected parameters of the fat and carbohydrate changes in subjects after 15 days health-related training performed on rehabilitation and reconditioning tables SLENDER-LIFE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A group of 50 patients during health-resort therapy were examined on the first and last day of training for biochemical blood parameters. RESULTS: The examined biochemical parameters were reduced statistically significantly in all subjects, as follows: the total cholesterol concentration, the LDL value fraction of cholesterol, triglycerides, and the glucose concentration. CONCLUSIONS: It has been documented that the level of the HDL fraction of cholesterol and the basic energy index were increased in the examined subjects. The training on the rehabilitation and reconditioning tables has been confirmed by the subjects as useful and efficient.