Title: Economic Uncertainty Surrounding Carbetocin for PPH Prophylaxis

Understanding the impact of ecological factors on biodiversity is central in the context of accelerating climate change and biodiversity loss. Urban areas, as landscapes under particularly strong anthropogenic influence, are undergoing rapid ecological change, yet the consequences for urban biodiversity and ecosystem functioning remain poorly understood. In this study, we focused on fruit flies of the genus Drosophila - a diverse group of dipterans with variable ecological niches and degrees of synanthropy - to investigate species composition and community ecology in the metropolitan area of Vienna, Austria. With the help of numerous citizen scientists, we have collected approximately 18,000 specimens through dense spatio-temporal sampling both indoors and outdoors of human dwellings. A total of 13 Drosophila species were identified, with communities dominated by widespread cosmopolitan synanthropic species. Among these, D. mercatorum and D. virilis represent novel records for Austria. Comparisons to a previous study from more than 30 years ago revealed that the species richness in Vienna was more than 50% lower than before and showed that formerly common species were potentially replaced by neobiots. We further assessed ecological niches by intersecting species abundance data with high-dimensional, high-resolution earth observation datasets, which revealed distinct ecological preferences among species. In particular, the neozoan D. mercatorum emerged as a highly synanthropic species, tightly confined to urban areas with high levels of imperviousness. In summary, our study underpins the versatility of the Drosophila system as indicators of biodiversity loss in a rapidly changing world.

Biodiversity dynamics in heterogeneous landscapes is the result of a complex interplay between movement processes of organisms within and between habitat patches, and niche filtering processes due to spatially varying environmental conditions. Disentangling the relative influences of these different processes on community assembly and dynamics is a central theme of metacommunity ecology. We here propose to take advantage of the anisotropy of environmental variation in the vicinity of habitat edges to understand the drivers of spill-overs between habitats. We develop an analytical framework based on the analysis of the spatial turn-over in community composition at habitat edges. We then test this framework using metacommunity simulations. Finally, we apply this novel approach to an empirical case study on soil macrofauna at a forest-grassland interface. Our analytical framework evidences a very clear habitat-driven filtering of soil macrofauna at this forest-grassland edge, with no detectable influence of movement limitation. Various environmental variables are associated with this abrupt community turn-over, including litter amount and canopy cover, but also soil pH and Mg and Ca micronutrients.

Background: Both the primary motor cortex (M1) and the cerebellum can be viable targets for non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) to improve balance after stroke; however, the optimal stimulation target is unknown. Objective: To compare the role of two neural loci (M1 and cerebellum) in modulating balance performance in individuals with chronic stroke using repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS). Methods: Nineteen individuals with chronic stroke (mean age = 57.2 ± 11.1 years, 13 males) received a single session of 5Hz rTMS applied to bilateral M1 and the contralesional cerebellum in a cross-over randomized manner with a washout period of 7 ± 2 days. Anticipatory and reactive balance was assessed before and after rTMS using the Limits of Stability (LOS) test and modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (mCTSIB) respectively. Results: M1 rTMS significantly improved LOS sway angle compared to cerebellar rTMS (p < .001). The rTMS effect on the mCTSIB sway index was mediated by stimulation target, surface, vision, and time (p = .006). Sway index measured under the eye open conditions was not influenced by rTMS. Under eyes closed conditions, M1 rTMS significantly improved sway index on the firm surface (p = .002), whereas cerebellar rTMS improved sway index on the foam surface (p = .001). Conclusion: Both M1 and the cerebellum are viable targets for rTMS and have unique roles in mediating different aspects of balance performance. This study provides critical information for future NIBS intervention studies in individuals with stroke.

Emerging infectious diseases, driven by increasing interactions among humans, wildlife, and livestock pose an escalating threat to global health, biodiversity, and economies. As a flagship endangered species, the giant panda plays a pivotal role in biodiversity conservation in China. This review synthesizes current knowledge on pathogens threatening giant panda health, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites alongside their potential transmission pathways within nature reserves. We emphasize the roles of domesticated animals, sympatric wildlife, and ectoparasites as reservoir hosts or vectors. Special focus is placed on cross-species transmission dynamics and the critical need for integrated monitoring systems utilizing metagenomics and viromics. We propose a framework for establishing early warning systems and surveillance networks at the domestic-wild animal interface to enhance pathogen detection, disease prevention, and biodiversity conservation.

A document by Qi Xu. Click on the document to view its contents.

IntroductionSitus inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare congenital disorder in which the abdominal and thoracic organs are positioned as mirror images of their normal locations. This condition represents a comprehensive situs orientation defect, arising from the failure to establish typical left-right asymmetry, which leads to various laterality disturbances. Ultrasound is one of the most important medical methods for diagnosing SIT in patient’s early life stage. We herein report a case of SIT fetus revealed by routine prenatal ultrasound examination.

Most bacterial populations exhibit phenotypic heterogeneity to increase fitness in rapidly changing environmental conditions. Myxococcus xanthus is an environmental bacterium that displays pronounced phenotypic heterogeneity in its complex lifecycle. Under nutrient-limitation, M. xanthus produces a specialized biofilm in which cells segregate into two spatially distinct fates: fruiting bodies filled with spores, and a persister-like peripheral rod population. Little is known about the regulatory mechanisms controlling peripheral rods. To begin to investigate this cell fate segregation mechanism, we focused on the EspAC signaling system which controls accumulation of MrpC, a central transcription factor necessary to induce fruiting body formation. Single-cell reporters and in situ confocal microscopy demonstrated that expression of the esp genes is enriched in the peripheral rods. We identified three transcription factors necessary for espAC transcriptional control: MrpC; FruA, a transcription factor that coordinates sporulation within fruiting bodies; and the xenobiotic response element, Xre0228. We demonstrate that MrpC directly activates espA and espC; FruA represses espC, but not espA; and Xre0228 activates espA but represses espC. These genetic interactions fit common network motifs that promote or stabilize phenotypic heterogeneity. We propose a model by which cell fate segregation is directed, stabilized and tuned to environmental conditions.

Carbon-based perovskite solar cells (C-PSCs) is inexpensive and stable, demonstrating great potential for commercial applications. However, the relatively low power conversion efficiency (PCE) stemmed from the poor conductivity of the carbon electrode and the energy level mismatch of the perovskite/carbon back interface is the key obstacle to further development of C-PSCs. In this work, the electronic properties of the carbon electrode are regulated by designing B and N co-doped carbon sphere (BN-CS), resulting in downshift of the Fermi level, which can minimize the energy level mismatch of the back interface. The optimized energy level alignment of the back interface accelerates the carrier separation, extraction, and transportation processes, and inhibits charge recombination effectively. Consequently, combined with an efficient buried passivation using aminomethylphosphonic acid (APMA), the PCE of the C-PSCs is finally enhanced to 18.56%, much higher than that (15.16%) of the pristine C-PSCs without any modification. Furthermore, the stability of the C-PSCs is also enhanced by using the synthesized BN-CS with superb hydrophobicity, and the PCE retention rate is up to 98.2% for 30 days stability test.

INTRODUCTION: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder that has variable severity, and can present with single or multisystem involvement but carries significant morbidity and mortality.Genetic and environmental factors disrupt immunological tolerance to self-antigens, leading to pathogenic autoantibodies that mediate tissue damage(1).The cases of SLE, just like any other autoimmune condition, are reported more among young females. Global SLE epidemiology in 2021 (2)revealed a marked increase in disease burden, with reported incidence ranging from 1.5 (3) to 11.0 (4) per 100,000 person years, and prevalence ranging from 13.0(5) to 7713.5 per 100000 individuals.One of the rare complications of SLE is the pseudo-pseudo megs syndrome, a combination of a triad of clinical conditions like Pleural effusion, Abdominal Ascites, and raised level of serum CA-125 unrelated to any gynecological malignancy, Tuberculosis, or other neoplastic condition(6).We describe a case of pseudo-pseudo Meigs syndrome in this case report. The objective of this study is to emphasize that early identification of this condition, followed by prompt treatment, can help reduce SLE-related morbidity and mortality.

1. IntroductionAfter a tooth extraction, the dental socket experiences a natural process of physiological remodeling. Currently, there are no known methods to prevent these changes.1 Several factors, including the thickness of the buccal plate and the condition of the proximal bone influence the degree of changes observed in the socket.2Numerous techniques for bone regeneration have been developed and proposed. These techniques can be classified based on the type of barrier membrane used, the type of bone graft employed, or the method used to create a space for the graft material. Barrier membranes can be categorized as either resorbable or non-resorbable; however, their application falls under the broader term of guided bone regeneration (GBR).3 The distinction between types of bone grafts primarily relates to their source, which can be categorized as autogenous or non-autogenous.4 The creation of a conducive environment for osteogenic cell activity can be achieved by applying graft particles that possess adequate durability, serving as scaffolds. Alternatively, the implementation of new walls may be utilized to prevent the soft tissue collapse at the defect site.5According to the PASS principles, employing methods that facilitate the maintenance or creation of space for osteogenic cell growth can enhance the predictability of graft success.6 The application of graft particles in conjunction with flexible, resorbable membranes raises concerns regarding potential soft tissue collapse. Conversely, the use of rigid barriers, such as titanium mesh, necessitates the incorporation of bone particles to adequately fill the space beneath these structures.7The utilization of autogenous blocks effectively addresses both concerns associated with bone grafting. These blocks contain viable cellular components and osteogenic signals, while also providing the structural strength necessary to prevent soft tissue collapse. Consequently, the application of autogenous blocks remains the gold standard in the treatment of severe atrophy.8-10. Autogenous bone can be utilized in two main forms: as blocks9 or as plates11, which contribute to the formation of a structural box. Additionally, the gap beneath the plates or the spaces surrounding the blocks can be filled with autogenous chips or bone substitute particles, such as allograft particles. The regenerative capacity of the defect in question primarily influences the choice of technique for reconstructing bone defects. Bone defects can be categorized as critical or non-critical; as the nature of the defect progresses toward non-contained, the application of autogenous grafts becomes increasingly advantageous.12In cases of contained defects, the presence of additional bone walls enhances the support for the graft components and facilitates blood supply.13 This characteristic contributes to a more predictable success rate for the treatment. By incorporating autogenous bone blocks into severely atrophic ridges, we can create new bone walls, effectively transforming non-contained defects into contained defects.Autogenous block can be sourced both intraorally or extraorally, with the chin and posterior mandible representing the most prevalent intraoral sources.14, 15 Several techniques exist for harvesting autogenous blocks, including the use of surgical burs, piezosurgery and surgical saws, which are some of the most widely recognized methods.11 However, there is currently no consensus regarding the impact of the size and shape of the autogenous block, nor on the extent to which the block should cover the defect. This article describes a different method for harvesting a specific type of autogenous block using a trephine bur to implement the innovative osteogenic wall concept for reconstructing severely atrophic ridges. Additionally, the study examines the regenerative potential of bone defects in the context of discontinuous autogenous block fragments.

Stable isotope analysis is a widely used to quantify the flow of energy, nutrients, and biomass through aquatic food webs, where values of carbon (13C) and nitrogen (15N) have been used to estimate littoral carbon use (LCU) and trophic position (TP) in lentic ecosystems, respectively. Standardizing stable isotope values with these metrics allows for comparison across different systems and time scales; however, several equations to quantify LCU and TP have been introduced with little guidance on the bias and limitations of each equation, or how and when different equations should be used. Here, we provide recommendations on the appropriate use of LCU and TP equations in freshwater ecosystems based on our analysis of case studies using five fish species common to the study lakes. We address three common challenges of ecosystem variability, namely (1) temporal, (2) spatial, and (3) differing rates of tissue turnover between study and baseline organisms. We begin with a relatively simple case study (Parry Sound) then explored challenges around spatial (Lake Erie) and temporal (Canoe Lake) variation, and the use of multiple fish tissue types (Canoe Lake). We found LCU and TP estimates to be highly variable and dependent on the equation used. High percentages of individual fish exhibited unrealistic LCU values, and the equation of LCU used had a large effect on calculated TP values. We found relative littoral carbon use (LCUR) produces the most consistent TP estimate, avoiding extreme values while reflecting the natural variability of the system. We propose a framework for calculating LCU and TP, allowing researchers to produce the least amount of bias relative to the known feeding ecology of study species while making estimates comparable across systems. Based on our case studies, we have developed a decision tree to guide researchers in estimating LCU and TP in freshwater ecosystems.

Introduction: Fidelity assessments can support healthcare services to deliver care consistent with best practices. However, early psychosis (EP) fidelity assessment tools typically require a volume of service data that is often unavailable to small or new programs. In this study, we pilot a formative fidelity assessment approach to address these challenges. Methods: A formative assessment approach to using the First Episode Psychosis Services – Fidelity Scale (FEPS-FS) was developed to enable the assessment of small and new EP programs. Over 48 months, EPI-CAL EP learning health care network programs completed standard FEPS-FS fidelity assessments, formative assessments for new programs, or formative assessments for small programs, depending upon program eligibility. Results: Of 27 remote fidelity assessments completed with EP programs across California, nine (33.3%) had insufficient service data to complete a standard FEPS-FS assessment. Utilizing the proposed formative assessment approach, one program met the criteria for a new program assessment, and seven a small program assessment. In the new program assessment approach, 34 of 36 items could be assessed. In the small program assessments, a median of 19 items was scored, with a mean FEPS-FS score range from 3.45 to 4.12. Conclusion: These findings suggest that a formative approach to fidelity assessment can generate a meaningful amount of data, capture known variability between programs, and potentially identify areas for service improvement to enhance quality for small and new programs. However, critical data regarding the delivery of pharmacological and psychosocial care were not captured, highlighting the limitations of the approach.

A document by Kenichiro Yambe. Click on the document to view its contents.

Transdiaphragmatic Rupture of Hepatic Hydatid Cyst with Pleural Effusion and Daughter Cysts: A Case Report and Literature ReviewSadin Zahra 1, Aghajanzadeh Manochehr 1, Sadin Mohammadreza 2, Farzin Mohaya31 Department of Thoracic Surgery, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.2 Department of Pulmonology, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.3 Department of Internal Medicine, Inflammatory Lung Diseases Research Center, Razi Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.

The CASP16 Ensemble Prediction experiment assessed advances in methods for modeling proteins, nucleic acids, and their complexes in multiple conformational states. Targets included systems with experimental structures determined in two or three states, evaluated by direct comparison to experimental coordinates, as well as domain–linker–domain (D–L–D) targets assessed against statistical models from NMR and SAXS data. This paper focuses on the former class of multi-state targets. Ten ensembles were released as community challenges, including ligand-induced conformational changes, protein–DNA complexes, a trimeric protein, a stem-loop RNA, and multiple oligomeric states of a single RNA. For five targets, some groups produced reasonably accurate models of both reference states (best TM-score >0.75). However, with the exception of one protein–ligand complex (T1214), where an apo structure was available as a template, predictors generally failed to capture key structural details distinguishing the states. Overall, accuracy was significantly lower than for single-state targets in other CASP experiments. The most successful approaches generated multiple AlphaFold2 models using enhanced multiple sequence alignments and sampling protocols, followed by model quality based selection. While the AlphaFold3 server performed well on several targets, individual groups outperformed it in specific cases. By contrast, predictions for one protein–DNA complex, three RNA targets, and multiple oligomeric RNA states consistently fell short (TM-score <0.75). These results highlight both progress and persistent challenges in multi-state prediction. Despite recent advances, accurate modeling of conformational ensembles, particularly RNA and large multimeric assemblies, remains a critical frontier for structural biology.

TitleIsolated Abdominal Wall Endometriosis Presenting as an Anterior Abdominal Mass: Histopathological Confirmation

Global environmental change affects organisms, including their physiology. In freshwater ecosystems, where migration is limited, populations often rely on phenotypic plasticity to respond. While transcriptomics has been widely used to study stress responses at the molecular level, less is known about the proteome, which reflects post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation that shape the resulting phenotype. We conducted the first proteome-level study on the endangered Mira chub, Squalius torgalensis, which inhabits unstable habitats, enduring harsh summers with high temperatures and frequent droughts. We assessed the effect of warming and acidification, independently and combined, on protein expression and phosphorylation in gills and muscle using tandem mass tags labelling proteomics. While both tissues exhibited similar numbers of differentially expressed proteins, the muscle showed more differentially phosphorylated proteins, particularly under warming. We observed four protein differential expression patterns: consistent regulation across all scenarios, opposite response in one scenario, stress prioritisation in response to dominant stressor (warming), and reduced expression in combined compared to single stressors. The latter suggests a buffering mechanism that limits protein-level changes under simultaneous stressors, possibly as an energy-saving mechanism or a consequence of stress overload. A gene set enrichment-like analysis revealed that, despite the presence of distinct regulatory patterns in each tissue and condition, key biological functions like metabolism, gene/protein expression, and immunity were affected by all stressors. Gene/protein expression was the most affected at the phosphoproteome level. Our findings highlight the importance of proteomics and phosphoproteomics studies to understand species’ molecular responses to climate change. By identifying key proteins involved in resilience, we pinpointed candidate stress markers for the Mira chub that can be used to assess the impact of environmental changes. Integrating these tools with genomics and ecological modelling can improve predictive models for climate adaptation and species conservation.