The inclusion of thoracolumbar radiographs in a pre-purchase examination (PPE) is a topic of current and intense debate, subsequent to a statement from the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations (FEEVA) advocating the exclusion of spinous process radiography from the PPE. This review will consider the reasons behind the addition of such radiographs into PPEs, the limitations of radiography in ambulatory practice and therefore the diagnostic limitations to the practitioner, the diagnostic benefit of a complete radiographic examination, and discussion of common and less-frequent thoracolumbar pathologies. We will focus on laterolateral radiographs of the spinous processes as these are most commonly acquired during the PPE. The lack of consistent and repeatable grading systems highlights the subjective nature and variability in assessing this region radiographically. Coupled with the sparse evidence of correlation between clinical symptoms and radiographic abnormalities of the thoracolumbar spine leads us to conclude that taking radiographs of the back during PPEs should not be performed unless the clinical examination indicates otherwise.

This article contextualizes the intersection of thermodynamics and economics and elucidates its innovative implications by drawing parallels between energy dynamics in physical systems and wealth-currency dynamics in economies. It introduces the concept of "internal economic energy" as a cornerstone. Through a comparative lens, the study reveals how monetary value is engendered within production and transaction stages, mirroring the classical thermodynamic cycle observed in steam engines. The article posits a fundamental parallel between the principle of energy conservation and the emergence of money, contending that efficient economic work converts into newly minted money. This notion challenges the notion of money creation ex nihilo. While providing a novel perspective on economic mechanisms, the analogy's application to the intricate human domain prompts consideration of inherent complexities and potential limitations. The article's insights contribute to both economic theory and thermodynamics, cautioning against over-extension of the analogy while paving the way for a more comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between energy and economics.

A document by Mélik Lemariey. Click on the document to view its contents.

Fucosylation plays a critical role in cell-to-cell interactions and disease progression. However, the effects of fucosylation on splenocytes and their interactions with T cells remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the transcriptome profiles of splenocytes deficient in fucosyltransferase (FUT) 1, an enzyme that mediates fucosylation, and investigate their impact on the proliferation and differentiation of T cells. We analyzed and compared the transcriptomes of splenocytes isolated from Fut1 knockout (KO) mice and those from wild-type (WT) mice using RNA-seq. Additionally, we examined the effects of Fut1 KO splenocytes on CD4 T cell proliferation and differentiation, in comparison to WT splenocytes, and elucidated the mechanisms involved. The comparative analysis of transcriptomes between Fut1 KO and WT splenocytes revealed that thrombospondin (THBS)-1, among the genes related to immune response and inflammation, was the most highly downregulated gene in Fut1 KO splenocytes. The reduced expression of THBS1 was further confirmed using qRT-PCR and flow cytometry. In coculture experiments, Fut1 KO splenocytes promoted the proliferation of CD4 T cells and drove their differentiation towards Th1 and Th17 cells, compared to WT splenocytes. Moreover, the levels of IL-2, IFN-γ and IL-17 were increased, while IL-10 was decreased, in T cells cocultured with Fut1 KO splenocytes compared to those with WT splenocytes. These effects of Fut1 KO splenocytes on T cells were reversed when THBS1 was replenished. Taken together, our results demonstrate that splenocytes with Fut1 deficiency promote CD4 T cell proliferation and Th1/Th17 differentiation at least in part through THBS1 downregulation.

Carbon dioxide can be converted into functional heterocycles known as cyclic carbonates, whose recent reactivity has been expanded towards the formation of tailor-made engineering polymers. This minireview gives an overview of the most topical developments in this area with a special focus on the synthetic methods employed to prepare these CO2 based synthons. In addition, their application potential in the area of polymer science using a variety of polymerization techniques is discussed that have in common the ring-opening of the carbonate monomers. Future perspectives are provided that provide impetus for the scientific communities aligning research to the use of sustainable processes for polymers from recyclable carbon sources such as CO2.

Impacts of long-term fertilization and cultivation were evaluated on nematode communities associated with tall fescue turfgrass following 11 years of treatment applications. Fertilizer treatments of biosolid, synthetic, and plant-based fertilizers and cultivation treatments of 0x, 1x, and 2x aerification passes were applied to randomized and replicated tall fescue plots at the University of Maryland Paint Branch Turfgrass facility in College Park, Maryland. Free-living and plant-parasitic nematodes were identified, enumerated, and categorized into functional groups. Nematode count data were compared using generalized linear mixed modeling with negative binomial distribution and two-way ANOVA was used to compare nematode ecological indices. Biosolid treatments resulted in lower omnivore-predator densities than plant-based fertilizer treatments (P≤0.001) and significantly greater Hoplolaimus densities than plant-based fertilizer plots (P≤0.05). Synthetic fertilizer applications resulted in the greatest Eucephalobus (P≤0.05) and total bacterivore densities (P≤0.001) of all fertilizer treatments. Plant-based fertilizer treated plots had the largest Structure Index (P≤0.05). Cultivation of 1x resulted in fewer total bacterivore densities than 2x (P≤0.01) while omnivore-predator densities were greater in 1x than 0x (P≤0.001). Plant health, as measured by NDVI, was lowest in biosolid treated turfgrass (P≤0.05). These findings suggest that long-term turfgrass management practices can have variable impacts on nematode abundance and community structure in tall fescue and provide insights into ecological impacts of turfgrass management practices.

This experiment carried out as split plot factorial based on randomized complete block design with three replications in Astara, Iran, during 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons. Irrigation (IR) regimes including IR after 25 mm (IR 25), 50 mm (IR 50), 75 mm (IR 75) and 100 mm (IR 100) evaporation from Class A pan in main plot, ethanol (ET) including 10 (ET 10), 20 (TE 20) and 30 (ET 30) % (v/v) and Zinc (Zn) fertilizer including 0.5 (Zn 0.5), 1 (Zn 1) and 1.5 (Zn 1.5) ppm as factorial 3×3 in sub plot, comprised experimental treatments. The results indicated that drought stress decreased peanut SY and full irrigation produced the maximum SY. Nonetheless, the foliar spraying of ET20 and Zn1 under sever drought stress condition (IR100) showed the highest PV (14.84 µmol g -1 FW), SOD activity (53.42 Unit mg -1 proteinmin -1), CAT activity (72.87 nmol mg -1 proteinmin -1), POD activity (64.17 nmol mg -1 protein min -1), SSC (172.04 mg g -1 FW), SPC (114.16 mg g -1 DW) and AC (11.20 µmol g -1 FW ). The combined application of ET and Zn with a disirable doses, improved the most agronomic characteristics, antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidants under drought stress. Hence, the foliar spraying of ET20 and Zn1 could be recommendable to enhance peanut SY under similar climatic conditions.

Fungal plant pathogens constantly evolve and deploy novel peptide and metabolite effectors to break down plant resistance and adapt to new host plants. The blast fungal pathogen Pyricularia oryzae is a single species subdivided into multiple host-specific lineages. This host specialization is likely due to secreted effectors, including metabolite effectors. Here, we mined 68 genomes of P. oryzae, belonging to six host-specific lineages, to identify secondary metabolite (SM) biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) associated with host specialization. A similarity network analysis grouped a total of 4,501 BGCs into 283 gene cluster families (GCFs), based on the content and architecture of the BGCs. While most of the GCFs were present in all the P. oryzae lineages, two were found specifically in the Oryza lineage and one was found in the lineage specific to Triticum, Lolium and Eleusine hosts. Further analysis of the phylogenetic relationships between core biosynthetic genes confirmed that a BGC, comprising a reducing polyketide synthase (PKS) gene (MGG_08236) and four putative tailoring genes, was present only in the Oryza lineage. The predicted BGC was found expressed specifically during host penetration and colonization. We propose that this Oryza lineage-specific BGC is likely associated with a metabolite effector involved in specialization of P. oryzae to rice host. Our findings highlight the importance of further exploring the role of metabolite effectors in specialization of the blast fungus to different cereal hosts.

A document by Adam Devenish. Click on the document to view its contents.

1. Many plants compensate for the damage caused by herbivorous insects through tolerance responses. Besides directly causing plant tissue loss and seed production reduction, herbivory causes phenological changes in the host plant. However, little is known about the fitness costs of phenological changes caused by tolerance responses to herbivorous attacks. 2. The girdling beetle Phytoecia rufiventris caused a short-term decrease in the number of flowers of the host plant Erigeron annuus. However, accelerated growth restored the number of flowers, but after a 2-week delay. With an objective to examine whether the tolerance response with such a delay fully compensates the fitness, we experimentally reproduced a 2-week delay in germination under greenhouse and field settings. Under both conditions, intraspecific competition resulted in serious defects in the growth and reproduction of E. annuus plants which of germination was delayed. However, delayed germination resulted in better growth when competition and herbivory were eliminated from the field. 3. Thus, we showed that the tolerance response to restore reproductive production does not fully compensate for the fitness loss caused by insect attack; rather, the delay in seed production in attacked plants leads to delayed germination and subsequent inferiority in intraspecific competition. 4. Synthesis. Our results imply that compensation for floral production after an herbivore attack does not fully restore offspring fitness in the presence of intraspecific competition and herbivory. Assessing the ecological consequences of defense traits in an appropriate layer of interaction is critical to interpreting adaptive values.

Since 2004, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Influenza Division (ID) has supported seven countries in the Eastern Mediterranean region and the World Health Organization Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean to establish and strengthen influenza surveillance. There has been substantial growth in influenza surveillance capacities in the region over two decades that demonstrates commitment by national governments to strengthen national programs and contribute to global influenza surveillance. CDC ID remains committed to continuing support to the region and supporting partners to translate surveillance data into policies and programs effectively.

Aims: There is no specific guidance on optimal clozapine plasma concentrations in older people. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that therapeutic plasma clozapine concentrations would be lower in patients with an onset of psychosis after 60 years, compared to those with an earlier onset of schizophrenia (EOS) and to investigate the relationship between pharmacokinetic indices and side effects. Methods: Data were extracted from anonymised healthcare records for clozapine treated patients aged over 55 years. Median plasma clozapine and norclozapine concentrations (Cclozapine, Cnorclozapine) were compared across diagnostic groups. Mixed-effects models were used to investigate the relationship between pharmacokinetic biomarkers and side effects. Results: Of the 481 patients (4519 samples, median 6 per person), 430 (89.4%) were diagnosed with EOS. Cclozapine and Cnorclozapine in those with Parkinson’s disease psychosis (0.17mgL-1, 0.08mgL-1) were lower than those with EOS (0.41mgL-1, 0.19mgL-1), dementia-related psychosis (0.40mgL-1, 0.24mgL-1) and very late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis (0.42mgL-1, 0.17mgL-1). Cclozapine was associated with higher corrected QT interval (QTc), whilst Cclozapine and Cnorclozapine were associated with higher neutrophil counts and body mass index, but not with clinical thresholds for neutropenia, obesity, QTc prolongation, or with sedation. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that, compared to EOS, therapeutic plasma clozapine concentrations are lower in Parkinson’s disease psychosis but not in other forms of later onset psychosis. Interpretation was limited by the relatively young age of the sample and the small number of samples associated with side effects. Prospective studies are needed to further explore optimal dosing specifically in older people.

Abstract: High concrete water-tower is used as research objects, an analytical model of a water-tower foundation is established using the finite element method (FEM). The water-tower foundation is mainly studied under the action of a wind field that considered liquid-solid-soil interaction (LSSI), and the dynamic response of high concrete water-tower is obtained. First, according to the linear filtering method, the simulation of the random wind field is completed using MATLAB. FEM is used to establish LSSI water-tower foundation model and the liquid-solid interaction (LSI) water-tower model. Furthermore, the random wind field is used as an input for the finite element model under two different assumptions. Under the action of the random wind field, the wind-induced vibration response law is studied. Finally, by analyzing the wind-induced responses of the two models, the effects of soil on the wind-induced vibration response of water-tower are studied . The results show that under the assumption of LSI, the wind-induced vibration response of the water-tower differs greatly from the wind-induced response when LSSI is considered. It is found that LSSI is more severe than only LSI for displacement response. Similarly, It is discovered that LSSI is greater than LSI for acceleration and stress responses.

AKB48 is a synthetic cannabinoid illegally sold for its psychoactive cannabis-like effects that has been associated to several acute intoxications and which effects are poorly known. Using a behavioural, neurochemical and immunohistochemical approach we investigated the pharmaco-toxicological effects, plasma pharmacokinetic and neuroplasticity at cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) in the cerebellum and cortex induced by repeated AKB48 administration in male and female mice. The effects of AKB48 varied significantly depending on sex and length of treatment. The 1st injection impaired sensorimotor responses and reduced body temperature, analgesia, and breath rate at a greater extent in females than in males, the 2nd injection induced stronger effects in males while the 3rd injection of AKB48 induced weaker responses in both sexes, suggesting the emergence of tolerance. The CB1R antagonist NESS-0327 prevented the effects induced by repeated AKB48, confirming a CB1R-mediated action of the drug. Blood AKB48 levels were higher in females than in males and repeated administration caused a progressive rise of AKB48 content in blood samples of both sexes, suggesting an inhibitory effect on cytochrome activity. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis revealed higher expression of CB1Rs in the cerebellum and cortex of females, and a rapid CB1R downregulation in cerebellar and cortical areas following repeated AKB48 injections, with neuroadaptation occurring generally more rapidly in females than in males. We showed for the first time that AKB48 effects significantly vary with prolonged use and that sex affects the pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic responses to its repeated administration, suggesting a sex-tailored approach in managing AKB48-induced intoxication.

Background and Purpose Epiberberine (EPI), one of the active ingredients in Coptidis Rhizoma, exhibited excellent potential for inhibiting gastric cancer (GC) in our previous study. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanism was still unclear. The aim of this study was to identify the core receptor target of EPI in GC and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Experimental Approach The identification and validation of receptor targets were performed using multiple bioinformation methods and in vitro experiments. The co-localization and binding sites between EPI and GABRB3 were detected by confocal microscope, molecular dynamic, point mutation and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA). The inhibition effects and mechanisms of EPI on the malignant phenotypes of GC cells via GABRB3 signaling were determined by MTT, colony formation, wound closure assay, flow cytometry, real-time qPCR, Western blot analysis, chloride and calcium ion fluorescent probes, dual-luciferase assay and a tumor-bearing mouse model. Key Results Initial studies discovered that EPI might stimulate the GABAA receptor-composed GABAergic system with GABRB3 as the core in GC cells. EPI might directly bind to the heteropentamer via residue Tyr157, Phe200, and Thr202. EPI overactivating GABRB3 made an abnormal accumulation of intracellular Ca2+ and subsequently induced p21/CDK1/CCNB1 axis-dependent G2/M cell cycle arrest. EPI binding also promoted the accumulation of endonuclear p-CREB1 via the Ca2+/PKC-δ/CaMKII pathway, which formed a positive feedback loop that upregulated GABRB3 expression as well as promoted p53 expression. Conclusion and Implications This study may prolong the understanding for the anti-GC mechanism of EPI and provide a new strategy for GC treatment.

Background and Purpose Voltage sensitivity is a common feature of many membrane proteins, including some G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, the functional consequences of voltage sensitivity in GPCRs are not well understood. Experimental approach In this study, we investigated the voltage sensitivity of the post-synaptic metabotropic glutamate receptor mGlu5 and its impact on synaptic transmission. Using biosensors and electrophysiological recordings in non-excitable HEK293T cells or neurons. Key Results We found that mGlu5 receptor function is optimal at resting membrane potentials. We observed that membrane depolarization significantly reduced mGlu5 receptor activation, Gq-PLC/PKC stimulation, Ca2+ release, and mGlu5 receptor-gated currents through TRPC6 channels or NMDA receptors. Notably, we report a previously unknown activity of the NMDA receptor at the resting potential of neurons, enabled by mGlu5. Conclusions & Implications Our findings suggest that mGlu5 receptor activity is directly regulated by membrane voltage which may have a significant impact on synaptic processes and pathophysiological functions.

A document by Sudhir Kumar. Click on the document to view its contents.

Biochar is suggested as a soil amendment to improve salt-affected soil properties for crop productivity and decrease soil salinity. However, the heterogeneity among biochar experiments in terms of biochar and soil properties and experimental conditions makes it difficult to compare and extrapolate results from different studies. A statistical meta-analysis was undertaken with the aim of evaluating the impacts of biochar on crop productivity and soil salinity in salt-affected soils. The results showed a statistically significant benefit of biochar application to salt-affected soils on crop productivity. The application rate of 40-50 t/ha (41%), C/N ratio of 40-60 (33%), pyrolysis temperature of 450-550 °C (28%) and pH of 7-8 (30%) of biochar yielded the greatest (positive) effects on crop productivity and did not cause an increase in soil salinity in salt-affected soil. With regard to climate analyses, biochar application had the greatest (positive) effects on crop productivity and the greatest (negative) effects on soil salinity at mean annual temperature (MAT) <10 °C (30%), mean annual precipitation (MAP) <400 mm (33%) and MAT <10 °C (-9%), MAP< 400 mm (-9%), respectively. This suggests that the crop productivity increase may be due to an improvement in soil temperature and water retention and a decrease in soil salinity. The greater (positive) effects on crop productivity with regard to soil analyses were seen at pH >8 (24% to 25%), salinity >5 (32% to 60%), and sulfate-dominated (35%) and soda-dominated (26%) saline soils. The greater (negative) effects on soil salinity with regard to soil analyses were seen at salinity >5 (-9% to 22%), and sulfate-dominated (-35%) and soda-dominated (16%) saline soils. This suggests that the crop productivity increase may be due to a decrease in soil pH and salinity in sulfate-dominated or soda-dominated saline soils. A statistically significant increase in the productivity of cash crops and rice was found in salt-affected soils treated with biochar, but soil salinity also increased. A statistically significant increase in crop productivity by biochar was seen in the salt-affected soils with the addition of inorganic fertilizer and no fertilizer compared to the absence of biochar. This meta-analysis provides the first quantitative review of the effect of biochar on crop productivity and soil salinity in salt-affected soil, which is critical for developing engineered biochar to restore salt-affected soil and promote food security.

This report describes the successful treatment of a cutaneous hemangiosarcoma of a 12 years old horse presented for evaluation of a cutaneous mass on the left gluteal region. Hemangiosarcoma is a rare life-threatening neoplasia that can be successfully managed when diagnosed and treated at early stages. Unfortunately, they are often diagnosed at later stages, leading to a poor outcome and low survival rates. In this report, the horse has been treated with a complete large surgical excision of the neoplastic tissue. A good cosmetic outcome as well as a short recovery time has been achieved with an autologous skin grafting split thickness modified meek technique. A long-term follow-up of the patient showed no reoccurrence of the hemangiosarcoma, and successful return to athletic performance. In the authors knowledge, this is the first equine primary cutaneous hemangiosarcoma treated with complete excision and subsequently autologous skin grafting with a long-term follow-up and good outcome despite the poor prognosis.

Several Asian countries are undergoing rapid economic development driven by diverse factors. This development is leading to continuous land use changes, including deforestation, urbanization, and agricultural conversion. Such transformations threaten essential ecosystem functions and services, like food provision, climate regulation, and cultural benefits. Land-use changes, influenced by economic activities and policies, carry extensive consequences, impacting ecosystem productivity, water resources, and climate stability. Remote sensing technology significantly aids in monitoring and quantifying these changes, offering valuable insights for land management and policy decisions. The NASA Land-Cover and Land-Use Change (LCLUC) Program within NASA’s Earth Science Division program aims to establish global assessments of land changes using space-based methods (https://lcluc.umd.edu/). The South/Southeast Asia Research Initiative (SARI), funded by NASA LCLUC, focuses on advancing LCLUC science in the region and fostering collaborations between US and Asian researchers. Utilizing geospatial data from remote sensing and models, SARI employs a comprehensive approach, considering biophysical and socioeconomic aspects of land systems and their interactions. SARI has been enhancing LCLUC science through science projects, partnerships, training, workshops, and capacity building exchanges since 2015. This Special Issue, stemming from SARI meetings in the Philippines and Malaysia in 2018 and 2019, gathers articles focusing on LCLUC, degradation, and ecosystem services in Asia. Of over 90 submissions, 30 have been accepted, providing insights into these issues and their regional impacts. The articles are summarized into various sub-themes below.

This paper delves into the application of informatics and logic-based solutions to solve Problem 5 of the 2023 International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). The problem, known as the Japanese Triangle Problem, presents a unique challenge that can be addressed using various informatics techniques , combined with structured logical reasoning.

Dataset: https://doi.org/10.7910/DVN/T2LESU

IntroductionAcute appendicitis is the most common surgical emergency globally, with an incidence of 1.17 per 1000. The lifetime risk of acute appendicitis is 8.6% in men and 6.7% in women and its incidence is highest in adolescents and young adults.(1)  Although appendicitis is a common condition, it remains a diagnostic challenge for surgeons, mainly in pregnant women. Clinical diagnosis alone leads to a negative appendectomy rate of 15 to 30%.(2, 3) Different scoring systems have been developed for diagnosing acute appendicitis and the most commonly used is Alvarado score.(4) We hereby present an unusual case of mega appendix.

Despite the conventional belief that motor function and sensation distal to the site of a complete spinal cord transection are irretrievable, our research has demonstrated significant motor recovery in mice, rats, and dogs by applying polyethylene glycol (PEG) directly onto the transection site of the spinal cord. However, before implementing this technology in human subjects, validating PEG’s efficacy and enduring impact through experimentation on non-human primates is imperative. Two 4-year-old female Macaca fascicularis monkeys underwent complete dorsal cord transection at T10. Postoperative behavioral assessment, electrophysiologic monitoring, and neuroimaging examinations were recorded, and tissues were obtained for histological examination at the end of study. The monkey whose spinal cord had been fully transected in the presence of PEG developed useful recovery already at 3 months and near-complete recovery of motor function in the hind-limbs at 18 months. The control animal without PEG remained paralyzed. Cortical somatosensory evoked potentials recovered postoperatively only in PEG-treated monkey vs none in the control. Diffusion tensor imaging showed re-establishment of continuity of the white matter in PEG-treated monkey, but not in the control. Moreover, histology revealed intact neuronal bodies, axons, and myelin tissue at the spinal cord transection site in PEG-treated monkey only. This report suggests that in primates, an acutely transected spinal cord can be re-fused in the presence of PEG with restoration of neural continuity and functional recovery of motor activity distal to the site of transection.