[1]¿p1 [1]¿m1 Due to the lack of effective treatments, neurological diseases such as depression, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s pose a serious threat to world health. D-amino acids (DAAs) have recently been shown to have the ability to modulate brain activity, providing new treatment avenues. D-amino acids, specifically D-tryptophan and D-phenylalanine, are examined in this review in relation to the treatment of neurological conditions. DAAs have unique pharmacological characteristics that affect different brain biological pathways, which sets them apart from their L-forms and makes them attractive options for targeted treatments. The history of neurological conditions and the ways that D-amino acids affect neurotransmission are the first things to look at. The review discusses D-tryptophan’s neuroprotective properties, such as its metabolism and role in serotonin synthesis, and provides information on how it may help treat mood disorders and neurodegeneration. Likewise, the processes and neuroprotective attributes of D-phenylalanine are examined, highlighting its involvement in dopamine synthesis and its therapeutic potential for disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Furthermore, innovative tactics for improving drug delivery across the blood-brain barrier utilizing DAAs was investigated, including conjugation-based methods and solubility augmentation techniques. These strategies have the potential to transform the targeted administration of medicines. Future directions for DAAs in the treatment of neurological disorders are covered in the review’s conclusion, along with current research and possible therapeutic uses. In the end, D-amino acids offer a novel and distinctive approach to brain health and a viable path forward for improving treatment approaches in neurological illnesses.

Background: Monitoring antibiotic use (AMU) is a key component of antimicrobial stewardship. Published AMU data in equine hospitals are limited. Objectives: Document AMU in equine hospitals. Study Design: Repeated point prevalence surveys. Methods: Prospective descriptive study. AMU recorded one day weeky for 12 months in 6 equine hospitals. Results: 1142 horses were prescribed antibiotics among 15031 horses (7.6%) hospitalised on 216 survey days. Commonest breeds were Thoroughbreds/crosses (34.7%) and warmbloods/crosses (22.5%). Median age of adults was 6 years (IQR 10, range 1-28 years) and 8 weeks for foals (IQR 14 weeks, range 1 day-50 weeks). Mean weight of 1127 horses 420kg (range 15-866kg). Commonest indications were complicated wounds (23.6%), gastrointestinal/abdominal disease (19.2%), surgical prophylaxis (15.0%) and simple wounds (11.8%); 81.4% were community-acquired conditions, 14.4% surgical prophylaxis, 3.6% healthcare-acquired. Culture and susceptability performed in 11.4%. The commonest antibiotics prescribed were procaine penicillin (41.8%), gentamicin (41.4%), potentiated sulfonamides (16.5%), oxytetracycline (10.2%), ceftiofur (9.2%) and doxycycline (8.2%). Enrofloxacin prescribed in 59 horses (5.2%) and marbofloxacin in 19 (1.7%). The mean antibiotic dosages (mg/kg) ( + SD) were: procaine penicillin 20.5 ( + 2.8), gentamicin 7.1 ( + 1.0), potentiated sulfonamides 30.4 ( + 3.0), oxytetracycline 5.9 ( + 1.0), ceftiofur 5.2 ( + 1.4), doxycycline 5.9 ( + 1.7), enrofloxacin 6.6 ( + 1.1) and marbofloxacin 3.7 ( + 1.4). Main Limitations: Systemic AMU only. The duration of antimicrobial courses not recorded. Some cases may have been double (or more)-counted if they were in the hospital on >1 survey days. Conclusions: Antimicrobials were prescribed in 7.6% of hospitalised horses. Commonest indications were complicated wounds, gastrointestinal/abdominal disease, surgical prophylaxis and simple wounds. Commonest antibiotics administered were procaine penicillin, gentamicin, potentiated sulfonamides, oxytetracycline, ceftiofur and doxycycline. Critically important antimicrobial use was uncommon. Dose rates were generally appropriate.

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown This commentary presents information about paraneoplastic phenomena, with emphasis on paraneoplastic pruritus and its pathophysiology in the equine species. Pruritus that results from the development of underlying malignancy is often overlooked during the diagnostic and therapeutic management of affected equids. Unexplained pruritus should warrant consideration of a cancer diagnosis and, when appropriate, lead to expanded diagnostic testing in candidate patients. Earlier recognition of underlying cancer may lead to improved treatment outcomes or, in some cases, better welfare outcomes (euthanasia). The emerging role of interleukin-31 as a principal mediator of itchiness (regardless of underlying aetiology) is leading to new research, with an eye to the availability of novel treatment approaches.

Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) integrates technology into plant systems to optimize crop performance. This case study summarized initial strides at developing a CEA curriculum through an integrative approach by consulting stakeholders at international/ national/ local levels by targeting industry professionals, academia, non-for-profit organizations, and students. Our objective was to garner important input from stakeholders regarding CEA workforce training needs to inform the development of CEA curriculum. CEA industry professionals completed a survey to share perceptions of CEA career opportunities and knowledge/skills needed for these careers. The top positions in demand by the CEA industry were farm manager, farm worker, research & development director, food safety coordinator, and research technician. Based on our findings, all CEA program completers should be able to demonstrate: 1) understanding of sustainable agriculture production techniques in controlled environment agriculture; 2) awareness of economic, environmental, and community impacts of non-traditional agricultural practices; 3) understanding of entrepreneurship, marketing, and business operations of controlled environment agriculture; 4) understanding of engineering systems and technologies for controlled environment agriculture; 5) the ability to create, manage, and interpret datasets to make informed decisions. We developed a decision-making tool to create CEA training programs. This tool can be used by recruiters/human resource managers to create position descriptions and by educators to guide workforce development and education programs. The project observations will inform curriculum development to meet CEA industry needs.

Background and Purpose: House dust mites (Dermataphagoides pteronyssinus, Der p) commonly cause asthma; however, effective prevention and treatment methods are limited. This study examined whether direct treatment of Der p with engineered water nanostructures (EWNS) alters the allergenicity of the major Der p allergen Der p 1 in terms of dendritic cell (DC) activation and the development of asthma in a Der p 1-induced mouse model of allergic asthma. Experimental Approach: Der p extracts were treated with EWNS for 1h or 24 h, and the Der p 1 concentration was measured. Then, EWNS-treated Der p 1-induced DC activation was evaluated in vitro using the mouse DC line DC2.4, focusing on Ca2+-influx, dynamics of antigenic expression, and cytokine production. A mouse model of Der p 1-induced allergic asthma was generated by repeated intranasal administration of EWNS-treated or untreated Der p 1. Key Results: EWNS exposure reduced the concentration of Der p 1 in Der p extracts. The Ca2+ influx, dynamics of antigenic expression, inflammatory cytokine production, and gene expression in DC2.4 cells were also inhibited by exposure to EWNS-treated Der p 1. Significantly reduced Der p 1-induced allergic asthma symptoms were observed in mice exposed to EWNS-treated Der p 1, as evidenced by changes in percutaneous oxygen saturation and pro-inflammatory responses. Conclusions and Implications: This is the first study to show that direct exposure to EWNS significantly reduces the allergenicity of house dust mite allergens. Treatment of house dust mite allergens with EWNS during the sensitization and/or challenge phases may be an effective method to prevent asthma development.

Natural history collections (NHCs) preserve critical information about biodiversity, including specimen records, taxonomic classifications, and collection locations. However, attributing contributions to specific individuals remains a challenge due to inconsistencies in name formatting, name duplication, and the absence of standardized identifiers. These limitations hinder clear attribution and perpetuate inequities in crediting those who have collected and described specimens. Additionally, biases can influence whose contributions are recognized within biodiversity databases. To address these challenges, freely available tools such as ORCID, Bionomia, and Wikidata provide mechanisms to link individual contributions to biodiversity data. These platforms allow for the enhancement and correction of historical and contemporary records, ensuring more equitable recognition of contributors. The Course-based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) presented here introduces students to the concept of ”hidden figures” in science, emphasizing the importance of attribution within the context of NHCs. Through interdisciplinary and open-source tools such as Bionomia and Wikidata, students engage with collections data, learn about the contributions of historically marginalized individuals in science, and document their own involvement in biodiversity research. The CURE consists of four structured modules designed as a progressive learning experience over the course of a semester but can also be implemented as standalone units.

Background: Youngstock are particularly susceptible to parasitic disease; anthelmintic resistance is an increasing problem. Objectives: Investigate the current approaches to testing for parasites and anthelmintic use in foals and adult horses on UK studs. Study Design: Cross-setional study; on-line survey. Methods: SurveyMonkey questionnaires (multiple choice, Likert scale and free text questions) distributed via practices, press, social media and snowball sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics performed in Microsoft Excel and STATA. Statistical differences assessed with Fisher’s exact test or Mann Whitney U test. Results: 56 usable responses. Experience, faecal egg counts and veterinary advice were considered to be the most important factors by respondents in determining anthelmintic choice. The commonest product choices overall were a moxidectin – praziquantel combination, fenbendazole and pyrantel. Timing of anthelmintic treatment for cyathostomes in broodmares was based on faecal egg counts in 58.9%; treatment for tapeworms was based on ELISA results in 10.7%. With respect to foals, 61.8% received anthelmintic treatments regardless of test results; the commonest anthelmintic products used in foals were fenbendazole (56.6%) and pyrantel (47.9%). Anthelmintic resistance on the property was reported by 27.8% of respondents, but there was no association with reported illness. Main Limitations: Small sample size. Potential selection bias and response bias. Conclusions: Over a quarter of stud owners believed that anthelmintic resistance occurred on their premises. The commonest used anthelmintic product on stud farms was moxidectin-praziquantel combination. The commonest anthelmintic used in foals was fenbendazole. Testing for tapeworms was uncommonly undertaken. Results identify areas where testing for parasites and anthelmintic use on stud farms could be improved.

Background: Horses participating in eventing competitions experience significant challenges that lead to a high risk of severe injuries and metabolic disorders. Objectives: To investigate horses’ stress responses though heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) in three exercise tests and their recovery periods while participating in the Fédération Équestre Internationale World Eventing Challenge. Study design: Case-control study. Methods: HR and HRV were monitored in 10 horses during the competition. However, data were collected from nine horses, as one was eliminated from the competition. Results: Beat-to-beat (RR) interval decreased during dressage (D), jumping (J) and cross-country (CC) tests, lasting 60 min after cross-country (60-CC) (D: 594.6 ± 40.2 ms, J: 420.6 ± 94.5 ms, CC: 358.0 ± 66.9 ms and 60-CC: 1424.2 ± 98.3 ms vs control: 1742.0 ± 202.3 ms, p < 0.05–0.001). HR increased during the exercise tests, extending to 60-CC (D: 101.4 ± 7.0 beats/min, J: 148.2 ± 30.5 beats/min, CC: 172.0 ± 27.0 beats/min and 60-CC: 42.2 ± 3.0 beats/min vs control: 34.8 ± 3.7 beats/min, p < 0.05–0.001). Various HRV metrics were lower during J than D, including standard deviation of normal-to-normal RR interval (D: 25.4 ± 9.1 ms vs J: 9.8 ± 6.2 ms, p < 0.01), total power band (D: 512.4 ± 261 ms 2 vs J: 126.8 ± 180.4 ms 2, p < 0.05) and standard deviation 2 (D: 35.0 ± 12.5 ms vs J: 13.4 ± 8.9 ms, p < 0.01). Changes in the indexes of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems corresponded with modifications in the RR interval and HR, respectively. Main limitations: Information on the training activity of horses and riders was unavailable. Conclusions: The more pronounced stress during J and CC tests highlights the need for greater attention during these phases for horses participating in one-day eventing events.

Background: Acquired equine polyneuropathy (AEP) affects both sensory and motor nerve fibers in Nordic horses, with schwannopathy and inflammatory demyelinating features. In human immune-mediated neuropathies, anti-ganglioside antibodies (AGAs) are often implicated in the pathogenesis. Objectives: To investigate serum AGAs in AEP and localize ganglioside GM1 in equine peripheral nerves. Study design: Non-concurrent case-control study with a cross-sectional design. Methods: ELISA was used to detect IgG and IgM antibodies against GM1, GM2, GD1a, GD1b, GQ1b and Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein (MAG) in serum from healthy controls (n=120), horses from AEP-affected farms in Norway, Sweden and Iceland (n=181), and horses previously infected with EHV-1 (n=28) or Streptococcus equi (n=46). Equine nerves were examined using fluorescence and immuno-electron microscopy, with markers for GM1 and neurofilament. Results: Scandinavian AEP-affected horses and their asymptomatic herd mates had higher IgM AGAs than healthy controls. These antibodies were sometimes detected before clinical onset and persisted for months to years. In Iceland, horses with AEP-like signs showed similar IgM seropositivity, suggesting a shared disease etiology. Of 234 sera tested for IgM to multiple antigens, 92% of clinical AEP cases in NO/SE, 10/10 of AEP cases in IS, and 97% of asymptomatic herd mates were IgM seropositive, compared to only 9% of healthy controls. The most common pattern in AEP horses involved reactivity to 5–6 of the tested antigens. Some horses recovered from EHV-1 or strangles were seropositive for IgM anti-GM1 (36% and 37%, respectively) but showed no clinical signs of polyneuropathy. IgG AGAs were rare across all groups. GM1 presence in equine peripheral nerves was confirmed. Main limitations: Use of a single immunoassay and fewer IgG analyses compared to IgM. Conclusions: Persistent IgM AGAs in AEP cases and their herd mates support immune involvement. High seropositivity in asymptomatic horses suggests subclinical cases rather than true unaffected individuals.

[1]¿p1 [1]¿m1 Background: WNV appears to have rapidly expanded its geographical range in Europe, causing increasing numbers of outbreaks in both humans and horses. In August 2024, WNV was found in dead crows in Warsaw, Poland, following a significant die-off of various bird species. Shortly after that, first cases of WNV in Poland were confirmed in horses and suspected in humans. At present, there is no specific treatment for WN encephalitis and new treatment protocols are urgently required. Objectives: Describing clinical manifestation and treatment outcomes of three confirmed neuroinvasive WNV infections in horses in Poland, treated with immunised plasma and post-exposure vaccination. Study design: Non-comparative study, case series. Methods: Three horses were admitted to a referral hospital in central Poland with moderate to severe neurological symptoms. A novel treatment protocol involving the use of immunised plasma and post-exposure vaccination was developed and treatment outcomes were assessed through clinical examination and measurement of anti-WNV IgM and SAA levels. Results: Autumn 2024 brought the first confirmed WNV cases in horses in Poland. Two out of the three horses admitted to the hospital made a full recovery. A combination of supportive treatment, post-exposure vaccination and transfusion of plasma from a vaccinated donor seems to improve outcomes in horses with neuroinvasive WNV infection. Main limitations: Small study group size due to low incidence of WNV infections in Poland and a number of cases remaining undiagnosed. Only two of the described horses were treated with donor plasma due to timing of the admission of the first patient. Conclusions: Laboratory-confirmed West Nile Virus infections are a new disease in the horse population in Poland and Europe, and veterinarians throughout our continent need to include WNV in their differential diagnosis of neurological disorders and to equip themselves with knowledge and skills to treat such patients.

Sulfated polysaccharides are widely found in seaweed. These compounds have several commercial uses, especially in the industrial sector. However, the renal effects of these substances remain to be investigated. This work aimed to evaluate the renal effects of the total sulfated polysaccharides (TSP) obtained from the seaweed Gracilaria cornea on the renal system. The TSP significantly increased the perfusion pressure (PP) and the renal vascular resistance (RVR). TSP decreased the urinary flow at the lowest concentration tested but increased at higher concentrations. The TSP caused a significant decrease in the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and transport of sodium, potassium and chloride. The compounds caused mild histological changes, which indicated tubular and glomerular damages. The TSP caused significantly decreased in the viability of MDCK cells, which presented apoptotic signs and late apoptotic cell death. In conclusion, TSP caused significant changes in renal physiology and morphology. However, further research is required to elucidate the signaling pathways involved in the apoptotic effects of TSP and evaluate the potential of these molecules on drug development.

AbstractFibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by congenital malformation of the great toe and heterotopic ossification in the connective tissue of muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and aponeurosis. It has an incidence of 1 in 2 million, with fewer than 700 reported cases worldwide to date. The aim of this case report is to highlight clinical features of FOP to facilitate early diagnosis and minimize the impact of its delayed diagnosis. We report a case of a 42-year-old man who presented with multiple soft tissue swellings of 30 years duration, later leading to an inability to move. Physical examination findings included firm to hard tender masses over bilateral forearms, left arm, anterior and posterior chest, bilateral hips, and bilateral distal thighs, along with bilateral subtle hallux valgus. He had been visiting nearby health centers for the past 30 years, but a diagnosis was not made until his current visit. Based on the clinical finding of hallux valgus and radiologic evidence of extraskeletal ossifications, a diagnosis of FOP was made. He is currently on analgesics and receives a short course of corticosteroids during flare-ups. Although rare, primary care physicians should consider FOP in patients presenting with soft tissue ossifications to minimize suffering and disability due to delayed diagnosis. While the confirmatory diagnostic modality for FOP is genetic test, for low-income countries where the genetic test is not easily accessible, clinical diagnosis should be considered to prevent unnecessary disease progression.Key words : Fibrodysplasia ossificans; Heterotopic ossification; Stoneman disease; case report

Title: The Calcium Conundrum: Hypercalcemia of Unknown EtiologyAuthors: Alp Serhat Kahveci, MD1; Lindsay Moy, DO2; Mohamed Eletrebi, MBBCh3; Brittany Bettendorf, MD, MFA2Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United StatesDivision of Rheumatology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United StatesDepartment of Pathology, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, United States

SYDENHAM'S CHOREA DIAGNOSED WITH CHOREIFORM MOVEMENTS PERSISTING DURING SLEEP

[1]¿p1 [1]¿m1Article Type: LetterTitle: Dupilumab in Atopic Dermatitis Linked to Reduced Irritable Bowel Syndrome Risk: A Real-World Cohort StudyAuthors: Jasmine Levine, BA1*, Rahib K Islam, BS2*, Lillian Mo, BA1, Brian S. Kim MD1, Jordan Talia, MD1, Benjamin Ungar, MD1

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Imerslund-Gräsbeck syndrome (IGS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by pathogenic variants in CUBN or AMN genes, leading to selective vitamin B12 malabsorption. Symptoms include failure to thrive, cytopenia, and proteinuria. This study aims to analyze clinical, biochemical, and molecular genetic profiles of 4 patients diagnosed with IGS at a single center in Argentina. Macrocytic anemia and neutropenia were present in three cases, two with thrombocytopenia. All had proteinuria. A novel CUBN: c.2450G>A; p.(Cys817Tyr) variant was found in three patients, while the fourth carried AMN: c.1006+34_1007-31del in homozygous state. Early and lifelong parenteral vitamin B12 ensures an excellent prognosis.

[1]¿p1 [1]¿m1 BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency anemia (IDA) are prevalent among children and adolescents, significantly impacting growth and development. While oral iron is the first-line treatment, intravenous iron is required in cases of poor tolerance or inadequate response. However, no published data on the safety and efficacy of iron isomaltoside (IIM) in the pediatric population exist, while data on low molecular weight dextran (LMWD) remain limited. PROCEDURE: A retrospective cohort study (2021–2023) at Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos, a tertiary center in Lithuania, included pediatric patients (<18 years) with ID/IDA receiving IIM or LMWD. Assessment of hematological response was based on hemoglobin levels (HGB), reticulocyte hemoglobin equivalent (Ret-He), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), serum ferritin, and transferrin saturation (TSAT) at early (3–7 days) and late (4–6 weeks) time points. Adverse events were systematically monitored. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients (IIM: 50, LMWD: 22; 135 infusions), 68.1% female, with a median age of 13.5 years, were included in the study. Mean HGB increase was 32.4 g/L (IIM) vs. 33.1 g/L (LMWD) (p = 0.912). Median ferritin increase was 71.4 µg/L (IIM) vs. 117.8 µg/L (LMWD) (p = 0.316). Ret-He improved significantly (p < 0.05). Mild AEs occurred in 5.6%, with similar AE rates in both groups (IIM: 6.0%, LMWD: 4.5%). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that IIM and LMWD are effective and safe IV iron therapies for pediatric ID/IDA. Given the lack of data on the safety and efficacy of IIM in the pediatric population, our findings provide valuable preliminary evidence.

Protein digestibility is a crucial determinant of nutritional quality in foods, influencing how well the body can utilize amino acids derived from dietary protein. Historically, protein digestibility has been measured using in vivo rodent bioassays, particularly in calculating the PDCAAS. However, with growing public and scientific concerns over the ethical implications of animal testing, there is an urgent need for validated in vitro methods that are scientifically reliable and ethically sound. This report presents findings from an international collaborative study aimed at generating necessary data to position two in vitro methods—the pH-drop and pH-stat assays—for determining protein digestibility as candidates for method approval by an accrediting body. Nine laboratories participated in the study, analyzing 12 diverse protein ingredients from both plant and animal sources having previously published true fecal protein digestibility values. Mean relative standard deviations for repeatability ranged from 0.8-2.1% and 0.5-4.8% and mean relative standard deviation for reproducibility ranged from 1.2-3.6% and 1.1-4.9% for the pH-drop and pH-stat methods, respectively. The strong repeatability and reproducibility of both in vitro methods and the achievement of an official accreditation represent a critical advancement in the process toward acceptance by regulatory adoption as alternatives to in vivo testing to determine protein quality by PDCAAS. The validated methods presented here provide a reliable, affordable, and non-animal-based way to account for protein digestion in food formulation. While regulatory approval is required for use on food labels, these tools are immediately available to product developers to guide ingredient choices and processing decisions.

The integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) and Generative AI into mental healthcare is reshaping diagnostic, therapeutic, and support systems, marking a transition toward AI-driven mental healthcare. This paper explores various methodologies for incorporating LLMs into mental health applications, categorizing research into key strategies such as prompt engineering, fine-tuning, emotional theory integration, AI-powered chatbots, and long-term memory architectures. Through case studies, we evaluate their effectiveness in areas like depression detection, suicide risk assessment, and AI-assisted psychological counseling, highlighting both their potential benefits and associated challenges. While LLMs enable more empathetic interactions, personalized interventions, and early risk identification, concerns remain regarding bias, misinformation, safety risks, and ethical issues related to privacy, informed consent, and AI’s role in clinical decision-making. We outline critical research gaps, stressing the importance of real-world validation, standardized evaluation methods, and strong risk mitigation frameworks. This paper serves as a guide for the responsible, scalable, and ethical integration of AI in mental healthcare, ensuring these technologies enhance patient well-being while adhering to clinical and ethical standards.

Training transformers requires balancing computational efficiency with modeling capability through context window size selection — larger windows capture long-range dependencies but incur quadratic attention costs, while smaller windows train faster but limit context. We propose dynamic block size adaptation, a curriculum learning approach that gradually increases the context window during training. Our method maintains the final model architecture while achieving 21.3% faster training (225.4 vs 286.4 minutes) and better validation loss (1.450 vs 1.468) compared to fixed-window baselines on character-level modeling with shakespeare_char. The dynamic approach demonstrates reduced loss fluctuation during training, with 38% lower variance in validation loss curves and 42% faster recovery after window size transitions. Empirical results across multiple random seeds validate our approach’s effectiveness in balancing computational efficiency with modeling performance, while improving inference speed by 2.9% (408.8 vs 397.3 tokens/sec).

Images are crucial in various domains, including journalism, security, and healthcare, as they convey significant amounts of information. However, with the advancement of digital editing tools and the increasing prevalence of counterfeit images, the need for effective image forgery detection has become more critical than ever. Conventional image forgery detection techniques struggle to keep pace with evolving manipulation methods, often requiring extensive manual intervention and computational resources. This paper proposes Image Forgery Detection Network(IFDNet) architecture for image forgery detection task. The proposed architecture is an effective and efficient Deep Learning (DL) architecture incorporating newly introduced Dynamic Contextual Modulation Block (DCMB) for enhanced feature extraction and classification. The proposed IFDNet model is evaluated on widely used publicly available image forgery datasets like CASIA V2.0, and MICC-F2000 demonstrating its superior performance in differentiating authentic and manipulated images. Experimental results show that the proposed IFDNet model achieves high accuracy, precision, and recall, outperforming conventional approaches. The integration of DCMB significantly improves feature representation, enabling robust detection of complex forgeries. This advanced approach provides an efficient and scalable solution for image forgery detection, making a significant contribution to the field of digital image forensics.

AbstractAimDispersal strategies are vital for sessile or passively moving organisms, profoundly influencing the distribution and survival of plant and small-sized animal species. The role of large mammals in dispersal and habitat (re)colonization is recognized, yet their full contribution across propagule taxa, various dispersers, and dispersal modes remains unclear. We assessed the role of common wild mammals in dispersing (semi-aquatic) plants and micro-invertebrates among isolated wetlands, identifying the most effective dispersal agent(s) within a natural assemblage.LocationNortheast Germany.MethodsIn a system of small semi-natural wetlands within an intensive agricultural landscape, we combined non-invasive fecal sampling with opportunistic fur collection from managed and trapped mammals, cultivating plants and micro-invertebrates from these samples to explore dispersal-network structures and quantify taxon richness and propagule abundances, comparing disperser effectiveness.ResultsWe found distinct network topologies for (semi-aquatic) plants and micro-invertebrates, indicating differential contributions and complementary roles of disperser groups and dispersal modes. Roe deer, wild boar, and raccoons were key dispersers, highlighting the broad role of generalist mammals in wetland propagule dispersal. In micro-invertebrates, endozoochorous communities were nested within more diverse epizoochorous communities, with both raccoons and wild boar transporting more diverse taxa through epizoochory. No quantitative differences in endozoochorous dispersal emerged among dispersers. Transported plant communities were dominated by taxa lacking predefined zoochorous syndromes, challenging assumptions about trait-based dispersal constraints.Main conclusionsThe broad spectrum of wild mammals identified as dispersers, supported by quantitative means, offers significant potential for facilitating efficient dispersal of both, plants and micro-invertebrates, consistent with the concept of ‘non-classical zoochory’. Dispersal by abundant and also managed mammals is crucial for ecosystem connectivity and resilience. Altered disperser communities due to population control or habitat changes may affect (re)colonization and local biodiversity, highlighting the need for strategies that preserve dispersal functions across landscapes.

Oluwakemi Odukoya, Hafiz T.A. Khan, Anne Manyande, Raffaella MilaniOluwakemi OdukoyaPhD student in Global HealthCollege of Nursing, Midwifery and HealthcareUniversity of West LondonUnited KingdomEmail: 33118484@student.uwl.ac.uk