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This article develops duality principles and respective convex dual formulations through a D.C. approach applicable to some originally non-convex primal variational formulations. More specifically, in a first step, we develop applications to a Ginzburg-Landau type equation. The results are obtained through basic tools of functional analysis, calculus of variations, duality and optimization theory in infinite dimensional spaces. It is worth emphasizing we have obtained convex dual variational formulations which may be applied to a large class of similar models in the calculus of variations. Finally, we also highlight the article establishes sufficient global optimality conditions for the model in question.

Complex behavioral and psychological constructs, such as anxiety, are difficult to evaluate in rodents. Many studies have questioned which techniques and applications for monitoring anxiety behavior and related physiological parameters are most appropriate for assessing anxiety. Therefore, we aimed to compare the current methods of assessing anxiety using network meta-analysis. We performed a comprehensive review and network meta-analysis by searching electronic databases for animal studies involving rodents diagnosed with anxiety disorders who were undergoing behavioral tests. The main outcomes of the study were total distance traveled, fecal boli, and rearing. To effect sizes from several studies were combined by calculating standardized mean differences with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals. Subsequently, behavioral tests were ranked based on their likelihood of being the most effective measure for each outcome. Of the 46 studies reviewed, Open Field Test and Elevated Plus Maze were the most frequently utilized tests, appearing in 45 and 43 studies, respectively, while Light Dark Box and Elevated Zero Maze tests were used less frequently (in 2 and 1 studies, respectively). For total distance traveled, Open Field Test showed a significant disadvantage relative to Elevated Plus Maze and Light Dark Box. For Fecal boli, there was a significant difference between Light Dark Box and Open Field Test. There was no significance between tests in terms of rearing. Network meta-analysis is a powerful tool for indicating the effect of tests, indirect estimations, and complexities of anxiety-related behaviors in rodents in preclinical anxiety models.

Advanced packaging in electronic systems presents new challenges for electromagnetic interference issues. The source reconstruction method (SRM) based on near-field scanning provides a solution for locating electromagnetic interference sources and reconstructing the electromagnetic field inside the package. The traditional SRM based on least squares methods relies on phase information, leading to expensive measurement facilities and complex testing processes. As a result, phaseless SRMs with lower testing requirement have become a research hotspot. However, these methods require solving a nonlinear equation, which lacks an explicit solution and poses difficulties in extracting the equivalent radiation source. To address this issue, a new phaseless SRM that achieves high precision and efficiency is proposed. The method combines the advantages of differential evolution (DE) algorithm with the covariance matrix adaptation evolution strategy (CMA-ES) algorithm, offering fast convergence speed and high accuracy. Compared to conventional DE algorithm, the proposed hybrid method reduces the error of the reconstructed field on an average of 9% and improves the accuracy of the predicted field from 82% to 85% while accelerating convergence.

This paper investigates covert wireless transmission in distributed passive Dual-Function Radar and Communication (DFRC) systems. The optimal detection threshold and minimum detection error probability of adversary warden is derived. The closed-form solution for the optimal transmit power for the integrated base station (BS) is calculated to achieve maximum covert rate. Simulation results show that the covert transmission performance can be improved by setting up proper transmit power.

Enterococcus are diverse Gram-positive cocci inhabiting diverse environments, including GI tracts, plants, and food. Rising hospital-acquired multidrug-resistant strains underscore the urgent need for research on AR and surveillance. This study investigates the prevalence and characteristics of Enterococcus strains in diverse environments, focusing on virulence factors and antibiotic resistance. 48 Samples from raw vegetables and fruits were analyzed, and 46 samples were positive for Enterococci among them (93%) revealing high salt tolerance and variability in Gelatinase activity (32.6%). All isolates exhibited Esculin hydrolysis capability, and biofilm was observed in 57.8% of samples confirmed by the tube adherence test method. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) provided insights into the surface topography of biofilm-positive (positive are adhere to solid surfaces and become multicellular aggregates packed into extracellular matrix material) and biofilm-negative cells (lacking of matrix material). Antibiotic resistance patterns varied, with notable resistance to Ampicillin (20.7%) and Erythromycin (17.2%) in vegetable-associated Enterococci, and alarming resistance to Linezolid and Vancomycin (35.3%) in fruit-associated Enterococci. This research highlights the diverse characteristics of Enterococcus isolates, emphasizing the importance of surveillance and antibiotic stewardship for environmental Enterococcus strains to ensure the safety of food and public health.

The E. coli H7:O157 was the subject of many studies. It is characterized by producing Shiga toxins, abdominal illness, and developing resistance to antimicrobial agents. A total 20 fecal samples tested positive for E. coli H7:O157 from patients showed the typical symptoms of the infection, and another 20 from animals were collected. The bacterium was isolated, identified, and classified using culture medium, and molecular methods. Results obtained from classification of E. coli H7:O157 showed it is highly similar to E. coli H7:O157 strain Sakai. The genes rpoB, stx, waa, and rfbO were deposited in the NCBI website under accession no. PP059841, OR939814, PP059843, and PP059842 respectively. The mutant sequences of waa sites K, L, Y were analyzed to determine the shifting in their function, cell wall formation, and the ability to develop antibiotic resistance the mutant E. coli H7:O157 compared to the wild type. We found that the resistance to antibiotics in mutant E. coli H7:O157 increased significantly when compared to the wild type. Animals. The explanation for this may be attributed to the waa K, and waa L by preventing theentry of antimicrobial agents into the bacterial cell.

Our universe is an embodiment of countless mysteries and unsolved problems. And the larger the universe is expanding, the more mysterious it seems to get.

Abstract Background Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity globally. While studies have revealed disparities in maternal and fetal outcomes, disparities in PPH risk within diverse populations remains understudied. Objectives To quantify the association between maternal race, ethnicity, deprivation and the risk of PPH in High Income Countries (HIC’s). Search strategy A systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and Google Scholar from inception to 20 th August 2024. Selection criteria Observational and experimental studies from HICs that reported the outcome of PPH, in at least two racial, ethnic or socioeconomic groups. Data collection and analysis Two reviewers performed independent data extraction. Random-effects model was used to estimate risk. Subgroup analysis was performed by geographical region and time period. Main results 79 studies with 169,579,388 women were included. Women from an ethnic minority background had an increased risk of PPH, compared to White women. This effect was seen across Black women (OR 1.16, 95% CI 1.09,1.23), Asian women (OR 1.33, 95% CI 1.27, 1.39), Hispanic women (OR 1.20, 95%CI 1.12, 1.29), and women from the minority ethnic group within a given study (OR 1.13 95% CI 1.03,1.24). Eight studies reporting PPH per socioeconomic group reported increased risk of PPH for those living in socioeconomic deprivation. Conclusions Women from an ethnic minority background or exposed to socioeconomic deprivation had an increased risk of PPH in high income settings. Standardisation of data collection on ethnicity, race and socioeconomic status is crucial for future research to accurately quantify and address these disparities. Funding: There was no funding source for this study. Keywords: Maternal health disparities, ethnicity, race, socioeconomic deprivation, postpartum haemorrhage

Background Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy in developed countries. Robotic surgery has been widely adopted across various surgical fields, including gynecologic oncology, yet its benefits compared to traditional approaches, such as laparoscopy and laparotomy, remain uncertain. Objective The present study aimed to evaluate surgical and perioperative outcomes of robotic surgery compared to laparoscopy and laparotomy in the treatment of endometrial cancer. Search Strategy A comprehensive search of the literature was performed up to September 2022, across multiple databases including Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane, to retrieve eligible randomized studies. Selection Criteria Literature was searched for publications reporting robotic surgery for endometrial cancer compared to laparoscopy or laparotomy. Only randomized trial were selected. The risk of bias was evaluated using the Risk of Bias in Randomized Trials tool. Data Collection and Analysis A total of 14 relevant articles were retrieved. After applying inclusion criteria, 8 studies were included in the analysis, encompassing 647 patients: 322 underwent robotic surgery, 244 laparoscopic surgery, and 81 laparotomy. Main Results Robotic surgery was associated with a significant reduction in conversion rates to laparotomy compared to laparoscopy (odds ratio [OR] = 0.17, p = 0.03). No significant differences were observed in other perioperative outcomes. Conclusion Robotic surgery significantly reduces conversion rates to laparotomy in endometrial cancer treatment compared to laparoscopy.

Objective To evaluate Virtual Reality (VR) as a distraction technique to diminish pain perception and improve satisfaction in patients who underwent an outpatient hysteroscopy (OH). Design A prospective, parallel group, 1:1 randomized controlled trial. Setting Spanish University Hospital. Sample A total of 120 patients between 18 and 70 years old undergoing an outpatient hysteroscopy. Method A total of 120 patients were randomly allocated to undergo an outpatient hysteroscopy either with standard treatment with vocal-local support (n=60) or with the use of a VR device (n=60) between January and June 2022. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome was worst and average patient reported pain score (0 to 10) during the procedure. The secondary outcome was patient satisfaction (1 to 5) with the OH and with the use of VR. Results Mean duration of the procedure (4.57 vs 5.63 min p=0.11) and procedure performed did not differ among groups. There were no statistically significant differences on worst pain perception (VAS score 4.83 vs 4.84 p=0.95) or average pain perception (VAS score 2.91 vs 3.21 p=0.41) between the standard care and the VR group. There were no statistically significant differences on patient satisfaction between both groups. Conclusions The use of VR was as effective as the standard care with vocal-local support to improve pain perception and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing OH. Funding This research was supported by the own funds of the Hysteroscopy and Minimally Invasive Surgery Unit. Keywords Virtual reality, pain, outpatient hysteroscopy, distraction technique, vocal-local, patient satisfaction, randomized controlled trial. Clinical Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT06463210 URL:[https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06463210?cond=hysteroscopy%20virtual%20reality&rank=9](https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06463210?cond=hysteroscopy%20virtual%20reality&rank=9)

Data Availability Statement: The data supporting the findings of this case report are fully presented within the article.Funding Statement: This case report received no specific funding from public, commercial, or not-for-profit agencies.Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The authors declare no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this case report.Ethics Approval Statement: According to international and institutional regulations, no ethical approval was needed for case reports. However, we ensured that all relevant ethical guidelines were followed.Patient Consent Statement: The patient gave written informed consent to the publication of this case report and any accompanying images.Permission to Reproduce Material from Other Sources: No materials from other sources are included in this case report.Abstract:Introduction:  The sinus of Valsalva consists of three spaces at the base of the aorta, which is crucial for cardiac function because it ensures proper closure of the aortic valve during diastole. Sinus of Valsalva aneurysms (SVAs), though rare (0.1-3% of congenital heart defects), can lead to serious complications when ruptured. This case report presents a unique instance of a ruptured SVA in a 24-year-old male, highlighting atypical symptomatology and diagnostic challenges.Case Presentation:  A previously healthy 24-year-old male presented with palpitations and fatigue, lacking classic symptoms such as chest pain. His medical history included epilepsy managed with carbamazepine. Initial transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe aortic insufficiency and rupture of the sinus of Valsalva to the right atrium(RA). Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE ) was performed and confirmed a ruptured aneurysm from the non-coronary cusp (NCC) into the right atrium and severe Aortic insufficiency due to protrusion of NCC to Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). These findings were confirmed by CT angiography.Surgical Intervention and Outcomes:  Cardiac Surgery consultation recommended surgical closure of the sinus of Valsalva rupture and aortic valve repair. However, the patient refused to undergo surgery due to the subtlety of his symptoms. He has remained stable upon follow-ups.Conclusion:  This case emphasizes the need for heightened clinical suspicion of SVA in patients presenting with non-specific symptoms, particularly those on medications like carbamazepine that may mask typical presentations.Introduction:The sinus of Valsalva refers to the three spaces located at the base of the aorta, just above the aortic valve. These sinuses play a crucial role in cardiac function by facilitating the proper closure of the aortic valve during diastole, thereby preventing blood backflow into the left ventricle. Their structural integrity is significant for maintaining normal hemodynamics; abnormalities can lead to serious cardiovascular complications.(1)A sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (SVA) is characterized by an abnormal dilation of one or more of these sinuses, which can lead to rupture and subsequent complications.(1) Although SVAs are rare, their incidence is estimated to be approximately 0.1-3% of all congenital heart defects, with a higher prevalence in males.(2). The etiologies of SVAs can be congenital, stemming from defects in the elastic lamina, or acquired due to conditions such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, or trauma.(1)Patients with an SVA may remain asymptomatic for extended periods; however, when symptoms do occur—often due to rupture—they can include acute chest pain, syncope, palpitations, and signs of heart failure. The presentation can be atypical, especially in younger patients or those with underlying conditions that may mask classic symptoms.(3)This case report highlights a unique instance involving a 24-year-old male who presented with subtle symptoms—palpitations and fatigue—despite having a ruptured SVA. This atypical presentation underscores the importance of high clinical suspicion for SVA in patients with non-specific symptoms. Additionally, we hypothesize that the patient’s use of carbamazepine may have contributed to the masking of his symptoms, emphasizing the need for careful evaluation in similar cases. The findings from this case not only contribute to the understanding of SVA presentations but also raise awareness about potential diagnostic challenges associated with pharmacological treatment.Case history/examination:A 24-year-old man without any known history of congenital heart disease presented to a cardiologist with palpitations, fatigue, and occasional shortness of breath during physical activity over the past few days. He reported no chest pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, or cold sweat. During the cardiology visit, the patient underwent transthoracic echocardiography, which revealed severe aortic insufficiency (AI). Given this finding, he was referred to our center for further evaluation and management. His medical history was significant for epilepsy since childhood, for which he was currently taking carbamazepine. He reported no use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco and did not mention any family history of cardiovascular disease.During the initial evaluation, the patient appeared well-nourished and in no acute respiratory distress, such as using accessory muscles or cyanosis. He was not tachypneic, exhibiting a normal respiratory rate of 16 breaths per minute and a comfortable breathing pattern. His vital signs were: a heart rate of 103 beats per minute, blood pressure of 120/80 mmHg, oxygen saturation at 96%, and a normal body temperature of 98.6°F (37°C). He was alert and oriented. His posture was relaxed, and he maintained good eye contact throughout the interaction. The patient’s skin was warm and dry, with no signs of pallor or cyanosis.We found no abnormal findings in his head and neck examination, including jugular venous distention. Heart sounds were significant for a holo-diastolic murmur at the aortic area with radiation to the apex and continuous murmur at the Right sternal border. Respiratory sounds were heard clearly and symmetrically without wheezing or crackles. His abdomen was non-distended and without tenderness and organomegaly. Upon examination of his upper and lower extremities, his radial and dorsalis pedis pulses were palpated bilaterally and were symmetrical and regular. His veins were symmetric without focal distention. Figure 1 shows the patient’s EKG upon his first visit.

Title:Young man was admitted to the poisoning emergency room with decreased level of consciousnessAuthers: Seyedeh zahra fotook kiaei11First Author, Faeze Abbasloo22Correspond, Mohammad Taghi  Talebian33AuthorAffiliations:Visiting research associate in Schwartz/Yang Lab, Anschutz medical campus, University of Colorado, Seyedehzahra.fotookkiaei@cuanschutz.eduInternal medicine resident at Shariati Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Science (TUMS) - Tehran – Iran, Dr.faezeabbasloo@gmail.comAssociate professor of Emergency Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Mttalebian@yahoo.comCorrespondence: Faeze Abbasloo, Internal medicine resident at Shariati Hospital - Tehran University of Medical Science (TUMS) - Tehran – Iran, Dr.faezeabbasloo@gmail.comMethadone (MTD) is a synthetic long-acting opioid receptor agonist that has potent analgesic effects. It is commonly used for detoxification or as a substitute in treating opium addiction. ARDS is a rare MTD-related condition causing acute respiratory distress, documented in the medical literature.(1). However, in most cases, methadone was consumed orally in the formation of tablets in high or unknown doses.(2).The use of synthetic cannabinoids (SCs) as a substitute for marijuana and other similar substances that induce euphoria has rapidly increased in many countries. The prevalence of cannabis use in Iran is relatively low compared to many other countries. However, there is decisive evidence of a growth in cannabis use among youth, as well as some evidence of an increase in cannabis use disorder.(3). Cannabis use in juveniles has been related to negative physical health effects such as impaired cognitive performance, respiratory distress, lung injury, myocardial ischemia, seizures, oral health issues, weight loss, and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome(4).In this article we present a case, who used methadone and cannabis and developed ARDS. The patient has clearly given written informed consent before this report was prepared. Patient anonymity was preserved wherever possible.The patient a 22-year-old male, who was urgently transported to Baharloo Hospital due to a decrease in his level of consciousness. His family found him that morning, unconscious and making gurgling sounds, prompting them to call the EMS immediately. EMS personnel administered three ampoules (a total dose of 1.2 mg) of naloxone, which resulted in him becoming alert and oriented to person, time, and place when we assessed him in the Baharloo Hospital emergency department.Initially, oxygen via a reservoir bag mask was administered due to hypoxemia. However, as his oxygen saturation was around 70% and failed to increase more, intubation was performed in the emergency department. Early intubation was necessary due to severe dyspnea, persistent hypoxemia, and excessive pulmonary secretions, which compromised his ability to protect his airway.Following intubation, a lung CT scan (fig. 1-A) revealed severe alveolar infiltration, and the patient was transferred to the Poisoning ICU ward. Despite receiving 100% oxygen (FiO2), oxygen saturation remained around 75% in SIMV mode with a PEEP of 5 cmH2O, Ti of 1.2 s ,TV of 500 ml, and airway secretion suctioning, which included significant pinkish fluid. His blood pressure and pulse rate were as follows: BP 93/40 mmHg, PR 112 bpm.A pulmonary CT scan revealed severe alveolar infiltration on both sides, while lab tests showed leukocytosis, high CRP levels, respiratory acidosis in VBG, and positive results for tetrahydrocannabinol and methadone in his screening test. Consequently, we initiated broad-spectrum antibiotics such as meropenem and vancomycin, suspecting massive aspiration pneumonia. Due to a PaO2/FiO2 ratio under 200, ventilator settings were adjusted following an ARDS diagnosis: PEEP 14 cmH2O, TV under 420 ml, Ti 1.7 s, which improved his oxygenation to an oxygen saturation of 90%. Gradually over the first 24 hours, his oxygen saturation increased to 100%, allowing a reduction in FiO2, Ti, and PEEP to 50%, 0.9, and 6, respectively.On the third day, his chest X-ray showed significant improvement and a positive response to the treatment. Negative procalcitonin results, along with rapid lung recovery and reduced PEEP requirements, led to the decision to discontinue antibiotic administration. Extubation occurred on day 5, and the patient was discharged after a psychological consultation on the 10th day, during which he admitted to using a 10mg methadone tablet in combination with smoking a cannabinoid cigarette before losing consciousness.A follow-up lung CT scan on the day of discharge revealed clear lung parenchyma with no visible remnants of previous opacities. (fig. 1-B)Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a complex disease that causes severe lung injury leading to respiratory distress. Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a lung condition caused by inflammation triggered by both pulmonary and extrapulmonary factors. This inflammation causes damage to the alveolar-capillary membrane, resulting in increased permeability and the accumulation of fluid in the lungs. This condition is characterized by acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, reduced lung compliance, and bilateral infiltrates in chest radiographs, without any clinical evidence of cardiogenic pulmonary edema. ARDS typically occurs in patients without previous health issues. There are usually 18-37 hours between the initial injury and the development of the clinical syndrome. After this period, symptoms of acute respiratory failure will appear. A precise assessment of abnormalities in lung mechanics and oxygenation is typically not performed until the patient is intubated and mechanically ventilated. Although this condition has been recognized for over a century, it was not until the landmark study by Ashbaugh et al. that it was fully understood(5).Figure:Fig 1-A: Chest CT scan at admission dayFig 1-B: Chest CT scan after treatmentStatements and declarations:Funding: no funding was required for this studyConflict of interest: Authors had no conflict of interestAuthors’ contributions: All authors contributed in management and writing of this article. First draft was written by Faeze Abbasloo and others made their changes and accepted the whole manuscript.1. Drudi FM, Poggi R, Trenta F, Manganaro F, Iannicelli E. A case of the adult respiratory distress syndrome induced by a methadone overdose. La Radiologia medica. 1997;94(4):393-6.2. Ridgway Z, Pountney A. Acute respiratory distress syndrome induced by oral methadone managed with non-invasive ventilation. Emergency Medicine Journal. 2007;24(9):681-.3. Rostam-Abadi Y, Gholami J, Amin-Esmaeili M, Baheshmat S, Hamzehzadeh M, Rafiemanesh H, et al. Evidence for an increase in cannabis use in Iran–A systematic review and trend analysis. PloS one. 2021;16(8):e0256563.4. Harrell MB, Clendennen SL, Sumbe A, Case KR, Mantey DS, Swan S. Cannabis vaping among youth and young adults: A scoping review. Current addiction reports. 2022;9(3):217-34.5. Ashbaugh D, Bigelow DB, Petty T, Levine B. Acute respiratory distress in adults. The Lancet. 1967;290(7511):319-23.

As the newly discovered programmed cell death is characterized by the accumulation of lipid peroxides, iron-dependent ferroptosis is entirely distinct from apoptosis. The anti-apoptotic properties of Kindlin-2 have been reported in hepatocytes, NP cells, tumor cells, fibroblasts, etc., yet its protective role in ferroptosis remains undetermined. Our study first deciphered the underlying mechanism of Kindlin-2 in cardiac ferroptosis. The Kindlin-2 level was decreased in cardiac tissues of I/R mice, ICM patients, and cardiomyocytes underwent hypoxia stimulation. Cell viability of cardiomyocytes is positively regulated by Kindlin-2. In response to tail intravenous injection of AAV9 Fermt2 in mice, cardiomyocyte-specific Kindlin-2 overexpression highly alleviates I/R injury through inhibiting cardiomyocyte ferroptosis in vivo, while cardiomyocyte-specific low expression of Kindlin-2 can impair cardiac functions, which are accompanied by cardiomyocyte ferroptosis. Meanwhile, experiments in vitro verified that Kindlin-2 prevented the ferroptosis in cardiomyocytes treated by H/R and endogenous deficiency of Kindlin-2 in cardiomyocytes has been subsequently identified to induce ferroptosis spontaneously without exogenous stimulation. Mechanistically, Kindlin-2 accelerates the interaction between Otub1 and Slc7a11. Consequently, deubiquitinated Slc7a11 contributes to activate GSH and Gpx4 to exert the anti-ferroptosis effect. Slc7a11/GSH/Gpx4 cascades strengthened by Kindlin-2 can be abolished by the Otub1 KD. Therefore, The prevention effect of Kindlin-2 in cardiac ferroptosis and dysfunctions is Otub1-dependent and Otub1 rescued cardiomyocyte ferroptosis and cardiac injury deteriorated by Kindlin-2 deficiency. Collectively, our research reveals that Kindlin-2/Otub1/Slc7a11 cascade improves cardiac I/R injury through inhibiting ferroptosis and may be the potential therapeutic target of ischemic cardiomyopathy.

Privacy-preserving human action recognition is a crucial area of research, particularly in the context of video surveillance, assisted living systems, and healthcare applications. While human action recognition techniques offer significant benefits for automated video analysis, they also raise concerns about individual privacy when deployed in sensitive environments. This paper introduces, StealthGuard incorporates a temporal privacy-preserving component based on generative adversarial networks (GANs) to obfuscate sensor data, thereby preventing the identification of individual people or their activities. This approach utilises deep neural network, ensuring both accuracy in action recognition and real-time deployment feasibility. Through extensive experimental results, StealthGuard demonstrates its ability to achieve high levels of privacy protection while maintaining recognition accuracy making it a promising solution for applications where privacy is paramount. This paper also provides a related works in the field, highlighting approaches and techniques for privacy-preserving human action recognition.

Two case reports of percutaneous transluminal shock wave balloon angioplasty for the treatment of severe coronary artery calcificationLiang-cai Guo | Chi-jun Hou | Yan-jin Zeng | Wen LiCardiovascular Department, Dongguan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, Guangdong, China

Chytridiomycosis, caused by Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), is a fungal disease only fatal to some amphibian species. Among the vulnerable species is the Nectophrynoides asperginis, endemic to the Kihansi Gorge spray wetlands in Tanzania’s Udzungwa Mountains. By 2009, chytridiomycosis had driven N. asperginis to extinction in the wild, though it survives in captivity. Reintroduction efforts have faced difficulties, underlining the importance of understanding Bd’s prevalence in the wild to guide re-introduction programs. We assessed Bd’s presence 20 years after its initial detection in Tanzania and determined whether it was responsible for the 98% mortality of 1000 captive-bred N. asperginis released in Feb 2022. In December 2022, time-constrained surveys were conducted across three spray wetlands covering N. asperginis habitats. Amphibians were skin-swabbed following a protocol developed by the University of California, resulting in two sets of 44 samples from seven species. These samples were analyzed for Bd presence using conventional and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, followed by nucleotide sequencing of PCR products. Bd was detected in 32% of samples, affecting four species: Arthroleptides yakusini (14%), N. asperginis (9%), Ptychadena anchietae (7%) and Hyperolius substriatus (2%). Whereas N. asperginis was severely affected, the other species were healthy carriers. Bd-CAPE was confirmed as the cause of the mass deaths of the released toads. The continuing presence of Bd-CAPE in the spray wetlands remains a barrier to the successful re-introduction of N. asperginis, necessitating further experimentation to develop strategies for coexistence.

Legionella is a genus of environmental bacteria containing pathogenic species such as Legionella pneumophila that are responsible for potentially fatal respiratory infections including Legionnaires’ disease and Pontiac fever. Disease etiology can involve Legionella replication intracellularly with protists and this study aimed to characterize the Legionella-protist relationship with the goal of developing novel outbreak prevention strategies. Water and sediment samples were collected from a water-cooling tower in South Carolina over a 6-month period. Concomitantly, multiple environmental parameters were recorded. Bacterial and eukaryotic communities were characterized using the 16S rRNA gene V4 region and a 252 bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene, respectively. Co-occurrence network analyses were performed to elucidate Legionella-protist correlations through time. We found that Legionella correlated with different protists as the seasons progressed. Acanthamoeba correlated with Legionella in early spring followed by Vannella and Korotnevella in late spring and early summer, joined by Echinamoeba in mid-summer. Vannella and Acanthamoeba are known potential hosts for Legionella, while Korotnevella is a potential undocumented host. Of the environmental parameters, temperature showed a strong correlation with protist species, suggesting that Legionella frequency was driven by temperature-dependent protist availability. Understanding which protists aid Legionella persistence in water systems will advance our knowledge of the pathology of Legionnaire’s disease and provide potential targets to help predict and prevent disease outbreaks.

This study examined the role of family support in alleviating acculturative stress among African immigrants in the United States. African immigrants face unique challenges, including cultural adjustment, discrimination, and limited access to culturally sensitive resources, which contribute to acculturative stress. This study conceptualized family support as a critical emotional and informational resource that is provided by family members to mitigate stress, while emphasizing the collectivist nature of African cultures and the pivotal role of transnational family networks. This study reviewed published articles by using predetermined keywords to search ResearchGate and Google Scholar for peer-reviewed articles related to family support, acculturative stress, and African immigrants. Some of the findings from this study revealed that strong family cohesion acts as a protective factor against acculturative stress, although family dynamics can sometimes exacerbate stress. This review addresses a critical gap in the literature by centering the experiences of African immigrants and calls for culturally sensitive interventions and future research to examine how family dynamics and transnational networks evolve over time. This review concludes that fostering strong familial ties can significantly improve the acculturation experience for African immigrants in the United States.

Successful Conservative Management of Primary Sternal Osteomyelitis in a Resource-Limited Setting: A Case Report from Rural Nepal

Lewy Body Dementia is the second most common cause of neurodegenerative dementia worldwide and develops as a result of the aggregation of the α-synuclein protein caused by a series of aggregation pathways. This article covers the main pathophysiological pathways of α-synuclein aggregation and, in an updated manner, breaks down the neurotoxicity generated by these pathways in Lewy body dementia.

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract with a multifactorial etiology. Emerging evidence suggests that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of UC. Given the limitations and adverse effects of current therapies, there is a need for novel therapeutic approaches. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors may offer therapeutic potential due to their ability to inhibit ACE, modulate pro-inflammatory cytokines, and reduce oxidative stress. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of lisinopril (LIS) in a trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis model in Wistar rats. Materials and Methods: UC was induced in Wistar rats via a single intracolonic TNBS dose (100 mg/kg). Treatment groups received oral interventions for 5 days: 5-ASA (25.5 mg/kg), LIS (10 mg/kg), or LIS (20 mg/kg). Efficacy was evaluated using the Disease Activity Score (DASR), colon/body weight ratio (CBWR), colon length, diameter, and pH. Colonic tissue was analyzed macroscopically and histopathologically. Inflammatory biomarkers (IL-6, TNF-α), oxidative stress markers (GSH, MDA), and blood parameters (CRP, CBC) were measured. Results: LIS significantly reduced colitis severity, decreasing DASR and CBWR, while restoring colon dimensions and pH. LIS showed potent anti-colitic effects by suppressing TNF-α and IL-6 levels, reducing MDA, and increasing GSH. LIS normalized CRP, restored RBC, WBC and hemoglobin levels. Histopathological and macroscopic analyses confirmed colonic protection with minimal adverse effects on the stomach and liver. Conclusion: Lisinopril, particularly at 20 mg/kg, exhibited dose-dependent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-protective effects, showing promise as a therapeutic agent for UC treatment.

In response to global climate change, numerous taxa are expanding their living ranges. In species with highly migratory aptitudes such as sea turtles, this expansion may be driven by individuals either from nearby or distant areas. Recent observations suggest a range expansion of the philopatric green turtle (Chelonia mydas) to the central and western Mediterranean. To assess the origin of the turtles found in these novel habitats, we first built a genomic baseline, using 2bRAD sequencing on individuals from regular nesting areas in three Regional Management Units (RMU): North Atlantic, South Atlantic and Mediterranean (5 individuals from each RMU). Secondly, we compared this baseline with genotyped hatchlings from three nests laid in new Mediterranean sites and four mature-size green turtles tagged with satellite telemetry in the western Mediterranean basin. Our analyses revealed that the nest in Tunisia was sired by turtles from the South Atlantic RMU, while the two nests in Crete were sired by turtles from the Mediterranean RMU. In addition, the three adult turtles sampled in southwestern Mediterranean were genetically assigned to the South Atlantic RMU while the remaining individual within reproductive size, sampled in northwestern Mediterranean, was genetically assigned to the Mediterranean RMU. These results suggest a simultaneous potential colonisation by two distant regions. We propose that the range expansion of green turtles into the central and western Mediterranean, as also already observed in loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta), is likely driven by climate change and these populations may become globally important as temperatures continue to increase.

Metoclopramide induced acute dystonia with oculogyric crisis and torticollis in a 19-year-old male: A case report