javascript:void(0) The boll weevil, Anthonomus grandis grandis Boheman, and thurberia weevil, Anthonomus grandis thurberiae Pierce (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), together comprise a species complex that ranges throughout Mexico, the southwestern regions of the United States, and South America. The boll weevil is a historically damaging and contemporaneously threatening pest to commercial Upland cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvales: Malvaceae), whereas the thurberia weevil is regarded as an innocuous non-pest subspecies that is mostly found on non-cultivated Gossypium species, e.g. Thurber’s or Arizona cotton, G. thurberi, throughout its native range in western parts of Mexico and the southwestern US. Recent independent analyses using mitochondrial COI and whole genome ddRADseq have suggested the independent evolution of these lineages is largely attributable to geographic isolation and not to host plant preference. We furthered this investigation by employing comparative genomic, population genetic, and pangenome methodologies to identify large and small polymorphisms within this complex and described their role in demography and adaptation. We also leveraged genetic differences to identify nearly 40,000 diagnostic loci between the subspecies, find genes under selection, and model the subspecies’ shared and unique evolutionary history. Interestingly, structural variations capture a large proportion of genes at the population level and demographic reconstruction suggests a split between these subspecies that coincides with cotton cultivation in the southern U.S. in the late 1800s. Observed polymorphisms are enriched for reproductive, regulatory, and metabolic genes which may be attributed to the boll weevil’s rapid expansion onto commercial cotton.

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown Background: Hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC) is an extrahepatic adenocarcinoma characterized by hepatoid differentiation, often associated with elevated serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels. The stomach is the most common site of HAC, and this is specifically identified by the term hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach (HAS). Case: We present a case of a 71-year-old patient who was immunohistologically diagnosed with HAS along with both liver metastasis and pancreatic metastasis. Sindilizumab+ albumin paclitaxel+ 5-fluorouracil+ calcium folinate/ cyclophosphamide was started after the disagreement of surgical treatment. After 6 months treatment, both primary and metastatic lesions visibly shrank and imaging examinations did not reveal the presence of local recurrence or other distant metastasis. Conclusion: More research is still needed for HAS, especially for special cases with multiple metastases simultaneously.

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown Public datasets play a crucial role in advancing autonomous robotics research. The rapid evolution of sensors and applications continually drives the need for new datasets. For instance, the shift from mechanical LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) sensors on autonomous vehicles to (hybrid) solid-state LiDAR technologies like MEMS (Micro-electromechanical systems) LiDAR has brought about enhanced durability and reduced costs. However, datasets supporting research on these sensors are scarce. This paper presents the multi-modular HK-MEMS dataset, incorporating data from LiDARs, a camera, GNSS, and Inertial Navigation Systems. Notably, it is the first dataset to offer automotive-grade MEMS LiDAR data for research in Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM). Compared with existing datasets, our data emphasize extreme environments like degenerate urban tunnels and dynamic scenarios, aiming to enhance the robustness of SLAM systems. The data are collected on various platforms including a handheld device, a mobile robot, and notably, buses with real driving behaviors. We collect 187 minutes and 75.4 kilometers of data. State-of-the-art SLAM methods are evaluated on this benchmark. The result highlights the challenges in extreme environments and underscores the ongoing need to enhance the robustness of SLAM systems. This dataset serves as a valuable platform for exploring the potential and limitations of MEMS LiDAR, and a challenge to enhance the robustness of SLAM in urban navigation scenarios. The data is available at https://github.com/RuanJY/HK_MEMS_Dataset.

A document by Alexia Gaudry. Click on the document to view its contents.

Coronary artery fistula (CAF) is a rare congenital coronary artery anomaly and Infective endocarditis is a rare complication with high mortality rate. We present a 37-year-old female with a giant CAF that was complicated by infective endocarditis of the fistula with extension and involvement of the aortic valve. The diagnose was performed by transthoracic and three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography, then confirmed by computerized tomographic. The patient underwent successful aortic valve replacement and fistula repair after appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Objective: To analyze trends in surgical management of uterine fibroids and identify factors influencing surgical decisions among Chinese women over the past decade. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: Four campuses of Tongji Hospital, Wuhan, China. Population or Sample: Women diagnosed with uterine fibroids undergoing surgical treatment between 2013 and 2022. Methods: Data from surgical inpatients were analyzed for annual rates of hysterectomies and myomectomies. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with choice of surgery. Main Outcome Measures: Rates of hysterectomy and myomectomy over time, factors influencing surgical decision-making, including patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and pre-operative parameters. Results: During the study period, 13,344 women underwent surgery for uterine fibroids, with 4868 opting for hysterectomies and 8476 for myomectomies. Hysterectomy rates decreased from 42.3% to 33.1%, with the 45-49 age group contributing most to this decline, followed by the 40-44 age group. Myomectomy rates increased from 57.7% to 66.9%. Higher likelihoods of hysterectomy were associated with symptomatic fibroids, lower pre-operative hemoglobin, multiple fibroids, older age at admission or menarche, and higher BMI. Among hysterectomy patients, 34.7% also had oophorectomy, compared to 1.1% in the myomectomy group. Conclusions: Surgical management of uterine fibroids in central China has shifted towards increased utilization of myomectomy over hysterectomy, particularly among women aged 40-49. This transition is critical given potential adverse outcomes associated with hysterectomy in premenopausal women.

javascript:void(0) Antioxidants are known for their health beneficial effects by reducing oxidative damage, increasing free radical scavenging rate, blocking and terminating oxidation reactions. They have been widely used as supplements in food, cosmetics, nutraceuticals and medicines. Emerging researches increasingly indicate that the development of diverse research methodologies and the exploration of new microorganisms for heterogeneous synthesis of antioxidants play an indispensable role in socioeconomic development. In this study, we engineered Saccharomyces boulardii for probiotic supplementation of antioxidants such as L-ergothioneine (EGT). We first constructed double knockout of ura3 and trp1 gene in S. boulardii, to facilitate plasmid-based expressions. To further enable effective genome editing of S. boulardii, we implemented the PiggyBac system to transpose the heterologous gene expression cassettes into the chromosomes of S. boulardii. By using enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) as the reporter gene, we achieved random chromosomal integration of EGFP expression cassette. EGT-producing strains were subsequently obtained via the PiggyBac transposon system. One isolated S. boulardii mutant produced EGT at 17.50 mg/L after 120 h cultivation. In summary, we have applied the PiggyBac transposon system to S. boulardii for the first time for genetic engineering. The engineered probiotic yeast S. boulardii has been endowed with new antioxidant properties and produces EGT. It has potential applications in developing novel therapeutics and dietary supplements for the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

Forestation plays a pivotal role in mitigating climate change by capturing a substantial fraction of CO2 emitted by activities. However, the efficiency of carbon (C) sequestration for different restoration approaches such as planted forests (PFs) and naturally regenerated forests (NRFs) remains unclear, causing large uncertainty in climate projections. A terrestrial ecosystem model framework, which combined the Bayesian approach with a traceability method, was used to identify the efficacy of C sequestration in four NRFs and two PFs after 54-years of reforestation in the boreal forest of northeastern China. The results showed that the rate of C accumulation among the six forests ranged from 135.1 (Mongolian oak) to 400.3 g C m-2 year-1 (Dahurian larch) in the period of 2015-2100. The two highest total C storage values at the end of the projection period were Dahurian larch forest (57.9 ± 1.59 kg C m-2, PFs) and hardwood forest (53.8 ± 3.01 kg C m-2, NRFs), which were mainly the result of net primary production (NPP, 749.1 ± 47.2 g C m-2 year-1) and ecosystem C residence time (ζE, 101 ± 5 years), respectively. The efficiency of C sequestration in PFs was found to be more influenced by plant traits, especially NPP, as well as the turnover rate of foliage and carbon allocation to wood. In contrast, the efficiency of C sequestration in NRFs was more correlated to the residence time of soil organic carbon, the C:N ratio of litter, and the content of soil inorganic nitrogen. The study highlights the different contributions of plants and soil to carbon storage in PFs and NRFs and advances our understanding of C accumulation between PFs and NRFs forests in long term under the same climate condition. Our findings provide valuable guidance for designing reforestation strategies aimed at enhancing the terrestrial carbon sink in the future climates.

javascript:void(0) Background Few studies have investigated the relationship between baseline type 2 biomarker levels and clinical features in pediatric asthma, particularly in Th2-high phenotypes, which could provide insights into asthma prognosis and remission. Objective To explore the link between baseline type 2 biomarker levels and clinical manifestations in pediatric asthma, identifying predictors of clinical remission. Methods The study included 172 children with a mean age of 6.87±3.04 years, comprising 119 asthma patients and 53 non-respiratory symptom controls. Clinical evaluations such as lung function tests, FeNO, total IgE, blood eosinophil counts, and skin tests were conducted. Serum Th2 biomarkers were measured by ELISA. Patients were classified into Th2-high asthma based on eosinophil count and total IgE levels and further categorized into acute attack, persistent asthma, and clinical remission groups. Additionally, mouse models were used to measure TSLP levels in BALF, serum, and lung tissue by ELISA, mirroring the human study design. Result Serum TSLP levels were significantly higher in subjects with acute exacerbation and persistent asthma compared to those in remission and controls. A positive correlation was found between serum TSLP levels and clinical remission (OR=1.009; P<0.05). Mouse model data supported the clinical findings, showing increased TSLP levels in chronic stages. Conclusion Serum TSLP correlates with clinical remission in Th2-high asthma and, combined with lung function tests, may serve as a biomarker for asthma remission evaluation. Further studies with larger cohorts are warranted to validate these findings.

Objective To explore the adverse drug event (ADE) signals of isavuconazole using data from the US FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database, providing a basis for rational drug use in clinical settings. Methods Data on adverse events in the FAERS database from the first quarter of 2004 to the third quarter of 2023 (79 quarters) were extracted. Signal mining was conducted using the reporting odds ratio (ROR) combined with the proportional reporting ratio (PRR). Results A total of 2,065 cases of adverse events with isavuconazole as the primary suspected drug were identified. Analysis revealed 76 valid preferred term (PT) signals involving 14 system organ classifications (SOCs). The most common ADEs included hepatotoxicity and infections and infestations, which may be related to fungal breakthrough infections. Conclusion ADE signals of isavuconazole can be mined and analyzed based on the FAERS database, providing a basis for safe and rational clinical drug use.

From Dyspnea to Diagnosis: A Pediatric Case Report on an Unexpected ConditionYotam Ophir, MD1, Marketa Bloomfield, MD, PhD2, Jana Tukova, MD, PhD1Department of Pediatric and Inherited Metabolic disorders, General University Hospital, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.2 Department of Immunology, Motol University Hospital, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.

Abnormal behavior detection in dense crowds, during the Hajj pilgrimage, is critical for public safety. Existing approches faces challenges due to factors like illumination variations, occlusion, and uniform attire. This research introduces the Crowd Anomaly Detection Framework (CADF), an enhanced version of YOLOv8, designed to address these challenges. The framework features a modular backbone, multi-scale feature fusion, and soft-NMS to improve detection accuracy in over crowded scenes. Applied to the HAJJv2 dataset, the CADF shows significant improvements in detection accuracy, achieving an AUC of 88.27% performing better then YOLOv2 by 13.09% and YOLOv5 by12.19% with a high F1 score of 94.7%. The framework is reliable for enhancing public safety during large-scale events, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 11 to improve health, well-being, and urban safety

javascript:void(0) Ecological disturbance regimes are shifting and leaving behind novel legacies, like the remnant structures of dead foundation species, which have poorly known impacts on ecosystem resilience. We explored how dead coral skeletons produced by marine heatwaves–material legacies of increasingly common disturbances on coral reefs–influence spatial competition between corals and macroalgae. Following a heatwave, we removed dead skeletons from reef patches then used photogrammetry and AI-powered image analysis to quantify trajectories of coral and macroalgae. Skeleton removal yielded 60% more live coral and 50% less macroalgae relative to patches with skeletons left intact. Dead skeletons facilitated macroalgae development, and greater macroalgal abundance caused steeper declines in live coral. Lastly, removing skeletons stimulated four times more coral recruitment onto stable reef substrate. Our findings identify a promising avenue to manage for coral reef resilience and reveal how material legacies can alter physical environments to sway the outcomes of spatial competition.

The protection of the Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem identified by the presence of the critically endangered bamboo coral Isidella elongata has been recognized as an urgent task. Although some research has focused on its spatial distribution, there is no available information on this species connectivity and genetic structure. This study aims to investigate, for the first time, the genetic diversity pattern and the inter-population connectivity of I. elongata at the Mediterranean scale. A DNA-based approach was used to assess the genetic diversity of 33 I. elongata samples collected in six different areas using two mitochondrial genes (COI and MutS), and a nuclear one (ITS2). Molecular results confirmed that all samples belonged to I. elongata and showed a scarce level of intra- and inter-populational mtDNA differentiation, whereas nuDNA data showed higher genetic structuring. Furthermore, a Lagrangian model (forward-in-time simulations) was used to investigate the species larval connectivity under different sea currents conditions. Our results suggest the presence of persistent pathways, supporting the self-sustaining nature of the populations, especially in the central Mediterranean Sea. This study finding are discussed in light of the implementation of management measures encompassing both the conservation of vulnerable species and the sustainability of deep-water fisheries.

javascript:void(0)Celiac artery aneurysm: Report of a rare case and brief review of the literature

Leaf-eared mice (genus Phyllotis) are among the most widespread and abundant small mammals in the Andean Altiplano, but species boundaries and distributional limits are often poorly delineated due to sparse survey data from remote mountains and high-elevation deserts. Here we report a combined analysis of mitochondrial DNA variation and whole-genome sequence (WGS) variation in Phyllotis mice to delimit species boundaries, to assess the timescale of diversification of the group, and to examine evidence for interspecific hybridization. Estimates of divergence dates suggest that most diversification of Phyllotis occurred during the past 3 million years. Consistent with the Pleistocene Aridification hypothesis, our results suggest that diversification of Phyllotis largely coincided with climatically induced environmental changes in the mid- to late Pleistocene. Contrary to the Montane Uplift hypothesis, most diversification in the group occurred well after the major phase of uplift of the Central Andean Plateau. Species delimitation analyses revealed surprising patterns of cryptic diversity within several nominal forms, suggesting the presence of much undescribed alpha diversity in the genus. Results of genomic analyses revealed evidence of ongoing hybridization between the sister species Phyllotis limatus and P. vaccarum and suggest that the contemporary zone of range overlap between the two species may represent an active hybrid zone.

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown Invasive species are a major challenge to managers worldwide due to their ability to rapidly change their niche space and behavior in order to reproduce and survive in a novel environment. One globally distributed invasive species, the Pacific oyster, Crassostrea (Magallana) gigas, first arrived in Sweden in 2006. To date, they have not colonized the low salinity waters of the Baltic Sea, and it has generally been assumed that the inability of Pacific oysters to reproduce in low salinities has acted as a barrier. We have studied differences in fertilization rates among oysters along the invasion range, and examined heritability of salinity tolerance through classic mating designs across five different salinity levels. We found that fertilization rates in low salinities increased with proximity to the range front, and that there was a strong heritable component to these differences. We then used whole genome sequence data to identify genomic regions that diverged significantly from expected Mendelian inheritance in larval full-sib families that survived in low salinities. Our results show that a chromosomal region containing coding sequences for all histones forming the nucleosome, as well as a region containing LSU and SSU subunit ribosomal DNA in the sperm, are involved in low-salinity tolerance at fertilization and early development. We also found no evidence of recent bottlenecks or reductions in genetic diversity along the invasion front compared to more established populations. We therefore conclude that the Pacific oyster has the potential to adapt further to low-salinity conditions and may invade the Baltic Sea.

Introduction: Brugada syndrome (BrS) with potassium channel mutation is less frequently reported. We report the case of a 26-year-old male with unexplained syncope who was discovered to have a novel KCNH2 gene mutation with right ventricular structural abnormalities. Methods and Results: A type I Brugada EKG pattern was revealed with V1 and V2 leads moving to the second intercostal space. Echocardiography and cardiac MRI demonstrated right ventricular structural abnormalities and myocardial fibrosis. Genetic testing identified a novel heterozygous mutation in the KCNH2 gene. The treatment method involves the implantation of an implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD). After 23 months of ICD implantation, his arrhythmia was terminated by ICD with evidence of ventricular fibrillation. Νo new arrhythmia recorded during follow-up. Conclusion: A deeper understanding of BrS is required to establish a potential role for KCNH2 gene mutation and right ventricular structural abnormalities in generating ventricular arrhythmias.

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown INTRODUCTION Nepal is endemic to typhoid fever, primarily caused by Salmonella typhi and Salmonella paratyphi A. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates an annual prevalence of 0.3% [1]. Typhoid fever can affect multiple organ systems and lead to complications, including sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), though this is rare [2,3]. This report presents a young adult with SNHL following typhoid fever, highlighting a unique and uncommon clinical course.

A new species, Meiogyne angurugensis M.-F.Liu, G.A.Wood & Junhao Chen, is described from Groot Eylandt. It is most similar to Meiogyne heteropetala (F.Muell.) D.C.Thomas, Chaowasku & R.M.K.Saunders, but differs in the number of the carpel per flower, the size of the perianth, and the outer petal aestivation. A key to Meiogyne species in Australia is presented.

Background: The availability of rapid, sensitive, and simple diagnostic methods is essential for the control of the highly contagious and rapidly transmitted respiratory viral infections. The colloidal gold strips method, the most widely used antigen detection, provides a simple and rapid assay but suffers from the low sensitivity. The purpose of this study was to develop a rapid and sensitive method for detecting the antigen of influenza A virus. Methods: We developed an Immuno-recombinase -aided amplification (IRAA) assay for ultrasensitive detection of Influenza B virus antigen. IRAA was based on recombinant human mannan-binding lectin (rhMBL, M1 protein)-encapsulated magnetic beads (M1 magnetic beads) to efficiently enrich the Influenza B virus particles from the clinical sample. The detection antibody-ssDNA complex was subsequently bound to the M1 magnetic beads. Finally, ssDNA was amplified using the RAA assay. In parallel, the colloidal gold strip assay for Influenza B virus antigen was compared. Using 64 clinical pharyngeal swab specimens, we explored the specificity, sensitivity and applicability of the newly developed IRAA. Results: The limit of detection of IRAA assay was 0.125pg/mL (BY) and 0.013 pg/mL (BV) of Influenza B virus, which was a 10,000-fold increase in detection sensitivity compared to colloidal gold assays. Moreover, the detection specificity of the IRAA for Influenza B virus was 95.6%. Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that IRAA assay has remarkable potential for the early, rapid and sensitive differential diagnosis of Influenza B virus in the point-of-care testing after more sample validation and optimization.

Abstract: Studies show that Olfactory Ensheathed Cells (OEC’s) can be an answer to reversing paraplegia, as there are neural regenerative possibilities associated with physiotherapy. The body has a complex intelligence system, controlled by the brain and spinal cord. When the spinal cord is damaged, the ability to walk is compromised. Through OEC cell transplantation, reconnection can occur in the injured region. In this clinical-qualitative research we will learn about the role and performance of intensive physiotherapy in the rehabilitation of paraplegia, through Dr. Raisman’s pioneering method, which aims to restore strength after spinal cord injury. For this formulation, articles were selected, in addition to a semi-structured interview with the patient, after approval by the Professional Ethics Committee. Therefore, we realize that intensive physiotherapeutic programs can provide excellent responses in the motor and neurological recovery of patients undergoing restorative therapies. Repetitive and intense training was beneficial to the first patient who regained walking. We understand that OEC cells are highly specialized for regeneration and can overcome this problem in relation to the CNS. Although the Project presented is classified as an Experimental Project, requiring quantitative proof, the importance of intensive physiotherapeutic plans is clear.

Background: Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is a leading cause of pediatric morbidity and mortality, particularly in developing countries. The COVID-19 pandemic, with its extensive non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs), has significantly altered respiratory infection patterns. This study explores the pandemic’s impact on severe pediatric pneumonia cases and the potential effects of NPIs on respiratory diseases. Methods: We report a case series of 48 pediatric patients with severe pneumonia, presenting in two groups: 13 patients from September to November 2023 and 35 patients from December 2022 to January 2023. Results: The median age was 6 years. Common symptoms included cough and fever, with 76.9% reporting recent upper respiratory infections. Many patients deteriorated rapidly, requiring intensive care. Streptococcus pneumoniae was the most common pathogen identified. Significant interventions included chest tube insertions, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), and thrombolytic therapy. The study noted a rise in necrotizing pneumonia (NP) and severe complications, including respiratory failure and multi-organ dysfunction, with a 4.1% mortality rate. Discussion: The study suggests that pandemic-related changes in respiratory infection patterns, particularly reduced influenza and altered bacterial coinfection rates, may have led to an ”immunity debt”. This phenomenon could result from weakened immune responses due to reduced exposure to common pathogens during the pandemic, leading to more severe bacterial infections post-pandemic. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for vigilance in monitoring respiratory infections in children post-pandemic. Enhanced vaccination, timely diagnosis, and effective treatment are essential for managing the evolving challenges of pediatric pneumonia in the COVID-19 aftermath.

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown Our knowledge of coronaviruses has grown since their discovery in the 1960s. Back then, scientists found the first one in lab-grown trachea cells from an adult suffering from common cold, and named them as coronavirus for their crown-like spikes; recognising them as a new virus family. Research soon revealed a world of coronaviruses infecting not only humans, but also a menagerie of animals. In our study, we have taken whole genome sequences of 30 coronavirus variants for identifying unique simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and have considered them as biomarkers. Furthermore, we have compared the length of their genome sequences, which reveal insertions or deletions that may be responsible for functioning of the viruses. Additionally, we have analysed the GC content (%), which provide information about replication processes of the viruses, and have studied their relative abundance and density for understanding the prevalence of repeats in the genomic loci. Finally, we have conducted a phylogenetic analysis which explains how these variants are related and potentially how they emerged. With all the analysed data, we can gain deeper insights into the diversity and evolution of coronaviruses that can be instrumental in developing diagnostics, vaccines, and treatments to combat future outbreaks.