Monoterpenes in conifer oleoresin frequently occur as complex blends of 15-30 components, but the underlying ecological reasons for these mixtures are not yet known. We tested the toxicity of 12 individual Norway spruce monoterpenes and their mixtures to adult Eurasian spruce bark beetles, Ips typographus, and three major symbiotic fungi in the vapor phase. Individual monoterpenes had generally opposite effects on bark beetles compared to symbiotic fungi, with the compounds most toxic to beetles being the least inhibitory to fungal growth and vice versa. These results support the interaction diversity hypothesis, which posits that defense mixtures are maintained because the individual components target different attackers. Among the symbiotic fungi tested, one (Grosmannia penicillata) exhibited high tolerance to monoterpenes, and its growth was even stimulated by the monoterpenes most toxic to the beetle. Interestingly, spruce bark responds to G. penicillata inoculation by accumulating higher concentrations of specifically fungistatic monoterpenes.

Purpose: Monitoring of adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) is recommended for post-licensure surveillance. We investigated whether the South African surveillance system could detect signals of disproportionate reporting and whether these signals aligned with globally identified AEFI and adverse events of special interest (AESI) post-COVID-19 vaccination. Methods: This retrospective pharmacovigilance study undertook disproportionality analysis of the National Department of Health AEFI database from the start of the COVID-19 vaccine rollout on 17/05/2021 to 31/12/2022. We complemented this with AEFI reports for vaccines not on the routine Expanded Programme on Immunisation schedule, to address potential masking of signals due to the high reporting rate of COVID-19 vaccine AEFI. Results: During the study period, 3846 AEFI were reported for 37,537,009 doses of COVID-19 vaccines (BNT162b2 and Ad26.COV2.S) administered. The overall reporting rate was 10.2 per 100,000 doses, 18.1/100,000 and 7.9/100,000 for BNT162b2 and Ad26.COV2.S, respectively. Comparison with other countries suggests underreporting. Disproportionate reporting signals were obtained for three and seven AEFI following BNT162b2 and Ad26.COV2.S vaccines, respectively. An additional AEFI signal from Ad26.COV2.S emerged in the augmented dataset, indicating masking. All Ad26.COV2.S signals, and one BNT162b2 signal, appear in the vaccines’ product information. Among nine AESI evaluated, myocarditis/pericarditis presented as a signal of disproportionate reporting following BNT162b2 vaccination. Conclusion: This study is one of the first from a lower middle income country, using a spontaneous reporting system for signal detection post-COVID-19 vaccination. Signals aligned with those reported globally. The study highlights needs to further investigate underreporting, masking, and system attributes for system strengthening.

Drought can profoundly alter freshwater ecosystems. Although the impacts of drought on freshwater fish have received increasing attention, our understanding of the response of fish gut microbes to drought event remains limited. We combined approaches focusing on community assembly processes and microbial core network to investigate the dynamic interactions between fish gut microbes and external environment during drought and recovery periods, and assessed the resistibility of fish gut microbes at different periods. We found that drought would decrease the diversity of fish gut microbes and affect the composition and function of microbial communities in fish gut. The exchange of microbes in fish gut and external environment compensated for the decline of gut microbial resistibility during drought. In addition, the effects of drought on fish propagated through trophic cascades. The compensation mechanism of fish gut microbes during drought reflects the adaptability of fish to different environments. Our study highlights the dynamic interactions between microbes in fish gut and external environment, and provides a new perspective for understanding the adaptability of fish to extreme environments.

The gut microbiota contributes to host health by facilitating nutrient uptake, digestion, energy metabolism, intestinal development, vitamin synthesis, and immunomodulation, and plays an important role in the growth and reproduction of the animal itself. Considering the paucity of research on the gut microbiota of wild snakes, this study focused on bamboo pitviper (Viridovipera stejnegeri) populations from Anhui, Guizhou, and Hunan, with multiple fecal samples collected from each population (six, five, and three, respectively). Total microbial DNA was extracted from the fecal samples using metagenomic next-generation sequencing and differences in gut microbial composition, abundance, and carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) were analyzed among the three populations. Results showed no significant variance in the α-diversity of the gut microbes across the three populations, while principal coordinate analysis revealed significant differences in gut microbe composition. The four most abundant phyla in the gut microbiota of V. stejnegeri were Pseudomonadota, Bacteroidota, Actinomycetota, and Bacillota, while the four most abundant genera were Salmonella, Citrobacter, Bacteroides, and Yokenella. Linear discriminant analysis effect size demonstrated notable differences in gut microbial abundance among the three populations. Marked differences in CAZyme abundance were also observed across the microbial communities. Future studies should incorporate diverse ecological factors to evaluate their influence on the composition and function of gut microbiota. This integrated approach, alongside detailed functional analysis of microbiota, should deepen our understanding of gut microbial dynamics in wild snakes.

Anthropogenic land use change concurrent with introductions of non-native species alters the abundance and distribution of foraging resources for wildlife. This is particularly concerning when resource bottlenecks for wildlife are linked to spillover of infectious diseases to humans. Hendra virus is a bat-borne pathogen in eastern Australia. Spillovers align with winter food shortages for flying foxes and flying foxes foraging in agriculture or peri-urban lands, as opposed to native forests. It is believed the increased abundance and spatiotemporal reliability of non-native species planted in anthropogenically modified areas compared to native, ephemeral diet species may be a key draw for flying foxes into urban and peri-urban areas. We investigate the explanatory power of environmental factors on the winter roost occupancy of the reservoir for Hendra virus, Pteropus alecto, from 2007-2020 in Queensland, Australia. We measure the extent, spatial aggregation, and annual reliability of typical (i.e. native) and atypical (i.e. non-native) winter habitat species in 20km foraging areas around roosts surveyed by the National Flying Fox Monitoring Program. We find that neither the extent nor the spatial distribution of typical or atypical winter habitats explained black flying fox winter roost presence. Although the establishment of roosts was associated with high reliability for typical winter diet species, the reliability of the most frequently listed winter diet species surrounding surveyed roosts was not different between roosts that were occupied versus unoccupied in the winter. Significant interactions between lagged weather conditions and winter habitats identified by the best model did not reflect observable differences in patterns of occupancy upon scrutiny. Static measures of winter habitat and weather conditions poorly explained the winter roost occupancy of black flying foxes. Understanding the drivers of flying fox movement and presence requires further investigation before they can be thoughtfully integrated into Hendra spillover prevention efforts and flying fox management.

Objectives: We assessed the prevalence and genetic diversity of human adenovirus in children up to five years old, with and without acute gastroenteritis, in the Amazon region during 2016, 2017, and 2021. Design: This cross-sectional study used fecal samples from children admitted to a hospital in Boa Vista, Roraima. The samples were tested for adenovirus using quantitative real-time PCR and further characterized by PCR and sequencing of three specific genes. Results: Out of 942 samples, 13% tested positive for adenovirus—12% in children with acute gastroenteritis and 15.6% in children without gastroenteritis. Genotyping revealed that species F and C were predominant in acute gastroenteritis cases, while species F and A were more common in non-acute cases. The study found significant temporal variations in prevalence, with the highest rates in 2016. Adenovirus D37 was detected for the first time in Brazil. Conclusions: The study highlighted the notable presence and diversity of adenovirus among children in the Amazon region, emphasizing the need for continuous monitoring.

Comments on Successful Treatment of a high-risk diabetic Foot Ulcer by Ozone Therapy and Collagen Powder: A case reportMostafa Javanian1, Mohammad Barary2, Soheil Ebrahimpour1, *Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, IranStudent Research Committee, School of Medical Education and Learning Technologies, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranCorrespondence:  Soheil Ebrahimpour, Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran. Email: drsoheil1503@yahoo.com

A document by Ashish Tamang. Click on the document to view its contents.

A central aim of conservation is to preserve existing biodiversity and understand the ecological and evolutionary processes that support it. Inter- and intra-specific hybridization in wildlife has been recognized as a common and naturally occurring phenomenon that facilitates species adaptation and evolution. However, hybridization still constitutes one of the most challenging problems for legal protection and species management due to its perceived biological risk, lack of regulatory oversight, and different case-by-case impacts. When considering rare or threatened hybridizing species with unequal legal protection, management strategies risk being inaccurate or unsuccessful unless contextualized with an informed understanding of the species’ genetic and evolutionary backgrounds. We investigated hybridization dynamics and genetic diversity of American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) and Morelet’s crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii) from Belize to ascertain whether genetic exchange through admixture displayed signs of evolutionary significance. Using genomic reduced representation (3RAD) datasets from 242 wild crocodile samples, we found evidence of population structure among C. acutus, as well as ancient bidirectional gene flow that had occurred between C. acutus and C. moreletii. Notably, we also found evidence of high levels of recent admixture along the coastal Crocodylus populations in areas with extensive habitat modification due to human impact. These findings as well as a discovered disconnect between morphological and genetic species assignments used to identify populations have implications for conservation management practices and suggest a range of additional genetic investigations to understand the natural and anthropogenic role of hybridization in large long-lived tropical predators that span marine and terrestrial ecosystems.

Background: Indigenous Peoples continue to face colonisation and oppressive policies that intentionally disrupt their ways of life and wellbeing. The increased experience of disease for Indigenous Peoples, due to colonial processes, is confounded by immense difficulties accessing culturally secure healthcare. The experience of pain for Indigenous Peoples within this unjust socio-political context encompasses physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental pain. Objective: This systematic review aims to explore factors related to the experience of pain for Indigenous Peoples globally. Search Strategy: Four databases: PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched utilising a pre-established search strategy to identify qualitative papers that focused on experiences and understandings of pain among global Indigenous Communities. Data extraction and synthesis: Two independent reviewers performed title, abstract and full text screening, which resulted in the inclusion of 26 papers. Data extraction and synthesis was done in two stages which involved grouping illustrations from papers into categories, and then into five overarching synthesised findings. Main results: The synthesised findings aligned with social ecological theories and included: intrapersonal, interpersonal, institutional and cultural levels. For Indigenous Peoples, pain is situated within a complex network of social, historical, and political determinants of health. Discussion: The creation of a judgment-free space, accessibility of traditional healing practices and a greater inclusion of family and Community throughout treatment processes were identified as facilitators to care for Indigenous Peoples experiencing pain. Conclusion: By ascertaining and prioritising patient desires throughout the pain management experiences, practitioners can actualise self-determination of patient wellbeing and ensure provision of culturally respectful and comprehensive care.

Objective: Emerging evidence suggests a possible link between the COVID-19 pandemic and a rise in GDM prevalence, however, this relationship is not well characterized. This study assesses socioeconomic and medical risk factors associated with GDM across phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. Design: A retrospective cohort of all maternal deliveries from October 2015 - May 2022 was stratified between Pre-Pandemic, Lockdown, and Post Lockdown phases. Maternal demographics, gestational characteristics, and medical pregnancy complications were assessed. Setting: Sutter Sacramento Medical Center, a large community hospital in Sacramento, CA. Population: All maternal deliveries from October 2015 through May 2022 were included. Methods: Contingency tables, Χ 2 tests of independence, and logistic regression models were applied for data analysis. Main Outcome Measures: A total of 41,246 deliveries were evaluated. GDM prevalence was 5.4% overall (4.1% Pre-Pandemic, 7.6% Lockdown, 7.1% Post Lockdown). Results: Adjusted odds of GDM were 1.62 in Lockdown (95% CI:1.41-1.85) and 1.462 in Post Lockdown (95% CI:1.307-1.635). Variables associated with GDM included maternal age ≥35 years, Hispanic ethnicity, Asian or “Other” race, obesity, multiple gestation, PCOS, and preeclampsia. Risk factors for GDM were similar across the three periods. Conclusions: The surge in GDM prevalence observed during the Lockdown and Post Lockdown periods was not fully explained by identified socioeconomic and medical risk factors. COVID-19 pandemic-specific factors may underlie these trends.

Objective The primary objective of this study was to develop and evaluate a machine learning (ML) model for predicting preterm birth (PTB) and spontaneous preterm birth (SPTB) using biopsychosocial data. Design Secondary analysis of a cohort data. Sample Data from a prospective longitudinal pregnancy cohort, All Our Families, were used in the current study. Pregnant individuals prior to 25 weeks gestation with a medically low-risk pregnancy were eligible for recruitment. Methods ML classification models were trained to predict both SPTB and PTB using a total of 52 input features. Main Outcome Measures Machine learning model accuracy and the features selected. Results Moderate accuracies were achieved by the PTB (ROC-AUC = 0.62±0.03) and SPTB models (ROC-AUC = 0.57±0.05). For PTB, the most informative variables were a diagnosis of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (HDP), feelings towards pregnancy, use of fertility treatment, satisfaction with social support, and exercise. For SPTB, the top predictive factors were use of fertility treatment, feelings towards pregnancy, diagnosis of HDP, household income, and satisfaction with social support. Conclusions The current study sets the stage for further research to use ML models to predict perinatal outcomes and examine novel and potentially modifiable biopsychosocial factors contributing to the overall risk of PTB.

The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is the master clock that orchestrates circadian clocks across the body to synchronize with and anticipate the earth’s light/dark cycles. Although post-transcriptional regulators called microRNAs have been implicated in physiological SCN function, how the absence of the entire mature miRNome impacts SCN output has not yet been explored. Here, we have generated an SCN-specific Dicer knockout mouse model by crossing Syt10Cre mice with Dicerflox mice to study behavioral consequences of miRNA depletion in the SCN. We show that loss of all mature miRNAs in the SCN shortens the circadian period length by ~40 minutes at the tissue level, and by ~50 minutes at the locomotor activity level. Knockout animals also showed arrythmicity or ultradian locomotor activities with no light masking under constant light, a condition which usually caused lengthening of the circadian period length and reduced activities, i.e. light masking, in nocturnal animals. Moreover, induction of Dicer knockout by Cre injection into the SCN of adult Dicerflox mice eventually resulted in loss of behavioral rhythms. Finally, we show suggestive evidence that SCN desynchronization might be one mechanism underlying the behavioral phenotypes of SCN-specific Dicer knockout animals.

Introduction: Leishmaniasis, a chronic vector-borne disease caused by parasites of the genus Leishmania, presents diagnostic challenges. Conventional diagnostic methods struggle with accurate visualization of these parasites. Immunostaining with CD1a has demonstrated effectiveness in visualizing Leishmania parasites, particularly in the Old World. However, the application of CD1a immunostaining in Colombian leishmaniasis remains unexplored. Objective: To determine the utility of CD1a as an immunomarker in detecting chronic forms of tegumentary leishmaniasis. Materials and methods: This proof-of-concept study involved 48 paraffin-embedded samples categorized into three groups: moderate-to-high parasite load (n=15), low load (n=15), and chronic granulomatous inflammation (n=13); five samples diagnosed with cutaneous histoplasmosis. These samples were stained with the immunomarker CD1a clone EP3622 for comparative analysis. Additionally, CD1a immunohistochemistry was compared with 18S rDNA qPCR and hematoxylin-eosin staining to evaluate its performance in relation to these established methods. Results: CD1a Immunohistochemistry was positive in 46.51% of the samples evaluated. This immunomarker showed lower sensitivity and negative predictive value than 18S rDNA qPCR and hematoxylin-eosin staining; specificity and negative predictive value were consistent. ROC indicated inferior discrimination for leishmaniasis compared to 18s rDNA qPCR and hematoxylin-eosin staining. Conclusions: Immunohistochemistry for CD1a could be a diagnostic support in the detection of chronic forms of tegumentary leishmaniasis.

While elevated arousal is associated with memory enhancement, few studies have examined how alterations in arousal due to paced breathing influence memory formation. Viewing emotional stimuli tends to increase arousal and increase memory for subsequent neutral stimuli, an impact known as the emotional carry-over effect (Tambini, Rimmele, et al., 2017). The current study expanded on previous research by implementing paced breathing after viewing emotional images to alter arousal. To explore the impacts of paced breathing on memory, one hundred and seventy young adults viewed a block of emotional pictures and then viewed a block of neutral pictures while breathing at a slow-pace (E-N SPB), normal pace (E-N Normal), or fast-pace (E-N FPB). Control participants viewed neutral pictures and then neutral pictures while breathing at a normal pace (N-N Normal). Participants returned four hours later for a surprise recognition memory test. For both slow and fast-paced breathing, memory was better for Block 1 than Block 2, indicating that changing breathing pace led to decreased memory. For all groups, change in skin conductance levels (sympathetic nervous system response) were also higher for the Block 1 than Block 2. Alternatively, heart rate variability (sympathetic nervous system and parasympathetic nervous system) differed by breathing pace such that it increased for slow-paced breathing and decreased for fast-paced breathing. These results indicate that although slow-paced breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system and mitigates physiological response, the distraction of changing breathing pace may reduce the emotional carry-over effect, yielding decreased memory when neutral information follows negative information.

This paper introduces a CMOS voltage reference circuit with low line sensitivity (LS) and temperature coefficient (TC) across a wide temperature range. The circuit consume relatively with low power consumption by supplying current through a current mirror structure that utilizes leakage current. The stability of the voltage reference value (Vref) is enhanced by employing a feedback structure, making the circuit more robust to variations in the supply voltage. Furthermore, the circuit produces a stable output by compensating for p-n junction leakage current across a wide temperature range. Consequently, the proposed circuit exhibits low LS over a wide temperature range. Simulations are conducted using Hspice with the TSMC 180nm process. The proposed circuit operates at Vref of 228mV at room temperature with a variation coefficient of 0.345%. It has a line sensitivity of 0.014%/V when the supply voltage varies from 0.6V to 1.8V and a temperature coefficient of 60.2ppm/°C in temperatures range from -40°C to 150°C

The release of Apple's StoreKit 2 in 2021 marked a significant advancement in iOS monetization tools, addressing limitations of its predecessor, StoreKit 1, introduced in 2009. This scholarly article examines StoreKit 2's enhanced features, including asynchronous APIs, automated transaction management, improved subscription capabilities, and increased transparency. These improvements collectively streamline the integration of in-app purchases and subscriptions, enhancing both user trust and developer convenience. Our study employs a hands-on methodology using the "SKDemo" app from WWDC 2022 as the primary test case to evaluate the framework's real-world functionality. This approach ensures our findings are based on standardized, replicable conditions that reflect the capabilities and limitations of StoreKit 2 as intended by its developers. We provide an in-depth analysis of how StoreKit 2 can transform the landscape of in-app transactions and user interactions, focusing on practical applications and potential scenarios within the iOS ecosystem. Additionally, the article proposes ideas for new features that could further assist users in navigating their purchase issues, enhancing their overall experience. Through this exploration, we aim to offer developers and stakeholders a comprehensive guide to the strategic advantages of adopting StoreKit 2, emphasizing its role in transforming iOS app development and monetization.

Tianwen Liu1#, Zhaoli Fu1#, Yanfeng Lin1, Jingyi Xu2, Xiaofeng Lin1, Shuting Wen1, Shumin Qin1*1. Department of Gastroenterology，The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guanzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, China.2. Guanzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China.

Acute myeloid leukemia myelodysplasia-related with

A document by Qian Huang. Click on the document to view its contents.

A document by Bibek Shrestha. Click on the document to view its contents.

Incorporating Innovative B-Cell Targeting Therapeutics into a Combined-Modality Bridging Approach Followed by Timely Consolidative Haploidentical Transplantation to Salvage a Pediatric Patient with Relapsed/Refractory Diffuse Large B-Cell LymphomaYu-Ju Chao1, Pei-Ing Lee2, Tzu-Hsien Yang3, Li-Hua Fang4, Yu-Chun Tsai5, Ming-Yuan Lee6, Yun-Hsin Wang7, Liuh-Yow Chen3, and Rong-Long Chen1*1Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan2Department of Nuclear Medicine, Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan3 Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan4Department of Pharmacy, Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan5Department of Radiation Oncology, Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan6Department of Pathology, Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan7Department of Molecular Medicine, Koo Foundation Sun Yat-Sen Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan*Corresponding author: RL ChenName : Rong-Long Chen, M.D.Tel. no. : 886-2-2897-0011; Fax no. : 886-2-2896-2591E-mail : rlchen@kfsyscc.orgAddress : No. 125, Lih-Der Road, Pei-Tou District, Taipei, Taiwan, 11259Word count : Main text (excludes Title page, Abstract, Conflicts of Interest Statement, Acknowledgments, References, Tables, Figures, and Legends) 850.Number of Tables, Figures, and Supporting Information files: 2Running title : Novel Salvage of Resistant Large Cell lymphomaKeywords : Antibody-drug conjugates; chimeric antigen receptor T-cells; diffuse large B-cell lymphoma; HLA haplo-identical transplantation; childhood; peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.

A Case of Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole Associated Aseptic MeningitisMalik W.Z. Khan¹, Abdul Moeez², Sameen Farooq³, Adam Saeed², Salma Qudrat², Farishta Ali³, Faheemullah Khan⁴¹Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; malik.khan@yale.edu²Khyber Medical College, Peshawar, Pakistan; moeex245@gmail.com, dradamsaeed8268@gmail.com, salmaqd19@gmail.com³Montefiore Medical Center, New Rochelle, NYC, USA; ali.farishta@gmail.com, sfarooq@montefiore.org⁴Section of Cardiovascular Imaging, Diagnostic Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, USA; khanf7@ccf.org

A document by Na Di. Click on the document to view its contents.