Search

Body size influences ecological interactions between species as well as social interactions within species, eventually affecting the evolution of large-scale biodiversity patterns. Thus, macroecological investigations of body size can connect spatial variation in selection regimes and the evolution of organisms distributed through space. To better understand intra-specific body size variation in ectotherms, we considered eight hypotheses proposed in the literature, asking which best explain the geographical body size variation of Bufo minshanicus, an animal endemic to the eastern Tibetan Plateau, that is broadly distributed across high elevations (1700–3700 m). The body size of B. minshanicus from 4658 adult toads was obtained from 16 study sites, covering the majority of the distributional range of the species. We found that B. minshanicus had larger bodies and higher post-hibernation body condition in areas with greater seasonality (supporting the hibernation hypothesis). In addition, we found that individuals living in populations with lower precipitation and lower annual actual evapotranspiration, as well as high precipitation seasonality are larger (supporting the water availability hypothesis). Larger individuals tend to have an advantage when living in stressful environments due to energy consumption and desiccation rates. We conclude that multiple factors related to seasonality and humidity influence adult body size variation in B. minshanicus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we aimed to compare the cusp and crown areas of the maxillary first premolar (PM1), second premolar (PM2), and first molar (M1) in males and females in the Malay population and to formulate sex prediction models. For this purpose, the maxillary posterior teeth of 176 dental cast samples (from 88 males and 88 females) were selected and transformed to two-dimensional digital models using 2D-Hirox KH-7700. Cusp and crown area measurements were obtained using Hirox software by tracing the outermost circumference of the tooth cusps. Statistical analysis included independent t-tests, logistic regression analysis, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves as well as determination of sensitivity and specificity; analysis was performed with SPSS version 26.0. The significance threshold was set at 0.05. All crown and cusp area measurements were significantly larger in males than in females (p < 0.001). The most sexually dimorphic tooth was the first maxillary molar (mean difference, 10.27 mm2), and the most sexually dimorphic cusp was the mesiopalatal cusp (mean difference, 3.67 mm2) of M1. The sex prediction model had a good accuracy, with 80% of selected cases correctly predicted. Hence, we conclude that the maxillary posterior teeth in the Malay population exhibit significant sexual dimorphism, and this information may be used for sex determination as adjuvants along with other procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The weighted histogram analysis method (WHAM) including its binless extension has been developed independently in several different contexts, and widely used in chemistry, physics, and statistics, for computing free energies and expectations from multiple ensembles. However, this method, while statistically efficient, is computationally costly or even infeasible when a large number, hundreds or more, of distributions are studied.We develop a locally WHAM (local WHAM) from the perspective of simulations of simulations (SOS), using generalized serial tempering (GST) to resample simulated data from multiple ensembles. The local WHAM equations based on one jump attempt per GST cycle can be solved by optimization algorithms orders of magnitude faster than standard implementations of global WHAM, but yield similarly accurate estimates of free energies to global WHAM estimates. Moreover, we propose an adaptive SOS procedure for solving local WHAM equations stochastically when multiple jump attempts are performed per GST cycle. Such a stochastic procedure can lead to more accurate estimates of equilibrium distributions than local WHAM with one jump attempt per cycle. The proposed methods are broadly applicable when the original data to be "WHAMMED" are obtained properly by any sampling algorithm including serial tempering and parallel tempering (replica exchange). To illustrate the methods, we estimated absolute binding free energies and binding energy distributions using the binding energy distribution analysis method from one and two dimensional replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations for the beta-cyclodextrin-heptanoate host-guest system. In addition to the computational advantage of handling large datasets, our two dimensional WHAM analysis also demonstrates that accurate results similar to those from well-converged data can be obtained from simulations for which sampling is limited and not fully equilibrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. Hall's technique preformed metal crown (HTPMC) has been used widely by pediatric dentists in developed countries as a new approach for managing decayed primary molars without local anesthesia, caries removal, and tooth preparation. Currently, inadequate information is available regarding the implementation of this technique (HTPMC) in Malaysia. This study is aimed at evaluating the implementation of HTPMC by Malaysia's pediatric dentists and identify the co-occurrence frequencies of the HTPMC implementation with the respondents' demographic profile. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based research was conducted among 65 pediatric dentists in Malaysia. Online questionnaires were distributed to the pediatric dentists employed at public hospitals (MOH) and universities in Malaysia. Result. It was found that over half of the respondents (65.6%) employed HTPMC. The analysis of the co-occurrence network frequency revealed that a high frequency of female pediatric dentists who were within the age group of 31-40 years old had fulfilled their postgraduation overseas and was employed in the university mainly applied HTPMC. Conclusion. The application of HTPMC among respondent pediatric dentists in Malaysia was high. However, most respondents considered HTPMC a treatment option only to manage carious primary molar rather than a treatment of choice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The region of the Western Carpathians is, among other aspects, very important for survival and diversity of European freshwater fauna due to the presence of a large number of (sub)mountain springs and streams. However, these ecologically and faunistically diversified habitats are still understudied in the context of genetic diversity and population structure of their inhabitants. This study focuses on genetic diversity and distribution patterns of the caddisfly Rhyacophila tristis, common and widespread representative of mountain freshwater fauna. Analysis of the COI mitochondrial marker revealed presence of the western and eastern lineages, with samples from both lineages being grouped in BOLD (Barcode of Life Data System) into separate BINs (Barcode Index Numbers). Our data indicates that eastern lineage (BIN_E) is more closely related to the Balkan populations than to co-occurring western lineage (BIN_W), and that the contact zone of the lineages passes through the W Carpathians. The study revealed phylogeographic and demographic differences between lineages, supporting hypothesis of their evolutionary independence and specific ecological preferences. The obtained genetic data of the R. tristis population from W Carpathians improved our knowledge about population genetics of this aquatic species and can contribute to understanding the state and evolution of biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The region of the Western Carpathians is, among other aspects, very important for survival and diversity of European freshwater fauna due to the presence of a large number of (sub)mountain springs and streams. However, these ecologically and faunistically diversified habitats are still understudied in the context of genetic diversity and population structure of their inhabitants. This study focuses on genetic diversity and distribution patterns of the caddisfly Rhyacophila tristis, common and widespread representative of mountain freshwater fauna. Analysis of the COI mitochondrial marker revealed presence of the western and eastern lineages, with samples from both lineages being grouped in BOLD (Barcode of Life Data System) into separate BINs (Barcode Index Numbers). Our data indicates that eastern lineage (BIN_E) is more closely related to the Balkan populations than to co-occurring western lineage (BIN_W), and that the contact zone of the lineages passes through the W Carpathians. The study revealed phylogeographic and demographic differences between lineages, supporting hypothesis of their evolutionary independence and specific ecological preferences. The obtained genetic data of the R. tristis population from W Carpathians improved our knowledge about population genetics of this aquatic species and can contribute to understanding the state and evolution of biodiversity of freshwater ecosystems in Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electromagnetic waves emitted during a tokamak discharge can be partially ascribed to coupling with plasma waves. In particular, in the presence of runaway electrons, the electromagnetic waves deliver information, otherwise inaccessible, about kinetic instabilities excited by the fast particles. Experiments aimed at studying radio frequency emissions from runaway electron scenarios during different stages of plasma discharge have been carried out at the Frascati Tokamak Upgrade. Frequencies in the range of lower hybrid and whistler waves have been explored, in the presence of relativistic electrons with different energies, ranging from a few to tens of MeV. A pronounced sensitivity of the radio frequency measurements in detecting driven instabilities is observed, providing the possibility to exploit this kind of technique as a monitor of the instability processes and for studies of the fast electron activity. In particular, in this work, we propose a simplified analysis of the frequency scaling of a specific family of kinetic instabilities arising at the lower hybrid frequency range during the current ramp-up stage. The study is performed with respect to the density profile and the wave vector coupling conditions and is aimed at obtaining a rough estimate of the most likely radial location of the interaction between the runaway electron beam and plasma waves at the emission times of the observed signals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a free energy calculation method for receptor–ligand binding, which have multiple binding poses that avoids exhaustive enumeration of the poses. For systems with multiple binding poses, the standard procedure is to enumerate orientations of the binding poses, restrain the ligand to each orientation, and then, calculate the binding free energies for each binding pose. In this study, we modify a part of the thermodynamic cycle in order to sample a broader conformational space of the ligand in the binding site. This modification leads to more accurate free energy calculation without performing separate free energy simulations for each binding pose. We applied our modification to simple model host–guest systems as a test, which have only two binding poses, by using a single decoupling method (SDM) in implicit solvent. The results showed that the binding free energies obtained from our method without knowing the two binding poses were in good agreement with the benchmark results obtained by explicit enumeration of the binding poses. Our method is applicable to other alchemical binding free energy calculation methods such as the double decoupling method (DDM) in explicit solvent. We performed a calculation for a protein–ligand system with explicit solvent using our modified thermodynamic path. The results of the free energy simulation along our modified path were in good agreement with the results of conventional DDM, which requires a separate binding free energy calculation for each of the binding poses of the example of phenol binding to T4 lysozyme in explicit solvent. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We extend the weighted ensemble (WE) path sampling method to perform rigorous statistical sampling for systems at steady state. A straightforward steady-state implementation of WE is directly practical for simple landscapes, but not when significant metastable intermediates states are present. We therefore develop an enhanced WE scheme, building on existing ideas, which accelerates attainment of steady state in complex systems. We apply both WE approaches to several model systems, confirming their correctness and efficiency by comparison with brute-force results. The enhanced version is significantly faster than the brute force and straightforward WE for systems with WE bins that accurately reflect the reaction coordinate(s). The new WE methods can also be applied to equilibrium sampling, since equilibrium is a steady state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The “weighted ensemble” method, introduced by Huber and Kim [Biophys. J. 70, 97 (1996)], is one of a handful of rigorous approaches to path sampling of rare events. Expanding earlier discussions, we show that the technique is statistically exact for a wide class of Markovian and non-Markovian dynamics. The derivation is based on standard path-integral (path probability) ideas, but recasts the weighted-ensemble approach as simple “resampling” in path space. Similar reasoning indicates that arbitrary nonstatic binning procedures, which merely guide the resampling process, are also valid. Numerical examples confirm the claims, including the use of bins which can adaptively find the target state in a simple model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their importance in activated processes, transition-event durations—which are much shorter than first passage times—have not received a complete theoretical treatment. The authors therefore study the distribution ρb(t) of durations of transition events over a barrier in a one-dimensional system undergoing overdamped Langevin dynamics. The authors show that ρb(t) is determined by a Fokker-Planck equation with absorbing boundary conditions and obtain a number of results, including (i) the analytic form of the asymptotic short-time transient behavior, which is universal and independent of the potential function; (ii) the first nonuniversal correction to the short-time behavior leading to an estimate of a key physical time scale; (iii) following previous work, a recursive formulation for calculating, exactly, all moments of ρb based solely on the potential function—along with approximations for the distribution based on a small number of moments; and (iv) a high-barrier approximation to the long-time (t→∞) behavior of ρb(t). The authors also find that the mean event duration does not depend simply on the barrier-top frequency (curvature) but is sensitive to details of the potential. All of the analytic results are confirmed by transition-path-sampling simulations implemented in a novel way. Finally, the authors discuss which aspects of the duration distribution are expected to be general for more complex systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radiofrequency emission in the 0.4–3 GHz range from FTU tokamak in presence of runaway electrons (REs) has been measured in various plasma regimes. Rapid emission bursts associated with enhanced RE pitch-angle scattering reveal kinetic instabilities affecting evolution of the RE population from the buildup phase. Such measurements also provide a sensitive monitor for instabilities during early RE formation. The leading edge of radio bursts is much shorter than interleaving periods of low emission; spectral broadening during growth indicates nonlinear wave coupling as an explanation for the observed intermittency. Both broadband and coherent spectra have been observed. Radio emission disappears at the beginning of post-disruption RE plateaus, and subsequently reappears in the shape of very intense bursts accompanied by macroscopic magnetic perturbations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Accurately predicting absolute binding free energies of protein–ligand complexes is important as a fundamental problem in both computational biophysics and pharmaceutical discovery. Calculating binding free energies for charged ligands is generally considered to be challenging because of the strong electrostatic interactions between the ligand and its environment in aqueous solution. In this work, we compare the performance of the potential of mean force (PMF) method and the double decoupling method (DDM) for computing absolute binding free energies for charged ligands. We first clarify an unresolved issue concerning the explicit use of the binding site volume to define the complexed state in DDM together with the use of harmonic restraints. We also provide an alternative derivation for the formula for absolute binding free energy using the PMF approach. We use these formulas to compute the binding free energy of charged ligands at an allosteric site of HIV-1 integrase, which has emerged in recent years as a promising target for developing antiviral therapy. As compared with the experimental results, the absolute binding free energies obtained by using the PMF approach show unsigned errors of 1.5–3.4 kcal mol−1, which are somewhat better than the results from DDM (unsigned errors of 1.6–4.3 kcal mol−1) using the same amount of CPU time. According to the DDM decomposition of the binding free energy, the ligand binding appears to be dominated by nonpolar interactions despite the presence of very large and favorable intermolecular ligand–receptor electrostatic interactions, which are almost completely cancelled out by the equally large free energy cost of desolvation of the charged moiety of the ligands in solution. We discuss the relative strengths of computing absolute binding free energies using the alchemical and physical pathway methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of super-selective intracranial artery infusion chemotherapy and to determine correlated prognostic parameters for advanced lung cancer patients with brain metastases.Patients and Methods: Fifty-four lung cancer patients with brain metastasis who had no previous treatment were enrolled for the study. These patients received super-selective intracranial artery infusion chemotherapy, as well as arterial infusion chemotherapy for primary and metastatic lesions. The procedure was performed once every 4 weeks. Patients were monitored to evaluate short-term clinical outcomes 4 weeks after the first 2 treatments, and follow-up visits performed every 4 weeks after the first 4 treatments until the appearance of disease progression or intolerable toxicity.Results: All 54 cases were treated at least 4 times. The overall response rate was 55.56% (30/54), and the disease control rate was 85.19% (46/54). The median overall survival was 7 months, with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 5.87-8.13 months, and the median progression-free survival was 4 months, with a 95% CI of 3.20-4.80 months. The 6-month survival rate and 1-year survival rate were 81.48% (44/54) and 18.52% (10/54), respectively.Conclusion: Super-selective intracranial artery infusion chemotherapy provides a clinically efficacious avenue of treatment for lung cancer patients with brain metastases. Pathological classification, Karnofsky performance status, and extracranial metastases may serve as reliable prognostic parameters in determining the clinical outcomes for lung cancer patients with brain metastases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe methods to perform replica exchange molecular dynamics (REMD) simulations asynchronously (ASyncRE). The methods are designed to facilitate large scale REMD simulations on grid computing networks consisting of heterogeneous and distributed computing environments as well as on homogeneous high-performance clusters. We have implemented these methods on NSF (National Science Foundation) XSEDE (Extreme Science and Engineering Discovery Environment) clusters and BOINC (Berkeley Open Infrastructure for Network Computing) distributed computing networks at Temple University and Brooklyn College at CUNY (the City University of New York). They are also being implemented on the IBM World Community Grid. To illustrate the methods, we have performed extensive (more than 60 ms in aggregate) simulations for the beta-cyclodextrin-heptanoate host-guest system in the context of one- and two-dimensional ASyncRE, and we used the results to estimate absolute binding free energies using the binding energy distribution analysis method. We propose ways to improve the efficiency of REMD simulations: these include increasing the number of exchanges attempted after a specified molecular dynamics (MD) period up to the fast exchange limit and/or adjusting the MD period to allow sufficient internal relaxation within each thermodynamic state. Although ASyncRE simulations generally require long MD periods (>picoseconds) per replica exchange cycle to minimize the overhead imposed by heterogeneous computing networks, we found that it is possible to reach an efficiency similar to conventional synchronous REMD, by optimizing the combination of the MD period and the number of exchanges attempted per cycle. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The macrobiotic, Ma-Pi 2 diet (12% protein, 18% fat and 70% carbohydrate), has shown benefit in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This pooled analysis aims to confirm results from four, 21-day intervention studies with the Ma-Pi 2 diet, carried out in Cuba, China, Ghana and Italy. Baseline and end of study biochemical, body composition and blood pressure data, were compared using multivariate statistical methods and assessment of the Cohen effect size ( d). Results showed that all measured indicators demonstrated significant changes ( p < 0.001); most of them with a very high ( d ≥ 1.30), or high ( d = 0.80-1.29) effect size. The global effect size of the diet was Italy (1.96), China (1.79), Cuba (1.38) and Ghana (0.98). The magnitude of the individual effect on each variable by country, and the global effect by country, was independent of the sample size ( p > 0.05). Similarly, glycemia and glycemic profiles in all four studies were independent of the sample size ( p = 0.237). The Ma-Pi diet 2 significantly reduced glycemia, serum lipids, uremia and cardiovascular risk in adults with T2DM. These results suggest that the Ma-Pi 2 diet could be a valid alternative treatment for patients with T2DM and point to the need for further clinical studies. Mechanisms related to its benefits as a functional diet are discussed. © 2013 The Authors. Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tombusviruses, such as Carnation Italian ringspot virus (CIRV), encode a protein homodimer called p19 that is capable of suppressing RNA silencing in their infected hosts by binding to and sequestering short-interfering RNA (siRNA) away from the RNA silencing pathway. P19 binding stability has been shown to be sensitive to changes in pH but the specific amino acid residues involved have remained unclear. Using constant pH molecular dynamics simulations, we have identified key pH-dependent residues that affect CIRV p19-siRNA binding stability at various pH ranges based on calculated changes in the free energy contribution from each titratable residue. At high pH, the deprotonation of Lys60, Lys67, Lys71, and Cys134 has the largest effect on the binding stability. Similarly, deprotonation of several acidic residues (Asp9, Glu12, Asp20, Glu35, and/or Glu41) at low pH results in a decrease in binding stability. At neutral pH, residues Glu17 and His132 provide a small increase in the binding stability and we find that the optimal pH range for siRNA binding is between 7.0 and 10.0. Overall, our findings further inform recent experiments and are in excellent agreement with data on the pH-dependent binding profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments have been carried out to evaluate the threshold electric field for runaway generation during the flat-top phase of ohmic discharges in the Frascati Tokamak Upgrade tokamak. An investigation of the conditions for runaway electron generation and suppression has been performed for a wide range of plasma parameter values. The measured threshold electric field is found to be significantly larger (~2 - 5 times) than predicted by the relativistic collissional theory of runaway generation, ... me c², and can be explained to a great extent by an increase of the critical electric field due to the effect of the electron synchrotron radiation losses. These findings are consistent with the results of an ITPA joint experiment to study the onset, growth, and decay of relativistic runaway electrons [Granetz et al., Phys. Plasmas 21, 072506 (2014)]. Confirmation of these results for disruptions with high electric field might imply significantly lower requirements on electron densities for suppression and prevention of runaway formation in ITER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Presently it is difficult to differentiate malignancy for thyroid nodules by palpation, ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) at the outpatient department, especially for solitary thyroid nodule (STN). So a great emphasis should be placed on the STN. AIms: The objective of this study was to investigate the predictive clinicopathological risk factors for malignancy in patients with STN and further to provide an appropriate clinical management. Materials and Methods: The records were reviewed from 265 patients with STN who had undergone thyroidectomy in our hospital. All cases were classified as two independent groups in terms of the final pathological results to assess the independent risk factors using a multinomial logistic regression analysis. Results: A multinomial logistic analysis revealed that the male gender, microcalcification and cervical lymphadenopathy were independent risk factors related to malignancy in patients with STN. The incidence of malignancy in patients with 0,1,2,3 risks was 10.71%, 26.6%, 61.43%, and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: Male gender, microcalcification and lymphadenopathy were independent risk factors for predicting the malignancy in patients with STN. Patients with more than two of those risk factors should be subjected to further examination or thyroidectomy. The findings may provide a simple and reasonable management for the STN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archives of Civil Engineering (Polish Academy of Sciences) is the property of Polish Academy of Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Using NH4VO3 as both the precursor and oxidizing agent, polyaniline (PANI) is in situ synthesized within NH4V4O10 (NVO) crystal interlayers via a one-step hydrothermal method. The expanded lattice spacing, abundant oxygen vacancies and reduced electrostatic attraction endow the NVO/PANI cathode with an enhanced capacity of 350 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, as well as 87% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 1 A g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) have significant potential for advancing energy storage technologies. However, the instability of cathode materials, such as V2O5, under operating conditions is a bottleneck for commercializing aqueous ZIBs. Here, we have devised an innovative approach to pillaring the V2O5 layers by inserting polyethylene glycol amine (PEG-amine), creating a layer-separated V2O5 ultrathin nanosheet (expanded interlayer spacing to 1.21 nm) composite cathode material (VOPxA). First-principles calculations verified the most stable orientation and bonding configuration of PEG-amine within the V2O5 host structure. The stable anchoring of PEG-amine is facilitated by the interaction of the C–H and N–H groups with the V2O5. The distinctive V2O5-PEG-amine hybrid structure led to a narrower band gap (0.72 eV), expediting efficient electron transport. This configuration resulted in a high storage capacity of 515 mA h g−1 at 0.1 A g−1, stability over 2000 cycles at 3 A g−1, and a high energy density of 396 W h kg−1 at 113 W kg−1. The pillared PEG-amine between the V2O5 layers significantly enhanced the electrochemical kinetics of the intercalating/de-intercalating zinc ions and mitigated the collapse of the V2O5 layer structure. The post-stability analyses of the cathode electrode revealed retention of good structural integrity and excellent stability of the employed cathode material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The United States is considered a susceptible region with great potential for the introduction of the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) given the presence of competent mosquito vector species, susceptible maintenance avian hosts, large populations of susceptible domestic and feral swine, intensive travel and trade activities to and from JEV-endemic countries, similar climatic and environmental conditions to epidemic countries, and no active JEV surveillance in place. As pigs are considered JEV's primary amplifying host, comprehensively reviewing the available body of evidence, and respective knowledge gaps, pertaining to the role of swine in JEV transmission can provide valuable guidance to decision-makers. Our objectives were to synthesize scientific literature on the role of domestic and feral swine in the transmission of JEV via a rapid systematic review and identify knowledge gaps to determine potential areas amenable for future research. A total of 3,638 records were initially identified. Data were extracted from 227 reports. Transmission of JEV occurs primarily via infected mosquitoes; however, some evidence of direct oronasal transmission between pigs has been reported. Despite pigs exhibiting a short-lived viremia, JEV has been demonstrated to persist longer in their tonsils. In sows, JEV infection may cause reproductive disorders, and although maternal antibodies can confer protection for several months under field conditions, naïve piglets can exhibit neurologic signs which may progress to wasting disease. Studies evaluating breed or sex reported no association with JEV seropositivity. Application of biosecurity practices and vector control are recommended as preventive measures against introduction and spread of JEV in swine farms. Although there is no JEV vaccine licensed for pigs in the United States, live attenuated vaccines were reported to elicit superior immunogenicity compared to inactivated vaccines used in endemic countries. Summarizing the current understanding of JEV infection in swine can guide researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers in prioritizing research efforts and developing effective countermeasures. This is particularly crucial in the event of an outbreak in the United States, where preemptive measures can help minimize the spread of the virus, safeguard both human and animal populations, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the swine production sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a highly lethal type of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Improving survival rates and promoting recovery in patients with IS pose significant challenges, however, recent research has identified the gut–brain axis as a therapeutic target. In this study, we evaluated the regulatory effect of Periplaneta americana (L.) extract (PAS840), which has established anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects, on the gut microbiota using a rat model of temporary middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO). We evaluated the protective effects of PAS840 on brain damage in IS rats through TTC (triphenyltetrazolium chloride), Nissl staining, and pathological section analysis. Additionally, we investigated the impact of PAS840 on the gut microbiota and metabolites using 16S rRNA sequencing, untargeted metabolomics of gut contents, and transcriptomics analyses of brain tissues to explore its mechanism of action. PAS840 intervention resulted in significant changes in the gut microbiota, including an increase in the abundance of probiotic flora, decrease in the abundance of harmful flora, and significant changes in metabolite profiles. It also attenuated brain damage, decreased platelet activity, inhibited oxidative stress and genes related to inflammation, and improved neurological function in rats. These findings suggest that PAS840 has preventive and therapeutic effects against IS via the gut–brain axis by regulating the gut microbiota and related metabolites. Accordingly, PAS840 is a candidate therapeutic drug for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) remains a significant health concern. This study analyzes patients admitted to Abbassia Chest Hospital, focusing on their characteristics, drug resistance patterns, treatment outcomes, and risk factors for poor prognosis. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 121 patients admitted to the MDR unit at Abbassia Chest Hospital. TB diagnosis was confirmed using sputum smear microscopy, microbiological culture and sensitivity testing, and molecular methods (GeneXpert). Patient data were extracted from hospital records for statistical analysis. Results: The mean age of MDR-TB patients was 40 years, with 75.21% being male. Key risk factors included prior TB interrupted treatment, smoking, and contact with MDR-TB patients. Resistance rates exceeded 90% for cycloserine, ethionamide, pyrazinamide, and levofloxacin, while 71.9% were resistant to amoxicillin. Sputum conversion occurred in 95.04% of patients, with a mean conversion time of 2.21 ± 1.44 months. Successful treatment was achieved in 84.3% of cases, while 45.45% experienced side effects, the most common being hyperuricemia (28.1%), gastritis, and ototoxicity (11.57% each). Bad prognosis was associated with comorbidities like ischemic heart disease (OR 15.34, p = 0.02) and delayed sputum conversion (OR 1.63/month, p = 0.03). Side effects were not linked to bad outcomes. Conclusion: While most MDR-TB patients achieved successful treatment outcomes, certain factors, such as comorbidities (particularly ischemic heart disease) and delayed sputum conversion, significantly contributed to bad prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]