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Abstract Background Systemic stress, inflammation, and hydroelectrolytic and acid‒base abnormalities observed during diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) can cause changes in the heart and even induce cardiovascular damage. We aimed to evaluate the structure and function of the heart during and after a DKA episode via echocardiography and biomarker assessment. Methods We performed a transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) in subjects with an episode of DKA in the first 4–6 h of treatment. We evaluated left ventricular wall thickness, diameters and volumes, as well as systolic and diastolic function using tissue Doppler imaging, pulsed wave Doppler and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Left ventricular function was also assessed with global longitudinal strain (GLS). We obtained cardiac troponin levels in the first 24 h after admission. A second TTE was performed following the same protocol 6–12 h after the resolution of the DKA episode. Results We included a total of 20 subjects. The mean age was 33 ± 13.6 years; 70% were female, and 70% had type 1 DM. 75% of the patients experienced severe episodes, and the rest experienced moderate episodes. Left ventricular isovolumetric contraction and ejection time were significantly shorter during DKA and prolonged after the resolution of the episodes (47.6 ± 9.9 vs. 62.2 ± 14.1, p =

Codesign is increasingly promoted as best-practice and a solution to many policy ills, yet there is little empirical evidence suggesting that it is actually more effective for designing and implementing policy. This article investigates whether codesigned policies and programs are in fact more successful in achieving positive policy outcomes by applying the policy success framework to the codesign process behind the Australian Capital Territory’s Family Safety Hub. Using this framework, we conclude that codesign can have a significant positive impact on the process when it is done well, but its effect on longer-term program and political success depends heavily on other factors. The use of codesign as a stand-alone policy tool is limited, but further research is needed to understand how the value it generates in the early design stages can be translated into better implementation and positive program outcomes.

Objectives: To determine if integrating VDOT into TB therapy demonstrated non-inferiority to direct observation, and if VDOT utilization increased across Florida after the onset of Covid-19. Methods: A statewide programmatic review was conducted of all patients in Florida who initiated tuberculosis treatment between January 2018 – December 2018 and January 2020 – December 2021, as documented by the Florida Department of Health. Results: 1361 patients received treatment within the analysis timeframe. Therapy completion was 97.2% in those utilizing VDOT compared to 92.3% utilizing only DOT (p=

The emergent threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) has resulted in debates around the use and preservation of effective antimicrobials. Concerns around AMR reflect a history of increasing dependence on antibiotics to address disease epidemics rooted in profound structural and systemic challenges. In the context of global health, this process, often referred to as pharmaceuticalisation, has commonly occurred within disease programmes, of which lessons are vital for adding nuance to conversations around antimicrobial stewardship. Tuberculosis (TB) is a notable example. A disease which accounts for one-third of AMR globally and remains the leading cause of death from a single infectious agent in many low – and middle-income countries, including South Africa. In this scoping review, we chart TB science in South Africa over 70 years of programming. We reviewed published manuscripts about the programme and critically reflected on the implications of our findings for stewardship. We identified cycles of programmatic responses to new drug availability and the emergence of drug resistance, which intersected with cycles of pharmaceuticalisation. These cycles reflect the political, economic, and social factors influencing programmatic decision-making. Our analysis offers a starting point for research exploring these cycles and drawing out implications for stewardship across the TB and AMR communities.

La présente réflexion questionne la participation du partenaire Canadien dans le programme de coopération universitaire panafricain de l’Institut Africain des Sciences Mathématiques (AIMS). Fondé à Cape Town en Afrique du Sud en 2003, c’est en Juillet 2013 que le centre d’excellence au Cameroun ouvre ses portes. Ce programme international connait une participation effective de plusieurs parties prenantes. Parmi celles-ci, figure le Canada. La coopération au tour de cette initiative permet de proposer des activités de formation universitaire avec un encadrement novateur et environnement d’apprentissage moderne. Cependant dans quel registre du rapport coopératif faut-il inscrire la participation du partenaire canadien ? L’objectif de cet article est de mener une réflexion critique en vue de l’amélioration du partenariat multilatéral en matière de coopération universitaire en Afrique. La démarche empirico-inductive. L’étude est qualitative et exploratoire. L’approche Oumarienne (2022) de la théorie des parties prenantes permet de construire une analyse critique des contenus et des données issues des entretiens. En résultat, la présentation du programme laisse entrevoir un déploiement financier important de la part du Centre de Recherche et de Développement International canadien. L’analyse diachronique de cet apport montre que le programme panafricain est financièrement dépendant de l’apport canadien.

The welfare of animals under human care is often assessed by observing behaviours indicative of stress or discomfort, such as stereotypical behaviour (SB), which often shows as repetitive, invariant pacing. Traditional behaviour monitoring methods, however, are labour-intensive and subject to observer bias. Our study presents an innovative automated approach utilising computer vision and machine learning to non-invasively detect and analyse SB in managed populations, exemplified by a longitudinal study of two polar bears. We designed an animal tracking framework to localise and identify individual animals in the enclosure. After determining their position on the enclosure map via homographic transformation, we refined the resulting trajectories using a particle filter. Finally, we classified the trajectory patterns as SB or normal behaviour using a lightweight random forest approach with an accuracy of 94.9 %. The system not only allows for continuous, objective monitoring of animal behaviours but also provides insights into seasonal variations in SB, illustrating its potential for improving animal welfare in zoological settings. Ultimately, we analysed 607 days for the occurrence of SB, allowing us to discuss seasonal patterns of SB in both the male and female polar bear monitored. This work advances the field of animal welfare research by introducing a scalable, efficient method for the long-term, automated detection and monitoring of stereotypical behaviour, paving the way for its application across various settings and species that can be continuously monitored with cameras. We made the code publicly available at https://github.com/team-vera/stereotypy-detector.

Motor activity is organized by neuronal networks composed of motor neurons and a wide variety of pre-motor interneuron populations located in the brainstem and spinal cord. Differential expression and single-cell RNA sequencing studies recently unveiled that these populations subdivide into multiple subsets. However, some interneuron subsets have not been described yet, and the mechanisms contributing to this neuronal diversification have only been partly deciphered. In this study, we aimed to identify additional markers to further describe the diversity of spinal V2 interneuron populations. Here, we compared the transcriptome of V2 interneurons with that of the other cells of the embryonic spinal cord and extracted a list of genes enriched in V2 interneurons, including Arid3c. Arid3c identifies an uncharacterized subset of V2 that partially overlaps with V2c interneurons. These two populations are characterized by the production of Onecut factors and Sox2, suggesting that they could represent a single functional V2 unit. Furthermore, we show that the overexpression or inactivation of Arid3c does not alter V2 production, but its absence results in minor defects in locomotor execution, suggesting a possible function in subtle aspects of spinal locomotor circuit formation.

Abstract Background Macrophages are involved in tissue homeostasis, angiogenesis and immunomodulation. Proangiogenic and anti-inflammatory macrophages (regulatory macrophages, Mreg) can be differentiated in-vitro from CD14+ monocytes by using a defined cell culture medium and a stimulus of IFNγ. Aim of the study To scrutinize the potential impact of temporal IFNγ exposure on macrophage differentiation as such exposure may lead to the emergence of a distinct and novel macrophage subtype. Methods Differentiation of human CD14+ monocytes to Mreg was performed using a GMP compliant protocol and administration of IFNγ on day 6. Monocytes from the same donor were in parallel differentiated to MregIFNγ0 using the identical protocol but with administration of IFNγ on day 0. Cell characterization was performed using brightfield microscopy, automated and metabolic cell analysis, transmission electron microscopy, flow cytometry, qPCR and secretome profiling. Results Mreg and MregIFNγ0 showed no differences in cell size and volume. However, phenotypically MregIFNγ0 exhibited fewer intracellular vesicles/vacuoles but larger pseudopodia-like extensions. MregIFNγ0 revealed reduced expression of IDO and PD-L1 (P

Purpose The use of robot-assisted surgery for rectal cancer is increasing, but the pathological outcomes have not been fully clarified. We compared the surgical and pathological outcomes between robot-assisted and open surgery in specimens from patients operated on for rectal cancer. Methods All patients who underwent resection for rectal cancer from 2016 to 2018 were included (n=137). Specimens were divided into 3 sections to analyze the pathology of the lymph nodes. Results We compared the pathological outcomes between robot-assisted and open surgery in specimens from patients operated on for rectal cancer. The total specimen lengths were shorter in the robot-assisted group than in the open surgery group (mean±standard deviation: 29.1±8.6 cm vs. 33.8±9.9 cm, P=0.004) because of a shorter proximal resection margin (21.7±8.7 cm vs. 26.4±10.6 cm, P=0.006). The number of recruited lymph nodes (35.8±21.8 vs. 39.6±16.5, P=0.604) and arterial vessel length (8.84±2.6 cm vs. 8.78±2.4 cm, P=0.891) did not differ significantly between the 2 surgical approaches. Lymph node metastases were found in 33 of 137 samples (24.1%), but the numbers did not differ significantly between the procedures. Among these 33 cases, metastatic lymph nodes were located in the mesorectum (75.8%), in the sigmoid colon mesentery (33.3%), and at the arterial ligation site of the inferior mesenteric artery (12.1%). The circumferential resection margin and the proportion of complete mesorectal fascia were comparable between the groups. Conclusion There were no significant differences between the 2 surgical approaches regarding arterial vessel length, recruitment of lymph node metastases, and resection margins.

Abstract While gilts and sows are regularly vaccinated against the porcine parvovirus (PPV), little is known on the presence of antibodies in vaccinated sows nor the decline of maternally derived antibodies (MDA) in their offspring. On twelve farms serum samples were taken from 180 gilts and sows vaccinated at least twice with one of three different commercial PPV vaccines. On nine farms, additional 270 serum samples were collected from growing pigs of three different age categories. All 450 samples were examined for PPV antibodies (Abs) by ELISA and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. In total, 65% of all gilts vaccinated twice with either vaccine 1 or vaccine 3 were seronegative by HI assay. In each farm, there were at least three animals with high Ab titres (≥ 1:1280) indicating the presence of PPV in all twelve study farms. However, PPV DNA could not be detected in collected faecal samples. While low to moderately high Ab titres (1:10–1:640) were measured in 98% of twelve-weeks-old pigs, ELISA was only positive in 30% of the same pigs. Though, the statement on the duration of MDA may depend on the applied test, we could confirm an exponential decay of MDA. In addition, we could demonstrate that applied serological tools are insufficient for the confirmation of successful vaccination.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) reinvigorate anti-tumor immune responses by disrupting co-inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules such as programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4). Although ICIs have had unprecedented success and have become the standard of care for many cancers, they are often accompanied by off-target inflammation that can occur in any organ system. These immune related adverse events (irAEs) often require steroid use and/or cessation of ICI therapy, which can both lead to cancer progression. Although irAEs are common, the detailed molecular and immune mechanisms underlying their development are still elusive. To further our understanding of irAEs and develop effective treatment options, there is pressing need for preclinical models recapitulating the clinical settings. In this review, we describe current preclinical models and immune implications of ICI-induced skin toxicities, colitis, neurological and endocrine toxicities, pneumonitis, arthritis, and myocarditis along with their management.

Today the doctor-patient relationship typically takes place in a face-to-face setting. However, with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) systems, two further interaction scenarios are possible: an AI system supports the doctor’s decision regarding diagnosis and/or treatment while interacting with the patient, or an AI system could even substitute the doctor and hence a patient interacts with a chatbot (i.e., a machine) alone. Against this background, we report on an online experiment in which we analyzed data from N = 1,183 people. The data was collected in German-speaking countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). The participants were asked to imagine they had been suffering from medical conditions of unknown origin for some time and that they were therefore visiting a health center to seek advice from a doctor. We developed descriptions of patient-doctor interactions (referred to as vignettes), thereby manipulating the patient’s interaction partner: (i) human doctor, (ii) human doctor with an AI system, and (iii) an AI system only (i.e., chatbot). Furthermore, we manipulated medical discipline: (i) cardiology, (ii) orthopedics, (iii) dermatology, and (iv) psychiatry. Based on this 3 × 4 experimental within-subjects design, our results indicate that people prefer a human doctor, followed by a human doctor with an AI system, and an AI system alone came in last place. Specifically, based on these 12 hypothetical interaction situations, we found a significant main effect of a patient’s interaction partner on trust, distrust, perceived privacy invasion, information disclosure, treatment adherence, and satisfaction. Moreover, perceptions of trust, distrust, and privacy invasion predicted information disclosure, treatment adherence, and satisfaction as a function of interaction partner and medical discipline. We found that the situation in psychiatry is different from the other three disciplines. Specifically, the six outcome variables differed strongly between psychiatry and the three other disciplines in the “human doctor with an AI system” condition, while this effect was not that strong in the other conditions (human doctor, chatbot). These findings have important implications for the use of AI in medical care and in the interaction between patients and their doctors.

In recent decades, the existence of a relationship between snow cover on the Tibetan Plateau (TP) and East Asian summer monsoon (EASM) rainfall has been emphasized. According to recently published studies this snow-monsoon relationship experienced a shift after 1990. Although the changing snow-monsoon relationship has been studied, the causes of the interdecadal changes remain unclear. This study assesses the associations of TP spring snow cover with EASM rainfall before and after 1990 and explores what possible mechanisms could be responsible for the interdecadal changes. Correlation and composite analyses were used to assess the strength of the relationship between TP spring snow cover and EASM rainfall and to analyze the atmospheric and land surface patterns associated with high snow cover. The outcomes suggest that the relationship between TP spring snow cover and EASM rainfall changes from partially negative to positive over all regions of the TP from 1968–1990 (P1) to 1991–2019 (P2), implying that more snow cover is associated with less (more) EASM rainfall during P1 (P2). In P1, years with high snow cover are associated with an anomalous cyclone southwest of the TP (positioned over Iran and Pakistan) in spring, which persists into the following summer, partly due to the underlying snow cover. The anomalous cyclone is accompanied by downstream anomalies over East Asia, which form a strong east-west oriented wave pattern and induce a northerly inflow of dry air over East Asia, reducing rainfall over the northern EASM domain. In P2, high snow cover years are associated with an anomalous cyclone over the western TP, which weakens and loses its significance in May-June and summer, partly due to a decline in snow forcing. Southeastward propagation of wave energy in May-June initiates the formation of an anomalous anticyclone over southeastern China and the western North Pacific. Concurrently, a meridional circulation develops over East Asia that enhances the southwesterly moisture inflow, resulting in increased EASM rainfall. The changing snow-monsoon relationship can be linked to different wave train patterns resulting from changes in the background zonal wind and meridional temperature gradients. This research contributes to a better understanding of the changing snow-monsoon relationship.

Purpose – The potential applications of information and communication technologies in the workplace are wide-ranging and, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, have increasingly found their way into the field of electronic performance monitoring (EPM) of employees. This study aims to examine the influence of EPM on individual performance considering the aspects of privacy invasion, organizational trust and individual stress within an organization. Thus, important insights are generated for academia as well as business. Design/methodology/approach – A theoretical framework was developed which conceptualizes perceived EPM as independent variable and individual performance as dependent variable. Moreover, the framework conceptualizes three mediator variables (privacy invasion, organizational trust and individual stress). Based on a large-scale survey (N = 1,119), nine hypotheses were tested that were derived from the developed framework. Findings – The results indicate that perception of EPM significantly increases privacy invasion, reduces organizational trust, increases individual stress and ultimately reduces individual performance. Moreover, it was found that privacy invasion reduces organizational trust and that this lowered trust increases individual stress. Altogether, these findings suggest that the use of EPM by employers may be associated with significant negative consequences. Originality/value – This research enriches the literature on digital transformation, as well as human–machine interaction, by adopting a multidimensional theoretical and empirical perspective regarding EPM in the workplace context, in which the influence of EPM perceptions on individual performance is examined under the influence of different aspects (privacy invasion, organizational trust and individual stress) not currently considered in this combination in the literature.

In this paper, the feasibility of employing a fast intensity modulator and a chirped fibre Bragg grating to build a dispersion-tuned mode-locked swept laser (DTML-SS) for OCT at 850 nm is evaluated. Stable mode-locking is achieved by applying 50 ps pulses at 1 GHz to the modulator, obtaining 35 nm tuning range at 10 KHz sweep rate and 1 mm axial range.

This article explores potential changes in employee motivation for retention in the Dutch hotel industry after the COVID-19 pandemic, applying the self-determination theory to examine autonomy and competence. An online survey was designed and applied to 298 Dutch hotel staff members, assessing variables such as (1) volition, (2) perceived locus of causation (PLC), (3) perceived choice, (4) perceived competence, (5) optimal challenge and (6) experience of success. Staff were categorised into two groups — managerial and non-managerial workers — taking into account their distinct job responsibilities. Statistical analysis and content analyses were applied to the research to comprehend and discuss the data. Findings indicate that although there were some differences between the two groups and their emphasis on distinct sub-factors, it is clear that staff have assigned increased significance to intrinsic elements of autonomy and competence post-pandemic. The study does not apply other dimensions of the self-determination theory, such as relatedness; however, based on the quantitative and qualitative results, recommendations are provided for supervisors, HR managers and other policymakers in the Dutch hospitality industry to enhance employee retention in the sector.

The field of drug discovery has experienced a remarkable transformation with the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies. However, as these AI and ML models are becoming more complex, there is a growing need for transparency and interpretability of the models. Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) is a novel approach that addresses this issue and provides a more interpretable understanding of the predictions made by machine learning models. In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the application of XAI techniques to drug discovery. This review article provides a comprehensive overview of the current state-of-the-art in XAI for drug discovery, including various XAI methods, their application in drug discovery, and the challenges and limitations of XAI techniques in drug discovery. The article also covers the application of XAI in drug discovery, including target identification, compound design, and toxicity prediction. Furthermore, the article suggests potential future research directions for the application of XAI in drug discovery. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of XAI in drug discovery and its potential to transform the field.

Pollution from organic molecules is a major environmental issue that needs to be addressed because of the negative impacts of both the harmfulness of the molecule structures and the toxicity that can spread through natural media. This is mainly due to their unavoidable partial oxidation under exposure to air and solar radiation into diverse derivatives. Even when insoluble, the latter can be dispersed in aqueous media through solvatation and/or complexation with soluble species. Coagulation–flocculation, biological water treatments or adsorption on solids cannot result in a total elimination of organic pollutants. Chemical degradation by chlorine and/or oxygen-based oxidizing agents is not a viable approach due to incomplete mineralization into carbon dioxide and other oxides. A more judicious strategy resides in mimicking natural oxidation under ambient conditions. Soils and aqueous clay suspensions are known to display adsorptive and catalytic properties, and slow and complete self-regeneration can be achieved in an optimum time frame with a much slower pollution throughput. A deep knowledge of the behavior of aluminosilicates and of oxidizing species in soils and aquatic media allows us to gain an understanding of their roles in natural oxidative processes. Their individual and combined contributions will be discussed in the present critical analysis of the reported literature.

This article introduces a novel seven-step methodology designed to incorporate podcasts as qualitative data sources in academic research, addressing a notable gap in current literature. The purpose of this methodology is to harness the unique and timely insights offered by podcasts, thereby enriching academic studies with diverse, real-time perspectives. The design of this approach includes a meticulous selection of podcasts based on relevance and credibility, comprehensive ethical considerations, strategic sampling methods, robust data collection and analysis techniques, and recommendations for applying best research practices. Key to this methodology is the use of weighted scoring systems to mitigate biases and the establishment of ethical guidelines specifically tailored for podcast data. The results of this study indicate the high potential of the proposed methodology in employing podcasts as an additional source of data, providing dynamic and current perspectives often absent in traditional research sources. Future studies are encouraged to delve deeper into refining and standardizing the proposed methodology, focusing on enhancing the weight metrics through advanced statistical techniques and exploring new technological tools for more efficient podcast data extraction and analysis.

Advances in technology have sparked a surge of interest in systematic group formation in educational contexts. The experimental study investigates group formation by extraversion distributions on group work outcomes, expected to influence group hierarchy. As an initial step in the experimental randomization process, an algorithmic group formation tool ensured an equal partitioning and aligned students into two experimental conditions with either consistent, homogeneous, or varied, heterogeneous, levels of extraversion. Over the course of one semester, a total of 114 students enrolled in several paralleled seminars, were surveyed on both subjective data (satisfaction with group work) and objective data (group performance) to evaluate the effect of the experimental intervention. The formation of extraversion at the group level contributed to the respective outcomes, emphasizing the value of collective social capital for both individuals and groups. Specifically, a homogeneous distribution of extraversion had a positive impact on group performance, as evident in improved grades on course group assignments and increased active participation in group meetings. Findings emphasize considering personality traits at group-level to enhance the success of groups.

Adaptation is recognized as the outcome of a complex mix of individual and institutional factors that shape how society responds to climate change. Adaptation results from a joint decision-making process, where actors simultaneously evaluate the risks associated with climate change into whether or not they should adapt. We develop a model of this joint decision-making process that incorporates risk tolerance to identify what factors influence landowners’ perception and adaptation to climate change in southern Chile. The results are based on 86 in-person interviews, involving the collection of socioeconomic data, risk aversion tests, and semi-structured interviews. We found that while most landowners perceived climate change impacts as a threat, only 60 % had taken any action. Two underlying factors applied to both perception and adaptation: risk tolerance and off-farm incomes. Higher risk tolerance and greater reliance on off-farm incomes reduced people's perception and adaptation to climate change. The presence of climate change-induced impacts positively influenced the implementation of adaptation, while schooling and gender were relevant only in shaping climate change perceptions. Following these results, we suggest developing programs to communicate the real magnitude of climate risks so that landowners better understand the opportunity costs of climate change adaptation, and in that way, avoid/anticipate the need to see impacts on the land in order to act. Along these lines, further investigation of the role off-farm incomes play in adaptation is warranted, where it is simultaneously both a factor in the adaptation process but can also be an adaptation action as well.

The rise of Bitcoin, a decentralized digital currency built on blockchain technology, marks the onset of a novel era in financial transactions and has generated substantial interest among academics and industry professionals. The fundamental notion of trust lies at the core of Bitcoin's success and broad acceptance. It is imperative to better understand the factors influencing trust in Bitcoin for the progression of scholarly advancement and practical implementations. Against this background, this paper explored the fundamental research question of what factors influence trust in Bitcoin. Firstly, we conducted a literature review and examined 22 empirical articles investigating determinants of trust in Bitcoin. Secondly, we conducted a quantitative survey with 372 participants to investigate the top 20 determinants of trust in Bitcoin. We leveraged our literature review results, considering that most examined articles used qualitative methods and often had a broader focus on blockchain technology rather than Bitcoin itself. Our survey results uncovered the perceived nature and strength of the relationship between the 20 factors and trust in Bitcoin, particularly emphasizing how Bitcoin ownership status influenced these findings. In summary, our results contribute to an enhanced understanding of the elements shaping trust in Bitcoin, which is vital both from an academic standpoint and for its practical significance, considering the widespread public interest in Bitcoin.

Although most follicular-derived thyroid cancers are well differentiated and have an overall excellent prognosis following treatment with surgery and radioiodine, management of advanced thyroid cancers, including iodine refractory disease and poorly differentiated/undifferentiated subtypes, is more challenging. Over the past decade, better understanding of the genetic drivers and immune milieu of advanced thyroid cancers has led to significant progress in the management of these patients. Numerous targeted kinase inhibitors are now approved by the U.S Food and Drug administration (FDA) for the treatment of advanced, radioiodine refractory differentiated thyroid cancers (DTC) as well as anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC). Immunotherapy has also been thoroughly studied and has shown promise in selected cases. In this review, we summarize the progress in the understanding of the genetic landscape and the cellular and molecular basis of radioiodine refractory-DTC and ATC, as well as discuss the current treatment options and future therapeutic avenues.

Thymus serpyllum L. (Lamiaceae), known in English as ‘wild thyme’, is primarily found in the Palearctic realm (Eurasia, North Africa) and has been utilized traditionally for culinary, nutritional, medicinal, and aromatic purposes. The essential oil extracted from wild thyme is particularly noteworthy, being used extensively in the food industry as a flavoring agent and preservative. The plant’s aerial parts are commonly employed as an element of the diet (e.g., tea)/for culinary uses and in local/traditional medicine (primarily for managing respiratory and gastrointestinal conditions), similar to the use of common thyme. There is practically no information available on the species’ nutritional benefits. Pharmacological studies, including in vitro and in vivo research, alongside a limited number of clinical trials, have investigated extracts of Thymus serpyllum, although these extracts are often phytochemically poorly characterized in different experimental protocols and models. These studies have demonstrated a range of therapeutic effects, such as antimicrobial (notably the essential oil) and anti-inflammatory, as well as its preventative health benefits and nutritional value of wild thyme. Preclinical studies have corroborated the plant’s anti-inflammatory potential, particularly in conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and irritable bowel syndromes (IBS). Additionally, evidence of hepatoprotective activities and benefits in managing metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular health issues, such as lipid metabolism regulation, cholesterol reduction, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and immunomodulatory effects, have been observed predominantly in rodent models. Phytochemical analysis of wild thyme reveals an essential oil fraction below 1%, along with non-volatile compounds predominantly comprising phenolic acids (such as rosmarinic, salvianolic, and caffeic acids) and flavonoids (mainly glucosides of luteolin, apigenin, and their derivatives). These components are believed to contribute significantly to the plant’s medicinal, nutritional, and preventive health properties. Despite promising findings, there is a need for more rigorously designed controlled clinical trials using phytochemically characterized wild thyme. The plant has an excellent safety and tolerability record. This review at the interface of nutritional/preventive health properties and as pharmacological activities highlights the current role of wild thyme in nutrition and general healthcare as well as its future potential, and also points to important gaps in the literature.

Introdução: o exercício do cuidar em enfermagem prediz ações que permitam o envolvimento de pacientes e cuidadores no plano terapêutico, resgatando-os de um universo de entendimentos frágeis quanto às intervenções pelas quais estão sendo submetidos, tal como aos cuidados mínimos necessários para manutenção dos dispositivos que fazem uso. Nesse contexto, destaca-se que o uso de tecnologias educativas impressas consiste em modalidade efetiva para facilitar e fixar a aprendizagem. Objetivo: elaborar uma cartilha educativa para pacientes adultos hospitalizados em uso do cateter central de inserção periférica e seus cuidadores. Método: estudo metodológico com adaptação das proposituras para elaboração de manuais de orientação ao cuidado em saúde. Posto isto, as seguintes etapas foram implementadas: (I) elaboração do projeto de pesquisa, (II) levantamento bibliográfico e (III) construção da cartilha. Resultados: a criação da cartilha cumpriu-se a partir de informações atualizadas resultantes do levantamento bibliográfico. Contudo, adequou-se a linguagem ao público-alvo, distanciando-se de termos técnicos característicos do cotidiano hospitalar, tornando a leitura atrativa, clara e compreensível. Também, a fim de enriquecer o material, ilustrações digitalizadas e elaboradas com o auxílio de um profissional de design gráfico, a partir das orientações dos pesquisadores, foram incluídas. Conclusão: a versão final da tecnologia intitulou-se "Você conhece o PICC?” e conta com um total de nove páginas, cujo conteúdo discorre sobre: características do dispositivo, indicações, vantagens, complicações e manutenção, além de possuir espaço destinado para observações.

Background:. Facial skin cancer and its surgical treatment can affect health-related quality of life. The FACE-Q Skin Cancer Module is a patient-reported outcome measure that measures different aspects of health-related quality of life and has recently been translated into Dutch. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the translated version in a Dutch cohort using modern psychometric measurement theory (Rasch). Methods:. Dutch participants with facial skin cancer were prospectively recruited and asked to complete the translated FACE-Q Skin Cancer Module. The following assumptions of the Rasch model were tested: unidimensionality, local independence, and monotonicity. Response thresholds, fit statistics, internal consistency, floor and ceiling effects, and targeting were assessed for all scales and items within the scales. Responsiveness was tested for the “cancer worry” scale. Results:. In total, 259 patients completed the preoperative questionnaire and were included in the analysis. All five scales assessed showed a good or sufficient fit to the Rasch model. Unidimensionality and monotonicity were present for all scales. Some items showed a local dependency. Most of the scales demonstrate ordered item thresholds and appropriate fit statistics. Conclusions:. The FACE-Q Skin Cancer Module is a well-designed patient-reported outcome measure that shows psychometric validity for the translated version in a Dutch cohort, using classical and modern test theory.

Background: Depression is a condition which affects the individuals’ entire existence. The difficulty in emotionally tuning in to the environment and the resulting sensation of loneliness have frequently been described as salient points of depressive experience. To our knowledge there are no studies that phenomenologically analyze how depressed people feel perceived by others. Methods: Aiming to fill this gap, this study builds on a previous work, which carried out a literature screening and a thematic analysis on the subjective experience of depression. The narratives collected in this way were analyzed using a bottom-up qualitative method (Consensual Quality Research). Results: Four main categories of experience related to perceived social apprehension of depression have been identified: (1) feeling guilty about not meeting others' expectations, (2) feeling socially misunderstood, (3) bringing to light an inconvenient truth that others do not want to see, and (4) hiding from exposure to the judgement of others. Limitations: A broader and more specific data collection on the topic is missing. Conclusions: Depressed patients often feel misunderstood by their social environment, which belittles or dramatizes their condition or doesn't realize how otherwise normal requests can instead cost a lot of effort, generating feelings of guilt and inability. This frequently pushes depressed individuals to try to hide their condition by isolating themselves or wearing a social mask. The difficulty in emotional attunement already present in depression can only worsen in the face of this feeling of incomprehension, generating a vicious circle of non-recognition that ends up maintaining the depressive state.

Summary: Background: Sarcomas represent an extensive group of malignant diseases affecting mesodermal tissues. Among sarcomas, the clinical management of chondrosarcomas remains a complex challenge, as high-grade tumours do not respond to current therapies. Mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1 and 2 genes are among the most common mutations detected in chondrosarcomas and may represent a therapeutic opportunity. The presence of mutated IDH (mIDH) enzymes results in the accumulation of the oncometabolite 2-HG leading to molecular alterations that contribute to drive tumour growth. Methods: We developed a personalized medicine strategy based on the targeted NGS/Sanger sequencing of sarcoma samples (n = 6) and the use of matched patient-derived cell lines as a drug-testing platform. The anti-tumour potential of IDH mutations found in two chondrosarcoma cases was analysed in vitro, in vivo and molecularly (transcriptomic and DNA methylation analyses). Findings: We treated several chondrosarcoma models with specific mIDH1/2 inhibitors. Among these treatments, only the mIDH2 inhibitor enasidenib was able to decrease 2-HG levels and efficiently reduce the viability of mIDH2 chondrosarcoma cells. Importantly, oral administration of enasidenib in xenografted mice resulted in a complete abrogation of tumour growth. Enasidenib induced a profound remodelling of the transcriptomic landscape not associated to changes in the 5 mC methylation levels and its anti-tumour effects were associated with the repression of proliferative pathways such as those controlled by E2F factors. Interpretation: Overall, this work provides preclinical evidence for the use of enasidenib to treat mIDH2 chondrosarcomas. Funding: Supported by the Spanish Research Agency/FEDER (grants PID2022-142020OB-I00; PID2019-106666RB-I00), the ISC III/FEDER (PI20CIII/00020; DTS18CIII/00005; CB16/12/00390; CB06/07/1009; CB19/07/00057); the GEIS group (GEIS-62); and the PCTI (Asturias)/FEDER (IDI/2021/000027).

Background: Sensory nerve coaptation has great potential to restore sensation after autologous breast reconstruction. However, blinded and randomized studies are lacking. We therefore present the preliminary results of our ongoing double-blinded randomized controlled trial that compares sensory recovery of innervated versus non-innervated DIEP flaps. Methods: Patients who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction between July 2019 and February 2022 were included and randomized. The anterior cutaneous branch of the second or third intercostal nerve was coapted. Pre- and postoperative sensory testing was performed with Semmes-Weinstein Monofilaments, Pressure Specified Sensory Device, and a thermostimulator, for tactile and temperature thresholds. Results: This interim analysis comprised 41 patients contributing 29 innervated and 38 non-innervated breasts. At 24 months of follow-up, the mean monofilament value of the flap skin was lower in innervated than in non-innervated flaps (4.48 vs. 5.20, p = 0.003). Touch thresholds were lower the center of the innervated flaps (47.8 vs. 71.2 g/mm2, p = 0.036), and heat pain was more often imperceptible in non-innervated flaps (42.1% vs. 10.3%, p = 0.004). No adverse events were associated with sensory nerve coaptation. Conclusions: These preliminary results indicate superior sensibility and recovery of protective sensation in innervated compared with non-innervated DIEP flaps. Although the results of the completed trial must be awaited to establish the full clinical impact, including highly anticipated quality of life outcomes, we encourage continuation of scientific and clinical efforts in this promising technique.

Abstract Climate extremes in tandem with biodiversity change affect plant emissions of biogenic volatile organic compounds, as a result, the formation of biogenic secondary organic aerosols. The resulting biogenic secondary organic aerosols can have a wide variety of impacts, such as on Earth’s radiative balance or cloud- and precipitation formation. However, at present, it is unclear how changing biodiversity will lead to changes in biogenic volatile organic compound emissions, biogenic secondary organic aerosols and their corresponding effects. We present a conceptual framework of the relationships between biodiversity and biogenic volatile organic compound emissions based on our current mechanistic understanding and combining knowledge from the fields of biology and atmospheric chemistry. Parts of this framework are tested in a case study using a tree diversity experiment. The relative differences in tree monocultures and mixtures show that the overall concentration of biogenic volatile organic compounds decreases with increasing biodiversity, but results for biogenic secondary organic aerosols are mixed and overall non-significant. A deeper understanding of how changing biodiversity influences biogenic organic compound emissions and biogenic secondary organic aerosol formation requires in-depth investigations of microclimate conditions, accurate monitoring of above- and below-ground biotic and abiotic stress, and manipulating stress conditions across long-term biodiversity experiments.

Abstract A 66-year-old female presented in the emergency department with Blue-Toe-Syndrome (BTS) and signs of osteitis of her left big toe. Imaging workup of the peripheral vasculature showed no findings. Upon invasive angiography, severe focal stenosis of the dorsalis pedis artery (DPA) could be seen at the talonavicular joint. Complete regression of the stenosis was inducible by dorsal extension in the ankle joint. Further imaging revealed an underlying subluxation of the talonavicular joint as cause of the arterial compression. Entrapment of the DPA is a rare condition and most often described in relation to connective tissue bands or variant muscular tendons (McCabe et al. 70:213–8, 2021; Weichman et al. 24:113, 2010; Smith et al.58:212–4, 2013; Griffin et al. 20:325–8; 2012). In the presented case, bony compression of the PDA due to cranial subluxation of the talus was seen as the cause of BTS and osteitis of the phalanx of the first toe.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to determine whether ultra-low tidal volume ventilation (ULTVV) applied during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) compared with standard ventilation (intermittent positive pressure ventilation, IPPV) can reduce pulmonary end-organ damage in the post-resuscitation period. Methods A prospective, randomized trial was conducted using a porcine model (n = 45). The animals were divided into three groups: IPPV, ULTVV, and a sham control group. Juvenile male pigs underwent CPR after inducing ventricular fibrillation and received the designated ventilation intervention [IPPV: tidal volume 6–8 ml per kilogram body weight (ml/kg BW), respiratory rate 10/min, FiO2 1.0; ULTVV: tidal volume 2–3 ml/kg BW, respiratory rate 50/min, FiO2 1.0]. A 20-h observation period followed if return of spontaneous circulation was achieved. Histopathological examination using the diffuse alveolar damage scoring system was performed on postmortem lung tissue samples. Arterial and venous blood gas analyses and ventilation/perfusion measurements via multiple inert gas elimination technique (MIGET) were repeatedly recorded during the experiment. Results Out of the 45 experiments conducted, 28 animals were excluded based on predefined criteria. Histopathological analysis showed no significant differences in lung damage between the ULTVV and IPPV groups. ULTVV demonstrated adequate oxygenation and decarboxylation. MIGET measurements during and after resuscitation revealed no significant differences between the intervention groups. Conclusion In the short-term follow-up phase, ULTVV demonstrated similar histopathological changes and functional pulmonary parameters compared to standard ventilation. Further research is needed to investigate the long-term effects and clinical implications of ULTVV in resuscitation settings.

Abstract In the recent past, many organizations and people have substituted face-to-face meetings with videoconferences. Among others, tools like Zoom, Teams, and Webex have become the “new normal” of human social interaction in many domains (e.g., business, education). However, this radical adoption and extensive use of videoconferencing tools also has a dark side, referred to as videoconference fatigue (VCF). To date only self-report evidence has shown that VCF is a serious issue. However, based on self-reports alone it is hardly possible to provide a comprehensive understanding of a cognitive phenomenon like VCF. Against this background, we examined VCF also from a neurophysiological perspective. Specifically, we collected and analyzed electroencephalography (continuous and event-related) and electrocardiography (heart rate and heart rate variability) data to investigate whether VCF can also be proven on a neurophysiological level. We conducted a laboratory experiment based on a within-subjects design (N = 35). The study context was a university lecture, which was given in a face-to-face and videoconferencing format. In essence, the neurophysiological data—together with questionnaire data that we also collected—show that 50 min videoconferencing, if compared to a face-to-face condition, results in changes in the human nervous system which, based on existing literature, can undoubtedly be interpreted as fatigue. Thus, individuals and organizations must not ignore the fatigue potential of videoconferencing. A major implication of our study is that videoconferencing should be considered as a possible complement to face-to-face interaction, but not as a substitute.

American foulbrood (AFB) is a serious infectious disease of honeybees (Apis mellifera) caused by Paenibacillus larvae. Increased P. larvae count in hive-related material is associated with an increased risk of AFB. Here, we quantified P. larvae cells in 106 adult bee and 97 hive debris samples using quantitative PCR (qPCR); 66/106 adult bee and 66/97 hive debris samples were collected simultaneously from the same bee colony (paired-sample design). The corresponding bee colonies were also examined for the presence of AFB clinical signs. A binary logistic regression model to distinguish between AFB-affected and unaffected honeybee colonies showed a strong diagnostic accuracy of both sample types for predicting the onset of AFB based on P. larvae counts determined by qPCR. The colonies with a P. larvae count greater than 4.5 log cells/adult bee or 7.3 log cells/mL hive debris had a 50% probability of being clinically affected and were categorized as high-risk. The AFB-unaffected colonies had significantly lower P. larvae counts than the AFB-affected colonies, but the latter did not differ significantly in P. larvae counts in relation to the severity of clinical signs. Both bee-related sample types had a high diagnostic value for predicting disease outcome based on P. larvae counts. These results improve the understanding of the relationship between P. larvae counts and AFB occurrence, which is essential for early detection of high-risk colonies.

In February 2020, a fourth parity sow gave birth to a litter of piglets with four piglets presenting pox-like skin lesions. Lesions were distributed over the whole skin surface and ulcerative lesions were also observed on the mucosa of the oral cavity. The skin lesions were described as looking like pox lesions. Virological and histopathological investigations confirmed congenital suipoxvirus infection. Since there is no effective treatment available, the farmer was recommended to improve hygiene. No further cases occurred after this single event. In the past, suipoxvirus infections were mainly related to improper hygiene conditions and to pig lice as vectors. Today, conventional pigs are usually kept under good hygienic conditions and pig lice are not reported anymore to occur in Austrian conventional pig farming systems. Therefore, we speculate, that other living vectors, such as the stable fly, may play a role in the transmission of suipoxvirus between and within farms and in the occurrence of congenital suipoxvirus infections in neonatal piglets.

The nature and practice of Christianity is a major, if not the primary, topic in Kierkegaard’s authorship. What it means to live a Christian life is a persistent topic in many of his major works, and yet, he spends most of his authorship criticizing traditional ways of practicing Christianity. While his critique of institutionalized Christianity and merciless unmasking of the hypocrisy of self-proclaimed Christians is rather clear, namely that they are not actually Christian, it is more difficult to get a clear idea of Kierkegaard’s alternative. What is a true and sincere Christian life for Kierkegaard? The argument of this article is that Kierkegaard’s famous existential approach to Christianity amounts to a secularization of Christianity and as such can be seen as a critical development of and not a rejection of the Enlightenment critique of religion. The article uses Kant as an advocate of the Enlightenment critique of religion that Kierkegaard inherits and develops critically, and after having examined Kierkegaard’s existential dialectics, an outline of Kant’s transcendental approach is, presented against which Kierkegaard’s existential alternative is examined in more detail. Kierkegaard’s existential approach is radical with its insistence on “that single individual” and on the existential challenges of human freedom that Kant banned from his analysis of both morality and faith. While Kant presents us with the transcendental possibility of faith, Kierkegaard is concerned with the existential reality of faith. It is argued that Kierkegaard’s existential analysis of faith helps us to find the connection between radical individual choice and the rational morality that is not always evident in Enlightenment—and especially Kantian—accounts of morality.

Abstract Background While grip strength (GS) is commonly assessed using a Dynamometer, the Martin Vigorimeter was proposed as an alternative method especially in older adults. However, its reference values for Swiss older adults are missing. We therefore aimed to derive sex- and age-specific GS cut-points for the dominant and non-dominant hand (DH; NDH) using the Martin Vigorimeter. Additionally, we aimed to identify clinically relevant weakness and assess convergent validity with key markers of physical function and sarcopenia in generally healthy Swiss older adults. Methods This cross-sectional analysis includes baseline data from Swiss participants enrolled in DO-HEALTH, a 3-year randomized controlled trial in community-dwelling adults age 70 + . For both DH and NDH, 4 different definitions of weakness to derive GS cut-points by sex and age category (≤ 75 vs. > 75 years) were used: i) GS below the median of the 1st quintile, ii) GS below the upper limit of the 1st quintile, iii) GS below 2-standard deviation (SD) of the sex- and age-specific mean in DO-HEALTH Swiss healthy agers (i.e. individuals without major chronic diseases, disabilities, cognitive impairment or mental health issues) and iv) GS below 2.5-SD of the sex- and age-specific mean in DO-HEALTH Swiss healthy agers. To assess the proposed cut-points’ convergent validity, we assessed their association with gait speed, time to complete the 5 Times Sit-To-Stand (5TSTS) test, and present sarcopenia. Results In total, 976 participants had available GS at the DH (mean age 75.2, 62% women). According to the 4 weakness definitions, GS cut-points at the DH ranged from 29–42 and 25–39 kPa in younger and older women respectively, and from 51–69 and 31–50 kPa in younger and older men respectively. Overall, weakness prevalence ranged from 2.0% to 19.3%. Definitions of weakness using the median and the upper limit of the 1st GS quintile were most consistently associated with markers of physical performance. Weak participants were more likely to have lower gait speed, longer time to complete the 5TSTS, and sarcopenia, compared to participants without weakness. Conclusions In generally healthy Swiss older adults, weakness defined by the median or the upper limit of the 1st GS quintile may serve as reference to identify clinically relevant weakness. Additional research is needed in less healthy populations in order to derive representative population-based cut-points. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01745263.

Abstract Background The European Union (EU) has committed to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. This requires a rapid reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and ensuring that any remaining emissions are balanced through CO2 removals. Forests play a crucial role in this plan: they are currently the main option for removing CO2 from the atmosphere and additionally, wood use can store carbon durably and help reduce fossil emissions. To stop and reverse the decline of the forest carbon sink, the EU has recently revised the regulation on land use, land-use change and forestry (LULUCF), and set a target of − 310 Mt CO2e net removals for the LULUCF sector in 2030. Results In this study, we clarify the role of common concepts in forest management – net annual increment, harvest and mortality – in determining the forest sink. We then evaluate to what extent the forest sink is on track to meet the climate goals of the EU. For this assessment we use data from the latest national GHG inventories and a forest model (Carbon Budget Model). Our findings indicate that on the EU level, the recent decrease in increment and the increase in harvest and mortality are causing a rapid drop in the forest sink. Furthermore, continuing the past forest management practices is projected to further decrease the sink. Finally, we discuss options for enhancing the sinks through forest management while taking into account adaptation and resilience. Conclusions Our findings show that the EU forest sink is quickly developing away from the EU climate targets. Stopping and reversing this trend requires rapid implementation of climate-smart forest management, with improved and more timely monitoring of GHG fluxes. This enhancement is crucial for tracking progress towards the EU’s climate targets, where the role of forests has become – and is expected to remain – more prominent than ever before.

Abstract Given the possibility of irreversible, anthropogenic changes in the climate system, technologies such as solar radiation management (SRM) are sometimes framed as possible emergency interventions. However, little knowledge exists on the efficacy of such deployments. To fill in this gap, we perform Community Earth System Model 2 simulations of an intense warming scenario on which we impose gradual early‐century SRM or rapid late‐century cooling (an emergency intervention), both realized via stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI). While both scenarios cool Earth's surface, ocean responses differ drastically. Rapid cooling fails to release deep ocean heat content or restore an ailing North Atlantic deep convection but partially stabilizes the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation. In contrast, the early intervention effectively mitigates changes in all of these features. Our results suggest that slow ocean timescales impair the efficacy of some SAI emergency interventions.

ABSTRACTThe apicomplexans Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium are intracellular parasites that reside within a host-derived compartment termed the parasitophorous vacuole (PV). During infection, the parasites must acquire critical host resources and transport them across their PV for development. However, the mechanism by which host resources are trafficked to and across the PV remains uncertain. Here, we investigated host ADP ribosylation factors (Arfs), a class of proteins involved in vesicular trafficking that may be exploited by T. gondii and Plasmodium berghei for nutrient acquisition. Using overexpressed Arf proteins coupled with immunofluorescence microscopy, we found that all Arfs were internalized into the T. gondii PV, with most vacuoles containing at least one punctum of Arf protein by the end of the lytic cycle. We further characterized Arf1, the most abundant Arf inside the T. gondii PV, and observed that active recycling between its GDP/GTP-bound state influenced Arf1 internalization independent of host guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). In addition, Arf1 colocalized with vesicle coat complexes and exogenous sphingolipids, suggesting a role in nutrient acquisition. While Arf1 and Arf4 were not observed inside the PV during P. berghei infection, our gene depletion studies showed that liver stage development and survival depended on the expression of Arf4 and the host GEF, GBF1. Collectively, these observations indicate that apicomplexans use distinct mechanisms to subvert the host vesicular trafficking network and efficiently replicate. The findings also pave the way for future studies to identify parasite proteins critical to host vesicle recruitment and the components of vesicle cargo.IMPORTANCEThe parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Plasmodium live complex intracellular lifestyles where they must acquire essential host nutrients while avoiding recognition. Although previous work has sought to identify the specific nutrients scavenged by apicomplexans, the mechanisms by which host materials are transported to and across the parasite vacuole membrane are largely unknown. Here, we examined members of the host vesicular trafficking network to identify specific pathways subverted by T. gondii and Plasmodium berghei. Our results indicate that T. gondii selectively internalizes host Arfs, a class of proteins involved in intracellular trafficking. For P. berghei, host Arfs were restricted by the parasite’s vacuole membrane, but proteins involved in vesicular trafficking were identified as essential for liver stage development. A greater exploration into how and why apicomplexans subvert host vesicular trafficking could help identify targets for host-directed therapeutics.

Anemia affects humans throughout life, and is linked to higher morbidity and mortality. Unclear is whether hemoglobin values are equivalent between women and men. This study evaluates the association of preoperative hemoglobin levels with in-hospital mortality and estimates thresholds for survival equity between men and women. All adult patients undergoing surgery between 2010 and 2019 from 14 German hospitals were included in the study. Thresholds for survival equity were determined with generalized additive models. In total, 842,130 patients with a median in-hospital follow-up time of 7 days were analyzed. During follow-up 20,370 deaths occurred. Preoperative hemoglobin stratified in-hospital mortality (log-rank test p

Aberrant glycosylation patterns of glycoproteins and glycolipids have long been recognized as one the major hallmarks of cancer cells that has led to numerous glycoconjugate vaccine attempts. These abnormal glycosylation profiles mostly originate from the lack of key glycosyltransferases activities, mutations, over expressions, or modifications of the requisite chaperone for functional folding. Due to their relative structural simplicity, O-linked glycans of the altered mucin family of glycoproteins have been particularly attractive in the design of tumor associated carbohydrate-based vaccines. Several such glycoconjugate vaccine formulations have generated potent monoclonal anti-carbohydrate antibodies useful as diagnostic and immunotherapies in the fight against cancer. Paradoxically, glycoproteins related to enveloped viruses also express analogous N- and O-linked glycosylation patterns. However, due to the fact that viruses are not equipped with the appropriate glycosyl enzyme machinery, they need to hijack that of the infected host cells. Although the resulting N-linked glycans are very similar to those of normal cells, some of their O-linked glycan patterns often share the common structural simplicity to those identified on tumor cells. Consequently, given that both cancer cells and viral glycoproteins share both common N- and O-linked glycoepitopes, glycoconjugate vaccines could be highly attractive to generate potent immune responses to target both conditions.

Background: The effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in older adults remains unclear. Therefore, the aim was to investigate the effect of 2000 IU/day of vitamin D3, omega-3 fatty acids (1 g/day), and a simple home strength exercise program (SHEP) (3×/week) on lipid and CVD biomarkers plasma changes over 3 years, incident hypertension and major cardiovascular events (MACE). Methods: The risk of MACE (coronary heart event or intervention, heart failure, stroke) was an exploratory endpoint of DO-HEALTH, incident hypertension and change in biomarkers were secondary endpoints. DO-HEALTH is a completed multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design trial enrolling 2157 Europeans aged ≥70 years. Results: Participants’ median age was 74 [72, 77] years, 61.7% were women, 82.5% were at least moderately physically active, and 40.7% had 25(OH)D < 20 ng/mL at baseline.Compared to their controls, omega-3 increased HDL-cholesterol (difference in change over 3 years: 0.08 mmol/L, 95% CI 0.05–0.10), decreased triglycerides (−0.08 mmol/L, (95%CI −0.12 to −0.03), but increased total– (0.15 mmol/L, 95%CI 0.09; 0.2), LDL– (0.11 mmol/L, 0.06; 0.16), and non-HDL-cholesterol (0.07 mmol/L, 95%CI 0.02; 0.12). However, neither omega-3 (adjustedHR 1.00, 95%CI 0.64–1.56), nor vitamin D3 (aHR 1.37, 95%CI 0.88–2.14), nor SHEP (aHR 1.18, 95%CI 0.76–1.84) reduced risk of MACE or incident hypertension compared to control. Conclusion: Among generally healthy, active, and largely vitamin D replete, older adults, treatment with omega-3, vitamin D3, and/or SHEP had no benefit on MACE prevention. Only omega-3 supplementation changed lipid biomarkers, but with mixed effects. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01745263.

Background:. Postsimulation facilitator-guided debriefing (PSFGD) is the process of intentional discussion of thoughts, actions, and events that took place during simulation amongst the facilitator(s) and trainees. Despite the significance of delivering high-quality debriefings, there is a lack of evidence-based guidelines. Our study aimed to provide an instructional video demonstration of a PSFGD of a fatality. Methods:. Fifty surgical interns participated in a burn simulation scenario in two groups. Group 1 (control, or “no exposure,” n = 25) consisted of residents who received oral postsimulation debriefing from an independent faculty member who had no exposure to our instructional video on how to debrief effectively. Group 2 (intervention, or “exposure,” n = 25) consisted of interns who were debriefed by the second faculty member who did watch our instructional video before the simulation and learned about “advocacy and inquiry” techniques. The outcome measures were the Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare score and the postdebrief multiple-choice question (MCQ) quiz scores to assess debriefers’ performance and interns’ knowledge consolidation, respectively. Results:. The “exposure” group presented statistically significantly higher values for the Debriefing Assessment for Simulation in Healthcare score (P < 0.001) and MCQ score (P < 0.001) compared with the “no exposure” group. Conclusions:. Debriefers who followed the methodology as demonstrated in our instructional video were considered more competent, and the residents achieved higher MCQ scores. The quality of the debriefing ensures improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Safer practice and better patient outcomes are achieved by developing debriefing programs for educators.

Group formation plays a crucial role in enhancing collaborative learning experiences. This study investigates the impact of extraversion as a criterion for group formation on collaborative learning outcomes. A total of 180 students participated in the experiment and were assigned to groups that were homogeneously or heterogeneously distributed in terms of extraversion. The groups met weekly and worked on group assignments throughout the semesters. The first hypothesis posed the outcomes to be explainable at the group-level. Surprisingly, the results show that groups with a homogeneous distribution of extraversion reported higher levels of group work satisfaction than those with a heterogeneous distribution, in contrast to the second hypothesis and the group hierarchy theory. These findings emphasize the potential of considering personality traits when forming groups and extend the existing literature on group formation. The study takes a critical stance by addressing normative definitions of leadership. Future research is suggested to further enhance collaborative learning experiences using similar interdisciplinary and experimental methods.

Elaborando a noção de mediação simbólica e considerando o corpo como mediação simbólica basal na criação de relações vinculares e de inscrição das imagética social, o texto procura, a partir do “projeto social de cultura das diferenças e das socialidades corporais”, estabelecer a exemplaridade do “transe selvagem” no encaminhar a imagem de uma “corporeidade ima(r)ginal” que se dá numa polarização entre a absolutização determinada de um “bipoder rituatista”ou “ritualização pseudoespeciatória”, vinculada a um imaginário da ordem e solidária de uma lógica da dominação e da reprodução , e a dispersão indeterminada de um “ transe selvagem ”ou 'neotenia neg-entrópica” , vinculada a um imaginário da conflitorialidade e solidária de uma lógica da autonomia e da criação: o circuito determinará uma verdadeira mediação simbólica como “ anel recursivo” e uma imagem da “função simbólica” e da corporeidade ima(r)ginal (ou Outra) como “reinterpretação ” da imagética somatosocietal.

IntroductionMemory deficit is one of the most common and severe cognitive impairments in patients with multiple sclerosis and can greatly affect their quality of life. However, there is currently no agreement as to the nature of memory deficit in multiple sclerosis.MethodsThis cross-sectional study, carried out at the Dr. Josep Trueta and Santa Caterina hospitals in Girona (Spain), was designed to determine the semiology of verbal memory deficit in the different stages of the disease. To this end, a modification of Rey’s verbal auditory test was created by introducing two recognition trials between the five learning trials, thus monitoring what happens in terms of acquisition versus the retrieval of information during the learning phase. Linear regression models were used to evaluate verbal episodic memory performance between-groups adjusting results by age, sex, educational level, and the presence of anxiety and/or depressive symptoms.Results133 patients with multiple sclerosis, clinically isolated syndrome, and radiologically isolated syndrome and 55 healthy controls aged 18–65 years were assessed. It was observed that the memory processes of multiple sclerosis patients worsen with the progression of the disease. In this respect, patients in pre-diagnostic phases (radiologically isolated syndrome and clinically isolated syndrome) show no differences in verbal episodic memory compared to the healthy controls. Patients in the inflammatory stage (relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis) show a previously learned information retrieval deficit, while patients in progressive stages (secondary progressive multiple sclerosis and primary progressive multiple sclerosis) do not even correctly acquire information.DiscussionThese results provide significant information to assist in understanding the nature of memory deficits in multiple sclerosis over the course of the disease. These results are discussed in terms of possible cognitive rehabilitation strategies depending on the evolutive stage and are related to neuropathological mechanisms involved in the progression of the disease.

O diagnóstico rápido e preciso de surtos de febre aftosa é crucial para conter a rápida transmissão de seu agente causador, o vírus da febre aftosa (FMDV), que representa uma ameaça significativa ao gado do país. Este estudo teve como objetivo realizar uma análise comparativa de vários métodos de RT-qPCR para a detecção do FMDV. Os métodos avaliados para a região 3D demonstraram sensibilidade e especificidade semelhantes. No entanto, foram observadas diferenças notáveis em amostras com baixa concentração de RNA. Embora esses métodos possam ser utilizados de forma intercambiável com resultados consistentes ao lidar com um grande número de amostras enviadas ao laboratório para identificar um surto, variações sutis podem assumir importância ao trabalhar com uma quantidade limitada de amostras contendo baixas cópias de RNA