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Abstract Background The Schreiber’s bat, Miniopterus schreibersii, is adapted to long-distance flight, yet long distance movements have only been recorded sporadically using capture-mark-recapture. In this study, we used the hydrogen isotopic composition of 208 wing and 335 fur specimens from across the species' European range to test the hypothesis that the species migrates over long distances. Results After obtaining the hydrogen isotopic composition (δ2H) of each sample, we performed geographic assignment tests by comparing the δ2H of samples with the δ2H of sampling sites. We found that 95 bats out of 325 showed evidence of long-distance movement, based on the analysis of either fur or wing samples. The eastern European part of the species range (Greece, Bulgaria and Serbia) had the highest numbers of bats that had moved. The assignment tests also helped identify possible migratory routes, such as movement between the Alps and the Balkans. Conclusions This is the first continental-scale study to provide evidence of migratory behaviour of M. schreibersii throughout its European range. The work highlights the need for further investigation of this behaviour to provide appropriate conservation strategies.

Edge effects, abiotic and biotic changes associated with habitat boundaries, are key drivers of community change in fragmented landscapes. Their influence is heavily modulated by matrix composition. With over half of the world's tropical forests predicted to become forest edge by the end of the century, it is paramount that conservationists gain a better understanding of how tropical biota is impacted by edge gradients. Bats comprise a large fraction of tropical mammalian fauna and are demonstrably sensitive to habitat modification. Yet, knowledge about how bat assemblages are affected by edge effects remains scarce. Capitalizing on a whole-ecosystem manipulation in the Central Amazon, the aims of this study were to i) assess the consequences of edge effects for twelve aerial insectivorous bat species across the interface of primary and secondary forest, and ii) investigate if the activity levels of these species differed between the understory and canopy and if they were modulated by distance from the edge. Acoustic surveys were conducted along four 2-km transects, each traversing equal parts of primary and ca. 30-year-old secondary forest. Five models were used to assess the changes in the relative activity of forest specialists (three species), flexible forest foragers (three species), and edge foragers (six species). Modelling results revealed limited evidence of edge effects, except for forest specialists in the understory. No significant differences in activity were found between the secondary or primary forest but almost all species exhibited pronounced vertical stratification. Previously defined bat guilds appear to hold here as our study highlights that forest bats are more edge-sensitive than edge foraging bats. The absence of pronounced edge effects and the comparable activity levels between primary and old secondary forests indicates that old secondary forest can help ameliorate the consequences of fragmentation on tropical aerial insectivorous bats.

The Biodiversity and Bioindicators research group (BiBIO), based at the Natural Sciences Museum of Granollers, has coordinated four long-term faunal monitoring programmes based on citizen science over more than two decades in Catalonia (NE Spain). We summarize the historical progress of these programmes, describing their main conservation outputs, the challenges overcome, and future directions. The Catalan Butterfly Monitoring Scheme (CBMS) consists of a network of nearly 200 recording sites where butterfly populations have been monitored through visual censuses along transects for nearly three decades. This programme provides accurate temporal and spatial changes in the abundance of butterflies and relates them to different environmental factors (e.g., habitat and weather conditions). The Bat Monitoring Programme has progressively evolved to include passive acoustic monitoring protocols, as well as bat box-, underground- and river-bat surveys, and community ecological indices have been developed to monitor bat responses at assemblage level to both landscape and climatic changes. The Monitoring of common small mammals in Spain (SEMICE), a common small mammal monitoring programme with almost 80 active live-trapping stations, provides information to estimate population trends and has underlined the relevance of small mammals as both prey (of several predators) and predators (of insect forest pests). The Dormouse Monitoring Programme represents the first monitoring programme in Europe using specific nest boxes for the edible dormouse, providing information about biological and demographic data of the species at the southern limit of its distribution range. The combination and complementarity of these monitoring programmes provide crucial data to land managers to improve the understanding of conservation needs and develop efficient protection laws.

Abstract Background Insulin resistance (IR) and serum uric acid (SUA) are closely interconnected: SUA contributes to adversely affects the insulin signaling pathway and contributes to IR, while IR is a known predictor for the development of hyperuricemia. The triglyceride (TG) to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio has been proposed as an easily obtainable marker for IR. This research aimed to investigate the interaction between IR and glomerular filtration rate (GFR)-adjusted uricemia (SUA/GFR ratio) in determining CV risk in a large population cohort study. Methods Data from 18,694 subjects were analyzed from Uric acid Right foR heArt Healt (URRAH) database. The study evaluated the association between TG/HDL-C ratio and SUA/GFR ratio, as well as their impact on the development of outcomes during the follow-up study period. The primary endpoint was CV mortality. Results After a mean follow-up of 124 ± 64 months, 2,665 (14.2%) CV deaths occurred. The incidence of fatal and non-fatal CV events increased in parallel with the increase of TG/HDL-C quintiles. TG/HDL-C ratio showed a positive association with increasing of SUA/GFR ratio, even in non-diabetic patients. Multivariate analysis showed that the TG/HDL-C ratio increases the mortality risk even after adjustment for potential confounding factors. Finally, IR and GFR-adjusted hyperuricemia showed an additive effect on CV mortality. Conclusions Both IR and SUA/GFR ratio independently predict CV mortality, regardless of age, gender, BMI, diabetes, hypertension and statin use. The joint effect of the TG/HDL-C ratio and the elevated SUA/GFR ratio was greater than the presence of each single risk factor on CV mortality. This highlights the importance of monitoring these markers to better assess cardiovascular risk.

In the present investigation, a study was carried out on the use of microorganisms for the bioextraction of metallic species contained in the filtered tails, the main solid residue of the acid nickel extracting process. The developed study shows that fungus Trichoderma harzianum Rifai (A-34) has the ability to degrade multiple compounds. From the mycelial mass obtained, the incubation of the fungus was carried out under adequate temperature and agitation conditions, for a period of 24 hours. The biological reducing agent (ARB) produced by the fungus TrichodermaharzianumRifai (A-34) contains organic acids. Among this acids, citric acid (C6H8O7) has the higher concentration, which is more effective as a leaching agent. The effect of temperature was evaluated during the bioextraction process at 25 and 50 ℃ in 40g of filtered glue for 20 days. The content of metallic species in the leached liquor obtained from the bioextraction experiments in the tailings process is higher than the ARB concentration of 100 % at a temperature of 50°C, due to the increase in temperature, which causes the decrease in pH by modifying the activity of the ions in the solution, making the medium more acidic, thus favoring leachability in the filtered tailings under study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gli assembramenti di corpi alleati, festanti o in protesta, agiscono come allestimenti viventi che si stratificano sull’esistente. Operando come un layer mobile, rileggono lo spazio pubblico e lo ridisegnano cercando al suo interno nuove interazioni. Attraverso la partecipazione collettiva, la città diventa un teatro di relazioni, in cui la sospensione della norma e il carattere temporaneo aprono scenari inediti e svelano significati e possibilità nascoste nell’esistente. La moltitudine coinvolta diventa allestimento vivente: strumento di rilettura della città, comunicazione animata di un contenuto o di un’idea, e messa in mostra del carattere polifonico della realtà contemporanea.

Introduction The management of a chronic and frequent pathology, such as obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), requires personalised programmes that implement new technology-based tools to improve the comprehensive treatment of the patient to reduce the morbidity associated with this disease. This study will evaluate the effectiveness of an eHealth tool in managing the pathophysiological consequences of OSA and how they impact the quality of life after 3 months of intervention among adults.Methods and analysis This is a mixed-method sequential exploratory study protocol. Participants will be≥18 years with a new diagnosis of moderate OSA and diagnosed with hypertension. The qualitative phase will consist of personal semistructured interviews. The quantitative phase will be a triple-blind randomised controlled trial. The experimental group (n=135) will receive an eHealth intervention using an electronic wrist device and a mobile application that will offer specific healthcare recommendations, physical activity indications and hygienic and dietary advice. These recommendations will be based on the information obtained in the qualitative phase. Those in the control group (n=135) will receive the usual educational materials from the sleep unit. The primary outcome will be blood pressure changes at 3 months. Secondary outcomes are subjective sleep quality, sleep apnoea-related parameters, daytime sleepiness, physical activity, empowerment and motivation for change, quality of life, anthropometry, cost–benefit and adherence.Ethics and dissemination Ethical approval for the study has been obtained from the Hospital Universitari Arnau de Vilanova (CEIC-2511). Results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.Trial registration number ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05380726.

Case summary Ectopic thyroid tissue is rarely reported in dogs and cats in its prediaphragmatic location and has never been described in the liver. A 15-year-old spayed female domestic shorthair cat was diagnosed by ultrasound with a heterogeneous hypoechoic nodular area in the liver at the periphery of the quadrate lobe. A generic diagnosis of carcinoma was made after ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and cytological examination. The patient underwent staging by CT scan and subsequently underwent hepatic lobectomy. Histologically, a diagnosis of thyroid adenocarcinoma was made, confirmed immunohistochemically using positive thyroglobulin staining; the tumour was suspected to be of metastatic origin. CT scans excluded primary thyroid involvement; in addition, lesions at other sites were not detected. Therefore, a final diagnosis of thyroid adenocarcinoma arising from ectopic thyroid tissue in the liver was made. The cat recovered uneventfully from surgery. Relevance and novel information This report describes an unusual case of an adenocarcinoma originating from presumed thyroid ectopic tissue within the liver of a cat. Ectopic thyroid tissue has been rarely reported in both dogs and cats and, to the authors’ knowledge, it has never been described in the liver of a cat.

The Léman Express (LEx) is Europe’s largest cross-border rail network. As the backbone of public transportation that connects Geneva with its French suburbs, the LEx should contribute to increasing sustainable mobility and to achieving the 2050 carbon neutrality objective. Accompanying measures such as new bus routes and tramways connected to LEx stations as well as bicycle lines, park and ride, and pedestrian facilities should be implemented to ensure that LEx achieves its full impact on the modal shift and active mobility. However, the findings in this study demonstrate that more than half of the LEx’s accompanying measures are overdue; planning quality, national co-funding, and municipal support are key factors for reducing delays in their implementation. Notably, these empirical findings hold across the Greater Geneva area despite the institutional peculiarities of the Swiss and French political and administrative systems. This case study adds to the literature regarding European border studies by analysing the consequences of a cross-border environment on territorially bounded projects.

Residual pain is a major unmet medical need observed in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which decreases their quality of life, even after achieving remission or low disease activity. The article has two aims: 1) to present mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of residual pain, both inflammatory and non-inflammatory, i.e. neuropathic and nociplastic pain, as well as secondary pain syndromes, i.e. osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia, which can contribute to residual pain; 2) to show the limitations of current disease activity measures recommended by European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) and American College of Rheumatology (ACR), which raise the need for a separate assessment of pain, and examples of methods that could be used by medical professionals to assess the pain and make a differential diagnosis. In conclusion, establishing a valid method to assess pain is essential to identify the pathomechanism of residual pain and to create treatments tailored specifically to individual RA patients.

Abstract Background Regional lymph nodes are frequently sampled in cats with suspected intestinal lymphoma; however, their diagnostic value has not been explored. Objectives To investigate whether histologic and immunohistochemical analysis of mesenteric lymph nodes correlates with the diagnosis of intestinal lymphoma in cats. Animals One hundred 2 client‐owned cats diagnosed with intestinal lymphoma. Methods Retrospective study. The inclusion criteria required a full‐thickness biopsy of the small intestine and concurrent excision of mesenteric lymph nodes. Histologic and immunophenotypic analyses were performed on intestinal biopsies and corresponding lymph nodes. Selected nodal samples diagnosed with reactive lymph nodes underwent clonality testing. Results Transmural T‐cell lymphomas, encompassing small and large cell types, were predominant (64 cases, 62.7%), with large B‐cell lymphomas being more frequently transmural (68.8%) than mucosal (31.2%). Among all lymph nodes examined, 44 (43.1%; 95% CI: 33.9%‐52.8%) exhibited neoplastic infiltration. Among cases of small cell lymphoma, 51 out of 72 (70.8%; 95% CI: 59.4%‐80.1%) showed no nodal involvement. Clonality results correctly identified 19/30 (63.3%; 95% CI: 45.5%‐78.2%) reactive lymph nodes. Concerns were raised regarding clonal identification in the remaining cases and potential misdiagnoses based on phenotypic characteristics. Conclusion and Clinical Importance The study underscores the potential drawbacks of relying solely on mesenteric lymph nodes for diagnosing intestinal lymphomas in cats, particularly small cell subtypes. It emphasizes the importance of full‐thickness biopsies for assessing transmural infiltration and recommends caution when utilizing mesenteric lymph nodes for histologic, immunohistochemical and clonality evaluations in mucosal lymphomas. Despite limitations, this research highlights the need for comprehensive diagnostic strategies in cats with intestinal lymphoma.

Abstract Parasitic diseases, particularly malaria (caused by Plasmodium falciparum) and theileriosis (caused by Theileria spp.), profoundly impact global health and the socioeconomic well-being of lower-income countries. Despite recent advances, identifying host metabolic proteins essential for these auxotrophic pathogens remains challenging. Here, we generate a novel metabolic model of human hepatocytes infected with P. falciparum and integrate it with a genome-wide CRISPR knockout screen targeting Theileria-infected cells to pinpoint shared vulnerabilities. We identify key host metabolic enzymes critical for the intracellular survival of both of these lethal hemoparasites. Remarkably, among the metabolic proteins identified by our synergistic approach, we find that host purine and heme biosynthetic enzymes are essential for the intracellular survival of P. falciparum and Theileria, while other host enzymes are only essential under certain metabolic conditions, highlighting P. falciparum’s adaptability and ability to scavenge nutrients selectively. Unexpectedly, host porphyrins emerge as being essential for both parasites. The shared vulnerabilities open new avenues for developing more effective therapies against these debilitating diseases, with the potential for broader applicability in combating apicomplexan infections.

Abstract Background Treadmill gait training has been shown to improve gait performance in People with Parkinson’s Disease (PwPD), and in combination with Virtual Reality, it can be an effective tool for gait rehabilitation. The addition of gamification elements can create a more stimulating and adherent intervention. However, implementation of new technologies in healthcare can be challenging. This study aimed to develop and evaluate the feasibility of a treadmill rehabilitation program in a Gamified Virtual Reality Environment (GVRE) for PwPD. Methods The GVRE was developed following a user-centered design approach, involving both PwPD and physiotherapists in the development and evaluation of the intervention. The intervention consisted of a walking simulation in three different environments (countryside, city, and park), which had a progressive increase in difficulty. To test its feasibility, three sessions were carried out with four PwPD and four physiotherapists. To assess the usability, the System Usability Scale (SUS), Assistive Technology Usability Questionnaire for people with Neurological diseases (NATU Quest) and Simulator Sickness Questionnaire (SSQ) were used. To assess the intervention’s acceptability, feedback and in-game performance was collected from participants. Results Results showed the feasibility of the intervention, with a SUS score of 74.82 ± 12.62, and a NATU Quest score of 4.49 ± 0.62, and positive acceptability feedback. Participants showed clear preferences for naturalistic environments, and gamification elements were seen as positive. Difficulty settings worked as intended, but lowered enjoyment of the experience in some cases. Conclusions This intervention was successfully shown as a feasible option for the training of gait under Dual Task conditions for PwPD. It offers a safe and replicable environment in which complex situations can be trained. However, further iterations of the intervention need to be improved in order to guarantee accurate tracking and a more realistic training progression. Trial registration number NCT05243394–01/20/2022.

Background Patients with ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm are recommended to undergo routine imaging surveillance. Although maximal diameter is the primary metric of disease severity, recent American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines emphasize the importance of aortic growth in determining surgical candidacy and risk. As diameter increases, it is assumed that aortic growth rate accelerates because of increased wall tension; however, this relationship is poorly studied. We aim to investigate the relationship between ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm diameter and growth rate using vascular deformation mapping, a validated technique for 3‐dimensional growth mapping with submillimeter accuracy. Methods and Results We retrospectively identified adult patients with ascending aortic dilation (≥4.0 cm) and serial gated computed tomography angiograms separated by ≥2 years, excluding confirmed heritable thoracic aortic disease. Ascending growth rate was defined as 90th percentile radial wall deformation by vascular deformation mapping. Maximal diameter measurements were derived from the baseline computed tomography angiogram, and aortic length and body size–adjusted indexes were calculated. Among 258 included patients (63.2% men; age of 63 years [interquartile range, 55–69 years]), mean±SD baseline diameter was 46.3±3.6 mm and median growth rate was 0.21 mm/year (interquartile range, 0.13–0.38 mm/year). No correlation was noted between growth rate and baseline diameter (r=0.02, P=0.74) or other aortic size metrics. On multivariate analysis, age was independently predictive of growth rate (β=−0.007, P=0.021), alongside weight (β=0.003, P=0.016) and the presence of moderate or severe aortic valve insufficiency (β=0.146, P=0.049). Conclusions Maximal aortic diameter is not predictive of aortic growth rate, in this contemporary cohort of patients with sizes under current surgical thresholds (

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease, with B cell hyperactivation and autoantibody production as its immunological hallmarks. Although the distinction between immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) and pSS, based on the presence or absence of certain autoantibodies, seems easy to make, possibility of elevated serum IgG4 concentration and often similar organ involvement may lead to a misdiagnosis. The increased serum concentration of IgG4 in IgG4-RD is not clearly linked to the pathogenesis of IgG-RD and it has been suggested that it may constitute just an epiphenomenon. The aim of this article is to discuss the presence of IgG4 in pSS and IgG4-RD and its potential significance for these two diseases.

In this article I analyse and interpret three passages from Dante’s Paradise containing more or less explicit allusions to the myth of the Argonauts, which Dante knew from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. All three are intertextual and occur at key points in the Canticle of Light, performing a meta-poetic function. They pertain to the essence and objectives of Dante’s poetry and its pioneering character, both in terms of subject-matter and means of expression, particularly for the depiction of the visions of Paradise. Dante makes use of the metaphor of sailing the seas, which had been a topos of literary creativity since ancient times, and compares his own poetic exploit (The Divine Comedy) with the quest for the Golden Fleece conducted by Jason. Yet at the same time Dante distances his own work from the feat accomplished by the captain of the Argonauts.

As severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) evolves, infection management in vulnerable populations requires formalized guidance. Although low-virulence variants of SARS-CoV-2 remain predominant, they pose an increased risk of severe illness in adults with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Several disease-specific (chronic long-grade inflammation, concomitant immunosuppression) and individual (advanced age, multimorbidity, pregnancy, vaccination status) factors contribute to excess risk in RMD populations. Various post-COVID-19 manifestations are also increasingly reported and appear more commonly than in the general population. At a pathogenetic level, complex interplay involving innate and acquired immune dysregulation, viral persistence, and genetic predisposition shapes a unique susceptibility profile. Moreover, incident cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection as a trigger factor for the development of autoimmune conditions have been reported. Vaccination remains a key preventive strategy, and encouraging active education and awareness will be crucial for rheumatologists in the upcoming years. In patients with RMDs, COVID-19 vaccines’ benefits outweigh the risks. Derivation of specialized diagnostic and therapeutic protocols within a comprehensive COVID-19 care plan represents an ideal scenario for healthcare system organization. Vigilance for symptoms of infection and rapid diagnosis are key for introducing antiviral treatment in patients with RMDs in a timely manner. This review provides updated guidance on optimal immunization, diagnosis, and antiviral treatment strategies.

Phenylethanoid glycosides (PhGs) are widely occurring secondary metabolites of medicinal plants with interesting biological activities such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antiviral, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, etc. They are characterized by a structural core formed by a phenethyl alcohol, usually tyrosol or hydroxytyrosol, attached to β-D-glucopyranose via a glycosidic bond. This core is usually further decorated by attached phenolic acids or another saccharide. Several studies suggest an important role of the saccharidic fragment in the biological activities of PhGs, provoking demand for new glycovariants of natural PhGs. This study presents the preparation of β-mannosylated analogs of tyrosol β-D-glucopyranoside (salidroside) and hydroxytyrosol β-D-glucopyranoside (hydroxysalidroside). While the chemical synthesis of β-D-mannopyranosides is rather challenging, they can be prepared by enzymatic catalysis. We found that Novozym 188, an industrial β-glucosidase, also contains β-mannosidase and used this enzyme in the preparation of tyrosol β-D-mannopyranoside and hydroxytyrosol β-D-mannopyranoside in 12 and 16% chemical yields, respectively, by transglycosylation from β-D-mannopyranosyl-(1→4)-D-mannose. The mannosylation was chemoselective and occurred exclusively on the primary hydroxyls of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol, and the glycosylation of phenolic moieties of the aglycons was observed.

Introduction: Myxoedema coma is a severe and rare manifestation of hypothyroidism that requires immediate and effective intervention. Traditional treatment involves the use of levothyroxine, a synthetic thyroid hormone. Liquid levothyroxine presents an alternative formulation that may offer advantages in the critical care setting, particularly when gastrointestinal absorption is impaired. Aim of the Study: This narrative review aims to evaluate the efficacy and application of liquid levothyroxine in the treatment of myxoedema coma, comparing it to other available forms and providing insights into its clinical use. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library. Studies, clinical trials, case reports, and reviews were included if they addressed the use of liquid levothyroxine in myxoedema coma. Data were extracted and analyzed to assess the pharmacokinetics, administration protocols, outcomes, and comparative efficacy of liquid levothyroxine. Results: The review identified several key studies and case reports indicating that liquid levothyroxine offers superior bioavailability and faster onset of action compared to oral tablets, particularly in patients with compromised gastrointestinal function. Case studies demonstrated improved clinical outcomes and recovery times with liquid levothyroxine, highlighting its potential benefits in the acute management of myxoedema coma. Conclusion: Liquid levothyroxine appears to be a promising alternative for the treatment of myxoedema coma, offering enhanced absorption and rapid therapeutic effects. While preliminary data are encouraging, further research and clinical trials are necessary to establish standardized treatment protocols and confirm its efficacy. Understanding the role of liquid levothyroxine in this critical condition can enhance treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.

Introduction: Constipation is a widespread digestive issue characterized by infrequent bowel movements and difficulty in passing stools. While conventional treatments include dietary fiber, laxatives, and lifestyle changes, recent studies have suggested that kiwifruit may offer a natural and effective alternative. This narrative review evaluates the efficacy of kiwifruit in managing and alleviating symptoms of constipation. Aim of the study: The primary aim of this study is to synthesize existing research on the effectiveness of kiwifruit in treating constipation. By examining various clinical trials and observational studies, the review aims to elucidate the therapeutic benefits and mechanisms of action of kiwifruit in improving bowel function. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Data were extracted and analyzed regarding the frequency of bowel movements, stool consistency, and overall gastrointestinal health following kiwifruit consumption. Results: The review identified that regular consumption of kiwifruit significantly enhances bowel function in both constipated and non-constipated individuals. Clinical trials consistently report increased stool frequency, softer stool consistency, and reduced colonic transit time. The beneficial effects are attributed to the high fiber content of kiwifruit and the presence of the enzyme actinidin, which promotes digestion and bowel movements. Kiwifruit was found to be well-tolerated with minimal adverse effects. Conclusion:Kiwifruit appears to be a promising natural remedy for constipation, providing substantial improvements in bowel movement regularity and stool characteristics. Its high fiber content and unique enzymatic properties contribute to its effectiveness. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term benefits and potential applications of different varieties of kiwifruit in diverse patient populations.

Introduction: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a fast-growing neurodegenerative condition caused by the deficiency of dopamine (Bloem et al., 2021). Main symptoms include tremor, bradykinesia, muscular rigidity and postural instability (Ye et al., 2023). Although PD treatment primarily involves pharmacotherapy, physical activity-based treatments such as tango dance can improve the quality of life of patients. Aim of the study: This narrative review aims to assess the impact of the therapeutic benefits of tango dance therapy for people with PD. Materials and methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the PubMed database up to 2024. The review included randomised controlled trials, case reports, and pilot studies focused on the impact of tango on PD. Results: Several studies have evaluated the impact of tango on patients with PD. Some of them found that tango improves dynamic balance and walking, reduces the risk of falling, improves body awareness, stability, and emotional well-being among patients with PD. Conclusions: The impact of tango on PD is not yet conclusively documented, and further research is needed.

Introduction: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most common causes of death and long-term disability. The consequences following TBI can be persistent and cause life-long implications for survivors. Treatment of TBI may be complex and involve large monetary costs. The frequent injury mechanisms are traffic-related, falls, violence or sport-related accidents. Higher risk of brain injury and its complications indicate that people affected by brain trauma may benefit from the prophylactic and post-traumatic use of certain supplements both in the context of physical performance and in the event of potential injury. Aim of the Study: This narrative review examines the current literature of the role of supplementation before and after TBI and its effects on the patient's outcome. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar focusing on the literature published up to April 2024. The review included randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, systematic reviews that focused on the use of creatine monohydrate, omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and zinc in TBI and among the general population. Data of pathophysiology and epidemiology of TBI and safety profile of supplements were involved. Results: The evidence indicates that the role of supplementation with creatine, omega-3 PUFAs and zinc is important in mitigating secondary damage after TBI, as well as in protecting against damage if administered before injury. Conclusion: Because of the complex and multifactorial nature of the TBI more studies are required to constitute an effective nutrition-based strategy for reducing the cognitive and behavioral deficits associated with this injury. The evidence supporting multiple dietary components to improve a patient's outcome seems strong and the cost of its implementation is low. A group of particular interest that may benefit additionally are athletes who use dietary supplementation in their daily routine.

Background Traditionally in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), centralised Ebola treatment centres (ETCs) have been set exclusively for Ebola virus disease (EVD) case management during outbreaks. During the 2020 EVD outbreak in DRC’s Equateur Province, existing health centres were equipped as decentralised treatment centres (DTC) to improve access for patients with suspected EVD. Between ETCs and DTCs, we compared the time from symptom onset to admission and diagnosis among patients with suspected EVD. Methods This was a cohort study based on analysis of a line-list containing demographic and clinical information of patients with suspected EVD admitted to any EVD health facility during the outbreak. Results Of 2359 patients with suspected EVD, 363 (15%) were first admitted to a DTC. Of 1996 EVD-suspected patients initially admitted to an ETC, 72 (4%) were confirmed as EVD-positive. Of 363 EVD-suspected patients initially admitted to a DTC, 6 (2%) were confirmed and managed as EVD-positive in the DTC. Among all EVD-suspected patients, the median (interquartile range) duration between symptom onset and admission was 2 (1-4) days in a DTC compared to 4 (2-7) days in an ETC (p

The influence of emotions on memory is a significant topic in the psychology of eyewitness testimony. However, conflicting results have arisen, possibly due to varying approaches and methodologies across studies. These discrepancies might also arise from inadequate consideration of individual differences in emotionality. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the moderating effect of healthy emotionality on the relationship between emotion and memory of criminal events. The results of our laboratory experiment (N = 150) conducted with VR technology indicate that eyewitnesses of crimes, unlike observers of neutral events, recall details concerning the perpetrators’ actions immediately preceding the crime act better. Notably, individuals with lower scores on a scale measuring healthy emotionality (ESQ) demonstrate enhanced recollection for these details. At the same time, emotionality plays no significant role in recollection in repeated measurement, as well as in remembering the neutral event. The emotions experienced during crime observation appear to hinder the recollection of perpetrator appearance and behavior unrelated to the crime. These findings are discussed in light of the adaptive role of negative emotions in detecting danger and preparing for unpleasant stimuli.

Service organizations, particularly in the hospitality sector, are constantly under pressure to meet the ever-increasing and ever-changing expectations of the customers, in an innovative manner; making employee creativity a mainstream demand. Researchers and practitioners are pondering ways to frame employee creativity in the hospitality industry. This study aims to empirically investigate the role of positive affect in framing employee creativity in the hospitality industry. The broaden-and-build theory was employed to explain the framework under study, examining relations between affective, cognitive, psychological, and social factors that may shape employee creativity in the hospitality industry. Data was collected from 391 employees, working in hotels and restaurants in Pakistan, on a structured survey, by using a purposive sampling approach. The PLS-SEM approach was considered for data analysis. The findings show a positive relationship between positive affect and perspective-taking. The previously understudied relationship between perspective-taking and thriving at work was found significant. The relationship of perspective-taking with structural and relational social capital was also found significant. Supporting prior research, our results show that thriving at work and relational social capital lead to employee creativity. Interestingly, the relationship between structural social capital and employee creativity was insignificant. This study provides valuable insights for practitioners and hospitality managers to shape employee creativity by considering positive affect as a stimulator.

Abstract Devising genetic interventions for desired cellular phenotypes remains challenging regarding time and resources. Kinetic models can accelerate this task by simulating metabolic responses to genetic perturbations. However, exhaustive design evaluations with kinetic models are computationally impractical, especially when targeting multiple enzymes. Here, we introduce a framework for efficiently scouting the design space while respecting cellular physiological requirements. The framework employs mixed-integer linear programming and nonlinear simulations with large-scale nonlinear kinetic models to devise genetic interventions while accounting for the network effects of these perturbations. Importantly, it ensures the engineered strain’s robustness by maintaining its phenotype close to that of the reference strain. The framework, applied to improve the anthranilate production in E. coli, devises designs for experimental implementation, including eight previously experimentally validated targets. We expect this framework to play a crucial role in future design-build-test-learn cycles, significantly expediting the strain design compared to exhaustive design enumeration.

Case-based learning (CBL) is an educational method widely used in health professional training, emphasizing theoretical knowledge’s practical application. However, traditional CBL has many challenges related to the complexity and accessibility of case scenarios and its demands on educators to effectively facilitate and evaluate student discussions. Despite its popularity and proven benefits, the comparative effectiveness and efficiency of CBL against newer educational technologies still need to be explored. In this quasi-experimental study, third-year physiotherapy students at the University of Lleida used a computer program for procedural content generation (PCG) and interactive clinical cases (ICs), and assessed them using the Spanish physiotherapy self-efficacy scale and the System Usability Scale, and a satisfaction scale. The study showed a significant improvement in self-efficacy among participants after using PCG and ICs. The usability of the PCG was moderate, while the ICs scored higher and had greater user satisfaction. Satisfaction metrics revealed a strong preference among students for incorporating clinical cases into other subjects, with higher satisfaction levels observed in the IC group compared to the PCG group. The study demonstrated that PCG and ICs significantly enhance clinical skills acquisition in physiotherapy education by improving student performance and engagement.

Abstract Background Low back pain is one of the most common disabling pathologies in humanity worldwide. Physical exercises have been used in recent decades to reduce the pain, improve the functionality of the lumbar spine and avoid relapses. The purpose of the study is to analyze the effect of a program based on re-education exercises involving preactivation of the abdominal transverse muscle compared to conventional treatment in adults with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Methods A two-arm, single-blind randomized control trial with 35 primary care patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Both groups received a 4-week intervention. Data were collected at baseline and at the end of the intervention. Sixteen patients participated in the intervention group, and 19 patients in the control group. Results For the experimental group, the outcomes of disability and activation of the abdominal transverse muscle decreased significantly (MD -2.9; CI 95% -5.6 to -0.35; η2 = 0.14; p = 0.028) and (MD 2.3; CI 95% 0.91 to 3.67; η2 = 0.25; p = 0.002) respectively, with a large effect size, compared to the control group. There were no differences between the groups in pain intensity, thickness, and resistance of the transverse abdominal muscle. Conclusion A 4-week specific program based on re-education exercises of the preactivation of the abdominal transverse muscle is more effective than conventional treatment for reducing disability and increasing the activation of the abdominal transverse muscle measured by VAS scale and PBU. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03097497. Date of registration: 31/03/2017.

The fermentation of fruit waste can produce bio-enzymes. These bio-enzymes may act as composting activators for composting organic materials. This study compared composting activators made from fruit waste, fruit waste enriched with chicken intestinal content, and Effective Microorganism-4 (EM-4) to evaluate their effectiveness for compost production. It was found that the peaks of temperatures of all activators applied were achieved within 3 days, varied between 55–57°C, and dropped to the lowest point on day 14 at a temperature of 33°C, indicating that the maturity of the compost fell in the same period. Based on statistical analysis, differences among the three activators were found in the C-organic and moisture content of the compost. However, the compost produced using the three activators, based on the quality standard determined by the Decree of Agriculture Minister of Republic Indonesia No. 261/KPTS/SR.310/6.M/4/2019 and SNI 19-7030-2004 were comparable and met these requirements. In conclusion, composting activators made from fruit waste and fruit waste enriched with chicken intestinal content might be used as composting activators for compost production as effective as composting activator EM-4.