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Abstract Background Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is caused by Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV) and is considered an important potential animal model for human lung cancer. The precise mechanisms of OPA oncogenesis are still uncertain. The transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is activated by interleukin-6 (IL-6) in many cancers, but this aspect is unknown in OPA. We therefore aimed to evaluate the expression of IL-6 and STAT3 in OPA for its potential role in pulmonary carcinogenesis. Results Lung tissues from 9 grossly normal and JRSV-negative sheep and 20 cases of JSRV-positive OPA sheep were included in the study. Tissue samples were stained with antibodies against IL-6, STAT3, and JSRV-MA. IL-6 and STAT3 were further quantified in both groups using Western Blot (WB). Immunohistochemically, IL‑6 was expressed in stromal, inflammatory, and epithelial cells in all cases of OPA, while STAT3 immunoexpression was restricted to epithelial cells. In the OPA group, the percentage of immunolabelled cells for STAT3 accounted for a mean value of 96%. Using the H-SCORE method, 95% of cases were considered positive for STAT3 expression. Control tissues showed multifocal and weak immunoexpression for both markers. Using WB analyses, a highly significant amount of both IL-6 (p = 0.0078) and STAT3 (p

Abstract A new Slovak speech database EWA-DB was created for research purposes aimed at early detection of neurodegenerative diseases from speech. It contains 1649 speakers performing various speech and language tasks, such as sustained vowel phonation, diadochokinesis, naming and picture description. The sample of speakers consists of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, Parkinson’s disease, and healthy controls. In this article we describe the EWA-DB development process, the language and speech task selection, patient and healthy control recruitment, as well as the testing and recording protocol. The structure and content of the database and file formats are described in detail. We assume that the presented database could be suitable for the development of automatic systems predicting the diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease, mild cognitive impairment, and Parkinson’s disease from language and speech features.

Abstract Background A growing interest in using Nigella sativa oil (NSO) in the prevention or treatment of several cardiovascular diseases has prompted this study. The research aims to investigate the effect of NSO on cardiac damage prevention after long-term administration in induced myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Methods NSO was analyzed for its fatty acids composition using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and administered in rats before and after isoproterenol (45 mg/kg body weight) induced myocardial infarction. The following parameters were assessed: electrocardiograms, histopathological examination, serum biochemical aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), serum and heart inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1b), and interleukin 6 (IL-6)), and tissue oxidative stress (total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative stress (TOS), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and the total thiols (THIOL)). Results Linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) and oleic acid (C18:1n-9) were approximately 89% of total fatty acids while palmitic acid (C16:0) was 6.10%. Administration of NSO for 28 days helped in preventing QT and QTc interval prolongation and reduced heart rate (HR), after MI induction. The histological assessment showed improvement in myofibrillary degeneration and necrosis and also better reduced inflammatory process in the groups treated with NSO. In serum, pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1b and IL-6 were downregulated in chronic conditions (for IL-1b, NSO vs. control was 86.09vs 150.39 pg/mL, and for IL-6 NSO vs. control was 78.00 vs. 184.98 pg/ml). In the heart tissue, the downregulation was observed only for TNF in both acute and chronic conditions (acute NSO vs. control was 132.37 vs. 207.63 pg/mL, and chronic NSO vs. control was 135.83 vs. 183.29 pg/ml). The pro-oxidant parameters TOS, NO, MDA, and OSI, were reduced in the groups treated with NSO only after 14 days of treatment, suggesting that the NSO antioxidant effect is time-dependent. Conclusions NSO administration might have a favourable impact on the regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation processes after MI induction in rats, and it is worth considering its administration as an adjuvant treatment.

Abstract Background Angiostrongylus vasorum, commonly known as the “French heartworm,” is a nematode belonging to the Metastrongyloidea superfamily. This parasite was first identified in Toulouse, France in 1853 infecting the pulmonary arteries and the right side of the heart of a Pointer dog. Angiostrongylosis is an important infection due its severe clinical signs and potential for causing high morbidity and mortality in domestic dogs. This nematode has not been studied in Algeria. The aim of this study was investigate the presence of lungworms among different mammal species in a number of Algerian regions. Methods Between February 2022 and September 2023, 47 road-killed animals were collected from six administrative units (departments) in Algeria. All carcasses underwent a full parasitological necropsy, and lung tissues were preserved in 10% buffered formalin and concentrated ethanol for further study. All collected samples were subjected to histological and PCR (cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene) analyses for lungworm identification. Results Histological examination revealed the presence of nematode eggs and larvae in the alveolar space and chronic obstructive vascular changes were detected in a single golden African wolf (Canis lupaster) collected from the department of Constantine. First-stage larvae were collected and morphologically identified as Angiostrongylus spp. The molecular identification confirmed the presence of A. vasorum. All other animals tested were negative for lungworms. Conclusions To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of A. vasorum infection in an African golden wolf (Canis lupaster). We report a new host association, highlighting the importance of further studies to update the geographical distribution of A. vasorum and its epidemiology across Algeria. Graphical Abstract

Abstract Background Dictyocaulosis is a parasitic disease caused by pulmonary nematodes from genus Dictyocaulus affecting various ungulate hosts. It can cause verminous bronchopneumonia and for heavily infected individuals, fatal outcomes can occur. Case presentation The study describes the case of a male European bison which died three months after relocation from Slovakia to one of the reintroduction areas in Nucșoara village, Făgăraș Mountains, Romania. Necropsy revealed the presence of pulmonary nematodes in the respiratory tract. Morphology and molecular diagnosis was performed and Dictyocaulus viviparus was identified. Conclusion Rigorous health monitoring is essential to assure the success of reintroduction programs, understanding and preventing infectious diseases and limiting their impact on population health.

Abstract Background Dermatology grand rounds are popular educational activities among dermatologists and trainees, contributing to improved knowledge and skills. Dermatology hospital conferences at Mayo Clinic Dermatology are separate from dermatology grand rounds in that they focus on inpatient consultations and dermatology admissions. Objectives This study aimed to determine the types of cases presented during dermatology hospital grand rounds and evaluate the educational value of this continuing medical education (CME)‐accredited activity. Methods This retrospective study reviewed all inpatient dermatology cases presented during hospital grand rounds at Mayo Clinic Dermatology in Rochester, MN from 2019 to 2022; this study also reviewed the compiled surveys of faculty participants at our institution from 2019 to 2022. Results A total of 389 cases met the inclusion criteria for analysis. The most common diagnostic category was inflammatory/autoimmune diseases (157 cases, 40%), followed by infection or infestation (73 cases, 19%), drug‐induced eruptions (49 cases, 13%), neoplastic or metastatic diseases (41 cases, 11%), genetic/congenital disorders (21 cases, 5%), depositional/nutritional/metabolic conditions (15 cases, 4%) and wound/traumatic/iatrogenic dermatoses (12 cases, 3%), which were the least common. Most cases were presented for discussion of diagnosis and management (246 cases, 63%), but others focused on the arrival of diagnosis (119 cases, 31%) or management alone (24 cases, 6%). The compiled surveys of faculty participants (n = 50) indicated high satisfaction with dermatology hospital grand rounds, with the majority expressing that evidence‐based research was incorporated and positively impacted their practice. Most respondents indicated that hospital conference participation improved knowledge (97%), competence (64%), clinician performance (54%), patient outcomes (52%) and team performance (50%). Conclusions The cases presented during these conferences spanned from challenging inflammatory diseases to simple dermatoses, with over 800 literature references reviewed. Dermatology hospital grand rounds provide high value as a CME‐accredited activity for dermatology faculty, even for those without a specific interest in hospital/inpatient dermatology.

Penjadwalan merupakan suatu kebutuhan yang umum pada saat ini. Salah satu contohnya adalah rumah sakit. Rumah sakit membutuhkan proses penjadwalan untuk menjadwalkan dokter yang akan bertugas dan menggunakan suatu ruangan. Hal ini disebabkan jumlah dokter yang banyak dan jumlah ruangan yang terbatas maka diperlukan sistem penjadwalan sesuai kebutuhan. Permasalahan yang terjadi di RSUD Petala Bumi, jumlah dokter yang bertugas di IGD cukup banyak. Namun terdapatnya kebingungan dari manajemen dalam mengatur jadwal dokter dipelayanan IGD. Penelitian ini merupakan pengembangan dari metode pewarnaan Graph yang dilakukan dalam penyusunan jadwal dokter di rumah sakit. Adapun penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengatasi masalah penjadwalan yang sering tidak sesuai dan biasanya perlu diperbaiki berulang kali di rumah sakit. Metode yang digunakan untuk melakukan penjadwalan cukup beragam salah satunya yaitu metode pewarnaan Graph. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui penerapan pewarnaan graf dalam menyusun jadwal dokter. Penelitian ini merupakan jenis penelitian R&D dengan desain perancangan sistem dengan penerapan pewarnaan graf. Pewarnaan graf dilakukan untuk empat hari karena pada matriks pola pewarnaan graf mengalami pengulangan setelah hari keempat. Selama penyusunan empat hari, pewarnaan graf memiliki 10 warna atau bilangan kromatik dengan asumsi tiga shift dan dua dokter dalam satu shift. Oleh karena itu pengoptimalan penyusunan jadwal dokter pada IGD RSUD Petala Bumi minimal dapat dilakukan dengan 10 dokter.

The study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of chitosan, potassium silicate, and calcium chloride as edible abiotic coatings in controlling the postharvest gray mold disease of strawberries caused by Botrytis cinerea, reducing the use of chemical fungicides and managing fruit decay. Two pure isolates of B. cinerea were extracted from strawberry fruits of cv. ‘Festival’, identified based on morphological features, and their rDNA sequences were sequenced using BLAST and phylogenetic analysis, showing 98.9-100% equivalence. The ITS sequences have been deposited in Gene Bank and assigned accession numbers MT708074 and MT704983. In vitro, all treatments inhibited linear growth of both isolates, with chitosan and potassium silicate were the most effective against the two isolates. In vivo test showed a significant decrease in gray mold incidence and severity. The study revealed that potassium silicate significantly reduced disease incidence in strawberry fruit cultivars ‘Fortuna’ and ‘Festival’ from Qalyubia governorate, while chitosan achieved the greatest reduction in disease severity in samples from Beheira governorate. Both treatments increased the total phenolic and peroxidase activity. The study found that application of potassium silicate and chitosan to strawberry fruit in ‘Fortuna’ and ‘Festival’, resulted in higher sugar and ascorbic acid content, increased fruit firmness, and decreased respiration rate, suggesting that these treatments could potentially reduce postharvest decay and enhance fresh strawberry fruit quality.

Honeybee venom is one of the natural substances produced by bees (Apis mellifera). Their venom gland produces venom which plays a defensive role. In this study a concentration of macro and trace elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Sb, Se, Sr, Pb and Zn) in foragers′ and honeybees′ venom was analysed by axial inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) with good validation parameters to differentiate the element accumulation ability in honeybee venom. Cumulative ability for some elements (As, Al, Ba, Cr, Li, Mo, Pb, and Zn) in bee venom was clearly demonstrated. Oppositely, levels of macro elements (Ca, K, Mg and Na) in venom were several times lower compared to the levels detected in foragers. Moreover, PCA analysis of bee samples showed that Cr was associated with locality Košice, and Cd with locality Krompachy; both have rich industrial history. Since some of analysed elements are potentially toxic for humans, a risk assessment for bee-stung scenario was also calculated. A new way of exposure to potentially toxic elements via honeybee stung was showed in this study. Non-carcinogenic risk assessment for humans to selected toxic elements (As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Pb) demonstrated acceptable risk and moreover the same we may conclude for potential carcinogenic risk for beekeepers exposed to As, Cd, Ni, and Pb via venom over their whole life.

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is an important viral-induced neoplasia in sheep caused by exogenous Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (exJSRV). Coinfection of exJSRV and Maedi-Visna virus (MVV) is reported in OPA cases, but its worldwide distribution and significance on lung pathology is not yet completely understood. This study aimed to investigate the MVV coinfection rate in 82 exJSRV-related OPA cases, and their pathological effects on lung parenchyma in slaughtered sheep in Transylvania (Romania). On gross examination, classical form of OPA was identified in 92.7%; no changes consisting with MVV interstitial pneumonia were identified in the included cases. The most common histological type of OPA was acinar (58.5%) and the myxoid growths were found in 18 cases. The exJSRV and MMV coinfection rate in examined sheep was 47.6% (39/82). The assessment of perineoplastic areas from coinfected animals, revealed interstitial lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates in all cases, lymphoid hyperplasia in 60.6% cases (20/33) and fibromuscular hyperplasia in 63.7% (21/33). This is the first report providing new data on distribution of OPA coexisting with MVV infection in slaughtered sheep in Romania. We consider that the OPA and MVV coinfection may play an important role on the severity of ovine chronic pulmonary diseases and further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

This article explores how artmaking assemblages bring changes in children’s potential to express themselves. Assemblages are a system consisting of human, non-human, material, and relational elements in a given situation. Through the concept of artmaking assemblage, I explore the arts-based effects emerging around a Finnish schoolgirl participating in artmaking research workshops. Analysed video data from the workshops illustrate how her expression and participation change in and through the artmaking assemblages, and how different details in the artmaking assemblages combine to promote those changes. The girl’s artworks are used as data, as is an interview with the artist who participated in the workshops. The concept of artmaking assemblage is used as a thinking and writing companion when analysing the events from the artmaking processes. I conclude that artmaking processes, when done in a consistent manner and in a trust-based environment, support children’s possibilities to express themselves around sensitive issues.

Abstract Trixacarus caviae is a sarcoptic mange mite infesting guinea pigs. Infestation in immunosuppressed animals produces severe dermatological problems, including alopecia, intense pruritus, hyperkeratosis and non‐dermatological issues (e.g., seizures). Treatment options are limited and include topical application of macrocyclic lactones or amitraz or injectable administration of ivermectin or doramectin. Considering the severity of the disease and the challenging treatment, the present paper aimed to determine the efficacy of oral afoxolaner in a severe case of infestation with T. caviae in a pet guinea pig. One female guinea pig was referred to the New Companion Animal Clinic due to severe dermatological problems. A clinical evaluation was done, and skin scrapings were collected and examined under the microscope. Small mites were detected and morphologically identified as T. caviae. The animal was treated with a single oral dose of 2.50 mg/kg afoxolaner, and the lesions, presence/absence of mites and intensity of pruritus were evaluated periodically until 2 months post‐treatment. A week after the medication, the lesions were milder, but pruritus was still present and was attributed to the healing process. Further examinations showed significant improvement with the complete remission of clinical signs and no mites at the microscopic examination after 4 weeks. Afoxolaner was safe and effective in this guinea pig for the treatment of T. caviae mange with no repetition needed.

Osteoporosis is one of the most common disorders of bone metabolism, this being a condition that causes pain, frequently causing fractures, as a result of the reduction of bone mass and density. The purpose of this study is the establishment and testing of an experimental protocol to induce osteoporosis in laboratory rats by ovariectomy, at 9 months old. It is desirable that osteoporosis is successfully induced so that various biomaterials for treating pathologic bone healing can be further tested. For this study, 20 Sprague-Dawley rats were split into 2 groups of 10 individuals, which were then operated, while 10 were left as control. Clinical examination was performed each week, but mainly 4 months after surgery, biochemistry and osteodensitometry were determined by CT - scanning to compare the differences between the ovariectomized group and the control group. The rats were humanly euthanasied at 20 weeks post ovariectomy and histological analyses were performed. Biochemistry revealed that progesterone level was decreased by ~50%, calcium values were decreased, alkaline phosphatase was increased and the Ca:P ratio was also altered. Nevertheless, the analysis of bone density (BMD) revealed a decrease in the ovariectomized group compared with the control group and the histological analysis confirmed the induction of osteoporosis pathology. In conclusion, osteoporosis by means of estrogenic deficit, was successfully induced in 9-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats.

Background/Objectives: Cocaine use disorder is an intersecting issue in populations with HIV-1, further exacerbating the clinical course of the disease and contributing to neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation. Cocaine and HIV neurotoxins play roles in neuronal damage during neuroHIV progression by disrupting glutamate homeostasis in the brain. Even with combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), HIV-1 Nef, an early viral protein expressed in approximately 1% of infected astrocytes, remains a key neurotoxin. This study investigates the relationship among Nef, glutamate homeostasis, and cocaine in the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a critical brain region associated with drug motivation and reward. Methods: Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were used to compare the effects of astrocytic Nef and cocaine by molecular analysis of glutamate transporters, GLT-1 and the cysteine glutamate exchanger (xCT), in the NAc. Behavioral assessments for cocaine self-administration were used to evaluate cocaine-seeking behavior. Results: The findings indicate that both cocaine and Nef independently decrease the expression of the glutamate transporter GLT-1 in the NAc. Additionally, rats with astrocytic Nef expression exhibited increased cocaine-seeking behavior but demonstrated sex-dependent molecular differences after the behavioral paradigm. Conclusions: The results suggest that the expression of Nef intensifies cocaine-induced alterations in glutamate homeostasis in the NAc, potentially underlying increased cocaine-seeking behavior. Understanding these interactions better may inform therapeutic strategies for managing cocaine use disorder in HIV-infected individuals.

Gastric lymphofollicular hyperplasia (GLFH) is characterized by large lymphoid nodules in the lamina propria. Its etiology and immunohistochemical characteristics are poorly understood. This study analyzed 41 canine GLFH cases, including clinical, endoscopic, histopathological, and immunohistochemical evaluations. Young French Bulldogs (75.06%) were the most affected. Endoscopically, lymphoid nodules were identified in both the antrum and gastric body. Lymphoid follicle diameters were similar in the gastric body (mean 295.587 μm) and antrum (mean 294.641 μm). Associated lesions included glandular atrophy, lymphoplasmacytic inflammation, and fibrosis. Minimal, moderate, and severe colonization with Helicobacter-like organisms (HLOs) were observed in 20, 6, and 3 cases, respectively. B-cell lymphocytes positive for Bcl6 and Pax5 were localized centrally in large follicles, surrounded by CD3+ T lymphocytes. Small follicles lacked germinal centers and showed mixed T and B lymphocytes. A positive correlation was found between the follicle diameter and both HLOs colonization (p = 0.049) and follicular hyperplasia (p < 0.001). A regression analysis indicated that HLOs colonization and hyperplasia accounted for 42.3% of follicle diameter variance (R2 = 0.423, p < 0.001). Additional studies are required to investigate potential correlations between GLFH and HLOs, as well as to assess the role of this lesion in the progression to neoplasia.