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BackgroundVariations in survival among patients with oligodendroglioma are unexplained by known prognostic factors. To assess the impact of peripheral immune profiles on prognosis, we applied immunomethylomics analyses-DNA methylation of archived whole blood samples, to characterize immune cells.MethodsWe compared the proportions of immune cells from patients with oligodendroglioma to other glioma subtypes and controls. We used recursive partitioning analysis (RPA) within the oligodendrogliomas to correlate with survival.ResultsPatients with oligodendrogliomas (141) were median age at diagnosis of 44 years; 57% male; 75% White; 60% prior chemotherapy; and 25% on dexamethasone at sample collection. Patients with oligodendrogliomas had immune profiles more similar to controls than other glioma subtypes, though with notably lower B-cells. RPA of patients with oligodendrogliomas delineated 2 survival groups based on an interaction between age and B-naïve cells. Patients with longer survival (median 24.2 years) were ≤42 years of age with higher B-naïve cells versus worse survival (median 16.9 years) who were ≤42 years of age with lower B-naïve cells or >42 years of age (P = .00032). Patients with worse survival also had lower CD4- and CD8-naïve T-cells. Similar immune profiles were observed in an independent cohort of oligodendroglioma patients prior to surgery.ConclusionsPeripheral blood immune profiles in oligodendroglioma suggested that younger patients with lower B-naïve cells experienced shorter survival. Though our findings lack of validation cohort and use a heterogenous patient population, they suggest peripheral blood immune profiles may be prognostic for patients with glioma and warrant further investigation.

Mastitis remains a major challenge in the dairy sector, causing significant economic losses and impacting animal welfare globally. Early detection of sub-clinical (SCM) and clinical mastitis (CM) is crucial for effective management, particularly in varying environmental conditions. The current study aims at thermal imaging of the udder, teat, and short milking tube (SMT) of the milking machine across milking phases and seasons to assess SCM and CM via infra-red thermography (IRT) in a sub-tropical organised farm of Karnal, India. The udder health status of 98–117 lactating Holstein Friesian crossbred (HFCB) cows was screened monthly using IRT and further accessed using the California Mastitis Test (CMT) and somatic cell count (SCC). The thermal image analysis revealed a difference (p

Introduction Lung ultrasound is emerging as a rapid, simple and safe alternative for diagnosing pneumonia since it has a higher sensitivity than X-rays and lower radiation exposure than computerized tomography. This is a prospective observational study done at a tertiary care centre in Chennai to study the diagnostic utility of lung ultrasound in pneumonia. Methods Children aged 1 month to 12 years who were admitted to the hospital with complaints of cough, fever and/or breathing difficulty and on examination had tachypnea and/or chest indrawing were included in the study. All children underwent chest X-rays which was a standard hospital protocol. At admission, an independent investigator who was blinded to the clinical and radiological features of the child performed lung ultrasound. In all children, the final diagnosis of pneumonia was made by another independent expert paediatrician on the basis of the clinical features and chest X-ray. The test characteristics of ultrasound and chest X-ray were compared against this gold standard of physician-diagnosed pneumonia. Results Out of the 252 children studied, 225 (89.3%) had pneumonia while the rest 27 (10.7%) had other diagnoses. Among the 225 children with pneumonia, 223 (99.1%) were detected by ultrasound while 157 (69.8%) were detected by chest X-ray. All the test characteristics such as sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of ultrasound were higher than those of chest X-ray. The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasound to diagnose pneumonia were 99.11% and 81.48%, respectively, while the sensitivity and specificity of X-ray for the same were 69.77% and 74.07%, respectively. Overall diagnostic accuracy for chest ultrasonography was 97.22% (94.36% to 98.88%), whereas for chest radiography, it was found to be 70.24% (64.18% to 75.81%).While both modalities were able to diagnose pneumonia significantly, ultrasound had better strength of association (Cramer’s V value = 0.849) than X-ray to the final diagnosis. Conclusion Lung ultrasound can be employed as a point-of-care investigation to diagnose pneumonia in suspected cases and can even replace chest X-ray in such circumstances.

ABSTRACTThis study focuses on the Manimala River Basin (MMRB) situated in the Western Ghats region of Kerala, which has been significantly affected by landslides. The water quality in the MMRB is likely to be impacted by heavy rainfall and the resulting debris flows. A comprehensive analysis was conducted for 157 water samples collected from the MMRB, with an objective to evaluate the hydrogeological conditions and estimation of 23 physico-chemical parameters to determine the water quality. Pearson’s correlation matrix for geochemical data was performed to investigate the relationships among physical and chemical parameters, and various ions in the MMRB. The present study also aimed to identify the dominant geochemical facies present in the water samples and determine the geochemical processes responsible for modifying the hydrochemistry. The results revealed that elevated concentrations of Ca2+ and SO42- ions, which exert influence on the hydrochemistry of the region. Moreover, we utilized a fuzzy logic tool to categorize the water samples based on a water quality index, which indicated that approximately 92% of the MMRB samples are suitable for human consumption. This study offers valuable insights into the interplay of geochemical factors and water quality assessment, contributing to effective strategies for water resource management and conservation.

Abstract Trachinotus blochii is a high-value tropical mariculture species. The present study evaluated the gut microbial impact of therapeutic exposure (80 mg/day/kg biomass for 10 days) to oxytetracycline, the most common aquaculture antibiotic in T. blochii. The cultivable counts, α-diversity measures of taxonomic and functional metagenomics, microbial dysbiosis (MD) index, and microbial taxon abundances showed the resilience of gut microbiota at 16–26 days of treatment. A significant reduction in bacterial abundance, diversity measures, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria and an increase in γ-Proteobacteria was recorded on the 6th and 11th day of treatment. The increased metagenomic stress signatures, decreased beneficial bacterial abundances, decreased abundance of microbial pathways on energy metabolism, and MD index indicated short-term transient stress during the initial days of therapeutic withdrawal, warranting health management measures. Therapeutic exposure reduced the abundance of fish pathogens, including Vibrio spp., kanamycin and ampicillin-resistant bacteria. Strikingly, oxytetracycline treatment did not increase tetracycline-resistant bacterial counts and the predicted abundance of tetracycline resistance encoding genes in the gut, illustrating that therapeutic application would not pose a risk in the context of antimicrobial resistance in short term. Altogether, the present study provides a foundation for oxytetracycline treatment to develop suitable risk minimization tactics in sustainable aquaculture.

Abstract The identification of adjuvants to improve vaccination efficacy is a major unmet need. One approach is to augment the functionality of dendritic cells (DCs) by using Toll-like receptor-9 (TLR9) agonists such as cytosine-phosphate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs) as adjuvants. Another approach is adjuvant selection based on production of bioactive interleukin-12 (IL-12). We report a D-peptide isomer, designated D-15800, that induces monocyte differentiation to the DC phenotype in vitro and more effectively stimulates IL-12p70 production upon T cell receptor (TCR) activation than the L-isomer. In the absence of TCR activation and either IL-12p70 or interleukin-2 production, only D-15800 activates CD4+ T and natural killer cells. In the presence of CpG ODN, D-15800 synergistically enhances production of interferon-alpha (IFN-α). Taken together with its biostability in human serum and depot retention upon injection, co-delivery of D-15800 with TLR9 agonists could serve to improve vaccine efficacy.

Abstract Objective Over the last two decades one of the main surgical treatment for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ prolapse (POP) surgery was the insertion of non-absorbable mesh to restore continence and prolapse respectively. Over time complications arose including mesh-associated pain syndrome (MAPS), mesh exposure, mesh, erosion, chronic bladder/vaginal infections, and dyspareunia. Consequently, women chose surgical mesh removal to counter these problems. However, little is known about the demographics, medical co-morbidities, mesh types involved and the timing from mesh insertion to mesh removal. This retrospective study will look at which of these factors may be closely associated with mesh removal surgery. Design Retrospective evaluation. Setting Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery (FPMRS) Clinic at University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Population All patients presenting to the FPMRS Clinic between June 2011 to December 2019, requesting mesh removal surgery with a history of MAPS and other mesh complications were included in this study. Methods Patient demographics including age, ethnicity, obstetric history, and medical co-morbidities; type of mesh/anatomical route used; onset of symptoms; and time from insertion to removal were recorded. Main Outcome Measures Determination of correlation coefficients between patient demographics, patient reported symptoms and mesh removal surgery. Results Three hundred and forty-five women with a history of MAPS were included in the study. Women in the 40–60 year old cohort accounted for 54.4% of mesh removal surgery; 54.8% had a BMI under 30 and almost 90% were Caucasian. 96.5% had had children, with over 77% having had a vaginal delivery. 91.9% of patients reported other health conditions including 18.8% with a concomitant history of mental health problems and 15.4% with a history of heart disease. Over 80% of women undergoing mesh removal surgery had a continence mesh (49% retropubic and 32% obturator continence mesh) removed, whereas 20% had an abdominal prolapse and/or vaginal prolapse mesh removed. The average time from mesh insertion to mesh removal was seven years, with the prevalence of mesh removal surgery averaging 85% (range 50–100%) depending on the comorbidity determined. Conclusions All women presented to the clinic with a history of MAPS and other comorbidities which may have influenced their decision to pursue mesh removal surgery. There were no specific predictors, other than chronic pain associated with mesh, determining which women underwent surgery, though those with continence mesh were more likely to do so.

Introduction: Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) is the standard treatment for renal calculi. Direct visualization and fragmentation are its major advantages. The variable stone clearance rates and the ergonomic challenges faced by urologists are a few limitations. Table tilt enhances stone clearance and improves surgical ergonomics by facilitating better access to stones and reducing procedural strain. Subjects and Methods: In this prospective study, patients with intrarenal calculi were randomized into standard lithotomy RIRS (S-RIRS) and table-tilted RIRS (T-RIRS) groups. Specified table tilts were suggested for each of the stone locations. The outcomes with regard to stone clearance, operative and lasing time, and ergonomics were studied. Results: About 100 patients were studied, with 50 in each group. The overall operating time and lasing time in the T-RIRS group were less than that in the S-RIRS group (P < 0.001). The complication rates were the same in both groups. Most surgeons felt that the surgical ergonomics was better in the T-RIRS group (P < 0.001). When stone-free status was analyzed, seven patients in the S-RIRS group and one in the T-RIRS group had residual stones. The mean Borg category-ratio 10 (CR-10) scores in the S-RIRS and T-RIRS groups were 4.18 and 2.20, respectively (P < 0.001). Conclusions: This is the first study to document the distinct advantages of T-RIRS and its benefits on surgical ergonomics. T-RIRS resulted in significantly shorter operative and lasing times, particularly for stones in lower calyces. Surgical ergonomics, assessed by the Borg CR-10 scale, were significantly better in the T-RIRS group. T-RIRS should become a standard of care for patients undergoing RIRS.

Background Despite preventing infection transmission, because of its prolonged use, the impact of masks on social life, behavior, and oral hygiene status and habits of everyday people are still unknown. The knowledge of the changes in patients’ esthetic complaints, perceptions, and habits with the use of masks is essential for clinicians. Aim and Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of the continuous use of face masks on oral hygiene habits; dental, smile and oral conditions, and self-perception; current reasons to seek dental care; and the importance attributed to teeth and smile esthetics among the adult population (students/employees) who wear masks 6 h per day for 6 months from August 30, 2021 to February 28, 2022. Materials and Methods An electronic survey (Google Forms) was used to generate a web-based platform for the responses in the form of a questionnaire. A link to the structured questionnaire was posted on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and WhatsApp. The study considered all the individuals willing to participate, and the subjects were informed about the survey’s objectives. Data Analysis Method The recorded data were analyzed using the SPSS software. Proportions were compared using the Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was selected to denote statistical significance with the confidence level, and the significance level was set at 95% and 5%, respectively. Conclusion The study gave the current status of participants and their motivational levels toward seeking dental treatment, suggesting further studies in planning preventive strategies for the participants.

Abstract Despite being a global public health problem, there are no antiviral agents for dengue. Plants are the sources of most approved drugs and many phytochemicals have exhibited in vitro antiviral activity. We explored the antiviral potential of the aqueous extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra roots (GGaq) on dengue viruses. Plaque reduction antiviral assay for half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) was done in Vero cells infected with dengue serotypes 1–4 and exposed to varying concentrations of GGaq. Half-maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50) of the GGaq was 651.9 µg/mL. The IC50 of the four dengue serotypes (10–50 µg/mL) indicated moderate inhibition by GGaq. 98–100% inhibition of all dengue serotypes was seen with GGaq at the maximum nontoxic dose. Preparative thin layer chromatography of GGaq, isolated sub fractions E and F which had low to moderate antiviral activity (IC50 12.65–85.95 and IC50 13.14–69.27 respectively). They exhibited good therapeutic potential only for dengue serotype-4. Virus adsorption to cells was significantly inhibited by GG (50%) and sub fraction E (24.9%). Chloroquine diphosphate was used as the positive control in all assays. The aqueous extract of GG was non-toxic and had better antiviral activity than sub fractions E and F.

Abstract The development of photocatalysts must be meticulous, especially when they are designed to degrade hazardous dyes that cause mutagenesis and carcinogenesis. In this meticulous approach, Ni-based metal–organic frameworks with different ligands, including terephthalic acid (NTP), 2-aminoterephthalic acid (NATP), and their composite with g-C3N4 (NTP/GCN, and NATP/GCN) have been synthesized using hydrothermal method. Structural analysis by XRD and ATR-IR revealed synergistic properties due to robust chemical interactions between the NATP-MOFs and GCN systems. A flower-like morphology was observed for both NTP and NATP, while their composites showed mixed-particulate structures mimicking the morphology of GCN. Optical analyses indicated visible-light driven properties with modulated recombination resistance in the system. Among the synthesized bare and composite systems, NATP/GCN exhibited the highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency for the cationic rhodamine B dye (~ 93% in 120 min), while it was relatively less efficient for the anionic Congo red dye, (~ 64% in 120 min). The insights gained from the fundamental characterizations including Mott–Schottky, scavenger, and electrochemical impedance analysis revealed that the amino-groups in NATP/GCN composite offered the band edge potentials suitable for the effective generation of energetic radical species with the improved carrier delocalization, recombination resistance, and charge transfer properties in the composite system through Z-scheme formation. Parametric investigations by varying the concentration of catalyst, dye, and pH along with recycle studies, demonstrated the excellent stability of the developed composites for sustainable photocatalytic applications.

Importance: Labor pain presents significant challenges during childbirth, necessitating effective pain management strategies. Auriculotherapy, a non-pharmacological intervention targeting specific ear points, has been explored as a potential solution for alleviating labor pain. Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy of auriculotherapy in reducing labor pain intensity and improving maternal satisfaction. Data Resources: The electronic databases PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane Library were searched from inception until December 2023 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating auriculotherapy as an intervention for labor pain management. Study Selection: Two authors independently conducted literature selection based on predefined criteria (i.e., RCTs assessing auriculotherapy for labor pain management). Data Extraction and Synthesis: Data extraction was performed independently by two authors, and a random-effects model was used for meta-analysis. The pooled mean difference (MD), with a 95% confidence interval (CI), was calculated to estimate the effect size. Main Outcome(s) and Measure(s): The primary outcome was labor pain intensity measured on the visual analog scale. Results: Meta-analysis of five RCTs involving 451 patients revealed a significant reduction in labor pain following auriculotherapy compared with no treatment (MD, –1.78; 95% CI, –2.62 to –0.93). However, significant heterogeneity was observed among the included studies (I2, 87%; p < 0.01). Conclusions and Relevance: Despite the observed heterogeneity, this meta-analysis suggests that auriculotherapy holds promise as a non-pharmacological intervention for alleviating labor pain. Further investigation is warranted to refine auriculotherapy protocols and assess its long-term effects, thereby enhancing its potential as a viable option for labor pain management.

ABSTRACT: This comprehensive review highlights the intricate interplay between maternal factors and the co-development of the microbiome and immune system in neonatal calves. Based on human and mouse studies, multiple prenatal and postnatal factors influence this process by altering the host-associated microbiomes (gut, respiratory tract, skin), microbial colonization trajectories, and priming of the immune systems (mucosal and systemic). This review emphasizes the importance of early-life exposure, highlighting postnatal factors that work in synergy with maternal factors in further fine-tuning the co-development of the neonatal microbiome and immunity. In cattle, there is a general lack of research to identify the maternal effect on the early colonization process of neonatal calves (gut, respiratory tract) and its impact on the priming of the immune system. Past studies have primarily investigated maternal effects on the passive transfer of immunity at birth. The co-development process of the microbiome and immune system is vital for lifelong health and production in cattle. Therefore, comprehensive research beyond the traditional focus on passive immunity is an essential step in this endeavor. Calf microbiome research reports the colonization of diverse bacterial communities in newborns, which is affected by the colostrum feeding method immediately after birth. In contrast to human studies reporting a strong link between maternal and infant bacterial communities, there is a lack of evidence to clearly define cow-to-calf transmission in cattle. Maternal exposure has been shown to promote the colonization of beneficial bacteria in neonatal calves. Nonetheless, calf microbiome research lacks links to early development of the immune system. An in-depth understanding of the influence of maternal factors on microbiomes and immunity will improve the management of pregnant cows to raise immune-fit neonatal calves. It is essential to investigate the diverse effects of maternal health conditions and nutrition during pregnancy on the gut microbiome and immunity of neonatal calves through collaboration among researchers from diverse fields such as microbiology, immunology, nutrition, veterinary science, and epidemiology.

Science communication has taken center stage in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) disciplines in the context of public outreach and citizen science. Developing practical communication skills is imperative for all scientists to be highly successful in their careers and more so for underrepresented and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) professionals in STEM. The program, led by the Engineering and Science Librarian at the University of Victoria (UVic) Libraries, aimed to equip students and early career scientists with critical communication skills by leveraging the unique voices and lived experiences of BIPOC speakers in STEM disciplines. Through this program, a unique toolkit with engaging modules consisting of 30 short videos, each three minutes long (30 x 3) by BIPOC speakers was created to provide broad foundational skills in verbal and visual communication, using an Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (EDISJ) lens. A two-day conference offered networking and communication development opportunities to students and early-career scientists in STEM disciplines by connecting them with BIPOC STEM leaders and visionaries who promote STEM advocacy. This paper will discuss the methods used in the creation of the toolkit and conference using an EDISJ lens.