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ABSTRACTLocal farmers’ engagement and contributions are increasingly underscored in resources restoration policy. Yet, empirical context-situated understanding of the environmental impacts of farmer-led restoration remains scant. Using six Agent-based Modeling (ABM) simulations that integrate multi-type data, we explore the potential spatial-temporal aggregate patterns and outcomes of local restoration actions in Central Malawi. Findings uncover a 10-year positive trend and spatially explicit potential restoration extent and intensity, greenness, and land productivity, all varying by farmer’s participation level. Landscape regreening is modestly promising with fluctuating greenness levels and low, slightly incremental, then steady land-productivity levels. Findings also show appropriate incentives, restoration knowledge, and inspiring local leadership as propitious management options for boosting local restoration. Bundling these enabling management and policy options would maximize local restoration. Findings suggest empowering bottom-up restoration efforts for enhanced environmental impacts. We also demonstrate the potential of using ABM to offer insights for spatially targeted, evidence-based restoration policy implementation and monitoring.

In Denmark, a nationwide COVID-19 lockdown was implemented on March 12, 2020 and eased on April 14, 2020. The COVID-19 lockdown featured reduced prevalence of extremely preterm or extremely low birthweight births. This study aims to explore the impact of this COVID-19 lockdown on term birthweights in Denmark. We conducted a nationwide register-based cohort study on 27,870 live singleton infants, born at term (weeks 37-41), between March 12 and April 14, 2015-2020, using data from the Danish Neonatal Screening Biobank. Primary outcomes, corrected for confounders, were birthweight, small-for-gestational-age (SGA), and large-for-gestational-age (LGA), comparing the COVID-19 lockdown to the previous five years. Data were analysed using linear regression to assess associations with birthweight. Multinomial logistic regression was used to assess associations with relative-size-for-gestational-age (xGA) categories. Adjusted mean birthweight was significantly increased by 16.9 g (95% CI = 4.1-31.3) during the lockdown period. A dip in mean birthweight was found in gestational weeks 37 and 38 balanced by an increase in weeks 40 and 41. The 2020 lockdown period was associated with an increased LGA prevalence (aOR 1.13, 95% CI = 1.05-1.21). No significant changes in proportions of xGA groups were found between 2015 and 2019. The nationwide COVID-19 lockdown resulted in a small but significant increase in birthweight and proportion of LGA infants, driven by an increase in birthweight in gestational weeks 40 and 41.

Despite increasing sustainable agricultural intensification (SAI) investments, indicators for detecting gender and intergenerational inequities in SAI costs and benefits sharing often remain overgeneralized, theoretical, or locally irrelevant. We examine the relative value of, and how to, customize standard SAI indicators to detect such inequities in specific socio-cultural contexts to enhance data collection for evidence-based decision making in fostering gender/youth inclusive SAI. Using focus-group discussions and key informant interviews among farmers and diverse government, NGO, private sector, and academic stakeholders in two districts in Malawi and three in Ghana, we assess the perceived roles, differentiated needs/priorities of men, women and youth, and the sharing of SAI burdens and benefits within farming households. We investigate what context-appropriate questions to ask, to whom, and how, to collect reliable information on indicators of SAI-investment inequities. Results illuminate context-specific, gendered and intergenerational factors shaping access to and ownership of productive resources, household decision making, SAI participation, and appropriateness of selected indicators. Combining farmers' and local field-expert' perspectives offers practical insights for customizing inequity indicators. Findings highlight advantages of local contextualization of SAI indicators, including insights on appropriate data-collection approaches that challenge orthodox survey/quantitative methods for detecting and assessing gender/age inequities to foster inclusive SAI.

Abstract Background Specific biomarkers of pyelonephritis (PN) in cats are lacking. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have diagnostic potential in human nephropathies. Objectives To investigate the presence/stability of miRNAs in whole urine of cats and the discriminatory potential of selected urinary miRNAs for PN in cats. Animals Twelve healthy cats, 5 cats with PN, and 13 cats with chronic kidney disease (n = 5), subclinical bacteriuria (n = 3), and ureteral obstructions (n = 5) recruited from 2 companion animal hospitals. Methods Prospective case‐control study. Expression profiles of 24 miRNAs were performed by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Effect of storage temperature (4°C [24 hours], −20°C, and −80°C) was determined for a subset of miRNAs in healthy cats. Results Urinary miR‐4286, miR‐30c, miR‐204, miR4454, miR‐21, miR‐16, miR‐191, and miR‐30a were detected. For the majority of miRNAs tested, storage at 4°C and −20°C resulted in significantly lower miRNA yield compared to storage at −80°C (mean log2fold changes across miRNAs from −0.5 ± 0.4 SD to −1.20 ± 0.4 SD (4°C versus −80°C) and from −0.7 ± 0.2 SD to −1.20 ± 0.3 SD (−20°C versus −80°C)). Cats with PN had significantly upregulated miR‐16 with a mean log2fold change of 1.0 ± 0.4 SD, compared with controls (−0.1 ± 0.2, P = .01) and other urological conditions (0.6 ± 0.3, P = .04). Conclusions Upregulation of miR16 might be PN‐specific, pathogen‐specific (Escherichia coli), or both.

In dogs, the use of probiotics for preventive or therapeutic purposes has become increasingly common, however the evidence for beneficial effects are often limited. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of feeding a diet containing Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415 on faecal quality, faecal short-chain fatty acid concentrations, serum concentrations of cholesterol, triglycerides, cobalamin and folate as well as faecal microbiome in adult dogs. Eleven healthy client owned dogs were enrolled in a randomized, double-blinded crossover study. All dogs were fed the same balanced diet with or without incorporation of Enterococcus faecium NCIMB 10415 for 16 days each. Blood and faecal samples were collected at baseline and during the feeding trial and owners recorded daily faecal scores. An Enterococcus spp. ASV, likely representing E. faecium NCIMB 10415 was detected in the faecal microbiome of some dogs 18–19 days after withdrawal of oral supplementation. Inclusion of E. faecium decreased circulating cholesterol (p = 0.008) compared to baseline. There were no differences in cholesterol concentrations between diets. Owners reported 0.6 ± 0.3) days less of loose stools compared to the control diet. Comparing to baseline, both diets significantly increased faecal concentration of acetate and butyrate, decreased serum cobalamin and increased faecal microbial diversity. Decreased serum cobalamin, and increased faecal acetate correlated with decreases in the Fusobacterium, Streptococcus, Blautia, and Peptoclostridium. Except for effects on circulating cholesterol and faecal score, effects were observed regardless of the addition of E. faecium. It is therefore likely that these effects can be contributed to dietary prebiotic effects on the faecal microbiome.

Acquired canine proximal renal tubulopathy (Fanconi syndrome) related to excessive ingestion of jerky treats has been recognized since 2007. This study aimed to improve knowledge about the syndrome’s characteristics, especially long-term outcome. By reaching out to veterinarians and dog owners, dogs suspected of jerky induced Fanconi syndrome were identified. The dog’s medical records were reviewed, and owners interviewed. Data was analyzed using linear mixed models (p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant) and descriptive statistics are reported. Thirty dogs, median body weight 6.8 (range 1.2–59) kg and age 6.5 (0.5–14) years, were enrolled as suspected cases based on history of jerkey ingestion and confirmed normoglycemic/hypoglycemic glycosuria. Clinical signs included polydipsia (23/30), polyuria (21/30), lethargy (19/30), weight loss (15/30), hyporexia (11/30), vomiting (7/30), diarrhea (7/30) and no clinical signs (2/30). Para-clinical findings included azotemia (6/28), hypophosphatemia (9/25), metabolic acidosis (3/8), hypokalemia (6/20), proteinuria (13/26), aminoaciduria (4/4), hematuria (22/29) and ketonuria (7/27). Clinical signs resolved in 22/28 within 11 (0.3–52) weeks and glycosuria resolved in 28/30 within 6.5 (1–31) weeks. There were no associations between serum creatinine and urea and the amount/duration of jerky ingestion. Serum symmetric dimethylarginine concentrations were only available for a few dogs, therefore no conclusion was achieved on a possible association with duration of jerky ingestion. Apart from a larger percentage of dogs achieving complete recovery, the current findings are in agreement with previous reports.

BackgroundCongenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common congenital malformations. The aetiology of CHDs is complex. Large cohort studies and systematic reviews and meta-analyses based on these have reported an association between higher risk of CHDs in the offspring and individual maternal metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and preeclampsia, all conditions that can be related to insulin resistance or hyperglycaemia. However, the clinical reality is that these conditions often occur simultaneously. The aim of this review is, in consequence, both to evaluate the existing evidence on the association between maternal metabolic disorders, defined as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, dyslipidaemia and CHDs in the offspring, as well as the significance of combinations, such as metabolic syndrome, as risk factors.MethodsA systematic literature search of papers published between January 1, 1990 and January 14, 2021 was conducted using PubMed and Embase. Studies were eligible if they were published in English and were case-control or cohort studies. The exposures of interest were maternal overweight or obesity, hypertension, preeclampsia, diabetes, dyslipidaemia, and/or metabolic syndrome, and the outcome of interest was CHDs in the offspring. Furthermore, the studies were included according to a quality assessment score.ResultsOf the 2,250 identified studies, 32 qualified for inclusion. All but one study investigated only the individual metabolic disorders. Some disorders (obesity, gestational diabetes, and hypertension) increased risk of CHDs marginally whereas pre-gestational diabetes and early-onset preeclampsia were strongly associated with CHDs, without consistent differences between CHD subtypes. A single study suggested a possible additive effect of maternal obesity and gestational diabetes.ConclusionsFuture studies of the role of aberrations of the glucose-insulin homeostasis in the common aetiology and mechanisms of metabolic disorders, present during pregnancy, and their association, both as single conditions and-particularly-in combination, with CHDs are needed.

Objective. To present the features of clinical manifestations, diagnostic aspects and approaches to the treatment of neurogenic deformities of the spine in adults based on the literature data. Material and Methods. The literature review was performed using PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, CrossRef, AOSpine, Clini- cal Key, eLibrary databases and references of key articles published in the period from 06.02.2017 till 04.11.2017. Results. General trends in the treatment of adult patients with neurogenic deformities of the spine have been determined. Assessment of the risk from performing an intervention, taking into account possible complications and potential outcome, determines the approach to surgery in these patients. It is necessary to develop protocols of management with the definition of the main clinical symptoms, the ratio- nale for the use of non-invasive, minimally invasive or other options for care. Surgical treatment of patients with spinal deformities asso- ciated with neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s disease) is accompanied by a high rate of complications and repeated interventions. Tactical algorithms for these patients should include the consistency of non-surgical and mini-invasive techniques and considering clinical manifestations of myopathy, mielo-, radiculopathy, which, in comparison with diagnostic tests, can determine the indications and volume of decompressive interventions, and the extent and levels of spinal fixation. Conclusion. The complexity of pathogenetic mechanisms and ambiguous results of non-surgical and surgical treatment determine the need for multidisciplinary approach and the development of protocols for the management of adult patients with neurogenic deformities of the spine.

Leptin is secreted by the placenta and has a multi-facetted role in the regulation of functions related to pregnancy. Metabolic disorders and insufficient homeostatic compensatory mechanisms involving leptin during pregnancy play a decisive role in the development of pre-eclampsia (PE) and give rise to compromised intrauterine growth conditions and aberrant birth weight of offspring. This review was compiled to elucidate the metabolic background of PE and its relationship with adverse intrauterine growth conditions through the examination of leptin as well as to describe possible mechanisms linking leptin to fetal growth restriction. This review illustrates that leptin in PE is dysregulated in maternal, fetal, and placental compartments. There is no single set of unifying mechanisms within the spectrum of PE, and regulatory mechanisms involving leptin are specific to each situation. We conclude that dysregulated leptin is involved in fetal growth at many levels through complex interactions with parallel pregnancy systems and probably throughout the entirety of pregnancy.

BackgroundRisk factors for congenital cryptorchidism were investigated in a prospective birth cohort study in Denmark and Finland from 1997 to 2001.Methodology and principal findingsIn total, 2,496 boys were examined for cryptorchidism at birth (cryptorchid/healthy: 128/2,368) and three months old (33/2,215). Information on risk factors was obtained antenatally (questionnaire/interview) or at birth from birth records. Use of nicotine substitutes during pregnancy (n = 40) and infertility treatment by intrauterine insemination (n = 49) were associated with an increased risk for cryptorchidism, adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) (OR (95%CI)) 3.04 (95%CI 1.00-9.27) and 3.01 (95%CI 1.27-7.15), respectively. No association was seen for mothers (n = 79) who had infertility treatment in form of intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment (OR 0.71 95%CI 0.21-2.38). In total, 728 (29%) reported to have smoked during pregnancy, however, no increased risk among maternal smokers was found. Furthermore, we found statistically significant associations between cryptorchidism and low birth weight, prematurity, being small for gestational age, substantial vaginal bleeding, and breech presentation, which are in accordance with other studies.Conclusions and significanceOur study revealed two novel risk factors for cryptorchidism: intrauterine insemination and the use of nicotine substitutes in pregnancy. This suggests that cryptorchidism may not only be associated to genetic factors, but also to maternal lifestyle and exposure.

The Hajj worship in 2022 is the first post-pandemic time for journalists outside Saudi Arabia to report on the Hajj process. This research discusses Islamic media's coverage strategy, which assigns journalists to Saudi Arabia to cover the Hajj. The research utilized a qualitative method with data sources based on interviews with journalists from Republika media, tv Muhammadiyah (tvMu), and NU Online. The research findings reveal that Indonesian journalists can merely cover the Hajj Media Centre of the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs. Another limitation is the prohibition of Saudi Arabian authorities from taking pictures with professional cameras, so journalists employ smartphones to take photos and videos. Regarding news themes, Republika highlighted the importance of health protocols for Indonesian pilgrims. At the same time, NU Online and tvMu reported on religious principles addresed to their respective organizations' perspectives. Primary news sources included pilgrimage officers in Saudi Arabia and Indonesian authorities. In particular, tvMu and NU Online correspondingly interviewed news sources from their respective organizations.

Background: Age, smoking, sleep duration, sleep quality, and obesity are risk factors that can affect the amount of sperm concentration, morphology, and motility. The aim of this study is to assess the lifestyle effects: age, smoking, sleep duration, sleep quality, and obesity on the amount of concentration, morphology, and motility of sperm. Materials and Methods: The study utilized an analytical observational approach with a cross-sectional design. The study subjects comprised 70 male partners of infertile couples admitted to the Sekar Fertility Clinic at the Dr. Moewardi General Hospital between March and August 2022. The study assessed variables including age, body mass index (BMI), smoking status, sleep duration, sleep quality, sperm concentration, sperm morphology, and sperm motility. Furthermore, the data were analyzed using univariate, bivariate, and multivariate methods with SPSS 25 software.Results: The research findings demonstrate that obesity is significantly associated with abnormal sperm concentration (OR=40.07; CI=3.90-411.67; P=0.002). Furthermore, moderate or heavy smoking is significantly associated with abnormal sperm concentration (OR=17.45; CI=1.83-166.15; P=0.013) and sleep quality with severe disorders (OR=5.73; CI=1.12-29.21; P=0.036). Moreover, obesity is significantly associated with abnormal sperm motility (OR=12.97; CI=2.66-63.15; P=0.002), while moderate or heavy smoking (OR=5.89; CI=1.23-28.20; P=0.026) and poor sleep duration (OR=6.21; CI=1.43-26.92; P=0.015) also exhibit significant associations with abnormal sperm motility. However, no significant findings were observed regarding sperm morphology. Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that obesity, moderate or heavy smoking, and sleep quality have statistically significant effects on sperm concentration, while obesity, moderate or heavy smoking, and sleep duration have statistically significant effects on sperm motility. However, no statistically significant influence was observed on sperm morphology. Further research with larger sample sizes and more diverse populations is needed to validate these findings and explore other potential factors that may impact male fertility.

The objective of this study is to identify the difficulties and obstacles that instructors encounter when designing ESP English course for tourism students. Communication with foreigners was deemed by the majority of Lombok's stakeholders to be the most formidable challenge to the local community. Students have to be able to speak and write English because of how quickly knowledge and information spreads in this globalized world. To accommodate the requirements of students, English for Specific Purposes (ESP) is structured. In this study, the ESP lecturers at STP Mataram are degrees in education and/or language; hence, it is doubtful that they have specific understanding of the subjects that the students are studying. It could be challenging for the lecturers at STP Mataram to manage and design course with relevant activities in the classroom, much less respond to questions about subjects, technical terms, and ideas that they don't fully understand. Not only do lecturers face difficulties in creating materials in realistic forms, but they also face difficulties in choosing texts or other resources based on their own degree of expertise in the subject. In teaching the class efficiently, ESP lecturers must also develop the syllabus, supply the necessary materials, work with subject/content specialists, carry out research, and assess the students and the course. A thorough need analysis will enable the course designer to create a unique, appropriate course for the students and consider the students' prior knowledge of how to use English language.

Preeclampsia (PE) is a severe pregnancy disorder posing significant health risks to both the mother and the fetus without available preventive measures or treatments. More specifically, the main pathological feature of early-onset PE (EO-PE) is the incomplete transformation of the spiral artery. Meanwhile, aspirin has proven effective for the treatment and prevention of PE. Previous studies indicated a relationship between the phytochemical compound of kopyor coconut water (KCW) and nutritional treatment for PE. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of KCW as a potential preventive treatment for PE. An experimental laboratory method was used with pre-test and post-test control group designs. The samples comprised 35 pregnant Wistar rats, divided into five groups with seven members each. Rats were then randomized into control and groups exposed to L-NAME, L-NAME and aspirin, L-NAME and KCW 2 ml/200 gBW, as well as L-Name and KCW 2 ml/200 gBW for GD4 to 19. The results showed that after administering L-NAME to induce EO-PE, mean arterial pressure (MAP), proteinuria, placental hypoxia, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction decreased due to KCW nutritional treatment. Specifically, KCW nutrition prevented the uterine spiral artery from expanding and reduced the number of neutrophils. The decreased survival rate caused by L-NAME-induced PE was reversed by providing KCW nutrition. Moreover, results indicated that KCW was a potential alternative for the prevention and treatment of EO-PE even at doses of 2 or 3 ml/200 gBW, offering insights for the community and clinical practitioners in treating PE as a therapeutic option.