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ABSTRACTHerpes zoster (HZ) is a painful rash which typically affects older adults. This is of concern in Asia-Pacific given its aging population. As HZ epidemiology and burden are evolving, this systematic literature review aimed to update the current understanding of HZ burden and associated costs for selected Asia-Pacific locales. MEDLINE and Embase were searched for English articles of HZ studies conducted in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Singapore, and Taiwan. Eligible outcomes included HZ incidence and prevalence, occurrence of HZ-related complications, healthcare resource utilization, costs, and HZ-associated quality of life outcomes. This paper focused on HZ data in the general adult population (N = 90 articles). Substantial HZ-related disease and economic burden were observed in these locales, consistent with global trends. These findings reinforce the increasing burden of HZ and need for preventive strategies, which may include raising awareness and encouraging timely vaccination.

Case summary An 11-year-old male neutered cat was referred to The Ohio State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital after being diagnosed with pleural effusion by a referral veterinarian. After thoracocentesis, analysis of the effusion was consistent with chyle. Echocardiography, radiographs and bloodwork were used to diagnose hypertrophic cardiomyopathy phenotype and left-sided congestive heart failure, suspected to be secondary to uncontrolled hyperthyroidism. While initiating medical therapy, repeated thoracocenteses were required. A severe pneumothorax developed, necessitating placement of bilateral thoracostomy tubes. A thoracic CT scan did not reveal a cause for the pneumothorax; therefore, it was suspected to have occurred secondarily to an iatrogenic laceration of the parenchyma during thoracocentesis. An autologous blood patch pleurodesis was considered contraindicated so instead the cat was administered a blood patch using blood from a canine blood donor. The cat’s respiratory status remained stable without additional intervention. At 30 h after blood patch pleurodesis, the thoracostomy tubes were removed and thoracic radiographs revealed near resolution of the pleural effusion and pneumothorax. The cat remained subclinical and was discharged from the hospital 48 h after the blood patch pleurodesis. Upon follow-up at 4 and 8 weeks after discharge, the cat was alive and had no complications or adverse reactions from the blood patch pleurodesis. Relevance and novel information This case documents the first report of a xeno-blood patch pleurodesis performed in a cat using blood from a canine donor. The cat had a successful discharge from the hospital with no adverse reactions from the xeno-blood patch pleurodesis.

Abstract Background Overexpression of HER2 plays an important role in cancer progression and is the target of multiple therapies in HER2‐positive breast cancer. Recent studies have also highlighted the presence of activating mutations in HER2, and HER3 that are predicted to enhance HER2 downstream pathway activation in a HER2‐dependent manner. Methods In this report, we present two exceptional responses in hormone receptor‐positive, HER2‐nonamplified, HER2/HER3 co‐mutated metastatic breast cancer patients who were treated with the anti‐HER2‐directed monoclonal antibodies, trastuzumab and pertuzumab. Results Both patients acheived exceptional responses to treatment, suggesting that combined trastuzumab, pertuzumab, and endocrine therapy could be a highly effective therapy for these patients and our observations could help prioritize trastuzumab deruxtecan as an early therapeutic choice for patients whose cancers have activating mutations in HER2.

Abstract Background A subset of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) have homologous recombination deficiency with upregulation of compensatory DNA repair pathways. PIKTOR, a combination of TAK-228 (TORC1/2 inhibitor) and TAK-117 (PI3Kα inhibitor), is hypothesized to increase genomic instability and increase DNA damage repair (DDR) deficiency, leading to increased sensitivity to DNA-damaging chemotherapy and to immune checkpoint blockade inhibitors. Methods 10 metastatic TNBC patients received 4 mg TAK-228 and 200 mg TAK-117 (PIKTOR) orally each day for 3 days followed by 4 days off, weekly, until disease progression (PD), followed by intravenous cisplatin 75 mg/m2 plus nab paclitaxel 220 mg/m2 every 3 weeks for up to 6 cycles. Patients received subsequent treatment with pembrolizumab and/or chemotherapy. Primary endpoints were objective response rate with cisplatin/nab paclitaxel and safety. Biopsies of a metastatic lesion were collected prior to and at PD on PIKTOR. Whole exome and RNA-sequencing and reverse phase protein arrays (RPPA) were used to phenotype tumors pre- and post-PIKTOR for alterations in DDR, proliferation, and immune response. Results With cisplatin/nab paclitaxel (cis/nab pac) therapy post PIKTOR, 3 patients had clinical benefit (1 partial response (PR) and 2 stable disease (SD) ≥ 6 months) and continued to have durable benefit in progression-free survival with pembrolizumab post-cis/nab pac for 1.2, 2, and 3.6 years. Their post-PIKTOR metastatic tissue displayed decreased mismatch repair (MMR), increased tumor mutation burden, and significantly lower levels of 53BP1, DAG Lipase β, GCN2, AKT Ser473, and PKCzeta Thr410/403 compared to pre-PIKTOR tumor tissue. Conclusions Priming patients’ chemotherapy-pretreated metastatic TNBC with PIKTOR led to very prolonged response/disease control with subsequent cis/nab pac, followed by pembrolizumab, in 3 of 10 treated patients. Our multi-omics approach revealed a higher number of genomic alterations, reductions in MMR, and alterations in immune and stress response pathways post-PIKTOR in patients who had durable responses. Trial Registration This clinical trial was registered on June 21, 2017, at ClinicalTrials.gov using identifier NCT03193853.

Abstract Over 40 species of parrots, members of order Psittaciformes, have established nonnative populations globally. Monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) are among the most invasive bird species worldwide. In their introduced range, populations of monk parakeets have caused negative impacts on native species, habitats, economies, and human safety. Lethal population management has been complicated by the intelligence of monk parakeets, as they quickly alter behavior to avoid risks. Further, lethal control programs have been halted due to public controversy, as parakeets are highly charismatic. The contraceptive DiazaCon has been demonstrated to effectively reduce fertility in monk parakeets and other psittacines. In field applications, chemical control agents (e.g., toxicants and contraceptives) must be delivered in a manner that prohibits access by nontarget species. We developed and tested a parakeet‐selective feeder. The feeder allows access by parakeets and limits access by nontarget bird species by lowering a wire exclusion curtain around the feeder, requiring a zygodactyl toe arrangement to access food. We tested the parakeet‐selective feeder in trials with captive and free‐ranging monk parakeets and nontarget species in Florida, USA. Monk parakeets successfully accessed food from the parakeet‐selective feeder throughout the study. The mean number of daily feeder uses by nontarget species decreased from a high of nearly 16 uses per day when the exclusion curtain was not implemented to

Abstract Crop depredation by blackbirds (Icteridae) results in substantial economic losses to the United States sunflower industry, and a solution to effectively reduce damage remains elusive. We evaluated the utility of uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, as hazing tools to deter foraging blackbirds from commercial sunflower (Helianthus annuus) fields in North Dakota, USA, between September and October 2017. We compared the efficacy of 3 drones: a fixed‐wing predator model mimicking the form of an aerial raptor, a fixed‐wing airplane of similar size, and a multirotor drone. Multirotor drones are relatively easy to fly and are a multifunctional tool for agricultural use; however, they may not be an effective avian deterrent due to a lack of similarity in appearance with natural predators. Free‐ranging blackbird flocks (n = 58) reacted to every drone approach by initiating flight and took flight 1.6 times sooner for the fixed‐wing predator model (flight initiation distance [FID] = 90 m) and 1.8 times sooner for the fixed‐wing airplane (FID = 98 m) compared to the multirotor drone (FID = 55 m). However, the probability of a blackbird flock (n = 53) abandoning a field was greater with smaller field and flock sizes, rather than the specific drone deployed. In an applied setting, the performance of drones as avian hazing devices will likely depend on a combination of factors including platform selection, drone trajectory, duration of use, season, landscape context, and natural history of the pest species.

Abstract Background New drugs for veterinary patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are urgently needed. Early or late postinfection treatment of influenza‐infected mice with the liponucleotide cytidine diphosphocholine (CDP‐choline) resulted in decreased hypoxemia, pulmonary edema, lung dysfunction, and inflammation without altering viral replication. These findings suggested CDP‐choline could have benefit as adjunctive treatment for ARDS in veterinary patients (VetARDS). Objectives Determine if parenterally administered CDP‐choline can attenuate mild VetARDS in dogs with aspiration pneumonia. Animals Dogs admitted to a veterinary intensive care unit (ICU) for aspiration pneumonia. Methods Subjects were enrolled in a randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial of treatment with vehicle (0.1 mL/kg sterile 0.9% saline, IV; n = 8) or CDP‐choline (5 mg/kg in 0.1 mL/kg 0.9% saline, IV; n = 9) q12h over the first 48 hours after ICU admission. Results No significant differences in signalment or clinical findings were found between placebo‐ and CDP‐choline‐treated dogs on admission. All dogs exhibited tachycardia, tachypnea, hypertension, hypoxemia, hypocapnia, lymphopenia, and neutrophilia. CDP‐choline administration resulted in rapid, progressive, and clinically relevant increases in oxygenation as determined by pulse oximetry and ratios of arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO2 mmHg) to fractional inspired oxygen (% FiO2) and decreases in alveolar‐arterial (A‐a) gradients that did not occur in placebo (saline)‐treated animals. Treatment with CDP‐choline was also associated with less platelet consumption over the first 48 hours, but had no detectable detrimental effects. Conclusions and Clinical Importance Ctyidine diphosphcholine acts rapidly to promote gas exchange in dogs with naturally occurring aspiration pneumonia and is a potential adjunctive treatment in VetARDS patients.

Abstract Background Reduced pelvic limb reflexes in dogs with spinal cord injury typically suggests a lesion of the L4‐S3 spinal cord segments. However, pelvic limb reflexes might also be reduced in dogs with a T3‐L3 myelopathy and concurrent spinal shock. Hypothesis/Objectives We hypothesized that statistical models could be used to identify clinical variables associated with spinal shock in dogs with spinal cord injuries. Animals Cohort of 59 dogs with T3‐L3 myelopathies and spinal shock and 13 dogs with L4‐S3 myelopathies. Methods Data used for this study were prospectively entered by partner institutions into the International Canine Spinal Cord Injury observational registry between October 2016 and July 2019. Univariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the association between independent variables and the presence of spinal shock. Independent variables were selected for inclusion in a multivariable logistic regression model if they had a significant effect (P ≤ .1) on the odds of spinal shock in univariable logistic regression. Results The final multivariable model included the natural log of weight (kg), the natural log of duration of clinical signs (hours), severity (paresis vs paraplegia), and pelvic limb tone (normal vs decreased/absent). The odds of spinal shock decreased with increasing weight (odds ratio [OR] = 0.28, P = .09; confidence interval [CI] 0.07‐1.2), increasing duration (OR = 0.44, P = .02; CI 0.21‐0.9), decreased pelvic limb tone (OR = 0.04, P = .003; CI 0.01‐0.36), and increased in the presence of paraplegia (OR = 7.87, P = .04; CI 1.1‐56.62). Conclusions and Clinical Importance A formula, as developed by the present study and after external validation, could be useful for assisting clinicians in determining the likelihood of spinal shock in various clinical scenarios and aid in diagnostic planning.

Abstract A 3‐year‐old spayed female Siberian Husky presented for evaluation following ingestion of approximately 429 mg/kg of lamotrigine extended‐release. She demonstrated severe neurologic and cardiac signs and was treated with lipid emulsion, anticonvulsants, antiarrhythmics and aggressive decontamination and supportive care. She was successfully discharged from the hospital 5 days later.

Invasive predators are responsible for almost 60% of all vertebrate extinctions worldwide with the most vulnerable faunas occurring on islands. The brown treesnake (Boiga irregularis) is a notorious invasive predator that caused the extirpation or extinction of most native forest birds on Guam. The success of avian reintroduction efforts on Guam will depend on whether snake-control techniques sufficiently reduce contact rates between brown treesnakes and reintroduced birds. Mouse-lure traps can successfully reduce brown treesnake populations at local scales. Over a 22-week period both with and without active snake removal, we evaluated snake-trap contact rates for mouse- and bird-lure traps. Bird-lure traps served as a proxy for reintroduced nesting birds. Overall, mouse-lure traps caught more snakes per trap night than did bird-lure traps. However, cameras revealed that bird-lure traps had a snake contact rate almost 15 times greater than the number of successfully captured snakes. Snakes that entered bird-lure traps tended to be larger and in better body condition and were mostly captured in bird-lure traps, despite numerous adjacent mouse-lure traps. Traps placed along grid edges caught more snakes than interior traps, suggesting continuous immigration into the trapping grid within which bird-lure traps were located. Contact between snakes and bird-lure traps was equivalent before and after snake removal, suggesting mouse-lure traps did not adequately reduce the density of snakes that posed a risk to birds, at least at the timescale of this project. This study provides evidence that some snakes exhibit prey selectivity for live birds over live mouse lures. Reliance on a single control tool and lure may be inadequate for support of avian reintroductions and could lead to unintended harvest-driven trait changes of this invasive predator.

BACKGROUND:Multiple host introductions to the same non-native environment have the potential to complete life cycles of parasites incidentally transported with them. Our goal was to identify a recently detected parasitic flatworm in the invasive Brown Treesnake (Boiga irregularis) on the remote Pacific island of Guam. We considered possible factors influencing parasite transmission, and tested for correlations between infection status and potential indicators of host fitness. We used genetic data from the parasite and information about the native ranges of other possible non-native hosts to hypothesize how it arrived on Guam and how its life cycle may be currently supported. METHODS:We identified the parasite by comparing larval morphology and mtDNA sequences with other Pseudophyllid tapeworms. We assessed probability of infection in individual snakes using logistic regression and examined different factors influencing presence of parasites in hosts. RESULTS:We identified the parasite as the pseudophyllid cestode Spirometra erinaceieuropaei, with all sampled worms from multiple snakes sharing a single mtDNA haplotype. Infection appears to be limited to the only freshwater watershed on the island, where infection prevalence was high (77.5%). Larger snakes had a higher probability of being infected, consistent with the chronic nature of such infections. While infection status was positively correlated with body condition, infected snakes tended to have lower intra-peritoneal fat body mass, potentially indicating a negative effect on energy stores. CONCLUSIONS:We discovered that B. irregularis inhabiting a small area of forested habitat in a freshwater watershed on Guam are often infected by a novel parasite of Asian origin. While further work is needed, this species of Spirometra, itself a non-native species, likely depends on a suite of recently introduced hosts from different parts of the world to complete the life cycle. This baseline study provides little evidence of any effects on host fitness, but additional data are needed to more thoroughly explore the consequences of infection in this invasive snake population.

Rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri; parakeets) are among the most invasive bird species worldwide. In their introduced range, populations of this species have caused negative effects on native species, natural environments, economies, and human safety. Lethal population management has been complicated by the intelligence of the birds, as they quickly alter behavior to avoid risks. Further, lethal control programs have been halted due to public opposition, as parakeets are considered to be charismatic by animal welfare advocates. The contraceptive DiazaCon has been demonstrated to effectively reduce fertility in captive parakeets. In field applications, any chemical control agents (e.g., toxicants or contraceptives) must be delivered in a manner that prohibits access by non-target species. Parakeets are known to feed from bird feeders throughout their native and introduced range, suggesting contraceptive-treated bait may be a useful management strategy. However, our 24-week trials with free-ranging parakeets using platform, hopper, and tube feeders on the island of Kaua'i did not result in any parakeet visitation and thus precluded further testing of using feeders to selectively deliver fertility control products. Nonetheless, multiple citizen science reports and other documentation indicate parakeets using feeders on the island of O'ahu over a period of >10 years, and recently on the island of Maui. Our findings suggest the chemical control of nonnative parakeet populations is a promising technique, but implementation success will likely vary by target population acceptance, location, local faunal diversity, and availability of alternative forage. Keywords: citizen science, fertility control, Hawai'i, invasive species, Psittacula krameri, rose-ringed parakeet, toxicant delivery, INVASIVE BIRD POPULATIONS have become problematic throughout the world but can be particularly detrimental to agriculture and native biota on islands (Brochier et al. 2010). An estimated 15% of the [...]

The rose-ringed parakeet has been introduced to >40 countries, gaining its status as the most widely introduced parrot in the world. Although regarded as a strikingly beautiful bird by many people, this species is a severe agricultural pest that establishes and experiences a lag time prior to exponential population growth. In addition to agricultural damage, these birds cause noise and fecal pollution, aggregate in large night roosts near human structures, may be involved in disease transfer, and, in some cases, they may help spread invasive plants. In the U.S., rose-ringed parakeets have been reported in several southern states, but established populations are in Hawaii, Florida, and California. Escapees from the pet trade probably account for most introductions, and parakeets have been reported occurring in California as early as 1956. The estimated population in Bakersfield was 3,000 birds in 2012, and additional smaller populations have been reported in San Diego, Anaheim, Santa Cruz, Malibu, and Pasadena. Much of California, excluding expansive natural areas unoccupied by humans, is potentially at risk of rose-ringed parakeet colonization, and this species represents a conceivably important threat to California agriculture. Rose-ringed parakeets are known to consume and damage crops such as rice, sunflower, safflower, rapeseed, and citrus in native India; almonds in rural Italy; and corn and fleshy fruit (e.g., guava, mangos, lychee, papaya) in Hawaii. In 1975, the California Department of Agriculture estimated that the potential crop losses due to a well-established rose-ringed parakeet population could reach US$735,000 annually, a value that resulted from an estimate of their damaging 0.1% of crops grown in the area. Rose-ringed parakeets are a serious agricultural pest in several areas outside of California, and all areas where they thrive are in human-altered landscapes. An update is needed on this species’ distribution, population changes, and impacts to agriculture within California. Furthermore, we recommend establishing an annual monitoring plan of the established California populations, as well as efforts to prevent their spread and reduce their threat to California agriculture.

Existing reviews address important questions about subsets of practitioner training studies in special education but leave important questions about the broader literature unanswered. In this comprehensive review, we identified 118 peer-reviewed single-case-design studies in which researchers tested the efficacy of practitioner training on implementation of educational practices to students with disabilities. We found publication of studies has proliferated in recent years, and most studies involved a multiple-baseline or multiple-probe design, researchers as training agents, in-service special education teachers or paraprofessionals as trainees, and students with learning disabilities or autism spectrum disorder as recipients of intervention. Through visual analysis, we detected 521 effects out of 626 opportunities across studies. The mean d-Hedges-Pustejovky-Shadish effect size was d = 2.48. Behavioral-skills training was associated with the most consistent improvement of implementation fidelity. We found statistically significant associations between implementation fidelity and modeling, written instructions for implementation, and verbal performance feedback.

The transition from A-level to degree-level practical classes then to a research project, hence from dependent learner to independent researcher, is a hurdle that all students face when studying for a chemistry degree. This can be daunting so any innovations that aid this transition are of great value. At the University of Reading, the first year practical course has been redesigned to facilitate this transition by embedding independent thought and experimentation across all chemistry disciplines (introductory, organic, inorganic and physical). Examples of experiments that provide opportunities for independent student investigation, along with student perceptions of the experiments of the course, are given. Using this model for practical-class delivery, student engagement, confidence, independence and ultimately preparedness for year 2 were improved.

Background Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a multidrug-resistant pathogen causing recalcitrant pulmonary infections in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators have been developed that partially correct the defective chloride channel driving disease. Despite the many clinical benefits, studies in adults have demonstrated that while P. aeruginosa sputum load decreases, chronic infection persists. Here, we investigate how P. aeruginosa in pwCF may change in the altered lung environment after CFTR modulation. Methods P. aeruginosa strains (n = 105) were isolated from the sputum of 11 chronically colonized pwCF at baseline and up to 21 months posttreatment with elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor or tezacaftor-ivacaftor. Phenotypic characterization and comparative genomics were performed. Results Clonal lineages of P. aeruginosa persisted after therapy, with no evidence of displacement by alternative strains. We identified commonly mutated genes among patient isolates that may be positively selected for in the CFTR-modulated lung. However, classic chronic P. aeruginosa phenotypes such as mucoid morphology were sustained, and isolates remained just as resistant to clinically relevant antibiotics. Conclusions Despite the clinical benefits of CFTR modulators, clonal lineages of P. aeruginosa persist that may prove just as difficult to manage in the future, especially in pwCF with advanced lung disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous work suggests that key factors for replicability, a necessary feature for theory building, include statistical power and appropriate research planning. These factors are examined by analyzing a collection of 12 standardized meta-analyses on language development between birth and 5 years. With a median effect size of Cohen's d = 0.45 and typical sample size of 18 participants, most research is underpowered (range = 6%-99%; median = 44%); and calculating power based on seminal publications is not a suitable strategy. Method choice can be improved, as shown in analyses on exclusion rates and effect size as a function of method. The article ends with a discussion on how to increase replicability in both language acquisition studies specifically and developmental research more generally.

BACKGROUND: Birds damage crops, costing millions of dollars annually, and growers utilize a variety of lethal and nonlethal deterrents in an attempt to reduce crop damage by birds. We experimentally tested laser scarecrows for their effectiveness at reducing sweet corn (Zea mays) damage. We presented 18 captive flocks of free‐flying European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) with fresh sweet corn ears distributed on two plots where laser and control treatments were alternated each day and allowed each flock to forage over 5 days. In 16 trials, fresh sweet corn ears were mounted on wooden sticks distributed from 0 to 32 m from laser units (Stick Trials), and in two trials birds foraged on ripe corn grown from seed in the flight pen (Natural Trials). We aimed to determine if laser‐treated plots had significantly less damage overall and closer to the laser unit, and whether birds became more or less likely to forage in laser‐treated plots over time. RESULTS: Lasers reduced damage overall, marginally in Stick Trials and dramatically in Natural Trials. Damage increased during each week in both trial types. Damage increased significantly with distance from lasers, and significant treatment effects occurred up to ~20 m from lasers. CONCLUSION: Our results concur with recent field trials demonstrating strong reductions in sweet corn damage when lasers are deployed. This study provides a first look at how birds respond to repeated laser exposure and whether damage increases with distance from lasers. Key differences between pen and field trials are discussed. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]