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There is a growing need to understand sea turtle biology and distribution as changingoceanographic conditions may cause dramatic shifts over time. However, conservation efforts for highly migratory and elusive species such as green and leatherback sea turtles remains achallenge, especially in the marine environment, limiting research to nesting females while the remainder of their life cycle is largely hidden. (1) Green turtles forage in bays and estuaries in Southern California and have been found to originate from tropical nesting beaches in Mexico. (1) On top of logistical challenges, traditional genetic studies on these species often rely on tissuesamples, which can be invasive and stressful for turtles, costly, and labor-intensive (3).Environmental DNA (eDNA) eDNA offers a non-invasive alternative, potentially revolutionizing the field. This method involves collecting samples of water, sand, air, etc. and essentially extracting DNA straight from the environment rather than the species of interest. (4) Previous studies have shown that eDNA can be extracted and identified from water samplescollected directly next to green turtles (5). The next challenge is to be able to quantify this eDNA to reliably determine presence or absence of the species, and to estimate relative abundance. Droplet Digital PCR is a system used to precisely quantify the amount of target DNA in a sample, and has not yet been used for eDNA studies of sea turtles. Without the need to capture or even see the organism itself, eDNA techniques could be vital for the detection and analysis of rare and elusive species. However, there is a need to systematically evaluate the reliability andefficacy of eDNA methodologies for sea turtle research, addressing issues related to sampleidentification, quantification, and temporal dynamics.

Abstract Intracranial pressure (ICP) is a physiological parameter that conventionally requires invasive monitoring for accurate measurement. Utilising multivariate predictive models, we sought to evaluate the utility of non-invasive, widely accessible MRI biomarkers in predicting ICP and their reversibility following cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversion. The retrospective study included 325 adult patients with suspected CSF dynamic disorders who underwent brain MRI scans within three months of elective 24-h ICP monitoring. Five MRI biomarkers were assessed: Yuh sella grade, optic nerve vertical tortuosity (VT), optic nerve sheath distension, posterior globe flattening and optic disc protrusion (ODP). The association between individual biomarkers and 24-h ICP was examined and reversibility of each following CSF diversion was assessed. Multivariate models incorporating these radiological biomarkers were utilised to predict 24-h median intracranial pressure. All five biomarkers were significantly associated with median 24-h ICP (p

Abstract The dopamine reward prediction error signal is known to be subjective but has so far only been assessed in aggregate choices. However, personal choices fluctuate across trials and thus reflect the instantaneous subjective reward value. In the well-established Becker-DeGroot-Marschak (BDM) auction-like mechanism, participants are encouraged to place bids that accurately reveal their instantaneous subjective reward value; inaccurate bidding results in suboptimal reward (“incentive compatibility”). In our experiment, male rhesus monkeys became experienced over several years to place accurate BDM bids for juice rewards without specific external constraints. Their bids for physically identical rewards varied trial by trial and increased overall for larger rewards. In these highly experienced animals, responses of midbrain dopamine neurons followed the trial-by-trial variations of bids despite constant, explicitly predicted reward amounts. Inversely, dopamine responses were similar with similar bids for different physical reward amounts. Support Vector Regression demonstrated accurate prediction of the animals’ bids by as few as twenty dopamine neurons. Thus, the phasic dopamine reward signal reflects instantaneous subjective reward value.

The first romantic relationships of adolescents are of significant developmental importance, and the acquired experience is a cultural issue. The study aimed to capture what meanings young teenagers give their first love experiences. In-depth interviews were conducted with six teenage girls. A detailed idiographic analysis, based on Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), allowed us to present the work of adolescents to maintain intimacy and ensure the stability of a romantic relationship. It was noticed that young girls take an emotionally leading role in their romantic relationships, feel responsible for them, and act following the stereotypical gender order. The interpretative framework adolescents adopt may result from therapeutic and utilitarian narratives, addressed mainly to women.

Abstract Background. The New Medicine Service (NMS) was developed in England more than ten years ago, as a three-stage consultation led by community pharmacists to support patients taking new medication for a chronic disease. In Poland, the scheme was officially introduced in January 2023. However, its implementation into common practice has been presented with various obstacles, including the need to develop relationships with general practitioners, resolve the payment structure, and provide training with adequate supporting materials. Hence, written materials have been designed for use as an optional tool for counselling patients receiving an NMS in community pharmacies. Methods. The present study evaluates the ability of these materials to inform patients about the need to adhere to anti-hypertensive medication. A group of 401 randomly-selected adult visitors to pharmacies and/or healthcare centres were surveyed; one third had hypertension in their history. Results. The structure, grammar and readability of the text achieved the required threshold of 40% according to the Plain Language Index. The designed materials effectively informed the patients about anti-hypertensive medication, reflected in an increased score in a knowledge test, and were rated positively regarding information level, comprehensibility and presentation. Conclusion. The proposed material may serve as an additional, “patient-friendly” educational tool for use as part of an NMS.

Objective Social media influencers have enormous sway with youth; however, little is known about how they communicate about mental health and how young people respond to this content. Methods This study used semi-structured, remote interviews with 31 participants aged 16 to 24 years to explore how young people feel about the way social media influencers discuss mental health online. Thematic analysis and member-checking processes were used to identify five themes, each reflecting a tension in how participants viewed a specific aspect of influencer content. Results Themes included the style (casual or serious), volume (inadequate or excessive), focus (distress or solutions), source (lived experience or professional advice), and sponsorship status (persuading or exploitative) of influencer content. Conclusion Young people appear to hold widely varying, nuanced preferences regarding influencer mental health content. Notwithstanding some risks and limitations, influencers can generate engaging mental health content—their potential role in shaping youth mental health and other health communication efforts warrants further exploration.

Introduction and Purpose: The human gut microbiota, comprising a diverse consortium of approximately 100 trillion microorganisms, is integral to maintaining health and modulating disease processes. Its development begins at birth, influenced by maternal microbiota and environmental factors. Dysbiosis, defined as an imbalance in the gut microbial composition, has been implicated in a range of gastrointestinal pathologies, including colorectal cancer (CRC). This review endeavors to elucidate the relationship between gut microbiota and CRC, examining the impact of specific bacterial taxa on the pathogenesis CRC. Description of the State of Knowledge: Gut microbiota encompasses a multitude of microbial species, with their composition differing along the gastrointestinal tract. Healthy gut microbiota perform essential functions such as pathogen protection, metabolic processes, and immune system modulation. Factors like diet and genetics significantly influence microbial composition. Dysbiosis contributes to CRC through inflammation, genotoxin production, and immune modulation. Specific bacteria, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum and Bacteroides fragilis, are associated with CRC. Mechanisms of carcinogenesis include bacterial adherence, invasion of epithelial cells, and activation of pro-inflammatory pathways. Summary: Understanding the gut microbiota's role in CRC highlights the importance of maintaining a balanced microbiome for cancer prevention. Dietary interventions promoting beneficial bacteria and reducing harmful species could mitigate CRC risk. Further research should prioritize the identification of microbial biomarkers for early CRC detection and the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at modulating the gut microbiota. These efforts will enhance CRC prevention and treatment modalities.

Cellular therapies utilizing regulatory T cells (Tregs) have flourished in the autoimmunity space as a new pillar of medicine. These cells have shown a great promise in the treatment of such devastating conditions as type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and graft versus host disease (GVHD). Novel treatment protocols, which utilize Tregs-mediated suppressive mechanisms, are based on the two main strategies: administration of immunomodulatory factors affecting Tregs or adoptive cell transfer (ACT). ACT involves extraction, in vitro expansion and subsequent administration of Tregs that could be either of autologous or allogeneic origin. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is another autoimmune candidate where this treatment approach is being considered. RA remains an especially challenging adversary since it is one of the most frequent and debilitating conditions among all autoaggressive disorders. Noteworthy, Tregs circulating in RA patients' blood have been proven defective and unable to suppress inflammation and joint destruction. With this knowledge, adoptive transfer of compromised autologous Tregs in the fledgling clinical trials involving RA patients should be reconsidered. In this article we hypothesize that incorporation of healthy donor allogeneic Tregs may provide more lucid and beneficial results.

ABSTRACT Following the detection of novel highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b in Newfoundland, Canada, in late 2021, avian influenza virus (AIV) surveillance in wild birds was scaled up across Canada. Herein, we present the results of Canada’s Interagency Surveillance Program for Avian Influenza in Wild Birds during the first year (November 2021–November 2022) following the incursions of HPAIV from Eurasia. The key objectives of the surveillance program were to (i) identify the presence, distribution, and spread of HPAIV and other AIVs; (ii) identify wild bird morbidity and mortality associated with HPAIV; (iii) identify the range of wild bird species infected by HPAIV; and (iv) genetically characterize detected AIV. A total of 6,246 sick and dead wild birds were tested, of which 27.4% were HPAIV positive across 12 taxonomic orders and 80 species. Geographically, HPAIV detections occurred in all Canadian provinces and territories, with the highest numbers in the Atlantic and Central Flyways. Temporally, peak detections differed across flyways, though the national peak occurred in April 2022. In an additional 11,295 asymptomatic harvested or live-captured wild birds, 5.2% were HPAIV positive across 3 taxonomic orders and 19 species. Whole-genome sequencing identified HPAIV of Eurasian origin as most prevalent in the Atlantic Flyway, along with multiple reassortants of mixed Eurasian and North American origins distributed across Canada, with moderate structuring at the flyway scale. Wild birds were victims and reservoirs of HPAIV H5N1 2.3.4.4b, underscoring the importance of surveillance encompassing samples from sick and dead, as well as live and harvested birds, to provide insights into the dynamics and potential impacts of the HPAIV H5N1 outbreak. This dramatic shift in the presence and distribution of HPAIV in wild birds in Canada highlights a need for sustained investment in wild bird surveillance and collaboration across interagency partners.IMPORTANCEWe present the results of Canada’s Interagency Surveillance Program for Avian Influenza in Wild Birds in the year following the first detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) H5N1 on the continent. The surveillance program tested over 17,000 wild birds, both sick and apparently healthy, which revealed spatiotemporal and taxonomic patterns in HPAIV prevalence and mortality across Canada. The significant shift in the presence and distribution of HPAIV in Canada’s wild birds underscores the need for sustained investment in wild bird surveillance and collaboration across One Health partners.

ObjectivePreclinical models of seizures and epilepsy in rodents contributed substantially to the discovery of currently available antiseizure medications. These were also broadly used for investigation of processes of epileptogenesis. Nevertheless, rodent models pose some limitations, thus, new models using alternative species are in high demand. The aim of this study was to describe a new model of seizures/epilepsy induced by the cholinomimetic agent, pilocarpine (PILO), in larval zebrafish.MethodsLocal field potential (LFP) recordings were conducted to analyze electroencephalographic discharges and correlate it with larval behavior. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining, as well as TUNEL staining were performed to analyze morphology and apoptosis, respectively. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was undertaken for gene expression analysis.ResultsAcute exposure to PILO, in a concentration-dependent manner, induces electroencephalographic discharges in larval zebrafish, which behaviorally manifest as decreased locomotion and moving time, but enhanced movement velocity. The PILO-induced seizure-like activity is behaviorally distinct from this induced by the application of chemoconvulsant pentylenetetrazole (PTZ). Zebrafish larvae previously exposed to PILO (2 h), after a washing out period, exhibit spontaneous, unprovoked discharges and apoptotic changes in their brains.SignificanceHere, we comprehensively investigated a new model of PILO-induced seizures/epilepsy in larval zebrafish. We propose that this model may be used to study epileptogenesis and for antiseizure drug screening purposes.

Magdalena Stasiak,1 Przemys&lstrok;aw Witek,2 Emilia Adamska-Fita,1 Andrzej Lewi&nacute;ski1,3 1Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital—Research Institute, Lodz, Poland; 2Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Medical University of Warsaw; Mazovian Brodnowski Hospital, Warszawa, Poland; 3Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, PolandCorrespondence: Magdalena Stasiak, Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital—Research Institute, 281/289 Rzgowska Street, Lodz, 93-338, Poland, Tel +48502049292, Fax +48422711140, Email mstasiak33@gmail.comAbstract: Cushing’s disease (CD) is the most common cause of endogenous hypercortisolism. Osilodrostat was demonstrated to be efficient in treating CD, and the mean average dose required for CD control was < 11 mg/day. Potential differences in osilodrostat treatment between cortisol-producing adenoma (CPA) and CD have not been reported. The aim of this study was to present two patients with CPA in whom significant differences in the response to therapy compared to CD were found. We demonstrated a case of inverse response of cortisol levels with adrenal tumor progression during the initial dose escalation (Case 1). Simultaneously, severe exaggeration of hypercortisolism symptoms and life-threatening hypokalemia occurred. A further rapid dose increase resulted in the first noticeable cortisol response at a dose of 20 mg/day, and a full response at a dose of 45 mg/day. We also present a case that was initially resistant to therapy (Case 2). The doses required to achieve the first response and the full response were the same as those for Case 1. Our study demonstrated that osilodrostat therapy in patients with CPA may require a different approach than that in CD, with higher doses, faster dose escalation, and a possible initial inverse response or lack of response.Keywords: osilodrostat, adrenal adenoma, hypercortisolism, ACTH-independent, adverse events, hypokalemia

The article concerns issues related to the tenure of the executive body in Polish local government units. The paper aims to make a spatial analysis of the phenomenon of multicadency of mayors in Łódź voivodeship. The study was carried out in two dimensions: spatial (rural municipalities in Łódź voivodeship) and temporal (local government elections in 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018). The analysis based on data from the State Election Commission revealed that re-election is a frequent phenomenon in the rural municipalities of Łódź voivodeship. It is probably because local authorities respond to the needs and expectations of voters. This strengthens their positive feelings, increases satisfaction and leads to the formation of positive motives for participation in local government elections and election decisions (identified with the re-election of the municipal executive).

Abstract Background A serious game called SPARX (Smart, Positive, Active, Realistic, X-factor thoughts), originally developed in New Zealand and incorporating cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) principles, has been shown to help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in adolescents with mild to moderate depression in studies undertaken in Australasia. However, SPARX has never been trialled in the United Kingdom (UK), and there have been issues relating to low engagement when it has been used in a real-world context. Aims To conduct the first pilot and feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) in England to explore the use of SPARX in different settings. The trial will explore whether SPARX supported by an e-coach (assistant psychologists) improves adherence and engagement compared with self-directed (i.e. self-help) use. The trial results will be used to inform the optimal mode of delivery (SPARX supported vs. SPARX self-directed), to calculate an appropriate sample size for a full RCT, and to decide which setting is most suitable. Methods Following consultation with young people to ensure study suitability/appropriateness, a total of 120 adolescents (11–19 years) will be recruited for this three-arm study. Adolescents recruited for the study across England will be randomised to receive either SPARX with human support (from an e-coach), self-directed SPARX, or a waitlist control group. Assessments will be conducted online at baseline, week 4, and 8–10-week post-randomisation. The assessments will include measures which capture demographic, depression (Patient Health Questionnaire modified for adolescents [PHQ-A]) and anxiety (Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale [RCADS]) symptomatology, and health-related quality-of-life data (EQ-5D-Y and proxy version). Analyses will be primarily descriptive. Qualitative interviews will be undertaken with a proportion of the participants and clinical staff as part of a process evaluation, and the qualitative data gathered will be thematically analysed. Finally, feasibility data will be collected on recruitment details, overall study uptake and engagement with SPARX, participant retention, and youth-reported acceptability of the intervention. Discussion The findings will inform the design of a future definitive RCT of SPARX in the UK. If the subsequent definitive RCT demonstrates that SPARX is effective, then an online serious game utilising CBT principles ultimately has the potential to improve the provision of care within the UK’s health services if delivered en masse. Trial registration ISRCTN: ISRCTN15124804. Registered on 16 January 2023, https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN15124804 .

Abstract Background Mapping of the pulmonary lymphatic system by near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging might not always identify the first lymph node relay. The aim of this study was to determine the clinicopathologic factors allowing the identification of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) by NIR fluorescence imaging in thoracic surgery for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods We conducted a retrospective review of 92 patients treated for suspected or confirmed cN0 lung cancer with curative intent who underwent an intraoperative injection of indocyanine green (ICG) either by direct peritumoral injection or by endobronchial injection using electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy (ENB). After exclusion of patients for technical failure, benign disease and metastasis, we analyzed the clinicopathologic findings of 65 patients treated for localized-stage NSCLC, comparing the group with identification of SLNs (SLN-positive group) with the group without identification of SLNs (SLN-negative group). Results Forty-eight patients (73.8%) were SLN-positive. Patients with SLN positivity were more frequently female (50%) than the SLN-negative patients were (11.8%) (p = 0.006). The mean value of diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO) was lower among the patients in the SLN-negative group (64.7% ± 16.7%) than the SLN-positive group (77.6% ± 17.2%, p 75% (HR = 4.92, 95% CI: 1.27–24.7; p = 0.03) and female sex (HR = 5.55, 95% CI: 1.25–39.33; p = 0.04) were independently associated with SLN detection. Conclusions At a time of resurgence in the use of the sentinel lymph node mapping technique in the field of thoracic surgery, this study enabled us to identify, using multivariate analysis, two predictive factors for success: DLCO > 75% and female sex. Larger datasets are needed to confirm our results.

Activation in brain regions associated with spatial navigation, such as the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex - a critical hub for grid cells - has also been observed during tasks such as representing a social network or abstract conceptual relations. To demonstrate a behavioral parallel between cognitive maps of abstract and physical spaces, we developed a novel task in which participants constructed spatial representations of relational statements along two dimensions, and were tested on ability to make inferences from these statements. Participants’ representations varied widely, with some using a regular, hexagonal grid pattern. The uniformity of their patterns correlated with performance on the inference task, a spatial ability measure, and a spatial habits of mind questionnaire. These findings support extant research proposing a flexible cognitive map system used for representing both physical space and conceptual relations, and suggest that this system is subject to individual differences in more general spatial processing.

Only a few studies have focused on building the image of emerging destinations. The region’s image is influenced by its tourist attractiveness (image-related perception) and the knowledge about its tourist attributes (recognition). To build the image of emerging destinations, the attributes of attractiveness should be identified. In this study, such an attempt was made for Lublin Province. A diagnostic survey and statistical methods were used to assess the perception of its attractiveness and the recognition of the attractiveness attributes by visitors. Lublin Province has no tourism image, and its attractiveness attributes are identified only vaguely. The landscape is the only attribute on which the image of this destination can be built.

Zjawisko narkomanii jest problemem globalnym, a walka z nim tradycyjnymi metodami opartymi na polityce zero tolerancji wydaje się być skazana na porażkę, czego przykładem są narkotyki projektowane, które miały być legalnymi analogami narkotyków konwencjonalnych. Celem niniejszej pracy jest próba odpowiedzi na pytanie, jak skutecznymi sposobami dysponuje państwo w walce z nowymi substancjami psychoaktywnymi, potocznie nazywanymi dopalaczami. Z treści pracy dowiadujemy się czym są dopalacze i jak ustawodawca pozycjonuje je pośród innych substancji narkotycznych, oraz jakimi metodami prowadzi z nimi walkę. Autorzy dokonują oceny skuteczności działania zaordynowanych przez ustawodawcę rozwiązań prawnych na gruncie prawa prywatnego i publicznego. Skutkiem powyższej oceny są postulaty konwalidacyjne kończące pracę.