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Future climate presents conflicting implications for forest biomass. We evaluate how plant hydraulic traits, elevated CO2 levels, warming, and changes in precipitation affect forest primary productivity, evapotranspiration, and the risk of hydraulic failure. We used a dynamic vegetation model with plant hydrodynamics (FATES-HYDRO) to simulate the stand-level responses to future climate changes in a wet tropical forest in Barro Colorado Island, Panama. We calibrated the model by selecting plant trait assemblages that performed well against observations. These assemblages were run with temperature and precipitation changes for two greenhouse gas emission scenarios (2086-2100: SSP2-45, SSP5-85) and two CO2 levels (contemporary, anticipated). The risk of hydraulic failure is projected to increase from a contemporary rate of 5.7% to 10.1-11.3% under future climate scenarios, and, crucially, elevated CO2 provided only slight amelioration. By contrast, elevated CO2 mitigated GPP reductions. We attribute a greater variation in hydraulic failure risk to trait assemblages than to either CO2 or climate. Our results project forests with both faster growth (through productivity increases) and higher mortality rates (through increasing rates of hydraulic failure) in the neo-tropics accompanied by certain trait plant assemblages becoming nonviable.

The question of what generates conscious experience has mesmerized thinkers since the dawn of humanity, yet its origins remain a mystery. The topic of consciousness has gained traction in recent years, thanks to the development of large language models that now arguably pass the Turing test, an operational test for intelligence. However, intelligence and consciousness are not related in obvious ways, as anyone who suffers from a bad toothache can attest-pain generates intense feelings and absorbs all our conscious awareness, yet nothing particularly intelligent is going on. In the hard sciences, this topic is frequently met with skepticism because, to date, no protocol to measure the content or intensity of conscious experiences in an observer-independent manner has been agreed upon. Here, we present a novel proposal: Conscious experience arises whenever a quantum mechanical superposition forms. Our proposal has several implications: First, it suggests that the structure of the superposition determines the qualia of the experience. Second, quantum entanglement naturally solves the binding problem, ensuring the unity of phenomenal experience. Finally, a moment of agency may coincide with the formation of a superposition state. We outline a research program to experimentally test our conjecture via a sequence of quantum biology experiments. Applying these ideas opens up the possibility of expanding human conscious experience through brain-quantum computer interfaces.

Here we share four key lessons from an interdisciplinary project (Nuestro Rio) that gathered community perspectives on local water quality in the Santa River basin (Peru) utilising a digital technological approach where we collected data via a novel photo elicitation app, supported by a field work campaign. The lessons explored in this article provide insights into challenges and opportunities for researchers considering developing technological tools for encouraging participation and engagement in marginalised communities.

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Health Information Seeking Behavior (HISB) refers to the behavior and strategies used to attain, clarify, or confirm health information. The uptake of health information depends on system-level and individual-level factors. The purpose of the present study is to understand the sources from which Punjabi elders obtain COVID-19 vaccine-related information and their information seeking behavior. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 391 Punjabi elders aged 50+ years in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ontario. The survey questions included the need for COVID-19 vaccine information, the type of information sought, sources of information, and barriers to seeking information. Descriptive analysis was conducted using frequencies and percentages, and logistic regression was performed to understand the associations between participants’ sociodemographic characteristics and HISB. The results suggested that Punjabi elders are more likely to use informal sources and less likely to seek information from health professionals and government health and wellness websites. The results also suggested that most participants do not cross-check their information with other sources and are more likely to cross-check the information with family/friends, compared to credible care providers, across all demographics. Ultimately, there may be a need for stakeholders to collaborate to regulate the accuracy and type of health-information that is disseminated through media, and to tailor health communication to the health information seeking behavior of this population.

Fish meal represents the main protein source for most commercially farmed aquatic species, as it is characterized by high nutritional value and lack of anti-nutritional factors. However, its availability and the market price have been recognized as serious problems at least for over a decade, making it necessary to search for non-conventional protein sources, as an alternative to fish meals. This review aims to comprehensively examine and critically revise the use of fish meal and all alternative protein sources explored to date on the health, welfare, and growth performance of the major aquatic species commercially interesting from a global scenario. The investigation revealed that the inclusion levels of the different protein sources, plant- and animal-derived, ranged from 10 to 80 % and from 2 to 100 % respectively, in partial or complete replacement of fish meal, and generated positive effects on health, welfare, growth performance, and fillet quality. However, the results showed that above a certain level of inclusion, each protein source can negatively affect fish growth performance, metabolic activities, and other biological parameters. Moreover, it is likely that by mixing different protein sources, the combination of each ingredient causes a synergistic effect on the nutritional properties. Therefore, the future of aquatic feed formulation is expected to be based on the blend of different protein sources. Overall, the analysis highlighted the need for additional research in the field of replacing fish meals with new protein sources, given that many knowledge gaps are still to be filled on aquatic species, which deserve to be investigated.

Introduction. SARS-CoV-2 infection causes immune disorders that create conditions for the reactivation of human herpesviruses (HHVs). However, the estimates of the HHVs effect on the course and outcome of COVID-19 are ambiguous. Аim – to study the possible relationship between the HHV reactivation and the adverse outcome of COVID-19. Materials and methods. Postmortem samples from the brain, liver, spleen, lymph nodes and lungs were obtained from 59 patients treated at the Moscow Infectious Diseases Hospital No.1 in 2021–2023. The group 1 comprised 39 patients with fatal COVID-19; group 2 (comparison group) included 20 patients not infected with SARS-CoV-2 who died from various somatic diseases. HHV DNA and SARS-CoV-2 RNA were determined by PCR. Results. HHV DNA was found in autopsy samples from all patients. In group 1, EBV was most often detected in lymph nodes (94%), HHV-6 in liver (68%), CMV in lymph nodes (18%), HSV in brain (16%), VZV in lung and spleen (3% each). The detection rates of HHVs in both groups was similar. Important differences were found in viral load. In patients with COVID-19, the number of samples containing more than 1,000 copies of HHV DNA per 100,000 cells was 52.4%, in the comparison group – 16.6% (p 0.002). An association has been established between the reactivation of HSV and HHV-6 and the severity of lung damage. Reactivation of EBV correlated with increased levels of liver enzymes. Conclusion. Reactivation of HHVs in patients with fatal COVID-19 was associated with severe lung and liver damages, which indicates a link between HHV reactivation and COVID-19 deaths.

Background: Enterococcus is routinely considered a low-grade pathogen. The synergistic action of Enterococci with other bacteria increases the risk of infection. Enterococci are currently the next most common cause of healthcare-associated infections after E. coli. Greater understanding is needed regarding Enterococcus stress survival, virulence, and resistance patterns to assess the complexity of disease-causing Enterococcus. Purpose: Analyze the prevalence of Enterococcus and assess the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Enterococcus. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed and carried out in the Department of Microbiology at Bangladesh University of Health Sciences, Dhaka, over a period of 3 months. Bacterial culture and sensitivity were the methods employed for microbiological examination. Result: A total of 558 bacterial strains were isolated, among which the growth of Enterococcus spp. was 27 (4.83%). The prevalence of Enterococcus spp. among different samples was 4.83%. The number of highly sensitive strains ranged from 66.66% to 77.77% for antibiotics, namely gentamycin, ampicillin, amoxicillin, and meropenem. Moderately high sensitivity to levofloxacin (29.62%) and low sensitivity to doxycycline (14.81%) were also analyzed. Conclusion: The study recommends that antibiotics should be used after proper laboratory procedures are undertake, and it should be selected based on antimicrobial susceptibility tests.

ABSTRACTThis scoping review summarises the findings of research conducted on cancer screening in Bangladesh, including the prevalence, awareness, barriers, and evaluation of screening programmes, by performing a comprehensive search of electronic databases and gray literature. 25 studies that met inclusion criteria were included in the final analysis. Most of the studies were about screening for cervical cancer, were quantitative, were cross-sectional, and were conducted in hospital settings. The main challenges to screening uptake were shyness, fear, a lack of knowledge, and an inadequate understanding of the concept of screening. Visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) was found to be a simple and cost-efficient way to detect early-stage cervical cancer. However, breast self-examination (BSE) was reported to be insufficient. Education was found to have a positive impact on cancer screening knowledge and practice, but more needs to be done to improve screening rates, such as the utilisation of media, particularly in rural areas. The results of this scoping review highlight Bangladesh's low cancer screening prevalence and uptake and suggest that targeted awareness campaigns and enhanced access to screening services are required to increase cancer screening uptake and reduce the cancer burden in Bangladesh.

Background: Health literacy is an important public health concern and can be defined as 'the degree or extent to which the individuals have the capacity to obtain, process and understand basic health information and services to make appropriate health decisions'. Research on health literacy among recent immigrants to Canada is not that extensive. Objective: The purpose of this paper was to describe health literacy status among Nepalese immigrants residing in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Methods: In 2019, a cross-sectional study, using a self-administered questionnaire, was conducted among Nepalese immigrants in Calgary. The questionnaire comprised 38 questions including sociodemographic information, self-rated health status, having a chronic disease or not, health literacy, sources of health information and preference to gain health information. Results: We received 401 responses: 49.63% were from women, 51.37% were aged 36-55 years, 37.00% had graduate-level education, 44.96% had immigrated to Canada less than 5 years ago and 81.05% were employed full-time/part-time or self-employed. Findings revealed that 17.21% of survey participants had limited health literacy, followed by 40.15% who had marginal health literacy. The majority of the survey participants (71.82%) either always or often got health information from healthcare professionals, followed by online resources (56.61%). Conclusion: Noteworthy levels of limited health literacy and marginal health literacy were observed among the Nepalese immigrant population. Multidirectional, culturally tailored, community-led, collaborative initiatives are needed to improve health literacy among the immigrant population, to lessen health disparities and to promote better health outcomes.

Introduction The intersection of sexism with racism and xenophobia disproportionately exposes visible minority women to gender-based violence (GBV) at the community and systemic levels. This study aims to understand the knowledge strengths and gaps on GBV against visible minority women with an intersectional lens, revealing systemic barriers to accessing support and how these barriers intensify GBV and its effects. It will also identify effective and ineffective policies and practices in the literature to develop strategies addressing the root causes of GBV and supporting survivors.Methods and analysis We will conduct a mixed-methods systematic review using a convergent integrated approach to examine current literature on community- and systemic-level GBV against visible minority women. We will follow Joanna Briggs Institute’s guidelines to converge data from both qualitative and quantitative studies to obtain an integrated qualitative synthesis on GBV in five countries: Canada, the USA, the UK, Australia and New Zealand. This analysis will be conducted following Thomas and Harden’s thematic synthesis guidelines. Community members with lived experience of GBV will actively contribute to improving the relevance and interpretation of results, following a community-engaged research approach. Themes are expected to unveil various aspects of community- and systemic-level GBV due to the intersection of racism, xenophobia and sexism, alongside barriers in addressing GBV and research gaps.Ethics and dissemination Since this study does not involve primary data collection or the use of identifiable human data, no ethical approval will be needed. Results will be disseminated through integrated knowledge translation, involving collaboration with participants who have lived experience of GBV. The findings will be used to identify specific areas of policy intervention, including adopting culturally sensitive approaches, improving school and workplace policies and promoting rights of visible minority women.

Objectives: This study examines the potential of International Medical Graduates (IMG) in contributing to the health and wellness of a community, particularly through transdisciplinary knowledge engagement or mobilization in diverse settings. We aimed to gather IMGs’ perspectives on potential non-physician roles to enhance community health and wellness using a qualitative descriptive approach. Methods: Eight focus groups were conducted among IMGs in Canada between June and August 2020 (n = 42), followed by a thematic analysis of the verbatim transcripts. Two independent reviewers carried out inductive coding of the data. Emergent themes and sub-themes were identified. Through an iterative process incorporating insights from community partners, themes were refined to capture the lived experiences of IMGs in this context. Results: We sought to engage this population in discussions to capture their perspectives on contributions to health and wellness. Participants suggested various alternative contribution pathways such as knowledge mobilization, research generation, and supportive community roles. They also identified individual and systemic challenges. Finally, strategies for change were proposed on personal, professional, and organizational levels. Conclusion: The IMGs put forward various ideas and insights regarding their potential contributions to community health and wellness. They can be valuable assets in promoting health and improving health literacy. It is important to recognize that IMGs are eager to take on significant roles in the community and that they are currently an underused resource for enhancing community health and wellness.

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This article introduces a model-based robust control framework for electrohydraulic soft robots. The methods presented herein exploit linear system control theory as it applies to a nonlinear soft robotic system. We employ dynamic mode decomposition with control (DMDc) to create appropriate linear models from real-world measurements. We build on the theory by developing linear models in various operational regions of the system to result in a collection of linear plants used in uncertainty analysis. To complement the uncertainty analyses, we utilize H∞ (“H Infinity”) synthesis techniques to determine an optimal controller to meet performance requirements for the nominal plant. Following this methodology, we demonstrate robust control over a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) hydraulically amplified self-healing electrostatic (HASEL)-actuated system. The simplifications in the proposed framework help address the inherent uncertainties and complexities of compliant robots, providing a flexible approach for real-time control of soft robotic systems in real-world applications.

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Resumo Fundamento: A cardiomiopatia associada à lipodistrofia parcial (LP) ainda não foi bem descrita. Objetivo: Caracterizar a morfologia e a função cardíaca na LP. Métodos: Pacientes com LP e controles foram avaliados prospectivamente por ecocardiografia transtorácica e ecocardiografia por speckle-tracking (Strain Longitudinal Global, SLG). A relação entre as variáveis ecocardiográficas e o diagnóstico de LP foi testada com modelos de regressão, considerando o efeito da pressão arterial sistólica (PAS). Adotou-se um nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Vinte e nove pacientes com LP foram comparados com 17 controles. Eles não se diferiram quanto à idade (p=0,94), sexo ou índice de massa corporal (p= 0,05). Os pacientes com LP apresentaram PAS estatisticamente mais alta (p=0,02) em comparação aos controles. Ainda, os pacientes com LP apresentaram maior dimensão do átrio (37,3 ± 4,4 vs. 32,1 ± 4,3 mm, p= 0,001) e maior volume atrial (30,2 ± 7,2 vs. 24,9 ± 9,0 mL/m2, p=0,02), massa do Ventrículo Esquerdo (VE) (79,3 ± 17,4 vs. 67,1 ± 19,4; p=0,02), e parâmetros sistólicos reduzidos do VE (E’ lateral, p= 0,001) (E’ septal, p= 0,001), (razão E/E’, p= 0,02). A fração de ejeção do VE (64,7 ± 4,6 vs. 62,2 ± 4,4 %, p = 0,08) e o SLG não foram estatisticamente diferentes entre os grupos (-17,1±2,7 vs-18.0 ± 2,0%, p= 0,25). Observou-se uma reação positiva do átrio esquerdo (β 5,6; p

Introduction In the context of health research in Canada, various terms and labels have been employed to reference the Black population. This practice has had the unintended consequence of diminishing the comparability and efficiency of studies. Furthermore, using a broad term such as ‘Black’ may fail to encompass the diversity and intricacy of the ethnocultural backgrounds of people who are racialised as such. It may also obscure the subtleties of their experiences and health outcomes. This study aims to examine how health researchers have defined Black within the scope of their work and different labels used to identify the Black population in Canada.Methods and analysis We have developed and employed a comprehensive and sensitive search strategy to identify articles concerning the health and wellness of the Black population in Canada. Both peer-reviewed and grey literature will be searched. Original articles published in both English and French will be included. The screening process will consist of two stages: the title and abstract screening, followed by a thorough examination of full-text articles. Additionally, single citation tracking and manual search of reference lists will be conducted. Study characteristics and relevant information on the definition of the Black population will be extracted, followed by reflective thematic analysis and presentation of the key findings.Ethics and dissemination This review will not require ethical approval. We will disseminate the results through meetings with stakeholders. From the beginning, a knowledge translation approach was decided upon following consultation with citizen researchers and community champions. Our findings will also be disseminated through oral and poster presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and social media.

Abstract Background Viruses within the γ-herpesviruses subfamily include the causative agents of Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) in several species of the order Artiodactyla. MCF is a usually fatal lymphoproliferative disease affecting non-adapted host species. In adapted host species these viruses become latent and recrudesce and transmit during times of stress or immunosuppression. The undetected presence of MCF-causing viruses (MCFVs) is a risk to non-adapted hosts, especially within non-sympatric zoological collections. This study investigated the presence of MCFVs in six different zoological collections in the UK, to evaluate the presence of subclinical/latent MCFVs in carrier animals. Methods One-hundred and thirty eight samples belonging to 54 different species of Artiodactyla were tested by Consensus Pan-herpes PCR. The positive samples were sequenced and subjected to phylogenetic analyses to understand their own evolutionary relationships and those with their hosts. Results Twenty-five samples from 18 different species tested positive. All viruses but one clustered in the γ-herpesvirus family and within the Macavirus as well as the non-Macavirus groups (caprinae and alcelaphinae/hippotraginae clusters, respectively). A strong association between virus and host species was evident in the Macavirus group and clustering within the caprinae group indicated potential pathogenicity. Conclusion This study shows the presence of pathogenic and non-pathogenic MCFVs, as well as other γ-herpesviruses, in Artiodactyla species of conservation importance and allowed the identification of new herpesviruses in some non-adapted species.

Abstract Background Internet addiction (IA) has been drawing attention to mental health. However, few reports have been found on the related factors of at‐risk IA among regular workers by a nationwide survey. The study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of at‐risk IA and identify related factors among senior high school teachers in Japan. Methods This survey was a cross‐sectional survey of high schools across Japan in 2017. There were 3189 teachers (2088 males and 1098 female) who participated in this survey. The questionnaire asked about their devices, both the time and the activities of using their internet, and sociodemographic factors. IA was measured by the internet addiction test (IAT) by which 40–79 points were classified as at‐risk IA, and more as IA. We compared the related factors of at‐risk IA and non‐IA using descriptive analysis and multivariable regression analysis. Results The rates of IA and at‐risk IA were 0.09% (n = 3) and 6.91% (n = 220), respectively. At‐risk IA was positively associated with activities on the internet for gaming, entertainment, net‐surfing, and younger ages. In addition, the at‐risk IA group had a longer time spent on the internet than the non‐IA group. Conclusions Around 7% of high school teachers are at‐risk IA in this survey, though they have regular work. Our results suggest that at‐risk IA may be reinforced not only by the active internet use such as gaming, but also by purposeless behaviors, such as net‐surfing. Managing time on the internet may support preventing at‐risk IA among senior high school teachers.

RESUMO O objetivo deste artigo é realizar uma reflexão acerca da relação entre Antropoceno e regimes de historicidade potenciais que emergem no presente. Para isso, realiza-se uma discussão acerca da possível nomeação de um “regime antropocênico de historicidade”, interrogando a sua pertinência heurística, assim como suas implicações políticas. Em seguida, ainda que de forma breve e ampla, apresenta-se uma chave possível de leitura para realizar uma cartografia dos regimes de historicidade potenciais que emergem no presente, investigando de que modo eles são elaborados, como se relacionam, interagem, convivem e se combatem, no esforço de fazer valer novas formas de temporalização diante do novo regime climático.

Abstract In the last three decades, a cohort of genomicists have intentionally sought to include more racially diverse people in their research in human genomics and precision medicine. How such efforts to be inclusive in human genomic research and precision medicine are modeled and enacted, specifically if the terms of inclusion are equitable for these communities remains to be explored. In this commentary, we review the historical context in which issues of racial inclusion arose with early genome and genetics projects. We then discuss attempts to include racialized peoples in more recent human genomics research. In conclusion, we raise critical issues to consider in the future of equitable human genomics and precision medicine research involving racialized communities, particularly as it concerns working towards what we call Precision Health Equity (PHE). Specifically, we examine issues of genetic data governance and the terms of participation in inclusive human genomics and precision health research. We do so by drawing on insights and protocols developed by researchers investigating Indigenous Data Sovereignty and propose exploring their application and adaptation to precision health research involving racialized communities.

In the present study, two A. melanocarpa berry extracts were used for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). After the optimization of synthesis, the AgNPs were characterized using UV–Vis, FTIR, EDX, DLS, and STEM analyses. The stability in different media, phytotoxicity, as well as antimicrobial and antioxidant activities were also evaluated. The ideal synthesis conditions were represented by a 3 mM AgNO3 concentration, 1:9 extract:AgNO3 volume ratio, alkaline medium, and stirring at 40 °C for 120 min. The synthesis was confirmed by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak at 403 nm, and the strong signal at 3 keV from the EDX spectra. FTIR analysis indicated that polyphenols, polysaccharides, and amino acids could be the compounds responsible for synthesis. Stability tests and the negative zeta potential values showed that phytocompounds also play a role in the stabilization and capping of AgNPs. The preliminary phytotoxicity studies on T. aestivum showed that both the extracts and their corresponding AgNPs had an impact on the growth of roots and shoots as well as on the microscopic structure of leaves. The synthesized AgNPs presented antimicrobial activity against S. aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans. Moreover, considering the results obtained in the lipoxygenase inhibition, the DPPH and hydroxyl scavenging activities, and the ferrous ion chelating assay, AgNPs exhibit promising antioxidant activity.

Courses: Media Literacy, Collective Memory, Political History. Objectives: The aim of this unit is for students to understand the role of feature films in the construction of historical memory. The proposed teaching unit deals with the analysis of biases and the construction of narrative in war films. The class was divided into groups, and competition was declared; students were challenged to find as many mistakes as possible in three contemporary war films. Discussing flaws allowed the unveiling of narrative biases, myths, and the role of feature films in the construction of historical memory.

Sixty-nine media scholars from Israel and the Unites States responded to an online questionnaire aimed to identify the boundaries of media literacy. The participants received a list of thirty-two potential titles for a final paper and were asked to rate the relevancy of each topic for an undergraduate media literacy course. While the statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the ranking, deviations and distributions demonstrate disagreements as to what is important or marginal in the field. Protectionist topics were ranked high as well as topics involving children, digital media, and popular culture. It also appears that media education has become associated with social activism. Only five out of thirty-two topics reveal significant differences among Israeli and US scholars on a p-value of 0.10. However, this difference could reflect political and cultural processes that yielded various social agendas in each society over the last decade.