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The World Health Organization Global Leprosy Strategy targets the long-term goal of leprosy elimination through interruption of disease transmission (1). One factor that can impair that goal is environmental or [...]

Q fever, caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, is a zoonotic disease that has been largely overlooked despite presenting significant risks to both animal and public health. Although well studied in some countries, in most countries in Latin America, there's a lack of information on C. burnetii infection, its prevalence, and its impact on both livestock and human populations. To address this gap, we conducted a serosurvey among farm workers, cattle, sheep, and dogs on two dairy farms in Ecuador using a commercial ELISA kit. Additionally, we conducted a case-control study in cattle to investigate the association between C. burnetii infection and abortion. The findings revealed that 18 % of farm workers, 30 % of dogs, 25 % of cattle and 2 % of sheep tested positive for Q fever antibodies. Interestingly, no significant association between C. burnetii infection and abortion was observed in cattle (p

Peter Greenaway’s The Baby of Mâcon (1993) was highly controversial at the time of its release; its means for critiquing cinematic voyeurism and the exploitability of audiences were received as blasphemous and misanthropic. This essay shows that the politics of this film is more complicated, and more profoundly democratic, than has so far been acknowledged. Drawing on Claude Lefort’s work on the “symbolic dimension” of the political and on Philippe Lacoue-Labarthe’s work on theatricality and “originary mimesis,” it argues that The Baby of Mâcon is a political-ontological fiction that holds a key to understanding the director’s democratic vision in the post-Thatcherite cultural climate of the early 1990s. In the process, not only does this essay advance a new perspective on the film’s complex structure and on the themes of corporeality and sacrificial violence and their place in Greenaway’s work, it also demonstrates the relevance of an ontologized concept of “staging” for reading this unique cult director’s political films.

Summary:. Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections after cosmetic surgery have become an increasing concern. These infections are often initially misdiagnosed and treated with standard antibiotic regimens, which fail to resolve the underlying infection, leading to prolonged patient suffering. In this case study, we describe a chronic wound infection caused by Mycobacterium abscessus subsp. bolletii after a muscle-repair abdominoplasty. This case illustrates the diagnostic and therapeutic challenges plastic surgeons face in successfully treating such infections. Initial obstacles included the isolation of co-contaminating bacteria that masked the NTM infection, the use of antibiotics ineffective against the specific NTM species, and the failure to identify the infection source. In this instance, contaminated skin marker ink used to mark the rectus muscle, combined with a nonabsorbable (permanent) suture for muscle repair, led to the development of a biofilm that acted as a persistent reservoir for the infection, resistant to antibiotic treatments. Complete resolution was achieved only after evaluation by a plastic surgeon experienced in treating NTM infections and the subsequent removal of the permanent suture. The delayed suture removal contributed to a 15-month recovery period. This case underscores the importance of early recognition of NTM infections after cosmetic procedures. By sharing this case, we aim to raise awareness of NTM infections and help prevent future cases of misdiagnosis and prolonged antibiotic treatments. Key points regarding the diagnosis, sources of infection, and treatment options for NTM infections are highlighted in this article using "text boxes" to emphasize the most important information and provide concise summaries of critical insights.

Peatland degradation causes a number of environmental problems ranging from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to subsidence and ecosystem loss. Degraded peatlands, covering just 0.3 % of Earth’s land area (500,000 km2), disproportionately contribute 5 % of GHG emissions, exacerbating the climate crisis. Once degraded, restoring peatland ecosystem functions often presents a considerable challenge because degradation affects several interconnected components in peatlands: the peat body, hydrology, and vegetation. The planning and implementation of effective peatland restoration strategies requires the accurate mapping of degradation. This review examines how remote sensing has been used to examine the components of peatland degradation. A conceptual 3D space was created using the three components of peat, hydrology, and vegetation. Within this three-dimensional space, five groups of studies were identified, representing each one of the three dimensions individually, or addressing two or three of them simultaneously. Of 115 relevant articles, 54 % solely addressed vegetation degradation, 18 % evaluated two dimensions equally, while just 10 % of all studies examined all three dimensions. These results highlight a lack of remote sensing-based research that considers all aspects of peatland degradation and their interdependence simultaneously. By synthesizing our findings into three descriptive peatland degradation scenarios (a boreal landscape, a temperate large peatland complex and a temperate small raised bog), we present rapid and efficient methods and resources for a more holistic approach to degradation mapping and monitoring. Consequently, such comprehensive assessments integrating different historical and current remote sensing data should be carried out more frequently. They allow the visualization of ecological consequences of peatland degradation and promote peatland restoration in all parts of these tripartite ecosystems.

This paper proposes a novel approach to measuring human driving performance by using the AI capabilities of automated driving systems, illustrated through three example scenarios. Traditionally, the assessment of human driving has followed a bottom-up methodology, where raw data are compared to fixed thresholds, yielding indicators such as the number of hard braking events. However, acceleration threshold exceedances are often heavily influenced by the driving context. We propose a top-down context-aware approach to driving assessments, in which recordings of human-driven vehicles are analyzed by an automated driving system. By comparing the human driver’s speed to the AI’s recommended speed, we derive a level of disagreement that can be used to distinguish between hard braking caused by aggressive driving and emergency braking in response to a critical event. The proposed method may serve as an alternative to the metrics currently used by some insurance companies and may serve as a template for future AI-based driver assessment.

Over the last 25 years, biology has entered the genomic era and is becoming a science of 'big data'. Most interpretations of genomic analyses rely on accurate functional annotations of the proteins encoded by more than 500 000 genomes sequenced to date. By different estimates, only half the predicted sequenced proteins carry an accurate functional annotation, and this percentage varies drastically between different organismal lineages. Such a large gap in knowledge hampers all aspects of biological enterprise and, thereby, is standing in the way of genomic biology reaching its full potential. A brainstorming meeting to address this issue funded by the National Science Foundation was held during 3-4 February 2022. Bringing together data scientists, biocurators, computational biologists and experimentalists within the same venue allowed for a comprehensive assessment of the current state of functional annotations of protein families. Further, major issues that were obstructing the field were identified and discussed, which ultimately allowed for the proposal of solutions on how to move forward.

The diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been identified as a factor associated with an increased risk of involvement in car crashes. As a result, individuals in the Netherlands who are diagnosed with ADHD are mandated to undergo a psychiatric evaluation before obtaining their driving licence, optionally complemented with a driving test. Recent research has, however, demonstrated that 96% of individuals pass this procedure and can drive unrestrictedly, suggesting that current regulations have a limited impact and that a different regulatory approach may be warranted. This paper addresses three such potential interventions, exploring the scientific basis of implementing mandatory behavioural training programmes, the mandatory installation of driver monitoring systems, and temporary driving restrictions. To initiate this exploration, an analysis is made of the body of literature pointing towards a subpar driving performance in those with ADHD, accompanied by a discussion of the underlying symptoms and behaviours contributing to these findings. Furthermore, between- and within-individual factors affecting ADHD driving performance are reviewed. This examination illuminates a consistent pattern of substandard driving performances among those with ADHD, whereby the period shortly post-licensure stands out as a focal point for regulatory approaches. Following these results, the three potential driving interventions are reviewed to discern their impact on road safety when implemented specifically for drivers with ADHD. Corresponding studies suggest that all these interventions hold promise in improving driving performances, but the analysis is limited by the scarcity of long-term, ADHD-specific research. The paper concludes by discussing the feasibility of these ADHD-specific driving interventions, weighing their potential benefits, e.g., reduced crash rates, along with their associated costs, such as potential stigma and hindrance in societal integration and participation. Additionally, avenues for future research in these domains are outlined.

BackgroundRight anterior mini thoracotomy (RAMT) for aortic valve replacement (AVR) is a minimally invasive procedure that avoids sternotomy. Herein, we report the outcomes of patients who underwent redo-cardiac via a RAMT approach for AVR.MethodsThis case series reports the clinical outcomes of 14 consecutive redo operations, done in Calgary (Canada) and Gdansk (Poland) between 2020 and 2023. Primary outcomes were 30-day mortality and disabling stroke. Secondary outcomes included surgical times, hemodynamics, permanent pacemaker implantation (PPM), length of ICU and hospital stay, new post-operative atrial fibrillation (POAF), post-operative blood transfusion, incidence of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), rate of continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) and/or dialysis, and chest tube output in the first 12-hours after surgery.ResultsNine patients were male, and the mean age was 64.36 years. There were no deaths, while one patient had a disabling stroke postoperatively. Mean cardiopulmonary bypass and cross clamp-times were 136 min and 90 min, respectively. Three patients needed a PPM, 3 patients needed blood transfusions, and 2 developed new onset POAF. Median lengths of ICU and hospital stays were 2 and 12 days, respectively. There was no incidence of paravalvular leak greater than trace and the average transvalvular mean gradient was 12.23 mmHg.ConclusionThe number of patients requiring redo-AVR is increasing. Redo-sternotomy may not be feasible for many patients. This study suggests that the RAMT approach is a safe alternative to redo-sternotomy for patients that require an AVR.

Trans fatty acids are specific unsaturated fats found in processed foods that undergo hydrogenation, leading to hepatic disorders such as metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and conditions like CVD and CKD. The effects of different food samples containing trans fatty acids (elaidic and oleic acid) on the liver, heart, and kidney through antioxidant enzyme activity were investigated in animal models. Liver function tests (ALT, ALP, AST, and LDH), heart biomarker levels (CPK, TC, HDL, LDL, and triglycerides), and kidney biomarker levels (serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and serum uric acid) were examined in serum of rabbits and the histopathology of liver tissues. Results showed that these biomarkers were more elevated in the Mujahid Ghee group than in the normal control, oleic acid, and Kausar Ghee groups. The concentration of antioxidant markers such as peroxidase, glutathione, catalase, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and superoxide dismutase were lower in the Mujahid Ghee group. HPLC showed that Mujahid Ghee had the highest quantified value of elaidic acid among all selected samples. Overall, this study demonstrated that elaidic acid in its purest form aggravated MAFLD in rabbit livers and provoked CVK and CVD.

Crotalphine is an analgesic peptide identified from the venom of the South American rattlesnake Crotalus durissus terrificus. Although its antinociceptive effect is well documented, its direct mechanisms of action are still unclear. The aim of the present work was to study the action of the crotalid peptide on the NaV1.7 channel subtype, a genetically validated pain target. To this purpose, the effects of crotalphine were evaluated on the NaV1.7 component of the tetrodotoxin-sensitive Na+ current in the dorsal root ganglion neurons of adult mice, using the whole-cell patch-clamp configuration, and on cell viability, using propidium iodide fluorescence and trypan blue assays. The results show that 18.7 µM of peptide inhibited 50% of the Na+ current. The blocking effect occurred without any marked change in the current activation and inactivation kinetics, but it was more important as the membrane potential was more positive. In addition, crotalphine induced an increase in the leakage current amplitude of approximately 150% and led to a maximal 31% decrease in cell viability at a high 50 µM concentration. Taken together, these results point out, for the first time, the effectiveness of crotalphine in acting on the NaV1.7 channel subtype, which may be an additional target contributing to the peptide analgesic properties and, also, although less efficiently, on a second cell plasma membrane component, leading to cell loss.

This article reports about a lesson series that focuses on engaging students in sustainability, plastics, and life cycle assessment (LCA). The purpose of the lesson series is to give students insights into sustainability in the context of plastics and to foster awareness of and insights into the benefits of the LCA method. The lesson series introduces students to sustainability by enabling them to watch a video, answer questions, read articles, conduct laboratory experiments, and experience the four stages of LCA. In general, the findings reveal that the lesson series evoked in students a more critical view of the life cycle of plastics. The students showed increasing awareness of the complexity of the sustainability issue at hand. In addition, students used their acquired knowledge about LCA and mentioned impact categories in their argumentation. The lesson series evoked predominantly life cycle thinking, and the qualitative part of an LCA, and might thus serve as a stepping stone toward the quantitative assessment. The preliminary results show that the lesson series is effective for evoking life cycle thinking among students and serves as a stepping stone towards life cycle assessment. Future research could focus on setting the goal and scope of the process to be assessed, with emphasis on the functional unit in the context of plastics, and providing students a complete and coherent understanding of the entire cycle of production, use and recycling of plastics.