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The mega-structure at Stăuceni-‘Holm’, Botoşani county, Romania and the debate about the governing of Cucuteni-Trypillia-settlements
2021 to 2024, the Cucuteni A3 settlement of Stăuceni-‘Holm’, Botoşani County in north-east Romania was surveyed geophysically and by systematic field collections. According to the geomagnetic results, on the plateau a settlement with about 45 houses was delimited by several ditch- and palisade systems. A comparatively large building (350 m 2 ) was located in the area between the ditches, which is meant to be a mega-structure, mainly due to its size and the clearly visible position next to the probable entrance of the settlement. The mega-structure was partially excavated in 2023–2024. The observations, regarding the architecture and the dating of the feature in particular, provide valuable information for the discussion about the function of these special structures, of which only five others have been investigated in detail by excavation to date.
Glucocorticoid-Induced alterations in DNA methylation in the H19 promoter of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells are associated with the pathogenesis of osteonecrosis
Background Glucocorticoid (GC)-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) involves bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) apoptosis and dysregulated osteo-adipogenic differentiation. While aberrant H19 promoter methylation and expression have been linked to various bone metabolic disorders such as osteoporosis and osteosarcoma, their specific role in the pathogenesis of GC-induced ONFH remains largely unexplored. Methods We analyzed H19 promoter methylation, DNMTs , and H19 expression in human ONFH BMSCs. Roles of Dnmt1 and H19 in osteogenic/adipogenic differentiation were assessed using staining (Alizarin Red/Oil Red O) and pathway analysis. Effects of Dnmt1 knockdown or H19 overexpression were tested via BMSC implantation in a GC-induced ONFH rat model. Results H19 promoter hypomethylation caused H19 overexpression in undifferentiated GC-ONFH BMSCs; expression decreased upon differentiation. H19 and Dnmt1 expression were negatively correlated. Dnmt1 predominated among DNMTs in epigenetically regulating H19 and reciprocally modulated differentiation (inhibiting osteogenesis, promoting adipogenesis). Conversely, H19 promoted osteogenesis and inhibited adipogenesis by suppressing GSK-3β , activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In the rat model, implanted BMSCs with Dnmt1 knockdown or H19 overexpression reduced empty lacunae, corrected the osteo-adipogenic imbalance, and delayed progression. Conclusion The Dnmt1 / H19 / GSK-3β axis reciprocally regulates BMSC osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation in GC-induced ONFH, representing a novel epigenetic mechanism underlying GC-induced ONFH and a promising MSC-based therapeutic strategy for early-stage disease.
Safeguarding against external intrusions utilizing adaptive bio-inspired multi-population anomaly detection for IoT network
The rapid growth of Internet of Things (IoT) devices has dramatically increased demand for robust, adaptive security solutions capable of countering the growing sophistication of cyberattacks. Despite extensive research efforts focused on anomaly-based intrusion detection systems tailored to IoT network traffic, conventional detection frameworks often fail to effectively identify novel or zero-day attack patterns, thereby falling short of the dynamic security requirements of modern IoT ecosystems. To address these critical limitations, this study introduces a novel anomaly-based intrusion detection system called Chaotic Multi-Population Grasshopper Optimization with Differential Evolution (CMGODE). The proposed approach significantly enhances the standard Grasshopper Optimization Algorithm by integrating chaotic mapping mechanisms to improve exploitation and prevent premature convergence, adopting a multi-population strategy to maintain diversity and enhance global search, and incorporating a differential evolution-based refinement phase to improve the quality of global candidate solutions. The effectiveness of the CMGODE-based detection system is thoroughly evaluated on two widely adopted benchmark datasets, namely BoT-IoT and UNSW-NB15. Experimental results demonstrated that our proposed method achieved an excellent balance between high detection accuracy and computational efficiency, consistently outperforming several state-of-the-art approaches in accurately identifying both known and previously unseen attacks within IoT network environments.
Exploring immersion through a fMRI-compatible multi-finger handheld haptic display
This research presents the development and evaluation of a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)-compatible, handheld, multi-finger haptic display, designed to augment and quantitatively measure immersion within virtual reality (VR) environments via tactile feedback mechanisms. Incorporating advanced pneumatic actuators, the device is capable of delivering differentiated pressure feedback to individual fingers, thereby facilitating a more realistic interaction within VR scenarios. Comprehensive fMRI-compatibility assessments have been successfully conducted, verifying the device’s operational integrity within a 3T functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) setting. This ensures its applicability for integrated neuroscientific explorations. Alongside, a VR platform was implemented to integrate audiovisual stimuli with haptic feedback, aiming to create a fully immersive experience for participants during fMRI studies. Experiments involving human subjects have demonstrated marked cortical activations in brain regions associated with immersive experiences, attributed to interactions with the VR content via the proposed haptic display. These findings highlight the potential of the developed haptic system in both enhancing the immersive quality of VR environments and serving as a novel instrument for the quantitative analysis of immersion through neuroimaging. The study advances the field by offering a new avenue for the exploration of neural mechanisms underlying immersive VR experiences, facilitated by fMRI-compatible haptic feedback.
On performance evaluation of NOMA-aided SIMO multi-hop schemes using energy harvesting and fountain coding based information accumulation
In this paper, we propose a new non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA)-aided Single-Input Multiple-Output (SIMO) multi-hop relay scheme using wirelessly energy harvesting (EH) and Fountain Codes (FCs). Specifically, a single antenna source node employs NOMA to transmit two data streams to two multiple antenna destinations with the assistance of N intermediate multiple antenna Decode-and-Forward (DF) relays. The destinations accumulate received information until sufficient data is gathered to successfully recover the original data. This configuration ensures the SIMO structure is maintained across all hops, as the relays utilize multiple antennas for reception and a single antenna for transmission. To enhance channel capacity at the relay and destination nodes, the selection combining (SC) technique is applied. For data transmission, both the source and relay nodes harvest wireless energy from a power station deployed within the network, follows a time-switching approach. We first derive exact expressions for the end-to-end (e2e) instantaneous signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratios (SINRs) at both destinations, along with their corresponding cumulative distribution functions (CDFs) over Rayleigh fading channels. Then, we derive analytical expressions for the average channel capacity (ACC-e2e) and outage probability (OP-e2e) at each destination and validate their accuracy through Monte Carlo simulations.
Arabic translation, cross-cultural adaptation, and validation of the Expectation for Treatment Scale (ETS) in patients with musculoskeletal disorders
Purpose To translate, culturally adapt the Expectation for Treatment Scale (ETS) into Arabic and evaluate its psychometric properties in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Methods Following established guidelines, forward and backward translations were performed, each followed by a synthesis. Face validity of the Arabic ETS was evaluated by asking patients undergoing physiotherapy for musculoskeletal disorders to what extent the ETS items covered their outcome expectations. Internal consistency; test-retest reliability; measurement error; content validity; construct and structural validity, and floor and ceiling effects were assessed. Results The ETS was successfully translated and adapted according to the 24 patients’ feedback. 205 individuals completed the online questionnaire, and 36 completed it twice. The Arabic ETS demonstrated good internal consistency (α = 0.75), high test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.93 and κw = 0.75, 0.58, 0.55, 0.66, 0.70, for items one to five, respectively), low measurement error (SEM = 1.42, and SDC = 2.86), and acceptable content validity (0.78). Construct validity was supported (though not definitive) via known-group hypothesis testing (r = −0.331, p < .001) and exploratory factor analysis (χ²(66 = 218.73, p < 0.001). Differential item functioning confirmed the cross-cultural validity. There were minimal floor (0.5%) and ceiling (2%) effects. Conclusions The ETS was translated and adapted to Arabic culture. The assessed psychometric properties of the Arabic ETS support its reliable use in patients with musculoskeletal conditions.
Transcriptional regulation in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue of lean and obese colony cats
This study analysed gene expression profiles in white adipose and skeletal muscle tissues of cats genetically predisposed to obesity and wildtype cats to uncover molecular mechanisms regulating obesity. It also examined how these profiles altered after change in body fat through changes in the amount of food. For this purpose, 3 female cats with phenotype lean (GL) and 3 female cats with phenotype obese (GO) were included in the study. Fat and muscle samples were obtained twice from these cats (T1 = all cats lean, T2 = after ad libitum feeding GL still lean, GO obese). In addition Body Conditions Score (BCS) was measured at both time points, body fat content was determined using DEXA and blood samples were taken to measure glucose levels. BCS revealed a significant positive linear regression with body fat content. Comparing BCS and blood glucose level, no significant difference was observed. The study found distinct gene expression changes in muscle and adipose tissues when comparing obese and lean cats at two time points (T1 and T2). In muscle tissue, group differences between obese and lean cats were detected in three downregulated and four upregulated genes when all cats were lean, while only two genes were upregulated when one group of cats became obese (T2). For adipose tissue, fewer differences were observed, with minimal changes in gene expression between the two groups, especially at T2, where lean cats showed only one downregulated gene and obese cats showed no change. The regulated genes identified are mainly involved in tissue maintenance and cellular turnover, either specific to the tissue studied or with broader roles. No clear phenotypic trend in gene expression was observed. Differences emerged mainly within the obese group over time, reflecting adaptive feeding responses, while tissue-specific differences in the transcriptome were most prominent. Overall, phenotype had no distinct effect on gene expression patterns.
Prevalence and determinants of household solid waste management practice among residents of the city corporations of Dhaka, Bangladesh
Solid waste management (SWM) has emerged as a global concern, posing critical environmental and public health challenges. Dhaka’s ranking as the second most polluted city in the world between 2018 and 2021 highlights the need for a more sustainable waste management system. Household solid waste is mismanaged, as evident from illegal dumping in unauthorized places, scattered garbage and overflowing waste bins on the roads, and clogged drains creating severe environmental health hazards. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and determinants of household SWM practices among residents of the city corporations of Dhaka, Bangladesh. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from June to July 2025 among 496 residents using a pre-tested structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise participants background characteristics and their levels of knowledge, perception, and practice related to household SWM. Associations between independent variables and SWM practice were examined using chi-square tests, and multivariable binary logistic regression was performed to determine potential factors associated with good practice. The prevalence of good household SWM practice was 47.18%. Knowledge (AOR = 1.23; 95% CI: 1.12–1.35), perception (AOR = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.06–1.22), and exposure to information regarding solid waste management (AOR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.27–2.89) were significantly associated with good practice. Overall, the findings indicate that household SWM practices among residents of the city corporations of Dhaka remain suboptimal. Increasing access to SWM-related information through targeted communication strategies may enhance household-level SWM practices.
The effect of cyberbullying on nonsuicidal self-injury in adolescents: The chain mediating role of shame and dissociation
Adolescents are prone to nonsuicidal self-injury, a unique risk factor for suicide and suicide attempts. Prior research has shown that cyberbullying predicts adolescent nonsuicidal self-injury behavior. Therefore, this study aimed to develop a chain mediation model to investigate the impact of shame and dissociation related to cyberbullying on teenage nonsuicidal self-injury. Between 23/04/2022 and 26/04/2022, researchers recruited 14,666 high school students in Zizhong County, Sichuan Province, China, to investigate cyberbullying, non-suicidal self-injurious behaviors, shame, and feelings of dissociation through self-report questionnaires. Among the participating high school students, 56.0% reported experiencing cyberbullying and 25.4% reported nonsuicidal self-injurious behaviors. After adjusting for the effects of gender, traditional bullying, grade level, left-behind child status, and parental marital status, there was a positive correlation between cyberbullying and adolescent nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior. Shame and dissociation played a mediating role between cyberbullying and adolescent nonsuicidal self-injury. First, a partial mediating effect of shame and dissociation was observed, with the mediating effect accounting for 6.1% and 21.2% of the total effect (33.0%), respectively; thereafter, a chain mediating effect of shame and dissociation was noted, with the mediating effect accounting for 9.1% of the total effect. In the parallel mediation test, the mediating effect of dissociative experience (0.10) was higher than that of shame (0.02). Cyberbullying and non-suicidal self-injury are prevalent among high school students in western China, and the synergistic effects of shame and dissociation may be associated with increased risk of adolescent non-suicidal self-injury.
Exploring acculturative stress and coping mechanisms among pregnant South Asian immigrants in Ontario, Canada: A qualitative study protocol
Background Canada’s South Asian immigrant population has grown by 154% over the past two decades, making it the largest visible minority group in the country. Many Pregnant South Asian Immigrants (PSAIs) have unique reproductive well-being needs and face challenges adapting to new cultural and social contexts. Despite support from agencies like the Council of Agencies Serving South Asians (CASSA), PSAIs encounter cultural differences, language barriers, limited social support, financial uncertainties, and restricted access to culturally responsive resources. These factors increase acculturative stress, yet there is limited evidence on how PSAIs experience and cope with these stressors. Goal and objectives This one-year project aims to deepen understanding of acculturation challenges faced by PSAIs in Ontario through two objectives: (1) explore PSAIs’ experiences of acculturative stress and coping mechanisms, focusing on cultural, social, and structural factors that increase stress during pregnancy, and (2) develop actionable recommendations to inform strategic adaptations of existing programs and services to better meet PSAIs’ needs. Methods and analysis A constructivist qualitative design will be used to conduct 25-30 semi-structured interviews with PSAIs in Ontario. Interviews will explore perceptions related to cultural adaptation, language barriers, social support, sources of stress, and coping mechanisms. Data will be analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s reflexive thematic analysis and guided by Berry’s acculturation framework. The analysis will identify key themes on acculturation, stress, and coping. Data will inform evidence-based recommendations to improve support programs and services. Ethics Ethical approval has been obtained from Western University Health Sciences Research Ethics Board (HSREB) in June 2025 (Protocol # 127113). Discussion This project will enhance understanding of PSAIs’ acculturation experiences in Ontario, identify gaps in current supports, explore coping mechanisms, and assess needs. Findings will inform culturally safe interventions and resources and lay the foundation for future interdisciplinary studies focused on co-designing, implementing, and evaluating culturally relevant supports for PSAIs.
Cell-intrinsic mTOR/LET-363 influences morphological aging of the ALM touch receptor neuron in Caenorhabditis elegans
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) promotes neuronal aging, but it remains unclear whether these effects arise from mTOR activity within neurons, other brain cell types, or peripheral tissues. Here, we tested the hypothesis that Caenorhabditis elegans mTOR/ let-363 functions cell-intrinsically in neurons during adulthood to promote age-related neuron morphological aging. We used a floxed let-363 allele in combination with heat-shock-induced, pan-somatic Cre recombinase expression to generate pan-somatic, adult knockdown, and with a Cre-driver that expresses in a small subset of neurons, the Touch Receptor Neurons, to generate neuron-intrinsic knockdown. Adult-onset, pan-somatic knockdown of let-363 did not robustly alter lifespan or neuron morphological aging. In contrast, neuron-specific let-363 knockdown resulted in a reduction in one aspect of neuron morphological aging – ectopic neurite sprouting from the soma – without extending lifespan. Together, these findings suggest that mTOR/ let-363 can act cell-intrinsically within neurons to promote or potentiate an aspect of morphological aging. These results help clarify the potential cell-type specificity of mTOR’s roles in neuronal aging and provide a foundation for defining the mechanisms through which mTOR intersects with neuron-intrinsic aging pathways.
Experiences of registered nurses and nursing assistants during COVID-19: Work stress, stress appraisal, and workplace resources; A qualitative descriptive study
The COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted healthcare systems, placing immense physical, emotional, and organizational strain on front line nursing staff, including registered nurses and nursing assistants. These professionals faced heightened stress due to increased virus exposure, global personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages, and rapidly changing protocols. This study sought to explore the experiences of registered nurses and nursing assistants working in inpatient care during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on workplace stressors and available or recommended resources to mitigate these challenges. Despite extensive documentation of elevated stress and burnout among nurses during COVID-19, little is known about how registered nurses and nursing assistants appraised specific workplace stressors and evaluated the adequacy of available organizational resources during the pandemic. Using a qualitative descriptive design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 registered nurses and six nursing assistants from COVID-19 and non COVID units at a large academic medical center. Guided by Lazarus and Folkman’s Stress and Coping Model, the analysis identified a range of personal, interpersonal, organizational, and societal stressors. Personal stressors included long work hours, loss of loved ones to COVID-19, and feelings of isolation. Interpersonal stressors involved exposure risk, emotional strain from coworkers’ stress, and shifts in bedside roles. Organizational stressors encompassed staffing shortages, changes in protocols, and being called off shifts. Societal stressors included inconsistent public health messaging and concerns about protecting vulnerable family members. Participants emphasized the importance of authentic leadership and nursing-centered delivery of resources in addressing these stressors. Six key resource categories emerged: emotional support, staffing, safety, compensation, communication, and stress management. Findings highlight the critical role of nurse managers, effective communication, and staffing policies in mitigating workplace challenges. While rooted in a U.S. context, these insights may inform strategies to support nursing staff globally in future crises, reinforcing the need for tailored, sustainable approaches to front line caregiver well-being.
Effect of pharmacokinetically-relevant ivermectin concentrations on survivorship and fecundity of Anopheles coluzzii and Aedes aegypti in Burkina Faso: A laboratory experimental study
Background The control of vector-borne diseases is increasingly challenged by insecticide resistance widespread. Therefore, innovative vector control tools with alternative modes of action are urgently needed to support existing ones. Ivermectin (IVM), a broad-spectrum endectocide has been shown to exert lethal effects on mosquitoes, including Anopheles and Aedes species following blood meals taken from treated humans or livestock. In this study, we assessed the effect of IVM at concentrations equivalent to human plasma levels following mass drug administration (MDA), on the survival and fecundity of An. coluzzii and Ae. aegypti in Burkina Faso. The present study provides new insights into how IVM may impact differentially both malaria and arbovirus vectors, contributing to develop integrated strategies of vectors control. Methods Two laboratory experiments were conducted using 3–5-days old wild-derived female An. coluzzii and Ae. aegypti . Each experiment included four replicates per IVM concentration and was performed on separate dates. Mosquitoes were membrane fed with rabbit blood treated with five IVM concentrations (C = 112 ng/mL, C2 = 29 ng/mL, C3 = 15 ng/mL, C4 = 6.5 ng/mL, C5 = 2.5ng/mL), corresponding to the mean human plasma levels at 2, 4, 7, 14, and 28 days post-MDA with IVM at a dose of 3x300 µg/kg. A negative control with free-IVM (0.0 ng/mL) was also included. Mosquito mortalities were recorded daily for 7 days. Fecundity was measured by counting both laid and developed eggs (via ovary dissection). Results IVM significantly reduced the survival of An. coluzzii compared to the control group ( p < 0.001 ), with the risk of death increasing from 4.2-fold at the lowest concentration (2.5 ng/mL) to 64.2-fold at the highest (112 ng/mL). In contrast, IVM had no significant effect on Ae. aegypti ( p > 0.05 ), and the survival rate of control group did not differ from that of treatment groups. Additionally, for An. coluzzii , IVM significantly reduced both egg laying and egg development (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.001, respectively), whereas no significant impact on fecundity was observed in Ae. aegypti (all p > 0.80) . Conclusion IVM concentrations typically achieved in human plasma during MDA campaigns were sufficient to significantly reduce both survival and fecundity of wild type An. coluzzii , but had no measurable effect on Ae. aegypti . These findings highlight the species-specific response to IVM and support its potential role in integrated vector control strategies targeting malaria vectors in Africa.
Covalent Functionalization Strategies for Tailoring the Outer‐Sphere Microenvironments of Single‐Atom Catalysts Supported on Carbon Materials
ABSTRACT The design of single‐atom catalysts (SACs) with high activity, selectivity, and stability relies on careful modulation of the active sites. The active‐site structures of natural metalloenzymes provide blueprints for designing artificial catalysts. Spatially folded proteins surround the central atom, providing fascinating second spheres to optimize the microenvironments of metal sites and thereby influencing their catalytic properties. Inspired by the functions of metalloenzymes, this minireview focuses on optimizing the outer‐sphere microenvironment of SACs on carbon materials via covalent functionalization strategies. The article begins by outlining the advantages and inherent challenges of SACs, then highlights the pivotal role of microenvironment engineering in natural metalloenzymes in enhancing catalytic performance. Then, the unique merits of SACs supported on carbon materials toward surface modulation are presented. Building on these insights, the covalent functionalization strategies for carbon‐supported SACs are comprehensively elaborated. Furthermore, by leveraging recent examples of bioinspired photo‐ and electrocatalysts, the modulation mechanisms of the outer‐sphere microenvironment in SACs are explored in depth. Finally, this work summarizes recent advances and remaining challenges in this field, critically discusses current limitations, and proposes perspectives to guide the development of advanced covalently modified SACs.
Painting with odors: How olfactory stimuli influence artistic expression, emotional response, visual perception, and object selection
In recent years, the relationship between olfaction and vision has received increasing attention. We combined psychology and art to investigate how two specific odors, strawberry and rose, influence visual perception, artistic expression, creativity, and object selection across two studies. In Study 1, 24 participants created paintings inspired by rose and strawberry odors. Sixty additional participants evaluated these paintings using seven semantic differential scales. In the final phase, another 60 participants rated the odors using the same scales. In Study 2, 60 participants were randomly assigned to one of three rooms: a strawberry-odorized room, a rose-odorized room, or a control room with no odor. Five artificial objects (strawberries, lemons, and roses) were placed on a table in each room. Without being told about the presence of odors, the participants were asked to select one object and paint it. Afterward, they reported the odor they perceived and selected the associated colors using a standardized color panel. This design aimed to determine whether specific odors influenced object selection and visual perception. Together, these experiments provide converging evidence suggesting consistent odor-color associations and indicate that odors may influence visual perception and object selection.
Exploring the use of art interventions in challenging stigmas related to neurological disorders: A scoping review
Introduction Stigma remains a major barrier to accessing healthcare for people with neurological disorders. The World Health Organization’s Intersectoral Global Action Plan on epilepsy and other neurological disorders urges all member countries to have at least one functioning awareness campaign for neurological disorders by 2031. Art has emerged as a valuable tool for social change with previous success in highly stigmatised disorders. This review aims to understand the effectiveness of art-based interventions in reducing stigma related to neurological disorders. Methods A scoping review was conducted on three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase); from inception to October 2024. Data relevant to the study’s aims were extracted and underwent narrative synthesis to develop key themes and patterns across the included studies. Results After removing duplicates, 9,992 articles were screened with 24 articles identified for inclusion. Studies were predominantly from high-income settings (63%) and addressed stigma in dementia (38%), epilepsy (42%), and stroke (21%). Included studies targeted young children through to older adults. The most common form of art was videos (38%) which were predominantly short and educational, followed by visual arts (42%) which included short films, adverts, and use of images, and dance and theatre (25%). Art was used to change attitudes and perceptions (71%), raise awareness and enhance knowledge (54%), and influence emotions and behaviour (46%). Conclusions This review highlighted that art-based interventions effectively contributed to stigma reduction by addressing misinformation, challenging prejudices, and encouraging supportive actions but data from low resource settings were scarce. Interventions prioritising the direct interactions between a small number of the public and people with lived experience seemed particularly effective, however, the potential for theatre productions and digital media to target a larger audience should be considered.
A One Health assessment of antimicrobial-resistant Enterobacterales in migratory little stints (Calidris minuta) and aquatic ecosystems in the Kenyan Rift Valley
Palearctic migratory little stints ( Calidris minuta ) can acquire resistant bacteria from contaminated environments and facilitate their transboundary spread. This two-year repeated cross-sectional study assessed the frequency and distribution of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacterales. Isolates were recovered from fecal samples of C. minuta foraging at the shores of Lakes Bogoria (low anthropogenic activities) and Magadi (high anthropogenic activities), as well as from peripheral freshwater sources shared by birds, humans, livestock and wildlife. A total of 184 fecal samples and 48 water samples were collected upon the birds’ arrival from the Arctic (cohort 1) and pre-departure from the Rift Valley lakes (cohort 2). Samples were cultured, bacterial isolates were identified using MALDI-TOF MS platform and tested against 12 antimicrobials using the Kirby-Bauer disk method. Of the 294 isolates (16 genera and 33 species), Enterobacter spp (31.0%, n = 91) and Escherichia coli (17.3%, n = 51) predominated. Resistance was highest for ampicillin (50%) and lowest for meropenem (1.0%). The predominant MDR phenotype was a combination of resistances to ampicillin, tetracycline, and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim. Specifically, 38 (12.9%) isolates were MDR, 37 (12.6%) co-expressed ESBL-MDR traits, and 19 (6.5%) were ESBL producers that did not meet MDR criteria. Enterobacter spp showed the highest frequencies of MDR (8.2%, n = 24) and combined ESBL-MDR (4.8%, n = 14) phenotypes, while Acinetobacter spp (3.4%, n = 10) were the most frequent ESBL producers. The statistically non-significant differences (p > 0.05) across study areas, sample sources, and cohorts suggest that resistant strains are pervasive throughout these landscapes, irrespective of anthropogenic pressures. This is the first study to link C. minuta to the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) epidemiological circuit. Our findings underscore the need to include migratory wild birds in AMR surveillance and utilizing whole-genome sequencing to accurately trace the origin and dissemination pathways of AMR strains.
Hematological parameters as predictors of complex angiographic coronary lesions in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Acute myocardial infarction is an essentially inflammatory disease. The inflammation is predictive of adverse clinical outcomes in coronary artery disease, and the Syntax Score was developed as an angiographic scoring system to anatomically classify the complexity of atherosclerosis plaques. The inflammatory response leads to an increase in mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and the appearance of nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) in the peripheral blood of the patients with acute myocardial infarction. These hematological variables express systemic inflammation and hypoxia; therefore, they are markers of these tissue injuries. Severe abnormalities in these parameters are associated with a worse prognosis and were organized within a hematologic scoring system, i.e., a hematologic score. The objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of these hematologic biomarkers in order to estimate the angiographic severity of coronary lesions. This was a secondary analysis of a larger study “Laboratory Model for Stratification of Risk of Intra-hospital Death Associating Hematological Score, Immunological Markers and Metalloproteinases in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction”, conducted by our research group. Individuals hospitalized with a diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction and undergoing coronary angiography during hospitalization were included in the study. Upon admission to the health service, nucleated red blood cell count, neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio, and mean platelet volume were obtained. Pregnant women, patients with oncological or hematological diseases, those with prior use of corticosteroids or chemotherapy, and those who returned to the hospital after discharge were excluded. A total of 479 patients, aged 62.3 ± 11.1 years, were studied, 63% of whom were male. In this study, the significant presence of NLR or MPV, with values ≥ 10.4 and ≥ 3.7, respectively, correlated well with a high syntax score (sensitivity 81.8%, specificity 15.9%, negative predictive value 92.2%).
Blood host preferences and competitive inter-species dynamics within an African malaria vector species complex inferred from signs of animal activity around aquatic larval habitats
Background The feeding behaviours of the malaria vector Anopheles arabiensis , and its competitive relationships with other sibling species within the Anopheles gambiae complex, remain largely unexplored within well conserved natural ecosystems, where its known preferred hosts are scarce or absent. Methods Potential aquatic habitats were surveyed for An. gambiae complex larvae across a gradient of natural ecosystem integrity in southern Tanzania, encompassing fully domesticated human settlements, a partially encroached Wildlife Management Area (WMA), and well conserved natural ecosystems within Nyerere National Park (NNP). Direct observations, tracks, spoor and other signs of human, livestock or wild animal activity around these water bodies were recorded as indirect indicators of potential blood source availability. Findings While only An. arabiensis was found in fully domesticated ecosystems, its non-vector sibling species An. quadriannulatus occurred in conserved areas and dominated the most intact natural ecosystems. Proportions of larvae identified as An. arabiensis were positively associated with human and/or cattle activity and negatively associated with distance inside NNP and away from human settlements. Proportions of An. quadriannulatus were positively associated with activities of impala, warthog and possibly bushpig, implicating them as likely preferred blood hosts. While abundant impala and lack of humans or cattle in intact acacia savannah within NNP apparently allowed it to dominate An. arabiensis , presence of warthog seemed to provide it with a foothold in miombo woodlands of the WMA, despite encroachment there by people and livestock. While this antelope and suid are essentially unrelated, both are non-migratory residents of small home ranges with perennial surface water, representing potential hosts for An. quadriannulatus that are widespread across extensive natural ecosystems all year round. Despite dominance of An. quadriannulatus in well-conserved areas, An. arabiensis was even found in absolutely intact natural environments > 40km inside NNP, suggesting it can survive on blood from one or more unidentified wild species. Such self-sustaining refuge populations of An. arabiensis inside conservation areas, supported by wild blood hosts that are fundamentally beyond the reach of insecticidal interventions targeted at humans or livestock, may confound efforts to eliminate this key malaria vector. However, they might also enable insecticide resistance management strategies that could restore the effectiveness of pyrethroids in particular. This new approach to indirectly identifying commonly utilized blood sources may also be applicable to an unprecedented diversity of zoophagic mosquitoes, enabling incrimination of possible bridge vector species capable of mediating pathogen spillover from wildlife reservoirs into livestock and/or human populations.
Glycemic variability and reference percentiles in very low birth weight preterm infants using continuous glucose monitoring
Glycemic control in very-low-birth-weight preterm infants is challenging due to the immaturity of glucose homeostasis during the early postnatal period. The first two weeks of life represent a critical window of metabolic adaptation, characterized by high variability and gradual stabilization of glucose levels; continuous monitoring during this period is therefore essential to capture clinically relevant trends. We aimed to describe daily glucose patterns and variability during the first 14 days and to generate gestational-age–specific reference percentiles for clinically stable preterm infants. A prospective observational study was conducted in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (2021–2024), with continuous glucose monitoring during the first 14 days of life. Of 203 eligible infants, 103 clinically stable preterm infants without major comorbidities were included and classified into three gestational age groups (24–26, 27–29, and 30–32 weeks). The median number of glucose readings per infant was 2,557 [1,681–2,959]. Mean glucose concentrations declined over the first two weeks in all groups, with the largest decrease during the initial 72 hours. Infants born at 24–26 weeks had higher mean glucose on day 1 (156.5 ± 47.2 mg/dL) and day 14 (121.4 ± 21.8 mg/dL), and greater variability than those born at 27–29 and 30–32 weeks. Reference percentiles reflected these differences: on day 1, the fifth to ninety-fifth percentiles were 92–245 mg/dL for 24–26 weeks, 65–168 mg/dL for 27–29 weeks, and 67–148 mg/dL for 30–32 weeks; by day 14, they were 73–185, 67–150, and 58–136 mg/dL, respectively.In summary, glucose concentrations and variability decreased with postnatal age, and the least mature infants exhibited higher and more variable values. These gestational-age–specific reference percentiles, derived from continuous monitoring may support individualized glucose management in neonatal intensive care.