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Laboratory risk assessment of Beauveria bassiana AAD16 on two species of ladybird beetle

Beauveria bassiana AAD16, isolated from Allomyrina dichotoma, shows promise as a mycoinsecticide against various coleopterans. However, assessing non-target impacts on beneficial beetles like ladybirds is crucial before commercialization. Here we assessed the compatibility between ladybird beetles and B. bassiana AAD16. The virulence of the AAD16 strain was compared with that of an available commercial strain, B. bassiana GHA, for two developmental stages (adults and 3rd instar larvae) of two coccinellids, Harmonia axyridis Pallas and Chilocorus spp. Say using the topical (1μl) application method. The ST50 for the two life stages of the two ladybird beetles were not different between the two tested fungal strains. Mycosis rates recorded from the dead bodies were also not significant except in the 3rd instar which showed 36 and 63% from AAD16 and GHA strains in H. axyridis, while those of Chilocorus spp. were 40 and 63%, respectively. In adult stage, the mycosis rates of H. axyridis (males and females tested separately) were (20–23) % and (26–30) % from the AAD16 and GHA strains, while those of Chilocorus spp. (unsexed) were 23 and 30%, respectively. AAD16 caused similar rates of mortality in the adult stages of both species. Therefore, we conclude that B. bassiana AAD16 would not increase risk to these beneficial insects compared to a similar pathogen commercialized.

Comprehensive profiling of serum microRNAs in normal and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients

Obesity phenotypes and dyslipidemia in adults from four African countries: An H3Africa AWI-Gen study

Introduction The contribution of obesity phenotypes to dyslipidaemia in middle-aged adults from four sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries at different stages of the epidemiological transition has not been reported. We characterized lipid levels and investigated their relation with the growing burden of obesity in SSA countries. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya and South Africa. Participants were middle aged adults, 40–60 years old residing in the study sites for the past 10 years. Age-standardized prevalence and adjusted mean cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, triglycerides and non-HDL-C were estimated using Poisson regression analyses and association of body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC) and waist-to-hip ratio (WTHR) with abnormal lipid fractions modeled using a random effects meta-analysis. Obesity phenotypes are defined as BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, increased WC and increased waist-to-hip ratio. Results A sample of 10,700 participants, with 54.7% being women was studied. Southern and Eastern African sites recorded higher age-standardized prevalence of five lipid fractions then West African sites. Men had higher LDL-C (19% vs 8%) and lower HDL-C (35% vs 24%) while women had higher total cholesterol (15% vs 19%), triglycerides (9% vs 10%) and non-HDL-cholesterol (20% vs 26%). All lipid fractions were significantly associated with three obesity phenotypes. Approximately 72% of participants in the sample needed screening for dyslipidaemia with more men than women requiring screening. Conclusion Obesity in all forms may drive a dyslipidaemia epidemic in SSA with men and transitioned societies at a higher risk. Targeted interventions to control the epidemic should focus on health promoting and improved access to screening services.

Impact of high pressure impregnation and air drying on the quality of Dosidicus gigas slices

Abstract Humboldt squid (Dosidicus gigas) is the most abundant cephalopod in the fishing industry, and its high nutritional and organoleptic properties make it a go-to food product for consumers. Therefore, developing new processing techniques seems imperative to minimize quality deterioration and provide products with appropriate characteristics. The study aimed to determine the effect of high-pressure impregnation (HPI) pretreatment on hot air-drying kinetics and the quality of Humboldt squid slices. Various pressures, times, and concentrations of osmotic solution during HPI were evaluated, followed by drying at 40 and 60 °C. The HPI pretreatment reduced the drying time by around 26% when dried at 40 °C, and only 18% when dried at⋅ 60 °C compared with unpretreated samples. The Weibull, Page, and Logarithmic models were considered for experimental drying curve modeling. Diffusion coefficient values varied from 3.82 to 6.59 × 10−9 m2/s for all drying conditions. Moreover, the color, texture, and water-holding capacity were determined. Rehydration capacity values increased due to less damage to cellular tissue than the control (HPI-untreated dried samples). Also, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed a compacted structure of HPI-dried squid samples. Overall, HPI proved to be a beneficial pretreatment as it reduced drying time and improved the quality characteristics of Humboldt squid.

Patterns of microbial contamination on Northumberland Strait shores

The re-emergence of episodic faecal contamination of Parlee and Murray Corner beaches, on the Northumberland Strait of New Brunswick, Canada, in 2017, raised renewed community concerns on the health, environmental and tourism sustainability of these community resources, and led to creation of an Integrated Watershed Management Plan for the Shediac Bay Watershed (October 2021). In response we have to date compiled, curated and made accessible 205,772 microbial water quality data records spanning over 80 years from Southeastern New Brunswick and the Northumberland Strait. This dataset derives in large part from Shellfish Surveys completed by Environment and Climate Change Canada, along with data generated by multiple government agencies, Non-Governmental Organizations and citizen science sources. Records derived from these multiple sources are now deposited in the Gordon Foundation’s DataStream (https://atlanticdatastream.ca), an open access common platform for sharing structured information on fresh and marine water health, delivered on a pan-Canadian scale, in collaboration with regional monitoring networks. We herein outline our data assembly, curation and deposition, along with preliminary analyses of contamination patterns at three representative sites on the Northumberland Strait coast of New Brunswick. Our results suggest that cumulative rainfall over 48 h is useful in predicting contamination risk at the developed Parlee Beach, and thereby demonstrate how open data can be used to inform policy and management decisions.

Curcumin administration alleviates seminal vesicle damage in type 1 diabetic rats by promoting AQP8 expression through AR activation

Imaging reveals how plants cope with salt

The involvement of non-governmental organisations in achieving health system goals based on the WHO six building blocks: A scoping review on global evidence

Background Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have the potential to make a significant contribution to improving health system goals through the provision of resources, health services and community participation. Therefore, this paper examines the role of NGOs in achieving health system goals, based on the six building blocks of a health system framework, and identifies strategies to enhance NGO involvement in achieving health system goals. Methods A scoping systematic review methodology was used to map and synthesise the existing literature on the topic, following the latest JBI six-stage framework. Four databases and one search engine including PubMed, Web of Science (ISI), EMBASE, Scopus and Google Scholar were searched from January 2000 to January 2024. The results were synthesised using a directed content analysis approach, and the findings were categorised according to the dimensions of the six building blocks. Results NGO involvement in health system goals can effectively address gaps in service delivery, strengthen the health workforce, improve health information systems, increase access to essential medicines, mobilise resources and promote good governance. In addition, six key strategies were identified, including joint planning, policy development, capacity building, resource allocation, developing collaboration, and improving the quality of health care, to enhance NGO participation in achieving health system goals. Conclusion NGOs can play a critical role in achieving health system goals, alongside government and other key health stakeholders. Governments need to use evidence-based policies and interventions to support NGOs to realise their potential in achieving health system goals.

Publisher Correction: Bioinformatics analysis and identification of underlying biomarkers potentially linking allergic rhinitis and autophagy

Aquaporin-2 in the early stages of the adenine-induced chronic kidney disease model

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is one of the leading health problems in the world. It is silent in the early stages and gradually progresses, inducing renal physiological and structural alterations. Moreover, CKD is associated with impaired life quality, increased risk for cardiovascular diseases, and reduced life expectancy. Different CKD animal models differ in underlying etiology, time of onset, and associated diseases. The 0.25% adenine diet induces progressive kidney damage, constituting an adequate model mimicking human CKD. Vasopressin (VP) was postulated as a mediator of CKD, mainly acting through its V2 receptors. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of this condition and its progression still are not entirely understood. This study aimed to evaluate if AQP2 expression is altered in an adenine-induced model of CKD in rats at early stages of development (two weeks) and to assess a potential beneficial effect of Tolvaptan (a V2 receptor antagonist) treatment. We showed an increased renal medullary AQP2 expression at two weeks of adenine administration. This increase was mainly cytoplasmic, explaining the increased urinary volume of CKD rats and suggesting a possible non-canonical role for AQP2. In addition, Tolvaptan effectively inhibited the V2 receptor in both control and CKD rats, decreasing AQP2 expression and increasing diuresis. Moreover, Tolvaptan slightly reduced BUN and plasma creatinine. On the other hand, the renal alterations induced by adenine in CKD rats were not prevented by Tolvaptan.

Socioeconomic disparities in multimorbidity of chronic diseases in the RaNCD cohort study

The physical activity and sedentary behavior among pregnant women in Macao: A cross-sectional study

Objective The current investigation sought to elucidate the prevalence and contributing factors of sedentary behavior among pregnant women in Macao, a densely populated region characterized by a distinctive fusion of Eastern and Western cultures and a thriving global economy. Methods Through a cross-sectional study design, a total of 306 expectant mothers were recruited via various social media platforms and completed a sociodemographic questionnaire alongside the Chinese version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results The findings revealed that sedentary activities accounted for a relatively small proportion (7.8%) of the participants’ total activity energy expenditure. Interestingly, employment status emerged as a significant determinant, with employed pregnant women exhibiting a 57.9% lower risk of being sedentary compared to their unemployed counterparts. Moreover, multiparous women (those with two or more children) were approximately 9 times more likely to meet moderate-intensity activity standards than nulliparous women. Conclusion These insights highlight the importance of tailoring physical activity interventions to address the specific needs and challenges faced by primiparous women and those who are unemployed during pregnancy, with a view to enhancing education on the potential hazards associated with sedentary habits and promoting active lifestyles within this unique sociocultural context.

Improved lung nodule segmentation with a squeeze excitation dilated attention based residual UNet

In vitro cytotoxicity (irritant potency) of toothpaste ingredients

Purpose This study aimed to determine the cytotoxicity (irritant potency) of toothpaste ingredients, of which some had known to have sensitizing properties. Materials From the wide variety of toothpaste ingredients, Xylitol, Propylene glycol (PEG), Sodium metaphosphate (SMP), Lemon, Peppermint, Fluoride, Cinnamon, and Triclosan and Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) have been selected for evaluation of their cytotoxic properties. Methods Reconstructed human gingiva (RHG) were topically exposed to toothpaste ingredients at different concentrations. The compound concentration resulting in 50% cell death (EC50) and 10% cell death (EC10) was determined by the MTT assay. Detrimental effects in tissue histology were observed by hematoxylin & eosin staining of tissue sections followed by microscopy. Results While Xylitol, PEG, and SMP did not appear to affect cell viability or tissue histology, the concentrations of Lemon, Peppermint, Cinnamon and SDS present in toothpastes exceeded the EC50 value and resulted in clear detrimental effects in tissue histology, indicating that they could harm the oral mucosa. Triclosan and Fluoride concentrations in the tested toothpastes exceeded the EC10 value but remained below the EC50 value with no clear detrimental effects in tissue histology. Clinical significance Manufacturers are encouraged to comply with higher standards of quality and safety for toothpaste.

An optimized ensemble grey wolf-based pipeline for monkeypox diagnosis

Net buffer load during regional citrate anticoagulated continuous renal replacement therapy

Background Regionally anticoagulated continuous renal replacement therapy with citrate is the first choice for critically ill patients with acute kidney injury. If citrate that reaches the patient exceeds the metabolic capacity, metabolic alkalosis will follow. Bicarbonate from the treatment fluids will also reach the patient and add to the bicarbonate load. Net buffer load is a parameter calculated by the dialysis machine software from the treatment fluid contents, the fluid flows and the filter properties. Each time the treatment settings are altered the net buffer load will be re-calculated. This parameter is integrated as a static safety parameter in the Prismax version 3 software, and will guide the operator on a possible development of metabolic alkalosis with the current settings. Methods Algorithms for estimating the net buffer load were developed. Hourly clinical data from electronic medical records from 60 patients’ continuous renal replacement treatments at the Adult Intensive Care Unit, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden was used to simulate net buffer load. The relation between net buffer load and acid base status at steady state was evaluated. Net buffer load was also calculated from three previous studies for comparison to our present cohort. Results The mean net buffer load was +0.09 ±0.04 mmol/h/kg in the present cohort, and comparable to historic cohorts from literature. We could not establish a correlation to steady state arterial bicarbonate. The pre blood pump citrate containing replacement fluid flow rate was affecting net buffer load most of all parts of the dialysis circuit, with a r2 Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.65 (p<0.001). Conclusion The net buffer load parameter can alert the operator on the expected impact of the dialysis circuit on patient’s acid base status. It was possible to calculate realistic net buffer load values during 60 CRRT treatments.

Data-driven modeling of background radiation structure utilizing matrix profile in nuclear security

Expression of Concern: Dynamic Localization of Glucokinase and Its Regulatory Protein in Hypothalamic Tanycytes

Renal dysfunction contributes to deteriorated survival outcomes in patients with upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding: insights from a cohort study of 1160 cases

Abstract Both acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease are risk factors for many outcomes of gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). These are associated with higher mortality, longer hospitalisation, and greater need for transfusion in case of overt GIB. Our study aimed to further evaluate the role of kidney function in several clinical outcomes of GIB patients. The Hungarian Gastrointestinal Bleeding Registry collected data on all-cause GIB between 2019 and 2022. A multi-level data-validation system provided high-quality data, which was retrospectively analysed. Numerous primary (in-hospital mortality, discharge, need for endoscopic intervention, in-hospital rebleeding, length of hospitalisation, need for emergency surgery, need for endoscopic examination and need for intensive care unit) and secondary (detection of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), recognition of cancer as the source of bleeding, need for any kind of transfusion or clotting factor, anticoagulation therapy) outcomes were observed. Descriptive statistical tools were used to summarize our data. Among others, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (ml/min/1.73 m2) was used as continuous variable, mean, standard deviation, median, interquartile range and minimum/maximum values were calculated. Reduced kidney function was associated with in-hospital mortality (eGFR: 42.63 ± 28.78 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 57.08 ± 26.62 ml/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.001), need for red blood cells (RBC) transfusion (eGFR: 51.98 ± 27.90 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 60.11 ± 25.06 ml/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.001) and clotting factor supplementation (eGFR: 47.40 ± 27.41 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 56.68 ± 27.02 ml/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.001). Better eGFR values at admission were associated with discharge home after proper treatment, compared to any other outcome of the admission (eGFR: 58.12 ± 25.56 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 50.23 ± 29.69 ml/min/1.73 m2, p < 0.001), H. pylori positivity (eGFR: 59.63 ± 25.24 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 52.76 ± 25.44 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.021) and the need for endoscopic intervention (eGFR: 58.65 ± 26.61 ml/min/1.73 m2 vs. 54.31 ± 27.64 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.008). At admission, patients with better eGFR than 36.64 ml/min/1.73 m2 were discharged to their homes, mortality was higher with eGFR worse than 25.96 ml/min/1.73 m2, more RBC transfusion was needed if eGFR was lower than 49.61 ml/min/1.73 m2. Regulation of anticoagulation was examined extensively. Impaired kidney function at admission results higher in-hospital mortality in overt all-cause GIB and increases the need of RBC transfusion.

Limited research investigating the value of MRI in predicting future cognitive morbidity in survivors of paediatric brain tumours: A systematic-review and call to action for clinical neuroimaging researchers

Survivors of pediatric brain tumours are at a high risk of cognitive morbidity. Reliable individual-level predictions regarding the likelihood, degree, and affected domains of cognitive impairment would be clinically beneficial. While established risk factors exist, quantitative MRI analysis may enhance predictive value, above and beyond current clinical risk models. This systematic review addresses the question: “Do MRI markers predict future cognitive functioning in pediatric brain tumour survivors?” We conducted a comprehensive search for studies published up to March 2024 that assessed MRI variables as predictors of later neuropsychological outcomes in pediatric brain tumour patients. Only studies that acquired MRI scans at an earlier timepoint to predict subsequent cognitive test performance were included. Surprisingly, few studies met these criteria, with identified research focusing primarily on MRI measures of cerebellar and white matter damage as features in predicting cognitive outcomes. Ultimately, this review reveals a limited literature, characterized by small sample sizes and poor-quality studies, placing findings at high risk of bias. Consequently, the quality and conclusions drawn from the existing research are constrained, especially in the context of prediction studies. Given the significant implications for this clinical population, this review highlights the urgent need for further investigation and a ‘call to action’ for medical imaging researchers in pediatric neuro-oncology.