Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is an inflammatory disease primarily caused by candidiasis albicans infection. Metabolomics has been applied to research a variety of inflammatory diseases. In the present study, the vaginal metabolic profiles of VVC patients and healthy populations were explored by a non-targeted metabolomics approach. In total, 211 differential metabolites were identified, with the VVC group having 128 over-expressed and 83 under-expressed metabolites compared with healthy individuals. Functional analysis showed that these metabolites were mainly involved in amino acid metabolism and lipid metabolism. In addition, network software analysis indicated that the differential metabolites were associated with MAPK signaling and NF-κB signaling. Further molecular docking suggested that linoleic acid can bind to the ACSL1 protein, which has been shown to be associated with multiple inflammatory diseases and is an upstream regulator of the MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways that mediate inflammation. Therefore, our preliminary analysis results suggest that VVC has a unique metabolic profile. Linoleic acid, a significantly elevated unsaturated fatty acid in the VVC group, may promote VVC development through the ACSL1/MAPK and ACSL1/NF-κB signaling pathways. This study’s findings contribute to further exploring the mechanism of VVC infection and providing new perspectives for the treatment of Candida albicans vaginal infection.

Intestinal parasites affect the health of birds and pose a risk of transmitting diseases. This study utilized fecal examination to assess the occurrence of intestinal parasites in two captive waterbird species, revealing a high infection rate and a diverse range of parasite groups. Nematodes were found to be the most common intestinal parasite species in two duck species, Common teal (Anas. crecca) and Bailkal teal (Sibirionetta formosa). A total of 96 fecal samples were collected and analyzed using the modified floating and sedimentary McMaster technique, revealing an overall infection rate of 78.13% (75/96), with 42.67% (35/72) being single infections and 57.33% (43/75) mixed infections. Nematodes were the most prevalent with an infection rate of 66.67% (64/96), followed by protozoa (34.48%), trematode (14.42%), and cestode (5.21%). Three nematode species were identified in both ducks, including Cappillaria spp., Strongyloides spp., and Ascaris spp. The mean egg per gram (EPG) of Strongyloides spp. was highest in Common teal while Baikal teal had a higher mean EPG of Cappillaria spp. Duck species, genders and seasons were observed as factors, result showed a significant difference in occurrence rate and mean OPG/EPG between males and females in both duck species, and a higher occurrence during the summer than in the autumn and winter seasons. The high occurrence of intestinal parasites in these two dabbling ducks, particularly nematode species, may reflect the health status of waterbirds in captive. The results are important for understanding the status of intestinal parasites and assessing the risk of epidemics.

Japanagallia is a genus of Cicadomorpha in the family of leafhoppers that are plant piercing-sucking insects, and it is difficult to distinguish by morphological characteristics. So far, only one complete mitochondrial genome data has been reported for the genus Japanagallia. Therefore, in order to better understand this group, we assembled and annotated the complete mitochondrial genomes of five Japanagallia species, and analyzed their codon usage patterns. Nucleotide composition analysis suggested that AT content was higher than GC content, and the protein-coding sequences preferred to end with A/T at the third codon position. Relative synonymous CUB analysis revealed most over-represented codon ends with A or T. Parity plot analysis revealed the codon usage bias of mitochondrial genes was influenced by both natural selection and mutation pressure. The neutrality plot showed that the slopes of regression lines were < 0.5, suggesting that natural selection was playing a major role while mutation pressure was of minor importance. The effective number of codons (ENC) revealed the CUB was low among genes and genomes. Correspondence analysis (COA) revealed that the codon usage pattern differed among 13 protein-coding genes. Phylogenetic analyses based on three datasets using two methods (maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference), restored the Megophthalminae monophyly with high support values (BS = 100, PP = 1). In the obtained topology, the seven Japanagallia species were clustered into a monophyletic group and formed a sister group with Durgade. In conclusion, our study can provide a reference for the future research on organism evolution, identification and phylogeny relationships of Japanagallia species.

Tetraodontiformes is a special group of higher teleosts, with a long and problematic taxonomic history due to their wide distribution and species diversity. It is a difficult task for both professionals and nonprofessionals to accurately identify all species only according to morphological characteristics. DNA barcoding can identify species at the molecular level. In this study, we collected 616 specimens of Tetraodontiformes and their DNA barcodes from the coastal waters of China. According to the morphological characteristics, 50 species were preliminarily identified, belonging to 23 genera, 6. Among them, DNA barcoding analysis showed that Takifugu pseudommus and Takifugu chinensis are the synonyms of Takifugu rubripes. And Lagocephalus wheeleri is the synonym of Lagocephalus Spadiceus. The third important finding is that the species of Takifugu have close genetic relationship. If T. rubripes, T. pseudommus and T. chinensis are taken as one species, the average interspecific genetic distance of Takifugu is 6.21 times of the average intraspecific genetic distance, which does not reach the DNA barcode threshold of more than 10 times proposed by Hebert. Among them, the genetic distance between T. oblongus and T. stictonotus is the largest, 0.045; And between T. bimaculatus and T. flavidus is the smallest, only 0.013. However, species can be clustered into separate clades in the NJ tree. In conclusion, this study provided molecular basis for solving the problem of confusion in the classification of Tetraodontiformes, it found that there are synonym phenomena in the order, and provided molecular evidence for clarifying the valid species names of Lagocephalus Spadiceus and Takifugu rubripes. The results can provide reliable DNA barcoding information for the identification and classification of Tetraodontiformes, and also provide technical support for the development and utilization of puffer fish resources and the identification of the original components of related commodities on the aquatic product market.

Lactate dehydrogenase reflects the status of ultra-high-risk neuroblastoma in a child under treatmentAkinori Yaguchi, Junya Fujimura, Ayane Yakabe, Megumi Fujiwara, Takeshi Ishibashi, Osamu Tomita, Toshiaki ShimizuDepartment of Pediatrics, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8421, Japan

One of the most potent greenhouse gases is methane, which is the most basic hydrocarbon in the paraffin series. With a GWP of roughly 28, this is the second most significant greenhouse gas. Since there is a lot of it in the Indian subcontinent, it is important to monitor and research this gas. This study analyses satellite readings that were taken all over the world between 2003 and 2015 and are retrieved for the Indian region. This study made use of the satellite-based SCIAMACHY and TANSO-FTS equipment. Additionally, the work examines how a change in concentration levels depends on a region's location and climate by estimating the rate of change of methane levels through time and obtaining information on the change in concentration. According to this study, it is rising quickly over the Indo-Gangetic Plain, the Northeast, and certain coastal areas. The majority of the sources are man-made, such as fossil fuels and the energy industry, as well as natural sources like wetlands. Both instruments indicate that methane content is rapidly rising in the area, depending on a number of variables and seasonal fluctuations. Methane emissions must be decreased otherwise it will be the main cause of the greenhouse effect.

Aims: Intravenous ibuprofen (IVIB) has been approved in the treatment of postoperative pain and fever in adults, but the application of multiple- or single- dosage IVIB remains divergent in clinical practice. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IVIB in the management of postoperative pain and fever in adults who were unable to take oral medicine. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding postoperative pain and fever management comparing IVIB with placebo, or other analgesic and antipyretic agents from 8 databases. Risk of bias and quality of evidence assessment were performed. The primary outcomes mainly included visual analogue scale (VAS) score within postoperative 24h and the reduction of temperature. Results: Twenty-three RCTs with 3716 participants were included. For postoperative pain, moderate-to-low certainty evidence indicated that IVIB was associated with lower postoperative VAS scores than placebo, with MD ranging between -3.53 (95% CI, -4.32 to -2.75) at 0 minute to -0.96 (95% CI, -1.35 to -0.57) at 24 hours. Compared to intravenous acetaminophen, IVIB appeared lower VAS scores (MD, -1.54 at 0min; -0.36 at 24h). For fever, IVIB appeared satisfactory antipyretic efficiency in a short period of time, but there was no difference between IVIB and intravenous acetaminophen. Moderate-to-low certainty evidence indicated that IVIB was well tolerated in both pain and fever management. Conclusions: Moderate-to-low certainty evidence supported that adults with postoperative pain and fever who were unable to take oral medicine would benefit from IVIB.

Taxilli Herba (TH) is famous for its semi-parasitic feature, with hundreds of host species. The molecular mechanisms governing the accumulation of bioactive constituents in TH from different hosts have yet to be completely understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in synthesis and accumulation of bioactive constituents in TH from Morus alba L. and Liquidambar formosana Hance. The proteome of TH from two hosts were compared, and proteins were identified using tandem mass tag (TMT) technology. Sixteen bioactive constituents were quantitatively determined and analyzed in conjunction with the results of proteomics. A total of 5681 proteins were detected, of which 259 were significantly up-regulated and 274 significantly down-regulated in expression levels. Differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were shown to be mostly engaged in cellular process and metabolic process by GO analysis. DEPs were considerably abundant in amino acid metabolic pathways, according to KEGG pathway analysis. The changes in the contents of 16 bioactive constituents were mostly compatible with the expression patterns of relevant structural proteins. The results of this study will provide basic information for the role of protein in the secondary metabolism biosynthesis pathway and the molecular mechanism of the quality formation of TH.

1. Conservation of species that rely on mutualistic partners such as pollinators may be better studied using interaction networks and indicators of ecological functions. 2. We used a novel systems-ecology approach using network analysis and bee morphology indicators to investigate ecological structure and bee body condition in the context of a conservation practice known as prairie strips established within row-crop fields compared to unrestored field margins. 3. We found the increased flower resources in prairie strips produced a nested network supporting higher bee richness and a greater chance for bee-mediated plant pollination. 4. Some, but not all, bee groups showed improved body condition at prairie strip sites with variation due to taxonomic group, foraging preferences, and body size. 5. This study supports a growing body of literature on the utility of network analysis in more broadly assessing the effect of conservation practices on ecological communities.

Objective To assess the influence of proficiency-based progression (PBP) training in robot-assisted laparoscopic (RAL) surgery for endometrial cancer on peri-operative and survival outcomes. Design Observational cohort study. Setting Tertiary referral and subspecialty training centre. Population All women with primary endometrial cancer treated with RAL surgery between 2015 and 2022. Methods Proficiency-based progression training cases were identified pre-operatively by consultant surgeons based on clinical factors, such as BMI and comorbidities, and case complexity matching the experience of the trainee. Main Outcome Measures Intra- and post-operative complications, blood transfusions, readmissions < 30 days, return to theatre rates and 5-year disease-free and disease-specific survival for training versus non-training cases. Results Training cases had a lower BMI than non-training cases (30 versus 32 kg/m 2), but were comparable in age, performance status and comorbidities. Training had no influence on intra- and post-operative complications, blood transfusions, readmissions < 30 days, return to theatre rates and median 5-year disease-free and disease-specific survival. Operating time was longer in training cases (161 versus 137 min). Estimated blood loss, conversion rates, CCU-admissions and lymphoedema rates were comparable. Conclusions Proficiency based progression training can be safely used to teach RAL surgery for women with endometrial cancer. Prospective trails are needed to further investigate the influence of distinct parts of RAL surgery performed by a trainee on endometrial cancer outcomes.

CF is considered a rare disease among the non-Caucasian population. The clinical phenotypes and genotypic spectrum of Chinese CF patients are reported to be different from that observed in Caucasians[(1)](#ref-0001). Our patient carried compound heterozygous mutations which are not included in the Caucasian CFTR common mutation-screening panel and have not been reported yet. CFTR dysfunction causes a spectrum of diseases, with a range in the number of organs involved and varying disease severity. Typical phenotypic features of CF include respiratory diseases (bronchiectasis with persistent airway-based infection and inflammation), gastrointestinal diseases (meconium ileus (MI)), hepatobiliary manifestations (pancreatic insufficiency), and male infertility[(2)](#ref-0002). Our patient presented severe manifestations, namely colonic perforation, meconium thorax, severe pneumonia, diaphragmatic defects-caused marked diaphragm elevation and respiratory failure. It’s difficult to ascertain whether the diaphragmatic defects in our patient is related to CF. MI is often the first manifestation of CF and occurs in approximately 20% of CF patients. CF should therefore be high in the differential diagnosis of any infant presenting with MI[(3)](#ref-0003).

Title: Reply to Migration is not the perfect answer: Optimised methodology to assess LCI agreement between corrected legacy multiple breath nitrogen washout data and that directly collected on updated software.

VACTERL association is linked to multiple congenital anomalies including tracheoesophageal fistula. In rare cases, VACTERL has been complicated by other airway malformations including severe bronchial stenosis or unilateral pulmonary agenesis. We report a child who developed episodes of oxygen desaturation during sleep associated with high pressure support requirements to maintain ventilation. He was known to have VACTERL association as well as spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type II, a genetic neuromuscular disorder. Children with SMA can show progressive respiratory symptoms, including intercostal muscle weakness and accompanying paradoxical abdominal breathing with sparing of diaphragm function. Our patient was very difficult to ventilate non-invasively despite high pressures. CT chest with dynamic airway evaluation showed bilateral bronchial stenosis. High inspiratory pressures with non-invasive ventilation as seen in our case are required to overcome stenotic airways but are not expected in neuromuscular respiratory failure.

Artificial waterbodies can help tackle the ongoing freshwater biodiversity crisis by providing new habitat for aquatic wildlife. Farm dams are among the most abundant artificial waterbodies in agricultural landscapes, yet general guidelines for maximising their ecological potential are yet to emerge. Here we used a continental-scale dataset of frog species near 8,800 Australian farm dams to ask: What characteristics promote higher frog species richness at farm dams? The highest values of species richness were at older (>20 years) farm dams of intermediate sizes (0.1 ha in surface area), with smaller rainfall catchments (<10 ha), and near other freshwater systems or conservation sites. By identifying quantifiable features improving the ecological value of farm dams, this work helps identify “win-win” outcomes for agricultural productivity and conservation. In the future, “biodiversity credit” policies could promote large-scale implementation by rewarding farmers who invest in improving the condition of their farm dams.

Patch size and connectivity are the main predictors of population demographic and genetic stability. Habitat fragmentation continues at unprecedented rates justly affecting plant functional connectivity worldwide. However, few terrestrial plant groups have sufficiently foreshortened generation times in which to empirically disentangle the demographic and genetic consequences of reduced patch size and connectivity. Herein, we combine evidence from long-term (15 yr.) population censuses of two epiphyllous bryophytes and population genetic estimates in an experimentally fragmented Amazonian landscape to create a profile of the eco-evolutionary impacts of reduced habitat connectivity. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) derived from Genotyping by Sequencing were used to analyze genetic patterns among fragmented (1-, 10- and 100-ha) and continuous forests. In the context of the world’s most diverse biome, fragmentation induces marked effects on plant population demography and genetic differentiation. Declines in colonization events in small patches (1- and 10-ha), associated with reduced colony densities, led to accelerated genotypic differentiation (genetic drift) compared to 100-ha fragment and continuous forests. Furthermore, the mating system was related to differential sensitivities to the intensity of fragmentation. Unexpectedly, the unisexual species (hypothesized to be more challenged in terms of spore output) was characterized by higher migration rates among smaller patches than its bisexual counterpart. These results point to the complex and unpredictable patterns revealed when life history strategies, demography, and plant genetic structure are simultaneously evaluated in the context of the long-term effects of reduced landscape connectivity.

5G network slicing is a promising solution to prioritize time-critical protection communication in wireless networks. However, recent trends indicate that a 5G slice could encompass all smart grid applications lacking the necessary granularity. At the same time, while substation communication standards recommend prioritization of protection communication traffic to improve reliability, these recommendations are only for wired connections. Therefore, this paper investigates traffic shaping and uplink (UL) bitrate adaptation of video stream based on existing commercial solutions as methodologies for prioritizing the protection communication in a 5G slice. These methodologies are validated in an experimental setup combining controller-hardware-in-the-loop (CHIL) simulation with a quality of service (QoS) measurement system. The system under test consists of commercial 5G networks, commercial intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), and merging units to validate the methodologies on three smart grid applications: fault location, line differential, and intertrip protection. The results show improvement in protection communication when traffic shaping and UL bitrate adaptation are applied. Traffic shaping even improves prioritization with a wired connection.

In this study, multiple-input single-output based non-orthogonal multiple access (MISO-NOMA) with hybrid beamforming (HBF) (MISO-NOMA-HBF) and beamforming neural network (BFNN) for cell edge user (CEU) are integrated (termed as MISO-NOMA-HBF-BFNN) for mmWave based beyond 5G cellular communication system to support multiple users simultaneously and provide significantly improved user channel capacities and sum channel capacity (SC) as well. Simulation results illustrated the effectiveness of the proposed MISO-NOMA-HBF-BFNN scheme over the existing MISO-NOMA with HBF and MISO-OMA with HBF-BFNN based schemes in case of user capacities and SC as well.

The end of the 2019/2020 influenza season was already registered in early summer 2020, and in the following season. There was an nearly complete absence of influenza. So far, the sometimes strict Covid-19 containment measures with contact restrictions and the obligation to wear a mask have been mentioned as reasons. This study looks for further reaseons and from several perspectives in order to develop strategies for a representative recording of influenza cases derive. In contrast to influenza A/B, the other viral respiratory pathogens (adenovirus, parainfluenza virus and RS virus) do not show any significant reduction. From 2020, the number of reports of respiratory infections to the RKI increased from an average of 300,000 annual reports by 2019 to 1,985,985 reports in 2020, over 5,453,017 reports in 2021 and to 29,681,158 in 2022. On the other hand cases of incapacity to work due to respiratory infections fell from 31.0% in 2019 to 15.3% in 2021. Influenza-specific diagnoses (ICD: J10.1-3) were encrypted 33,727 times in 2021, in 2020 there were still 109,846. The reduction in influenza A and B from 2020 as a result of the comprehensive Covid-19 control measures, including the obligation to wear masks, cannot be considered a major reason; rather, the aspect of underreporting of influenza cases plays a significant role. Therefore, the reporting quantity of the sentinal practices should be considered and the recording of incapacity diagnoses should be taken into account.

The irregular pulse notification (IPN) algorithm on the Apple Watch (Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA) was not designed for use by atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. It is not FDA cleared for use in AF patients. Before this study by Dr. Wasserlauf and colleagues, there were no studies of its accuracy in AF patients. Yet, many AF patients could not resist the temptation to use the feature. In the Apple Heart Study1, even after making it clear that patients with AF were not eligible for the study, 174 (18%) of the participants who received an irregular pulse notification and connected with a study visit doctor confessed that they knew they already had AF and were excluded from the study. These participants were just too curious to pass up the opportunity to see what the new technology was all about.

Maturity models guide the achievement of competency maturity levels. This study aims to develop a competency maturity model for Scrum team members in Global Software Development (GSD environments. Each Scrum role, such as Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developers, has a unique set of competencies at each maturity level. We developed the maturity model by conducting in-depth interviews with global Scrum practitioners. We also conducted a comparative study to determine the most appropriate maturity model reference. The maturity model’s validation uses expert judgment involving experts in academia and industry. The maturity model in this study is inspired by CMMI 2.0, while Scrum and Agile Maturity models inform the maturity levels. Results reveal that each maturity level consists of a set of practice areas in which each practice area may exist in several maturity levels. The practice area contains a set of competencies with an arrangement of capability levels based on the standards by adopting the Skills Framework for the Information Age (SFIA) and the European e-Competence Framework (e-CF). In conclusion, the resulting maturity model is helpful as a guide for increasing competence gradually and measurably. This model can also develop assessment tools to measure competency maturity levels.

The human gut is colonized with microbial species that not only resides but also facilitate in many functions. The alterations in this gastrointestinal microbiota directly influence many body systems including, central nervous system (CNS) disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The term microbiota is thus a determinant factor in the association between illness and health. AD, the most common form of dementia, is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with impaired cognition and cerebral accumulation of amyloid-β peptides (Aβ). Germ-free animals have provided enormous data on the existence of dysbiosis and its conversion by fecal microbiota transplantation. The main cause of AD is unknown and it is estimated that by 2050 the number of patients will increase up to three times. Bacteria populating the gut microbiota (GM) can secrete large amounts of amyloids and lipopolysaccharides, which might contribute to the modulation of signaling pathways and the production of proinflammatory cytokines associated with the pathogenesis of AD. The Gut-brain axis links the emotional and cognitive center of the brain with intestinal activities. Thus, it can be said that the dysbiosis of human microbiome could be a risk factor for AD. In this review, we provide an overview of GM and how their dysregulation accounts for the pathogenesis of AD. Illustration of the mechanisms underlying the modification of GM composition may pave the way for developing novel preventive and therapeutic approach for AD.

IntroductionFolliculitis is inflammation of hair follicles, most commonly due to infection. Ingrown hairs and trauma from shaving or waxing promote follicular occlusion and irritation and increase risk of folliculitis.Folliculitis is classified by depth of infection. Superficial folliculitis involves the superficial part of the hair follicle (infundibulum) while deep folliculitis involves the entire hair follicle. On examination, inflammation of superficial folliculitis is restricted to the epidermis. Deep folliculitis is distinguished by widespread erythema, edema, and tenderness involving the dermis.

This paper demonstrates the dynamic characteristics of 150-V-class GaN power HBTs for the first time. At OFF-state collector bias VCEQ = 80 V, the device shows a low dynamic specific on-resistance (RON,sp) of 0.316 mΩ·cm2, which is only 4.7% higher than static RON,sp, thanks to current conductive path far from the surface. A threshold voltage (Vth) of 3.58 V extracted at 1 A/cm2 is achieved with an on/off current ratio of 2×107. The device also show a large base voltage swing of -7 to 7 V with a small Vth hysteresis of 50 mV. The low dynamic resistance degradation, high positive Vth with low Vth hysteresis, and large base voltage swing all demonstrate the great potential of GaN HBT in power switching applications.

The integration of distributed generators (DGs) into electrical networks has become more prevalent due to their operational benefits. However, switching the DG on or off changes the fault current’s magnitude and direction, making an adaptive protection scheme (APS) necessary. This paper proposes a novel APS that optimally coordinates overcurrent relays, including Distance and directional overcurrent relays (D&DOCRs), at each transmission line’s ending near and far. This coordination problem is highly constrained and complex, involving coordinating primary and backup relays between DOCRs pairs and D&DOCRs pairs. To solve this optimization problem, the paper implements a modified Honey Badger algorithm (HBA), called CLHBA, that uses chaotic initialization and leader-based mutation selection. The proposed scheme is adaptable to changes in the electrical network’s state caused by switching the DGs on or off. The paper tests the proposed scheme on IEEE 8-bus and 14-bus distribution systems to demonstrate its ability to solve coordination problems.