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Leopard seals have traditionally been considered Antarctic predators with a Southern Ocean distribution. Historically, sightings north of the Antarctic Polar Front were considered extralimital. However, recent studies suggest a significant presence of leopard seals in subantarctic regions. Here, we assess the spatial occurrence, residency status, and temporal trends of leopard seals in Chile using historical records, stranding reports, standardized monitoring data, photo-identification (photo ID) catalogs, and sightings from four research expeditions. We also characterize glaciers where sightings are concentrated, identifying glaciological and geomorphic attributes that prolong iceberg residency time, which is linked to high leopard seal concentrations. Based on these attributes, we evaluated other potential suitable glacial habitats in Patagonia. We obtained 438 sighting records of leopard seals from 1927 to 2023. Over the last 15 years, we documented a 4-18% annual increase in stranding events reported to national authorities. Most sightings (75%) were concentrated in two hotspots: National Park San Rafael Lagoon, located in Northern Patagonia, and Parry Fjord in Tierra del Fuego. Using photo ID catalogs, we identified 19 resident leopard seals, including 16 multi-year residents observed between 2010-2023 (10 in San Rafael, 6 in Tierra del Fuego) and 3 potential residents (observed multiple months in the same year in Tierra del Fuego). San Rafael monitoring data showed no inter-annual trend, but seasonal trends were observed. We also provide evidence of breeding in Chile, with records of at least 14 pups born and at least two females giving birth in multiple years. Our habitat characterization suggests that calving flux, fjord sinuosity, and fjord width variation are crucial for prolonging iceberg residency in hotspot areas. Based on these attributes, we identified 13 additional fjords in Patagonia as “very likely” suitable for leopard seals. Our study confirms that Patagonia is part of the species’ breeding distribution, shifting the paradigm that leopard seals are merely visitors north of the Antarctic Polar Front. Given the limited number of suitable glaciers in Chile and the potential impacts of climate change, our assessment highlights glacial retreat as a major threat for the ecosystem of this pagophilic marine apex predator in South America.

Over the past decade, artificial intelligence (AI) and its subfields, deep learning and machine learning, have become integral parts of ophthalmology, particularly in the field of ophthalmic imaging. A diverse array of algorithms has emerged to facilitate the automated diagnosis of numerous medical and surgical retinal conditions. The development of these algorithms necessitates extensive training using large datasets of retinal images. This approach has demonstrated a promising impact, especially in increasing accuracy of diagnosis for unspecialized clinicians for various diseases and in the area of telemedicine, where access to ophthalmological care is restricted. In parallel, robotic technology has made significant inroads into the medical field, including ophthalmology. The vast majority of research in the field of robotic surgery has been focused on anterior segment and vitreoretinal surgery. These systems offer potential improvements in accuracy and address issues such as hand tremors. However, widespread adoption faces hurdles, including the substantial costs associated with these systems and the steep learning curve for surgeons. These challenges currently constrain the broader implementation of robotic surgical systems in ophthalmology. This mini review discusses the current research and challenges, underscoring the limited yet growing implementation of AI and robotic systems in the field of retinal conditions.

This article presents the results of a scoping review designed to explore the current state of knowledge about the educational development of university teachers. More specifically, the study examined the definitions attributed to educational development, its aims, the factors that foster it and the variables studied in this field. A thematic analysis was conducted on 98 scholarly documents published between 2000 and 2022. The results indicate that the field of educational development is mainly characterized by ideological and political rather than scientific dimensions. Consequently, the focus is on desired changes in educational development, reflecting a high degree of desirability. Furthermore, the results highlight the individualistic nature of the starting point of professional learning process, suggesting that institutional conditions and resources should be adapted to accommodate the diversity of learning trajectories. This study contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the complex landscape surrounding the educational development of university teachers, highlighting the need for nuanced approaches to promote teaching quality and professional development in the context of higher education.

In June, 2021, laurel willow (Salix pentandra) near Slave Lake, Alberta, was found to be infected by a Melampsora sp. that produced bright yellow urediniospores in uredia that were present on catkins, leaves, and stems. All Melampsora species previously reported in Canada are recorded as infecting leaves; therefore, further investigation was undertaken to ascertain the identity of this pathogen. To assess the relationship between this specimen and other Melampsora spp. previously collected from Canada, samples of willow leaves infected by Melampsora spp. were sourced from mycological herbariums located at the Laurentian Forestry Centre (QFB) and the Northern Forestry Centre (CFB, WINF(M)). DNA sequence data from the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) ribosomal RNA region of the fresh specimen, herbarium specimens, and DNA sequence data deposited within GenBank, were used to conduct a phylogenetic analysis. Sequencing and BLAST analysis of the material from the sample resulted in a 99.3% sequence identity match to Melampsora epitea “Mel J” collected from Larix laricina in New York State. The ITS sequence from the herbarium sample WINF(M)7356 (described as M. abieti-capraearum from Manitoba) had 100.0% identity with the Alberta sample. Additionally, specimens WINF(M)11892 (Melampsora sp. from Manitoba) and CFB8931 (Melampsora sp. from the Yukon) had 99.0% sequence identity with the Alberta sample. From these results we applied the identity of M. epitea to the rust discovered in Slave Lake, AB. With the current emphasis on willows for bioenergy production in Canada, growers must remain vigilant for this pathogen and the damages it could cause to willow plantations.

During recent years, the identification of monogenic mutations that cause sterile inflammation has expanded the spectrum of autoinflammatory diseases, clinical disorders characterized by uncontrolled systemic and organ-specific inflammation that, in some cases, can mirror infectious conditions. Early studies support the concept of innate immune dysregulation with a predominance of myeloid effector cell dysregulation, particularly neutrophils and macrophages, in causing tissue inflammation. However, recent discoveries have shown a complex overlap of features of autoinflammation and/or immunodeficiency contributing to severe disease phenotypes. Here, we describe the first Argentine patient with a newly described frameshift mutation in SAMD9L c.2666delT/p.F889Sfs*2 presenting with a complex phenotypic overlap of CANDLE-like features and severe infection-induced cytopenia and immunodeficiency. The patient underwent a fully matched unrelated HSCT and has since been in inflammatory remission 5 years post-HSCT.

PurposeTo investigate the sensitivity and specificity of central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO)-Detection Score in diagnosing CRAO via questionnaire and without fundoscopy.MethodsThis prospective study enrolled 176 emergency patients suffering from acute visual loss, of whom 38 were suffering from CRAO. Before conducting any examination, we administered our questionnaire containing six questions, followed by a thorough ophthalmologic examination to make the diagnosis. Statistical analysis involved a LASSO penalised multivariate logistic regression model.ResultsOur receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis based on a LASSO penalised multivariate logistic regression model showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.9 – three out of six questions were selected by LASSO. Interestingly, the unweighted ROC analysis of only two questions (Short CRAO-Detection Score) yielded similar results with an AUC of 0.88. The short CRAO-Detection Score of 2 yielded 14% (4/28) false positive patients.ConclusionThis prospective study demonstrates that a high percentage of CRAO patients are detectable with a questionnaire. The CRAO-Detection Score might be used to triage patients suffering acute visual loss, which is important as intravenous fibrinolysis seem to be time-dependent to be effective.

A growing body of evidence suggests that climate change is altering the epidemiology of many forest diseases. Nothophaeocryptopus gaeumannii (Rhode) Petrak, an ascomycete native to the Pacific Northwest and the causal agent of the Swiss needle cast (SNC) disease of Douglas-fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirbel) Franco], is no exception. In the past few decades, changing climatic conditions have coincided with periodic epidemics of SNC in coastal forests and plantations from Southwestern British Columbia (B.C.) to Southwestern Oregon, wherein an increase in the colonization of needles by N. gaeumanii causes carbon starvation, premature needle shedding and a decline in growth. Two major sympatric genetic lineages of N. gaeumannii have been identified in the coastal Pacific Northwest. Past research on these lineages suggests they have different environmental tolerance ranges and may be responsible for some variability in disease severity. In this study, we examined the complex dynamics between biologically pertinent short- and long-term climatic and environmental factors, phylogenetic lineages of N. gaeumannii and the severity patterns of the SNC disease. Firstly, using an ensemble species distribution modeling approach using genetic lineage presences as model inputs, we predicted the probability of occurrence of each lineage throughout the native range of Douglas-fir in the present as well as in 2050 under the “business as usual” (RCP8.5) emissions scenario. Subsequently, we combined these model outputs with short-term climatic and topographic variables and colonization index measurements from monitoring networks across the SNC epidemic area to infer the impacts of climate change on the SNC epidemic. Our results suggest that the current environmental tolerance range of lineage 1 exceeds that of lineage 2, and we expect lineage 1 to expand inland in Washington and Oregon, while we expect lineage 2 will remain relatively constrained to its current range with some slight increases in suitability, particularly in coastal Washington and Oregon. We also found that disease colonization index is associated with the climatic suitability of lineage 1, and that the suitability of the different lineages could impact the vertical patterns of colonization within the crown. We conclude that unabated climate change could cause the SNC epidemic to intensify.

Two COVID-19 outbreaks occurred in residential buildings with overcrowded housing conditions in the city of Göttingen in Germany during May and June 2020, when COVID-19 infection incidences were low across the rest of the country, with a national incidence of 2.6/100,000 population. The outbreaks increased the local incidence in the city of Göttingen to 123.5/100,000 in June 2020. Many of the affected residents were living in precarious conditions and experienced language barriers. The outbreaks were characterized by high case numbers and attack rates among the residents, many asymptomatic cases, a comparatively young population, and substantial outbreak control measures implemented by local authorities. We analyzed national and local surveillance data, calculated age-, and gender-specific attack rates and performed whole genome sequencing analysis to describe the outbreak and characteristics of the infected population. The authorities' infection control measures included voluntary and compulsory testing of all residents and mass quarantine. Public health measures, such as the general closure of schools and a public space as well as the prohibition of team sports at local level, were also implemented in the district to limit the outbreaks locally. The outbreaks were under control by the end of June 2020. We describe the measures to contain the outbreaks, the challenges experienced and lessons learned. We discuss how public health measures can be planned and implemented through consideration of the needs and vulnerabilities of affected populations. In order to avoid coercive measures, barrier-free communication, with language translation when needed, and consideration of socio-economic circumstances of affected populations are crucial for controlling infectious disease transmission in an outbreak effectively and in a timely way.

Currently there is increasing attention on the modulatory effects of benzodiazepines on the immune system. Here, we evaluate how Diazepam (DZ) affects both innate and adaptive immunity. We observed that treatment with DZ and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on macrophages or dendritic cells (DCs) induced a defective secretion of IL-12, TNF-α, IL-6 and a lesser expression of classical activation markers as NO production and CD40 in comparison with LPS condition. More importantly, mice pre-treated with DZ and then challenged to LPS induced-septic shock showed reduced death. The DZ treatment shifted the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine production of peritoneal cells (PCs) to an anti-inflammatory profile commanded by IL-10. In agreement with this, DZ treatment prevented LPS-induced DC ability to initiate allogeneic Th1 and Th17 responses in vitro when compared with LPS-matured DC. Since these inflammatory responses are the key in the development of the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), we treated EAE mice preventively with DZ. Mice that received DZ showed amelioration of clinical signs and immunological parameters of the disease. Additionally, DZ reduced the release of IFN-γ and IL-17 by splenocytes from untreated sick mice in vitro. For this reason, we decided to treat diseased mice therapeutically with DZ when they reached the clinical score of 1. Most importantly, this treatment ameliorated clinical signs, reduced the MOG-specific inflammatory cytokine production and prevented axonal damage. Altogether, these results indicate that DZ is a potent immunomodulator capable of controlling undesired innate and adaptive immune responses, both at the beginning of these responses and also once they have started.

We investigated the influence of freshwater discharges on biogeochemistry and benthic communities of La Saline fringing reef, the largest coral reef system of La Réunion Island (France, Indian Ocean). Sampling was conducted in February–March 2012 along a land-ocean continuum, including rivers, groundwater, reef waters, and oceanic waters. Our results indicated the discharges of basalt groundwater (enriched in nitrates) in the southern part of the reef, and the discharges of sand groundwater and river waters (enriched in organic matter) in sites located northward. These discharges mainly impacted fore reef surface waters, while groundwater resurgences were more diffuse and not clearly detected in depth. We highlighted the relationship Si(OH)4/NO3– to identify basalt groundwater discharges. We also put forward the relationships humic-like fluorescence/NH4+ and tryptophan-like fluorescence/PO43– to identify sand groundwater discharges and wastewater pollutions, respectively. We observed the eutrophication of the southern part of the reef through higher phytoplankton biomasses, a massive presence of fleshy algal formations and a low coral coverage. The spatial homogeneity of the benthic community structures onto the entire slope contrasted with the spatial heterogeneity of chemical variables in water. This reflected the different spatial and temporal scales involved in biological and chemical processes in coral reef ecosystems.

Introduction: Robotic assisted surgery (RAS) is one of the most recent surgical approaches that has quickly been adopted by the pediatric urology community. Over the last decade, a vast amount of manuscripts has been published, supporting the safety and applicability of RAS in the pediatric population. The quality of published literature about this innovative technology remains supported by case-reports and retrospective case-series. Historical behavior of literature productivity and implementation of laparoscopy followed a similar trend. We present the historical publication uptake of RAS in pediatric urology and other surgical disciplines using a bibliometric comparison of the most cited manuscripts.Materials and Methods: A systematic search and review of the literature was undertaken by the authors. Literature search was performed in OVID, PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. The search period included all publications between 1985 and June 2018. All languages were included. Data analysis for graphical representation was performed using VOSviewer® version 1.6.8 and Impact Index Analysis was used to adjust the citations by the time since publication.Results: A total of 1,014 titles were identified. After applying exclusion criteria, 200 papers were included for the RAS arm and 402 for the laparoscopic one. Case-series was the most common type of publication. Average citations for laparoscopic manuscripts was 23 (SD ± 31) and for RAS was 20 (SD ± 31.5). The impact index analysis showed an average of 95 (SD ± 167) for laparoscopic manuscripts vs. 66 (SD ± 101) for RAS. The laparoscopic manuscript with the highest citation count had 199 citations with an impact index of 12.1. And the RAS manuscript with the highest citation count had 280 citations and an impact index of 4.3.Conclusion: Literature productivity in pediatric laparoscopic and RAS has quickly grown. Pediatric Urologists play a key role in the introduction of this innovative tool. Literature supporting its implementation and future consolidation requires to focus on increasing the level of evidence.

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent mental illness whose therapy management remains uncertain, with more than 20% of patients who do not achieve response to antidepressants. Therefore, identification of reliable biomarkers to predict response to treatment will greatly improve MDD patient medical care. Due to the inaccessibility and lack of brain tissues from living MDD patients to study depression, researches using animal models have been useful in improving sensitivity and specificity of identifying biomarkers. In the current study, we used the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) model and correlated stress-induced depressive-like behavior (n = 8 unstressed vs. 8 stressed mice) as well as the fluoxetine-induced recovery (n = 8 stressed and fluoxetine-treated mice vs. 8 unstressed and fluoxetine-treated mice) with transcriptional signatures obtained by genome-wide microarray profiling from whole blood, dentate gyrus (DG), and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Hierarchical clustering and rank-rank hypergeometric overlap (RRHO) procedures allowed us to identify gene transcripts with variations that correlate with behavioral profiles. As a translational validation, some of those transcripts were assayed by RT-qPCR with blood samples from 10 severe major depressive episode (MDE) patients and 10 healthy controls over the course of 30 weeks and four visits. Repeated-measures ANOVAs revealed candidate trait biomarkers (ARHGEF1, CMAS, IGHMBP2, PABPN1 and TBC1D10C), whereas univariate linear regression analyses uncovered candidates state biomarkers (CENPO, FUS and NUBP1), as well as prediction biomarkers predictive of antidepressant response (CENPO, NUBP1). These data suggest that such a translational approach may offer new leads for clinically valid panels of biomarkers for MDD.

Our previous transcriptomic analysis of Glossina palpalis gambiensis experimentally infected or not with Trypanosoma brucei gambiense aimed to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with infection. Specifically, we selected candidate genes governing tsetse fly vector competence that could be used in the context of an anti-vector strategy, to control human and/or animal trypanosomiasis. The present study aimed to verify whether gene expression in field tsetse flies (G. p. palpalis) is modified in response to natural infection by trypanosomes (T. congolense), as reported when insectary-raised flies (G. p. gambiensis) are experimentally infected with T. b. gambiense. This was achieved using the RNA-seq approach, which identified 524 DEGs in infected vs. non-infected tsetse flies, including 285 downregulated genes and 239 upregulated genes (identified using DESeq2). Several of these genes were highly differentially expressed, with log2 fold change values in the vicinity of either +40 or −40. Downregulated genes were primarily involved in transcription/translation processes, whereas encoded upregulated genes governed amino acid and nucleotide biosynthesis pathways. The BioCyc metabolic pathways associated with infection also revealed that downregulated genes were mainly involved in fly immunity processes. Importantly, our study demonstrates that data on the molecular cross-talk between the host and the parasite (as well as the always present fly microbiome) recorded from an experimental biological model has a counterpart in field flies, which in turn validates the use of experimental host/parasite couples.