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This study documents the first occurrence of a female ornate ghost pipefish, Solenostomus paradoxus (Pallas, 1770) from mainland India, collected at a depth of 40 m in the Arabian Sea. It provides the first detailed description of morphometric and meristic characteristics of this species from this region. Due to their small size, effective camouflage, and specific habitat needs, ornate ghost pipefish are challenging to study, and their solitary, seasonal behaviors further complicate research. This work adds valuable knowledge to the limited understanding of this elusive species and highlights the need for further exploration of underrepresented marine biodiversity.

Current media for neuronal cell and organoid cultures are suboptimal for functional imaging and optogenetics experiments, owing to phototoxicity and unphysiological performance. Here the authors formulate an optimised neuronal medium to support live cell imaging and electrophysiological activity.

During a survey of the foliicolous fungi in the Malabar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats region of Kerala State, India, a new black mildew fungus was collected from the leaves of Elaeocarpus sp. (Elaeocarpaceae). Microscopic examinations of the infected plants revealed that it is an undescribed species of the genus Meliola Fries, and hence, this note.

Abstract Background and Aims Improving the quality of pre‐hospital traumatic shock care, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries, is particularly relevant to reducing the large global burden of disease from injury. What clinical interventions represent high‐quality care is an actively evolving field and often dependent on the specific injury pattern. A key component of improving the quality of care is having a consistent way to assess and measure the quality of shock care in the pre‐hospital setting. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a chart abstraction instrument to measure the quality of trauma care in a resource‐limited, pre‐hospital emergency care setting. Methods Traumatic shock was selected as the tracer condition. The pre‐hospital quality of traumatic shock care (QTSC) instrument was developed and validated in three phases. A content development phase utilized a rapid literature review and expert consensus to yield the contents of the draft instrument. In the instrument validation phase, the QTSC instrument was created and underwent end user and content validation. A pilot‐testing phase collected user feedback and performance characteristics to iteratively refine draft versions into a final instrument. Accuracy and inter‐ and intra‐rater agreement were calculated. Results The final QTSC instrument contains 10 domains of quality, each with specific criteria that determine how the domain is measured and the level of quality of care rendered. The instrument is over 90% accurate and has good inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability when used by trained pre‐hospital provider users in South Africa. Pre‐hospital provider user feedback indicates the tool is easy to learn and quick to use. Conclusion We created and validated a novel chart abstraction instrument that can reliably and accurately measure the quality of pre‐hospital traumatic shock care. We provide a systematic methodology for developing and validating a quality of care tool for resource‐limited care settings.

ABSTRACT Bacteria live in spatially organized aggregates during chronic infections, where they adapt to the host environment, evade immune responses, and resist therapeutic interventions. Although it is known that environmental factors such as polymers influence bacterial aggregation, it is not clear how bacterial adaptation during chronic infection impacts the formation and spatial organization of aggregates in the presence of polymers. Here, we show that in an in vitro model of cystic fibrosis (CF) containing the polymers extracellular DNA (eDNA) and mucin, O-specific antigen is a major factor determining the formation of two distinct aggregate assembly types of Pseudomonas aeruginosa due to alterations in cell surface hydrophobicity. Our findings suggest that during chronic infection, the interplay between cell surface properties and polymers in the environment may influence the formation and structure of bacterial aggregates, which would shed new light on the fitness costs and benefits of O-antigen production in environments such as CF lungs. IMPORTANCE During chronic infection, several factors contribute to the biogeography of microbial communities. Heterogeneous populations of Pseudomonas aeruginosa form aggregates in cystic fibrosis airways; however, the impact of this population heterogeneity on spatial organization and aggregate assembly is not well understood. In this study, we found that changes in O-specific antigen determine the spatial organization of P. aeruginosa cells by altering the relative cell surface hydrophobicity. This finding suggests a role for O-antigen in regulating P. aeruginosa aggregate size and shape in cystic fibrosis airways.

There is a critical need for campaigns and interventions to increase rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among U.S. adolescents. Healthcare providers are key stakeholders in parents’ HPV vaccine decision-making. The current study presents the evaluation of secondary outcomes in a multi-component communication-based intervention to improve healthcare providers’ communication about HPV vaccination. Evaluation was conducted via surveys of providers participating in a 12-month randomized controlled trial. Findings suggest use of communication components (combined use of the presumptive approach [PA] with all patients, and motivational interviewing and a fact sheet with vaccine hesitant parents) contributed to providers in the intervention group reporting higher perceived levels of parental HPV vaccine acceptance than control providers, as well as increased vaccination rates in the intervention arm in the main RCT.

R-pyocins have potential as alternative therapeutics against Pseudomonas aeruginosaP. aeruginosaP. aeruginosa

# Background Approximately 24% of physical therapists report regularly using yoga to strengthen major muscle groups. Although clinicians and athletes often use yoga as a form of strength training, little is known about the activation of specific muscle groups during yoga poses, including the gluteus maximus and medius. # Hypothesis/Purpose The purpose of this study was to measure gluteus maximimus and gluteus medius activation via electromyography (EMG) during five common yoga poses. A secondary purpose of the current study was to examine differences in muscle activation between sexes and experience levels. # Study Design Cross-Sectional # Methods Thirty-one healthy males and females aged 18-35 years were tested during five yoga poses performed in a randomized order. Surface EMG electrodes were placed on subjects’ right gluteus maximus and gluteus medius. Subjects performed the poses on both sides following a maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) test for each muscle. All yoga pose EMG data were normalized to the corresponding muscle MVIC data. # Results Highest gluteus maximus activation occurred during Half Moon Pose on the lifted/back leg (63.3% MVIC), followed by the stance/front leg during Half Moon Pose (61.7%), then the lifted/back leg during Warrior Three Pose (46.1%). Highest gluteus medius activation occurred during Half Moon Pose on the lifted/back leg (41.9%), followed by the lifted/back leg during the Warrior Three Pose (41.6%). A significant difference was found in %MVIC of gluteus medius activity between male and female subjects (p = 0.026), and between experienced and inexperienced subjects (p = 0.050), indicating higher activation among males and inexperienced subjects, respectively. # Conclusion Half Moon Pose and Warrior Three Pose elicited the highest activation for both the gluteus maximus and the gluteus medius. Higher gluteus medius activation was seen in males and inexperienced subjects compared to their female and experienced counterparts. # Level of Evidence 3

This article concerns a 19th century dispute about twenty pieces of decorated furniture painted by the 19th century painter Anders Erik Ädel (1809-1888) from Söderhamn, Hälsingland, Sweden. Ädel is considered to be one of the foremost painters in Hälsingland. His art works - painted furniture and interiors - are displayed in museums and can also be found in the Decorated Farmhouses of Hälsingland, UNESCO World Heritage. In 1839, Ädel accused his client, the farmer Erik Olofsson, in court of having paid too little for the objects he had painted as he had used more pigments than those for which he had been paid. Almost 180 years later scientific methods combined with historic source research were used to understand what pigments Ädel actually used. Through this study we demonstrate how multidisciplinary collaboration between sciences and humanities can contribute to deeper knowledge and new interpretations. The scientific analyses were preceded by analyses of the judicial protocols found. Non-invasive analyses using XRF instruments were conducted in situ, supplemented by other spectroscopic methods in the lab. The judicial protocols give an insight into what pigments Ädel had access to, and when combined with the scientific analyses, this information provides historic evidence of the artist's materials and painting technique.

Introduction: Juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is one of the most common systemic autoimmune connective tissue disorders in children. Studies focusing on the mucocutaneous manifestations of childhood lupus are scanty in literature. Objectives: This study was an attempt to describe the cutaneous changes seen in Pediatric Lupus and to correlate with the histopathological and immunofluoresecence findings. Methods: This was a retrospective study. All children under the age of 18 years who were diagnosed to have SLE according to the ACR criteria and presented to the dermatology outpatient department during a period of 1 year were included in the study. Details including clinical features, investigation findings including immunological tests and skin biopsy findings were noted. The analysis was performed using descriptive statistical tools such as percentage and frequency. Results: A total of 14 cases, average age at presentation was 10.14 years. Among the cutaneous manifestations, the most common presenting feature was urticarial vasculitis. Malar rash was seen in 57% of cases. Other cutaneous features seen were diffuse alopecia, oral ulcers. Antinuclear antibody was positive in all cases. Conclusion: Pediatric lupus tends to have a more aggressive course than adult lupus. Early diagnosis and treatment is necessary to prevent progression and development of complications.

The Type VI Secretory System (T6SS) is used by some bacteria to kill non-kin competitors. Here, McNally and colleagues combine mathematical modelling, experiments withVibrio choleraand phylogenetic analysis to show that by eliminating nearby non-kin the T6SS may also favour cooperation among kin.

ABSTRACT Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) can have profound effects on bacterial evolution by allowing individuals to rapidly acquire adaptive traits that shape their strategies for competition. One strategy for intermicrobial antagonism often used by Proteobacteria is the genetically encoded contact-dependent type VI secretion system (T6SS), a weapon used to kill heteroclonal neighbors by direct injection of toxic effectors. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that Vibrio cholerae can acquire new T6SS effector genes via horizontal transfer and utilize them to kill neighboring cells. Replacement of one or more parental alleles with novel effectors allows the recombinant strain to dramatically outcompete its parent. Using spatially explicit modeling, we examine how this process could affect the ecology and evolution of surface-attached microbial populations. HGT of T6SS effector-immunity pairs is risky: transformation brings a cell into conflict with its former clone mates but can be adaptive when superior T6SS alleles are acquired. More generally, we find that these costs and benefits are not symmetric and that high rates of HGT can act as a hedge against competitors with unpredictable T6SS efficacy. We conclude that antagonism and horizontal transfer drive successive rounds of weapon optimization and selective sweeps, dynamically shaping the composition of microbial communities. IMPORTANCE The contact-dependent type VI secretion system (T6SS) is frequently used by Proteobacteria to kill adjacent competitors. While DNA released by T6 killing can be horizontally acquired, it remains untested whether T6 genes themselves can be horizontally acquired and then utilized to compete with neighboring cells. Using naturally transformable Vibrio cholerae, we provide the first direct empirical support for the hypothesis that T6 genes are exchanged horizontally (e.g., from dead competitors) and functionally deployed to compete with neighboring cells. Using computational simulations, we also demonstrate that high rates of HGT can be adaptive, allowing V. cholerae to improve upon existing T6 weaponry and survive direct encounters with otherwise superior competitors. We anticipate that our evolutionary results are of broad microbiological relevance, applying to many bacteria capable of HGT that utilize the T6SS or similar antagonistic systems, and highlight the profound impact of HGT in shaping microbial community structure.

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) can present as a diagnostic dilemma and management can be challenging. The search for causes of OGIB is usually centered on visualizing the small bowel, and in the past decade, the technology to visualize the entire small bowel has significantly advanced. Moreover, small bowel endoscopic imaging has replaced, in many instances, prior radiographic evaluation for obscure GI bleeding. These new modalities, such as small bowel capsule endoscopy (CE), balloon-assisted deep enteroscopy [double balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and single balloon enteroscopy (SBE)], and overtube-assisted deep enteroscopy (spiral enteroscopy), are paving the way toward more accurately identifying and treating patients with OGIB. We will review the diagnostic modalities available in evaluating a patient with OGIB and also propose the management based on clinical and endoscopic findings.

Countries in the Arabian Peninsula have undergone strenuous plant collections duringthe past two decades as part of enriching various Herbaria in the region or producingand updating the flora of the region. Recent botanical explorations in the southwesternparts of Saudi Arabia have yielded interesting specimens of two distinct taxa. Criticalstudy of these specimens revealed that they belong to two genera previously notreported for the flora of Saudi Arabia. Descriptions and photographs of the newlyreported taxa, viz. Encelia Adanson and Galinsoga Ruiz & Pav., both belonging toAsteraceae, are provided for easy identification. A brief account on the taxonomy anddistribution of the two genera in Saudi Arabia are also provided.

This article questions the notion of “creative industries” while contributing to the analysis of mediations between the cultural sphere and capitalist relations of production. Research pertaining to the “creative industries”, as well as contributions to the political economy of cultural industries, have often focused on central and metropolitan areas. By contrast, the case study that these reflections are based upon was conducted in a peripheral zone, the Shetland Isles, marked by specific socio-economic, historical, political and cultural features. This study considered the importance of local cultural policies, over the past 35 years, and how they are presently facing a significant revision. However, the rise of “creative industries” discourse, and its applications in public policy can only be understood within a wider national and supra-national context. Moreover, I argue that these evolutions are linked to an extension of cultural industrialisation and commoditisation. By analysing the adaptations and limits that the “creative industries” doctrine encounters in a peripheral zone, this article firstly completes existing critiques of the notion. Secondly, it illustrates how an apparently exceptional terrain magnifies certain key aspects of relations between ideological / cultural superstructures, and the socio-economic infrastructure of contemporary capitalism. In particular, it is concerned with the increasing artificiality of the economic basis of Western societies, and the complex ways in which this phenomenon is translated within the cultural sphere.

The facultative pathogen Vibrio cholerae transitions between its human host and aquatic reservoirs where it colonizes chitinous surfaces. Growth on chitin induces expression of chitin utilization genes, genes involved in DNA uptake by natural transformation, and a type VI secretion system that allows contact-dependent killing of neighboring bacteria. We have previously shown that the transcription factor CytR, thought to primarily regulate the pyrimidine nucleoside scavenging response, is required for natural competence in V. cholerae. Through high-throughput RNA sequencing (RNA-seq), we show that CytR positively regulates the majority of competence genes, the three type VI secretion operons, and the four known or predicted chitinases. We used transcriptional reporters and phenotypic analysis to determine the individual contributions of quorum sensing, which is controlled by the transcription factors HapR and QstR; chitin utilization that is mediated by TfoX; and pyrimidine starvation that is orchestrated by CytR, toward each of these processes. We find that in V. cholerae, CytR is a global regulator of multiple behaviors affecting fitness and adaptability in the environment.

Integrative and conjugative elements (ICEs) are agents of horizontal gene transfer and have major roles in evolution and acquisition of new traits, including antibiotic resistances. ICEs are found integrated in a host chromosome and can excise and transfer to recipient bacteria via conjugation. Conjugation involves nicking of the ICE origin of transfer (oriT) by the ICE-encoded relaxase and transfer of the nicked single strand of ICE DNA. For ICEBs1 of Bacillus subtilis, nicking of oriT by the ICEBs1 relaxase NicK also initiates rolling circle replication. This autonomous replication of ICEBs1 is critical for stability of the excised element in growing cells. We found a conserved and previously uncharacterized ICE gene that is required for conjugation and replication of ICEBs1. Our results indicate that this gene, helP (formerly ydcP), encodes a helicase processivity factor that enables the host-encoded helicase PcrA to unwind the double-stranded ICEBs1 DNA. HelP was required for both conjugation and replication of ICEBs1, and HelP and NicK were the only ICEBs1 proteins needed for replication from ICEBs1 oriT. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we measured association of HelP, NicK, PcrA, and the host-encoded single-strand DNA binding protein Ssb with ICEBs1. We found that NicK was required for association of HelP and PcrA with ICEBs1 DNA. HelP was required for association of PcrA and Ssb with ICEBs1 regions distal, but not proximal, to oriT, indicating that PcrA needs HelP to progress beyond nicked oriT and unwind ICEBs1. In vitro, HelP directly stimulated the helicase activity of the PcrA homologue UvrD. Our findings demonstrate that HelP is a helicase processivity factor needed for efficient unwinding of ICEBs1 for conjugation and replication. Homologues of HelP and PcrA-type helicases are encoded on many known and putative ICEs. We propose that these factors are essential for ICE conjugation, replication, and genetic stability.

Botanic gardens in the Arabian Peninsula and adjacent countries, along with institutions such as museums, universities and research centres, have long played a major role in the exploration, identification and conservation of this region’s flora and vegetation. The primary aim of botanic gardens in the past was to study the plant world from the horticultural point of view and to cultivate plants of economic or medicinal importance. However, at present, particularly in arid regions such as the Arabian Peninsula, the activities of botanic gardens are focused primarily on (i) the study and exploration of the region’s rapidly vanishing flora, thereby safeguarding gene pools of wild species, and (ii) the assessment and preservation of species that may be of importance to humans and animals for food, medicines, fibre and amenity. Recently established botanic gardens in the region, including the proposed King Abdullah International Gardens in Riyadh and Oman Botanic Garden near Muscat, will enhance existing conservation activities concerning the ailing and rapidly vanishing floristic components of the Arabian Peninsula.

Imatinib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is well known to cause hypopigmentation because of its inhibitory effect on melanocytes. Herewith we report a case of chronic myeloid leukemia who developed extensive hyperpigmentation following imatinib therapy.

DNA barcoding is an effective identification tool for tree ferns with heteromorphic generations with morphologically simple gametophytic phase. A complete reference dataset which includes coverage of the target local flora is necessary for accurate identification. Three different Cyathea sp.pl. were investigated to test the utility of plastid DNA barcode regions rbcL with the intention of developing an identification system for native pteridophytes. In addition, the inter-specific and inter-generic variations among the Cyathea sp.pl. were also focused. BLAST analysis revealed the similar rbcL sequences related to C. nilgirensis Holttum, C. gigantea (Wallich ex Hook. f.) Holttum and C. crinita (Hook.) Copel and a sum of 143 sequences viz., Cyathea sp.pl. (121), Gymnosphaera sp.pl.(4), Sphaeropteris sp.pl. (1) and Alsophila sp.pl. (17). The sequences of 143 plants were retrieved from GenBank in FASTA format. The sequences were aligned using multiple sequence alignment tool MUSCLE. The inter-specific and inter-generic distance percentage were calculated using Maximum Likelihood, Minimum Evolution, UPGMA (Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean) and Neighbor-Joining method. The analyses were constructed using MEGA X software. The rbcL gene provided sequence variation with its strong resolving power. This study demonstrates the overall effectiveness of DNA barcodes for species identification of tree fern genus Cyathea in the pteridophyte flora of Southern Western Ghats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most of the conventional welding process induces Welding Residual Stress (WRS), hydrogen embrittlement and distortions to welded components. The post-weld mechanical behaviour has an impact on both structural integrity and operational effectiveness of the welded component. Traditional Post Weld Heat Treatment (PWHT) is capable of relieving WRS to some extent. Based on recent research, Heat Treatment (HT) cycles are comprised of conventional HT and Cryogenic Treatment (CT) gives better fatigue life to welded components by redistributing the residual stress field. There is a need for further research to explore the impact of different parameters of CT affects the mechanical behaviour of welded specimens. In this study, numerical and experimental investigations are conducted to understand the impact of HT cycles comprised of austenitizing, quenching, CT and tempering process, over the TIG welded EN8 plates. Numerical model is developed for predicting the variation in WRS with each stage of HT cycles and observed a considerable redistribution of WRS after the completion of proposed HT cycle. Using the proposed HT cycle, the influence of different soaking periods of CT over the welded components are studied experimentally and shows that 36 hours soaking period have higher impact on the welded component's mechanical behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient coordination of fingertip forces to maintain static equilibrium while grasping an object continues to intrigue scientists. While many studies have explored this coordination, most of these studies assumed that interactions of hands primarily occur with rigid inanimate objects. Instead, our daily interactions with living and nonliving entities involve many dynamic, compliant, or fragile bodies. This paper investigates the fingertip force coordination on a manipulandum that changes its shape while grasping it. We designed a five-finger perturbation system with linear actuators at positions corresponding to each finger that would protrude outward from the center of the handle or retract toward the center of the handle as programmed. The behavior of the perturbed fingers and the other fingers while grasping this device was studied. Based on previous experiments on expanding and contracting handles, we hypothesized that each finger would exhibit a comparable response to similar horizontal perturbations. However, the response of the little finger was significantly different from the other fingers. We speculate that the central nervous system demonstrates preferential recruitment of some fingers over others while performing a task. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: Colon polyps are common protrusions in the colon's lumen, with potential risks of developing colorectal cancer. Early detection and intervention of these polyps are vital for reducing colorectal cancer incidence and mortality rates. This research aims to evaluate and compare the performance of three machine learning image classification models' performance in detecting and classifying colon polyps. (2) Methods: The performance of three machine learning image classification models, Google Teachable Machine (GTM), Roboflow3 (RF3), and You Only Look Once version 8 (YOLOv8n), in the detection and classification of colon polyps was evaluated using the testing split for each model. The external validity of the test was analyzed using 90 images that were not used to test, train, or validate the model. The study used a dataset of colonoscopy images of normal colon, polyps, and resected polyps. The study assessed the models' ability to correctly classify the images into their respective classes using precision, recall, and F1 score generated from confusion matrix analysis and performance graphs. (3) Results: All three models successfully distinguished between normal colon, polyps, and resected polyps in colonoscopy images. GTM achieved the highest accuracies: 0.99, with consistent precision, recall, and F1 scores of 1.00 for the 'normal' class, 0.97–1.00 for 'polyps', and 0.97–1.00 for 'resected polyps'. While GTM exclusively classified images into these three categories, both YOLOv8n and RF3 were able to detect and specify the location of normal colonic tissue, polyps, and resected polyps, with YOLOv8n and RF3 achieving overall accuracies of 0.84 and 0.87, respectively. (4) Conclusions: Machine learning, particularly models like GTM, shows promising results in ensuring comprehensive detection of polyps during colonoscopies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Previous literature identifies increased burnout in female surgeons and contributors to fatigue outside of work. However, it is not yet understood whether there are gender discrepancies of contributors to fatigue or coping mechanisms for workplace fatigue in surgeons. This study aims to identify gender differences in causes of fatigue, how fatigue occurs and any interventions/strategies that surgeons may use/know to try and mitigate the effects of fatigue. Methods: Using an online questionnaire at a single hospital in England, the questionnaire asked whether surgeons had been subject to any contributors to fatigue at work and what contributes to their fatigue at work using a list of multiple-choice answers. Results: 97% of surgeons suffer from at least one contributor to fatigue. Females were statistically more likely to suffer from musculoskeletal injuries at work than males and more likely to suffer from mental exhaustion. Females were significantly more likely to contribute fatigue to prolonged static postures, lack of control during the shift and high levels of demand. To mitigate fatigue, females were significantly more likely to change positions whilst operating. Males were less reluctant to adopt Microbreaks during surgery to reduce musculoskeletal fatigue. Conclusions: Our analysis identifies gender differences with coping mechanisms and the onset of fatigue. There is still a stigma attached to workplace fatigue in surgeons. Acknowledgement of these gender differences in fatigue is critical to reducing the statistical likelihood of fatigue onset in both genders. Further research should identify whether surgical operating rooms are adequately suitable for females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Spontaneous hepatic hemorrhage is a rare condition, most commonly diagnosed in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or hepatic adenomas, and is seldom caused by metastatic disease. In this case report, we present a patient with spontaneous hepatic hemorrhage due to hepatic metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma, an exceptionally rare occurrence. Case presentation The patient was a 77-year-old white male with a history of atrial fibrillation treated with apixaban. He presented at a local hospital with abdominal pain and nausea. A CT scan revealed a hepatic lesion in segment 3 with an adjacent hematoma. He was referred to our tertiary center and treated conservatively. Further evaluation revealed an intrathoracic goiter containing a tumorous process diagnosed as a papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC), and the patient subsequently underwent thyroidectomy. A biopsy of the hepatic lesion confirmed it as a PTC metastasis. Due to worsening abdominal pain and anorexia, the patient underwent subacute hepatic segmental resection. Postoperatively, he developed iodine-refractory disease with disseminated metastasis and passed away 22 months after the initial admission. Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first recorded case of metastasized papillary thyroid carcinoma presenting with spontaneous hepatic hemorrhage—adding to the list of rare causes for this condition.