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ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of a mindfulness-based family psychoeducation (MBFPE) intervention on caregivers and the young adults with first-episode psychosis in mental health care.MethodsSixty-five caregivers were randomly assigned to the MBFPE program (n = 33) or an ordinary family psychoeducation (FPE) program (n = 32). Eighteen young adults in recovery (YAIR) also participated in the study. All of the participants completed the assessments before participating in the intervention (T1), after the intervention (T2), and at 9-month follow-up (T3).ResultsIntention-to-treat analyses were conducted. The caregivers reported a significant and large effect size on positive caregiving experiences based on a Time × Group analysis (g = 0.862, p = 0.006). Among the YAIR participants, between-group differences were significant in their perceptions of caregivers’ expressed emotions, including large effect sizes of perceived criticism (g = 1.396, p = 0.049) and hostility (g = 1.444, p = 0.043). Caregiver demographics, including age, education level, socioeconomic status, and number of family members, were found to moderate the effect sizes of the variables studied.ConclusionThis study provides evidence of the effects of MBFPE programs on the outcomes of caregivers and the young adults with first-episode psychosis in their care. Specifically, the MBFPE program in this study played a greater role in promoting positive caregiving experiences and changing caregivers’ expressed emotions, especially their expressed criticism of YAIR, compared with the regular FPE program. Therefore, the application of mindfulness training to promote family care and YAIR recovery should be encouraged.Clinical trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT03688009.

Class-B1 G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are an important family of clinically relevant drug targets that remain difficult to investigate via high-throughput screening and in animal models. Here, we engineered PAClight1P78A, a novel genetically encoded sensor based on a class-B1 GPCR (the human PAC1 receptor, hmPAC1R) endowed with high dynamic range (ΔF/F0 = 1100%), excellent ligand selectivity, and rapid activation kinetics (τON = 1.15 s). To showcase the utility of this tool for in vitro applications, we thoroughly characterized and compared its expression, brightness and performance between PAClight1P78A-transfected and stably expressing cells. Demonstrating its use in animal models, we show robust expression and fluorescence responses upon exogenous ligand application ex vivo and in vivo in mice, as well as in living zebrafish larvae. Thus, the new GPCR-based sensor can be used for a wide range of applications across the life sciences empowering both basic research and drug development efforts.

Background and purposeClinical outcomes of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have been thoroughly investigated, but a further analysis on main signs and symptoms and their risk factors still needs attention. The objective of this study was to group together and describe based on similarity the most common signs and symptoms of COVID-19 in MS patients and identify all factors associated with their manifestation.MethodLogistic and linear regression models were run to recognize factors associated with each pooled group of symptoms and their total number.ResultsFrom March 2020 to November 2021, data were collected from 1354 MS patients with confirmed infection of COVID-19. Ageusia and anosmia was less frequent in older people (odds ratio [OR] 0.98; p = 0.005) and more in smoker patients (OR 1.39; p = 0.049). Smoke was also associated with an incremental number of symptoms (OR 1.24; p = 0.031), substance abuse (drugs or alcohol), conjunctivitis and rash (OR 5.20; p = 0.042) and the presence of at least one comorbidity with shortness of breath, tachycardia or chest pain (OR 1.24; p = 0.008). Some disease-modifying therapies were associated with greater frequencies of certain COVID-19 symptoms (association between anti-CD20 therapies and increment in the number of concomitant symptoms: OR 1.29; p = 0.05). Differences in frequencies between the three waves were found for flu-like symptoms (G1, p = 0.024), joint or muscle pain (G2, p = 0.013) and ageusia and anosmia (G5, p

RESUMO Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas) (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) é um percevejo predador encontrado em sistemas agrícolas e florestais. Visando melhorar a eficiência de criação massal dessa espécie em laboratório, este trabalho objetivou avaliar o efeito do fornecimento de uma solução à base de sacarose e mel, como alternativa ao suprimento de água para ninfas desse percevejo. Para cada tratamento foram realizadas 40 repetições, com ninfas de segundo estádio de P. nigrispinus, individualizadas em placas de Petri de 9,0 x 1,5 cm. Em ambos os tratamentos, as ninfas, desse predador, foram alimentadas com pupas de Tenebrio molitor L. (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) recebendo, ainda, em um deles, somente água e, no outro, uma solução contendo mel (5 g), sacarose (60 g), ácido ascórbico (0,5 g) e nipagin (0,4 g) em 500 ml de solução. Não houve diferença entre a duração e o peso de ninfas, em todos os estádios, exceto no quinto, sendo que aquelas que originaram fêmeas e que receberam, apenas, água foram mais pesadas que as que receberam a solução. Na fase adulta, em ambos os tratamentos, as fêmeas de P. nigrispinus foram mais pesadas que os machos, não se observando diferença para indivíduos do mesmo sexo entre tratamentos. Em todos os estádios, a viabilidade das ninfas que receberam, apenas água foi maior, com, aproximadamente 90% nesse tratamento, enquanto no outro isto foi de 55%. Isto mostra que, apesar de não apresentarem diferenças no peso de ninfas e na duração do período ninfal, a viabilidade dessa fase é, significativamente, reduzida pela adição de mel e sacarose, como alternativa ao suprimento de água para esse predador.

RESUMO Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar a flutuação populacional de espécies da ordem Coleoptera em um plantio de Eucalyptus urophylla no município de Três Marias, Estado de Minas Gerais. Cinco armadilhas luminosas foram instaladas durante a noite em talhões de E. urophylla e ligadas quinzenalmente, de março de 1995 a fevereiro de 1996. A identificação do material coletado baseou-se na literatura e em coleções entomológicas, sendo os indivíduos coletados identificados em nível de espécie (INE) ou de família (INF). Foram coletados 23782 indivíduos da ordem Coleoptera, de 99 espécies, sendo 13 identificadas por espécie e 86 por família, representando 13,13 e 86,87% do total de espécies coletadas, respectivamente. A espécie mais abundante foi Cyclocephala sp. (Dynastidae) com 296 indivíduos. A família com maior número de indivíduos e de espécies foi Carabidae. Os picos populacionais dos coleópteros nessa região foram registrados nos meses de setembro e outubro.

Abstract Introduction Guselkumab is an interleukin-23 (IL-23) inhibitor licensed for the treatment of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). This study aimed to evaluate the 6-month effectiveness of guselkumab in patients with PsA in a “real-life” multicentre patient cohort. We also estimated the drug retention rate (DRR) of gusulkumab, also assessing the impact of comorbidities and patient clinical characteristics, in a collective 18-month prospective follow-up. Methods Between December 2021 and September 2023, consecutive patients with PsA were evaluated if treated at least for 6 months with guselkumab in a prospective multicentre study to evaluate the effectiveness of the drug by means of disease activity index for psoriatic arthritis (DAPSA) and cumulative DRR. Results A total of 111 patients with PsA were evaluated and treated with guselkumab (age 56.8 ± 9.9, male sex 20.7%). These patients were mainly characterised by active and long-standing PsA with median disease duration of 6.0 (7.0) years (55.9% disease duration ≥ 5 years), 55.0% showed comorbidities, 78.4% of patients were previously treated with biologic disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs), and 60.4% concomitantly with conventional synthetic DMARDs (csDMARDs). After 6 months, a significant reduction of DAPSA was observed (β − 15.47, p = 0.001, 95% CI − 23.15 to − 9.79) with 39.6% of patients achieving a DAPSA ≤ 14. At the end of cumulative follow-up, 71.2% of patients were still treated with guselkumab whereas 24.3% discontinued the drug because of inefficacy. An 18-month DRR of guselkumab of 66.7% was estimated with a mean time of administration of 9.8 ± 4.1 months. The results of the DRR were stratified according to patient clinical characteristics. The DRR of guselkumab appeared to be not influenced by long disease duration, comorbidities, obesity, concomitant csDMARDs, and previous bDMARDs. Conclusion The “real-life” 6-month effectiveness of guselkumab was shown in patients with PsA, mainly characterised by active long-standing disease, previously treated with bDMARDs, and with comorbidities. Furthermore, a good DRR of guselkumab was estimated in the cumulative 18 months of follow-up and appeared to be not influenced by long disease duration, comorbidities, obesity, and previous bDMARDs.

ABSTRACT Effects of fragments of native forest between Eucalyptus spp. stands on the Lepidoptera community was studied. A total of 790 morphospecies was collected at five sites along a transect: a residual forest and its edge, and into Eucalyptus spp. plantation (at 200, 400 and 600 m from the edge). The residual forest and its edge showed similar numbers of moth species, but these were significantly larger than those of the sites in the Eucalyptus plantation. Cluster analysis indicated that the sites with eucalyptus have a more similarly structured moth community when compared to these of residual forest and its border.

Abstract Background Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention (SMC) is a highly effective intervention for preventing malaria, particularly in areas with highly seasonal transmission. Monitoring and evaluating (M&E) SMC programmes are complex due to the scale, time-sensitive delivery of the programme, and influence of external factors. This paper describes the process followed to develop a comprehensive M&E framework tailored specifically for the SMC context. Methods The Framework was developed through a literature and programme review, and stakeholder dialogues across three implementing countries—Burkina Faso, Chad, and Nigeria. Expert consultation further refined the Framework through an iterative approach drawing upon data collected through the three sources. The Framework was designed using the Logical Framework Approach incorporating external factors and intentionally aligned with global malaria M&E standards. Results An overall aim and seven programme objectives were developed measured by 70 indicators. The indicators also capture the causal links between the implementation and results of the programme. The Framework leverages the use of current data sources and existing mechanisms, ensuring efficient data use without requiring a significant increase in resources for overall programme optimization. It also promotes the use of data triangulation, and stratification for a more nuanced understanding of factors affecting programme performance and timely data informed decision-making. Conclusions The SMC M&E Framework presented here provides a standardized approach for programme implementers to enhance decision-making for optimal programme performance. This is an essential tool as the scope of SMC programmes expands to new geographies and target age groups.

Biodiversity loss is now recognised as one of the major challenges for humankind to address over the next few decades. Unless major actions are taken, the sixth mass extinction will lead to catastrophic effects on the Earth’s biosphere and human health and well-being. ELIXIR can help address the technical challenges of biodiversity science, through leveraging its suite of services and expertise to enable data management and analysis activities that enhance our understanding of life on Earth and facilitate biodiversity preservation and restoration. This white paper, prepared by the ELIXIR Biodiversity Community, summarises the current status and responses, and presents a set of plans, both technical and community-oriented, that should both enhance how ELIXIR Services are applied in the biodiversity field and how ELIXIR builds connections across the many other infrastructures active in this area. We discuss the areas of highest priority, how they can be implemented in cooperation with the ELIXIR Platforms, and their connections to existing ELIXIR Communities and international consortia. The article provides a preliminary blueprint for a Biodiversity Community in ELIXIR and is an appeal to identify and involve new stakeholders.

In Argentina, circulation of hepatitis E virus (HEV) genotype 3 has been described, producing sporadic cases of acute and chronic hepatitis. Limited information is available regarding HEV infection in children, so we aimed to investigate this virus in a pediatric population from the country. Serum samples from Argentine children (0–18 years old) (n = 213) were studied for IgG anti-HEV, IgM anti-HEV and RNA-HEV: 202 samples belonged to individuals attending health-care centers for routine check-ups, and 11 samples from patients with acute hepatitis of unknown etiology. Seropositivity for IgG anti-HEV was 1.49 % (3/202). One sample from an 18-years-old female patient with acute hepatitis tested positive for IgM anti-HEV detection, negative for IgG anti-HEV and RNA-HEV, but also positive for IgM anti-EBV. The HEV prevalence was low and showed circulation among children in central Argentina.

Biodiversity loss is now recognised as one of the major challenges for humankind to address over the next few decades. Unless major actions are taken, the sixth mass extinction will lead to catastrophic effects on the Earth’s biosphere and human health and well-being. ELIXIR can help address the technical challenges of biodiversity science, through leveraging its suite of services and expertise to enable data management and analysis activities that enhance our understanding of life on Earth and facilitate biodiversity preservation and restoration. This white paper, prepared by the ELIXIR Biodiversity Community, summarises the current status and responses, and presents a set of plans, both technical and community-oriented, that should both enhance how ELIXIR Services are applied in the biodiversity field and how ELIXIR builds connections across the many other infrastructures active in this area. We discuss the areas of highest priority, how they can be implemented in cooperation with the ELIXIR Platforms, and their connections to existing ELIXIR Communities and international consortia. The article provides a preliminary blueprint for a Biodiversity Community in ELIXIR and is an appeal to identify and involve new stakeholders.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the influence of using a semi-hydroponic system on the agronomic and postharvest variables of strawberry cultivars. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete block design, with cultivars Aromas, Camarosa, Festival, Merced, Oso Grande, and San Andreas, with eight plants per plot and five replicates. Agronomic and postharvest variables were evaluated. Cultivar San Andreas showed the highest values for the agronomic variables number of commercial fruits and total and commercial yield per plant, with the highest yield in October, November, and December. The postharvest variables moisture, firmness, pH, titratable acidity, and reducing sugars did not differ between cultivars. In a semi-hydroponic system, the San Andreas cultivar presents the best results for the agronomic variables related to fruit yield, with the highest yield in October and November.

Despite the warnings given to young Christian students about hedonistic college campuses, many of these students arrive at Stanford to instead find a plethora of lively Christian organizations and their nonreligious classmates often more curious than hostile. While Stanford by no means espouses Christian values, hedonism does not rule campus anymore, but rather a heavy fog of existential despair. Cola Buskirk examines why despair and depression reign on college campuses.

Abstract Background A consistent connection has been increasingly reported between rheumatoid arthritis (RA), insulin resistance (IR), and type 2 diabetes (T2D). The β-cell apoptosis induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines, which could be exaggerated in the context of RA, is associated with increased expression pro-apoptotic proteins, which is dependent on JAnus Kinase/Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT) activation. On these bases, we aimed to evaluate if the administration of tofacitinib, a potent and selective JAK inhibitor, could simultaneously improve glycaemic parameters and inflammatory markers in patients with RA and comorbid T2D. Methods The primary endpoint was the change in the 1998-updated homeostatic model assessment of IR (HOMA2-IR) after 6 months of treatment with tofacitinib in RA patients with T2D. Consecutive RA patients with T2D diagnosis were included in this proof-of-concept, open, prospective, clinical study, which was planned before the recent emergence of safety signals about tofacitinib. Additional endpoints were also assessed regarding RA disease activity and metabolic parameters. Results Forty consecutive RA patients with T2D were included (female sex 68.9%, mean age of 63.4 ± 9.9 years). During 6-month follow-up, a progressive reduction of HOMA2-IR was observed in RA patients with T2D treated with tofacitinib. Specifically, a significant effect of tofacitinib was shown on the overall reduction of HOMA2-IR (β = − 1.1, p = 0.019, 95%CI − 1.5 to − 0.76). Also, HOMA2-β enhanced in these patients highlighting an improvement of insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, although a longer follow-up is required, a trend in glycated haemoglobin reduction was also recorded. The administration of tofacitinib induced an improvement in RA disease activity, and a significant reduction of DAS28-CRP and SDAI was observed; 76.8% of patients achieved a good clinical response. In this study, no major adverse events (AEs) were retrieved without the identification of new safety signals. Specifically, no life-threatening AEs and cardiovascular and/or thromboembolic events were recorded. Conclusions The administration of tofacitinib in RA with T2D led to a simultaneous improvement of IR and inflammatory disease activity, inducing a “bidirectional” benefit in these patients. However, further specific designed and powered studies are warranted to entirely evaluate the metabolic effects of tofacitinib in RA patients with T2D.

RESUMO Foi estudada a flutuação populacional de espécies da ordem Coleoptera em plantios de Eucalyptus grandis na região de Nova Era, estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Foram utilizadas cinco armadilhas luminosas Intral, modelo AL 012 providas de luz negra, com baterias de 12 volts. Os insetos coletados foram identificados de acordo com a literatura e coleções entomológicas por espécie ou por família. O levantamento ocorreu a cada quinze dias no período de agosto de 1994 a julho de 1995. Foram coletados 2449 indivíduos, sendo Epicauta sp. (Meloidae), Colaspis sp.2 (Chrysomelidae) e Oxycheila tristes (Cicindelidae) as espécies mais coletadas, representando, respectivamente, 10,75%, 9,95% e 5,38% dos indivíduos coletados por espécie. As famílias com maiores números de indivíduos e de espécies foram Melolonthidae, Carabidae e Chrysomelidae com 37,02%, 36,46% e 5,68%, respectivamente dos indivíduos identificados por família. Foram coletados coleópteros em todo o período de amostragem, mas os maiores picos populacionais para esses insetos foram registrados entre setembro e janeiro.