Key Clinical MessageA shrined soft glans syndrome is expected in patients with penile implantation. We sought to remind surgeons how to prevent soft glans penis. Although avoiding prosthesis extrusion was recommended earlier, inadvertent ignorance is persistent, so the appropriate cylinder position and novel enhancement of the glans penis were reiterated. 

The paper deals with the security control stabilization problem of uncertain Markov jump power systems with input dead zone under stochastic denial-of-service (DoS) attack. DoS attack is modeled as a discrete-time Markov process. Dual hidden Markov models are respectively used to detect the modes of the original power systems and the one under DoS attack. Based on the detected modes and neural networks (NNs), adaptive NN-based security asynchronous control strategies are proposed, where both state feedback and output feedback are studied simultaneously. With the developed control laws, all trajectories of the closed-loop systems are bounded stable in the stochastic setting. Simulation results demonstrate the correctness and usefulness of the proposed techniques.

Climate change is implicated as a leading cause of insect declines. One way that insects respond to the warming climate is by advancing phenology and increasing voltinism (adding generations). However, if earlier phenology changes cue-response relationships, then late season generations might lack time or resources to complete development before winter and insects attempt doomed “lost generations”. Using 27 years of monitoring of 30 butterfly species, we find the opposite, as added generations increase population growth rates of multivoltine butterflies. We find lost generations are rare and occur at cooler sites in years with cold winters or early frosts. Overall, long-term population trends are positively correlated with increasing voltinism over time, suggesting additional generations as one mechanism by which species adapt to the changing climate. Long-term monitoring programs can test mechanistic hypotheses about biotic responses to warming while simultaneously tracking if population consequences match the predicted outcomes.

The ongoing expansion of wolf (Canis lupus) populations has led to a growing demand for up-to-date abundance estimates. Non-invasive genetic sampling (NGS) is now widely used to monitor wolves, as it allows individual identification and abundance estimation without physically capturing individuals. However, NGS is resource-intensive, partly because of the wolf elusive behaviour and wide distribution, but also because of the cost of DNA analyses. Optimization of sampling strategies is therefore a requirement for the long-term sustainability of wolf monitoring programs. Using data from the 2020-2021 Italian Alpine wolf monitoring, we investigate how (i) reducing the number of samples genotyped, (ii) reducing the number of transects, and (iii) reducing the number of repetitions of each search transect, impacted spatial capture-recapture population size estimates. Our study revealed that a 25% reduction in the number of transects or, alternatively, a 50% reduction in the maximum number of repetitions yielded abundance estimates comparable to those obtained using the entire dataset. These modifications would result in a 2,046 km reduction in total transect length and 19,628 km reduction in total distance searched. Further reducing the number of transects resulted in up to 15% lower and up to 17% less precise abundance estimates. Reducing only the number of genotyped samples led to higher (5%) and less precise (20%) abundance estimates. Randomly subsampling genotyped samples reduced the number of detections per individual, whereas subsampling search transects resulted in a less pronounced decrease in both the total number of detections and individuals detected. Our work shows how it is possible to optimise wolf monitoring by reducing search effort while maintaining the quality of abundance estimates, by adopting a modelling framework that uses a first survey dataset. We further provide general guidelines on how to optimise sampling effort when using spatial capture-recapture in large-scale monitoring programmes.

A document by Viet Hoang. Click on the document to view its contents.

Human fibroblast growth factor 7 (hFGF7) is a member of the paracrine-acting FGF family and mediates various reactions such as wound healing, tissue homeostasis, and liver regeneration. These activities make it a plausible candidate for pharmaceutical applications as a drug. However, the low expression level and stability of the recombinant hFGF7 were known to be major hurdles for further applications. Here, we attempted to improve the expression level and stability of hFGF7 by changing the order of amino acids through circular permutation (CP), thereby expecting an alternative fate according to N-end rules. CP-hFGF7 variants were constructed systematically by using putative amino acid residues in the loop region that avoided the disruption of the structural integrity especially in the functional motif. Among them, cp-hFGF7115-114 revealed a relatively higher expression level in the soluble fraction than the wild-type hFGF7 and was efficiently purified to apparent homogeneity by three consecutive steps. Approximately, 7 mg of the purified protein was obtained from a 1 L culture and showed a comparable activity to that of the wild type hFGF7. In addition, the spectral properties related to the apparent structure of cp-hFGF7115-114 were quite similar to those of the wild type hFGF7. Therefore, CP could be an alternative tool for the functional expression of hFGF7 in Escherichia coli.

Copy number variations (CNVs), among other genetic abnormalities, have been implicated in a range of disorders and can result in a variety of clinical manifestations, such as intellectual disability, developmental disorders, and cancer. The role of specific genes within such CNVs, especially novel or rare genes, is the subject of ever-advancing

A document by Haijia Zhang. Click on the document to view its contents.

Numerous studies have tested for geographically congruent spatial genetic structures and population units in codistributed species. Yet, few have elucidated the relative importance of biogeographic influences versus ecological interactions in determining the congruence of genetic structure in coevolving species. Here, we present the first study testing for genetic codifferentiation in a widely distributed and highly-coevolved mutualism, in which symbiont gene dispersal is expected to be positively correlated. In the fig, Ficus petiolaris, and its host-specific Pegoscapus pollinating wasp, we evaluated the extent to which geographical patterns of differentiation in each species are similar and explained by shared sources of vicariance, co-dispersal, or species-dependent factors. In both species, the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt was a major source of vicariance differentiating southern and northern phylogroups. Within these phylogroups, however, fig and pollinator showed surprisingly different population genetic structure. In F. petiolaris, the Gulf of California was a strong phylogeographic break in the northern phylogroup. In contrast, within its northern phylogroup, Pegoscapus sp. showed no genetic structure and only weak isolation by distance over a 1500 km range. In the southern phylogroup, exceptional genetic differentiation was observed among populations separated by as little as 300 km. Despite mutual selective pressure between figs and fig wasps, and the role of fig wasps in fig gene flow, we conclude that range-wide patterns of genetic differentiation are primarily influenced by biological features unique to each species rather than by shared sources of vicariance or correlated gene dispersal.

The development of early numeracy skills takes place within the home and school environments. Parental engagement in daily activities that incorporate numerical concepts plays a pivotal role in maximizing learning opportunities. In this study, we developed and implemented a family intervention program designed to promote numerical activities in the home setting. Our goal was to promote the use of mathematical concepts and enhance children’s mathematical performance. Employing a pre-post intervention design, we conducted individual cognitive assessments on 115 Uruguayan children (mean age: 5.0 years; standard deviation: 0.5) across various domains, including mathematics, vocabulary, and general intelligence. We then organized three distinct groups: one focused on numeracy, another on literacy, and the third continued with their regular routines (business as usual). Parents assigned to the first two groups were extended invitations to participate in three workshops, during which they were introduced to both theoretical and practical tools to promote the respective academic domains. While our intervention suggested parental interest in participating in math workshops and in promoting academic skills at home, the results indicated that it did not produce the anticipated effect on mathematical skills. Practical and policy: This study presents an intervention on engaging parents in mathematical activities at home for promoting mathematical skills in Latin America, and it highlights challenges for designing effective interventions in the future.

Modern machine learning methods, and their use alongside established paradigms such as Quality by Design, have the potential to fundamentally change the way bioprocesses are developed. In particular, horizontal knowledge transfer methods, which seek to exploit data from historical processes to facilitate process development for a new product, provide an opportunity to rethink process development workflows. In this work, we firstly assess the potential of two knowledge transfer approaches, meta learning and one-hot encoding, in combination with Gaussian process (GP) models. We compare their performance to GPs developed only on data of the new process. Using simulated mammalian cell cultivation data, we observe that both knowledge transfer approaches outperform the individual-product approach. In the second part, we address the question whether experiments for a new product could be designed more effectively by exploiting existing knowledge. In particular, we suggest to specifically design few runs for the novel product to calibrate knowledge transfer models, a task that we coin calibration design. We propose a novel, customised metric to identify a set of calibration design runs, which exploits differences in process evolutions of historical products. In two simulated case studies, we observed that training with calibration designs yields similar test set errors compared to common approaches of Design of Experiments. However, much fewer experiments are needed for the former, suggesting an interesting alternative for future bioprocess development. Overall, the results suggest that process development could be significantly streamlined when systematically carrying knowledge from one product to the next.

Title: Radical Total Pelvic Exenteration with Concomitant Right Nephrectomy in the Management of Recurrent Endometrioid Ovarian Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report and Literature ReviewAuthors: Raghavskandhan Ramachandran1, Sabina Nistor2, William Gietzmann3, Nicholas Symons4, Hooman Soleymani Majd2, 5Word Count: 2220Authors:Medical Sciences Division, University of Oxford, Oxford, United KingdomDepartment of Gynaecology Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United KingdomDepartment of Urology, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United KingdomDepartment of Colorectal Surgery, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United KingdomNuffield Department of Women’s and Reproductive Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United KingdomCorresponding Author Details:Hooman Soleymani Majd, MDAddress: Department of Gynaecology Oncology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Old Rd, Headington, Oxford, United Kingdom, OX3 7LETelephone: 07958285604Email: [email protected]: 0000-0003-3293-5321There are no conflicts of interest.No funding was received for this case report.The patient has given consent for the writing of this case report and the inclusion of surgical images.

Aminoxyl-mediated electrocatalysis offers a sustainable approach for the oxidation of alcohols to carboxylic acids. However, the high dosage of aminoxyl radicals and the limiting current density hinder the practicality of industrial application. Herein, a nickel-based electrocatalyst (Ni-tpdc) was synthesized on a three-dimensional porous graphite felt substrate. Taking advantage of the synergistic effect of the electrochemically activated Ni-tpdc/GF electrocatalyst with 4-acetamido-TEMPO, the yield of 4-pyridinecarboxylic acid was up to 99% with only 1 mol% ACT. A series of in situ measurements showed that NiOOH enhanced the activity of the intrinsic electrocatalyst. Additionally, the synergistic system was extended to the oxidation of various heterocyclic alcohols. The scale-up synthesis of chiral acid (LEV-CO 2H) was achieved in an improved electrolyzer with a yield of 95.4%, enantiomeric retention of 99.2%, and space-time yield of 34.12 kg/(m 3·h). The practicality and effectiveness of this synergistic electrocatalytic strategy in practical electrosynthesis was further demonstrated.

Interferon-induced helicase C domain-containing protein 1 (IFIH1) is one of the main pattern recognition receptors that sense viral RNA and activate host cells to mount an effective antiviral immunity. Therefore, a case-control study (90 patients with mild/moderate COVID-19 and 90 matched controls) was performed to explore the association of two variants of the IFIH1 gene with COVID-19 risk using the tetra-primer amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase-chain-reaction method. The first is a missense variant, rs1990760 C/T, and the second is an intergenic variant, rs2111485 A/G. In addition, serum IFIH1 levels were assessed using an ELISA kit. Results revealed that mutant alleles ( T and G, respectively) and corresponding homozygous genotypes (TT and GG, respectively) of both variants were significantly associated with increased risk of COVID-19. IFIH1 levels were significantly higher in patients compared to controls and were favorably affected by the rs1990760 and rs2111485 mutant-type genotypes. In conclusion, IFIH1 protein showed up-regulated levels in the serum of patients with mild/moderate COVID-19. In addition, the IFIH1 gene variants rs1990760 C/T and rs2111485 A/G were associated with susceptibility to COVID-19, and the study suggests that their mutant-type genotypes are not only associated with increased risk of COVID-19 but also contributed to higher serum IFIH1 levels.

The endophytic fungi of certain grasses and other herbaceous plants have long been known to provide plants with anti-herbivore defense compounds, but there is little information about whether the endophytes of trees also engage in such mutualisms. We investigated the influence of the endophytic fungus Cladosporium cladosporioides on the chemical defenses of black poplar (Populus nigra) trees and the consequences for feeding preference and fitness of herbivorous insects and insect community assembly. Endophyte colonization increased both constitutive- and induced poplar defenses. Generalist Lymantria dispar larvae preferred and performed better on uninfected over endophyte-infected poplar leaves, most likely due to higher concentrations of salicinoids in endophytic leaves and the endophyte-produced alkaloid stachydrine. Under field conditions, the endophytic fungus also shapes insect community assembly in young black poplar trees. Our results show that endophytic fungi can play a major role both in defending trees against herbivorous insects and in structuring insect communities.

Background: Linguistic concordance between healthcare providers and patients is critical for ensuring quality healthcare. Professional interpretation can be expensive and challenging to access. This scoping review aimed to explore the evidence on the role and education of medical students as interpreters in caring for patients with limited language proficiency (LLP), and to determine the benefits and risks associated with this practice. Methods: A scoping review using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology was conducted. Six literature databases were searched systematically between 1946 – 02 Aug 2023. All publications discussing the use of medical students as interpreters in healthcare settings were included. Retained documents were analyzed using Covidence, with coding by two raters and regular team discussions. A thematic analysis framework was used. Results: Thirteen articles met the eligibility criteria. Multilingual medical students are frequently asked to interpret in healthcare settings. This was found to be advantageous in reducing communication barriers, improving care quality, and contributing to students’ clinical experience. Concerns were raised regarding the lack of knowledge on the professional obligations of interpreters. Interpretation training programs for medical students have been implemented at selective healthcare centres and demonstrated successful results in providing care to LLP patients. Conclusions: Medical students play an important role in addressing language barriers in healthcare institutions when serving LLP patients, by combining their unique position in the healthcare team with their medical, linguistic, and cultural competency skills. Academic institutions stand to benefit from offering interpretation training programs and integrating medical students as a resource towards delivering language-concordant care.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by hyperglycemia. T2DM is caused by various etiologies. The functional expansion of pancreatic β-cells is unable to compensate for the degree of insulin resistance (IR), resulting in a relative insulin deficiency. The onset and progression of T2DM are influenced by multiple variables, including genetics, lipid excess, oxidative stress, and inflammation. A growing body of research suggests that the components of the immune system are altered in T2DM. This suggests that T cell-mediated adaptive immunity stimulates inflammation and IR through the redistribution of cytokines, chemokines, and different T cell subsets. Metabolic inflammation is a central aspect of obesity, T2DM, and comorbidities. This review focuses on adaptive immune T cells, particularly CD4+ T cells, and examines the roles and effects of different helper T (Th) 1, Th2, Th17, Th22, and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in T2DM. Evidence for T cell activation and exhaustion in T2DM remains controversial and requires further investigation.

A document by Ismaël Lajaaiti. Click on the document to view its contents.