Assessing the Relative Sustainability of Point-of-Use Water Disinfection Technologies for Off-Grid Communities.

Point-of-use (POU) water disinfection technologies can be adopted to provide access to safe drinking water by treating water at the household level; however, navigating various POU disinfection technologies can be difficult. While numerous conventional POU devices exist, emerging technologies using novel materials or advanced processes have been under development and claim to be of lower cost with higher treatment capacity. However, it is unclear if these claims are substantiated and how novel technologies compare to conventional ones in terms of cost and environmental impacts when providing the same service (i.e., achieving a necessary level of disinfection for safe drinking water). This research assessed the sustainability of four different POU technologies (chlorination using sodium hypochlorite, a silver-nanoparticle-enabled ceramic water filter, ultraviolet mercury lamps, and ultraviolet light-emitting diodes). Leveraging open-source Python packages (QSDsan and EXPOsan), the cost and environmental impacts of these POU technologies were assessed using techno-economic analysis and life cycle assessment as per capita cost (USD·cap-1·yr-1) and global warming potential (kg CO2 eq·cap-1·yr-1). Impacts of water quality parameters (e.g., turbidity, hardness) were quantified for both surface water and groundwater, and uncertainty and sensitivity analyses were used to identify which assumptions influence outcomes. All technologies were further evaluated across ranges of adoption times, and contextual analysis was performed to evaluate the implications of technology deployment across the world. Results of this study can potentially provide valuable insights for decision-makers, nonprofit organizations, and future researchers in developing sustainable approaches for ensuring access to safe drinking water through POU technologies.

Automated cardiac coverage assessment in cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging using an explainable recurrent 3D dual-domain convolutional network.

BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging has become a modality with superior power for the diagnosis and prognosis of cardiovascular diseases. One of the essential quality controls of CMR images is to investigate the complete cardiac coverage, which is necessary for the volumetric and functional assessment. PURPOSE: This study examines the full cardiac coverage using a 3D dual-domain convolutional model and then improves this model using an innovative explainable salient region detection model and a recurrent architecture. METHODS: Salient regions are extracted from the short-axis cine CMR stacks using a three-step proposed algorithm. Changing the architecture of the 3D dual-domain convolutional model to a recurrent one and taking advantage of the salient region detection model creates a kind of attention mechanism that leads to improved results. RESULTS: The results obtained from the images of over 6200 participants of the UK Biobank population cohort study show the superiority of the proposed model over the previous studies. The dataset is the largest regarding the number of participants to control the cardiac coverage. The accuracies of the proposed model in identifying the presence/absence of basal/apical slices are 96.22% and 95.42%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The proposed recurrent architecture of the 3D dual-domain convolutional model can force the model to focus on the most informative areas of the images using the extracted salient regions, which can help the model improve accuracy. The performance of the proposed fully automated model indicates that it can be used for image quality control in population cohort datasets and real-time post-imaging quality assessments. Codes are available at https://github.com/mohammadhashemii/CMR_Cardiac_Coverage_Control.

Potential role of alveolar macrophages in HIV persistence and lung disease.

While antiretroviral therapy (ART) has revolutionized the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and has enabled people living with HIV (PLWH) to achieve near-normal life expectancies, an HIV cure remains elusive due to the presence of HIV reservoirs. Furthermore, compared with individuals in the general population, PLWH support a higher burden of multimorbidity, including pulmonary diseases of both an infectious and non-infection nature, which may be a consequence of the formation of HIV reservoirs. Their gut, lymph nodes, brain, testes and lungs constitute important anatomic sites for the reservoirs. While CD4+ T cells, and particularly memory CD4+ T cells, are the best characterized cellular HIV reservoirs, tissue resident macrophages (TRM) and alveolar macrophages (AM) also harbor HIV infection. AM are the most abundant cells in bronchoalveolar (BAL) fluid in healthy conditions, and act as sentinels in the alveolar space by patrolling and clearing debris, microbes and surfactant recycling. Long-lived tissue-resident AM of embryonic origin have the capacity of self-renewal without replenishment from peripheral monocytes. As in other tissues, close cell-cell contacts in lungs also provide a milieu conducive for cell-to-cell spread of HIV infection and establishment of reservoirs. As lungs are in constant exposure to antigens from the external environment, this situation contributes to pro-inflammatory phenotype rendering pulmonary immune cells exhausted and senescent-an environment facilitating HIV persistence. Factors such as tobacco and e-cigarette smoking, lung microbiome dysbiosis and respiratory coinfections further drive antigenic stimulation and HIV replication. HIV replication, in turn, contributes to ongoing inflammation and clonal expansion. Herein, the potential role of AM in HIV persistence is discussed. Furthermore, their contribution towards pulmonary inflammation and immune dysregulation, which may in turn render PLWH susceptible to chronic lung disease, despite ART, is explored. Finally, strategies to eliminate HIV-infected AM are discussed.

[Potential role of alveolar macrophages in HIV persistence and lung disease]. / Rôle potentiel des macrophages alvéolaires dans la persistance du VIH et les maladies pulmonaires.

While antiretroviral therapy (ART) has revolutionized the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and has enabled people living with HIV (PLWH) to achieve near-normal life expectancies, an HIV cure remains elusive due to the presence of HIV reservoirs. Furthermore, compared with individuals in the general population, PLWH support a higher burden of multimorbidity, including pulmonary diseases of both an infectious and non-infection nature, which may be a consequence of the formation of HIV reservoirs. Their gut, lymph nodes, brain, testes and lungs constitute important anatomic sites for the reservoirs. While CD4+ T-cells, and particularly memory CD4+ T-cells, are the best characterized cellular HIV reservoirs, tissue resident macrophages (TRM) and alveolar macrophages (AM) also harbor HIV infection. AM are the most abundant cells in bronchoalveolar (BAL) fluid in healthy conditions, and act as sentinels in the alveolar space by patrolling and clearing debris, microbes and surfactant recycling. Long-lived tissue-resident AM of embryonic origin have the capacity of self-renewal without replenishment from peripheral monocytes. As in other tissues, close cell-cell contacts in lungs also provide a milieu conducive for cell-to-cell spread of HIV infection and establishment of reservoirs. As lungs are in constant exposure to antigens from the external environment, this situation contributes to pro-inflammatory phenotype rendering pulmonary immune cells exhausted and senescent-an environment facilitating HIV persistence. Factors such as tobacco and e-cigarette smoking, lung microbiome dysbiosis and respiratory co-infections further drive antigenic stimulation and HIV replication. HIV replication, in turn, contributes to ongoing inflammation and clonal expansion. Herein, the potential role of AM in HIV persistence is discussed. Furthermore, their contribution towards pulmonary inflammation and immune dysregulation, which may in turn render PLWH susceptible to chronic lung disease, despite ART, is explored. Finally, strategies to eliminate HIV-infected AM are discussed.

The role of black soldier fly (BSF) in eliminating the putrid odor of organic waste and its product application - A comprehensive review.

Organic waste including food garbage (FG) forms a major part of man-made problems that are highly associated with global pollution. This includes emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) and foul odor which negatively affect human health. Interestingly, bioconversion of FG by black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) has been reported to reduce foul odors released from decaying FG. This paper will give overview on the potential of BSFL in lowering putrid odors from FGs. Thus, various bioconversion treatment methods of managing FG including were compared and discussed. The life cycle and role of BSF in reducing putrid odors from biowastes were also discussed in detail. Lastly, the potential utilization of BSFL in controlling odors and GHGs as well as the economic value of products derived from BSFL bioconversion were also discussed. BSFL inoculation slightly reduces odor compounds by modifying odor-producing compounds and microbes in FG. However, BSFL effectiveness is highly influenced by FG decomposition rate.

Host Risk Factors for Tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis (TB) spreads through droplets that contain Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and can infect susceptible people. Due to different risk factors, people have different susceptibility ranges towards TB. The risk factors are classified into three main groups, includ-ing bacterial, environmental, and host factors. Literature review reveals that the most important host risk factors are aging, male gender, genetics, epigenetics, having an impaired immune system, diabetes, malignancy, malnutrition, anemia, and pregnancy. The risk factors contribute to the increase in TB cases through inflammation, increased contact with TB patients, disrup-tion of immune genes, changes in gene expression, increased activity of Mtb, damage to cellu-lar immunity, reactivation of Latent TB Infection (LTBI), increased susceptibility to TB, com-promised immunity, and changes in the proportion of T cell subgroups, respectively. Therefore, identification of the infection source and high-risk people and timely treatment of the patients can reduce TB mortality and help control the disease.

Data-driven approaches to study the spectral properties of chemical structures.

The molecular energy, which is the sum of all eigenvalues, is crucial in determining the total π-electron energy of conjugated hydrocarbon molecules. We used machine learning techniques to calculate the energy, inertia, nullity, signature, and Estrada index of molecular graphs for bismuth tri-iodide and benzene rings embedded in P-type surfaces within 2D networks. We applied MATLAB to extract the actual eigenvalues from the data and developed general equations for these molecular properties. We then used these equations to estimate the values and compared them to the actual values through graphical analysis. Our results demonstrate the potential of data-driven techniques in predicting molecular properties and enhancing our understanding of spectral theory.

Several intuitionistic fuzzy hamy mean operators with complex interval values and their application in assessing the quality of tourism services.

In order to assess the quality of senior tourism services in vacation destinations, we examine complex interval valued intuitionistic Fuzzy Dombi Hamy Mean (CIVIFDHM) operators. These operators successfully manage imprecision and uncertainty in the preferences of senior tourists. However, the Hamy mean (HM) operator can identify the connections between various input data sets and produce excellent outcomes when combining and evaluating information. We illustrate their usefulness and efficacy through a case study, providing a strong instrument for improving service quality for senior citizens and promoting an inclusive and fulfilling travel experience. In this work, we develop the HM operator and Dombi operations with Complex interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (CIVIFNs). We recommend the CIVIFDHM operator, complex interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy weighted Dombi Hamy mean (CIVIFWDHM), complex interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy dual Dombi Hamy mean (CIVIFDDHM), and complex interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy weighted dual Dombi Hamy mean (CIVIFWDD) operators. Next, multiple attribute decision making (MADM) models are constructed with the help of CIVIFWDHM and CIVIFWDDHM operators. We provided an evaluation of an older tourism operator in a tourist area as an example to show the suggested models.

Phytoremediation of crude oil-contaminated soil using Vigna Unguiculata and associated rhizosphere bacteria.

Persistent crude oil contamination poses a significant environmental challenge. In this study, the efficacy of Vigna unguiculata (L.) and associated rhizospheric microorganisms in remediating crude oil-contaminated soil within a microcosm setting was investigated. A randomized block design was employed, and soil samples were subjected to varying degrees of contamination: 0% (UR), 2.5% (CR2), 5.0% (CR5), 7.5% (CR7), and 10.0% (CR10) w/w crude oil. The investigation aimed to assess the potential of Vigna unguiculata (L.) in mitigating crude oil contamination across these defined contamination gradients. The plant growth and crude oil removal were monitored concurrently post-emergence. Plant emergence and growth were significantly affected due to contamination, especially among plants in CR5 and CR10. The bacterial population was higher in the rhizosphere, and the treatments with lower hydrocarbon contamination. It was shown that plant density encouraged the growth of bacterial communities. Significant reduction in soil TPH was observed in CR2 (76.61%) and CR7 (65.88%). There was a strong correlation between plant growth and oil-utilizing bacterial population (r2 = 0.966) and plant growth and hydrocarbon reduction (r2 = 0.956), signifying the role of plant-bacterial synergy. Saturate fractions (C30 - C32) were significantly degraded to lower molecular weight compounds (C11 - C14). Except in CR5 and CR10, the remediation within the cowpea rhizosphere was effective even at regulatory standards. Understanding the rhizosphere ecological dynamics would further highlight the role the bacteria played; hence, it is recommended.

The present study established a direct link between bacterial-plant interaction and biodegradation of crude oil. It extensively explored the nature of the degradation and also the fate of the residual oil. The present study achieved high rate of TPH removal within 12 weeks using cowpea alone as against the several previous reports that used other stimulants.

Mitigating the detrimental impacts of low- and high-density polyethylene microplastics using a novel microbial consortium on a soil-plant system: Insights and interactions.

The accumulation of polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs) in soil has raised considerable concerns; however, the effects of their persistence and mitigation on agroecosystems have not been explored. This study aimed to assess the detrimental effects of PE-MPs on a soil-plant system and evaluate their mitigation using a novel microbial consortium (MC). We incorporated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) at two different concentrations, along with a control (0 %, 1 %, and 2 % w/w) into the sandy loam soil for a duration of 135 days. The samples were also treated with a novel MC and incubated for 135 days. The MC comprised three bacterial strains (Ralstonia pickettii (MW290933) strain SHAn2, Pseudomonas putida strain ShA, and Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus XDB9 (T) strain S7-10F), and a fungal strain (Aspergillus niger strain F1-16S). Sunflowers were subsequently cultivated, and physiological growth parameters were measured. The results showed that adding 2 % LDPE significantly decreased soil pH by 1.06 units compared to the control. Moreover, adding 2 % HDPE resulted in a more significant decrease in soil electrical conductivity (EC) relative to LDPE and the control. A dose-dependent increase in dissolved organic carbon (DOC) was observed, with the highest DOC found in 2 % LDPE. The addition of higher dosages of LDPE reduced soil bulk density (BD) more than HDPE. The addition of 2 % HDPE increased the water drop penetration time (WDPT) but decreased the mean weight diameter of soil aggregates (MWD) and water-stable aggregates (WSA) compared to LDPE. The results also revealed that higher levels of LDPE enhanced soil basal respiration (BR) and microbial carbon biomass (MBC). The interaction of MC and higher MP percentages considerably reduced soil pH, EC, BD, and WDPT but significantly increased soil DOC, MWD, WSA, BR, and MBC. Regarding plant growth, incorporating 2 % PE-MPs significantly reduced physiological responses of sunflower: chlorophyll content (Chl; -15.2 %), Fv/Fm ratio (-25.3 %), shoot dry weight (ShD; -31.3 %), root dry weight (RD; -40 %), leaf area (LA; -38.4 %), and stem diameter (StemD; -25 %) compared to the control; however, the addition of novel MC considerably reduced and ameliorated the harmful effects of 2 % PE-MPs on the investigated plant growth responses.

Sex-related differences among patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement-a propensity score matched study.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the sex-related difference in characteristics and 2-year outcomes after surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) by propensity-score matching (PSM). METHODS: Data from 2 prospective registries, the INSPIRIS RESILIA Durability Registry (INDURE) and IMPACT, were merged, resulting in a total of 933 patients: 735 males and 253 females undergoing first-time SAVR. The PSM was performed to assess the impact of sex on the SAVR outcomes, yielding 433 males and 243 females with comparable baseline characteristics. RESULTS: Females had a lower body mass index (median 27.1 vs 28.0 kg/m2; P = 0.008), fewer bicuspid valves (52% vs 59%; P = 0.036), higher EuroSCORE II (mean 2.3 vs 1.8%; P < 0.001) and Society of Thoracic Surgeons score (mean 1.6 vs 0.9%; P < 0.001), were more often in New York Heart Association functional class III/IV (47% vs 30%; P < 0.001) and angina Canadian Cardiovascular Society III/IV (8.2% vs 4.4%; P < 0.001), but had a lower rate of myocardial infarction (1.9% vs 5.2%; P = 0.028) compared to males. These differences vanished after PSM, except for the EuroSCORE II and Society of Thoracic Surgeons scores, which were still significantly higher in females. Furthermore, females required smaller valves (median diameter 23.0 vs 25.0 mm, P < 0.001). There were no differences in the length of hospital stay (median 8 days) or intensive care unit stay (median 24 vs 25 hours) between the 2 sexes. At 2 years, post-SAVR outcomes were comparable between males and females, even after PSM. CONCLUSIONS: Despite females presenting with a significantly higher surgical risk profile, 2-year outcomes following SAVR were comparable between males and females.

Nano hydrogel with bacterial nanocellulose and bitter almond oil nanoemulsions for enhanced wound healing: In-vivo and in-vitro characterization.

Biocompatibility, good mechanical properties, infection prevention, and anti-inflammatory are the requirements of an ideal wound dressing for the care and treatment of skin wounds. In this study, the nanohydrogels as wound dressing, were fabricated by bacterial nanocellulose (BNC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and gellan gum. Bitter almond oil nanoemulsion (BAO-NE) was made with ultrasonic force and incorporated into the nanohydrogels in concentrations of 2, 4, and 6 %. The mechanical and physicochemical analyses such as tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (EB), swelling, water vapor transmission rate (WVTR), degradation, FTIR-ATR, and SEM, and anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, etc. properties of the nanohydrogels were investigated. Also, the wound healing ability was evaluated by in-vivo analyses. The molecular analyses of the expression of genes related to collagen production and inflammation were performed. Increasing BAO-NE concentration enhanced anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria (P < 0.05). The in-vivo study presented the healing role of nanohydrogels in rat wounds. Real-time PCR results confirmed the anti-inflammatory and healing effects of the films at molecular levels. All the results testify to the promising properties of the fabricated nanohydrogels as a potential wound dressing.

Prognostic Implications of Resistive Reserve Ratio in Patients With Nonobstructive Coronary Artery Disease With Myocardial Bridging.

BACKGROUND: Myocardial bridging (MB) is accompanied by the dynamic extravascular compression of epicardial coronary arteries, leading to intracoronary hemodynamic disturbance with abnormal coronary flow profiles. We aimed to evaluate the prognostic implications of resistive reserve ratio (RRR), a composite measure of flow and pressure parameters that represents the vasodilatory capacity of the coronary arteries, in patients with angina with nonobstructive coronary artery disease (ANOCA) and MB, in comparison with coronary flow reserve (CFR). METHODS AND RESULTS: In this retrospective cohort study, we included patients with ANOCA who underwent coronary reactivity testing, where MB was identified by transient constriction in coronary artery segments between systole and diastole. Abnormal CFR and RRR were defined as <2.5 and <2.62, respectively. Major adverse cardiac events, including cardiovascular death, stroke, myocardial infarction, heart failure, and late revascularization, served as outcomes. Among 1251 patients with ANOCA, 191 (15.3%) had MB. The prevalence of abnormal CFR or RRR was not significantly different between patients with and without MB (P=0.144 and P=0.398, respectively). Over a median follow-up time of 6.9 years, abnormal RRR predicted major adverse cardiac events in patients with MB (hazard ratio [HR], 4.38 [95% CI, 1.71-11.21]; P=0.002) and without MB (HR, 1.91 [95% CI, 1.38-2.64]; P<0.001). Abnormal CFR predicted major adverse cardiac events in patients without MB (HR, 2.15 [95% CI, 1.54-3.00]; P<0.001), whereas it was not predictive of major adverse cardiac events in patients with MB (HR, 2.29 [95% CI, 0.93-5.65]; P=0.073). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with ANOCA and MB, impaired RRR was superior to impaired CFR in distinguishing patients at a higher risk of future adverse events, suggesting that RRR may serve as a risk stratification tool in patients with MB and ANOCA.

Chlorhexidine digluconate mouthwash alters the oral microbial composition and affects the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes.

Introduction: Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a commonly used antiseptic in situations of limited oral hygiene ability such as after periodontal surgery. However, CHX is also considered as a possible factor in the emergence of cross-resistance to antibiotics. The aim of this study was to analyze the changes in the oral microbiota and the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) due to CHX treatment. Materials and methods: We analyzed the oral metagenome of 20 patients who applied a 0.2% CHX mouthwash twice daily for 4 weeks following periodontal surgical procedures. Saliva and supragingival plaque samples were examined before, directly after 4 weeks, and another 4 weeks after discontinuing the CHX treatment. Results: Alpha-diversity decreased significantly with CHX use. The Bray-Curtis dissimilarity increased in both sample sites and mainly streptococci showed a higher relative abundance after CHX treatment. Although no significant changes of ARGs could be detected, an increase in prevalence was found for genes that encode for tetracycline efflux pumps. Conclusion: CHX treatment appears to promote a caries-associated bacterial community and the emergence of tetracycline resistance genes. Future research should focus on CHX-related changes in the microbial community and whether the discovered tetracycline resistance genes promote resistance to CHX.

Assay Interference Causing Persistently Elevated Vancomycin Levels Leading to Treatment Failure and Fatal Outcome.

In patients receiving vancomycin therapy, serum drug levels are routinely monitored to ensure therapeutic dosing and minimize toxicity. In rare cases, vancomycin levels may be falsely or persistently elevated without any apparent cause. In this case report, we explore a rare case of persistently elevated vancomycin levels despite discontinuation of the drug for days.  This is a case of a 69-year-old female admitted for altered mental status secondary to sepsis from leg cellulitis. Antibiotic therapy included vancomycin. To ensure proper dosing, vancomycin trough levels were collected before the fourth dose, and the result showed a high value of 39 ug/ml. Vancomycin doses were adjusted as per the Bayesian dosing software, and the same remained to be in supratherapeutic levels. The patient eventually deteriorated, and due to persistently high vancomycin levels, the antibiotic regimen was switched to a different antibiotic. Despite normal renal functions, the vancomycin levels remained high, between 27 ug/ml and 32 ug/ml, even in the absence of any further doses. Subsequently, vancomycin serum concentration was determined by another method using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Blood cultures grew both coagulase-negative Staphylococcus aureus and Achromobacter xylosoxidans. Vancomycin levels remained high a week after discontinuation of the drug. Vancomycin by HPLC assay eventually showed that vancomycin was undetectable in the blood, but, unfortunately, the results came at a time when the patient had already expired. In conclusion, clinicians should maintain a high level of suspicion if persistently higher vancomycin levels cannot be accounted for by renal function or other causes. In patients with persistently high vancomycin levels who continue to clinically deteriorate, it is crucial to consider that assay interference can result in inaccurately elevated vancomycin levels.

A Rare Case of Diffuse Idiopathic Pulmonary Neuroendocrine Cell Hyperplasia: A Case Report.

Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) is a rare pulmonary disease characterized by the diffuse proliferation of neuroendocrine cells in the bronchial epithelium. It is considered a preinvasive precursor to carcinoid tumors and usually presents with obstructive symptoms. We present the case of a 71-year-old female, non-smoker, with a past medical history of asthma, osteoarthritis, allergic rhinitis, and hyperlipidemia who was referred to the pulmonology clinic in view of incidental chest CT findings of multiple pulmonary nodules. Physical examination and labs were unremarkable. CT of the chest showed scattered multiple noncalcified pulmonary nodules with a 10 mm dominant nodule in the inferior right middle lobe and several subcentimeter hypodensities in the left and right lobes of the lung. A PET scan confirmed the CT findings along with no abnormal hypermetabolic activity to suggest malignancy. The patient was followed up in the pulmonology clinic at six months, 12 months, and then 18 months. At 18 months owing to a slight increase in the size of the largest lung nodule, a CT-guided biopsy done was conclusive of a carcinoid. The tumor cells were positive for synaptophysin, chromogranin, insulinoma-associated protein 1 (INSM-1), and thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1). The Ki-67 (Keil) index was <1%. A video-assisted thoracic surgery with right middle lobectomy along with mediastinal lymph node dissection was then done, and the patient was found to have stage pT1aN0 typical carcinoid tumor (1.0 cm), with multiple carcinoid tumors and neuroendocrine hyperplasia, consistent with DIPNECH. She has been under clinical follow-up for over three years at present and continues to be asymptomatic with complete remission following surgery. DIPNECH primarily affects middle-aged, non-smoking females who present with cough and dyspnea, and diagnosis is often delayed due to clinical features overlapping with those of obstructive lung disease. Imaging shows lung nodules, ground-glass opacities, and/or mosaic attenuation. Due to the rarity of the conditions, there are no established clinical trials, and therefore, there is a need to establish guidelines.

Morphogenesis of the ostrich (Struthio camelus) trachea and lung in different embryonic and fetal stages.

The ostrich (Struthio camelus) is an important wild species highlighted in national and international livestock industry. This research was conducted to analyze the development of the ostrich respiratory system during fetal and embryonic stages. A total of 50 fertile ostrich eggs were collected from commercial farms and then incubated at 36.00 - 37.00 ˚C and 25.00 ± 2.00% humidity for 40 days. Sections were taken on days 13, 22, 26, 30, 36, and 42 of incubation from the lung and the cranial, middle, and caudal parts of the neck after decapitation of ostrich embryos and blood drainage. After fixation, processing, blocking, and sectioning, all samples were stained by Hematoxylin and Eosin, Alcian Blue (AB), Van Gieson, and Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) techniques. It was concluded that the trachea in the 13-day-old embryo and goblet cells (PAS-positive and AB-positive) had incomplete rings of hyaline cartilage and differentiation of mesenchymal to the loose connective tissue. The bronchial stage of the lung was observed in the 22-day-old embryo, pseudoglandular stage in the 26-day-old embryo, and parabrachial and air capillary stage in the 30-day-old embryo. The information obtained from this study will be useful for diagnosing pathologies affecting this vital system and results in improving industrial breeding management.

Impact of Cannabidiol and Exercise on Clinical Outcomes and Gut Microbiota for Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Cancer Survivors: A Case Report.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) remains a clinical challenge for up to 80% of breast cancer survivors. In an open-label study, participants underwent three interventions: standard care (duloxetine) for 1 month (Phase 1), oral cannabidiol (CBD) for 2 months (Phase 2), and CBD plus multi-modal exercise (MME) for another 2 months (Phase 3). Clinical outcomes and gut microbiota composition were assessed at baseline and after each phase. We present the case of a 52-year-old female with a history of triple-negative breast cancer in remission for over five years presenting with CIPN. She showed decreased monocyte counts, c-reactive protein, and systemic inflammatory index after each phase. Duloxetine provided moderate benefits and intolerable side effects (hyperhidrosis). She experienced the best improvement and least side effects with the combined (CBD plus MME) phase. Noteworthy were clinically meaningful improvements in CIPN symptoms, quality of life (QoL), and perceived physical function, as well as improvements in pain, mobility, hand/finger dexterity, and upper and lower body strength. CBD and MME altered gut microbiota, showing enrichment of genera that produce short-chain fatty acids. CBD and MME may improve CIPN symptoms, QoL, and physical function through anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects in cancer survivors suffering from long-standing CIPN.