A Rare Case of Pulmonary Artery Trunk Aneurysm.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary artery trunk aneurysm (PATA) is a rare and complex vascular anomaly characterized by the abnormal dilation of the initial portion of the pulmonary artery, posing significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. PURPOSE: This clinical case report aims to describe the follow-up of a patient with PATA, emphasizing the role of imaging in diagnosis and monitoring, as well as discussing potential associations with other conditions. RESEARCH DESIGN: The study is designed as a clinical case report, detailing the longitudinal follow-up of a single patient with PATA. STUDY SAMPLE: The subject of this study is a 48-year-old female patient with a history of idiopathic hypertension who developed a PATA. Data Collection and/or Analysis: Since 2010, the patient underwent various imaging exams, including echocardiography, computed tomography, and catheter angiography, to detect and evaluate the aneurysm at different stages. RESULTS: The imaging results indicated a progression of the aneurysm over time, underscoring the importance of imaging in the early identification and monitoring of PATA. The report also explores the possible association of PATA with conditions such as pulmonary hypertension, Behçet's disease, and Hughes-Stovin syndrome, highlighting the diagnostic complexity. CONCLUSIONS: Imaging diagnosis is crucial for the detection, characterization, and monitoring of PATA, providing essential information for selecting appropriate treatment options and achieving a satisfactory prognosis. An individualized treatment approach, considering both medical and surgical options, is necessary based on the clinical characteristics of each patient.

Input-specific localization of NMDA receptor GluN2 subunits in thalamocortical neurons.

Molecular and functional diversity among synapses is generated, in part, by differential expression of neurotransmitter receptors and their associated protein complexes. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are tetrameric ionotropic glutamate receptors that most often comprise two GluN1 and two GluN2 subunits. NMDARs generate functionally diverse synapses across neuron populations through cell-type-specific expression patterns of GluN2 subunits (GluN2A - 2D), which have vastly different functional properties and distinct downstream signaling. Diverse NMDAR function has also been observed at anatomically distinct inputs to a single neuron population. However, the mechanisms that generate input-specific NMDAR function remain unknown as few studies have investigated subcellular GluN2 subunit localization in native brain tissue. We investigated NMDAR synaptic localization in thalamocortical (TC) neurons expressing all four GluN2 subunits. Utilizing super resolution imaging and knockout-validated antibodies, we revealed subtype- and input-specific GluN2 localization at corticothalamic (CT) versus sensory inputs to TC neurons in 4-week-old male and female C57Bl/6J mice. GluN2B was the most abundant postsynaptic subunit across all glutamatergic synapses followed by GluN2A and GluN2C, and GluN2D was localized to the fewest synapses. GluN2B was preferentially localized to CT synapses over sensory synapses, while GluN2A and GluN2C were more abundant at sensory inputs compared to CT inputs. Furthermore, postsynaptic scaffolding proteins PSD95 and SAP102 were preferentially localized with specific GluN2 subunits, and SAP102 was more abundant at sensory synapses than PSD95. This work indicates that TC neurons exhibit subtype- and input-specific localization of diverse NMDARs and associated scaffolding proteins that likely contribute to functional differences between CT and sensory synapses.

Resolving the metabolism of monolignols and other lignin-related aromatic compounds in Xanthomonas citri.

Lignin, a major plant cell wall component, has an important role in plant-defense mechanisms against pathogens and is a promising renewable carbon source to produce bio-based chemicals. However, our understanding of microbial metabolism is incomplete regarding certain lignin-related compounds like p-coumaryl and sinapyl alcohols. Here, we reveal peripheral pathways for the catabolism of the three main lignin precursors (p-coumaryl, coniferyl, and sinapyl alcohols) in the plant pathogen Xanthomonas citri. Our study demonstrates all the necessary enzymatic steps for funneling these monolignols into the tricarboxylic acid cycle, concurrently uncovering aryl aldehyde reductases that likely protect the pathogen from aldehydes toxicity. It also shows that lignin-related aromatic compounds activate transcriptional responses related to chemotaxis and flagellar-dependent motility, which might play an important role during plant infection. Together our findings provide foundational knowledge to support biotechnological advances for both plant diseases treatments and conversion of lignin-derived compounds into bio-based chemicals.

Comparative Genomics Supports Ecologically Induced Selection as a Putative Driver of Banded Penguin Diversification.

The relative importance of genetic drift and local adaptation in facilitating speciation remains unclear. This is particularly true for seabirds, which can disperse over large geographic distances, providing opportunities for intermittent gene flow among distant colonies that span the temperature and salinity gradients of the oceans. Here, we delve into the genomic basis of adaptation and speciation of banded penguins, Galápagos (Spheniscus mendiculus), Humboldt (Spheniscus humboldti), Magellanic (Spheniscus magellanicus), and African penguins (Spheniscus demersus), by analyzing 114 genomes from the main 16 breeding colonies. We aim to identify the molecular mechanism and genomic adaptive traits that have facilitated their diversifications. Through positive selection and gene family expansion analyses, we identified candidate genes that may be related to reproductive isolation processes mediated by ecological thermal niche divergence. We recover signals of positive selection on key loci associated with spermatogenesis, especially during the recent peripatric divergence of the Galápagos penguin from the Humboldt penguin. High temperatures in tropical habitats may have favored selection on loci associated with spermatogenesis to maintain sperm viability, leading to reproductive isolation among young species. Our results suggest that genome-wide selection on loci associated with molecular pathways that underpin thermoregulation, osmoregulation, hypoxia, and social behavior appears to have been crucial in local adaptation of banded penguins. Overall, these results contribute to our understanding of how the complexity of biotic, but especially abiotic, factors, along with the high dispersal capabilities of these marine species, may promote both neutral and adaptive lineage divergence even in the presence of gene flow.

Acroamine A, a 2-Amino Adenine Alkaloid from the Marine Soft Coral Acrozoanthus australiae and Its Semisynthetic Derivatives That Inhibit cAMP-Dependent Protein Kinase A Catalytic Subunit Alpha.

A high throughput screen performed to identify catalytic inhibitors of the oncogenic fusion form of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A catalytic subunit alpha (J-PKAcα) found an individual fraction from an organic extract of the marine soft coral Acrozoanthus australiae as active. Bioassay-guided isolation led to the identification of a 2-amino adenine alkaloid acroamine A (1), the first secondary metabolite discovered from this genus and previously reported as a synthetic product. As a naturally occurring protein kinase inhibitor, to unambiguously assign its chemical structure using modern spectroscopic and spectrometric techniques, five N-methylated derivatives acroamines A1-A5 (2-6) were semisynthesized. Three additional brominated congeners A6-A8 (7-9) were also semisynthesized to investigate the structure-activity relationship of the nine compounds as J-PKAcα inhibitors. Compounds 1-9 were tested for J-PKAcα and wild-type PKA inhibitory activities, which were observed exclusively in acroamine A (1) and its brominated analogs (7-9) achieving moderate potency (IC50 2-50 µM) while none of the N-methylated analogs exhibited kinase inhibition.

Eco(geno)toxicity of the new commercial insecticide Platinum Neo, a mixture of the neonicotinoid thiamethoxam and the pyrethroid lambda-cyhalothrin.

New mixtures of pesticides are being placed on the market to increase the spectrum of phytosanitary action. Thus, the eco(geno)toxic effects of the new commercial mixture named Platinum Neo, as well as its constituents the neonicotinoid Thiamethoxam and the pyrethroid Lambda-Cyhalothrin, were investigated using the species Daphnia magna, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Danio rerio, and Allium cepa L. The lowest- and no-observed effect concentration (LOEC and NOEC) were measured in ecotoxicological tests. While Thiamethoxam was ecotoxic at ppm level, Lambda-Cyhalothrin and Platinum Neo formulation were ecotoxic at ppb level. The mitotic index (MI), chromosomal aberrations and micronucleus [MN] frequency were measured as indicators of phytogenotoxicity in A. cepa plants exposed for 12 h to the different insecticides and their mixture under different dilutions. There were significant alterations in the MI and MN frequency in comparison with the A. cepa negative control group, with Thiamethoxam, Lambda-Cyhalothrin, and Platinum Neo treatments all significantly reducing MI and increasing MN frequency. Thus, MI reduction was found at 13.7 mg L-1 for Thiamethoxam, 0.8 µg L-1 for Lambda-Cyahalothrin, and 2.7:2 µg L-1 for Platinum Neo, while MN induction was not observed at 14 mg L-1 for Thiamethoxam, 0.8 µg L-1 for Lambda-Cyahalothrin, and 1.4:1 µg L-1 for Platinum Neo. The insecticide eco(geno)toxicity hierarchy was Platinun Neo > Lambda-Cyhalothrin > Thiamethoxam, and the organism sensitivity hierarchy was daphnids > fish > algae > A. cepa. Eco(geno)toxicity studies of new pesticide mixtures can be useful for management, risk assessment, and avoiding impacts of these products on living beings.

Investigating the Metal-TiO2 Influence for Highly Selective Photocatalytic Oxidation of Methane to Methanol.

Methane conversion to valuable chemicals is a highly challenging and desirable reaction. Photocatalysis is a clean pathway to drive this chemical reaction, avoiding the high temperature and pressure of the syngas process. Titanium dioxide, being the most used photocatalyst, presents challenges in controlling the oxidation process, which is believed to depend on the metal sites on its surface that function as heterojunctions. Herein, we supported different metals on TiO2 and evaluated their activity in methane photooxidation reactions. We showed that Ni-TiO2 is the best photocatalyst for selective methane conversion, producing impressively high amounts of methanol (1.600 µmol·g-1) using H2O2 as an oxidant, with minimal CO2 evolution. This performance is attributed to the high efficiency of nickel species to produce hydroxyl radicals and enhance H2O2 utilization as well as to induce carrier traps (Ti3+ and SETOVs sites) on TiO2, which are crucial for C-H activation. This study sheds light on the role of catalyst structure in the proper control of CH4 photoconversion.

Associations among MHC genes, latitude, and avian malaria infections in the rufous-collared sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis).

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is a genetic region in jawed vertebrates that contains key genes involved in the immune response. Associations between the MHC and avian malaria infections in wild birds have been observed and mainly explored in the Northern Hemisphere, while a general lack of information remains in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, we investigated the associations between the MHC genes and infections with Plasmodium and Haemoproteus blood parasites along a latitudinal gradient in South America. We sampled 93 rufous-collared sparrows (Zonotrichia capensis) individuals from four countries, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Chile, and estimated MHC-I and MHC-II allele diversity. We detected between 1-4 (MHC-I) and 1-6 (MHC-II) amino acidic alleles per individual, with signs of positive selection. We obtained generalized additive mixed models to explore the associations between MHC-I and MHC-II diversity and latitude. We also explored the relationship between infection status and latitude/biome. We found a non-linear association between the MHC-II amino acidic allele diversity and latitude. Individuals from north Chile presented a lower MHC genetic diversity than those from other locations. We also found an association between deserts and xeric shrublands and a lower prevalence of Haemoproteus parasites. Our results support a lower MHC genetic in arid or semi-arid habitats in the region with the lower prevalence of Haemoproteus parasites.

Phospholipase A2 expression in prostate cancer as a biomarker of good prognosis: A comprehensive study in patients with long follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) is a large family of enzymes involved in the inflammatory process that catalyzes the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids, leading to the production of free fatty acids and lysophospholipids, starting the arachidonic acid cascade. Their expression has been related to the behavior of several cancers. Our objective is to search for PLA2 expression in prostate cancer (PCa) tissue that correlates with prognosis and survival. METHODS: Using qRT-PCR, we analyzed the expression levels of PLA2G1B, PLA2G2A, PLA2G2D, PLA2G4A, PLA2G4B, PLA2G4C, PLA2G4D, PLA2G4E, PLA2G4F, PLA2G6, PLA2G7, PLA2G16, PNPLA1, and PNPLA2 in PCa tissue from 108 patients submitted to radical prostatectomy, followed by a mean time of 163 months. RESULTS: All PLA2 was overexpressed in PCa compared to normal tissue. Interestingly, higher expression of some PLA2 was related to favorable prognostic factors: lower levels of PSA (PLA2G2A, PLA2G4D), lower rates of lymph node metastasis (PLA2G16 and PLA2G1B), and organ-confined disease (PLA2G4A). Most importantly, PLAG4B was independently related to longer disease-free survival. CONCLUSION: This is the first study exploring comprehensively the expression levels of PLA2 in PCa, showing that the higher expression of some PLA2 should be used as biomarkers of good prognosis and longer disease-free survival.

MicroRNA-29b attenuates fibrosis in a rat model of Peyronie's disease.

BACKGROUND: Peyronie's disease is characterized by the formation of fibrotic plaques in the penile tunica albuginea. Effective treatments are limited, warranting the investigation of new promising therapies, such as the application of microRNAs that regulate fibrosis-related genes. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to investigate the therapeutic potential of mimicking microRNA-29b in a fibrin-induced rat model of Peyronie's disease. MATERIAL/METHODS: The study was designed in two phases. To establish an optimal Peyronie's disease model, rats received either human fibrin and thrombin or saline solutions into the tunica albuginea on days 0 and 5. The animal model validation was done through expression and histopathological analyses, the latest by an experienced uropathologist. After validation, we performed microRNA-29b treatment on days 14, 21, and 28 of the study. This phase had control (normal saline) and scramble (microRNA scramble) groups. The mid-penile shaft was removed on day 30 for histological examination and molecular analyses in both study stages. RESULTS: The control group displayed typical tunica albuginea histologic architecture in the animal model validation. In Peyronie's disease group, the Hematoxylin and eosin and Masson Trichrome staining methods demonstrated an interstitial inflammatory process with concomitant dense fibrotic plaques as well as disarrangement of collagen fibers. Additionally, we found out that reduced microRNA-29b (p = 0.05) was associated with significantly increased COL1A1 and transforming growth factor ß1 genes and proteins (p > 0.05) in the Peyronie's disease group. After treatment with mimic microRNA-29b stimulation, the Hematoxylin & eosin and Masson Trichrome staining revealed a discrete and less dense fibrotic plaque. This result was associated with significantly decreasing expression of COL1A1, COL3A1, and transforming growth factor ß1 genes and proteins (p < 0.05). DISCUSSION: The fibrin-induced animal model showed significant histopathological and molecular changes compared to the Control group, suggesting that our model was appropriate. Previous findings have shown that increased expression of microRNA-29b was associated with decreased pathological fibrosis. In the present study, treatment with microRNA-29b decreased the gene and protein expression of collagens and transforming growth factor ß1. This study reveals the therapeutic potential for Peyronie's disease involving molecular targets. CONCLUSION: MicroRNA-29b application on the rat's tunica albuginea attenuated fibrosis, arising as a novel potential strategy for Peyronie's disease management.

Molecular Environment Modulates CO2 Liberation from Carboxy-Biotin.

Carboxy-biotin serves as a coenzyme in certain carboxylases, exhibiting the remarkable capability to transfer a carboxy group to specific substrates. This process is made possible by the presence of biotin, a unique molecule that consists of a sulfur-containing tetrahydrothiophene ring fused to a ureido group. It is covalently attached to the enzyme via a flexible linker, allowing for its functionality. Biotin-dependent carboxylases consist of two distinct domains. The first domain (BC) facilitates biotin carboxylation by utilizing ATP, while the second domain (CT) transfers CO2 to the substrate. The process of ATP-dependent carboxylation using bicarbonate in the biotin carboxylase domain (BC) is well-known. However, the precise mechanism by which CO2 is released in the carboxyltransferase domain (CT) is still not fully understood. We employed advanced computational chemistry methods to investigate the decarboxylation process of carboxy-biotin in various molecular environments and different protonation states. Regardless of the polarity of the molecular surroundings, decarboxylation only occurs spontaneously in the protonated form. To determine the protonation state of biotin in different environments, we established an accurate computational chemistry method for calculating the pKa value of carboxy-biotin, reaching sub-kcal/mol accuracy. Based on our findings, nonpolar environments, such as the active site of the carboxyltransferase domain, have the ability to cause the spontaneous release of CO2 from carboxy-biotin. The CO2 release takes place spontaneously from protonated carboxy-biotin, promoting the carboxylation of substrates.

Soybean molasses increases subcutaneous fat deposition while reducing lipid oxidation in the meat of castrated lambs.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of including soybean molasses (SM) on performance, blood parameters, carcass traits, meat quality, fatty acid, and muscle (longissimus thoracis) transcriptomic profiles of castrated lambs. Twenty Dorper × Santa Inês lambs (20.06 ±â€…0.76 kg body weight [BW]) were assigned to a randomized block design, stratified by BW, with the following treatments: CON: 0 g/kg of SM and SM20: 200 g/kg of SM on dry matter basis, allocated in individual pens. The diet consisted of 840 g/kg concentrate and 160 g/kg corn silage for 76 d, with the first 12 d as an adaptation period and the remaining 64 d on the finishing diet. The SM20 diet increased blood urea concentration (P = 0.03) while reduced glucose concentration (P = 0.04). Lambs fed SM showed higher subcutaneous fat deposition (P = 0.04) and higher subcutaneous adipocyte diameter (P < 0.01), in addition to reduced meat lipid oxidation (P < 0.01). SM reduced the quantity of branched-chain fatty acids in longissimus thoracis (P = 0.05) and increased the quantity of saturated fatty acids (P = 0.01). In the transcriptomic analysis, 294 genes were identified as differentially expressed, which belong to pathways such as oxidative phosphorylation, citric acid cycle, and monosaccharide metabolic process. In conclusion, diet with SM increased carcass fat deposition, reduced lipid oxidation, and changed the energy metabolism, supporting its use in ruminant nutrition.

This study investigated the effects of incorporating soybean molasses (SM) into the diet of castrated lambs on various aspects of their performance and meat quality. Twenty lambs were divided into two groups: one was fed a control diet without SM whereas the other was fed a similar diet but containing 20% of SM. The feeding trial lasted for 76 d. Results showed that the SM inclusion in the diet led to increased blood urea levels and decreased glucose concentrations. SM inclusion also resulted in lambs with higher levels of subcutaneous fat and larger adipocytes, while reducing meat lipid oxidation. Moreover, SM altered fatty acid composition in the meat, decreasing branched-chain fatty acids and increasing saturated fatty acids. In agreement with these findings, transcriptomic analysis revealed a significant change in the expression of genes related to energy metabolism in the muscle of lambs fed SM. In conclusion, incorporating SM in lamb's diet increased fat deposition, improved meat quality, and induced a transcriptomic change in the muscle energy metabolism, supporting its potential use in ruminant nutrition.

Blink Lagophthalmos in Graves Orbitopathy.

PURPOSE: To investigate the relationship between the kinematics of spontaneous blinks and the anterior area of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle in patients with Graves orbitopathy (GO). METHODS: This is a case-control study. The authors measured the margin reflex distance of the upper eyelid (margin reflex distance 1), the kinematics of spontaneous blinks, and the anterior area of levator palpebrae superioris muscle in CT coronal scans of patients with Graves upper eyelid retraction (GO) and a control group. The eye with the greatest margin reflex distance 1 was selected for analysis in each group. RESULTS: A total of 68 participants were included, with 36 in the GO group and 32 in the control group. In the GO group, the mean margin reflex distance 1 measured 6.5 mm, while in the control group, it was 3.9 mm. Almost all parameters related to the closing phase of spontaneous blinking activity, including amplitude, velocity, blinking rate, and interblink time, did not differ between the two groups. However, the effectiveness of the blink's amplitude (ratio of blink amplitude to margin reflex distance 1) and the main sequence (relationship between amplitude and velocity) were significantly reduced in the GO group compared with the control group. The area of the levator palpebrae superioris muscle was significantly larger in GO than in controls, with 71.4% of patients' muscles outside of the maximum range of the controls. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with GO, there is a reduction in blinking effectiveness, also known as blink lagophthalmos, which is a factor in the common occurrence of ocular surface symptoms. The increase in velocity with amplitude is also reduced in GO.

History of Diversification and Adaptation from North to South Revealed by Genomic Data: Guanacos from the Desert to Sub-Antarctica.

The increased availability of quality genomic data has greatly improved the scope and resolution of our understanding of the recent evolutionary history of wild species adapted to extreme environments and their susceptibility to anthropogenic impacts. The guanaco (Lama guanicoe), the largest wild ungulate in South America, is a good example. The guanaco is well adapted to a wide range of habitats, including the Sechura Desert, the high Andes Mountains to the north, and the extreme temperatures and conditions of Navarino Island to the south. Guanacos also have a long history of overexploitation by humans. To assess the evolutionary impact of these challenging habitats on the genomic diversity, we analyzed 38 genomes (∼10 to 16×) throughout their extensive latitudinal distribution from the Sechura and Atacama Desert to southward into Tierra del Fuego Island. These included analyses of patterns of unique differentiation in the north and geographic region further south with admixture among L. g. cacsilensis and L. g. guanicoe. Our findings provide new insights on the divergence of the subspecies ∼800,000 yr BP and document two divergent demographic trajectories and to the initial expansion of guanaco into the more southern portions of the Atacama Desert. Patagonian guanacos have experienced contemporary reductions in effective population sizes, likely the consequence of anthropogenic impacts. The lowest levels of genetic diversity corresponded to their northern and western limits of distribution and some varying degrees of genetic differentiation. Adaptive genomic diversity was strongly linked with environmental variables and was linked with colonization toward the south followed by adaptation.

Effect of spatiotemporal variables on abundance, biting activity and parity of Nyssorhynchus darlingi (Diptera: Culicidae) in peri-Iquitos, Peru.

BACKGROUND: In malaria endemic regions of the Peruvian Amazon, rainfall together with river level and breeding site availability drive fluctuating vector mosquito abundance and human malaria cases, leading to temporal heterogeneity. The main variables influencing spatial transmission include location of communities, mosquito behaviour, land use/land cover, and human ecology/behaviour. The main objective was to evaluate seasonal and microgeographic biting behaviour of the malaria vector Nyssorhynchus (or Anopheles) darlingi in Amazonian Peru and to investigate effects of seasonality on malaria transmission. METHODS: We captured mosquitoes from 18:00 to 06:00 h using Human Landing Catch in two riverine (Lupuna, Santa Emilia) and two highway (El Triunfo, Nuevo Horizonte) communities indoors and outdoors from 8 houses per community, during the dry and rainy seasons from February 2016 to January 2017. We then estimated parity rate, daily survival and age of a portion of each collection of Ny. darlingi. All collected specimens of Ny. darlingi were tested for the presence of Plasmodium vivax or Plasmodium falciparum sporozoites using real-time PCR targeting the small subunit of the 18S rRNA. RESULTS: Abundance of Ny. darlingi varied across village, season, and biting behaviour (indoor vs outdoor), and was highly significant between rainy and dry seasons (p < 0.0001). Biting patterns differed, although not significantly, and persisted regardless of season, with peaks in highway communities at ~ 20:00 h in contrast to biting throughout the night (i.e., 18:00-06:00) in riverine communities. Of 3721 Ny. darlingi tested for Plasmodium, 23 (0.62%) were infected. We detected Plasmodium-infected Ny. darlingi in both community types and most (20/23) were captured outdoors during the rainy season; 17/23 before midnight. Seventeen Ny. darlingi were infected with P. vivax, and 6 with P. falciparum. No infected Ny. darlingi were captured during the dry season. Significantly higher rates of parity were detected in Ny. darlingi during the rainy season (average 64.69%) versus the dry season (average 36.91%) and by community, Lupuna, a riverine village, had the highest proportion of parous to nulliparous females during the rainy season. CONCLUSIONS: These data add a seasonal dimension to malaria transmission in peri-Iquitos, providing more evidence that, at least locally, the greatest risk of malaria transmission is outdoors during the rainy season mainly before midnight, irrespective of whether the community was located adjacent to the highway or along the river.

Aroplectrus dimerus (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), Ectoparasitoid of the Nettle Caterpillar, Oxyplax pallivitta (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae): Evaluation in the Hawaiian Islands.

The stinging nettle caterpillar, Oxyplax (syn. Darna) pallivitta (Lepidoptera: Limacodidae), is a serious invasive pest of agricultural products and a health hazard on the Hawaiian Islands first discovered in 2001. Nursery workers and homeowners have been stung by the caterpillars while handling their plants, especially rhapis palms (Rhapis sp.). Throughout its invaded range, it causes widespread damage, including the many cultivated and native palm species that have grown in Hawaii. Larvae contain urticating hairs that secrete a toxin, causing painful skin swelling and irritation on contact. Horticulture and nursery products impacted by the limacodid pest are estimated at $84.3 million (2018 value). Suppression efforts with pesticides and lure traps were ineffective, and the moth population continued to spread to major Hawaiian Islands (Hawaii, Kauai, Maui, Oahu). The introduction of specific biological control agents from the native region was thought to be the long-term solution for this invasive pest. Initial exploration in Indonesia and Thailand resulted in the introduction of a pupal ectoparasitoid, Nesolynx sp. (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Tetrastichinae), that was not specific. The oriental wasp, Aroplectrus dimerus Lin (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Eulophinae), idiobiont gregarious ectoparasitoid of the stinging nettle caterpillar, was introduced from Taiwan in 2004 for host specificity studies and biocontrol in Hawaii. Host range testing showed the parasitoid attacked only limacodid species, and it was approved for field release in 2010. The parasitoid identity, host specificity under containment facility conditions, reproductive performance, and colonization on the major infested sites were assessed. A total of 13,379 parasitoids were colonized on 162 release sites on four Hawaiian Islands. Evaluations were conducted using field surveys of larvae, pupal counts, and male lure traps. Field parasitism was thoroughly investigated on Oahu Island, averaging 18.9 ± 5.6% of 3923 collected larvae during 2010-2023. The numbers of male moths caught/trap/month were significantly reduced on Oahu Island (p < 0.05). Recently, the hyperparasitoid, Pediobius imbreus Walker (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae: Entedoninae), was detected, reducing the efficiency of A. dimerus in the field. The mean hyperparasitism of A. dimerus pupae was 27.3 ± 7.6% on Oahu Island. There was no detailed biological assessment for A. dimerus or its field evaluation available in scientific literature. Results were discussed regarding the potential use of A. dimerus in biocontrol elsewhere if the stinging nettle caterpillar was invaded in the future.

Cobalt Oxide on Boron-Doped Graphitic Carbon Nitride as Bifunctional Photocatalysts for CO2 Reduction and Hydrogen Evolution.

In this work, the prepared cobalt oxide decorated boron-doped g-C3N4 (CoOx/g-C3N4) heterojunction exhibits remarkable activity in CO2 reduction (CO2RR), resulting in high yields of CH3COOH (∼383 µmol·gcatalyst-1) and CH3OH (∼371 µmol·gcatalyst-1) with 58% selectivity to C2+ under visible light. However, the same system leads to high H2 evolution (HER) by increasing the cobalt oxide content, suggesting that the selectivity and preference for the CO2RR or HER depend on oxide decoration. By comparing HER and CO2RR evolution in the same system, this work provides critical insights into the catalytic mechanism, indicating that the CoOx/g-C3N4 heterojunction formation is necessary to foster high visible light photoactivity.

Lessons from integrating mental health as part of lymphatic filariasis morbidity management and disability prevention services in Jigawa State, Nigeria.

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease affecting >120 million people worldwide. LF has debilitating effects on humans and leads to morbidity and sometimes irreversible disability. A significant proportion of persons affected by LF morbidity also suffer from ill health, such as depression, anxiety, pain, stigma and social isolation due to disfigurement, as well as loss of mobility, livelihood and income. Mental health is often overlooked as a component of morbidity management and disability prevention (MMDP) services, despite the high prevalence of depression and anxiety among people affected by LF. To address this gap, Christian Blind Mission (CBM) piloted a comprehensive approach providing morbidity management and disability prevention by integrating mental health as part of the MMDP care package. The participatory evaluation of the project reviewed the project documents and a review meeting, small group discussions and in-depth interviews with project stakeholders. Findings suggest that project training and service delivery targets were exceeded in most cases. In addition, the disability and gender disaggregated data highlights the interplay of gender and disability in accessing care and the existence of unmet mental health needs. The financial cost of transportation to utilise referrals or access other MMDP services, such as replenishing treatment supplies, was a major constraint in accessing services for LF morbidity patients and low levels of awareness, fear of hydrocoele surgery and social stigmatisation were reported. The project outcomes demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of integrating mental health as part of a comprehensive MMDP package of care. Integration strategies should target training of MMDP providers in basic mental health skills, screening for mental health issues and the provision of mental health services and other MMDP services within the same facilities. Integration is an important step towards comprehensive care for people affected by LF and other NTD morbidities and disabilities.

Human osteoclasts in vitro are dose dependently both inhibited and stimulated by cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Legalized use of cannabis for medical or recreational use is becoming more and more common. With respect to potential side-effects on bone health only few clinical trials have been conducted - and with opposing results. Therefore, it seems that there is a need for more knowledge on the potential effects of cannabinoids on human bone cells. We studied the effect of cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (dose range from 0.3 to 30 µM) on human osteoclasts in mono- as well as in co-cultures with human osteoblast lineage cells. We have used CD14+ monocytes from anonymous blood donors to differentiate into osteoclasts, and human osteoblast lineage cells from outgrowths of human trabecular bone. Our results show that THC and CBD have dose-dependent effects on both human osteoclast fusion and bone resorption. In the lower dose ranges of THC and CBD, osteoclast fusion was unaffected while bone resorption was increased. At higher doses, both osteoclast fusion and bone resorption were inhibited. In co-cultures, both osteoclastic bone resorption and alkaline phosphatase activity of the osteoblast lineage cells were inhibited. Finally, we observed that the cannabinoid receptor CNR2 is more highly expressed than CNR1 in CD14+ monocytes and pre-osteoclasts, but also that differentiation to osteoclasts was coupled to a reduced expression of CNR2, in particular. Interestingly, under co-culture conditions, we only detected the expression of CNR2 but not CNR1 for both osteoclast as well as osteoblast lineage nuclei. In line with the existing literature on the effect of cannabinoids on bone cells, our current study shows both stimulatory and inhibitory effects. This highlights that potential unfavorable effects of cannabinoids on bone cells and bone health is a complex matter. The contradictory and lacking documentation for such potential unfavorable effects on bone health as well as other potential effects, should be taken into consideration when considering the use of cannabinoids for both medical and recreational use.