Nitrogen-cycling processes under long-term compound heavy metal(loids) pressure around a gold mine: Stimulation of nitrite reduction.

Mining and tailings deposition can cause serious heavy metal(loids) pollution to the surrounding soil environment. Soil microorganisms adapt their metabolism to such conditions, driving alterations in soil function. This study aims to elucidate the response patterns of nitrogen-cycling microorganisms under long-term heavy metal(loids) exposure. The results showed that the diversity and abundance of nitrogen-cycling microorganisms showed negative feedback to heavy metal(loids) concentrations. Denitrifying microorganisms were shown to be the dominant microorganisms with over 60% of relative abundance and a complex community structure including 27 phyla. Further, the key bacterial species in the denitrification process were calculated using a random forest model, where the top three key species (Pseudomonas stutzei, Sphingobium japonicum and Leifsonia rubra) were found to play a prominent role in nitrite reduction. Functional gene analysis and qPCR revealed that nirK, which is involved in nitrite reduction, significantly accumulated in the most metal-rich soil with the increase of absolute abundance of 63.86%. The experimental results confirmed that the activity of nitrite reductase (Nir) encoded by nirK in the soil was increased at high concentrations of heavy metal(loids). Partial least squares-path model identified three potential modes of nitrite reduction processes being stimulated by heavy metal(loids), the most prominent of which contributed to enhanced nirK abundance and soil Nir activity through positive stimulation of key species. The results provide new insights and preliminary evidence on the stimulation of nitrite reduction processes by heavy metal(loids).

'It's not a me thing': the role of transcendence and critical politics in Black LGBTQ wellness in Montreal.

This study explores well-being strategies and challenges for Black LGBTQ individuals in Montreal, Canada. Semi-structured interviews were conducted between March and May 2023 with key informants, or advocates and service providers for LGBTQ communities in the Montreal metropolitan area. Thematic analysis was used and involved transcription, memo-writing and a multi-step, inductive coding process using MAXQDA. The findings highlight three areas of well-noted challenges for Black LGBTQ individuals: systemic barriers; lack of targeted support; and challenges to accessing services. Two strategic domains emerged as innovative approaches to support well-being: transcendental practices and intersectional sociopolitical awareness raising. Transcendental practices, ranging from fine arts and dance to reiki energy healing, offered avenues for healing and community-building. Intersectional sociopolitical awareness was described as crucial in informing and contributing to existing efforts to improve well-being such as therapeutic engagement with clients and facilitating mutual aid. The identified transcendental practices and political awareness offer promising avenues for holistic well-being and comprehensive approaches to challenges such as inequitable HIV burden. Recognising the convergence of identities and social power axes can inform future interventions to foster more inclusive and empowering health strategies for Black LGBTQ communities.

The impact of COVID-19 restrictions on HIV prevention and treatment services for key populations in South Africa: an interrupted time series analysis.

BACKGROUND: Key populations (KP), including men who have sex with men (MSM), female sex workers (FSW), and transgender women (TGW), experience a disproportionate burden of HIV, even in generalized epidemics like South Africa. Given this disproportionate burden and unique barriers to accessing health services, sustained provision of care is particularly relevant. It is unclear how the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated restrictions may have impacted this delivery. In this study, we aimed to describe patterns of engagement in HIV prevention and treatment services among KP in South Africa and assess the impact of different COVID-19 restriction levels on service delivery. METHODS: We leveraged programmatic data collected by the US President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)-supported KP partners in South Africa. We divided data into three discrete time periods based on national COVID-19 restriction periods: (i) Pre-restriction period, (ii) High-level restriction period, and (iii) After-high level restriction period. Primary outcomes included monthly total HIV tests, new HIV cases identified, new initiations of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), and new enrollments in antiretroviral therapy (ART). We conducted interrupted time series segmented regression analyses to estimate the impact of COVID-19 restrictions on HIV prevention and treatment service utilization. RESULTS: Between January 2018 and June 2022, there were a total of 231,086 HIV tests, 27,051 HIV positive cases, 27,656 pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) initiations, and 15,949 antiretroviral therapy initiations among MSM, FSW and TGW in PEPFAR-supported KP programs in South Africa. We recorded 90,457 total HIV tests during the 'pre-restriction' period, with 13,593 confirmed new HIV diagnoses; 26,134 total HIV tests with 2,771 new diagnoses during the 'high-level restriction' period; and 114,495 HIV tests with 10,687 new diagnoses during the after high-level restriction period. Our Poisson regression model estimates indicate an immediate and significant decrease in service engagement at the onset of COVID-19 restrictions, including declines in HIV testing, treatment, and PrEP use, which persisted. As programs adjusted to the new restrictions, there was a gradual rebound in service engagement, particularly among MSM and FSW. Towards the end of the high-level restriction period, with some aspects of daily life returning to normal but others still restricted, there was more variability. Some indicators continued to improve, while others stagnated or decreased. CONCLUSION: Service provision rebounded from the initial shock created by pandemic-related restrictions, and HIV services were largely maintained for KP in South Africa. These results suggest that HIV service delivery among programs designed for KP was able to be flexible and resilient to the evolving restrictions. The results of this study can inform plans for future pandemics and large-scale disruptions to the delivery of HIV services.

Study of the development patterns of water-conducting fracture zones under karst aquifers and the mechanism of water inrush.

The hydrogeological conditions of the Qianbei coalfield are complex, and karst water in the roof rock frequently disrupts mining operations, leading to frequent water inrush incidents. Taking the representative Longfeng Coal Mine as a case study, research was conducted on the development pattern of the water-conducting fracture zone and the water inrush mechanisms beneath karst aquifers. On the basis of key stratum theory and calculations of the stratum stretching rate, the karst aquifer in the Changxing Formation was identified as the primary key stratum. It was deduced that the water-conducting fracture zone would develop into the karst aquifer, indicating a risk of roof water inrush at the working face. Numerical simulations were used to study the stress field, displacement field, and plastic zone distribution patterns in the overlying roof strata. Combined with similar simulation tests and digital speckle experiments, the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the water-conducting fracture zone were investigated. During the coal mining process, the water-conducting fracture zone will exhibit a "step-type" development characteristic, with the fracture morphology evolving from vertical to horizontal. Near the goaf boundary, the strain gradually decreases, and the instability of the primary key stratum significantly impacts the mining space below, leading to the closure of interlayer voids or the redistribution of water-conducting fissure patterns. Field measurements of the water-conducting fracture zone reveal that postmining roof fractures can be classified into tensile-shear, throughgoing, and discrete types, with decreasing water-conducting capacity in that order, the measured development height of the water-conducting fracture zone (51 m) aligns closely with the theoretical height (51.37 m) and the numerical simulation height (49.17 m). Finally, from the perspective of key stratum instability, the disaster mechanisms of dynamic water inrush and hydrostatic pressure water inrush beneath the karst aquifers in the northern Guizhou coalfield were revealed. The findings provide valuable insights for water prevention and control efforts in the Qianbei coalfield mining area.

The RM Press fit cup™: an investigation in 182 hips at ten-year follow-up.

INTRODUCTION: For over 10 years, the RM Pressfit cup™ has been used in our department. This is a one-piece, elastic, cementless implant designed with standard polyethylene (PE), covered with a thin coating of titanium particles. To date, there is no French study evaluating this cup after more than 10 years. Therefore, we conducted a retrospective study in order to: 1) evaluate the survival of the implant with a minimum follow-up of 10 years, 2) evaluate the functional scores at the last follow-up, 3) measure the wear of the PE, 4) identify radiological loosening, 5) search for risk factors for cup removal, 6) identify complications that required management in the operating theatre. HYPOTHESIS: The working hypothesis was that the survival of this implant was greater than 95% at 10 years' follow-up, in accordance with the criteria of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective monocentric study, including adult patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) with an RM Pressfit cup™ (28 mm friction size) for coxarthrosis (primary or secondary) or femoral head osteonecrosis. Exclusion criteria were a follow-up period of less than 10 years, the placement of an RM Pressfit cup™ as a secondary intention for a THA (n = 5) or following a trochanteric fracture (n = 1). In total, 163 patients (182 hips) with a median age (Q1-Q3) of 63 (56-68) years, and a sex ratio (M/F) of 1.7 were included. Functional scores were evaluated using the Harris and Oxford scores. Radiographs were analyzed in the immediate postoperative period and at the last follow-up. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 10.5 (10-11.5) years. Of the 182 included hips, 7 cups were removed, corresponding to a 10-year survival rate of 96.1% (95% CI [93.3; 96.9]). The median Harris and Oxford scores at 10.5 years were 95 (90-98) and 19 (17-23) points, respectively. The median PE wear rate was 0.058 (0.039-0.087) mm/year. Univariate analysis showed that male gender was associated with PE wear (OR = 3.6; 95% CI [1.3; 12.9] (p = 0.012)). Ten cups (6%) showed radiological instability with migration greater than 3 mm and/or variation in inclination greater than 8 °, and only 9 hips (6%) showed bone resorption. No preoperative or perioperative factors analyzed were associated with cup removal. Dislocation accounted for 71% (n = 5) of the causes of cup removal. Additionally, 6 hips experienced at least one dislocation episode requiring reduction by external maneuvers in the operating room, bringing the overall dislocation rate in the series to 6% (n = 11). Increased cup inclination was the only risk factor for prosthetic dislocation (OR = 1.2; 95% CI [1.09; 1.4] (p = 0.0003)). Overall complications requiring surgical intervention included 15 (8.3%) implanted cups (7 removed cups, 6 dislocation episodes requiring reduction by external maneuvers in the operating room, and 2 hips reoperated for washing and changing of mobile components due to early infection). CONCLUSION: The RM Pressfit cup™ gives good long-term clinical and radiological results with an overall survival of 96.1% and a low complication rate over 10 years. Over the last 2 years the RM Vitamys™ cup has been introduced allowing the use of 32 mm femoral head diameter for size 48 cups, to reduce the risk of dislocation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective cohort.

Exploring the Health Literacy Behavior Patterns of Male Patients Using an Interpretable Method.

Background: Improving overall and individual health literacy is a major focus of national initiatives in China and similar initiatives globally. However, few studies have examined the identification and improvement of individual health literacy levels, especially among patients. Purpose: To develop an interpretable method with decision rules to assess the health literacy levels of male patients and identify key factors influencing health literacy levels. Methods: Using a convenience sampling method, we conducted on-site surveys with 212 male patients of a hospital in China from July 2020 to September 2020. The questionnaire was developed by the Ministry of Health of the People's Republic of China. A total of 206 of the completed surveys were ultimately included for analyses in this study. The rough set theory was used to identify conditional attributes (ie, key factors) and decision attributes (ie, levels of health literacy) and to establish decision rules between them. These rules specifically describe how different combinations of conditional attributes can affect health literacy levels among men. Results: Basic knowledge, concepts, and health skills are important in identifying whether male patients have health literacy. Health skills, scientific health concepts, healthy lifestyles and behaviors, infectious disease prevention and control literacy, basic medical literacy, and health information literacy can be identified as cognitive behaviors with varying degrees of health literacy among patients. Conclusion: This model can effectively identify the key factors and decision rules for male patients' health literacy. Simultaneously, it can be applied to clinical nursing practice, making it easier for hospitals to guide male patients to improve their health literacy.

The emerging role of neutrophil extracellular traps in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a complex etiology. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs are NETwork protein structures activated by neutrophils to induce the cleavage and release of DNA-protein complexes). Current studies have shown the critical involvement of NETs in the progression of autoimmune diseases, Neutrophils mostly gather in the inflammatory sites of patients and participate in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases in various ways. NETs, as the activated state of neutrophils, have attracted much attention in immune diseases. Many molecules released in NETs are targeted autoantigens in autoimmune diseases, such as histones, citrulline peptides, and myeloperoxidase. All of these suggest that NETs have a direct causal relationship between the production of autoantigens and autoimmune diseases. For RA in particular, as a disorder of the innate and adaptive immune response, the pathogenesis of RA is inseparable from the generation of RA. In this article, we investigate the emerging role of NETs in the pathogenesis of RA and suggest that NETs may be an important target for the treatment of inflammatory autoimmune diseases.

Identification of LINC02454-related key pathways and genes in papillary thyroid cancer by weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA).

BACKGROUND: Our previous study demonstrated that long intergenic noncoding RNA 02454 (LINC02454) may act as an oncogene to promote the proliferation and inhibit the apoptosis of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) cells. This study was designed to investigate the mechanisms whereby LINC02454 is related to PTC tumorigenesis. METHODS: Thyroid cancer RNA sequence data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to identify modules closely associated with PTC. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis was used to identify the key pathways, and the maximal clique centrality (MCC) topological method was used to identify the hub genes. The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) database was used to compare expression levels of key genes between PTC samples and normal samples and explore the prognostic value of key genes. The key genes were further validated with GEO dataset. RESULTS: The top 5000 variable genes were investigated, followed by an analysis of 8 modules, and the turquoise module was the most positively correlated with the clinical stage of PTC. KEGG pathway analysis found the top two pathways of the ECM - receptor interaction and MAPK signaling pathway. In addition, five key genes (FN1, LAMB3, ITGA3, SDC4, and IL1RAP) were identified through the MCC algorithm and KEGG analysis. The expression levels of the five key genes were significantly upregulated in thyroid cancer in both TCGA and GEO datasets, and of these five genes, FN1 and ITGA3 were associated with poor disease-free prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: Our study identified five key genes and two key pathways associated with LINC02454, which might shed light on the underlying mechanism of LINC02454 action in PTC.

Key traits influencing the resistance of Eucalyptus camaldulensis to wind damage in coastal areas of South China.

Aims: China is one of the countries in the world most seriously affected by typhoons, which pose a great threat to the eucalyptus plantation industry. However, few studies have comprehensively accounted for the impact of key traits on the wind damage/resistance of eucalyptus. Methods: To identify the key factors affecting the wind resistance of eucalyptus, 20 eucalyptus genotypes were selected; a total of 18 traits, including the wind damage index, growth traits, and wood traits, were measured, and the wind resistance was determined via the tree-pulling test. Results: Correlation, principal component, canonical correlation, and path analyses were performed to evaluate these traits. Correlation analysis revealed that the wind resistance of eucalyptus plants was related to the tree height, volume, and duration of stress wave propagation. Principal components and tree-pulling variables were further used for correlation and path analyses. Canonical correlation analysis and the PA-OV model showed that holocellulose and lignin contents and fiber width, as well as growth traits, were important factors affecting the stability of standing trees under typhoon conditions. The key traits influencing the wind resistance of Eucalyptus camaldulensis, which may provide a reference for evaluating the wind resistance of Eucalyptus varieties for forest management, were identified. Conclusion: This study provides a knowledge base for forest management and planning in typhoon-prone coastal areas, and provides a theoretical basis for the breeding and genetically improving eucalyptus stocks based on wind resistance characteristics.

Effect of hot-air drying processing on the volatile organic compounds and maillard precursors of Dictyophora Rubrovalvata based on GC-IMS, HPLC and LC-MS.

The dynamic changes in volatile organic compounds (VOCs), reducing sugars, and amino acids of Dictyophora rubrovalvata (DR) at various drying temperatures were analyzed using GC-IMS, HPLC, and LC-MS. Orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) combined with VOCs indicated that drying temperature of 80 °C was optimal. Variable importance in the projection (VIP) and relative odor activity value (ROAV) were employed to identify 22 key VOCs. The findings suggested that esters played a predominant role among the VOCs. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that serine (Ser), glutamine (Gln), lysine (Lys), alanine (Ala), threonine (Thr), glutamic acid (Glu), asparagine (Asn), ribose, and glucose were closely associated with the formation of esters, aldehydes, ketones, pyrimidines, and pyrazines. In conclusion, this study laid a foundational theory for elucidating the characteristics aroma substances and their production pathways, providing a valuable reference for analysing the flavor characteristics of DR.

A recursive dynamic CGE approach to investigate environmental Kuznets curve.

The inverted U-shaped relationship between economic growth and environmental degradation is known as environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) and has been tested in many empirical studies since more than 3 decades. Technological change is one of the tools that can be used to examine the existence of EKC in CGE models. The objective is to extract EKC for G7 countries using a multi-regional CGE model and investigate the effects of some key factors affecting EKC using historical data for the period of 1861-2021. First, we have considered the effects of energy efficiency, on CO2 emissions, on carbon intensity and on economic growth. Then, EKC was extracted based on the obtained results. In addition, the effects of factors such as carbon tax, revenue recycling schemes and various types of substitution elasticities are evaluated on EKC. Our results show that, with a 3% improvement in productivity, by 2050, GDP will increase by nearly 12% and carbon emissions will decrease by 4.4%. The combination of such two effects has led to an inverted U-shaped relationship between economic growth and carbon emissions. Among the elasticity of substitutions, the elasticity of substitution of capital and energy, as well as the substitution elasticity of energy inputs has the greatest effect on EKC. The slope of EKC becomes negative if a carbon tax is imposed. The EKC moves downwards if carbon tax income is transferred to the production tax-cut in renewable sectors. The results suggest that carbon tax and its allocation to renewable sectors will improve environmental effects.

Piloting the Inclusion of the Key Populations Unique Identifier Code in the South African Routine Health Information Management System: Protocol for a Multiphased Study.

BACKGROUND: The global community has set an ambitious goal to end HIV/AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. Significant progress has been achieved in pursuing these objectives; however, concerns remain regarding the lack of disaggregated routine data for key populations (KPs) for a targeted HIV response. KPs include female sex workers, transgender populations, gay men and other men who have sex with men, people who are incarcerated, and people who use drugs. From an epidemiological perspective, KPs play a fundamental role in shaping the dynamics of HIV transmission due to specific behaviors. In South Africa, routine health information management systems (RHIMS) do not include a unique identifier code (UIC) for KPs. The purpose of this protocol is to develop the framework for improved HIV monitoring and programming through piloting the inclusion of KPs UIC in the South African RHIMS. OBJECTIVE: This paper aims to describe the protocol for a multiphased study to pilot the inclusion of KPs UIC in RHIMS. METHODS: We will conduct a multiphased study to pilot the framework for the inclusion of KPs UIC in the RHIMS. The study has attained the University of Johannesburg Research Ethics Committee approval (REC-2518-2023). This study has four objectives, including a systematic review, according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines (objective 1). Second, policy document review and in-depth stakeholder interviews using semistructured questionnaires (objective 2). Third, exploratory data analysis of deidentified HIV data sets (objective 3), and finally, piloting the framework to assess the feasibility of incorporating KPs UIC in RHIMS using findings from objectives 1, 2, and 3 (objective 4). Qualitative and quantitative data will be analyzed using ATLAS.ti (version 6; ATLAS.ti Scientific Software Development GmbH) and Python (version 3.8; Python Software Foundation) programming language, respectively. RESULTS: The results will encompass a systematic review of literature, qualitative interviews, and document reviews, along with exploratory analysis of deidentified routine program data and findings from the pilot study. The systematic review has been registered in PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; CRD42023440656). Data collection is planned to commence in September 2024 and expected results for all objectives will be published by December 2025. CONCLUSIONS: The study will produce a framework to be recommended for the inclusion of the KP UIC national rollout. The study results will contribute to the knowledge base around the inclusion of KPs UIC in RHIMS data. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42023440656; https://tinyurl.com/msnppany. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): PRR1-10.2196/55092.

Trainee district nurses' understanding and perceptions of the palliative care key worker role: a qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: The district nurse is identified as a keyworker in community based palliative care. However, a dearth of research exists on trainees' views and understanding of adopting the role upon qualification. AIMS: The aim of this study was to explore the understanding and perceptions of district nurse trainees in relation to the palliative care key worker role. METHODS: Data was gathered via online semi-structured interviews (n=10) and the results were analysed using a thematic model. FINDINGS: The four evolving themes included: understanding of the palliative care key worker role scope and function; the level of preparation for the role; a juggling act and embedding the role in practice. CONCLUSION: The themes highlighted various drivers and barriers that reflect a degree of incongruence with policy and practice. Recommendations to standardise the palliative care key worker role, underpinned by formal preparation and clearly defined responsibilities may enhance future development and implementation of the role.

Insight into response mechanism of short-chain fatty acids to refined microbial transformation order of dissolved organic matter ranked by molecular weight during dry anaerobic digestion.

Dynamic transformation of dissolved organic matter (DOM) contributes to short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) production during anaerobic digestion. However, the impact of refined transformation of DOM ranked by molecular weight (MW) on SCFAs has never been investigated. Results indicated that DOM conversion order was 3500-7000 Da>(MW>14000 Da) > 7000-4000 Da during hydrolysis stage, while it was independent of their MW in acidogenesis phase and followed a low to high MW order during methanogenesis stage. Proteins-like DOMs with different MW were closely related to SCFAs. Eight groups of microorganisms (e.g., Bacillus and Caldicoprobacter) responsible for the conversion of proteins-like DOMs to SCFAs. The possible routes linking environmental properties to microorganisms-proteins-like DOMs-SCFAs connections were constructed. Microbial activity modifications by regulating moisture, pH, NO3--N and NH4+-N can expedite the conversion of proteins-like DOMs to SCFAs. The study emphasizes the importance of MW-classification-based biotransformation of organic waste, offering a potential strategy to enhance anaerobic digestion performance.

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis and HIV Prevention Among Key Populations in Nigeria.

Background and Objective: The discovery of innovative pharmacological preventative measures in Human Immunodeficiency Virus transmission has boosted optimism in the successful control of HIV/AIDS with the objective of eradication and the end of the epidemic. Hence, assessing the effect of pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) on HIV prevention among key populations (KPs) is imperative in advancing the conversation on ending HIV/AIDs. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study using data from KPs (female sex workers (FSWs), men who have sex with men (MSM), and people who inject drugs (PWIDs) enrolled in Heartland Alliance Ltd/GTE One Stop Shops (OSS) between May 2019 and April 2023 in the six selected Nigerian states (Lagos, Bayelsa, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Jigawa, and Niger). Data were cleaned in a spreadsheet and analyzed using IBM-SPSS version 28.0. Descriptive statistics, including frequency and percentage calculations, were conducted to analyze the dataset. Additionally, cross-tabulation analysis was performed, with a significance level set at 0.05, to explore relationships between variables. Results: The study population comprised 13,580 participants, with 56.1% female. In all, 43.9% were aged 18-35 and 97.3% were single. Among the three KPs examined, FSW was the largest subgroup (50.8%), followed by MSM (28.1%) and PWID (21.1%). Most participants had been on PrEP for 0-3 months (87.8%), and PrEP was initiated for 81.6% due to high-risk sexual behaviors and 9.9% for serodiscordant relationship reasons. Most of them were enrolled in community healthcare settings (97.0%). The results showed that 99.9% remained HIV negative, while only two (0.01%) were seroconverted while on PrEP. The HIV-positive cases did not complete one-month PreP treatment, comprising an FSW and a PWID. Recent HIV contact or poor compliance with PrEP medication are two possible causes of seroconversion. Conclusion and Global Health Implications: The findings underscore the significance of integrating PrEP into a comprehensive HIV prevention approach, including newer molecules that will improve adherence and the necessity of ongoing monitoring and support for PrEP users. With these insights, there can be an advocacy for promoting PrEP among the KPs as a vital component of Nigeria's HIV prevention strategy.

Endoscope-Assisted Evacuation of an Acute Subdural Hematoma in an Elderly Patient With Refractory Nonconvulsive Status Epilepticus: An Illustrative Case.

Traumatic brain injuries lead to post-traumatic seizures (PTS), with acute subdural hematomas (ASDH) posing a particularly elevated risk. The development of refractory nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) in such cases, especially in older patients, requires immediate and effective management. This case report highlights the improvement of refractory NCSE in an elderly patient with ASDH through endoscope-assisted evacuation. An 88-year-old woman was hospitalized for dysarthria and right hemiparesis 3 days after a fall. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a left hemispheric ASDH, 9 mm thick, along with minor traumatic subarachnoid bleeding in the interpeduncular cistern. The initial treatment was conservative, including the administration of lacosamide at 100 mg/day. However, her consciousness deteriorated 4 days after admission, and she experienced convulsions in the right face and arm on day 5. Although the convulsions stopped after the administration of diazepam 10 mg IV and her consciousness temporarily improved, it worsened again on day 6, leading to a diagnosis of NCSE on an electroencephalogram (EEG). Despite aggressive pharmacological interventions with fosphenytoin (750 mg initially followed by 262 mg/day) and phenobarbital (625 mg/day), the patient's cognitive state and EEG findings did not improve. Consequently, on the 13th day, she underwent an endoscopic procedure to remove the SDH, which alleviated her symptoms and ended the seizures. This case demonstrates that even the absence of a significant mass effect from ASDH can trigger NCSE, underscoring the necessity for swift diagnosis and consideration of surgical options when conventional treatment fails. Endoscope-assisted evacuation is a safe and effective treatment option, particularly in older patients.

Revision of the Oriental species of the hoverfly genus Paramixogaster Brunetti, 1923 (Diptera, Syrphidae, Microdontinae).

The species of the hoverfly genus Paramixogaster Brunetti, 1923 from the Oriental Region are revised. The resulting number of valid species is 15, of which the following four are described as new: P.halmaherensis Reemer, sp. nov., P.jubata Reemer, sp. nov., P.kodaiana Sankararaman & Reemer, sp. nov., and P.sulawesiana Reemer, sp. nov. Three new synonymies are established: Paramicrodondecipiens de Meijere, 1917, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of Microdonvespiformis de Meijere, 1908; Paramixogasterwegneri Keiser, 1964, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of Ceratophyaindica Doleschall, 1857; Microdonsubpetiolatus Thompson, 2020, syn. nov. is a junior synonym of Microdoncontractus Brunetti, 1923. Paramixogasterhuoi Reemer, nom. nov. is introduced as a replacement name for P.trifasciatus Huo & Zhao, 2022, which is a primary homonym of P.trifasciatus Ssymank & Reemer, 2016. Neotypes are designated for Paramixogastericariiformis Pendlebury, 1927 and Myxogastervariegata Sack, 1922, and a lectotype is designated for Microdonvespiformis de Meijere, 1908. An identification key to the species and diagnoses for all species are provided.

Insights into the biocorrosion of Q235A steel influenced by the electron transfer process between iron and methanogenic microbiota.

Anaerobic microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of Fe (0) metals causes great harm to the environment and economy, which depends on the key electron transfer process between anaerobic microorganisms and Fe (0) metals. However, the key electron transfer process in microbiota dominating MIC remains unclear, especially for methanogenic microbiota wildly distributed in the environment. Herein, three different methanogenic microbiota (Methanothrix, Methanospirillum, and Methanobacterium) were acclimated to systematically investigate electron transfer pathways on corroding Q235A steel coupons. Results indicated that microbiota dominated by Methanothrix, Methanospirillum, or Methanobacterium accelerated the steel corrosion mainly through direct electron transfer (DET) pathway, H2 mediated electron transfer (HMET) pathway, and combined DET and HMET pathways, respectively. Compared with Methanospirillum dominant microbiota, Methanothrix or Methanobacterium dominant microbiota caused more methane production, higher weight loss, corrosion pits with larger areas, higher corrosion depth, and smaller corrosion pits density. Such results reflected that the DET process between microbiota and Fe (0) metals decided the biocorrosion degree and behavior of Fe (0) metals. This study insightfully elucidates the mechanisms of methanogenic microbiota on corroding steels, in turn providing new insights for anti-corrosion motives.

Chemical respiratory sensitization-Current status of mechanistic understanding, knowledge gaps and possible identification methods of sensitizers.

Respiratory sensitization is a complex immunological process eventually leading to hypersensitivity following re-exposure to the chemical. A frequent consequence is occupational asthma, which may occur after long latency periods. Although chemical-induced respiratory hypersensitivity has been known for decades, there are currently no comprehensive and validated approaches available for the prospective identification of chemicals that induce respiratory sensitization, while the expectations of new approach methodologies (NAMs) are high. A great hope is that due to a better understanding of the molecular key events, new methods can be developed now. However, this is a big challenge due to the different chemical classes to which respiratory sensitizers belong, as well as because of the complexity of the response and the late manifestation of symptoms. In this review article, the current information on respiratory sensitization related processes is summarized by introducing it in the available adverse outcome pathway (AOP) concept. Potentially useful models for prediction are discussed. Knowledge gaps and gaps of regulatory concern are identified.

PGPR isolated from hot spring imparts resilience to drought stress in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Drought is a major abiotic stress that occurs frequently due to climate change, severely hampers agricultural production, and threatens food security. In this study, the effect of drought-tolerant PGPRs, i.e., PGPR-FS2 and PGPR-VHH4, was assessed on wheat by withholding water. The results indicate that drought-stressed wheat seedlings treated with PGPRs-FS2 and PGPR-VHH4 had a significantly higher shoot and root length, number of roots, higher chlorophyll, and antioxidant enzymatic activities of guaiacol peroxidase (GPX) compared to without PGPR treatment. The expression study of wheat genes related to tryptophan auxin-responsive (TaTAR), drought-responsive (TaWRKY10, TaWRKY51, TaDREB3, and TaDREB4) and auxin-regulated gene organ size (TaARGOS-A, TaARGOS-B, and TaARGOS-D) exhibited significantly higher expression in the PGPR-FS2 and PGPR-VHH4 treated wheat under drought as compared to without PGPR treatment. The results of this study illustrate that PGPR-FS2 and PGPR-VHH4 mitigate the drought stress in wheat and pave the way for imparting drought in wheat under water deficit conditions. Among the two PGPRs, PGPR-VHH4 more efficiently altered the root architecture to withstand drought stress.