Revision of the Most Primitive Taxa of the Family Gyrodactylidae (van Beneden et Hesse, 1864) (Platyhelminthes, Monopisthocotyla) Based on ITS rDNA Phylogeny.

BACKGROUND: For the past 25 years, the ITS rDNA (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) of Gyrodactylidae has been crucial for species identification, description, and phylogeny. This family includes 25 genera parasitizing marine and freshwater fish, initially distinguished by morphological differences in attachment and/or male copulatory organs. Gyrodactylus Nordmann, 1832, the most species-rich genus, has approximately 500 described species and an additional 25,000 species suspected. The genus is not monophyletic, and the functionally adaptive nature of morphological diagnostic characters complicates the delimitation of new genera. METHODS: A phylogeny based on ITS rDNA was proposed to address these challenges, using only complete sequences of primitive taxa. Fifty-four sequences were aligned with the MUSCLE v5.1 algorithm, creating a 1590 ps long matrix. Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) methods with the models TVM+F+G4 and SYM+G4 for ITS1-ITS2 and 5.8S, respectively, were inferred using IQ-TREE v2.3.5 and BEAST v2.7.6.0. RESULTS: The findings revealed eleven main lineages. Four of them are proposed for classification into new genera: Cichlidarus gen. nov., Iraqemembranatus gen. nov., Macracanthus gen. nov., and Rysavyius gen. nov. Elevating the subgenus G. (Gyrodactylus) to genus rank was supported. CONCLUSIONS: The presented phylogeny provides a foundation for developing a classification system within Gyrodactylidae that is both reasonable and comprehensive.

Understanding microbial biomineralization at the molecular level: recent advances.

Microbial biomineralization is a phenomenon involving deposition of inorganic minerals inside or around microbial cells as a direct consequence of biogeochemical cycling. The microbial metabolic processes often create environmental conditions conducive for the precipitation of silicate, carbonate or phosphate, ferrate forms of ubiquitous inorganic ions. Till date the fundamental mechanisms underpinning two of the major types of microbial biomineralization such as, microbially controlled and microbially induced remains poorly understood. While microbially-controlled mineralization (MCM) depends entirely on the genetic makeup of the cell, microbially-induced mineralization (MIM) is dependent on factors such as cell morphology, cell surface structures and extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). In recent years, the organic template-mediated nucleation of inorganic minerals has been considered as an underlying mechanism based on the principles of solid-state bioinorganic chemistry. The present review thus attempts to provide a comprehensive and critical overview on the recent progress in holistic understanding of both MCM and MIM, which involves, organic-inorganic biomolecular interactions that lead to template formation, biomineral nucleation and crystallization. Also, the operation of specific metabolic pathways and molecular operons in directing microbial biomineralization have been discussed. Unravelling these molecular mechanisms of biomineralization can help in the biomimetic synthesis of minerals for potential therapeutic applications, and facilitating the engineering of microorganisms for commercial production of biominerals.

Management of calcified cysticerci in the brain parenchyma: treating the dead parasite.

INTRODUCTION: Calcifications are the end stage of many parenchymal brain cysticerci and may occur either spontaneously or as the result of treatment with cysticidal drugs. These lesions, traditionally considered inert and asymptomatic, have been associated with several complications that seem to be mostly related to brain damage and inflammation ensuing as the result of the exposure of the host's immune system to parasitic antigens trapped within calcifications. AREAS COVERED: This review, based on the search of different electronic databases up to May 2024, focuses on the reported correlates and complications of calcified cysticerci (chronic headaches, seizures/epilepsy, hippocampal atrophy/sclerosis, gliomas), and the different interventions developed for their prevention and treatment. Common analgesics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, and antiseizure medications have been used with success but, with the exception of the latter, these drugs offer temporary relief of symptoms and support for their use is based on level 3 evidence. EXPERT OPINION: Several strategies may reduce the severity of clinical consequences of calcified cysticerci. Probably, the most relevant intervention would be the prevention of their occurrence or reduction in their size. In this view, the use of bisphosphonates appears as a potential option that needs to be tested in humans.

Influence of TikTok on Body Satisfaction Among Generation Z in Indonesia: Mixed Methods Approach.

BACKGROUND: As social media platforms gain popularity, their usage is increasingly associated with cyberbullying and body shaming, causing devastating effects. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the impact of social media on Generation Z users' body image satisfaction. More specifically, it examines the impact of TikTok on body image satisfaction among TikTok users aged between 17 years and 26 years in Indonesia. METHODS: The methodology used mixed-method approaches. Quantitative data were obtained from 507 responses to a questionnaire and analyzed using covariance-based structural equation modeling. Qualitative data were obtained from the interviews of 32 respondents and analyzed through content analysis. RESULTS: This study reveals that upward appearance comparison is influenced by video-based activity and appearance motivation. Conversely, thin-ideal internalization is influenced by appearance motivation and social media literacy. Upward appearance comparisons and thin-ideal internalization comparisons detrimentally impact users' body image satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study are expected to provide valuable insights for social media providers, regulators, and educators in their endeavors to establish a positive and healthy social media environment for users.

Description and Phylogenetic Position of a New Genus and Species of Deep-Water Alpheid Shrimp Associated with Glass Sponges off New Caledonia (Decapoda: Caridea).

Batellopsis paula gen. et sp. nov., a new hexactinellid-associated alpheid shrimp, is described based on a single specimen collected at a depth of 477-503 m north of Île des Pins, New Caledonia. Batellopsis gen. nov. is part of a clade of four genera all containing hexactinellid-associated species, for which a molecular phylogeny is presented. The evolution of several morphological characters, including orbital teeth, a bulgefossa system on the fingers of the first pereiopod chela, and groups of microserrulate setae on the second pereiopod chela, is discussed in light of phylogenetic results.

[Marketing authorisation for rare diseases: The European regulatory perspective using the example of gene and cell therapies]. / Arzneimittelzulassung im Bereich seltener Erkrankungen: die europäische regulatorische Perspektive am Beispiel der Gen- und Zelltherapeutika.

Technological and scientific innovations in the area of gene and cell therapies, so-called advanced therapy medicinal products (ATMPs), have contributed to the steep increase in treatment options for patients with rare diseases. They offer opportunities to address the underlying genetic defect by gene addition, i.e., the delivery of the gene of interest to the target cells, or by genome editing approaches through direct repair of disease-causing mutations. This paper outlines clinical evidence requirements in the context of marketing authorisations for rare diseases. Two out of fifteen gene therapies that have been approved in the European Union since 2018 are used as case studies: Libmeldy (atidarsagen autotemcel) for the treatment of patients with metachromatic leukodystrophy, and Roctavian (valoctocogen roxaparvovec) for the treatment of patients with haemophilia A. Special aspects of the evaluation of single-arm trials with small sample size and requirements with regard to the isolation and causal attribution of the treatment effect are discussed. The role of clinical data obtained under everyday conditions (real world data) to support the generation of evidence in the pre- and post authorisation phase is critically examined. Furthermore, the paper outlines aspects related to conditional versus standard marketing authorisations as well as aspects related to registry-based non-interventional studies in the context of market and patient access to urgently needed drugs.

Design and activity evaluation of new EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors containing cyclic polyamines.

The EGFR-TK pathway is pivotal in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment, drugs targeting both EGFR wild-type and mutant tumor cells are still urgently needed. The focus of our study is on ATP-competitive inhibitors crucial for NSCLC therapy, specifically targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). A series of derivatives of Erlotinib and Icotinib were developed by incorporating a macrocyclic polyamine into a quinazoline scaffold to enhance their inhibitory activity against drug-resistant cells. The compounds exhibit modest activity against EGFR triple mutants (EGFRdel19/T790M/C797S). Compound b demonstrated slightly improved inhibition activity against PC-9del19/T790M/C797S (IC50 = 496.3 nM). This could provide some insights for optimizing EGFR inhibitors, particularly in the context of EGFR triple mutants.

Yunchengibacter salinarum gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel bacterium of the family Kordiimonadaceae isolated from sediment in Yuncheng salt lake.

A Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, motile and rod-shaped bacterium, the color of the bacterial colony ranges from light yellow to yellow, designated YC-2023-2T, was isolated from sediment sample of Yuncheng salt lake. Growth occurred at 15-45℃ (optimum 37℃), pH 6.0-9.0 (optimum pH 7.0-8.0) and with 0-8.0% NaCl (w/v, optimum 2.0%). The phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YC-2023-2T belonged to the family Kordiimonadaceae. The closely related members were Gimibacter soli 6D33T (92.38%), Kordiimonas lipolytica M41T (91.88%), Eilatimonas milleporae DSM 25217T (91.88%) and Kordiimonas gwangyangensis JCM 12864T (91.84%). The genome of strain YC-2023-2T was 2957513 bp, and the genomic DNA G+C content was 63.91%. The main respiratory quinone was Q-10 and the major fatty acids (>10%) were iso-C15:0, C16:0, C19:0 cyclo ω8c, Summed Feature 8 (C18:1 ω6c or C18:1 ω7c) and Summed Feature 9 (iso-C17:1 ω9c or C16:0 10-methyl). The major polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, unidentified glycolipid, unidentified lipid, and two unidentified aminolipids. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics, strain YC-2023-2T is proposed to represent a novel species of a novel genus named Yunchengibacter salinarum gen. nov., sp. nov., within the family Kordiimonadaceae. The type strain is YC-2023-2T (= GDMCC 1.4502T = KCTC 8546T).

Interaction between angiotensin-converting enzyme gene rs4343 polymorphism, environment factors, and angiotensin II level on susceptibility to knee osteoarthritis.

OBJECTIVES: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a complex multifactorial disease. The association of knee OA risk with ACE gene rs4343 polymorphism, gene environment synergistic effect, and angiotensin II serum level has not been previously examined. Therefore, we investigate the ACE gene rs4343 polymorphism in knee OA, and its association with severity of knee OA, and angiotensin II serum level. METHODS: Using a case-control design, we recruited 200 subjects (100 cases and 100 controls) and all were subjected to genotyping of rs4343 SNP by real-time polymerase chain reaction and assay of serum angiotensin II level by ELISA. RESULTS: G containing genotypes (AG and GG) and G allele frequencies of the ACE rs4343 polymorphism were significantly higher in the case group than that in the control group. There was significant association between ACE rs4343 genotypes and risk of knee OA under the following genetic inheritance models: GG vs. AA (P=0.003), AA vs. GG/AG (P=0.014), AG/AA vs. GG (P=0.037), and G vs. A (P<0.001). Stratified analyses showed ACE rs4343 polymorphism was evidently associated with a significantly increased risk of knee OA among those had BMI≥25% (adjusted OR=3.016; 95% CI 1.052-8.648; P=0.040). Additionally, knee OA patients with GG genotype had greater knee specific WOMAC index, Kellgren score, and serum angiotensin II level than those with AA or GA genotypes. CONCLUSION: The investigated polymorphism in the ACE gene rs4343 may reflect the risk and severity of knee OA in the Egyptian population, particularly with the GG genotype. The interaction between ACE gene rs4343 polymorphism and obesity further increased the risk of knee OA. Moreover, the higher angiotensin II level may be involved in the pathogenesis of knee OA.

Two new species of Dulcicalothrix (Nostocales, Cyanobacteria) from India and erection of Brunnivagina gen. nov., with observations on the problem of using multiple ribosomal operons in cyanobacterial taxonomy.

Two new species of Dulcicalothrix, D. adhikaryi sp. nov. and D. iyengarii sp. nov., were discovered in India and are characterized and described in accordance with the rules of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (ICN). As a result of phylogenetic analysis, Calothrix elsteri is reassigned to Brunnivagina gen. nov. During comparison with all Dulcicalothrix for which sequence data were available, we observed that the genus has six ribosomal operons in three orthologous types. Each of the three orthologs could be identified based upon indels occurring in the D1-D1' helix sequence in the ITS rRNA region between the 16S and 23S rRNA genes, and in these three types, there were operons containing ITS rRNA regions with and without tRNA genes. Examination of complete genomes in Dulcicalothrix revealed that, at least in the three strains for which complete genomes are available, there are five ribosomal operons, two with tRNA genes and three with no tRNA genes in the ITS rRNA region. Internal transcribed spacer rRNA regions have been consistently used to differentiate species, both on the basis of secondary structure and percent dissimilarity. Our findings call into question the use of ITS rRNA regions to differentiate species in the absence of efforts to obtain multiple operons of the ITS rRNA region through cloning or targeted PCR amplicons. The ITS rRNA region data for Dulcicalothrix is woefully incomplete, but we provide herein a means for dealing with incomplete data using the polyphasic approach to analyze diverse molecular character sets. Caution is urged in using ITS rRNA data, but a way forward through the complexity is also proposed.

Antibiotic-resistant characteristics and horizontal gene transfer ability analysis of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolated from giant pandas.

Extended-spectrum ß-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) is regarded as one of the most important priority pathogens within the One Health interface. However, few studies have investigated the occurrence of ESBL-EC in giant pandas, along with their antibiotic-resistant characteristics and horizontal gene transfer abilities. In this study, we successfully identified 12 ESBL-EC strains (8.33%, 12/144) out of 144 E. coli strains which isolated from giant pandas. We further detected antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), virulence-associated genes (VAGs) and mobile genetic elements (MGEs) among the 12 ESBL-EC strains, and the results showed that 13 ARGs and 11 VAGs were detected, of which bla CTX-M (100.00%, 12/12, with 5 variants observed) and papA (83.33%, 10/12) were the most prevalent, respectively. And ISEcp1 (66.67%, 8/12) and IS26 (66.67%, 8/12) were the predominant MGEs. Furthermore, horizontal gene transfer ability analysis of the 12 ESBL-EC showed that all bla CTX-M genes could be transferred by conjugative plasmids, indicating high horizontal gene transfer ability. In addition, ARGs of rmtB and sul2, VAGs of papA, fimC and ompT, MGEs of ISEcp1 and IS26 were all found to be co-transferred with bla CTX-M. Phylogenetic analysis clustered these ESBL-EC strains into group B2 (75.00%, 9/12), D (16.67%, 2/12), and B1 (8.33%, 1/12), and 10 sequence types (STs) were identified among 12 ESBL-EC (including ST48, ST127, ST206, ST354, ST648, ST1706, and four new STs). Our present study showed that ESBL-EC strains from captive giant pandas are reservoirs of ARGs, VAGs and MGEs that can co-transfer with bla CTX-M via plasmids. Transmissible ESBL-EC strains with high diversity of resistance and virulence elements are a potential threat to humans, animals and surrounding environment.

Adult Pompe disease: Analysis of 13 patients. / Enfermedad de Pompe del adulto: análisis de 13 pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: Pompe Disease (PD) is a lysosomal disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA), primarily manifesting as a progressive myopathy with early respiratory involvement. Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) is available since 2006. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We describe 13 patients with partial GAA deficiency, followed at Hospital 12 de Octubre, 8 of whom were receiving treatment. RESULTS: 8 patients exhibit symptoms, all with late onset. They display axial and proximal weakness predominantly in the lower limbs but maintain autonomous gait. Five patients require non-invasive mechanical ventilation due to respiratory insufficiency. All symptomatic patients receive ERT, and in 7/8 (87.5%), there is a decline in motor and pulmonary function after an average of 8.25 years of treatment (baseline and post-treatment FVC and 6MWT mean 86.6% vs 70.8% and 498 vs 430 meters, respectively). CONCLUSION: Not all patients with partial GAA deficiency experience symptoms of PD, and symptomatic patients, despite ERT with recombinant alpha-glucosidase, mostly experience a gradual decline in motor and respiratory function.

Feasibility of magnetomyography with optically pumped magnetometers in a mobile magnetic shield.

While magnetomyography (MMG) using optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) is a promising method for non-invasive investigation of the neuromuscular system, it has almost exclusively been performed in magnetically shielded rooms (MSRs) to date. MSRs provide extraordinary conditions for biomagnetic measurements but limit the widespread adoption of measurement methods due to high costs and extensive infrastructure. In this work, we address this issue by exploring the feasibility of mobile OPM-MMG in a setup of commercially available components. From field mapping and simulations, we find that the employed zero-field OPM can operate within a large region of the mobile shield, beyond which residual magnetic fields and perturbations become increasingly intolerable. Moreover, with digital filtering and moderate averaging a signal quality comparable to that in a heavily shielded MSR is attained. These findings facilitate practical and cost-effective implementations of OPM-MMG systems in clinical practice and research.

Are the Positions in the Word Ranking of Competitive Alpine Skiers Explainable by Prominent Polymorphisms in Regulatory Genes of Mechanical and Metabolic Muscle Functioning?

Background: The success of competitive alpine skiers with respective to their world ranking (WR) positions might be associated with prominent gene polymorphisms. Methods: Twenty-six competitive alpine skiers were followed from 2015 to 2019 for their WR positions (FIS-ranking). Using PCR, the genotypes of ACE-I/D, TNC, ACTN3, and PTK2 were identified. The correlations between the discipline-specific WR position (slalom-SL, giant slalom-GS, super G-SG, downhill-DH, and alpine combined-AC) and gene polymorphisms were analyzed concerning an influence with multivariate regression models. Results: The WR position and the ACE gene as well as the copy number of the ACE I-allele exhibited reciprocal relationships for speed specialists (SG and DH) but not for technical specialists (SL and GS). Similarly, the gene polymorphisms ACTN3 and (partly) PTK2 were associated with the WR position in disciplines characterized by a high number of turns (technical specialists-SL and GS) and speed (speed-specialists-SG and DH), respectively. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the contributions of aerobic and cardiovascular metabolism in fueling muscle work and recovering from muscle fatigue for competitive success in slalom-driven skiing disciplines and highlight the contributions of sequence variants in the genes ACE, TNC, and ACTN3.

Reporte de Caso: Gerodermia Osteodisplástica en Panamá

RESUMEN: La gerodermia osteodisplástica (GO) es un trastorno genético poco frecuente de carácter autosómico recesivo dentro de los trastornos de cutis laxa, caracterizado por una piel laxa y arrugada, osteoporosis que lleva a fracturas espontáneas, luxación de cadera congénito, laxitud de articulaciones, signos de progeria, retraso del desarrollo y discapacidad intelectual. Esta es una condición causada por mutaciones genéticas en el gen GORAB (1q24.2). Presentamos el caso de una lactante menor de 3 meses de edad, con un fenotipo característico de esta condición, piel laxa y arrugada, especialmente en sus manos y pies, además de una luxación de rodilla. Se le realizó un panel genético para colagenopatías, que identificó una alteración en el gen GORAB confirmando el diagnóstico de Gerodermia osteodisplástica.   (provisto por Infomedic International)

ABSTRACT: Gerodermia osteodysplastica (GO) is a rare genetic disease in which the inheritance is autosomal recessive within Cutis laxa disorders, it is characterized by a lax and wrinkled skin, osteoporosis leading to spontaneous fractures, congenital dislocation of the hips, hyperextensible joints, progeroid features, developmental delay and intellectual deficit. This is a condition caused by genetic mutations in the GORAB gene (1q24.2). We present the case of a 3-month-old infant with the typical phenotype of this condition, lax and wrinkled skin, specially the hands and feet, in addition to a knee dislocation. A panel testing for connective tissue disorders was performed, which identified an alteration in the GORAB gene, confirming the diagnosis de Gerodermia osteodysplastica. (provided by Infomedic International)

Desertibaculum subflavum gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the family Sneathiellaceae isolated from the Kumtag Desert soil.

A novel rod-shaped bacterium, designated as strain SYSU D60015T that formed yellowish colonies was isolated from a sandy soil collected from the Kumtag Desert in Xinjiang, China. Cells were Gram-stain-negative, oxidase-positive, catalase-negative and motile with a single polar flagellum. Growth optimum occurred between 28 and 37 °C, pH 7.0 and with 0-0.5% (W/V) NaCl. The predominant cellular fatty acids (> 5%) were summed feature 8 (C18:1 ω7c and/or C18:1 ω6c), C19:0 cyclo ω8c, C18:1 ω7c 11-methyl and C16:0. The polar lipid profile contained one phosphatidylethanolamine, one diphosphatidylglycerol, one phosphatidylglycerol, one unidentified phospholipid, three unidentified aminolipids, two unidentified aminophospholipids and seven unidentified lipids. The only respiratory quinone was ubiquinone-10. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogenetic analysis, strain SYSU D60015T was found to form a distinct linage within the family Sneathiellaceae, and had 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities of 90.8% to Taonella mepensis H1T, and 90.2% to Ferrovibrio denitrificans S3T. The genome of SYSU D60015T was 5.66 Mb in size with 68.2% of DNA G + C content. The low digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH, 18.0%), average nucleotide identity (ANI, 77.5%) and amino acid identity (AAI, 56.0%) values between SYSU D60015T and Ferrovibrio terrae K5T indicated that SYSU D60015T might represent a distinct genus. Based on the phylogenetic, phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and genomic data, we propose Desertibaculum subflavum gen. nov., sp. nov. as a novel species of a new genus within the family Sneathiellaceae. The type strain is SYSU D60015T (= NBRC 112952T = CGMCC 1.16256T).

Synthesis and Regulation of miRNA, Its Role in Oncogenesis, and Its Association with Colorectal Cancer Progression, Diagnosis, and Prognosis.

The dysfunction of several types of regulators, including miRNAs, has recently attracted scientific attention for their role in cancer-associated changes in gene expression. MiRNAs are small RNAs of ~22 nt in length that do not encode protein information but play an important role in post-transcriptional mRNA regulation. Studies have shown that miRNAs are involved in tumour progression, including cell proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, and tumour angiogenesis and invasion, and play a complex and important role in the regulation of tumourigenesis. The detection of selected miRNAs may help in the early detection of cancer cells, and monitoring changes in their expression profile may serve as a prognostic factor in the course of the disease or its treatment. MiRNAs may serve as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, as well as potential therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer. In recent years, there has been increasing evidence for an epigenetic interaction between DNA methylation and miRNA expression in tumours. This article provides an overview of selected miRNAs, which are more frequently expressed in colorectal cancer cells, suggesting an oncogenic nature.

A New Genus of Villini (Diptera: Bombyliidae: Anthracinae) from the Semiarid Caatinga Domain, with a Description of a New Species, Pupal Case, Bionomic Remarks and an Identification Key to the Brazilian Genera of the Tribe.

A new monotypic genus is described and illustrated based on the species Pugliesemyia titiznana gen. nov. et sp. nov. from the Caatinga domains of the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. It belongs to the small group of genera in the Neotropical region (Stonyx Osten Sacken, Lepidanthrax Osten Sacken, Rhynchanthrax Painter) among the tribe Villini, with a projecting proboscis. In addition, we also provide an updated identification key to the known Brazilian genera of Villini, description and illustrations of the pupal case, bionomic remarks on the feeding habits and the host record of the species and a brief discussion on Villini systematics and boundaries of their genera.

The association of menopause with cardiometabolic disease risk factors in women living with and without HIV in sub-Saharan Africa: Results from the AWI-Gen 1 study.

BACKGROUND: Menopause and HIV are associated with cardiometabolic disease. In sub-Saharan Africa there is a growing population of midlife women living with HIV and a high prevalence of cardiometabolic disease. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine whether menopause and HIV were associated with cardiometabolic disease risk factors in a population of midlife sub-Saharan African women. STUDY DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional comparison of cardiometabolic disease risk factors between 944 premenopausal women (733 living without HIV and 211 living with HIV) and 1135 postmenopausal women (932 living without HIV and 203 living with HIV) in sub-Saharan Africa. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Anthropometric and cardiometabolic variables were compared between pre- and postmenopausal women living without HIV and between pre- and postmenopausal women living with HIV and between women living without HIV and women living with HIV. RESULTS: The prevalence of HIV was 19.9 %. Age at menopause was lower in women living with HIV than in women living without HIV (48.1 ± 5.1 vs 50.9 ± 4.7 years, p < 0.001). Women living with HIV and receiving efavirenz-based antiretroviral therapy had a lower body mass index (BMI), hip circumference, blood pressure and carotid intima media thickness but higher triglyceride levels and insulin resistance than women living without HIV. Antiretroviral therapy-naïve women living with HIV had lower HDL-cholesterol than women living without HIV. In this study, menopause was associated with higher LDL-C levels, regardless of HIV status. CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of obesity and related cardiometabolic disease risk factors in these midlife sub-Saharan African women is not related to the menopausal transition. The association of cardiometabolic disease risk factors with HIV and antiretroviral therapy is complex and requires further investigation in longitudinal studies, as does the negative association of age at final menstrual period with HIV.

Cancel culture in a developing country: A belief in a just world behavioral analysis among generation Z.

Cancel culture is a prevalent boycotting practice used to exert pressure, express disapproval, and enforce consequences online. While multiple studies have been done on cancel culture's history, evolution, and effects, none of them were focused on Cancel Culture for Gen Z, the most socially aware and digitally inclined generation. The study aimed to uncover the factors that influence Gen Z's intention to participate and actual participation in cancel culture by utilizing a newly established integrated framework of Belief in a Just World (BJW) and the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). A total of 677 valid survey responses from Gen Z respondents were collected to thoroughly evaluate the belief and behavioral dimensions of cancel culture through the utilization of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The study's results showed that attitude towards cancel culture, the subjective norm of cancel culture, and perceived behavioral control, are strong facilitating conditions that drive Gen Z's intent and actual participation in canceling behavior. It was seen that BJW has no effect on actual canceling behavior and a reverse effect on the intention to participate in canceling behavior. For the canceling methods, 97 % will unsubscribe or unfollow accounts and 94.68 % will block or mute accounts. It was also discovered that Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube are the top social media platforms used by Gen Zs in the Philippines with at least a 94 % usage rate. The findings of this study may be utilized by businesses and policymakers on how to reduce the incidence and impact of cancel culture.