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Frontiers in Insect Science 2024Calliphoridae are widespread globally and can inhabit a variety of habitats. In this brief report, we assessed the appeal of to resources that were previously inhabited...
Calliphoridae are widespread globally and can inhabit a variety of habitats. In this brief report, we assessed the appeal of to resources that were previously inhabited by and , both common carrion colonizers. Two hundred adult male and female (1:1) were released under controlled conditions into clear plastic cages (45 x 45 x 45 cm) with four types of substrates: beef-liver; liver with 100 third-instar larvae of ; (III) liver containing 100 third-instar larvae of L. sericata; and liver containing 100 third-instar larvae of . Each substrate was left in place for 24 hours at the end of a tube connected to the cage, where sticky traps were positioned to capture flies that might have been attracted to a specific substrate. The results indicate variations in the attraction of flies to different types of livers colonized by larvae of various species. It is suggested that flies may have specific preferences depending on the species of larvae present in the substrate. The liver without larvae was the preferred choice, while beef liver with larvae was the least attractive. Results of statistical tests indicated that there is independence between attractiveness preference and the presence of flies. Although there is a trend among certain levels of the variables in the correspondence analysis, these relationships are not statistically significant. However, they indicate specific patterns of association between different groups of flies and species of larvae. This study demonstrated that does not show reduced attraction to any of the resources. A tetrahedron olfactometer device has been used for the first time in a behavioral study of flies. This may enable future studies to enhance the understanding of fly behavior.
PubMed: 38947219
DOI: 10.3389/finsc.2024.1385884 -
MedRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024Tongue swabs represent a potential alternative to sputum as a sample type for detecting pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) using molecular diagnostic tests. The methods used to...
UNLABELLED
Tongue swabs represent a potential alternative to sputum as a sample type for detecting pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) using molecular diagnostic tests. The methods used to process tongue swabs for testing in the WHO-recommended Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert Ultra) assay vary greatly. We aimed to identify the optimal method for processing diagnostic tongue swabs for subsequent testing by Xpert Ultra. We compared four methods for treating dry tongue swabs with Xpert Ultra sample reagent (SR) mixed with various concentrations of Tris-EDTA-Tween (TET), to treatment with SR alone or to a commonly used SR-free heat-inactivation protocol. In each condition, swabs obtained from volunteers without TB were placed into test buffer spiked with known amounts of ( ) strain H37Rv-mc 6230. Swabs processed with 1:1 diluted SR buffer had the lowest limit of detection (LOD) at 22.7 CFU/700 µl (95% CI 14.2-31.2), followed by 2:1 diluted SR buffer at 30.3 CFU/700 µl (95% CI 19.9-40.7), neat SR at 30.9 CFU/700 µl (95% CI 21.5-40.3) and SR prefilled in the Xpert Ultra at 57.1 CFU/700 µl (95% CI 42.4-71.7). Swabs processed using the heat-based protocol had the highest LOD (77.6 CFU/700 µl; 95% CI 51.2-104.0). Similar findings were observed for LOD of RIF-susceptibility. Assay sensitivity using the 2:1 diluted SR buffer did not vary considerably in the presence of sputum matrix or phosphate buffer saline. Further studies are needed to assess the performance of this processing protocol in a clinical setting.
IMPORTANCE
Xpert MTB/RIF Ultra (Xpert Ultra) is approved by the World Health Organization for the diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB). This test is typically performed using sputum specimens obtained from people with presumptive TB. In order to inactivate and aid liquefaction, sputum must be mixed with Xpert SR prior to transfer into the Xpert Ultra. However, some people under evaluation for TB are unable to produce sputum. Alternative sample types for TB diagnosis would therefore be of value. Oral-swabs, including tongue-swabs have shown promise, but there are technical challenges associated with sample processing. In this study, several new tongue swab processing conditions were evaluated, utilizing SR, either neat or diluted in buffer. The ability of Xpert Ultra to detect TB was improved under these conditions compared with the previously published heat-processing method (1-3), processing steps were simplified, and technical challenges were overcome.
PubMed: 38947094
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.20.24309244 -
Research Square Jun 2024Little is known about differences in HIV risk for trans women by partner gender, particularly with respect to social determinants and partner-level circumstances that...
Little is known about differences in HIV risk for trans women by partner gender, particularly with respect to social determinants and partner-level circumstances that affect behavior. We examined differences in demographic, social determinants, and HIV-related risk behaviors for trans women with cis men and trans women sexual partners. Data are from a cross-sectional survey of trans women and their sexual partners conducted between April 2020 and January 2021. Interviews were held remotely during shelter-in-place due to Covid-19 via videoconference. Analysis characterizedassociations between HIV risk and protective behaviors comparing trans women with cisgender men partners to trans women with non-cisgender sexual partners. A total of 336 sexual partners were identified from 156 trans women. Trans women with cis men partners had significantly less education and employment and more incarceration and recidivism than trans women with trans women partners. Trans women and their cisgender men partners had shared experiences of unstable housing, incarceration, and HIV. Trans women with cisgender men partners reported significantly more sex exchange partners, receptive condomless sex, receptive or insertive condomless sex while using substances, and HIV infection compared to trans women with trans women partners. Trans women with cisgender men sexual partners faced higher HIV risk than trans women with trans women sexual partners. These risks may be related to the social and economic drivers that both trans women and their cis men partners faced, including barriers to education and employment, along with incarceration and recidivism. Interventions focused on economic stability, workforce development and post incarceration re-entry support for housing and employment for trans women with cis men partners and the cisgender men partners as well may have the most impact on reducing HIV risk and incidence.
PubMed: 38947081
DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4492723/v1 -
MedRxiv : the Preprint Server For... Jun 2024Mass vaccination is a cornerstone of public health emergency preparedness and response. However, injudicious placement of vaccination sites can lead to the formation of...
BACKGROUND
Mass vaccination is a cornerstone of public health emergency preparedness and response. However, injudicious placement of vaccination sites can lead to the formation of long waiting lines or , which discourages individuals from waiting to be vaccinated and may thus jeopardize the achievement of public health targets. Queueing theory offers a framework for modeling queue formation at vaccination sites and its effect on vaccine uptake.
METHODS
We developed an algorithm that integrates queueing theory within a spatial optimization framework to optimize the placement of mass vaccination sites. The algorithm was built and tested using data from a mass canine rabies vaccination campaign in Arequipa, Peru. We compared expected vaccination coverage and losses from queueing (i.e., attrition) for sites optimized with our queue-conscious algorithm to those obtained from a queue-naive version of the same algorithm.
RESULTS
Sites placed by the queue-conscious algorithm resulted in 9-19% less attrition and 1-2% higher vaccination coverage compared to sites placed by the queue-naïve algorithm. Compared to the queue-naïve algorithm, the queue-conscious algorithm favored placing more sites in densely populated areas to offset high arrival volumes, thereby reducing losses due to excessive queueing. These results were not sensitive to misspecification of queueing parameters or relaxation of the constant arrival rate assumption.
CONCLUSION
One should consider losses from queueing to optimally place mass vaccination sites, even when empirically derived queueing parameters are not available. Due to the negative impacts of excessive wait times on participant satisfaction, reducing queueing attrition is also expected to yield downstream benefits and improve vaccination coverage in subsequent mass vaccination campaigns.
PubMed: 38947058
DOI: 10.1101/2024.06.14.24308958 -
Research Square Jun 2024Purpose ( )-4-[ F]fluoroglutamine ([ F]FGln) is a promising metabolic imaging marker in cancer. Based on the fact that major inflammatory cells are heavily dependent...
Purpose ( )-4-[ F]fluoroglutamine ([ F]FGln) is a promising metabolic imaging marker in cancer. Based on the fact that major inflammatory cells are heavily dependent on glutamine metabolism like cancer cells, we explored the potential utility of [ F]FGln as a metabolic imaging marker for inflammation in two rat models: carrageenan-induced paw edema (CIPE) and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Procedures: The CIPE model (n = 4) was generated by injecting 200 µL of 3% carrageenan solution into the left hind paw three hours before the PET. The CIA model (n = 4) was generated by injecting 200 µg of collagen emulsion subcutaneously at the tail base 3-4 weeks before the PET. A qualitative scoring system was used to assess the severity of paw inflammation. After a CT scan, 15.7 ± 4.9 MBq of [ F]FGln was injected via the tail vein, followed by a dynamic micro-PET scan for 90 minutes under anesthesia with isoflurane. The standard uptake value of [ F]FGln was measured by placing a volume of interest in each paw. The non-injected right hind paws of the CIPE model rats served as controls for both models. The paws with CIA were pathologically examined after PET. Results In CIPE models, uptake in the injected paw was higher compared to the non-injected paw by 52-83%. In CIA models, uptake in the paws with severe inflammation was higher than the averaged controls by 54-173%, while that with mild and no inflammation was slightly higher (33%) and lower (-7%), respectively. Combined overall, the [ F]FGln uptake in CIA showed a significant positive correlation with inflammation severity ( = 0.88, = 0.009). The pathological findings confirmed profound inflammation in CIA. Conclusions [ F]FGln uptake was increased in both acute and chronic inflammation, and the uptake level was significantly correlated with the severity, suggesting its potential utility as a novel metabolic imaging marker for inflammation.
PubMed: 38947024
DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4493375/v1 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2024Bryophytes, the second-largest group of plants, play a crucial role as early colonizers of land and are a prolific source of naturally occurring substances with...
Bryophytes, the second-largest group of plants, play a crucial role as early colonizers of land and are a prolific source of naturally occurring substances with significant economic potential. Microorganisms, particularly bacteria, cyanobacteria, fungi form intricate associations with plants, notably bryophytes, contributing to the ecological functioning of terrestrial ecosystems and sometimes it gives negative impact also. This review elucidates the pivotal role of endophytic bacteria in promoting plant growth, facilitating nutrient cycling, and enhancing environmental health. It comprehensively explores the diversity and ecological significance of fungal and bacterial endophytes across various ecosystems. Furthermore, it highlights the moss nitrogen dynamics observed in select moss species. Throughout the review, emphasis is placed on the symbiotic interdependence between bryophytes and microorganisms, offering foundational insights for future research endeavors. By shedding light on the intricate bryophyte-microorganism associations, this study advances our understanding of the complex interplay between plants, microbes, and their environment, paving the way for further research and applications in environmental and biotechnological realms.
PubMed: 38946907
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1407391 -
World Journal of Gastrointestinal... Jun 2024Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) result from injury to the pancreas from acute or chronic pancreatitis, surgery, or trauma. Management of these collections has...
Pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) result from injury to the pancreas from acute or chronic pancreatitis, surgery, or trauma. Management of these collections has evolved over the last 2 decades. The choice of interventions includes percutaneous, endoscopic, minimally invasive surgery, or a combined approach. Endoscopic drainage is the drainage of PFCs by creating an artificial communication between the collection and gastrointestinal lumen that is maintained by placing a stent across the fistulous tract. In this editorial, we endeavored to update the current status of endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of PFCs.
PubMed: 38946852
DOI: 10.4253/wjge.v16.i6.273 -
World Journal of Clinical Oncology Jun 2024Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is one of the commonest biliary malignancies seen in India, Argentina, and Japan. The disease has dismal outcome as it is detected quite late... (Review)
Review
Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is one of the commonest biliary malignancies seen in India, Argentina, and Japan. The disease has dismal outcome as it is detected quite late due to nonspecific symptoms and signs. Early detection is the only way to improve the outcome. There have been several advances in basic as well as clinical research in the hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases in the West and other developed countries but not enough has been done in GBC. Therefore, it is important and the responsibility of the countries with high burden of GBC to find solutions to the many unanswered questions like etiopathogenesis, early diagnosis, treatment, and prognostication. As India being one of the largest hubs for GBC in the world, it is important to know how the country has progressed on GBC. In this review, we will discuss the outcome of the publications from India highlighting the work and the developments taken place in past several decades both in basic and clinical research.
PubMed: 38946839
DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v15.i6.695 -
Osteoarthritis and Cartilage Open Sep 2024This dextran-tyramine hydrogel is a novel cartilage repair technique, filling focal cartilage defects to provide a cell-free scaffold for subsequent cartilage repair. We...
OBJECTIVE
This dextran-tyramine hydrogel is a novel cartilage repair technique, filling focal cartilage defects to provide a cell-free scaffold for subsequent cartilage repair. We aim to asses this techniques' operative feasibility in the knee joint and its ability to maintain position and integrity under expected loading conditions.
METHOD
Seven fresh-frozen human cadaver legs (age range 55-88) were used to create 30 cartilage defects on the medial and lateral femoral condyles dependent of cartilage quality, starting with 1.0 cm; augmenting to 1.5 cm and eventually 2.0 cm. The defects were operatively filled with the injectable hydrogel scaffold. The knees were subsequently placed on a continues passive motion machine for 30 min of non-load bearing movement, mimicking post-operative rehabilitation. High resolution digital photographs documented the hydrogel scaffold after placement and directly after movement. Three independent observers blinded for the moment compared the photographs on outline attachment, area coverage and hydrogel integrity.
RESULTS
The operative procedure was uncomplicated in all defects, application of the hydrogel was straightforward and comparable to common cartilage repair techniques. No macroscopic iatrogenic damage was observed. The hydrogel scaffold remained predominately unchanged after non-load bearing movement. Outline attachment, area coverage and hydrogel integrity were unaffected in 87%, 93% and 83% of defects respectively. Larger defects appear to be more affected than smaller defects, although not statistically significant (p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION
The results of this study show operative feasibility of this cell-free hydrogel scaffold for chondral defects of the knee joint. Sustained outline attachment, area coverage and hydrogel integrity were observed after non-load bearing knee movement.
PubMed: 38946794
DOI: 10.1016/j.ocarto.2024.100492 -
Orthopaedic Surgery Jun 2024Fractures and bone nonunion commonly require surgical intervention. Serious outcomes of non-healing in the late stages of fracture place a significant financial burden... (Review)
Review
Fractures and bone nonunion commonly require surgical intervention. Serious outcomes of non-healing in the late stages of fracture place a significant financial burden on society and families. Bone nonunion occurs when a fracture stops healing, for many reasons, and leads to a variety of bad outcomes. Numerous factors, including biomechanics and immunology, are involved in the complicated mechanisms of bone nonunion. The immune-inflammatory response plays a significant part in the emergence of bone nonunion, and the occurrence, control, and remission of inflammation in the bone healing process have a significant influence on the ultimate success of bone tissue repair. In the bone microenvironment, immune cells and associated cytokines control bone repair, which is significantly influenced by macrophages, T cells, and fibroblast growth factor. To limit acute inflammation and balance osteogenesis and osteoblastogenesis for tissue repair and regeneration, immune cells and various cytokines in the local microenvironment must be precisely regulated. As a bad complication of late-stage fractures, bone nonunion has a significant effect on patients' quality of life and socioeconomic development. Therefore, in-depth research on its pathogenesis and treatment methods has important clinical value. To provide more precise, focused therapeutic options for the treatment of bone nonunion, we discuss the regulatory roles of the key immune cells engaged in bone healing within the microenvironment during bone healing and their effect on osteogenesis.
PubMed: 38946017
DOI: 10.1111/os.14131