1: Passive Acoustic Monitoring (PAM) revolutionises ecological research, utilizing sounds for species-specific inferences. However, PAM generates large volumes of data, posing challenges in annotation, classification, and review complexity, necessitating efficient data management strategies. 2: Given this particular need, this research aimed to improve the performance of a pattern-matching algorithm for detecting signals of interest in two nocturnal bird species. The study pursued two main objectives: first, to evaluate various similarity scores and determine the optimum one through a sensitivity-specificity analysis. Second, we investigate potential relationships between species-specific spectral features, such as high, low, and peak frequencies, and the algorithm’s performance by reviewing and comparing their dispersion with a Levene test. 3: The outcomes demonstrated a generally favorable algorithm performance, achieving up to 80% sensitivity and specificity. This underscores its effectiveness in identifying target signals. Our investigation indicated that factors like individuality, which could be reflect on the spectral features, could potentially impact the algorithm’s efficacy. 4: ARBIMON provides transformative collaborative solutions in the field of bioacoustics. However, additional research is imperative to fully grasp the performance and potential applications of such tools. This exploration extends beyond ARBIMON to encompass the burgeoning technologies within the discipline.

Diabetic ketoacidosis and loss of consciousness as the first clinical presentations of apoplexy in a patient with recurrent pituitary adenoma: A Case Report study

The construction of (hierarchical) curl-conforming basis functions has been a hot topic in the last decades in the finite element community. Especially, functions applied to simplices have been quite popular after the work by Nédélec in 1980. Many mixed-order and full-order families have been provided in the last years, but sometimes it is difficult to assess if they belong to the original space proposed by Nédélec (especially when orthogonalization procedures are applied). Here, a tool to determine if a family of basis functions belongs to the Nédélec space is provided. Since affine coordinates are the most frequent choice for simplices, particularities about its use with this kind of coordinates are detailed. A detailed survey of existing families is provided, and the practical application of the tool to a representative set of these families is discussed. The tool is also available for the community in a public repository.

In this paper, we investigate the the existence and stability of non-trivial steady state solutions of a class of chemotaxis models with zero-flux boundary conditions and Dirichlet boundary conditions on one-dimensional bounded interval. By using upper-lower solution and the monotone iteration scheme method, we get the existence of the steady-state solution of the chemotaxis model. Moreover, by adopting the “inverse derivative” technique and the weighted energy method to obtain the stability of the steady-state solution of this chemotaxis model.

Parasites may alter host physiology, which may promote behavioural adaptations to counteract their effect. Adaptive feeding may help individuals to cope with infection, especially during physiologically highly demanding life stages. For instance, migrating birds need to fuel long-distance flights and repair oxidative damage caused by intense aerobic exercise, and parasites may influence on how individuals balance these needs. Infected birds may face increased oxidative challenges, which could induce them to favour antioxidant defences over other needs, such as fattening. We tested whether migrating birds can adaptively choose food according to their needs, favouring dietary antioxidants to cope with oxidative stress caused by blood parasites during migration. During autumn migration, we mist-netted young male European blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla) stopping over in central Spain. We placed the birds in cages where they were offered fat and anthocyanin-enriched food alternatives. We measured preference for each food offer. We tested their infections by haemosporidian parasites with PCR techniques and their parasitaemia with blood smear inspection. We also measured physiological variables that account for nutritional and oxidative status in red blood cells and plasma. We found that birds with multiple infections favoured anthocyanin-enriched food controlling for an effect of body mass on food preference (lean blackcaps preferred anthocyanins, likely because they are urged to repair oxidative damage upon arrival on stopover with depleted energy reserves). Infected birds had a lower antioxidant capacity of plasma, and individuals with more oxidative damage preferred anthocyanin-enriched food. Our results suggest that parasite infections may increase individuals’ antioxidant needs, which could affect migration performance if the urge to find dietary antioxidants reduces fuel consumption rate.

Background The high heterogeneity of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has led to poor clinical outcomes. The critical role of amino acid metabolic reprogramming in tumor growth is gradually emerging. However, amino acid metabolism in HCC is less studied, and the mechanisms still need to be clarified. Methods We acquired transcriptome information on HCC patients from public databases. Amino acid metabolism-related genes (ACRGs) were used as prognostic markers. We built the prognosis-related ACRG_score model using Univariate/Multivariate COX and Lasso regression analyses following stratification by consensus clustering. Furthermore, we assigned HCC patients with high ACRG expression to the high-risk category and others to the low-risk category. We compared clinical characteristics, immune cell infiltration, somatic mutations, and immune checkpoint (IC) genes among the groups. Finally, drug sensitivity and molecular docking analyses were used to identify therapeutic candidates targeting the essential ACRG target proteins. Result We constructed a six-gene ACRG_score model that better predicted the survival prognosis for liver cancer patients, and we validated it using internal and external datasets. In HCC patients, ACRG_score are associated with clinicopathological characteristics and have proven to be an independent prediction factor. Nomogram and calibration curves illustrated the model could correctly forecast patient prognosis. In addition, immune infiltration, Tumor Mutational Burden (TMB), and ACRG_score were revealed to be significantly correlated. IC genes were also present. According to immunohistochemical analysis, HCC tissues had higher EZH2, SLC2A1, and SPP1 expression levels than normal tissues. Additionally, we identified seven candidate small-molecule medications that may bind four of the ACRG essential target proteins. Conclusions: In this study, the ACRG_score model was created to analyze the prognosis, TMB, IC, and therapy responsiveness for HCC patients. This model can predict patient prognosis, guide immunotherapy, provide clinical dosing suggestions, and supply valuable tools for individualized patient treatment.

The inclusion of thoracolumbar radiographs in a pre-purchase examination (PPE) is a topic of current and intense debate, subsequent to a statement from the Federation of European Equine Veterinary Associations (FEEVA) advocating the exclusion of spinous process radiography from the PPE. This review will consider the reasons behind the addition of such radiographs into PPEs, the limitations of radiography in ambulatory practice and therefore the diagnostic limitations to the practitioner, the diagnostic benefit of a complete radiographic examination, and discussion of common and less-frequent thoracolumbar pathologies. We will focus on laterolateral radiographs of the spinous processes as these are most commonly acquired during the PPE. The lack of consistent and repeatable grading systems highlights the subjective nature and variability in assessing this region radiographically. Coupled with the sparse evidence of correlation between clinical symptoms and radiographic abnormalities of the thoracolumbar spine leads us to conclude that taking radiographs of the back during PPEs should not be performed unless the clinical examination indicates otherwise.

Impacts of long-term fertilization and cultivation were evaluated on nematode communities associated with tall fescue turfgrass following 11 years of treatment applications. Fertilizer treatments of biosolid, synthetic, and plant-based fertilizers and cultivation treatments of 0x, 1x, and 2x aerification passes were applied to randomized and replicated tall fescue plots at the University of Maryland Paint Branch Turfgrass facility in College Park, Maryland. Free-living and plant-parasitic nematodes were identified, enumerated, and categorized into functional groups. Nematode count data were compared using generalized linear mixed modeling with negative binomial distribution and two-way ANOVA was used to compare nematode ecological indices. Biosolid treatments resulted in lower omnivore-predator densities than plant-based fertilizer treatments (P≤0.001) and significantly greater Hoplolaimus densities than plant-based fertilizer plots (P≤0.05). Synthetic fertilizer applications resulted in the greatest Eucephalobus (P≤0.05) and total bacterivore densities (P≤0.001) of all fertilizer treatments. Plant-based fertilizer treated plots had the largest Structure Index (P≤0.05). Cultivation of 1x resulted in fewer total bacterivore densities than 2x (P≤0.01) while omnivore-predator densities were greater in 1x than 0x (P≤0.001). Plant health, as measured by NDVI, was lowest in biosolid treated turfgrass (P≤0.05). These findings suggest that long-term turfgrass management practices can have variable impacts on nematode abundance and community structure in tall fescue and provide insights into ecological impacts of turfgrass management practices.

Aims: There is no specific guidance on optimal clozapine plasma concentrations in older people. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that therapeutic plasma clozapine concentrations would be lower in patients with an onset of psychosis after 60 years, compared to those with an earlier onset of schizophrenia (EOS) and to investigate the relationship between pharmacokinetic indices and side effects. Methods: Data were extracted from anonymised healthcare records for clozapine treated patients aged over 55 years. Median plasma clozapine and norclozapine concentrations (Cclozapine, Cnorclozapine) were compared across diagnostic groups. Mixed-effects models were used to investigate the relationship between pharmacokinetic biomarkers and side effects. Results: Of the 481 patients (4519 samples, median 6 per person), 430 (89.4%) were diagnosed with EOS. Cclozapine and Cnorclozapine in those with Parkinson’s disease psychosis (0.17mgL-1, 0.08mgL-1) were lower than those with EOS (0.41mgL-1, 0.19mgL-1), dementia-related psychosis (0.40mgL-1, 0.24mgL-1) and very late-onset schizophrenia-like psychosis (0.42mgL-1, 0.17mgL-1). Cclozapine was associated with higher corrected QT interval (QTc), whilst Cclozapine and Cnorclozapine were associated with higher neutrophil counts and body mass index, but not with clinical thresholds for neutropenia, obesity, QTc prolongation, or with sedation. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that, compared to EOS, therapeutic plasma clozapine concentrations are lower in Parkinson’s disease psychosis but not in other forms of later onset psychosis. Interpretation was limited by the relatively young age of the sample and the small number of samples associated with side effects. Prospective studies are needed to further explore optimal dosing specifically in older people.

AKB48 is a synthetic cannabinoid illegally sold for its psychoactive cannabis-like effects that has been associated to several acute intoxications and which effects are poorly known. Using a behavioural, neurochemical and immunohistochemical approach we investigated the pharmaco-toxicological effects, plasma pharmacokinetic and neuroplasticity at cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) in the cerebellum and cortex induced by repeated AKB48 administration in male and female mice. The effects of AKB48 varied significantly depending on sex and length of treatment. The 1st injection impaired sensorimotor responses and reduced body temperature, analgesia, and breath rate at a greater extent in females than in males, the 2nd injection induced stronger effects in males while the 3rd injection of AKB48 induced weaker responses in both sexes, suggesting the emergence of tolerance. The CB1R antagonist NESS-0327 prevented the effects induced by repeated AKB48, confirming a CB1R-mediated action of the drug. Blood AKB48 levels were higher in females than in males and repeated administration caused a progressive rise of AKB48 content in blood samples of both sexes, suggesting an inhibitory effect on cytochrome activity. Finally, immunohistochemical analysis revealed higher expression of CB1Rs in the cerebellum and cortex of females, and a rapid CB1R downregulation in cerebellar and cortical areas following repeated AKB48 injections, with neuroadaptation occurring generally more rapidly in females than in males. We showed for the first time that AKB48 effects significantly vary with prolonged use and that sex affects the pharmacodynamic/pharmacokinetic responses to its repeated administration, suggesting a sex-tailored approach in managing AKB48-induced intoxication.

Background and Purpose Voltage sensitivity is a common feature of many membrane proteins, including some G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, the functional consequences of voltage sensitivity in GPCRs are not well understood. Experimental approach In this study, we investigated the voltage sensitivity of the post-synaptic metabotropic glutamate receptor mGlu5 and its impact on synaptic transmission. Using biosensors and electrophysiological recordings in non-excitable HEK293T cells or neurons. Key Results We found that mGlu5 receptor function is optimal at resting membrane potentials. We observed that membrane depolarization significantly reduced mGlu5 receptor activation, Gq-PLC/PKC stimulation, Ca2+ release, and mGlu5 receptor-gated currents through TRPC6 channels or NMDA receptors. Notably, we report a previously unknown activity of the NMDA receptor at the resting potential of neurons, enabled by mGlu5. Conclusions & Implications Our findings suggest that mGlu5 receptor activity is directly regulated by membrane voltage which may have a significant impact on synaptic processes and pathophysiological functions.

This report describes the successful treatment of a cutaneous hemangiosarcoma of a 12 years old horse presented for evaluation of a cutaneous mass on the left gluteal region. Hemangiosarcoma is a rare life-threatening neoplasia that can be successfully managed when diagnosed and treated at early stages. Unfortunately, they are often diagnosed at later stages, leading to a poor outcome and low survival rates. In this report, the horse has been treated with a complete large surgical excision of the neoplastic tissue. A good cosmetic outcome as well as a short recovery time has been achieved with an autologous skin grafting split thickness modified meek technique. A long-term follow-up of the patient showed no reoccurrence of the hemangiosarcoma, and successful return to athletic performance. In the authors knowledge, this is the first equine primary cutaneous hemangiosarcoma treated with complete excision and subsequently autologous skin grafting with a long-term follow-up and good outcome despite the poor prognosis.

Three fatigue damage models based on entropy, originally developed for constant amplitude loading, were assessed and compared each other in order to state whether its applicability can be extended towards variable amplitude loading conditions. A variable amplitude loading history, applied on a 2024-T3 aluminum alloy reported in the literature, was processed using both rainflow cycle counting and spectral techniques to transform it into a distribution of simple processes with constant amplitudes, then the damage models were assessed under the new loading conditions. The results showed that the model by Khonsari, combined with the rainflow technique, exhibited the highest accuracy with respect to the referenced experimental results with -0.67 standard deviation from the average data and 16% error from the median. Therefore, it is possible to assess the fatigue damage accumulation in metallic materials under variable amplitude loading through a thermodynamic approach with models developed for constant amplitude loading.

During ontogeny, the increase in body size forces species to make trade-offs between their food requirements, the conditions necessary for growth and reproduction as well as the avoidance of predators. Ontogenetic changes are leading species to seek out habitats and food resources that meet their needs. These aspects are interesting to study in the case of deep pelagic fishes, as a significant part of the community migrates vertically at night to feed in the productive surface layer, while other species remain at depth. To this end, ontogenetic changes in nocturnal habitat (vertical use of the water column) and in the type of food resources (based on stable isotopes of nitrogen) were investigated in 12 species of deep pelagic fish from the Bay of Biscay in the Northeast Atlantic. Our results revealed the existence of major differences in the ontogenetic strategies employed by deep pelagic fishes. Some species showed ontogenetic changes in both vertical habitat use and food resources (e.g. Lampanyctus crocodilus and Melanostigma atlanticum). In contrast, other species showed no ontogenetic change (e.g. Searsia koefoedi and Notoscopelus kroyeri). Some species only changed food resources (e.g. Myctophum punctatum, Arctozenus risso, and Serrivomer beanii), while others seemed to be influenced more by depth than by trophic features (e.g. Xenodermichthys copei and Argyropelecus olfersii). These results suggest that to meet their increasing energy requirements during ontogeny, some species have adopted a strategy of shifting their food resources (larger prey or prey with a higher trophic level), while others seemed to maintain their food resources but are most likely increasing the quantity of prey ingested. In addition, some species opted for a habitat change to greater depths at adult age to limit the energy expenditure associated with migration, while others continued to feed at the surface at night.

This article investigates an event-triggered adaptive estimated inverse control scheme for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems with hysteresis effects, parametric uncertainties and disturbances. An online estimated inverse hysteresis compensation mechanism is developed, where an adaptive technique is employed to obtain the value of unknown hysteresis parameters. Compared with the common approaches, its biggest advantage lies in that it is not necessary to obtain the hysteresis parameters by means of experiment, which relaxes time-consuming off-line identification work.Moreover, an adaptive radial basis functions neural network (RBFNN) is utilized to approximate the unknown disturbances, whose weight coefficients along with parametric uncertainties are all estimated by the adaptive technique. Besides, the communication cost can be largely saved by introducing the relative threshold event-triggered control (ETC). Through Lyapunov analysis, the proposed controller guarantees the boundedness of all the signals and the convergence of the error signals. The results of numerical simulation illustrate the effectiveness and superiority of the developed controller.

GPR84 was first identified as an open reading frame encoding an orphan Class A G protein coupled receptor in 2001. Gpr84 mRNA is expressed in a limited number of cell types with the highest levels of expression being in innate immune cells, M1 polarised macrophages and neutrophils. The first reported ligands for this receptor were medium chain fatty acids with chain lengths between 9 and 12 carbons. Subsequently a series of synthetic agonists that signal via the GPR84 receptor were identified. Radioligand binding assays and molecular modelling with site-directed mutagenesis suggest the presence of three ligand binding sites on the receptor, but the physiological agonist(s) of the receptor remain unidentified. Here, we review the effects of GPR84 agonists on innate immune cells following a series of chemical discoveries since 2001. The development of highly biased agonists has helped to probe receptor function in vitro, and the challenge remaining is to follow the effects of biased signalling to the physiological functions of innate immune cell types.

Most parasite species infect multiple host species, and reciprocally, most hosts are infected by multiple parasites. This leads to complex webs of interactions that influence disease within the community, making it challenging to understand and predict disease spread within the community and epidemics. Here, we used network approaches to analyze a multi-year time series dataset that includes eight zooplankton host species (in the Daphnia and Ceriodaphnia genera) and seven microparasite species to examine patterns of cross-species transmission. These analyses suggest that parasite species varied in their ability to infect multiple host species and in which host species they most commonly infected. Three parasites (the bacteria Pasteuria ramosa and Spirobacillus cienkowskii and the oomycete Blastulidium paedophthorum) showed signatures of relatively high cross species transmission, while the others seemed more restricted. Even for the three common multihost parasites, our approach also revealed differences in patterns of potential cross species transmission. For P. ramosa, two host species, Daphnia dentifera and D. retrocurva, seem particularly likely to transmit across species; in contrast, for S. cienkowskii, no host species stands out as particularly important for cross species transmission. Additionally, these patterns matched those describing epidemic size, suggesting that infected host density may drive cross-species transmission. These results are based on observations of patterns of infection in natural communities, and therefore we cannot draw definitive conclusions about interspecific transmission in lakes. However, some of the patterns are supported by additional lines of evidence, and others point to interesting avenues for future research. Together, these findings provide additional evidence that network approaches can provide valuable insights into patterns of transmission in complex multihost-multiparasite communities in nature.

Cassia angustifolia is a species of a plant from the Senna family that has traditionally been used as a laxative in different herbal products and commercial medicines. There are few described interactions between Senna and drugs, most of them related to electrolyte disturbances due to concomitant use with other laxatives or due to increased intestinal transit that may limit the absorption of drugs with low bioavailability. We present a case with supratherapeutic trough concentration of tacrolimus in a liver transplant patient after concomitant intake of tacrolimus and a herbal product based on Cassia angustifolia, suggesting a possible drug-plant interaction by means of P-glycoprotein. We observe an increase in their plasma concentration 2.8-fold and the AUC 2.1-fold.