Rationale: Chemical pre-treatment is an important methodological step aimed to remove exogenous materials introduced to archaeological tooth enamel through various diagenetic pathways prior to carbon and oxygen isotope analysis. Concerningly, some of these pre-treatment methods (NaClO, H 2O 2 and CH 3COOH) have been shown to cause significant changes to enamel chemical properties and stable isotope values. This study aims to re-examine the effects of commonly used pre-treatment protocols applied to the enamel structure on bioapatite δ 13C and δ 18O values, as well as investigate patterns related to site burial context and sample preservation, as indicated by pre-screening using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Methods: Modern and archaeological samples were subjected to ten commonly used pre-treatment protocols using NaClO, H 2O 2 and CH 3COOH at various time intervals. Preservation status and diagenetic alteration prior to and after treatment were investigated using Attenuated Total Reflectance- Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). δ 13C and δ 18O values were measured before and after the treatment to determine if treatments induced isotopic shifts. Results: The results show that all pre-treatment protocols caused shifts in δ 13C and δ 18O values in the range of 0‰ to ±1.5‰ in both archaeological and modern samples. Most treated samples also shown increased crystallinity, likely indicating sample recrystallisation. We argue that these changes are indicative of more than just removal of contamination and diagenetic alterations, but also of dissolution and/or restructuring of the enamel carbonate leading to changes to the in vivo isotope signal. Conclusions: We recommend careful consideration of sample burial context and possible routes of diagenesis when choosing a pre-treatment protocol. Use of H 2O 2 and NaClO to remove organic matter from samples is discouraged as it incurs unwanted changes to the enamel chemical properties and isotope values. We also recommend use of only short acetic acid treatment protocols to avoid possible recrystallisation during prolonged contact.

An 8-year-old Warmblood gelding used for dressage presented with a large swelling on the craniomedial aspect of the left stifle. Conservative treatment and needle drainage had been unsuccessful. Ultrasonographic examination revealed a large anechogenic fluid filled cavity with a well-defined capsule. Standing endoscopic examination revealed separation between the deep crural fascia, the semitendinosus muscle and skin. Cytologic examination of the fluid collected revealed lymphocyte-rich transudate associated with a fibrous inflammatory reaction. Due to the poor response to conservative management and needle drainage, in-toto excision of the capsule was performed under general anaesthesia. Histopathologic examination of the resected capsule identified the presence of dense fibrovascular tissue lining a cavitated structure, with an outer thin zone of adipose connective tissue. These findings combined with the clinical presentation are consistent with Morel-Lavallee lesion (MLL). After surgery the horse underwent a period of box rest; gradual reintroduction to exercise was started 6 months after surgery. The horse returned to full work 9 months after surgery and was able to return to its former athletic function with an excellent cosmetic outcome.

Background : Anthelmintic resistance in equine parasites is increasing. Frequent anthelmintic use accelerates selection for resistance. Objectives : Investigate how horse owners currently use anthelmintics to control intestinal parasites. Study design : Online survey. Methods: Questionnaire distributed via practices, equestrian organisations, etc., December 2021 to October 2022. Combination of multiple choice, Likert scale and free text questions. Descriptive / inferential statistics performed (Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS). Results : 4232 useable responses. Owners of horses on livery yards less likely to make worming decisions compared to those on private properties (p<0.001); managers made decisions in 39.6% of horses on livery yards; 60.7% of owners sought worming advice from their veterinarian; 52.0% administered anthelmintics based on routine faecal egg counts (FECs) / tapeworm serology result; 30.0% routinely tested, but wormed at least once a year regardless of the results; 16.1% did not test, but wormed at least once a year. Owners were more likely to administer anthelmintics based on test results if they sought veterinary advice or were on a health programme (both p<0.001). Of those who routinely wormed, 54.9% wormed once a year; 45.1% wormed twice or more a year. Frequency of routine worming was higher if they didn’t routinely test (p<0.001); 88.9% simultaneously wormed all horses on the pasture. Moxidectin was the first choice for 82.2% of owners who routinely wormed at least once yearly. Routine FECs were performed by 84.7%, higher for those who sought veterinary advice (89.3%, p<0.001). Tapeworm ELISAs were utilised by 40.8%, higher for those on a health programme (68.1%; p<0.001); 58.5% routinely treated for tapeworms regardless of test results. Main Limitations : Selection bias. Conclusions : Owners apply moderately good diagnostic-led parasite control practices, but still common to regularly treat with anthelmintics (30.0% worming at least once a year regardless of the FEC results).

Background : Anthelmintic resistance in equine parasites is increasing. Pasture management is a vital component of parasite control, and is important to limit the development of resistance. Objectives : Investigate how horse owners use management procedures to control common intestinal parasites in horses. Study design : Online survey. Methods : Questionnaire distributed via practices, equestrian organisations, etc., December 2021 - October 2022. Combination of multiple choice, Likert scale and free text questions. Descriptive and inferential statistics performed in Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS. Results : 4232 useable responses from the UK, predominantly England (85.4%). Premises included livery yards (45.7%) and private properties (51.1%). Most horses (70.4%) were aged 6-20 years. Over half (55.9%) were used for general riding/pleasure; 58.9% grazed with 1-3 other horses, while 20.7% grazed alone; 21.5% alternated or co-grazed with ruminants (significantly higher for horses grazing on private properties compared to horses grazing on livery yards; 73.3% of owners removed faeces from pastures (poo-picking), of which 86.4% removed faeces twice a week or more. Owners of horses pastured individually were significantly more likely to poo-pick (89.8%) than horses pastured in groups (68.9%); 77.1% of respondents rested pastures, but less than 5% for over 6 months. Only 5.1% of owners reported they had experienced illnesses related to worms in any horse (commonest clinical signs were colic and weight loss). Limitations : Selection bias. Conclusions : Results suggest a lack of understanding of the principles of non-chemical parasite control among many horse owners. Many owners (>25%) are not routinely poo-picking. Horses pastured alone or kept on a private property were significantly more likely to have their faeces regularly removed than thoses pastured in groups or kept on livery yards.

Background: Given their modifiable nature, understanding the intrapersonal factors involved in the cessation of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) is needed to inform existing therapeutic approaches and explore novel avenues for supporting individuals with NSSI. This study aimed to examine the relative contributions of and interactions among intrapersonal factors (self-concept, emotion regulation, and cognitive flexibility) in distinguishing between ceased and current NSSI. Methods: 202 adults aged 18-71 years ( M = 31.50, SD = 11.23; 74.75% female) were surveyed to compare facets of self-concept, emotion regulation, and cognitive flexibility that contributed most to discriminating those who had ceased NSSI for one year from those who continued. These intrapersonal factors were also explored as potential indirect pathways between identity and NSSI status. Results: Significant differences between ceased and current NSSI groups were observed across all intrapersonal factors, with moderate to large effects. Most differences persisted after accounting for psychological distress. Less identity fragmentation, greater emotional clarity, internal locus of control, self-liking, access to emotion regulation strategies, and impulse control contributed most to discriminating NSSI cessation after accounting for psychological distress. The relationship between lack of identity and NSSI status operated indirectly through lack of emotional clarity and self-liking. Conclusions: Having a coherent sense of identity, emotional clarity, internal locus of control, self-liking, access to emotion regulation strategies, and managing impulsivity relate to NSSI cessation. These modifiable factors denote several promising intervention opportunities and should be considered in the design of NSSI-specific treatments.

：Soil ciliates, crucial components of grassland ecosystems, serve as sensitive bioindicators of soil health and disturbance. This study investigates ciliate communities across four grassland use types on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP): seasonal and continuous grazing in natural grasslands (SGG and CGG), artificial perennial Elymus nutans Griseb. grasslands (PEG), and artificial annual Avena grasslands (AAG). Using live observation techniques, we identified 114 ciliate species from 10 classes and 21 orders, with Haptorida and Sporadotrichia emerging as dominant groups. Our findings reveal that grazing grasslands harbor greater endemic ciliate species richness compared to AAG. SGG and CGG exhibited significantly higher ciliate diversity (Shannon, Simpson, and Margalef indices) than other use types, while PEG and SGG supported higher ciliate abundances. Low Jaccard similarity indices between grassland types indicate distinct ciliate communities, reflecting management-induced environmental heterogeneity. Redundancy analysis identified above-ground biomass and soil pH as primary drivers of ciliate community structure. Notably, seasonal grazing (SGG) promoted the highest ciliate diversity, suggesting its potential as a sustainable management practice for maintaining soil health on the QTP. This research provides crucial insights into the relationship between land management and soil microbial diversity in high-altitude grasslands. Our findings support the implementation of moderate grazing practices to enhance soil quality and ecosystem resilience on the QTP, with implications for sustainable management of similar ecosystems worldwide.

INTRODUCTIONPsoriasis is a chronic papulosquamous skin disease that has a prevalence ranging from 0.1% to 1.5% and may present at any age.1Its rare variant, juvenile-onset pustular psoriasis, is a recalcitrant disease with a unique immunopathogenesis and morphology, unlike its more prevalent plaque-type counterpart and is often resistant to conventional systemic therapy.2, 3Methotrexate is a drug that has cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory activities that provide clinical benefits in the therapy of psoriasis.4

India faces significant obstetrics related morbidity and mortality. This burden is largely addressed through the healthcare delivery via Primary Health Centres (PHCs). This scoping review aims to identify challenges in delivering obstetrics care within PHCs in India, using the WHO healthcare building blocks. A literature search covered PubMed, MEDLINE databases, and Google Scholar. Studies published from 2012 to 2022 were included based on predefined criteria. Study screenings were conducted using Covidence. Data extraction of included studies were done by 4 authors. Twenty-two studies were included for final review, mostly cross-sectional (59%), mainly from the state of Bihar (23%). Service delivery (77%) and health workforce (73%) were the most extensively discussed building blocks. Leadership and governance were the least discussed (14%). Challenges in service delivery encompassed limited antenatal care uptake, inadequate emergency obstetrics care and adjunct services, inadequate infrastructure, equipment and space and poor transport, and onward referral services. Health workforce issues included staffing levels and competency and training deficiencies in existing staff. This review highlights challenges in obstetrics care delivery within PHCs in India, primarily related to service delivery and health workforce. PHCs play a crucial role in the delivery of obstetrics services. Developing obstetrics healthcare strategy or policy needs to acknowledge the role of PHCs and address the challenges faced by PHCs in order to improve maternal health outcomes.

Acid fruits such as hog plum and pequi are used as coloring agents in popular culture. An experimental study was carried out with the objective of investigating colorants extracted from fruit peels to color animal tissues, defining the best concentration for pequi extract at 25% and brisket at 20%. If you select and thin your heart, lung, liver and kidney tissues according to your group, Group 1: control; Group 2: ciruela de cerdo extract; Group 3: pequi extract. Groups 2 and 3 formed three subgroups according to the concentration tests. A qualitative and quantitative analysis of the fabrics was carried out. The results demonstrated that extracts of brisket and pequi, in hydroalcoholic concentrations of 70%, were capable of generating color and allowing visualization of the tissue architecture, with a yellow tone, especially in the bristle girdle, tinting the cytoplasm of the tissue

Traditional maritime surveillance often relies on static cameras, limiting coverage and efficiency in detecting vessels. This paper proposes a novel real-time UAV-based vessel detection system that addresses these limitations. The system leverages a Dynamic Camera Control Strategy that overcomes fixed field-of-view constraints by adjusting camera angles based on predefined search patterns, historical data, and real-time sensor feedback. This systematic scanning approach ensures comprehensive coverage, minimizing missed detections. Furthermore, a Feature-Based Prioritization Scheme facilitates real-time target confirmation by analyzing features like size, shape, and, if applicable from additional sensors, other relevant data. This scheme prioritizes promising candidates for further analysis, reducing false positives. By comparing features with a reference vessel stored in the system (using a ResNet50-based module), the system effectively discriminates between vessels and other objects, while movement analysis helps distinguish stationary objects. Our system was evaluated using real-world testing and simulation, demonstrating significant improvements in detection accuracy and processing speed compared to state-of-the-art methods. This research presents a valuable contribution to UAV-based maritime surveillance, enhancing operational efficiency and detection accuracy for various real-world applications.

Fractals have been studied in areas such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, social sciences, computing, economics and biology. Fractal networks have many interesting properties, such as recursive selfsimilarity, that are present in many real networks. In this paper we study the geometrical and topological properties of fractal networks (Sierpiński triangle, the Sierpiński carpet and the Koch snowflake). Furthermore, we establish relationships, in the fractal structures studied, between the geometric properties associated with hyperbolicity and the topological indices.

Regulating lithium (Li) plating/stripping behavior in three-dimensional (3D) conductive scaffolds is critical to stabilize Li metal batteries (LMBs). Surface protrusions and roughness in these scaffolds can induce uneven distributions of the electric fields and ionic concentrations, forming ’hot spots’. Hot spots may cause uncontrollable Li dendrites growth, presenting significant challenges to the cycle stability and safety of LMBs. To address these issues, we construct a Li ionic conductive-dielectric gradient bifunctional interlayer (ICDL) onto 3D Li-injected graphene/carbon nanotube scaffold (LGCF) via in situ reaction of exfoliated hexagonal boron nitride (fhBN) and molten Li. Microscopic and spectroscopic analyses reveal that ICDL consists of fhBN-rich outer layer and inner layer enriched with Li3N and Li-boron composites (Li-B). The outer layer utilizes dielectric properties to effectively homogenize the electric field, while the inner layer ensures high Li ion conductivity. Moreover, DFT calculations indicate that ICDL can effectively adsorb Li and decrease the Li diffusion barrier, promoting enhanced Li ion transport. The modulation of Li kinetics by ICDL increases the critical length of the Li nucleus, enabling suppression of Li dendrite growth. Attributing to these advantages, the ICDL coated LGCF (ICDL@LGCF) demonstrates impressive long term cycle performances in both symmetric cells and full cells.

A versatile and widely used tool in atmospheric research and operational forecasting is the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The WRF model utilizes advanced algorithms and physics parameterizations to simulate complicated atmospheric phenomena. However, this model relies on a configuration that encompasses spin-up time, different Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL), and Land Surface Model (LSM) schemes to describe the physics near the surface. This work aims to optimize the configuration of the WRF model by evaluating the impact of the spin-up period, PBL, and LSM schemes to obtain the best representation of the wind field to calculate the power production of a wind farm located in the complex terrain of La Rumorosa, Baja California, Mexico. This site was chosen because of the availability of data, the challenging conditions of the terrain complexity, and severe changes in the wind direction. Results indicate that one day spin-up is the best option to predict the wind speed for one month or even one year. Moreover, the best statistical metrics are obtained when the Mellor-Yamada-Nakanishi–Niino Level 2.5 (MYNN2) PBL scheme is coupled with Noah-Multiphysics LSM. The best set-up for the WRF model was used to simulate the performance of a wind turbine in the farm with excellent results.

Background The effect of CFTR modulators on exercise capacity in people with CF (pwCF) is controversial. In addition, the effect of elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor (ETI) on improving exercise capacity after an exercise intervention is not known. We aimed to evaluate the effects of an exercise intervention in adult pwCF in the presence or absence of ETI treatment. Methods 56 adult pwCF participated in an exercise intervention during a 4-week rehabilitation course. The exercise program consisted of 5 sessions per week of 45 minutes each, including 3 endurance sessions on a cycle ergometer. Peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak) and peak workload (Wpeak) were used as primary outcomes to assess changes in exercise capacity. Results The training intervention led to a significant increase in VO2peak and Wpeak in all pwCF with or without ETI. The degree of improvement did not differ between the groups treated with and without ETI. PwCF with lower fitness (VO2 ≤ 81%pred) benefited more than pwCF with higher fitness (VO2peak ≥82%pred). The degree of improvement in VO2peak and Wpeak in the fitness groups with and without ETI was comparable and did not differ significantly from each other. Conclusion The use of ETI has little or no effect on the degree of improvement in VO2peak and Wpeak. This suggests that other factors, such as level of exercise capacity and physical inactivity, may determine the degree of improvement in exercise capacity in adult pwCF. In general, adult pwCF with and without ETI benefit from exercise interventions and can improve their exercise capacity.

Policies designed to prevent COVID-19 deaths arguably yielded trade-offs with other adverse outcomes associated with lockdowns. In a nationally representative study of Americans, we queried participants about how tolerant they were of these trade-offs. We asked participants - by putting them in the shoes of a medical policymaker - to choose one adverse outcome (of a pair) to prevent and one to allow. Participants expressed greater desire to prevent child abuse, intimate partner violence and deaths associated with economic downturns than COVID deaths, suggesting that the public perceived that detrimental effects of the lockdowns are more regrettable than potential additional COVID deaths.

A document by Raffaele Falco. Click on the document to view its contents.

Congenital partial hypoplasia of the lower lip: a rare form of 28-29 Tessier cleft?Olina Rios (a), Virginie Lafontaine (b), Cyril Debortoli (a), Charles Savoldelli (a), Beatrice Morand (b)Corresponding author: [email protected](a) Department of Oral and Maxillo-facial surgery, Head and Neck Institute, University Hospital Center of Nice, 06100 Nice, France(b) Department of Maxillo-facial and Plastic surgery, University Hospital Center of Grenoble-Alpes, 38000 Grenoble, FranceKey Clinical Message:We aim to describe a case of congenital partial hypoplasia of the lower lip in a 2-year-old child. As this anomaly was associated with other oral anomalies, we explored the possibility of a modified 28-29 Tessier cleft. However, other hypotheses were proposed as we may be dealing with an unknown mechanism.Keywords: labial hypoplasia, lower cleft lip, craniofacial abnormalities, Tessier clefts.Introduction:First described by Couronne in 1819, cleft mandible and/or lower lip is one of the rarest craniofacial clefts with less than 100 cases reported in the literature 1,2. In almost all cases, the midline location of the lip and/or mandible has been noted. According to Tessier’s classification of 1976, cleft lip and/or mandible midline is defined as no. 30.The paramedian lower cleft lip is even rarer, with only 5 cases described. However, in these cases the defect occurs in a very specific part of the lower lip and/or mandible. In the case described below, there was a defect of the entire lateral third of the lower lip. Therefore, it could not be formally associated with a 28-29 Tessier cleft and may not have the same origin.Case history:We aim to report the case of a 2-year-old boy who was born with hypotrophy of the lateral third of the lower lip. To the best of our knowledge, this type of anomaly has not been previously reported in the literature. Written informed consent was obtained from the parents of the child. This case report was submitted with their consent and with the approval of the Ethics Committee of the Face and Neck Institute.The patient was first referred to the craniofacial cleft team at the Grenoble University Hospital Centre at the age of 5 months. He was the first child of healthy parents with no consanguinity. The pregnancy was spontaneous, and the mother had a previous miscarriage. There was a family history of congenital dental anomalies: the mother’s aunt had only milk teeth and the mother of our patient was missing two permanent teeth (34 and 44). There was no exposure to teratogens or x-rays during pregnancy. The mother was 30 years old at the time of delivery. The boy was born at term by normal vaginal delivery. Birth weight was 3215 g with a cranial circumference of 35 mm. The Apgar score was 10/10. He didn’t have any other anomalies.Investigations:Cardiological examination and echocardiography were normal. Feeding was normal, although the parents noted a tendency to drool due to difficulties in achieving complete lip closure. Growth was normal. Examination revealed hypoplasia of the right lateral third of the lower lip (Figure 1A). There was no facial paralysis and the smile appeared symmetrical. Intra-oral examination revealed a gingival notch, a mucosal bridle and the median labial frenulum was deviated on the right side (Figure 1B). Lip eversion was possible. There were no abnormal findings on the tongue, oral mucosa, pharynx or tonsils, but a kystic lesion was visible on the anterior part of the uvula. No abnormality was seen on the rest of the body. Circumscriptions and amputations of digits or limbs weren’t noticed. As the development was normal, a simple follow-up with an annual visit was chosen.

A Rare Case Presentation of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Renal Significance (MGRS) with Variable Clinical Course