Extraction protocols and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS) and tandem mass spectrometry methods (LC-MS/MS) for the measurement of five lipid categories, namely; glycerophospholipids, glycerolipids, sphingolipids, sterol lipids and fatty acyls in human plasma are described here. Step-by-step instructions are provided for the liquid/liquid extraction methods, including solution preparation and the non-endogenous lipid internal standards used. All instrumental conditions, chromatography columns and solutions required for the LC-MS and LC-MS/MS methods are also detailed.

Internal bleeding and mucosal bleeding in hollow organs are uncommon conditions in equine medicine and endoscopy. Most of the times, they respond to treatment of the underlying primary condition. However, there are cases in which a rapid and effective control of blood loss is required and the animal is not suited for surgery or general anaesthesia. We report two cases referred to our Veterinary Teaching Hospital with signs of urinary disease and bladder haemorrhage identified by cystoscopy which were successfully managed with topical application of a haemostatic carboxymethyl-starch powder. The product was applied directly on the bleeding mucosa after bladder emptying either under endoscopic guidance or blindly, through a urinary catheter. The application of the haemostatic powder appears to be easy to perform, safe, and helpful in controlling mucosal bleeding in hollow organs in the short time, with no adverse reactions noticed. This approach should be considered in cases where mucosal bleeding can be identified by endoscopy and a prompt control of blood loss is required, also in the field.

Article Type: Case ReportTitle: Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma presenting as multiple Cutaneous Lesions visualized through Reflectance Confocal MicroscopyAuthors: Shazli Razi, MD 1, Samantha Ouellette, BA 1,2, Samavia Khan, BS1,2, Babar Rao, MD 1,2

A better understanding of the impact of habitat loss on population density can be achieved by evaluating effects of both, parameters within remnant habitat patches and parameters of the landscape surrounding those patches. The integration of predictors at the patch and landscape level is scarce in animal ecological studies, especially for reptiles. In this study, a patch-landscape approach was applied to evaluate the combined effects of within patch habitat quality, patch geometry and landscape configuration and composition on the density of remnant populations of the eastern green lizard, Lacerta viridis, in a highly modified landscape in Bulgaria. Landscape composition variables (proportion of different land covers) were measured at different spatial scales surrounding patches. Single scale models were built to evaluate combined effects of all predictors on density, when including all landscape composition variables at a specific spatial scale. Multiscale models were applied to analyze combined effects when including landscape composition variables at the scale of their strongest effect (scale of effect, SoE). Results showed that the SoE of proportion of cropland and urban areas was small (50 m), while for proportion of habitat was large (1.5 Km). The overall effect of habitat loss was better explained by the multiscale model. Population density increased with patch area and decreased with patch shape irregularity and with the proportion of three land cover types surrounding patches -cropland, urban areas and habitat. Combining patch and landscape parameters is important to identify ecological processes that occur simultaneously at different spatial levels and landscape scales, and which would imply the application of multiscale approaches for the protection of wild animal populations. Results are contrasted with what is known about occupancy patterns of the species in the same region, and approaches to integrate both, occupancy and density, in the field design of animal ecological studies are suggested.

IntroductionInvasive mucinous adenocarcinoma (IMA) is a special subtype of adenocarcinoma according to World Health Organization classification. IMA accounts for an estimated 2–10% of all lung cancers [1, 2]. Overall, 60–90% of IMA cases present with solitary nodules, mass shadows, or ground-glass opacity lesions, but there are also cases of extensive extension with multiple nodules or diffuse alveolar shadows. Therefore, it is sometimes necessary to distinguish the lesions from benign pulmonary diseases such as pulmonary tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, lipoid pneumonia, and alveolar proteinosis [3, 4]. In addition, it is often detected at an advanced stage, which makes it difficult to treat surgically; however, limited reports of such cases have been described [2]. Here we describe a case of IMA that was detected preoperatively as an infiltrative shadow over the entire right lower lung lobe and treated with surgical resection along with a review of the literature.

Cervical Spinal Injury as a Presentation of Multiple Myeloma: A Case ReportLeon Smith, Vicky Li and Simon ChanRehabilitation and Aged Care Services, Hornsby Ku-Ring-Gai Hospital, Hornsby 2077, NSW AustraliaKeywordsCase Report Spinal Injury Multiple MyelomaAbstractSpinal cord injury is a devastating complication of cancers that exert physical compression on the spinal cord. Multiple myeloma is known predominantly as a condition that involves bony structures and can manifest with complications such as pathological fractures. However, involvement of other structures including the CNS or the spinal cord is a possible complication, with potentially catastrophic consequences. We describe a case of multiple myeloma presenting initially as spinal cord compression in a 79-year-old man.IntroductionMultiple myeloma is a condition characterized by malignant proliferation of plasma cells, with production of monoclonal immunoglobulin (most commonly of the IgG variety), affecting over 100 000 individuals worldwide per year(1). Approximately 2500 Australians are diagnosed with multiple myeloma every year(2). Median age at diagnosis in Australia is 67, and 60% of patients are male(3). Initial treatment in Australia usually consists of bortezomib based treatments, with the most common first line regimen being bortezomib, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone(3). Overall survival from diagnosis is averages approximately 5 years(3).Interactions between malignant plasma cells and osteocytes results in decoupling of bone absorption and formation, mediated through a number of pathways including RANK/L, OPG and Wnt, which leads to the presence of lytic bone lesions(4). Pathological fractures can result from skeletal disease; as such, skeletal surveillance is recommended in multiple myeloma and pathological fractures are a potential complication of skeletal disease(1). However, involvement of other organ systems by expansion of myeloma lesions is also a potential complication, with severe consequences. In the case of the spinal cord, compression from vertebral myeloma can lead to significant neurological compromise and functional impairment(5,6).We describe a case of multiple myeloma of T1 resulting presenting with severe paraplegia in a previously healthy 79-year-old man.Case PresentationA 79-year-old Caucasian man presented to the emergency department of his local hospital with a 4 week history of atraumatic thoracic back pain, localized between the scapulae, complicated by acute-onset paraplegia in the preceding 48 hours. He described 2 days of lower leg weakness and difficulty mobilizing with an unsteady gait, before developing severe lower limb weakness and inability to mobilise. At the time of presentation, he reported no bladder or bowel incontinence. He reported about 6 kg of unintentional weight loss in the preceding 4 weeks, and some months of atraumatic right elbow pain.His only medical history was hypertension and stable coronary artery disease. His medications at the time of presentation were rosuvastatin 20 mg daily, metoprolol 25 mg twice daily, amlodipine 5 mg daily, aspirin 100 mg daily, and Olmesartan 20 mg daily. He lived with his partner, had never smoked and consumed an average of 2 standard drinks of alcohol per night.On examination in the emergency department, he had MRC grade 5/5 power bilaterally in the upper limbs, but grade 0 in all movement in the lower limbs. Reduced sensation to light touch was present below the level of the umbilicus. Reflexes were absent in the left lower limb, and only the patellar reflex was present in the right lower limb. No anal tone was apparent on digital rectal exam. Saddle anaesthesia was also present.An urgent CT scan in emergency revealed a T1 vertebral lesion with involvement of the vertebral body and posterior elements with epidural extension causing severe canal narrowing, and numerous bony lesions suggestive of myeloma. The patient was urgently transferred to the nearest tertiary referral centre for neurosurgical involvement. A spinal MRI performed upon arrival confirmed the presence of severe cord compression at the T1 level, with complete infiltration of the T1 vertebra, and pathological T1 fracture with 50% loss of body height (Figure 1). An urgent posterior cervical decompression and fusion occurred within 12 hours of presentation.

Aim To evaluate the performance of ChatGPT in key areas of clinical pharmacy practice, including prescription review, patient medication education, adverse drug reaction (ADR) recognition, ADR causality assessment, and drug counseling. Methods Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted to assess the accuracy and quality of ChatGPT in comparison to those of the clinical pharmacist. Results The results indicate that ChatGPT is excellent in drug counseling and weak in prescription review, patient medication education, ADR recognition, and ADR causality. Conclusions While ChatGPT holds promise in clinical pharmacy practice as a supplementary tool, the ability of ChatGPT to handle complex problems needs further improvement and refinement.

In this study, It was aimed to determine the effects of different production and preservation methods on the shelf life and quality of the Gemlik variety natural black table olives produced with low salt (2%). For this purpose the olives processed with traditional Turkis turning black olive using starter culture The MAP (Modified athmosphere packaging), vacuum and gamma irradiation method (1, 3 and 5 kGy) was applied for the first time in the preservation of table olives. The reducing effect of 5 kGy dose on total phenolic substance and DPPH antioxidant activity was found to be higher than other doses. During storage, pH (4.30-4.83) and titratable acidity (0.68-1.02%) values of black table olives changed in normal course. At the and of the fermentation and storage, total phenolic substance and DPPH antioxidant activity decreased and were found statistically significant (p<0.01). During the storage period, the total amount of phenolic matter in olives in normal production (without starter culture) decreased from 232 to 144 mgCAE/100g and in starter culture added table olives from 200 to 138 mgCAE/100g. As a result of the study, it was ensured that table black olives produced with less salt (2%) could be stored on the shelves for at least 6 months without using any preservatives. In addition, radiation effect on quality was relatively similar to other applications.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a novel infection, that first appeared in Wuhan, China. It has been well established that different organs including the heart, kidney, pulmonary and gastrointestinal systems might be involved during or post COVID-19 infection. A possible reason is that the virus enters host cells through the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE 2) receptor and this receptor is expressed by different human organs [1]. ACE 2 receptor is also expressed in different parts of the eyes including the conjunctiva, cornea, limbus, aqueous humor, and retina [2].In addition, COVID-19-associated multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) can affect different organ systems including skin, renal, cardiac, hematological, and gastrointestinal systems. But ocular involvement is not still a part of the world health organization (WHO) criteria or the Center for Disease Control and Prevention criteria for MIS-C [3].Whether uveitis or optic disk edema would be manifestations of acute COVID-19 infection or they can occur as a part of COVID-19-associated MIS-C is still unknown.

Fish often spawn eggs with ovarian fluids that have been hypothesized to support sperm of some males over others (cryptic female choice). Alternatively, sperm reactions to ovarian fluids could reveal male strategies. We used wild-caught lake char (Salvelinus umbla) to experimentally test whether sperm react differently to the presence of ovarian fluid, depending on male breeding coloration, male inbreeding coefficients (based of 4,150 SNPs), or the kinship coefficients between males and females. Male coloration was positively linked to body size and current health (based on lymphocytosis and thrombocytosis) but was a poor predictor of inbreeding or kinship coefficients. We found that sperm of more colorful males were faster in diluted ovarian fluids than in water only, while sperm of paler males were faster in water than in ovarian fluids. We then let equal numbers of sperm compete for fertilizations in the presence or absence of ovarian fluids and genetically assigned 1,464 embryos (from 70 experimental trials) to their fathers. The presence of ovarian fluids significantly increased the success of the more colorful competitors. Sperm of less inbred competitors were more successful when tested in water only than in diluted ovarian fluids. The kinship coefficients had no significant effects on sperm traits or fertilization success in the presence of ovarian fluids, although parallel stress tests on embryos had revealed that females would profit more from mating with least related males rather than most colored ones. We conclude that sperm of more colorful males are best adapted to ovarian fluids, and that the observed reaction norms suggest male strategies rather than cryptic female choice.

Aims Information on breastfeeding and the safety of biologics in infants is lacking due to difficulties in case collection. We evaluated a method for determining the concentration of biologics in breast milk using a dry filter method that can simplify the collection, storage, and transport of breast milk. Methods To generate dried filter paper (DFP) samples, approximately 30 L of breast milk was placed onto a Whatman 903 card and punched out. After extraction, the supernatant was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Three concentrations of each drug were prepared in liquid breast milk (LBM) and DFP samples for stability testing, which confirmed that samples were stable up to 28 days after storage at 2–8 ºC or -20 ºC for LBM and at 25±5 ºC for DFP. LBM and DFP samples were provided by lactating mothers using biologics during lactation. Drug concentrations were compared. Results Breast milk was provided by 12 lactating mothers (tocilizumab, n=4; abatacept, n=2; etanercept, n=1; golimumab, n=1; sarilumab, n=1; and belimumab, n=3). The accuracy and precision of measurements for the six drugs were within acceptable limits. After 28 days, concentrations remained at more than 90% under all storage conditions. The quantitative values of the provided LBM and DFP samples were similar. The maximum relative infant dose ranged from 0.09% to 1.12%, which was an acceptable range. Conclusion A method for determining the concentration of biologics using DFP is expected to help improve pharmacotherapy for lactating women.

The purpose of inter-animal communication is to allow signals released by the animal to be perceived by others. Scent marking, with its characteristics of specificity and delay, is thought to be the primary mode of communication in giant pandas (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). The “signal detection theory” predicts that animals choose the substrate and location of their scent marks so that the signals released are transmitted more widely and remain longer. As an energetically marginal species, the cost of generating and marking chemical signals is costly for pandas, so they are predicted to make trade-offs in scent marking. However, existing studies do not account for the selective preferences of pandas for marking, as they are only explained by the density of marks at a certain location. Our study wanted to investigate whether the marking behavior of pandas is indeed consistent with signal detection theory. For the first time, we propose to use fecal counts to reflect the intensity of habitat use by pandas, combined with mark counts to determine the selective preference for marking. Our findings show that the scent marking behavior of pandas is consistent with signal detection theory, and that they go out of their way to ensure that their marks are detected. The results of the study will help us to further develop the conservation of pandas and their habitats.

This review presents a comprehensive examination of fully conjugated covalent organic frameworks (COFs), which constitute an emerging class of porous materials with immense potential for diverse applications. This article focuses on diversified fully conju-gated COFs, including sp2 carbon-carbon linkages, pyrazine linkages, benzobisoxazole linkages, dioxin linkages, β-aminoalkenone linkages, etc. The synthesis techniques and structural attributes of these COFs are expounded upon in great detail, along with their potential applications in various fields. The review thus provides a valuable resource for researchers keen on delving into the synthe-sis and applications of fully conjugated COFs, thereby highlighting their potential for developing novel functional materials with dis-tinctive properties.

Hydrological models require a complete and accurate time series of weather inputs to adequately represent watershed-scale responses. The Global Historical Climatology Network (GHCN) is the most comprehensive ground-based global weather database and is often used in hydrological modeling studies. Since higher density, lower reliability precipitation measurements from private citizens collected by the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow (CoCoRaHS) network data were integrated into the GHCN, hydrological modelers in the U.S. have access to a much greater amount of weather data. However, the benefit of using CoCoRaHS data has not been assessed. The objectives of this work were to develop a method for generating a complete weather data time series based on the combination of data from multiple GHCN monitors and to assess several methods for estimation of missing weather data. Weather data from GHCN monitors located within a specific radius of a watershed were obtained and interpolated using three estimation methods (Inverse Distance Weighting (IDW), Inverse Distance and Elevation Weighting (IDEW), and Closest Station), creating a seamless time-series of weather observations. To evaluate the performance of the methodologies, weather data obtained from each estimation method was used to force the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) models of 21 U.S. Department of Agriculture-Conservation Effects Assessment Project watersheds in different climate regions to simulate daily streamflow for 2010-2021. Except for three watersheds, all SWAT models had Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency above 0.5, the ratio of the root mean square error to the standard deviation of observations below 0.7, and percent bias from -25% to 25% with a satisfactory performance rating. Overall, IDEW and IDW performed similarly, and the Closest Station method resulted in the poorest streamflow simulation. A comparison with published SWAT model results further corroborated improved model performance using newly combined GHCN data with all Closest Station, IDW, and IDEW methods.

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Background: Small air filled peripheral subpleural cysts are a well described feature of pulmonary anatomy at computerised tomographic (CAT) scan in children with Trisomy 21, yet only anecdotally described in association with other pathologies. The significance of these cysts is unknown. Objective: To investigate and explore the pathogenesis of these subpleural cysts in children. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of 16 cases with subpleural cysts diagnosed on CT chest was performed. The distribution, location and ancillary CT findings were recorded. Hospital charts were reviewed for clinical details, especially cardiac abnormalities, pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) and genetic associations. Histopathological and clinical correlative data were recorded. Results: 11/16 children (69%) were found to have an underlying chromosomal or genetic abnormality, six of whom had Trisomy 21. The remaining 5/16 cases (21%) had miscellaneous disorders without an identifiable genetic basis. The most common co-morbidities were cardiac abnormalities (81%) and PAH (62.5%). Regardless of their underlying etiologies, the cysts were present bilaterally in most cases (14/16, 88%). We observed both the postnatal development and the progression of cysts in our cohort . On long term follow-up, there were five deaths (31%) and six cases (38%) requiring maintenance oxygen therapy due to chronic hypoxia. Two cases (12.5%) became completely asymptomatic after correction of their underlying abnormalities. Conclusion: Subpleural cysts are not exclusive to Trisomy 21 and may be seen in other inherited or acquired causes, likely due to altered alveolar growth. We suspect these cysts are a sign of an underlying developmental disorder with variable clinical effect, especially in children with congenital cardiac disease.

A photo-triggered cascade cyclization of silyl enolate to prepare angularly fused tricyclic scaffold is developed. The reaction demonstrates good substrate scope and stereo-selectivity. The excellent stereo- and regio-selectivity for this cascade reaction is elucidated via conformational analysis and DFT calculation, respectively.

IntroductionMultiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder causing nerve sheath demyelination and symptoms such as muscle weakness, mobility decline, and lack of coordination 1,2, generating unique health challenges and an economic burden 3-5. Patients experience reductions in bone and skeletal muscle mass6, muscle strength and function 7,8, and increased fracture risk 9, negatively impacting quality of life 10. Lower limb strength impairments8, poor balance 11 and spasticity12 also contribute to a lower quality of life10. Pharmacological treatments have been the primary option for patients with MS 13.Recent research has explored non-pharmacological treatments such as exercise, nutritional supplementation, and improved sleep quality14-21. Resistance exercise (RE) is particularly beneficial for MS rehabilitation, as it improves muscle strength and function, mobility, quality of life 22,23, and the immune system 24. High-dose vitamin D supplementation raises interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels in MS patients19, who tend to have lower levels of IL-10, which may contribute to the disease’s development 25. However, RE and vitamin D may not always improve physical fitness20,21. This could be due to unsatisfactory energy and protein intake, containing essential amino acids (EAA), which are necessary to stimulate muscle protein synthesis (MPS) and ultimately address sarcopenia 26, a condition prevalent in MS patients 27. EAA-based supplements enriched with L-leucine increase protein intake and optimise MPS in healthy older adults without compromising total energy intake during mealtimes28,29 and plasma EAA concentration is associated with muscle function in older women in the community 30. A higher protein intake, including specific amino acids, may positively impact bone health through mechanisms such as increasing insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) 31,32. Therefore, addressing dietary protein deficiencies alongside RE may optimise musculoskeletal health and function in female MS patients. This case study evaluated the effects of a 24-week home-based intervention, including EAAs and vitamin D3 supplementation, on muscle, bone, muscle strength, and function in a female patient with MS.