Brachycephalic breeds suffer from respiratory distress known as brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and the multiple comorbidities associated with it. Targeted breeding toward a more BOAS-free phenotype requires accurate and least invasive detection of BOAS severity grades that are accessible and accepted by the breeders and kennel clubs. This study aimed to compare the-outcome of morphometric anatomical examination with functional tests such as exercise tests and plethysmography for the detection of BOAS severity in a group of 84 French Bulldogs.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOver the course of evolution, hymenopteran parasitoids have developed a close relationship with heritable viruses, sometimes integrating viral genes into their chromosomes. For example, in parasitoids belonging to the genus, 13 viral genes from the family have been domesticated to deliver immunosuppressive factors to host immune cells, thereby protecting parasitoid offspring from the host immune response. The present study aims to comprehensively characterize this domestication event in terms of the viral genes involved, the wasp diversity affected by this event and its chronology.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: In Germany, digital transformation and legal regulations are leading to the need to integrate digital technologies into the nursing profession. In addition, to nursing practice, they are also being incorporated into nursing training. Despite comprehensive regulations regarding the use of digital teaching and learning media in nursing education, their specific applicability and implementation vary.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe international symposium ASOBIOTICS 2024 brought together scientists across disciplines to discuss the challenges of advancing antibacterial antisense oligomers (ASOs) from basic research to clinical application. Hosted by the Helmholtz Institute for RNA-based Infection Research (HIRI) in Wurzburg, Germany, on September 12-13th, 2024, the event featured presentations covering major milestones and current challenges of this antimicrobial technology and its applications against pathogens, commensals, and bacterial viruses. General design principles and modification of ASOs based on peptide nucleic acid (PNA) or phosphorodiamidate-morpholino-oligomer (PMO) chemistry, promising cellular RNA targets, new delivery technologies, as well as putative resistance mechanisms were discussed.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Evidence suggests L-arginine may be effective at reducing pre-eclampsia and related outcomes. However, whether L-arginine can prevent or only treat pre-eclampsia, and thus the target population and timing of initiation, remains unknown.
Objectives: To evaluate the effects of L-arginine and L-citrulline (precursor of L-arginine) on the prevention and treatment of pre-eclampsia.