Memory responses to ovalbumin-immunization in Mojave desert tortoises.

We immunized three groups of Mojave desert tortoises (Gopherus agassizii): a group immunized twice, a group immunized once, and a group sham-immunized. We used the antigen, ovalbumin (OVA), with Freund's adjuvant to elicit antibody responses similar to those induced by extracellular bacteria. All tortoises have relatively high levels of B1 lymphocytes and natural antibodies (NAbs), and the goal of this study was to quantify B2 lymphocyte activity (antibody production and potential proliferation) that occurs in primary and secondary immunizations against this constitutive, first line of humoral defense.

Comparison of dark-field chest radiography and CT for the assessment of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Background: Dark-field chest radiography allows the assessment of the structural integrity of the alveoli by exploiting the wave properties of x-rays.

Purpose: To compare the qualitative and quantitative features of dark-field chest radiography in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia with conventional CT imaging.

Materials And Methods: In this prospective study conducted from May 2020 to December 2020, patients aged at least 18 years who underwent chest CT for clinically suspected COVID-19 infection were screened for participation.

Assessing Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Western Honey Bees in the Czech Republic Using 22 Microsatellite Loci.

To date, no study has been conducted to investigate the diversity in honeybee populations of in the Czech Republic. Between 2022 and 2023, worker bees were collected from colonies distributed throughout the Czech Republic in 77 districts, and their genetic differences were examined using 22 microsatellite loci. The samples were obtained from hives ( = 3647) and through the process of capture on flowers ( = 553).

Simulated low-dose dark-field radiography for detection of COVID-19 pneumonia.

Background: Dark-field radiography has been proven to be a promising tool for the assessment of various lung diseases.

Purpose: To evaluate the potential of dose reduction in dark-field chest radiography for the detection of the Coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pneumonia.

Materials And Methods: Patients aged at least 18 years with a medically indicated chest computed tomography scan (CT scan) were screened for participation in a prospective study between October 2018 and December 2020.