Advances in systematic conservation planning to meet global biodiversity goals.

Systematic conservation planning (SCP) involves the cost-effective placement and application of management actions to achieve biodiversity conservation objectives. Given the political momentum for greater global nature protection, restoration, and improved management of natural resources articulated in the targets of the Global Biodiversity Framework, assessing the state-of-the-art of SCP is timely. Recent advances in SCP include faster and more exact algorithms and software, inclusion of ecosystem services and multiple facets of biodiversity (e.

"Evaluation of Curcuma zedoaria Rosc. in the management of non-alcoholic fatty liver Disease: A Randomized, single blind, controlled trial".

Background And Study Aims: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most prevalent chronic liver disorder, affecting 23% to 32% of the global population. This clinical study aimed to assess the efficacy of Curcuma zedoaria Rosc. compared to vitamin E in managing NAFLD.

Correlation Between Self-Perceived Hoarseness, Perceptual Voice Evaluation, and Body Mass Index in Dysphonic Patients: A Study of 120 Cases.

Objective: To investigate the correlation between self-perceived vocal handicap, perceptual voice evaluation, and body mass index (BMI) in a cohort of patients presenting with hoarseness and to examine the correlation between perceptual voice evaluation and the Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) score in dysphonic patients with or without obesity.

Study Design: Retrospective chart review.

Methods: The medical records of patients presenting with hoarseness to the voice clinic of a tertiary referral center between September 2023 and September 2024 were reviewed.

The Efficacy of Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block for Chronic Cough: A Scoping Review.

Objective: Chronic cough poses diagnostic and treatment challenges due to its often multifactorial nature. Chronic cough associated with laryngeal hypersensitivity is linked to sensory neuropathy of the superior laryngeal nerve and can be complex to manage. Superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) blocks are increasingly being utilized by laryngologists to treat refractory chronic cough with the intent of reducing inflammation and nerve hypersensitivity.

Effect of Dexmedetomidine on Blood Loss and Patient Outcomes in Orthognathic Surgery: A Randomised Clinical Trial.

Introduction And Aims: Blood loss is a common side-effect in orthognathic surgery. Deliberated hypotensive anaesthesia can reduce blood loss. The purpose was to evaluate the effect of add-on dexmedetomidine compared with the usual hypotensive drug bolus on blood loss and patient outcomes in orthognathic surgery.

Causal Links Between Bone Diseases and Temporomandibular Disorders.

Introduction And Aims: Epidemiological observational studies have explored the link between bone joint-related diseases and temporomandibular disorders (TMD), but inconsistent conclusions have emerged due to various limitations. This study aims to investigate the causal relationship between bone joint-related diseases and TMD using Mendelian randomization (MR).

Methods: We utilized a two-sample MR design, applying pooled genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from six subtypes of bone and joint diseases and TMD.

Factors Associated With Short- and Long-Term Survival in Metastatic HER2-Positive Breast Cancer.

Background: We sought to evaluate prognostic factors in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and their relationship with short- and long-term overall survival (OS).

Methods: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, we evaluated patients with de novo HER2-positive MBC diagnosed from 2010 to 2018. Univariate analyses were performed to determine effect of each variable on OS.

MemScreen: A smartphone application for detection of mild cognitive impairment: A validation study: Smartphone App for MCI Detection.

Background And Objectives: Primary care is often the first point of contact for patients with cognitive complaints, making initial cognitive screening an essential step to avoid delays in diagnosing Alzheimer's disease (AD) at an early stage. We developed MemScreen, a self-administered smartphone application that assesses overall cognition and verbal memory, and evaluated its ability to detect mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in both general and clinical populations.

Methods: We conducted two validation cohort studies: (1) UK-based Whitehall II cohort study (13th wave, 2018-2022) involving a general population (MCI defined by poor performance on a global cognitive score), and (2) five French memory clinics involving patients without dementia (amnestic MCI defined by the Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test).

The Impact of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease on the Presence of Cerebral Microbleeds: A Case-Control Matched Study.

Rationale And Objectives: Individuals with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) can present with diverse renal and extra-renal manifestations. Large vessel anomalies, such as cerebral aneurysms, are potentially fatal extra-renal manifestations. However, limited research has been conducted on cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD).

Currently Available Radiology-Specific Reporting Guidelines.

The aim of this paper is to contextualize and review reporting guidelines available at the EQUATOR Network that are most relevant to radiology-specific investigations. Eight EQUATOR Network reporting guidelines for the clinical area of radiology, not including the subspecialized areas of imaging of the cardiovascular, neurologic, and oncologic diseases are reviewed and discussed. The reporting guidelines are for diagnostic and therapeutic clinical research.

Effects of psilocybin on mouse brain microstructure.

Background And Purpose: There is surging interest in the therapeutic potential of psychedelic compounds like psilocybin in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses like major depressive disorder (MDD). Recent studies point to the rapid antidepressant effect of psilocybin; however, the biological mechanisms underlying these differences remain unknown. This study determines the feasibility of using diffusion MRI to characterize and define the potential spatiotemporal microstructural differences in the brain following psilocybin treatment in C57BL/6J male mice.

Building the Future of Clinical Diagnostics: An Analysis of Potential Benefits and Current Barriers in CRISPR/Cas Diagnostics.

Advancements in molecular diagnostics, such as polymerase chain reaction and next-generation sequencing, have revolutionized disease management and prognosis. Despite these advancements in molecular diagnostics, the field faces challenges due to high operational costs and the need for sophisticated equipment and highly trained personnel besides having several technical limitations. The emergent field of CRISPR/Cas sensing technology is showing promise as a new paradigm in clinical diagnostics, although widespread clinical adoption remains limited.

Neuropathic corneal pain following refractive surgery: risk factors, clinical manifestations, imaging and proteomic characteristics.

Background/aims: To identify the risk factors for neuropathic corneal pain (NCP) following corneal refractive surgery and to report its clinical manifestations, imaging and proteomic characteristics.

Methods: This 1 year prospective cohort study included 100 eyes that underwent small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE) or laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Ocular surface assessments, in-vivo confocal microscopy scans, tear neuromediators and proteomics analyses were performed.

Change in subjective well-being and the associated costs of a woman-targeted presbyopia correction programme among older craftswomen in Zanzibar: a cost-outcome and scenario analysis.

Background: A pilot eyecare programme aimed to address the urgent eye health needs of older Zanzibari craftswomen. We investigated the impact of correcting presbyopia on their subjective well-being (SWB) 6 months post-correction and assessed the cost-effectiveness of a women-targeted presbyopia correction programme.

Methods: This study involved Zanzibari craftswomen aged 40 and older with presenting and corrected distance visual acuity better than 6/12 in both eyes and were presbyopic.

The Pharmacology and Toxicology of Ginkgolic Acids: Secondary Metabolites from .

Ginkgolic acids (GAs) are distinctive secondary metabolites of () primarily found in its leaves and seeds, with the highest concentration located in the exotesta. GAs are classified as long-chain phenolic compounds, and exhibit structural similarities to lignoceric acid. Their structural diversity arises from variations in the length of side chains and their number of double bonds, resulting in six distinct forms within extracts (GBE).

Gut Microbiota and Osteoarthritis: From Pathogenesis to Novel Therapeutic Opportunities.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic degenerative joint disease, characterized by cartilage damage, synovial inflammation, subchondral bone sclerosis, marginal bone loss, and osteophyte development. Clinical manifestations include inflammatory joint pain, swelling, osteophytes, and limitation of motion. The pathogenesis of osteoarthritis has not yet been fully uncovered.

Decreased Homeostasis Model Assessment of β-Cell Function in Patients Without Diabetes Can Predict Future Events in Patients With Cardiovascular Disease.

Background: Reduced insulin secretion is linked to diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD), but its role in non-diabetic CVD patients is unclear. The homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function (HOMA-β) measures pancreatic β-cell function. This study investigated the association between HOMA-β and adverse cardiovascular events in non-diabetic CVD patients.

Exploring the Fluorescence Bioactive Compounds in the Coelomic Fluid of Earthworms: Insights into Their Structural, Spectroscopic, and Functional Properties for Biomedical Applications.

Coelomic fluid of earthworms is a valuable source of novel bioactive compounds with therapeutic applications. To gain insight into the bioactive compounds in the coelomic fluid, this study used Perionyx excavatus, a tropical earthworm distinguished for its remarkable ability for regeneration. This study aimed to identify fluorescent bioactive compounds in the coelomic fluid of P.

Efficacy of asfotase alfa in a patient with adult-onset hypophosphatasia without obvious bone lesions: a case report with review of literature.

The use of asfotase alfa, a bone-targeted recombinant alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzyme, for the treatment of adult-onset hypophosphatasia (HPP) remains controversial, particularly in patients without evident bone abnormalities. We report the case of a 41-year-old woman with a history of Graves' disease, who presented with progressive joint pain and severe fatigue. Despite the absence of bone lesions, the patient was diagnosed with HPP based on persistently low alkaline phosphatase levels, family history, and a novel heterozygous ALPL variant (p.

Lobectomy Increases Postoperative Pulmonary Artery Enlargement to a Greater Extent than Segmentectomy.

Purpose: The underlying mechanism why segmentectomy has demonstrated the non-inferiority to lobectomy in several randomized trials remains unclear. Computed tomography (CT)-measured pulmonary artery (PA) enlargement reflects PA pressure and predicts the prognosis of certain respiratory diseases. We compared the preoperative and postoperative PA diameter to the ascending aorta diameter (PA/A) ratio, investigating its impact on right ventricular function in lung resection.

Usefulness of Artificial Pneumothorax during Totally Endoscopic Off-Pump Left Atrial Appendage Closure and Surgical Ablation.

Purpose: In totally endoscopic off-pump left atrial appendage (LAA) closure and surgical ablation, securing the operative field is sometimes difficult in some patients because of a narrow working space caused by an elevated diaphragm or ventricles. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a method that facilitates securing the operative field using an artificial pneumothorax.

Methods: We analyzed 71 consecutive patients who underwent totally endoscopic off-pump LAA closure and bilateral pulmonary vein isolation.

Long-term follow up from the Harvard Alumni Health Study: collegiate sport participation in males is associated with higher physical activity throughout midlife.

Objective: To compare physical activity (PA) over midlife between (1) former collegiate athletes and non-athletes and (2) among athletes in different sports.

Methods: The Harvard Alumni Health Study (HAHS) is a prospective cohort study of male undergraduates who completed serial questionnaires regarding PA and health status between 1962 and 1993. PA was categorised by intensity (<3 METs, light; 3 to <6 METs, moderate; ≥6 METs, vigorous), and energy expenditure (kilocalories (kcal)/week) was estimated at each intensity and in total.

Low-coverage whole genome sequencing of low-grade dysplasia strongly predicts advanced neoplasia risk in ulcerative colitis.

Background: The risk of developing advanced neoplasia (AN; colorectal cancer and/or high-grade dysplasia) in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients with a low-grade dysplasia (LGD) lesion is variable and difficult to predict. This is a major challenge for effective clinical management.

Objective: We aimed to provide accurate AN risk stratification in UC patients with LGD.

Analytical and Clinical Validation of the Plasma-Based Guardant360 CDx Test for Assessing HER2 (ERBB2) Mutation Status in Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer for Treatment with Trastuzumab Deruxtecan in DESTINY-Lung01/02.

This study demonstrates the analytical and clinical validity of the approved (United States and Japan) plasma-based Guardant360 companion diagnostic (CDx) test for selecting patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2 [ERBB2])-mutated (HER2m) non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) for trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) treatment. Concordance between the Guardant360 CDx test and the plasma-based AVENIO ctDNA Expanded Kit Assay (AVENIO), as well as the tissue-based clinical trial assays (CTAs) was investigated. Clinical utility was assessed by comparing T-DXd clinical efficacy results of patients in DESTINY-Lung01/02 who tested positive for HER2 mutations using the Guardant360 CDx test to benchmark efficacy results from DESTINY-Lung01/02.

Timing and Outcomes of PCI in Conjunction With TAVR With Balloon-Expandable Valves.

Background: The optimal timing for percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is debatable.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare outcomes based on the timing of PCI in stable coronary artery disease patients undergoing TAVR.

Methods: Leveraging the STS/ACC TVT Registry and Medicare Linkage, we analyzed patients with stable coronary artery disease undergoing PCI and TAVR between 2015 and 2023 using the SAPIEN 3 balloon-expandable valve platform.