Redescription and molecular analysis of Corynosoma pseudohamanni Zdzitowiecki, 1984 (Acanthocephala: Polymorphidae) juveniles from Notothenia coriiceps Richardson in the water area of Argentine Islands, West Antarctica.

Corynosoma pseudohamanni Zdzitowiecki, 1984 (Polymorphidae) was described from the intestinal tract of 5 species of seals including the type and main host, the Weddell seal Leptonycotes weddellii (Lesson) in the South Shetlands, West Antarctica. Notothenia coriiceps was the primary paratenic host of 14 fish hosts reported in the original description. We describe excysted juveniles from the body cavity of the major paratenic host, Notothenia coriiceps Richardson collected off Galindez Island, Argentine Islands, West Antarctica for the first time.

Evidence of genetic determination of annual movement strategies in medium-sized raptors.

Most species of migrating birds use a combination of innate vector-based orientation programs and social information to facilitate accurate navigation during their life. A number of various interspecies hybridisations have been reported in birds. The traits of parents are expressed in hybrids in typical ways which are either intermediate, combined or heterotic.

Forensic analysis of an alleged improvised explosive device (IED) from a multidisciplinary perspective: Organisation and outcomes of the ENFSI 2023 exercise.

Interdisciplinary examination of test materials requires careful consideration of how forensic routines can influence each other. This influence can be direct and obvious, or indirect and subtle. A multidisciplinary collaborative exercise (MdCE) should test a forensic laboratory's ability to account for these difficulties.

Effect of polymer architecture on the properties and in vitro cytotoxicity of drug formulation: A case study with mono- and di-gradient amphiphilic poly(2-Oxazoline)s.

Due to the straightforward single-step synthesis, amphiphilic gradient copoly(2-oxazoline)s are becoming more popular alternative to their block analogue for the development of next-generation drug delivery systems. Here, we investigated the influence of polymer architecture on the physiochemical and biological assessment of nanoformulations formed by the self-assembly of gradient copoly(2-oxazoline)s. Two different architectures were synthesized: hydrophilic-grad-hydrophobic (mono-gradient) and hydrophobic-grad-hydrophilic-grad-hydrophobic (di-gradient) which contained a hydrophilic monomer, 2-ethyl-2-oxazoline (EtOx) and a hydrophobic monomer, 2-phenyl-2-oxazoline (PhOx).

The role of non-respiratory arousals in residual daytime sleepiness in patients with obstructive sleep apnea treated with positive airway pressure: An analysis of the European Sleep Apnea Database registry.

Study Objectives: To assess the impact of the non-respiratory arousal burden at baseline polysomnography (PSG) on residual daytime sleepiness in positive airway pressure (PAP)-treated obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

Methods: We included OSA patients from the European Sleep Apnea Database registry with available arousal data who had at least 2 treatment follow-up visits. The primary outcome was the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score under PAP.

Effects, Mechanisms of Action and Application of Vitex agnus-castus for Improvement of Health and Female Reproduction.

This narrative review describes the provenance and chemical composition of Vitex agnus-castus, as well as the currently available knowledge concerning its action. To search the related articles, Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, SCOPUS databases between the years 1995 and 2024, and the keywords "Vitex," "review," "fertility," "ovarian" and "mechanisms" were used in various combinations. The data listed in this review demonstrate that Vitex agnus-castus and its constituents (isoflavones and essential oils) affect a number of physiological actions via multiple extra- and intracellular mechanisms of action.

In Situ Gelling Dexamethasone Oromucosal Formulation: Physical Characteristics Influencing Drug Delivery.

The study focuses on the development of an in situ gelling dexamethasone (DEX) oromucosal formulation designed for the treatment of aphthous stomatitis. Three series of formulations were prepared; a first series containing DEX suspended, a second series containing DEX and, in addition, mint essential oil (EO), and a third series containing EO and DEX solubilized in propylene glycol (PG). In the composition, polymers in the role of mucoadhesive agent were interchanged (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), methyl cellulose (MC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC).

The Effect of Lipopolysaccharides from on the Size, Density, and Compressibility of Phospholipid Vesicles.

The properties of the large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) from 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DMPC), modified by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) from sv. Enteritidis, which mimics Gram-negative bacteria, were studied by various physical methods. LPS, in the range of 0/20/50 % / relative to the lipid, had a regulatory role in the structure of the LUVs toward the lower size, low polydispersity, and over-a-month size stability due to the lower negative zeta potential.

Exploring the microbiome-gut-testis axis in testicular germ cell tumors.

The microbiome-gut-testis axis has emerged as a significant area of interest in understanding testicular cancer, particularly testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs), which represent the most common malignancy in young men. The interplay between the gut and testicular microbiomes is hypothesized to influence tumorigenesis and reproductive health, underscoring the complex role of microbial ecosystems in disease pathology. The microbiome-gut-testis axis encompasses complex interactions between the gut microbiome, systemic immune modulation, and the local microenvironment of the testis.

Spatiotemporal regulation of alginate sub-structures at multiple scales revealed by monoclonal antibodies.

Alginates are abundant linear polysaccharides produced by brown algae and some bacteria. They have multiple biological roles and important medical and commercial uses. Alginates are comprised of D-mannuronic acid (M) and L-guluronic acid (G) and the ratios and distribution patterns of M and G profoundly impact their physiological and rheological properties.

Lithium compromises the bioenergetic reserve of cardiomyoblasts mitochondria.

Lithium is used in the long-term treatment of bipolar disorder, exhibiting a beneficial effect on the neuronal cells. The concentration of lithium in the blood serum can vary and can easily approach a level that is related to cardiotoxic adverse effects. This is due to its narrow therapeutic index.

The first insight into Acanthocephalus (Palaeacanthocephala) satellitome: species-specific satellites as potential cytogenetic markers.

Acanthocephalan parasites are often overlooked in many areas of research, and satellitome and cytogenetic analyzes are no exception. The species of the genus Acanthocephalus are known for their very small chromosomes with ambiguous morphology, which makes karyotyping difficult. In this study, we performed the first satellitome analysis of three Acanthocephalus species to identify species- and chromosome-specific satellites that could serve as cytogenetic markers.

Survey of legislative frameworks and national recommendations governing paediatric maintenance haemodialysis in Europe.

Background: The application of international recommendations for paediatric maintenance haemodialysis (HD) could be strengthened by national laws or written recommendations. Our aim was therefore to describe the national rules governing paediatric maintenance HD in European countries.

Methods: A national representative, approved by the president of each paediatric nephrology society, was contacted in all 42 European countries to complete two online questionnaires.

Impact of eggshell membrane on metabolism and cell adhesion in oxidatively stressed canine chondrocytes.

Eggshell membrane (ESM) is a rich source of bioactive compounds, including proteins, peptides, and antioxidants, contributing to its potential therapeutic benefits. These natural antioxidants might help neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and modulate inflammatory responses, which are often linked with chondrocyte damage in osteoarthritis. In this study, we investigated the functional effects of ESM proteins on HO-induced oxidative stress in a neonatal canine chondrocytes.

Small mammals as hosts of vector-borne pathogens in the High Tatra Mountains region in Slovakia, Central Europe.

Rodents and insectivores are significant reservoirs of many zoonotic pathogens, contributing to the transmission of diseases affecting human and animal health. This study investigated the prevalence and diversity of vector-borne pathogens in small mammals within the High Tatras region of Slovakia, an area with substantial recreational activity and protected zones. A total of 156 small mammals, comprising ten species, were screened for pathogens such as spp.

Psychosocial distress in people with overweight and obesity: the role of weight stigma and social support.

We aimed to assess the role of weight stigma and social support in depression, anxiety, and loneliness controlling for sociodemographic and clinical variables. A total of 189 adults with overweight/obesity were included. Participants were recruited from outpatient clinics by general practitioners which covered all regions of Slovakia.

The expanded theory of planned behavior for energy saving among academics in Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Slovakia.

Given the escalating global energy consumption and the concurrent economic and energy crises, energy-saving behaviour must be adopted on a large scale. Universities that are energy-intensive institutions should be one of the institutions where energy-saving behaviour is widely adopted. Academics devote a substantial portion of their time to their offices, which leads to increased energy usage.

Life satisfaction around the world: Measurement invariance of the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups.

The Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS) is a widely used self-report measure of subjective well-being, but studies of its measurement invariance across a large number of nations remain limited. Here, we utilised the Body Image in Nature (BINS) dataset-with data collected between 2020 and 2022 -to assess measurement invariance of the SWLS across 65 nations, 40 languages, gender identities, and age groups (N = 56,968). All participants completed the SWLS under largely uniform conditions.

On-the-fly resolution enhancement in X-ray protein crystallography using electric field.

X-ray crystallography has tremendously served structural biology by routinely providing high-resolution 3D structures of macromolecules. The extent of information encoded in the X-ray crystallography is proportional to which resolution the crystals diffract and the structure can be refined to. Therefore, there is a continuous effort to obtain high-quality crystals, especially for those proteins, which are considered difficult to crystallize into high-quality protein crystals of suitable sizes for X-ray crystallography.

Population structure of Clinostomum complanatum (Trematoda: Digenea) with new data on haplotype diversity of flukes from Slovakia and Italy.

The fluke Clinostomum complanatum, a parasite of piscivorous birds, but also reptiles and rarely mammals, has established several foci in the western Palaearctic regions. Previous studies pointed out the complicated taxonomy of the genus, but broader population genetic analysis of C. complanatum has not yet been carried out.

Current practices in prevention, screening, and treatment of diabetes in kidney transplant recipients: European survey highlights from the ERA DESCARTES Working Group.

Background: Although post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a common complication after kidney transplantation, there are few data on prevention, optimal screening, and treatment strategies.

Methods: The European Renal Association's DESCARTES working group distributed a web-based survey to European transplant centres to gather information on risk assessment, screening procedures, and management practices for preventing and treating PTDM in kidney transplant recipients.

Results: Answers were obtained from 121/241 transplant centres (50%) across 15 European countries.

PET Imaging of a Transgenic Tau Rat Model SHR24 with [F]AV1451.

Purpose: Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans with radioligands targeting tau neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) have accelerated our understanding of the role of misfolded tau in neurodegeneration. While intended for human research, applying these radioligands to small animals establishes a vital translational link. Transgenic animal models of dementia, such as the tau rat SHR24, play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of these disorders.

Association between extracellular DNA levels, markers of inflammation and left ventricular mass index in children with chronic kidney disease.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, but the primary factors triggering this inflammation remain unclear. Extracellular or cell-free DNA (exDNA) originates from virtually all tissues, being released during cell death, and stimulates the innate immune system. Our study was designed as an observational, cross-sectional cohort study of children with CKD (both before and after kidney transplantation) and controls to analyze associations between exDNA, markers of inflammation, and cardiovascular health.

The association of origin and environmental conditions with performance in professional IRONMAN triathletes.

We have (i) little knowledge about where the fastest professional IRONMAN triathletes originate from and where the fastest races take place and (ii) we have no knowledge of the optimal weather conditions for an IRONMAN triathlon. The aims of the present study were, therefore, (i) to investigate the origin and the fastest IRONMAN race courses for professional triathletes and (ii) to evaluate the best environmental conditions (i.e.

Nanotubular clay minerals for simultaneous sorption of pesticides and PFCAs: a molecular simulation study.

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and herbicides are important persistent contaminants that require specific management. A variety of herbicides is stored in fluorinated containers in the form of aquatic solutions. In such environments, the simultaneous release of PFAS and herbicides takes place.