Animal home ranges derive from the distribution of resources across the landscape. For example, home ranges of tortoise species in the U.S. revolve around networks of burrows. However, human disturbances that damage shelter sites can decrease habitat suitability, individual survival, and population persistence. We investigated effects of burrow distribution and availability on space use of the Sonoran Desert Tortoise Gopherus morafkai at two populations with different habitat structures to determine the extent to which habitat capacity is defined by factors subject to management, such as vegetation, relative to more permanent features such as rock shelters. We also demonstrated the superiority of autocorrelated kernel density estimation, illustrating flawed conclusions that could arise from the use of traditional home-range estimators. Home-range size increased with the number of available burrows at both sites. At the Florence Military Reservation (FMR), with numerous caliche caves and few rock burrows, larger home ranges effectively compensated for 1/3 the burrow density as that of Sugarloaf Mountain, which predominantly featured rock burrows. Female tortoises had smaller home ranges than males despite having similar burrow densities. Females revisited individual burrows more often than males at Sugarloaf, which may relate to female use of preferred nesting sites; however, lower availability led males to revisit burrows at similar rates as females at FMR. Pairs of tortoises at FMR shared 72% more burrows than pairs at Sugarloaf, and pairs of females shared 33% fewer burrows than female-male pairs across both sites. Space and burrow use at FMR and Sugarloaf are consistent with predictions of how animals choose patches for their home ranges in ways that are optimal with respect to spatially distributed resources. Populations largely reliant on pallets or soil burrows may be more subject to declines due to anthropogenic impacts from grazing or off-highway vehicle use or due to increasing temperatures.

The genus Polygonatum boasts abundant germplasm resources and comprises numerous species. Among these, medicinal plants of this genus, which have a long history, have garnered attention of scholars. This study sequenced and analyzed the chloroplast genomes of six species of Polygonatum medicinal plants (P. zanlanscianense, P. kingianum, P. sibiricum, P. cyrtonema, P. filipes and P. odoratum, respectively) to explore their inter-specific relationships. The sequence length (154, 578–155, 807 bp) and genome structure were conserved among the six Polygonatum species, with a typical tetrad structure. The genomes contain 127–131 genes, containing 84–85 protein-coding genes, 37–38 transfer RNA genes, and 6–8 ribosomal RNA genes. The genomes contained 64–76 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and 36–62 long repetitive sequences. Codon bias patterns tended to use codons ending in A/T. In thirty types of codons with RSCU > 1, 93.3% ended in A/T of the six species. Twenty-one highly variable plastid regions were identified in the chloroplast genomes of the six medicinal plants. In addition, phylogenetic analysis of these and other 53 Polygonatum chloroplast genomes showed that P. cyrtonema, P. odoratum and P. filipes were clustered on one large clade, whereas P. kingianum and P. zanlanscianense were clustered on other clades. P. sibiricum is a monophyletic group and our tree supports the classification of P. sibiricum as an independent clade. This study provides a novel basis for intragenus taxonomy and DNA barcoding molecular identification within the genus Polygonatum medicinal plants.

In the last decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has influenced the field of cardiac computed tomography (CT), with its scope further enhanced by advanced methodologies such as machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL). The AI-driven techniques leverage large datasets to develop and train algorithms capable of making precise evaluation and predictions. The realm of cardiac CT is expanding day by day and multiple tools are offered to answer different questions. Coronary artery calcium score (CACS) and CT angiography (CTA) provide high-resolution images that facilitates detailed anatomical evaluation of coronary plaque burden. New tools such myocardial CT perfusion (CTP) and fractional flow reserve (FFR CT) have been developed to add a functional evaluation of the stenosis. Seen the great added value of the aforementioned tools, the demand for new exams has increased such as the burden on imagers. Due to its ability to fast compute multiple data, AI can be helpful in both the acquisition and post-processing phases. AI can possibly reduce radiation dose, increase image quality and shorten image analysis time. Moreover, different types of data can be used for risk assessment and patient risk stratification. Recently, the focus of the scientific community on AI has led to numerous studies, especially on CACS and CTA. This narrative review concentrates on AI’s role in the post-processing of CACS, CTA, FFR CT and CTP, discussing both current capabilities and future directions in the field of cardiac imaging.

Introduction: Left atrium (LA) dilates and its function decreases as a chronic secondary change in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). LA strain is a more sensitive measure of LV filling pressure than LA volume and can be used to predict the functional capacity in HCM. Objective: To analyse LA strain in patients with HCM and its correlation with exercise tolerance. Methods: A total of 113 patients with HCM were enrolled. All patients underwent detailed clinical evaluation, 24-hour Holter monitoring, exercise stress testing, two dimensional echocardiography with LA strain analysis using speckle tracking imaging. Assessment of functional capacity was done in terms of metabolic equivalents (METS). HCM patients with METS > 6.0 were included in group A while those with METS ≤ 6.0 were included group B. Correlation of various parameters of LA strain (LASr, LAScd and LASct) was done with functional capacity. Results: Mean age of the study population was 47±10.77 years with majority of them being males (71.9%). Group B patients had significantly lower LASr (12.95 ±8.61% vs 22.16±16%; P<0.001), LAScd (-7.28 ±6.29% vs -12.74±8.40%; P<0.001) and LASct (-7.44 ±4.46 vs -11.19±6.53; P<0.001). Multivariable linear regression analysis reported LASr to be an independent predictor of METs (P = 0.04). LASr was strongest echocardiographic predictor of reduced METS with an AUC of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.68 to 0.88), sensitivity of 71.8% and specificity of 82.9%. Conclusion: LA strain parameters are associated with functional capacity in patients with HCM with lower LA strain values being associated with poor functional capacity.

Cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) regulates synaptic transmission through presynaptic receptors in nerve terminals, and its physiological roles are of clinical relevance. The cellular sources and synaptic targets of CB1-expressing terminals in the human cerebral cortex are undefined. We demonstrate a variable laminar pattern of CB1-immunorective axons and electron microscopically show that CB1-positive GABAergic terminals make type-2 synapses innervating dendritic shafts (69%), dendritic spines (20%) and somata (11%) in neocortical layers 2-3. Of the CB1-immunopositive GABAergic terminals, 25% were vesicular-glutamate-transporter-3 (VGLUT3)-immunoreactive, suggesting GABAergic/glutamatergic co-transmission on dendritic shafts. In vitro recorded and labelled VGLUT3 or CB1-positive GABAergic interneurons expressed cholecystokinin, vasoactive-intestinal-polypeptide and calretinin, had diverse firing, axons and dendrites, and included rosehip, neurogliaform and basket cells, but not double bouquet or axo-axonic cells. CB1-positive interneurons innervated pyramidal cells and GABAergic interneurons. Most glutamatergic synaptic terminals formed type-1 synapses and some were positive for CB1 receptor concentrated in the presynaptic active zone, unlike in GABAergic terminals. From the sampled VGLUT3-positive terminals, 60% formed type-1 synapses with dendritic spines (80%) or shafts (20%) and 52% were also positive for VGLUT1, suggesting intracortical origin. Some VGLUT3-positive terminals were immunopositive for vesicular-monoamine-transporter-2, suggesting 5-HT/glutamate co-transmission. Overall, the results show that CB1 regulates GABA release mainly to dendritic shafts of both pyramidal cells and interneurons, and predict CB1-regulated co-release of GABA and glutamate from single cortical interneurons. We also demonstrate the co-existence of multiple vesicular glutamate transporters in a select population of terminals probably originating from cortical neurons and innervating dendritic spines in the human cerebral cortex.

The growing nutritional demand of the world population poses great challenges to sustainable and productive agriculture. Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are an economically interesting alternative to traditional methods of pest control, despite poorly understood aspects of their biology and genomics. This study provides a comprehensive characterization of the genome of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and its capacity to resist benzoxazinoids that are sequestered as defense compounds by an important insect pest. We performed a de novo chromosome-scale assembly of the H. bacteriophora genome and compared it with the genomes of other nematodes, highlighting syntenic orthologs and genome organization in EPNs. Co-phylogenetic analyses and genetic structure data of several H. bacteriophora isolates and their Photorhabdus symbionts suggest divergent evolutionary scenarios of these two species groups. Population genomics analyses within H. bacteriophora identified genetic variation distinguishing between strains susceptible and resistant to benzoxazinoids. Genome-wide differentiation (FST) pointed to genomic regions related to deoxyribonucleotide biosynthetic processes, polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase activity and single-stranded DNA endodeoxyribonuclease activity that were shaped by strong selective pressures. Having identified candidate genes associated with insect pathogenicity and benzoxazinoid resistance, our findings provide a foundation for future work on the efficacy and infectivity of EPNs in pest management.

Management of radix entomolaris of mandibular first molar with complex root canal curvatures; A case report and mini reviewRunning title: Managing Radix Entomolaris with complex root canal curvaturesAli Chamani1, Maryam Gharechahi2, Reza Shakiba3, Farshad Alipour3*Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranAssociate Professor of Endodontics, Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranStudent research committee, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran*­ Corresponding author:Farshad Alipour Student research committee, School of Dentistry, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranTel: +98 915 536 5508Email: [email protected]: 0009-0007-1021-5944Address: Department of Endodontics, School of Dentistry, Vakil Abad Blv, Azadi Square

Pancreatitis and Myocardial Infarction as Complications of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Case Report

Ichthyosis hystrix Lambert Type: A rare form of Keratinopathic IchthyosesPeter J. Chapa1*, Amina Omary1, Russel Halama1, Ibenzi Ernest1, Magdalena Dennis2Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital, P.O Box 904, Dodoma, TanzaniaMuhimbili National Hospital, P.O Box 6500, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania*Corresponding author: Peter J. Chapa, Dodoma Regional Referral Hospital, P.O Box 904, Dodoma, Tanzania, [email protected]

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a biomaterial commonly used as a regenerative scaffold in bone, dental, and connective tissue engineering. Fish scales are a valuable source of hydroxyapatite due to their natural composition. In this study, fish scale waste was effectively converted into fish scale powder (FSP), which served as a viable source of hydroxyapatite. Subsequently, fish scale powder (FSP) combined with nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) was used to produce dental membranes as monolayers/bilayers. The physical and chemical characterization of the membranes was performed using various techniques, such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and mapping analysis. These membranes were loaded with methotrexate (MTX), and the MTX release after 30, 60, 120, and 240 minutes was evaluated by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The data showed that the amount of MTX released increased over time, and the membranes exhibited high encapsulation efficiencies ranging from 81.47% to 96.43% at 240 minutes. These novel biocompatible and cost-effective membranes have significant potential for various applications in dentistry and related fields, improving the efficiency of the healing process by increasing the amount of drug released over time.

Herein, we adapted a quick, cost-effective, and an environmentally friendly biological method for the synthesis of Ag-NPs using silver nitrate solution as a precursor, and the aqueous leaf extract of Lespedeza juncea (Chinese lespedeza) was exploited to synthesize Ag-NPs. Various physiochemical characterization techniques were used to characterize the nanoparticles. The UV-spectrum revealed a resonance absorption peak at 428 nm, indicating successful synthesis of the nanoparticles. The EDX results indicated the presence of Ag, C, O, and Cl elements in biosynthesized Ag-NPs with elemental composition of 53.93%, 32.34%, 12.49%, and 1.23% respectively. The XRD analysis displayed the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles with face-centered cubic lattice. The FTIR spectrum confirmed the involvement of plant-based biological compounds as reducing and capping agents. TEM revealed quasi-spherical Ag-NPs of 50 nm or smaller in size. An insight of its biological activities reveals significant antimicrobial activities against S. aureus (14.1±0.76 mm), P. aeruginosa (11.50± 0.40 mm), E. coli (16± 0.95 mm), and the fungal strains Viz Candida albicans (14±0.80 mm), Aspergillus flavus (16.50±0.50 mm), Aspergellus niger (17± 0.86 mm) and afflicted 75% mortality to C. eligans. Furthermore, the Ag-NPs were found to be potent inhibitors of the enzymes; tyrosinase, urease, acetylcholinesterase, and butyrylcholinesterase with IC 50 values of 14.3±0.2 μg/mL, 19.5±1.1 μg/mL, 9.3±1.3 μg/mL and 32.65±1.9 μg/mL respectively. The overall outcome of the study suggests that L. jumcea mediated synthesized Ag-NPs hold the potential to be employed as a promising tool for their antibacterial, antifungal, nematocidal and for variety of enzymes inhibitory activities.

At the end of 2019, in the city of Wuhan, China, a new highly infectious coronavirus affecting the respiratory tract was announced. It was named SARS-Cov2, causing deaths in the population. In the face of this global health emergency, many medical and protective supplies were quickly depleted, and some others of dubious quality emerged, including face masks for medical and population use. Given this uncertainty, this working group developed a complementary methodology to the wind tunnel, a technique usually used to measure the efficiency of particle passage in certified masks. A gravity-feed airbrush gun operating at a pressure of 60 PSI was used for this purpose. Saline water at a concentration of 20 % NaCl was used as the impact liquid on the face mask, and the deposition time was 1 s, emulating the time of sneezing or coughing. The particles that passed through the face masks were deposited in sample holders for scanning electron microscopy (SEM), where a 0.8 X 0.8 cm slide was placed on their surface and the particles covered with an Au film deposited by sputtering. The sizes of the NaCl particles that were allowed to pass through the face masks were evaluated using field-emission SEM (FSEM). It was found that at 0.5 cm between the surface of the face mask and the deposit surface, distance between mask and airbrush nozzle 2.5 cm and 1 s deposits, the particles allowed to pass through the K95 and KN 95 masks were 85% and 88% respectively in the range from 0.2 – 1-0 µm. Based on this methodology, some face masks used daily by the population were evaluated, and the results are shown in this work .

Summary - This paper proposes a current-fed single-stage input-parallel-output-series (IPOS) modular converter for a large-scale photovoltaic (PV) generation connected to MVDC grids, which can realize maximum power point tracking and auto-voltage-sharing by only sampling the PV voltage and current. The submodule (SM) is integrated by an interleaved parallel boost unit and a full-bridge LC series resonant unit. The simple pulse width modulation is adopted, while the drivers of different SMs are interleaved but with the same duty cycle set. Since the full-bridge LC series resonant unit operates as a DC transformer (DCX) with zero-current switching realized for all rectifier diodes, the voltage gain of SM is only related to the duty cycle of the interleaved parallel boost unit for the boost inductor current is continuous. Hence, without any SM output voltage nor input current sensors, the SMs can automatically share the output voltage by using the same duty cycle set for each SM. Moreover, the zero-voltage-switching can be realized for switches. A 1.5 kW prototype with three SMs is built to verify the converter characteristics and control strategy.

Laparoscopic Enbloc Gastric Resection of A Giant Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor (GIST)Sara Saeidi1 MD, Vincenzo Pappalardo2 MD, Andres Hanssen3 MD FACS, Salomone Di Saverio4,5* MD FACS FRCSCenter for Obesity Research, Innovation and Education, Department of Surgery, Hartford Hospital, Hartford, Connecticut, USADepartment of General and Endocrine Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, ItalyUniversidad Libre Seccional Barranquilla. Clínica Iberoamerica Barranquilla Colombia, Clínica Portoazul Barranquilla ColombiaDepartment of General Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Madonna del Soccorso Hospital, San Benedetto del Tronto, ItalyDepartment of General and Transplant Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy*Corresponding Author: Salomone Di Saverio, MD FACS FRCS. Department of General Surgery and Surgical Oncology, Madonna del Soccorso Hospital, San Benedetto del Tronto, Italy. Email: [email protected]

Title PageMyelodysplastic Syndrome in a Patient with Cronkhite-Canada SyndromeKevin G. Shima*, Kevork Khadarianb*, Jewel Samadderc, Jiehao Zhoud, Cecilia Arana YiaDepartment of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Phoenix, ArizonaDepartment of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, ArizonaCenter of Individualized Medicine; Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, ArizonaDepartment of Pathology and Laboratory medicine, Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona*These authors contributed equally to this work.Key wordsCronkhite-Canada syndrome, myelodysplastic syndromes, myelodysplastic syndrome with single-lineage dysplasia (MDS-SLD), clonal hematopoiesis, low-risk myelodysplastic syndromesAbbreviations usedCCS, Cronkhite-Canada syndrome; MDS, myelodysplastic syndromes. MDS-SLD, myelodysplastic syndromes with single-lineage dysplasia; CH, clonal hematopoiesis; LR-MDS, low-risk myelodysplastic syndromesKey Clinical Message: We report the second case of concurrent diagnosis with Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome and myelodysplastic syndrome. This is the first published instance of myeloid malignancy focused sequencing in a patient with Cronkhite-Canada syndrome. This case highlights the interplay between inflammation-driven disorders and myelodysplastic syndrome and provides a starting point for future study.

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An unusual presentation of Takotsubo Syndrome in a young female of Middle Eastern origin

ANGIOEDEMA AS THE PRESENTING SYMPTOM OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUSEmily Petrinec, MD1, Ansaam Daoud, MD1,2, Omer Pamuk, MD2University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center1Department of Medicine, 2Department of RheumatologyContact information:Emily Petrinec: [email protected] Daoud: [email protected] Pamuk: [email protected] Author: Emily PetrinecContact: [email protected]: Department of Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center 11100 Euclid Ave Cleveland, OH 44106Funding/Disclosure:This research received no specific grant or monetary funds from any agency. There are no conflicts of interest for any authors to disclose.Patient Consent:I confirm that the patient(s) detailed in this submission: ANGIOEDEMA AS THE PRESENTING SYMPTOM OF SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS, CCR3-2024-08-2570 has reviewed and agreed to all conditions of the patient consent form provided by Clinical Case Reports. If the consent form was provided by a different institution, I confirm that consent form meets all specifications as outlined by COPE guidelines. I confirm that I have received the signed consent form from the patient/family member and will be able to produce that signed consent form if requested by the journal.