This research explores the multifractal dynamics of the daily number of vaccinated time series for COVID-19, considering six European countries (Belgium, Denmark, France, Ger-many, Greece, and Italy) using the Multifractal Detrended Fluctuations Analysis (MF-DFA). We calculate the multifractal spectrum í µí±“ (í µí»¼) and apply a fourth-degree polynomial regression fit to estimate the complexity parameters that describe the degree of multifractality of the underlying process. We find that the multifractal dynamics of all these countries are characterized by strongly anti-persistent behaviour or anti-persistent long-term correlations (í µí»¼ 0 < 0.5) a lower degree of multifractality, and small fluctuations are dominant in the mul-tifractal spectrum. Our findings shed light on the period of immunization of the population that adhered to the vaccination campaigns is short and that the application of new doses of vaccines must comply with this phenomenology to keep the people safe.

The primary application of codes with locality and availability in distributed storage is for data recovery in case that data are lost on some damaged servers. Locality enables the recovery of lost data by contacting only a restricted number of remaining servers. Availability means that more than one subset of servers providing locality is available for data recovery for each server. The secondary application of these codes in distributed storage is to allow access to hot data in times of high demand. In this paper it is shown that the binary linear [14, 4, 7] code has locality 2 and availability 6 and it can be interpreted as a three-dimensional graph obtained from a [7, 3, 4] Simplex code. It is achieving upper bounds on basic parameters for codes with all-symbols locality and availability. This code can be a building element of more complex codes with scalability inspired by three-dimensional structures. The availability spectrum is introduced as a tool for analyzing codes with locality and availability.

Little is known about the short‐term dynamics of tree water use strategies particularly for neighbouring co-occurring species. Here, we quantify the high frequency changes in water sources and sap flux patterns of two commonly co-occurring tropical rainforest tree species: Dendrocnide photinophylla (Kunth; Chew) and Argyrodendron peralatum (F.M. Bailey; Edlin ex J.H. Boas). A combination of continuous sap flux measurements and hourly sampling of xylem water stable isotope composition (δDand δ 18O) were used to observe water use strategies through a 24 h transpiration cycle. Sap flux ranged from 2.82-28.50 L d -1 and was 66.67% higher in A. peralatum compare to D. photinophylla. For both tree species, sap flux increased with tree size and diurnal sap flux increase resulted in more isotopically enriched xylem water. A Bayesian Mixing Model analysis using sampled soil water isotopic composition from five soil depths from of 0 to 1 m showed that D. photinophyllaused very shallow or surface layer (0-20 cm) water, while A. peralatum sourced its water mostly from deeper in the soil profile (>20 cm). We hypothesize that these differences in species’ water consumption patterns are reated to plant water storage capacity and, wood anatomical features. Our study shows that combning xylem isotope composition and sap flux measurements can help reveal species level water use strategies—useful for improved process understanding for ecohydrological modeling.

IntroductionThe number of students enrolled in online and distance education courses has been increasing since 2000 (Allen & Seaman, 2013). In the fall of 2015, there were 5,954,121 students enrolled in any distance education courses at degree-granting postsecondary institutions (U.S. Department of Education, 2015). This increase in virtual education had brought about pedagogical changes and adaptations that have altered the roles of the educator and learner, and had reshaped the environment in which they interact. According to the 2017 distance enrollment report by theDigital Learning Compass , the number of students who have enrolled in online courses had surpassed six million nationally, continuing a growth trend that has been consistent for 13 years (Allen & Seaman, 2017). Additionally, more than a quarter of higher education students (29.7 percent) in the United States have enrolled in at least one online course (Online Learning Consortium, 2017). The purpose of this study was to examine predictors of success for online learners. To this end, the researchers sought to further understand whether familiarity with and access to technology, employment status, academic readiness are predictors of grade point average and satisfactions for students enrolled in online courses.

Influencing Best Practices in Teaching and Learning through a TA Training Course- A Case Study

Article Type : Letter to the EditorTitle : Whole blood high dimensional single cell functional profiling of basophils in peanut allergy

A document by Bacha Rasool. Click on the document to view its contents.

A previously healthy 68-year-old woman presented to the outpatient clinic with a 2-month history of palpitation. Physical examination and laboratory findings were unremarkable. Her electrocardiogram showed sinus tachycardia with a heart rate of 115 beats/m. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) showed a normal ejection fraction with a huge mass in the left atrium (Figure 1a). Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed for further evaluation. TEE revealed a hyperechogenic, well-demarcated mass in the left atrium, that was attached to the interatrial septum and adjacent to the left pulmonary veins (Figure 1b, 1c,1d). Cardiac MRI revealed a heterogeneous left atrial mass located on the fossa ovalis, 58x52x54 mm in size and markedly hyperintense on a STIR sequence (Figure 1e). These findings were suggestive of a benign cardiac tumour such as myxoma or hemangioma. A decision for surgery was made and coronary angiography was performed which showed that the branch of the circumflex artery supplied and surrounded the mass in the form of a net (Figure 1e). The patient underwent complete excision of the mass (Figure 2a, 2b). Histopathological examination revealed a nested architecture of epitelioid cells, the nests are round or oval in shape and invested by an fibrovascular stroma. Tumor cells had centrally and eccentrically located round nuclei and cytoplasm ranging from finely granular to eosiniphilic. At immunohistochemical staining, the nests were positive for chromogranin A, negative for cytokeratin (Figure 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f). A diagnosis of paraganglioma was made. After an uneventful postoperative course, she was discharged home on postoperative day 6. Cardiac paraganglioma is a very rare neuroendocrine tumour and accounts for less than 1% of primary cardiac tumours (1,2). Approximately 10% of paragangliomas may be malignant, complete surgical resection remains the first-line treatment (3).

Since the first outbreak was identified in July 2021, the African swine fever (ASF) epidemic in pigs in the Dominican Republic (DR) has generated much discourse on various measures for its control. Strategies range from complete depopulation of the swine population, as was done in 1978, to a system of passive surveillance with endemicity, with many in-between. Currently, ASF-decision makers need an evaluation of these potential strategies that incorporates both private and public perspectives. To achieve this goal, we used strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) analysis to evaluate three different theoretical ASF control scenarios with the aim of contributing to the discussion of different alternatives to mitigate the epidemic’s impact. These included total depopulation of all pigs in the DR, partial depopulation, and continuation of current control measures. Relevant experts from the DR private swine industry sector were identified through “snowball sampling” techniques. First, relevant stakeholders within the DR private swine industry were asked to identify individuals that they would consider experts for ASF in the DR. Experts identified through this process were contacted to participate. Of these, 5 experts completed the SWOT questionnaire for each of the scenarios, with additional questions considering aspects of financial cost, social impact, feasibility, animal welfare, and regional policy. The responses were summarized for an overall evaluation of each scenario and presented to the full group of experts initially nominated for final review and later to representatives of the DR government for feedback. The SWOT analysis highlighted that although there are certain benefits associated with each of the proposed strategies, there are also important drawbacks and disadvantages for all. This may explain in part why 6 months after the epidemic was first reported, there are still uncertainty about the most effective control strategy to be implemented. This analysis is a tool for discussions at the private-public interface and facilitate cooperation between the DR government and swine industry. Ultimately, this work supports the development of strategies that will reduce ASF burden in the DR in a way suitable for all relevant stakeholders.

Left atrial myxoma is the most common variant of cardiac tumour, rarely presenting with systemic embolization involving 3 limbs and intra cranial bleed simultaneously. Our case aims to discuss appropriate management strategy in such cases. This case presents a 34 year old lady with acute limb ischemia both lower limb and right upper limb with intracranial bleed with no signs of congestive heart failure diagnosed with LA Myxoma on preoperative routine 2d ECHO cardiography. She underwent embolectomy of right brachial artery and bilateral femoral artery, common iliac artery and abdominal aorta with excision of LA Myxoma planned for 4 weeks later. In patients presenting with acute limb ischemia and intracranial bleed, the definitive surgery of LA myxoma excision should be postponed for 4 weeks to prevent risk of systemic heparinisation causing worsening of neurological functions while acute limb ischemia should be addressed immediately.

Dryland area accounts for approximately 40% of worldwide land area, which plays a significant role in regulating the carbon sequestration capacity of land. Vegetation restoration in drylands adopted to prevent land degradation, and may also serve as a carbon sink in the earlier stage. However, the persistence of the carbon sink for the revegetated ecosystem in drylands is still unknown. Can the well-established restoration vegetation in dryland areas serve as a carbon sink in long-run? To address this question, we investigated the carbon sequestration capacity of planted vegetation in dryland areas with 13 years of observation (2009–2021) for established vegetation restoration, which began in 1989. We found that the revegetation area serves as a carbon sink in all years. The mean annual net ecosystem productivity (NEP) is 91.61 ± 36.17 gC m−2 yr−1 (mean ± standard deviation). Annual NEP showed a significant increasing trend over the study period with a rate of 5.65 gC m−2 yr−1 yr−1 (p<0.05). The increase in spring temperature, the earlier start of net carbon uptake, and the longer duration of net carbon uptake contribute to the gradual trend of NEP. The amount of annual NEP is predominantly determined by summer precipitation. Meanwhile, our results revealed that the increase in net carbon uptake by revegetation did not lead to excessive consumption of water resources. Our results have suggested that appropriate vegetation restoration in arid areas can increase ecosystem carbon sequestration over longer timescales and mitigate climate change, with relatively low environmental consequences and risks. Considering the vast area of degraded land in the global drylands, the carbon sequestration effect of this model should be given more attention .

A larger use of mitral valve repair is recommended in case of mitral regurgitation. Anterior leaflet repair is generally more difficult than posterior. Presence of atrial fibrillation or dysfunction of left ventricle appears to be independent preoperative factors of failure in case of involvement of the anterior leaflet. In experienced hands anterior leaflet repair can be effective and safe and should theoretically not limit a conservative technique instead of a replacement. This would therefore lead to being more aggressive in the treatment of this pathological condition in the earlier stages of the disease.

The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from wildlife origins has raised concerns about spillover from humans to animals, the establishment of novel wildlife reservoirs, and the potential for future outbreaks caused by variants of wildlife origin. Norway rats ( Rattus norvegicus) are abundant in urban areas and live in close proximity to humans, providing the opportunity for spillover of SARS-CoV-2. To date, there is no evidence of natural SARS-CoV-2 infection in rats and experimental studies suggest rats are likely not susceptible to ancestral SARS-CoV-2. However, as variants emerge, new species have been identified as competent hosts, as demonstrated by the susceptibility of rats to the SARS-CoV-2 Alpha variant of concern (VOC). We investigated SARS-CoV-2 infection and exposure in Norway rats from southern Ontario, Canada. From October 2019 to June 2021, 224 rats were submitted by collaborating pest control companies. The majority of samples were collected in Windsor (79.9%; n=179), Hamilton (13.8%; n=31), and the Greater Toronto Area (5.8%; n=13). Overall, 50.0% (n=112) were female and most rats were sexually mature (55.8%; n=125). Notably, 202 samples, including the two seropositive samples, were collected prior to the emergence of VOCs, and 22 were collected while the Alpha variant was the predominant circulating VOC in humans. Nasal turbinate (n=164) and small intestinal (n=213) tissue samples were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2 RNA by RT-PCR. Thoracic cavity fluid samples (n=213) were tested for neutralizing antibodies using a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT) (GenScript cPass); confirmatory plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT) testing was conducted on presumptive positive samples. We did not detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA in any samples tested. Two out of eleven samples positive by sVNT had neutralizing antibodies by PRNT (1:40 and 1:320 PRNT70). It is imperative that efforts to control and monitor SARS-CoV-2 include surveillance of rats and other relevant wildlife species as novel variants continue to emerge.

Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity appears to be incompatible because we are using the wrong model of the universe. Nature does not use two separate rule-books, but uses two different viewpoints. To see how the conflicting demands of Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity can be easily satisfied, we need the true model of our universe.Ever since Hubble’s law was discovered, scientists speculated that the analogy of an expanding balloon best described the shape of our universe. This view was rejected based on wrong assumptions and replaced by the presently accepted model of a flat and infinite universe, which is wrong! We are confident that we have measured the universe to be (3d) flat using two different methods. Unfortunately, neither method is capable of measuring the extrinsic curvature of a 3d hypersurface: 1)      We cannot measure the curvature of a 3 dimensional (hyper) surface using summation of angles in a triangle. That works for a 2 dimensional surface curving in the 3rd dimension. But for our case, we need the sum of solid angles (i.e. we need a tetrahedron, and not a triangle). The ‘sum of angles of the triangle’ checkup which we had applied to CMB (Cosmic Microwave Background) spots is bound to show that our universe is (3d) flat! 2)      We cannot measure the curvature of our universe using the critical mass-energy density method of General Relativity (General Relativity can measure intrinsic curvature, but not the extrinsic curvature). That proves that the universe may not be 3d flat. But how can we be sure that it is curved? Here is another piece of clue which finally nails it: Our universe does have has a Centre (although the Centre does not lie anywhere in our 3d space or 3d FPHS). This can be easily proved:The Centre of Mass equation is a powerful equation.   In the vastness of our cosmos, we can consider each galaxy (or maybe a galaxy cluster) as a point mass. Even as the numbers of galaxies tends to infinity, we are still left with a single point center of mass. Simply invoking infinity isn’t going to help us escape from the conclusion that there is indeed a Centre. And it has to lie outside the 3d hypersurface. Otherwise, we could have located the true center, and Hubble’s law would not have the particular form v = H0D. Also, the Big Bang would not have appeared to have happened everywhere. In fact the cosmos would be an irregular structure composed of an empty central region, the “crater of the explosion,” an intermediate region containing the galaxies and an external part containing only radiation. No structure in the three-dimensional space, born from an explosion occurring 13.8 billion years ago, could resemble the universe we observe today.The Minkowski SpaceTime equation (which explains all of special relativity, including time dilation, length contraction, and relative simultaneity) is not a statement for 4d spacetime continuum (since i cannot be used as an independent axis). Einstein & Minkowski made that mistake, and assumed a block universe view in which the past, the present and the future simultaneously coexist! This view is in stark contrast to our everyday experience, as well as with an astonishing number of observations in the whole of science. In fact, an entire book has been written to highlight this mistake. [The arrow of time: the quest to solve science’s greatest mystery]. The above equation represents a dynamic 3d hypersheet, moving with a velocity c in the 4th dimension in an embedding 4d hyperspace. This perfectly describes a small section of an expanding (hyper) balloon. c is the radial expansion velocity of our universe. Using this concept, and taking the age of our universe to be 13.8 billion years, the calculated Hubble constant value (71.002 km/s/Mpc) matches very well with accepted values (69.8 km/s/Mpc and 74 km/s/Mpc determined by two different methods).Therefore, relativity is all about being trapped inside the wall of the expanding (hyper) balloon. But, what is this 3d hypersurface made of? It is made of (scalar) fields, and particles, which are mere resonances/excitations in that field. That is just the core statement of stunningly accurate Quantum Field Theory (QFT) which forms the foundation of Standard Model of Particle Physics. Thus, we get a glimpse of the unity between relativity and Quantum Mechanics.Copernicus broke with 1300 years of tradition, and revolutionized science by moving from earth-centric to sun-centric view. But, moving the viewpoint to the true center of our expanding universe explains the origin and true nature of time itself!Clearly there are two viewpoints: the Center of Universe viewpoint (God’s view/nature’s view) and our viewpoint (i.e. viewpoint of an unfortunate creature trapped inside the wall of the hyper-balloon). From our viewpoint, the radius of the universe is an impossible direction (which forces us to use imaginary number) and hence it is a temporal dimension. But from the center of universe viewpoint, the radius is a real dimension, and hence is spatial dimension. Thus time and space dimension exchange roles. The radial expansion of the universe appears as passage of time from our viewpoint. From the center of universe viewpoint, simultaneity is absolute (as demanded by Sagnac effect), and there is indeed absolute universal time (as demanded by quantum mechanics) since the time passed since the Big Bang is just a function of the radius of the universe. From our viewpoint (located at an awkward position in the universe), locality is absolute, and velocity c is the upper limit, and remains constant for every observer. This turns (our) space and time into inseparable twins, and makes (our) time a relative concept. This solves the time problem which had so stubbornly resisted the reconciliation of Quantum Mechanics and General Relativity.The two viewpoints differ drastically. As explained later, temporal dimension is that dimension along which any movement can be ignored. For example, we can easily ignore the tremendous velocity with which we are travelling along the radius of the universe. In a similar manner, nature/universe ignores movement along the wall of the balloon whether we travel to the moon or to the sun or to the Andromeda galaxy, because the moon, the sun, and Andromeda galaxy are all equidistant from the true center of the universe. This fact, combined with the fact that the (entire) closed universe is an absolutely isolated system (Absolute Island) and has to conserve total momentum etc. gives rise to non-locality in entangled particles.Relativity is our viewpoint from an awkward position of the universe, while Quantum Mechanics is the other viewpoint. Both phenomena are like two sides of the same coin. Relativity is inside the light cone phenomena (since nothing can travel faster than light), while Quantum Mechanics is outside the light cone phenomena (allowing instant communications in ‘quantum entanglement’ experiments). Both are dictated just by the scale (i.e. whether we use classical/human scale or sub-atomic scale) for a very good reason (explained in detail in my paper). But why does the transition from Relativity to Quantum Mechanics happens with decreasing size scale? That’s because, this is what is happens to spatial and temporal dimensions at different scales:3+1 (Classical regime) <=> 2+2 (Compton regime) <=> 1+3 (Planck regime).General Relativity makes things a bit tricky since it involves curvature/warping of spacetime, but it does not become incompatible with Quantum Mechanics. The only difference between the warped spacetime of General Relativity, and the flat spacetime of Special Relativity is very similar to the difference between a stretched rubber membrane, with and without a metal ball placed on it. This stretching also produces the same time dilation (as predicted by Einstein), but now it is due to the cos and sine components of the temporal dimension. General Relativity and Quantum Mechanics are the two pillars of modern Science. Reconciling the two leads us to 'Theory of Everything'.The list of achievements in my above-mentioned paper is simply too long to be detailed here in this email. [e.g. ‘Principle of Least Action’ which comes closest to the ‘theory of Everything’ in physics, and from which, all known laws of physics can be derived, arises as a direct consequence of the better model of the universe as proposed in this paper]. My paper also explains why dualities like wave-particle duality, or Lagrangian-Hamiltonian duality arises. Duality is a bedrock concept of modern physics.The crucial conservation laws of Physics arise from symmetries of nature (as per Noether’s theorem). We can directly see from this simple structure of our universe, why those symmetries (e.g. homogeneity and isotropy) arises in the first place.Nature, the ultimate judge, has stamped TOTALLY APPROVED on my paper.

Knowledge of vertical structural complexity (VSC) is important, because the resulting spatial partitioning is closely linked to resource utilization and environmental adaptation. How VSC responds to environmental changes on large scales and its mechanisms are poorly understood. We investigated 2,013 plant communities on the Tibetan Plateau (TP). VSC was quantified as the maximum height (Height-max), height variation (Height-var), and height evenness (Height-even). Precipitation dominated the VSC variation in forests and shrublands, supporting the classic physiological tolerance and hydraulic limitation hypotheses. In contrast, for alpine grasslands in extreme environments, non-resource limiting factors dominate VSC variation. Generally, with the shifting of climate from optimal to extreme, the effect of resource availability gradually decreases, but the effect of non-resource limiting factors increases. Using machine learning models, maps of VSC at 1-km resolution were firstly produced for the TP. These findings provide new insights into macroecological studies, especially for adaptation mechanisms and model optimization.

Insect herbivores must simultaneously balance bottom-up effects of plant defensive chemistry and the top-down effects of natural enemies. At the intersection of these effects are herbivore immune systems, an herbivore trait that has largely been overlooked in studies of plant-insect interactions. Counter to the majority of studies showing that herbivores feeding on plants containing higher levels of toxins are immunocompromised, we demonstrate that Pieris rapae caterpillars feeding on more toxic host plants have enhanced cellular immunity at the cost of reduced growth rates and body size. However, whether enhanced immune systems are effective defense against parasitoids depends on parasitoid identity. Whereas enhanced immunity provided increased protection against the parasitoid Cotesia glomerata, it did not provide protection against C. rubecula that suppressed and evaded the host's immune system. Our study demonstrates that both herbivore immunity and species identity of trophic participants are crucial in determining the structure of multitrophic interactions.

Adult intussusception is uncommon diagnosis, with1-3cases in 1000000/year, primarily due to pathological lead point of which 70%is malignant.61-year-old female presented with intermittent colicky abdominal pain for one month and Right iliac fossa mass.CT scan confirmed the presence of colo-colic intussusception. It requires high clinical suspicion and has fatal complications

The pandemic situation of the new corona virus (SARS-COV-2) forces drug designers to formulate a new intelligent drug for this disease effective to treat all mutations of the virus. One way to control all mutations of virus is inhibition of spike protein (binding with Angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2)) duo to inhibit the viral entry. Viral entry is the first step for virus to start infection. In this work the interactions of SARS-COV-2 spike protein and ACE-2 are evaluated Insilico by docking process and four different Ligands are estimated to simulate those interactions, so as to avoid bindings with ACE-2 needed for viral entry in reality. All Ligand – receptor interactions are considered. Results approves the suggested Ligands in this work, have definite inhibitory effect on SARS-COV-2 spike protein based on the interactions which they make with receptor binding domain (RBD). Docking process are done repeatedly to assure conclusions.

Aim: To investigate prevention measures of hospital-acquired infection and clinical features of suspicious COVID-19 patients in the pediatric respiratory ward. Methods: Patients with fever and cough or fever accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea were given pre-isolation measures. The medical records of the patients were collected and analyzed to summarize the pre-isolation measures and patients’ clinical features. Results: A total of 50 pre-isolated children with suspicious COVID-19 hospitalized between January 28 and March 5, 2020 were included in. Pre-isolation measures combined with epidemiological history and pathogen screenings were used to rule out COVID-19 patients. No definite COVID-19 cases were detected, while 2(4%) patients were suspected of having COVID-19. The pathogenic results mainly included Mycoplasma pneumonia (35, 70%).Thirty-five (70%) patients had bronchopneumonia. The pre-isolation patients had the common clinical epidemiological characteristics as patients with fever and cough, vomiting, and diarrhea. Discussion: Pre-isolation measures could prevent suspicious COVID-19 patients from coming in contact with other patients before definite exclusion. Clinical analysis of the patients was helpful for clinical nursing management. Conclusions: Pre-isolation measures combined with epidemiological history and pathogen screening (novel coronavirus nucleic acid and general pathogen) can help to minimize the risk of COVID-19 as a hospital-acquired infection.

Background: H1N1 influenza has a high mortality rate due to its potentially life-threatening complications. The current study aims to investigate the relationship between the outcomes of the disease and clinical, paraclinical, and imaging findings in patients with H1N1 influenza. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study carried out at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Iran, medical records of 64 patients hospitalized from 21 March to 21 September 2019 were analyzed. Recorded clinical information and paraclinical and imaging findings of the patients were extracted and compared with the course of their disease. Clinical outcomes were defined as the death or survival of the patients. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software. Results: The mortality rate in the patient was 9.4% (6 patients). 81% had the following concurrent predisposing diseases: hypertension (17.8%), cardiovascular disease (13.7%), and diabetes mellitus (11%). Approximately 80% (51%) had received oseltamivir. In the patients, the most common presentations were cough (13.4%), fever (13.2%), and myalgia (10.8%). In the deceased patients, the oxygen saturation was decreased (P=0.037), and the pulse rate (P=0.012), respiratory rate (P<0.0001), alkaline phosphatase levels (P=0.001), and ALT levels (P=0.003) were increased. In the CT scan reports, in more than 53% of the patients, all lung lobes were involved with ill-defined margins in 94% of the patients, with the most common sites of the lesion being central and peripheral (27%) and posterior (22%) regions. Conclusion: Oxygen saturation, pulse rate, breathing rate, and laboratory findings (ALP and ALT) can predict the prognostic of the patients with H1N1 influenza.

Background: Influenza-associated pulmonary aspergillosis (IAPA) is an important complication of severe influenza with high morbidity and mortality. Methods: We conducted a retrospective multicenter study in tertiary hospitals in Switzerland during 2017/18 and 2019/20 influenza seasons. All adults with PCR-confirmed influenza infection and treatment on intensive-care unit (ICU) for >24h were included. IAPA was diagnosed according to previously published clinical, radiological and microbiological criteria. We assessed risk factors for IAPA and predictors for poor outcome which was a composite of in-hospital mortality, ICU length of stay ≥7d, mechanical ventilation ≥7d or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. Results: 158 patients (median age 64 years, 45% females) with influenza were included, of which 17 (10.8%) had IAPA. Asthma was more common in IAPA patients (17% vs. 4% in non-IAPA, p=0.05). Asthma (OR 12.0 (95% CI 2.1-67.2)) and days of mechanical ventilation (OR 1.1 (1.1 – 1.2)) were associated with IAPA. IAPA patients frequently required organ supportive therapies including mechanical ventilation (88% in IAPA vs. 53% in non-IAPA, p=0.001) and vasoactive support (75% vs. 45%, p=0.03) and had more complications including ARDS (53% vs. 26%, p=0.04), respiratory bacterial infections (65% vs. 37%, p=0.04) and higher ICU-mortality (35% vs. 16.4%, p=0.05). IAPA (OR 28.8 (3.3–253.4)), influenza A (OR 3.3 (1.4-7.8)) and higher SAPS II score (OR 1.07 (1.05—1.10)) were independent predictors of poor outcome. Interpretation: High clinical suspicion, early diagnostics and therapy are indicated in IAPA because of high morbidity and mortality. Asthma is likely an underappreciated risk factor for IAPA.

A quinoline derivative, 4-(quinolin-2-ylmethylene)aminophenol was synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal packing behaviour and intermolecular interactions were examined by Hirshfeld surface analyses, 2D fingerprint plots and QTAIM analysis. The second order nonlinear response of 4-(quinolin-2-ylmethylene)aminophenol molecule immersed in DMSO was investigated at PCM/DFT/CAM-B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level. Theoretical calculations of the Hyper-Rayleigh scattering first hyperpolarizability were performed using two different procedures, the Sum-over-states scheme and the energy derivative method from Gaussian16. The HRS first hyperpolarizability results were compared with obtained for other organic compounds and shown that the 4-(quinolin-2-ylmethylene)aminophenol presents a good nonlinear optical response.

In comparison to organisms parasitising vertebrates, parasites of arthropods are direly understudied despite their abundance, importance, and potential usefulness. Due to their close relationship and coevolution with the host, parasites can be used as tools allowing the inference of information on host life history, ecology, and past events the host species has experienced. Even though parasites comprise a diverse assemblage of taxa, it is possible to identify convergent patterns in their genetic population structure. Predictions of congruent population genetic co-structuring between hosts and parasites can be thus based on a few traits such as host specificity, life cycle complexity or parasite and/or host dispersal. The parasite may even provide better resolution of population structure than the host itself, serving as a proxy that can be used to direct conservation projects of both the host and parasite. Our review provides an overview of known cases of host-parasite population co-structuring in arthropods, identifies their common patterns, and discusses practical applications of these findings.

Yarrowia lipolytica, an oleaginous yeast with the GRAS status, has been developed as a platform for the chemical production. Specifically, promoter engineering is an important approach to regulating gene expression at the transcriptional level, which is of great significance in constructing microbial cell factories. Until now, some work on the promoter study has been carried out in Y. lipolytica. However, compared with other microorganisms, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bacillus subtilis, and etc., obtained achievements still need further replenishment and development for Y. lipolytica. For this, we screened 81 endogenous promoters in Y. lipolytica, mainly involved in carbon metabolism, amino acid metabolism, and lipid metabolism. As a result, we obtained 15 strong promoters, 41 medium strength promoters, and 25 weak promoters, with the strength spanning from 0.06% to 1.60-fold of PTEF promoter. In general, our study provides a unique and available endogenous promoter library for Y. lipolytica.