The diversity of Rhabdias includes 101 species, 71 of which parasitize the lungs of anurans, caudates, gymnophionans, and some occur in reptiles worldwide. Currently, 26 species are found in the Neotropical region, and in Brazil, there are 16 nominal species, a relatively low number considering the high diversity of potential hosts. Here, we describe a new species of Rhabdias found in Physalaemus albonotatus, with morphological and molecular data, as well as phylogenetic analyses using sequences of the mitochondrial gene Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit I (COI). Rhabdias taquariensis n. sp. differs from other known species by a set of morphometric traits and by presenting a well-defined internal shape of the cephalic dilation. Molecular analyses revealed that R. taquariensis n. sp. exhibits a significant divergence of 13.6% in COI compared to the Rhabdias cf. stenocephala species complex. Additionally, phylogenetic reconstructions indicate that the new species represents a distinct lineage, external to a clade formed by species such as Rhabdias fuelleborni, Rhabdias cf. stenocephala, and Rhabdias waiapi. Rhabdias taquariensis n. sp. is the 27th species described in the Neotropical region and the 16th in Brazil, the first description of a species of the genus Rhabdias for Physalaemus albonotatus, and one of the few Rhabdias species described for the Cerrado biome.

After performing an abortion in 1973, Dr. Kenneth Edelin was indicted and convicted of manslaughter. Dr. Edelin’s conviction was reversed 50 years ago. However, the conflict between the medical and legal systems, the use of abortion prosecution to control patients and providers, and the framing of a fetus as a person feel just as relevant to today’s abortion landscape.

Nutrition is crucial for the growth of children and adolescents. This study investigated multiple nutritional problems and influencing factors among 2,423 students aged 6-17 in Guizhou Province, using questionnaire surveys, physical examinations, and blood tests. Multifactorial logistic and Poisson regression analyses were used to identify determinants of overnutrition and undernutrition. The results showed a distinct profile compared to national averages: wasting was more prevalent (9.6%), while overweight (8.6%) and obesity (5.0%) were less common. Notably, hyperuricemia (27.6%) and zinc deficiency (17.9%) were elevated, whereas classical metabolic syndrome (2.3%) was lower, delineating a regional pattern that prioritizes these emerging and micronutrient issues. Marginal vitamin A deficiency (17.2%) and vitamin D inadequacy (50.9%) remained significant. Older age (11-17 years) was a strong risk factor for overnutrition-related disorders and hyperuricemia (All p<0.001). Overweight/obesity increased risks of hyperuricemia and metabolic syndrome (All p<0.001). Being female was a major risk factor for undernutrition (PR=1.27, 95%CI: 1.19-1.35, p<0.001) and vitamin D deficiency (AOR=2.51, 95%CI: 2.10-3.00, p<0.001), but a protective factor against hyperuricemia (AOR=0.34, 95%CI: 0.27-0.41, p<0.001). Frequent sugary drink consumption (≥3/week) elevated hyperuricemia risk (AOR=1.33, 95%CI: 1.05-1.69, p=0.020). This study underscores a complex double burden of malnutrition in western China, characterized by specific priority areas, and necessitates tailored, multi-component interventions such as limiting sugary drinks and focusing nutrition support on adolescent girls.

Suicide is a significant global public health concern, particularly among adolescents, with substantial implications for economies, societies and individuals’ mental well-being. Understanding its patterns and intention and psychosocial determinants in a given context can suggest potential intervention points. This population-based cross-sectional study aimed to document suicidal ideas, behaviors and intensity among youths aged 14 to 25 in the Nairobi metropolitan area and associated socio-economic position, demographic indicators and potential intervention points. A diverse sample of 1,972 participants was recruited from urban and peri-urban settings within the Nairobi metropolitan area. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests and logistic regression. Our findings confirm a high prevalence of suicidal ideas and behavior in the youth (19.9% and 3.6%, respectively), with very few significant differences between the urban and peri-urban areas. The severity of suicidal ideation and behavior reported methods and reasons, and the socio-demographic profile of participants, point to multiple potential intervention targets. These findings ought to be used to design, manage and evaluate suicide prevention programs.

Since the first report of erythromycin-resistant Bordetella pertussis (B. pertussis) in Arizona in 1994, macrolide-resistant strains have emerged worldwide, threatening pertussis control. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the prevalence and temporal trends of this resistance. Four databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science) were searched for studies on B. pertussis antimicrobial susceptibility through December 2024. Among 57 included studies (1994–2024), pooled resistance rates (breakpoint ≥32 mg/L) were: erythromycin 21% (95% CI 11–32%), azithromycin 25% (95% CI 12–40%), clarithromycin 15% (95% CI 4–30%), and clindamycin 49% (95% CI 28–70%). Subgroup analyses by country, year, and test method are presented. No trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (STX) resistance was reported. Six Japanese isolates showed high-level nalidixic acid resistance (MIC >256 mg/L). Seventy-seven studies contributed to MIC90 data for carbapenems, tetracyclines, aminoglycosides, quinolones, macrolides, cephalosporins, and others. Selected penicillins and intravenous third-generation cephalosporins demonstrated strong in vitro activity, suggesting alternative treatment options. Macrolide-resistant B. pertussis has increased significantly over the past decade. Due to the high burden of antibiotic resistance in China, enhanced surveillance is warranted, while continued monitoring in other countries also remains necessary.

This study aimed to evaluate the agreement between three body composition devices and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in assessing segmental body composition among healthy Iranian adults. This comparative study recruited 62 healthy adults (33 men and 29 women) from Tehran, Iran, using a convenience sampling approach. Socio-demographic data were collected, and segmental body composition was assessed using several devices, including the InBody 770, Anea Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA), Tanita BC-418, and DXA. Agreement between DXA and the BIA devices was evaluated using Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient. Additionally, Bland–Altman plots and mean percentage error were applied to assess the consistency between the two methods. The Anea, InBody 770, and Tanita BC-418 devices showed strong correlation with DXA for all segmental measurements (r≥0.74, p<0.05). Moderate agreement (concordance correlation coefficient (CCC): 0.90 ≤ CCC < 0.95) with the DXA method was found for some segments using the Anea (trunk fat mass, arms fat-free mass, legs fat-free mass, and trunk fat-free mass) and the InBody 770 (trunk lean body mass and trunk fat mass) devices. The estimation of legs fat mass was the least accurate across all BIA devices. Furthermore, subgroup analyses showed that the BIA devices provided more precise results in men and in individuals with a Body Mass Index (BMI) <25.00 kg/m2. The Anea BIA and InBody 770 devices show relatively acceptable validity for segmental body composition assessment. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

This study aims to assess whether there was any excess mortality among the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations in the Northern Territory (NT), Australia, during the COVID-19 pandemic. A time-series analysis using death data (1997–2023) was applied separately to the monthly and yearly death counts to develop an excess mortality surveillance model (using Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA)) for the NT population. Excess mortality was calculated by comparing expected deaths with actual deaths. In 2022, there was a statistically significant excess mortality of 193 (p < 0.01), compared with 82 recorded COVID-19 deaths. Excess mortality was significant for both the Aboriginal (N = 91) and non-Aboriginal (N = 102) populations in 2022. Even though some months had significant excess mortality among both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal populations, the recorded COVID-19 deaths were not high in these months. This was associated with the peak of COVID-19 fatalities. The ARIMA model demonstrates deviations from expected deaths and helps understand the pandemic’s impact on the NT. Excess deaths occurred in 2022; however, no large spikes in most of the months suggest public health success in the NT.

Monocrotaline (MCT) induces lung injury and pulmonary hypertension (PH) by a mechanism that is in part due to oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to determine how MCT affected nutrient antioxidants retinol and alpha-tocopherol in a rat lung and liver. Rats were fed a purified diet (AIN-93G) one-week prior to a subcutaneous injection of MCT (60 mg/kg) and remained on the diet throughout the study. Three weeks after injection, the animals were euthanized, and the lungs and livers were analyzed for retinol, alpha-tocopherol, phospholipid (PL), and cholesterol content. Lung retinol concentrations were significantly lower in MCT-treated rats, 2.0 ± 1.2 (nmol/g lung) vs. vehicle control (VEH), 5.8 ± 1.4 (P < 0.01). However, liver retinol concentrations were not significantly different, 3.3 ± 1.3 vs. 2.5 ± 0.9 nmol/g liver. Alpha-tocopherol was significantly greater in MCT-treated rats in the lung, 145 ± 24 vs. 99 ± 13 nmol/g lung (P < 0.001), and liver, 107 ± 30 vs. 47.7 ± 4.8 nmol/g liver (P < 0.001). Phospholipid and cholesterol were significantly lower in the lung of the MCT-treated group, but not significantly different in the liver. In conclusion, retinol along with phospholipid, and cholesterol were decreased in the lungs whereas alpha-tocopherol was elevated in the lungs and liver in response to MCT. These findings along with others suggest a novel mechanistic link between MCT-induced oxidative stress, lung vitamin A depletion, inflammation and the impairment of alveolar cell proliferation and repair. Pulmonary retinol is important in the pathogenesis of MCT-induced lung injury.

We report a 24-year-old male with functional single ventricle who developed ventricular dysfunction associated with strangulation by a previous epicardial pacemaker lead. During conversion to dual-chamber pacing, the constricting ventricular lead was removed, with intraoperative echocardiography demonstrating improvement in apical contraction. Relief of mechanical compression, together with restoration of atrioventricular synchrony, likely contributed to the recovery of ventricular function.