Recent molecular phylogenies have shown the polyphyly of widespread genera within the Chromodorididae. In this context, the genus Felimare was resurrected to include Eastern Pacific, Atlantic, and Mediterranean species previously included in Hypselodoris, plus Mexichromis porterae (Cockerell, 1901) and Mexichromis kempfi (Ev. Marcus, 1971). The somewhat controversial genus Felimare currently includes species with different external, radular, and jaw shapes as well as different reproductive morphologies, resulting in the absence of a clear diagnosis for the genus. Here, we advance the systematics of Chromodorididae with emphasis on a group of small blue species of Felimare from the Eastern Pacific and Atlantic Ocean. Based on consistent morphological and molecular characteristics we describe a new genus, Neptunazurea gen. nov., that includes small chromodorids with mole-paw shaped jaw rodlets, a small radula compared to the body length, and a short, undifferentiated prostate. A taxonomic review of Neptunazurea kempfi (Ev. Marcus, 1971) comb. nov. is presented. Comprehensive morphological studies are crucial for the study of chromodoridids, enabling the thorough evaluation of diagnostic traits and the effective integration of morphological data with molecular information.
This paper presents a catalog of Philippine species of the genus Schmidtiana Podaný, 1971, with updated distributional records from the Eastern Mindanao Biodiversity Corridor. It also provides information on species-level variation, high-definition images of type materials and reference collections, and an identification key to the Philippine species of Schmidtiana. A neotype of S. palawana (Schultze, 1922) is also designated and deposited in the Philippine National Museum.
Three new species of the genus Ectopsocus, namely E. bispinosussp. nov., E. cluniatoidessp. nov., and E. sengaltherisp. nov., are described and illustrated. In addition, four species of Ectopsocus, (E. ewarti Vaughan, Thornton & New, 1989; E. himalayanus New, 1971; E. hypandrus Thornton, 1984; and E. meridionalis Ribaga, 1904), and one species of Ectopsocopsis (E. mozambica (Badonnel, 1931)), are reported for the first time from India. Moreover, the female of E. himalayanus New, 1971, is described for the first time. This study is the first record of the genus Ectopsocopsis from India. We also provide an updated key to the species of the family Ectopsocidae from India.
The members of the trachelid spider genus Trachelas L. Koch, 1872 are taxonomically revisited in the Americas, and the fauna from southern South America is revised. The new genus Neochelas is diagnosed and described to accommodate these species, as well as six new species and 61 transferred species, making Neochelas the most diverse genus of trachelids with 67 nominal taxa. Four species are redescribed: N. robustus (Keyserling, 1891) comb. nov., N. rugosus (Keyserling, 1891) comb. nov., N. submissus (Gertsch, 1942) comb. nov., and N. vitiosus (Keyserling, 1891) comb. nov.; the males of N. submissus are described for the first time. Six new species are described from Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay: N. amambay sp. nov., N. cerroleonsp. nov., N. calilegua sp. nov., N. gualambasp. nov., N. iguazu sp. nov., and N. itapua sp. nov.Neochelas niger (Mello-Leitão, 1922) comb. nov. and Neochelas tridentatus (Mello-Leitão, 1947) comb. nov. are transferred from Trachelas and considered nomina dubia due to insufficient descriptions and descriptions based on immature specimens; their types are illustrated here. The remaining new combinations proposed (from Trachelas to Neochelas) are the following: Neochelas amacayacu (Sherwood & Arzuza Buelvas, 2025), Neochelas anomalus (Taczanowski, 1874), Neochelas barroanus (Chamberlin, 1925), Neochelas bicolor (Keyserling, 1887), Neochelas bispinosus (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1899), Neochelas borinquensis (Gertsch, 1942), Neochelas bravidus (Chickering, 1973), Neochelas bulbosus (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1899), Neochelas cadulus (Chickering, 1973), Neochelas cambridgei (Kraus, 1955), Neochelas contractus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas crassus (Rivera-Quiroz & Alvarez-Padilla, 2015), Neochelas daubei (Schmidt, 1971), Neochelas depressus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas digitus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas dilatus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas ductonada (Rivera-Quiroz & Alvarez-Padilla, 2015), Neochelas ecudobus (Chickering, 1973), Neochelas erectus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas femoralis (Simon, 1898), Neochelas fuscus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas giganteus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas gloriamarielae (Chamé-Vázquez & Chamé-Vázquez, 2025), Neochelas hamatus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas hassleri (Gertsch, 1942), Neochelas huachucanus (Gertsch, 1942), Neochelas inclinatus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas jamaicensis (Gertsch, 1942), Neochelas lanceolatus (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1899), Neochelas latus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas mexicanus (Banks, 1898), Neochelas mombachensis (Leister & Miller, 2015), Neochelas mulcetus (Chickering, 1973), Neochelas oculus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas odoreus (Rivera-Quiroz & Alvarez-Padilla, 2015), Neochelas organatus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas pacificus (Chamberlin & Ivie, 1935), Neochelas panamanus (Chickering, 1937), Neochelas parallelus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas planus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas prominens (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas quadridens (Kraus, 1955), Neochelas rotundus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas santaemartae (Schmidt, 1971), Neochelas similis (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1899), Neochelas sinuosus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas speciosus (Banks, 1898), Neochelas spicus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas spinulatus (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1899), Neochelas spirifer (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1899), Neochelas tomaculus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas tranquillus (Hentz, 1847), Neochelas transversus (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1899), Neochelas triangulus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas trifidus (Platnick & Shadab, 1974), Neochelas truncatulus (F. O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1899), and Neochelas volutus (Gertsch, 1935). Finally, we propose the new combination Trachelopachys nigrifemur (Mello-Leitão, 1941) comb. nov., transferred from Trachelas. After this study, we propose that Trachelas does not occur in the Americas. We present a phylogenetic analysis of Trachelidae based on six genetic markers, confirming the monophyly of Neochelas and showing that it is not closely related to Trachelas sensu stricto.
Children and adolescents spend up to 50% of their waking day attending school, during which they may have accidents and sustain injuries. Therefore, in 1971, the DGUV (German Statutory Accident Insurance) established the pupils insurance. The aim of the study was, for the first time, to analyse changes in the frequency and severity of accidents related to school attendance over a period of more than 20 years. Retrospectively, based on the medical records of a German University Hospital, all school accidents from a five-year period from 1/2019 to 12/2023 and their causes, extent of injury and treatment effort were recorded and processed using descriptive statistics. For comparison, nearly identical data from the same Hospital from period 7/1999 to 6/2004 were available. A total of 3031 school accidents were identified (comparison period: 1399). The average age was 10.7 years (11.8). While sports were the most frequent cause of accidents in the first study period, in the second period it was breaks and leisure activities (p<0.001). The distribution of injuries across body regions was roughly the same. The proportion of treatments requiring anaesthesia decreased from 16.4% to 5.1% (p<0.001). Overall, the number of children and adolescents treated after a school accident increased significantly between the two periods. Minor injuries predominated. The causes can only be speculated upon so far. Numerically alone, however, the increase represents a considerable personnel and logistical challenge for the statutory accident insurance system. Our data can help to expand capacities in a targeted and needs-based manner. Furthermore, the focus of injury prevention in schools can potentially be adjusted. Kinder und Jugendliche verbringen bis zu 50% des wach erlebten Tages mit dem Schulbesuch, in dessen Verlauf sie verunfallen und Verletzungen erleiden können. Die DGUV (Deutsche Gesetzliche Unfallversicherung) etablierte daher 1971 die Schüler-Unfallversicherung. Ziel der Untersuchung war es, erstmals die Veränderungen im Aufkommen und der Schwere von Unfällen in Zusammenhang mit dem Schulbesuch über einen Zeitraum von mehr als 20 Jahren herauszuarbeiten.Retrospektiv wurden anhand der Krankenunterlagen einer deutschen Universitätsklinik alle Schulunfälle aus einem 5 Jahres-Zeitraum von 1/2019 bis 12/2023 und deren Verletzungsursache, Verletzungsausmaß und Behandlungsaufwand erfasst und mit Hilfe deskriptiver Statistik aufgearbeitet. Zum Vergleich standen nahezu identische Daten derselben Klinik aus dem Zeitraum 7/1999 bis 6/2004 zur Verfügung.Insgesamt wurden 3031 Schulunfälle identifiziert (Vergleichszeitraum: 1399). Der Altersdurchschnitt lag bei 10,7 Jahren (11,8). Insbesondere die Altersgruppe der 5–8 Jährigen legte überdurchschnittlich zu (p<0,001). Während im ersten Untersuchungszeitraum der Sport die häufigste Unfallursache war, war dies im zweiten die Pausen- und Freizeitgestaltung (p<0,001). Die Verteilung der Verletzungen auf die Körperregionen war in etwa gleich. Der Anteil narkosebedürftiger Behandlungen ging von 16,4% auf 5,1% zurück (p<0,001).Insgesamt hat die Zahl der nach einem Schulunfall behandelten Kinder und Jugendlichen im Vergleich der beiden Zeiträumen enorm zugenommen. Minderschwere Verletzungen überwiegen dabei. Über die Ursachen kann bis dato nur spekuliert werden. Allein zahlenmäßig bedeutet die Zunahme jedoch eine erhebliche personelle und logistische Herausforderung für das D-Arzt Wesen. Unsere Daten können helfen, hier die Kapazitäten gezielt und bedarfsgerecht zu erweitern. Des Weiteren können ggf. die Schwerpunkte der Verletzungsprävention im Schulbetrieb angepasst werden.
Under the backdrop of global climate change, the frequent occurrence of combined disasters of high temperature and drought poses severe challenges to food security, ecological environment, and sustainable socio-economic development. Based on the meteorological observation data from 1971 to 2024, we constructed an intensity index by combining the nested Copula model with the random forest algorithm, and analyzed the spatiotemporal variations, recurrence interval characteristics and intensity evolution law of compound high-temperature and drought disasters in Liaoning Province by coupling GIS technology. The results showed that the occurrence frequency of compound high-temperature and drought disasters presented a pattern of being high in the west and low in the east. The western region was a continuously expanding and intensifying high-frequency agglomeration area, while the eastern and coastal areas remained a stable low-frequency area for a long time. Compound high-temperature and drought disasters in Liaoning Province were dominated by short recurrence interval (0-2 years) events, which featured with high occurrence frequency and strong spatial agglomeration. The western region as the core high-incidence area. With the extension of the return period, the occurrence scope of disasters shrank sharply and the frequency decreased, and long recurrence interval events were only sporadically distributed in the western region. The intensity of single events experienced a phased evolution of weak occurrence-initial increase-rapid increase-maintenance-attenuation, peaking in the 1990s. The cumulative intensity gradually evolved from a pattern of single low-value agglomeration in the western region in the 1970s to a dual high-intensity agglomeration pattern in the western and central regions in the 2010s. The intensity of the core western region reached its peak at the end of the study period. In summary, the western region of Liaoning Province was the core affected area of compound high-temperature and drought disasters, and the disaster intensity showed an increasing trend. This study could provide a scientific basis for the formulation of disaster prevention and mitigation strategies and risk management in Liaoning Province. 全球气候变化背景下,高温干旱复合灾害频发,对粮食安全、生态环境及社会经济可持续发展构成严峻挑战。本研究基于1971—2024年气象观测数据,运用嵌套式Copula模型结合随机森林算法构建强度指数,耦合GIS技术对辽宁省高温干旱复合灾害的时空分异、重现期特征和强度演变规律进行分析。结果表明:研究期间,辽宁省高温干旱复合灾害发生频次呈现西高东低的格局,西部为持续扩张和强化的高频集聚区,而东部及沿海地区则长期稳定为低频区。辽宁省高温干旱复合灾害以短重现期(0～2年)事件为主导,其发生频次高、空间集聚性强,西部是核心高发区;随着重现期延长,灾害发生范围急剧收缩、频次降低,长重现期事件仅在西部零星分布。单次事件强度经历了弱发-初增-剧增-维持-衰减的阶段性演变,于1990s达到峰值;而累计强度则从1970s的西部单极低值集聚,逐步演变为2010s的西部-中部双极高强度集聚格局,且西部核心区强度在研究期末达到峰值。综上,辽宁省西部为高温干旱复合灾害核心影响区域,且灾害强度呈增加趋势。本研究结果可为辽宁省防灾减灾策略制定及风险管控提供科学依据。.
While kidney failure is associated with severe COVID-19, data on early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its relationship to acute and post-acute COVID-19, as well as post-vaccination antibody responses, are limited. We evaluated pre-pandemic CKD stage in relation to these outcomes. Prospective cohort. Adults in nine US population-based studies established since 1971, with pre-pandemic CKD measurements and follow-up for COVID-19 outcomes. CKD stages (low CKD stage [reference], moderate CKD stage, high CKD stage, and very high CKD stage) defined by creatinine-based eGFR and urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio. (i) COVID-19 hospitalization or death (self-report/medical records, 2020‒2023); (ii) RECOVER Long COVID Research Index score ≥11 (LCRI-positivity by questionnaires, 2023‒2024); (iii) post-vaccination anti-Spike 1 (S1) IgG levels (dried blood spots, 2021‒2022). Cause-specific hazards for severe COVID-19, logistic regression for LCRI-positivity, and generalized additive models for anti-S1 IgG. Among 26,039 participants, CKD stage was low in 81.7%, moderate in 13.0%, high in 3.6%, and very high in 1.7%. Over a median 550-day follow-up (P25-P75: 314‒636), 734 had severe COVID-19; 12.1% of infected (669/5,527) were classified as LCRI-positive; and 3.1% (82/2,679) were anti-S1 IgG antibody non-reactive. A more severe CKD stage was associated with a greater risk for severe COVID-19: the HR for moderate stage CKD was 1.27 (95% CI, 1.03‒1.56), for high stage CKD, 2.33 (1.77‒3.06), and for very high stage CKD, 2.72 (1.88‒3.92). Higher CKD stages were associated with lower anti-S1 IgG levels: ‒12.00% (95% CI: ‒21.14% to ‒1.78%) for moderate stage CKD, ‒27.03% (95% CI, ‒40.00% to ‒11.25%) for high stage CKD, and ‒48.9% (95% CI, ‒61.60% to ‒32.01%) for very high stage CKD. A higher prevalence of LCRI positivity was observed only among infected individuals with very high stage CKD (OR=2.20; 95% CI: 1.16‒4.18). Some outcomes were self-reported. Higher CKD stages were associated with a greater risk for severe COVID-19 and a lower anti-S1 antibody response. No consistent association was observed between CKD stage and LCRI-positivity except in individuals with very high stage CKD. Chronic kidney disease, kidney dysfunction, SARS-CoV-2 infection, severe COVID-19, Long COVID, anti-S1 IgG antibody, Prospective cohort.
Recently, a previously unknown private collection of correspondence by the British-American poet W. H. Auden (1907-1973) surfaced in Austria. The approximately 90 letters and postcards are addressed to Hugo Kurka, Auden's lover and friend during the poet's Austrian period 1958-1973. The investigation of these papers is contextualized through archival research in Austria and the United States that includes Auden's correspondence to his closest friends, his Kirchstetten guest book, and Austrian law enforcement records. Situating the relationship between W. H. Auden and Hugo Kurka within the repressive environment of 1950s and 1960s Austria-where homosexual acts remained criminalized until 1971-the study yields two main conclusions. First, the correspondence permits mapping a complex network of non-heteronormative, non-monogamous relationships that are at odds with dominant contemporary discourses and ideologies. The materials document how these interconnected relationships were maintained through regular communication, shared spaces, and mutual support systems, revealing opportunities for queer agency within an adverse social context. Second, the archive exposes profound gender asymmetries within this network, which is a men's network in which women would not seem to attain the same degree of agency.
To present an overview of the practice of prenatal diagnosis and genomics in India. This manuscript was compiled through review of published literature, survey of peers and professional experience of authors. The field of prenatal diagnosis in India had its beginnings in the 1980s with advent of ultrasound machines and invasive procedures. The high prevalence of birth defects and genetic diseases in the population had been recognized by pediatricians and clinical geneticists as early as the 1950-60s. Various factors, like epidemiological transition with increasing contribution of genetic diseases and birth defects towards adverse health statistics, enhanced awareness of health care providers and policy makers, availability of trained manpower and rapid advancements in the field of genomics have all led to expansion of the field of prenatal diagnosis and genomics in the country since these early times. Medical termination of pregnancy has been legally allowed since 1971 and culturally acceptable to the majority. In the last four decades, advances in prenatal diagnosis have given women the option to make decisions about termination of pregnancy by earlier detection of fetal structural and genetic abnormalities. This study reviews the historical journey of the field in India and the current status. It also discusses the challenges faced by the country and the measures being undertaken to address the same.
The genus Oncopsis Burmeister, 1838 is recorded for the first time from Korea with a new record, Oncopsis wagneri Knight, 1971 and a new species, Oncopsis alpinus sp. nov. Description of species, habitus, and illustration of male genitalia are provided.
Numerous studies on moth diversity have been conducted in Borneo, Sumatra, and Thailand. However, research on species richness and distribution in the neighbouring region of Peninsular Malaysia remains relatively limited. This paper analyses two collections, primarily of macromoths collected (i) in the late 1960s to early 1970s by the late H F O'B Traill at Batang Berjuntai, Selangor and (ii) by H S Barlow as well as latterly by Sofwan Badrud'din and Khalid Fadil at Genting Tea Estate (GTE), Genting Sempah, Pahang, from 1971 to date. Comprehensive identification of 3,492 species from the GTE collection has produced many range extensions of moths previously not recorded from Peninsular Malaysia. In total, 309 species are new records for Peninsular Malaysia within 9 families; Erebidae (140), Geometridea (60), Nolidae (52), Noctuidae (22), Euteliidae (15), Drepanidae (6), Uraniidae (7), Notodontidae (5), Zygaenidae (2). Of these, 97 species are illustrated with some showcasing sexual dimorphism. Additionally, the genitalia and other structures of 17 selected species were illustrated, with several described in detail for the first time. Numerous morphospecies are excluded from this study's checklist due to their overwhelming numbers with estimation of 427 species.
Collections of syllid polychaetes belonging to the subfamily Anoplosyllinae from shelf and slope depths in the northwest Atlantic Ocean, primarily off New England, slope depths in the Gulf of Mexico off Louisiana, and shallow water in British Columbia in the Northeast Pacific were examined. Three of the five anoplosyllin genera were represented: Streptospinigera Kudenov, 1983, Streptosyllis Webster & Benedict, 1884, and Syllides Örsted, 1845. Sixteen taxa were found, including six that are new to science; all are described and illustrated herein. Five species belonging to Streptospinigera were found, including Streptospinigera niuqtuut Olivier, San Martín, & Archambault, 2013 and four new species: Streptospinigera karlbanseisp. nov. from British Columbia; Sts. kudenovisp. nov. from 350 m off Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico; and Sts. nolasp. nov. and Sts.septimasp. nov. from 850 m off Louisiana. Six species belonging to the genus Streptosyllis were found: Streptosyllis arenae Webster & Benedict, 1884, Str. varians Webster & Benedict, 1887, and Str. verrilli (Moore, 1907); one new species, Streptosyllis mallea sp. nov. from 800 m off South Carolina, is described; Syllides minutus Blake & Weston, 1977, from California, is transferred to Streptosyllis; and Str. pettiboneae Perkins, 1981, is removed from synonymy with Str. websteri Southern, 1914. In addition, Streptosyllis cf. arenae, which differs from Str. arenae in the pattern of hooded and non-hooded setae, is discussed. Five species and one uncertain taxon belonging to the genus Syllides, are included: Syl. benedicti Banse, 1971 and Syl. convolutus Webster & Benedict, 1884 are redescribed from new material; Syl. eburneus Riser, 1997 is poorly known and no new material was found; Syllides setosus Verrill, 1882 is revalidated and redescribed, with the designation of a neotype; Syllides profundus sp. nov., a deep-water species from 600 m off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, is described. A single specimen with double helmet-tipped golden acicula is discussed as Syllides cf. benedicti Banse. The separation of the genera is discussed, along with a key, and tables of morphological details of all species of Streptospinigera are presented.
This study quantifies serum/plasma interleukin-6 levels across the healthy-non-endometriosis benign-endometriosis-ovarian cancer spectrum, focusing on pooled geometric means stratified by control type. PubMed (MEDLINE;1971-present), Scopus (2004-present), CINAHL (1981-present), and Google Scholar were systematically searched from inception to October 31, 2025. Reference lists of included studies and prior meta-analyses were hand-searched. All articles with quantitative serum/plasma interleukin-6 data in ovarian cancer and/or endometriosis versus at least one control group (healthy, non-endometriosis benign, or endometriosis) were included. Endometriosis was included as a comparator to permit direct evaluation of the biological gradient across the healthy-benign-endometriosis-ovarian cancer spectrum, the primary objective of this study. Exclusions were tissue or peritoneal fluid-only measurements, non-human studies, reviews, editorials, or studies without extractable data. Risk of bias was assessed with the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies 2 tool, Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool, and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Means and standard deviations were log-transformed; results are presented as geometric means approximating medians. Random-effects meta-analyses and meta-regression were performed for each diagnostic category, with exploratory analyses for endometrioid and clear cell subtypes, endometriosis stage, and ovarian cancer stage. This systematic review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Of 1,903 records identified, 106 studies (>16,000 participants) were included (63 ovarian cancer [18 with endometriosis], 50 endometriosis-only). Geometric mean interleukin-6 levels increased progressively: healthy controls 5.10 pg/mL (95% CI 3.22-8.1095% PI 0.11-231.45; 42 studies) < non-endometriosis benign 5.89 pg/mL (95% CI 3.24-10.71; 95% PI 0.06-578.65; 28 studies) < endometriosis 10.68 pg/mL (95% CI 6.39-17.84; 95% PI 0.37-312.82; 50 studies) < ovarian cancer 21.67 pg/mL (95% CI 12.27-38.26; 95% PI 0.42-1,124.76; 63 studies). Ovarian cancer versus endometriosis: 2.03-times higher (95% CI 0.95-4.33; p=0.068). Endometrioid: 8.65 pg/mL (5 studies, I²=94%); clear cell: 12.77 pg/mL (4 studies, I²=98%; overlapping CIs). Interleukin-6 approximately doubles from endometriosis to ovarian cancer overall, supporting inflammation-driven progression. Stratifying endometriosis as a distinct comparator group clarifies the incremental inflammatory burden beyond that seen in other benign conditions and resolves inconsistencies in prior meta-analyses that grouped endometriosis with heterogeneous benign controls. More prospective subtype-specific trials are needed.
Objective: To investigate the incidence characteristics of occupational contraindications among workers exposed to occupational hazard factors in the Guangzhou area and providing reference data for effective occupational health surveillance. Methods: In March 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted to collect health examination data from individuals who underwent occupational health examinations at the Guangzhou Occupational Disease Prevention and Treatment Institute between 2021 and 2023. Statistical analysis was performed on the detection rates of occupational contraindications across different genders, ages, examination categories, and occupational hazard factors/special operations. Intergroup comparisons were conducted using t-tests, or analysis of variance (ANOVA), group comparisons were conducted using chisquare (χ(2)) tests. Results: A total of 205938 occupational health examinations were screened, yielding 2883 detected cases of occupational contraindications (detection rate: 1.40%). Among these, 1971 cases (68.37%) were identified during active employment (χ(2)=208.41, P<0.001) ; males accounted for the majority (2673 cases, 92.72%), with no statistically significant gender difference (χ(2)=0.02, P=0.893). The primary exposure hazard factors or special operations included noise exposure (1443 cases, 47.64%), high-temperature work (567 cases, 18.72%), and occupational motor vehicle driving (356 cases, 11.75%). Significant differences in detection rates were observed across years, age groups, and hazard factors/special operations (χ(2)=6.43, 972.62, 2861.94; all P<0.05) . Conclusion: The detection rate of occupational contraindications among workers exposed to occupational hazard factors in the Guangzhou area is relatively low, predominantly affecting young and middle-aged male workers engaged in on-the-job activities. Targeted health surveillance should be intensified for key populations and core hazard factors to mitigate occupational health risks. 目的： 分析广州地区职业病危害接触工人职业禁忌证的发病特征，为有效开展职业健康监护提供参考数据。 方法： 于2024年3月，用横断面研究的方法，收集2021至2023年在广州市职业病防治院完成职业健康体检人员的检查资料，分析不同性别、年龄、体检类别、职业病危害因素/特殊作业的职业禁忌证人员检出情况，组间比较用t检验、方差分析或χ(2)检验。 结果： 共筛选职业健康检查205 938人次，检出职业禁忌证2 883例（检出率1.40%）。在岗期间职业健康检查人员总检出例数为1 971例，占总检出人数的68.37%（χ(2)= 208.41，P<0. 001）；以男性为主（2 673例，占92.72%），但性别差异无统计学意义（χ(2)=0.02，P=0.893）。人员接触的危害因素或特殊作业主要为噪声，高温作业和职业机动车驾驶（分别检出1 443例、567例和356例，各占47.64%、18.72%、11.75%）。不同年份、年龄组、危害因素或特殊作业的职业禁忌证检出率差异有统计学意义（χ(2)=6.43、972.62、2 861.94，均P<0.05）。 结论： 广州地区接触职业病危害因素工人职业禁忌证检出率较低，以青壮年男性在岗作业人员为主。应针对重点人群与核心危害因素加强针对性健康监护，降低职业健康风险。.
Kombucha is traditionally produced by fermenting Camellia sinensis tea and sugar in a consortium of microorganisms called SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeasts). Short- and medium-chain fatty acids and other organic acids in K are mainly produced by acetic acid bacteria, which contribute to the typical K taste. Coffee is one of the most widely consumed beverages in the world and one of the most traded commodities globally. Harvesting during coffee production generates tons of byproducts generally considered of low value, including cascara (CC), composed of dried pulp and skin, and leaves (CL). To date, few studies have investigated the production of short- and medium-chain fatty acids and monosaccharide's profile during traditional kombucha fermentation, and their composition in kombuchas prepared from substrates other than C. sinensis is even scarcer. This study followed the changes in sugars and the production of short- and medium-chain fatty acids during K fermentation of black tea (BT), CC, and CL and associated their concentrations with physicochemical parameters (total soluble solids (TSS), pH, and titratable acidity (TA)) and the perceived acidity of the beverages evaluated by a trained panel and untrained consumers. BT K, a SCOBY, and 10% sucrose were added to infusions of arabica CC, CL, or BT. The mixture was fermented for 0, 3, 6, and 9 days. Organic acids were analyzed by GC-MS; sucrose and monosaccharides were analyzed by HPLC-RID. The Rate All That Apply (RATA) test was used for sensory analysis. Results were treated by ANOVA-Fisher and Pearson correlation tests with significance at p < 0.05. Glucose, fructose, arabinose, xylose, cellobiose and glycerol were identified in the infusions. On average, sucrose concentration decreased by 28% up to day 9, considering all K samples, accompanied by TSS decrease. Eight organic acids were semi-quantified, with acetic being the major acid in all beverages (8.4 to 1971 mg L-1) and isovaleric being the lead minor acid (0.7 to 17.7 mg L-1). Additional acids identified were: butanoic, 2-methylpropanoic, pentanoic, 3-methylpentanoic, hexanoic, and octanoic acids. TA values and sourness perceived by consumer assessors increased generally, even though in CC Ks, the acid concentration decreased by day 9. TA, sourness, and sparkling and fizzy mouthfeel correlated positively in all Ks. In general, although the total acid concentration was mainly higher on days 3 or 6, CO2 formation, among other organic acids, probably increased TA and sourness on day 9. Although it is generally accepted that pH and organic acid concentrations are directly associated with sour taste, it is not possible to accurately predict and modify sour taste intensity in kombucha based only on these parameters, given that other factors, such as the production of CO2, the existence of buffer systems, and the presence of sugars and other soluble solids, will probably affect the perceived acidity and sourness.
Diabetes is a growing global health concern. Environmental exposure to airborne particles has recently been identified as a risk factor for type 2 diabetes. Despite hundred- or thousandfold concentrations in many occupational settings, epidemiological studies in workers are very scarce. This study aims to quantify the association between occupational inorganic particle exposure and incident type 2 diabetes among Swedish construction workers. This was a retrospective cohort analysis in the Swedish Construction Workers' Cohort (Bygghälsokohorten), with data from occupational health examinations between 1971 and 1993. Exposure assessment was based on a cohort-specific job-exposure matrix. Data from the National Patient Register, the National Diabetes Register, and the National Prescribed Drug Register were combined to identify incident type 2 diabetes cases. Longitudinal, multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were fit to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (aHR). We included 275,941 male workers with a mean follow-up time of 31 years. Slightly more than half were exposed to inorganic dusts or fumes. In crude analyses, workers exposed to inorganic dust and fumes were at an increased risk of type 2 diabetes. After confounder adjustment, only workers exposed to high levels of cement, concrete, and quartz dust were associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes (strongest for high levels of cement dust, aHR 1.12, 95% CI 1.02‒1.24). In this large cohort of construction workers with long follow-up, workers with high exposure to cement, concrete, and quartz dust were at a moderately increased risk of type 2 diabetes.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) persist for decades when released into the environment and bioaccumulate in aquatic and terrestrial environments, resulting in harmful concentrations of PCBs in fishes, birds, and humans. Approximately 310,000 metric tons of PCBs were produced at a facility in Anniston, Alabama from 1929-1971. Hundreds of metric tons of PCB-contaminated waste were suspected to have been released into local environments. This study was the first systematic exposure assessment of the degree and extent of PCBs and potential co-contaminants-polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, Pb, and Hg-in avian tissues downstream of the Anniston facility. We collected 122 egg and 36 nestling tissue samples from across four exposure areas downstream of the facility and a reference site. A total of seven bird species were collected, but samples were predominantly Carolina wren (resident, Thryothorus ludovicianus) and barn swallow (migratory, Hirundo rustica). Concentrations of Pb and Hg in bird tissues collected from the exposure areas were less than toxicity reference values, suggesting Pb or Hg exposures alone were unlikely to affect birds. Total PCB concentrations in avian eggs and nestlings collected from exposure areas were among the greatest ever recorded in birds collected in North America. The PCB congener profiles in this study, paired with results from previous soil and sediment sampling, suggest that PCB-contaminated sediment and soil were the likely source of elevated PCBs in the avian tissues. The PCB concentrations observed in birds downstream of the Anniston facility were at magnitudes that likely affect populations of both resident and migratory birds that utilize the area for foraging and reproduction.
Gotthelf "Carl" Huber, M.D. (1865-1934) was a professor of histology and embryology, and later professor of anatomy at the University of Michigan. His scientific contributions to the understanding of the peripheral nervous system, the blood supply of the kidney and the comparative anatomy of the central nervous system may be eclipsed in importance by his dedication to mentorship, education, and employment of underrepresented neuroanatomists. Under Huber's guidance, Lydia DeWitt, MD (1859-1928) published work on neuroanatomy and on the anatomy of the heart and the pancreas. In 1902, barred from both the Research Club and the Junior Research Club, DeWitt founded the University's Women's Research Club. Jeanne Solis, MD (1867-1947)-one of the earliest identified women faculty neurologists-joined the Women's Research Club and from 1921-1927 offered a prize of $25 for the best published research in medicine or science done during the year by a woman student. The Solis prize was won in 1926 by Elizabeth Crosby, PhD (1888-1983), another of Huber's mentees, who would co-write The Comparative Anatomy of the Nervous System of Vertebrates with Huber and become the first female full professor at the University of Michigan Medical School. By providing a space for underrepresented minorities, including Crosby's life partner Tryphena Humphrey, MD, PhD (1902-1971), and African American neuroanatomist M. Wharton Young, MD, PhD (1904-1986), to learn, publish and work, Huber set in motion a cascade of events leading to increased diversity in the world of research and medicine.
Distinguishing complicated from uncomplicated acute appendicitis before surgery can support perioperative risk stratification among adults selected for appendectomy. We conducted an observational cohort study using de-identified data from an ongoing doctoral research program at a tertiary hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Adults with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT)-confirmed acute appendicitis who were selected for surgery and subsequently underwent appendectomy were included. In the parent study, 2291 emergency appendectomies were screened, 849 patients consented to participate, and 496 patients formed the analytic cohort after prespecified exclusions. The primary analysis was a prespecified complete-case bias-reduced logistic regression model; discrimination was summarized by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) and internally validated by bootstrap resampling. Sensitivity analyses included multiple imputation and alternative coding of fat stranding. Of 496 patients, 200 (40.3%) had complicated appendicitis. The primary complete-case model included 473 patients with 192 events. Independent predictors were older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 1.027 per year, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.011-1.044), guarding (aOR: 3.755, 95% CI: 1.972-7.149), rebound tenderness (aOR: 2.248, 95% CI: 1.031-4.901), higher C-reactive protein (aOR: 1.378 per doubling of [CRP + 1], 95% CI: 1.197-1.585), larger appendiceal diameter (aOR: 1.123 per mm, 95% CI: 1.026-1.230), periappendiceal free fluid (aOR: 2.452, 95% CI: 1.122-5.359), and appendicolith (aOR: 2.084, 95% CI: 1.220-3.559). The apparent AUC was 0.864 (95% CI: 0.831-0.897), with an optimism-corrected AUC of 0.840. Calibration analysis showed a Brier score of 0.144, calibration intercept of -0.005, and calibration slope of 1.053. Multiple imputation and alternative fat-stranding coding were directionally consistent. These findings may support CT-integrated preoperative risk stratification among adults selected for surgery. The model should not be used as a stand-alone bedside decision rule, and external validation is required before routine clinical use.
Cholesteryl ester storage disease (CESD) is a rare genetic disorder caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous pathogenic variants in the lipase A (LIPA) gene encoding lysosomal acid lipase (LAL). LAL deficiency is characterized by progressive accumulation of cholesteryl esters in hepatocytes and macrophages, ultimately leading to organ damage and potentially hepatic failure. Here we describe a girl with biochemistry similar to familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) having a total cholesterol of 9.3 mmol/L, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol of 7.1 mmol/L, triglycerides of 2.7 mmol/L, and alanine transaminase of 354 U/L. Whole genome sequencing found her to be compound heterozygous for NM_000235.4:c.894G>A p.(Gln298=) and NM_000235.4:c.419G>A p.(Trp140*) in the LIPA gene, consistent with the diagnosis compound heterozygous CESD. The patient had no clinical signs of cholesterol deposits and no symptoms suggestive of organ damage. This case report highlights the difficulties in diagnosing a rare subclinical disease with similarities to FH followed by discussion of current treatment options.