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Background: Cerebral palsy (CP) covers a wide range of causes and symptoms. It is characterized by persistent motor and postural dysfunction caused by a non-progressing pathological lesion of the immature brain. Development of fine motor skills, such as the ability to manipulate objects with smaller muscles, is crucial for a child's development. It is evident that there is a lack of hand grip strength (HGS) and quality of life (QoL) data in children with CP compared to typically developed (TD) children. Understanding the relationship between these factors might help facilitate healthcare provision and provide insight into rehabilitation programs. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between HGS and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in children with CP compared to TD children.

Methods: An experimental cross-sectional study was conducted and 60 children (30 CP and 30 TD) were chosen; age, gender, height, weight, body mass index, preferred hand, number of siblings, school attendance, and housing type data were collected. HGS was measured using a standard hand dynamometer, and HRQoL was measured using the KIDSCREEN-10 item questionnaire.

Results: There was a statistically significant main effect of gender on the average HGS, F (1, 56) = 24.09, p < 0.001, and the KIDSCREEN-10 sum score, F (1, 56) = 8.66, p < 0.001, and the main effect of group on the KIDSCREEN-10 sum score, F (1, 56) = 17.64, p < 0.001. A significant correlation between HGS and the KIDSCREEN-10 sum score in the CP group (r = 0.35, p = 0.03), and the TD group (r = 0.56, p = 0.001).

Conclusion: HGS was lower in children with CP, and girls had significantly lower HGS compared to boys in both groups, CP and TD children. HRQoL was significantly lower in children with CP, with boys reporting higher HRQoL on the KIDSCREEN-10 questionnaire compared to girls. Our data showed that the higher the KIDSCREEN-10 sum score is, the stronger the HGS of children in both groups. The results of this study indicate that hand grip strength may significantly impact the QoL of children with CP. A correlation between HGS and HRQoL points to the importance of improving strength in children with CP through interventions and directed rehabilitation programs.

The prevalence of Theileria spp. infecting sheep and goats were investigated in two cities and surroundings in northwest Saudi Arabia. Blood samples from 403 sheep and goats from Madina (n = 201) and Tabuk (n = 202) cities (177 from sheep and 226 from goats) were investigated. Blood samples were examined microscopically for the presence of intraerythrocytic bodies suggestive of Theileria as well as they were investigated using molecular techniques. DNA was extracted from blood and ticks and subjected to polymerase chain reaction amplification using specific primers. The primers used amplified a fragment of the 18S rRNA region (450 bp) targeting the hypervariable region IV. A total of 63 ticks belonging to five species were collected from sheep and goats for determination of their involvement of lifecycle of Theileria. Ticks were identified morphologically and confirmed molecularly utilizing cytochrome oxidase C subunit 1 gene (COXI) amplification. The results indicated that: microscopic examination revealed 24 (6%) of the samples investigated showed intraerythrocytic bodies suggestive of Theileria. Positive samples were only obtained from sheep whereas goats yielded negative results. A total of 33 (18.6%) sheep samples were positive for Theileria infection using polymerase chain reaction targeting the partial 18S rDNA and DNA sequencing. Theileria infection was more prevalent in animals that were less than 2 years of age compared with older animals. There was no difference in the prevalence of the infection between male and female sheep in both cities. All positive sheep were detected during the summer and none of the samples collected during the winter were positive. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the sequences obtained from Theileria species reported in the present study grouped with sequences from Theileria ovis from different countries. Ticks were identified as Hyalomma dromedarii, Hyalomma, marginatum, Hyalomma impeltatum and Hyalomma anatolicum anatolicum. T. ovis DNA was detected from Hyalomma dromedarii and Hyalomma impeltatum suggesting that they are potential vectors of this piroplasm in sheep from Madina and Tabuk cities. This report is considered the first report of T. ovis infecting sheep from Madina and Tabuk, furthermore, it is the first report determining the vectors responsible for transmission of the infection in sheep in northwest Saudi Arabia. The data generated from this study will undoubtedly pave the way for the detection and control of ovine and caprine theileriosis in Madina and Tabuk regions.

Mitochondria play a pivotal role as carriers of genetic information through their circular DNA molecules. The rapid evolution of the D-loop region in mitochondria makes it an ideal molecular marker for exploring genetic differentiation among individuals within species and populations with close kinship. However, the influence of mtDNA D-loop region haplotypes and mtDNA copy numbers on phenotypic traits, particularly production traits in chickens, remains poorly understood. In this comprehensive study, we conducted D-loop region amplification and sequencing in the blood mitochondria of 232 female Wuliangshan black-bone chickens. Our investigation identified a total of 38 haplotypes, with a focus on 10 haplotypes that included more than five individuals. We meticulously analyzed the correlations between these haplotypes and a range of traits, encompassing body weight, tibial length, tibial circumference, body oblique length, chest width, and chest depth. The results unveiled significant disparities in specific tested traits across different haplotypes, indicating a tangible association between mtDNA haplotypes and traits in chickens. These findings underscore the potential impact of mitochondrial DNA variations on energy metabolism, ultimately leading to divergent chicken phenotypes. Furthermore, our examination revealed positive correlations between mtDNA copy numbers and tested traits for select haplotypes, while other haplotypes exhibited non-uniform relationships between traits and mtDNA copy numbers. In addition, phylogenetic analysis disclosed the involvement of two subspecies of red jungle chicken in the origin of Wuliangshan black-bone chickens. Consequently, our research contributes novel insights into mitochondrial genomic selection, augments comprehension of the roles played by haplotypes and mtDNA copy numbers in chicken population genetics and phylogenetic analysis, and furnishes fundamental data crucial for the preservation and provenance determination of black-bone chickens.

To investigate the pollution characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) indoors and outdoors and their influencing factors, PM_2.5 samples were systematically collected from both environments in Jinan during the summer and autumn seasons. During the observation period, the concentration of ∑ 19PAHs was 18.57 ± 10.50 ng/m³ indoors and 23.79 ± 16.13 ng/m³ outdoors. Most PAHs exhibited indoor-to-outdoor (I/O) ratios less than 1, indicating that indoor PAHs were primarily derived from the infiltration of outdoor sources. Correlation analysis underscored the significant influence of temperature on both outdoor concentrations and I/O ratios of PAHs. By utilizing diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA), vehicle emissions were identified as the predominant source of outdoor PAHs. Our study found that the toxic equivalents of benzo[a]pyrene (TEQ_BaP) values exceeded the European Commission's standard of 1 ng/m³, with indoor values at 2.78 ng/m³ and outdoor values at 3.57 ng/m³. Moreover, the total incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR_Total) associated with exposure to PM_2.5-bound PAHs surpassed the acceptable level of 10E-6, indicating potential adverse health effects. These results underscore the urgent necessity for more stringent regulatory measures to reduce PAH emissions. Additionally, our findings provide valuable insights into how environmental factors shape the relationship between indoor and outdoor PAHs.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Angio-Seal and StarClose vascular closure devices (VCDs) in achieving hemostasis after interventional surgery.

Methods: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing Angio-Seal and StarClose were identified through systematic searches. Data on vascular closure success rate, complication rates, hematoma formation, pseudoaneurysm, arterial occlusion, and surgical intervention were extracted and pooled using a random effects model.

Results: Nine studies met the inclusion criteria, total 5,466 patients. The meta-analysis revealed a slight, statistically significant difference in the success rate of vascular closure in favor of Angio-Seal (risk ratio (RR) 1.05, 95% confidence interval (CI) [1.00-1.09], p = 0.03). No significant difference was found in the overall complication rate, hematoma formation, pseudoaneurysm, arterial occlusion, or surgical intervention.

Conclusions: Angio-Seal demonstrated a slightly higher success rate in vessel closure compared to StarClose. Both devices had a comparable safety profile with no significant differences in major complications.

Borderline oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (BORSA) has been a persistent yet under-researched concern in the realm of antibiotic resistance, characterized by unique resistance mechanisms and potential for severe infections. This systematic review and meta-analysis consolidates data from 29 studies encompassing 18,781 samples, revealing a global BORSA prevalence of 6.6% (95% CI [4.0-10.7]). The highest prevalence was found in animals (46.3%), followed by food (8.9%), and humans (5.1%). Notably, significant regional disparities were observed, with Brazil exhibiting the highest prevalence at 70.0%, while The Netherlands reported just 0.5%. These findings underscore the multifaceted nature of BORSA epidemiology, influenced by local antibiotic usage practices and healthcare infrastructures. The analysis also reveals substantial heterogeneity (I² = 96.802%), highlighting the need for improved reporting practices and tailored surveillance protocols that account for the specific contexts of each study. As antibiotic resistance continues to escalate, understanding BORSA's global footprint is crucial for informing targeted interventions and optimizing antibiotic stewardship programs. This study fills critical gaps in current knowledge of BORSA and highlights the need for coordinated efforts among researchers, healthcare providers, and policymakers to develop effective strategies for addressing the rising threat of antibiotic-resistant pathogens like BORSA, including further exploration of its genetic and phenotypic characteristics.

Background: The long-standing widespread prevalence of obesity includes issues of its evaluation. Nutritional status may be assessed using various tools and methods; among others simple anthropometric measurements are well established. Widely used body mass index (BMI), presents an obstacle of needing to calculate a standard deviation score (SD) for correct use in the child population. As BMI overlooks body composition, it is necessary to evaluate fat and muscle mass with different methods. Established skinfolds and circumferences are used in many variations and equations to accomplish that goal; however, the parameters used in these methods also undergo secular changes. Furthermore, secular changes have been documented in fat mass distribution. The aim of the study is to assess secular changes of skinfolds thickness and body circumferences and evaluate their validity for use in clinical practice and population research.

Methods and sample: Our database consisted of a recent (2016-2022) sample with 594 participants (298 males) and a reference sample (from 1990) with 2,910 participants (1,207 males). Both cohorts comprised Czech preschool children, aged 4.00 to 6.99 years. With standard methodology, anthropometric parameters were obtained for 13 skinfolds and eight circumferences, by trained staff. The equations of Slaughter, Durnin and Deurenberg were correspondingly calculated. Statistical evaluation was conducted in the R programming language, using Welch's test, Cohen's d and the Bland-Altman method.

Results: Our study found significant increases in skinfold thickness on the abdomen, chest I. and forearm, with high clinical relevance (p ≥ 0.01; d = range from 0.20 to 0.70). Contrastingly, apart from the abdominal area, a decrease of circumferences was observed. The body fat percentage estimation equations were tested for bias in the recent sample in the context of bioimpedance analysis with the Bland-Altman method. All equations are suitable for application in clinical use.

Discussion: Documented secular changes in fat mass distribution are only part of a contemporary accelerating trend of obesity prevalence. Our findings support the trend of a decline of circumferences and rise of skinfold thickness in corresponding areas, especially on the limbs, that is evidenced by the trend of latent obesity. The results of the study show the need to complement established diagnostic procedures in childhood obesitology with abdominal and midthigh circumferences and optionally even the maximal circumference of the forearm. These circumferences should always be measured alongside the skinfold thickness of the region. Only in this way can the overall adiposity of an individual with regard to secular changes, including the detection of latent obesity, be objectively evaluated.

The tropical Indo-Pacific aeolid nudibranchs of the Fionidae are poorly known and have not been studied in a concerted manner. Many undescribed species are found throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans and are concentrated in the Coral Triangle. With the recent publication of a revised systematic arrangement of the Fionidae, documentation and description of new taxa of Fionidae is especially warranted. Here we describe Tenellia bughaw Kim & Gosliner sp. nov., Tenellia puti Kim & Gosliner sp. nov., Tenellia nakapila Kim & Gosliner sp. nov., Abronica payaso Kim & Gosliner, sp. nov. and Abronica turon Gosliner & Kim sp. nov. from the waters of the Coral Triangle. Their phylogenetic placement in Fionidae is reviewed using three genes: cytochrome oxidase I (COI), 16s rRNA, and histone 3 (H3) in a Bayesian and maximum likelihood framework. A redescription of Tenellia yamasui (Hamatani, 1993) is also provided to clarify its distinctiveness from T. bughaw and T. puti. This study confirms that all four known species of Abronica are characterized by having an acutely pointed curved penial stylet, thus confirming a unique morphological synapomorphy for members of this genus. A discussion on conflicts in the classification of fionid aeolid nudibranchs addresses concerns with extreme splitting based on novel innovations that emphasize evolutionary novelty over phyletic kinship. Instead, a more conservative approach is suggested, especially within the context of taxa that still have much undocumented primary diversity.

The rare and endangered wild plant, Horsfieldia hainanensis, has been listed as a second-level key protected plant in China. Currently, its habitat is severely damaged, and the population has dramatically declined, necessitating urgent intervention for protection. In this study, the aim was to explore the correlations and differences from the perspectives of photosynthetic characteristics and leaf structure, providing scientific references for in-situ conservation and ex-situ cultivation. The results revealed the following: (1) The maximum net photosynthetic rate (P _max) and light saturation point (LSP) of mature trees were significantly higher than those of seedlings, while the light compensation point (LCP), CO₂ compensation point (CCP), and CO₂ saturation point (CSP) were significantly lower in seedlings. (2) The average daily net photosynthetic rate of mature trees was significantly higher than that of seedlings. When both mature trees and seedlings exhibited a "midday depression" phenomenon, accompanied by an increase in intercellular CO₂ concentration (C_i ), it indicated that the "midday depression" was caused by non-stomatal limiting factors. (4) Both mature trees and seedlings showed peak values of water use efficiency (WUE) under low light conditions. Mature trees had smaller upper and lower epidermis thickness but larger leaf thickness, and their leaf structure, characterized by well-developed palisade and spongy tissues, conformed to the cellular structure adaptations for low light. Therefore, both were more adapted to low light conditions. (5) The stomatal density (SD) and individual stomatal area (SA) of seedlings were significantly higher than those of mature trees. (6) The total chlorophyll content of mature trees was significantly higher than that of seedlings, while the chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b ratio was significantly lower in mature trees and remained below three in both cases. In summary, the photosynthetic capacity and light adaptability of mature trees are stronger than those of seedlings, but both mature trees and seedlings exhibit shade-tolerant characteristics. For in-situ conservation, it is possible to promote the growth and development of seedlings by appropriately employing artificial "windowing" or shading methods based on the actual growth environment of the seedlings. In the case of ex-situ cultivation, seedlings should be provided with appropriate shading initially, while ensuring sufficient moisture and CO₂ concentration. As the plants grow, the shading intensity can be gradually reduced. Once the plants reach maturity, they have a broader range of light adaptability and can be transplanted to environments with less shading.

Background: Diabetic retinopathy (DR), a leading cause of vision loss worldwide, is a common complication of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) driven by chronic hyperglycemia and microvascular damage. Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) is crucial in blood sugar regulation and has been linked to DR incidence and severity. While some studies suggest that FGF21 levels may contribute to the DR incidence, others propose a protective role. This discrepancy necessitates further analysis, prompting this study to evaluate the association between FGF21 levels and DR incidence and severity in T2DM patients.

Methods: A systematic search was conducted through MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase up to May 2024 for studies evaluating the association between FGF21 and DR incidence and severity. A random-effect model meta-analysis was performed to calculate the pooled standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). A univariate meta-regression was performed to analyze factors influencing pooled size estimates. All statistical analyses were performed using STATA 17 software.

Result: This systematic review and meta-analysis of 5,852 participants revealed that FGF21 was positively correlated with DR (SMD 3.11; 95% CI [0.92-5.30], p = 0.005) and sight-threatening DR (STDR) incidence (SMD 3.61; 95% CI [0.82-6.41], p = 0.01). There was no significant difference in FGF21 levels in DR vs STDR (p = 0.79). Subgroup analysis revealed a significant difference in DR incidence between LDL groups, with higher DR incidence in the group with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels >100 (P < 0.00001). Meta-regression revealed no variables significantly influenced the pooled size estimates.

Conclusion: A higher level of FGF21 was associated with higher DR and STDR incidence among T2DM patients, highlighting its potential utilization as a biomarker for DR detection and enabling the exploration of FGF21-based treatment strategies. However, variables independently predicting DR among patients with elevated FGF21 levels shall be explored further.

Prospero id: CRD42024559142.