In recent years, biomonitoring has gained more attention, particularly when assessing the environmental health of significant areas, such as those near waste-to-energy facilities. These requirements coincide with the chance to detect environmental pollutants using sensitive organisms. Bees were shown to be quite effective in evaluating the presence of certain compounds by analyzing their associated matrices, such as pollen, honey, or wax. In our study, we employed the honey bee (Apis mellifera) as an indicator to initially monitor the vicinity of the waste-to-energy plant in Acerra, which is situated in the Campania region of Italy. The primary aim was to determine whether the facility was accountable for any environmental releases of dioxins or dioxin-like compounds. Then, we assessed the presence of additional pollutants in the same area, including trace elements, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and pesticides, released by human activities. To obtain further information about environmental quality, a second biomonitoring station was installed near the Caivano S.T.I.R. (Waste Shredding, Sifting, and Packaging Plant). The results showed the dioxin levels did not exceed predetermined limitations at the Acerra site, thus demonstrating the efficacy of the waste-to-energy facility and the bees’ ability to detect the presence of other pollutants. Additionally, this biomonitoring system exhibited sensitivity to environmental variations, thereby enabling the evaluation of xenobiotic flux between two proximate zones and across temporal scales. This pioneering study suggests the advantages of utilizing bees to detect a wide range of contaminants, thereby providing valuable insights into environmental quality and potential health risks for both ecosystems and human populations. Full article

Several studies suggest that HTLV-1 infection may be associated with a wider spectrum of neurological and clinical manifestations that do not meet diagnostic criteria for HAM. These conditions may later progress to HAM or constitute an intermediate clinical form: intermediate syndrome (IS), a mid-point between asymptomatic HTLV-1 carriers and those with full myelopathy. Thus, we determined the incidence of HAM cases in the HTLV-1-asymptomatic and IS patients, and the clinical/laboratory associated markers. A total of 204 HTLV-1-positive patients were included in this study, divided into two groups: Group 1, including 145 asymptomatic HTLV-1 subjects (ASY), and Group 2, including 59 patients with inflammatory clinical symptoms in more than three systems and a high proviral load (PVL). During a 60-month follow-up time, with the age ranging from 47 to 79 years, ten patients of the fifty-nine initially diagnosed as IS developed HAM (iHAM), and two patients of the initial 145 ASY developed HAM directly. Women were more prevalent in all groups. For the iHAM patients, the age ranged from 20 to 72 years, with a mean of 53 (±15 SD). Older age was associated with the development of HAM, higher PVL and IS; however, there was no any specific symptom or clinical sign, that was associated with risk for iHAM. In conclusion, IS cases could be an early phase of development of HAM. These findings show the presence of higher incidence probabilities in our cohort than previously reported. Full article

Inherited muscular diseases (MDs) are genetic degenerative disorders typically caused by mutations in a single gene that affect striated muscle and result in progressive weakness and wasting in affected individuals. Cardiac muscle can also be involved with some variability that depends on the genetic basis of the MD (Muscular Dystrophy) phenotype. Heart involvement can manifest with two main clinical pictures: left ventricular systolic dysfunction with evolution towards dilated cardiomyopathy and refractory heart failure, or the presence of conduction system defects and serious life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. The two pictures can coexist. In these cases, heart transplantation (HTx) is considered the most appropriate option in patients who are not responders to the optimized standard therapeutic protocols. However, cardiac transplant is still considered a relative contraindication in patients with inherited muscle disorders and end-stage cardiomyopathies. High operative risk related to muscle impairment and potential graft involvement secondary to the underlying myopathy have been the two main reasons implicated in the generalized reluctance to consider cardiac transplant as a viable option. We report an overview of cardiac involvement in MDs and its possible association with the underlying molecular defect, as well as a systematic review of HTx outcomes in patients with MD-related end-stage dilated cardiomyopathy, published so far in the literature. Full article

The T-2 toxin (T-2) is a type A trichothecene found in cereals. The formation of metabolites is a frequent cause of mycotoxin-induced toxicity. In this work, the conversion of T-2 during biotransformation reactions in HepG2 cells was evaluated. For this, HepG2 cells were exposed to 30 (IC₅₀/2) and 60 (IC₅₀) nM of T-2 for 0, 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 and 24 h, and the concentrations of T-2 and its metabolites HT-2, T2-triol, T2-tetraol and neosolaniol were determined in both the cell fraction and culture medium through liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry–time of flight (LC-Q-TOF MS). Results showed a fast metabolization of T-2 (>90%) during the first 2 h, with HT-2 as its main (>95%) biotransformation product. The cell fraction showed higher levels (p < 0.05) of HT-2 (39.9 ± 2.1 nM) compared to the culture medium (12.53 ± 2.4 nM). This trend was also observed for the identified metabolites. T2-triol reached its maximum concentration (1.7 ± 0.4 nM) at 2 h, and at later times a time-dependent increase in the T2-tetraol and neosolaniol concentrations was observed. The identification of T-2 metabolites shows the need to continue combined toxicity studies of mycotoxins for a correct risk characterization of these natural contaminants. Full article

This study investigated the meat quality, expression of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) and metabolism-related genes, ribonucleotides and fatty acids in Longissimus thoracis of Thai native pigs (TNPs) from different geographical regions (GR). Forty-one 9–10-month-old castrated TNPs (BW 60 kg), consisting of 18, 11 and 12 pigs from Northern (NT), Southern (ST) and Northeastern (NE) regions, respectively, were slaughtered. GR did not affect (p > 0.05) the expression of MyHC, phosphoglycerate mutase 1, cytosolic glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, triosephosphate isomerase 1 and adipocyte fatty acid binding protein genes. The trend of MyHC was MyHC IIx > MyHC IIb > MyHC IIa > MyHC I. The NT loin had higher (p < 0.05) glycogen, C18:2n6, C20:4n6 and cooking loss, lower inosine, inosine monophosphate and hypoxanthine and a shorter sarcomere length than the ST and NE loins. The ST loin had a lower (p < 0.05) a* compared to other loins. Principal component analysis established significant relationships between the TNP and specific meat quality traits. This finding suggests that GR affected the meat quality, ribonucleotides and selected fatty acids in TNPs. These results provide relevant information that can be used to optimize the use of Thai native pork. Full article

Illicium verum, commonly known as star anise, represents one of the notable botanical species and is recognized for its rich reservoir of diverse bioactive compounds. Beyond its culinary application as a spice, this plant has been extensively utilized in traditional medicine. Given the contemporary emphasis on incorporating natural resources into food production, particularly essential oils, to enhance sensory attributes and extend shelf life, our study seeks to elucidate the chemical composition and evaluate the antibacterial (in vitro, in situ) and insecticidal properties of Illicium verum essential oil (IVEO). Also, microbiological analyses of pumpkin sous vide treated with IVEO after inoculation of Salmonella enterica were evaluated after 1 and 7 days of study. GC/MS analysis revealed a significantly high amount of (E)-anethole (88.4%) in the investigated EO. The disc diffusion method shows that the antibacterial activity of the IVEO ranged from 5.33 (Streptococcus constellatus) to 10.33 mm (Citrobacter freundii). The lowest minimal inhibition concentration was found against E. coli and the minimum biofilm inhibition concertation was found against S. enterica. In the vapor phase, the best antimicrobial activity was found against E. coli in the pears model and against S. sonei in the beetroot model. The application of the sous vide method in combination with IVEO application decreased the number of microbial counts and eliminated the growth of S. enterica. The most isolated microbiota identified from the sous vide pumpkin were Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, B. cereus, B. licheniformis, and Ralstonia picketii. Modifications to the protein composition of biofilm-forming bacteria S. enterica were suggested by the MALDI TOF MS instigations. The IVEO showed insecticidal potential against Harmonia axyridis. Thanks to the properties of IVEO, our results suggest it can be used in the food industry as a natural supplement to extend the shelf life of foods and as a natural insecticide. Full article

Sensory descriptive analysis of aged feng-flavored Baijiu liquor indicated notable differences in samples of different ages. The samples of freshly distilled Baijiu and those with shorter storage times exhibit bran and fresh green flavors, whereas, with increasing storage time, honey, sweet, and floral fragrances are gradually enhanced. Samples of feng-flavored Baijiu were prepared using headspace solid-phase microextraction, followed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry. A total of 496 compounds were identified in all samples, mainly categorized as 14 groups of substances, including esters and aldehydes. Interestingly, 42 of these substances were found in Feng-flavored Baijiu for the first time. Chemometrics was used to analyze the key differential compounds. First, 143 differential compounds closely related to aging were preliminarily screened, and principal component analysis revealed that these compounds were separated by baijiu age. Then, 65 differential compounds were selected by partial least squares discriminant analysis. Furthermore, 43 key differential compounds were selected by combined analysis with variable importance in projection and Pearson correlation coefficients. Partial least squares regression was used to study the correlation between the sensory properties and key differential compounds, and the results indicated that most compounds were closely related to the aging period of the Baijiu. The results of this study provide a theoretical basis and reference for flavor research on feng-flavored Baijiu. Full article

Negative effects of salt stress may be counteracted by adequate management of sulfated nutrition. Herein, we applied 3.50, 4.25, and 5.00 mM SO₄²⁻ in a nutrient solution to counteract salt stress induced by 75 and 150 mM NaCl in cabbage cv. Royal. The increase in NaCl concentration from 75 to 150 mM reduced the contents of macronutrients and micronutrients in the shoot. When increasing from 3.50 to 4.25 mM SO₄²⁻, the contents of nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulfur (S) in shoots were enhanced, at both concentrations of NaCl. Increasing from 3.50 to 4.25 mM SO₄²⁻ enhanced iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and sodium (Na) concentrations with 75 mM NaCl. With 150 mM NaCl, the increase from 3.50 to 4.25 mM SO₄²⁻ enhanced the contents of Cu and Mn, but also those of Na. Chlorophylls a, b, and total decreased as the concentration of SO₄²⁻ increased in plants treated with 150 mM NaCl. With 75 mM NaCl, carotenoid concentration had a positive relationship with SO₄²⁻. Hence, the 4.25 mM SO₄²⁻ concentration increased the contents of macronutrients and micronutrients in the presence of 75 mM NaCl, while, with 150 mM NaCl, it improved the contents of macronutrients except K. The chlorophyll a/chlorophyll b ratio remained close to 3 when the plants were treated with 5.00 mM SO₄²⁻, regardless of NaCl. Similarly, this level of SO₄²⁻ increased the concentration of carotenoids, which translated into reductions in the total chlorophyll/carotenoid ratios, indicating a protective effect of the photosynthetic apparatus. It is concluded that higher doses of sulfur favor the accumulation of nutrients and increase the concentration of carotenoids under salt stress. Full article

This study aimed to assess the relationship between the length of the dry period (DL) and the risks of dystocia and stillbirths in Holstein cows. A total of 1072 healthy cows in lactations 1 and ≥2 were categorized based on the DL (mean: 58.07 ± 0.33 days) into three groups: short DL (<40 days; 13.0% of cows), medium DL (40–70 days; 60.1%), and long DL (>70 days; 26.9%). Dystocia occurred in 12.4% of cows, while stillbirths accounted for 4.1% of calves. The medium DL group had the highest number of unassisted calvings. The dystocia rates were 11.4% for cows with gestation (GA) ≤ 274 days; 6.0% for cows with GA = 275–282 days; and 19.9% for cows with GA ≥ 283 days (p < 0.001). In season 1 (November–April), dystocia occurred in 15.0% of cases compared to 8.8% in season 2 (May–October) (p < 0.001). The stillbirth rates ranged from 3.6% to 4.0% for cows with medium and long DLs; while those with a short DL had 5.8% (p < 0.05). The stillbirth rates were 5.2% for cows with GA ≤ 274 days; 3.2% for cows with GA = 275–282 days; and 5.1% for cows with GA ≥ 283 days (p < 0.001). Season 1 had a stillbirth rate of 4.8%, while season 2 had a stillbirth rate of 3.3% (p < 0.001). This research provides insights that could assist the dairy industry in making informed decisions to reduce the incidence rates of dystocia and stillbirths in cows. Full article

Background: Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a type II transmembrane glycoprotein overexpressed on the surface of tumor cells in most of the patients affected by prostate adenocarcinoma (PCa). However, PSMA expression has also been demonstrated in the endothelial cells of newly formed vessels of various solid tumors, suggesting a role for PSMA in neoangiogenesis. In this scenario, gallium-68 (⁶⁸Ga) or fluoro-18 (¹⁸F)-labeled PSMA positron emission tomography (PET) may play a role in tumors other than PCa, generally evaluated employing other radiopharmaceuticals targeting different pathways. This review aims to investigate the detection rate of PSMA-PET compared to other radiopharmaceuticals (especially [¹⁸F]FDG) in non-prostate tumors to identify patients who may benefit from the use of such a theragnostic agent. Methods: We performed a bibliographic search on three different databases until February 2024 using the following terms: “positron emission tomography”, “PET”, “PET/CT”, “Prostate-specific membrane antigen”, “PSMA”, “non-prostate”, “not prostate cancer”, “solid tumor”, “FDG”, “Fluorodeoxyglucose”, “FAPi”, “FET”, “MET”, “DOPA”, “choline”, “FCH”, “FES”, “DOTATOC”, “DOTANOC”, and “DOTATATE”. Only original articles edited in English with at least 10 patients were included. Results: Out of a total of 120 articles, only 25 original articles comparing PSMA with other radiotracers were included in this study. The main evidence was demonstrated in renal cell carcinoma, where PSMA showed a higher detection rate compared to [¹⁸F]FDG PET/CT, with implications for patient management. PSMA PET may also improve the assessment of other entities, such as gliomas, in defining regions of early neoangiogenesis. Further data are needed to evaluate the potential role of PSMA-PET in triple-negative breast cancer as a novel therapeutic vascular target. Finally, unclear applications of PSMA-PET include thyroid and gastrointestinal tumors. Conclusions: The present review shows the potential use of PSMA-labeled PET/CT in solid tumors beyond PCa, underlining its value over other radiopharmaceuticals (mainly [¹⁸F]FDG). Prospective clinical trials with larger sample sizes are crucial to further investigate these possible clinical applications. Full article

Hitherto, over 50% of countries with marine waters have established MSPs or launched related legal actions. However, there are still conceptual and practical challenges to be overcome in the development of MSP. In this study, we investigate two main approaches in MSP (hard vs. soft sustainability) through reports, published manuscripts and meeting proceedings in seven pioneering countries (Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Germany, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada). We highlight the gaps, challenges, and solutions in each of these approaches. From our findings, there are four common challenges in both soft and hard sustainability approaches as follows: (i) the political framework and inconsistent support of MSP efforts, (ii) insufficient knowledge on social dimensions, (iii) insufficient stakeholder engagement in the diversity of stakeholder’s groups or in their contribution to the planning process from the initial steps, and (iv) finding a balance between environmental conservation and economic growth. We recommend that future studies should investigate how MSP can become more adaptive to long-term environmental and economic targets, how effective involving socioeconomic strata is in MSP, and how decision-making tools could help to cover the gaps in MSP. Furthermore, public forums are suggested to be developed to facilitate the systematic sharing of MSP experiences worldwide. Full article

The Tietê River receives most of the effluents and diffuse wastes from the São Paulo metropolis (21.9 million inhabitants). The study aimed to assess the extent to which environmental changes affected the fish fauna. We compared, in rainy and dry seasons, three sites in Tietê and three in tributaries with much better water quality conditions. No physical barriers exist between the sites. Fish were sampled with gillnets (exposed overnight) and the assemblage’s ecological attributes calculated. Water depth, transparency, temperature, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total dissolved solids, pH, redox potential, total phosphorus, total nitrogen, and chlorophyll were simultaneously determined. Low oxygen concentrations (near zero in the rainy period), and the opposite for nutrients and total solids, separated the predominantly hypereutrophic Tietê from the tributaries (PCA). Differences in the fish assemblages were also evidenced (nMDS), including a higher richness per sample in tributaries (11 to 14 spp.) compared to Tietê (3 to 4 spp.). Siluriformes with accessory breathing dominated in Tietê and the highly tolerant detritivorous Prochilodus lineatus (the main commercial fish) was the only species found in all sites. The species correlated positively with oxygen in the tributaries and with turbidity, redox potential, and nutrients in Tietê (DistLM) (rainy season). Recovery measures are urgently required. Full article

The European Commission’s “Farm to Folk” (F2F) strategy recommends reducing fertilizers by at least 20% by 2030. In this aspect, the main goal of our study was to verify whether a 20 and even 40% reduction in nitrogen (N) fertilization rate would be sufficient to maintain soil fertility (expressed as dehydrogenase activity—DHA, humic acid substances—HA substances, E4/E6 ratio), and yields of wheat and rapeseed cultivated in strip-till technology. Two fields (10 ha each) were established for wheat and rapeseed cultivation, and soils (0–20 cm) were sampled before sowing and after harvesting. It was found that a 20% fertilization reduction does not adversely affect the biological activity expressed by DHA. Nevertheless, the reduction in nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates led to a slight decrease in the E4/E6 ratio, which could serve as a potential indicator of fertilization reduction. DHA, E4/E6 ratio and content of HA substances were also dependent on the crop. Following harvesting, both rapeseed and wheat exhibited a positive correlation between the E4/E6 ratio and the degree of fertilization rate (FR), as well as yield. Full article

Deep learning models can enhance the detection efficiency and accuracy of rapid on-site screening for imported grains at customs, satisfying the need for high-throughput, efficient, and intelligent operations. However, the construction of datasets, which is crucial for deep learning models, often involves significant labor and time costs. Addressing the challenges associated with establishing high-resolution instance segmentation datasets for small objects, we integrate two zero-shot models, Grounding DINO and Segment Anything model, into a dataset annotation pipeline. Furthermore, we encapsulate this pipeline into a software tool for manual calibration of mislabeled, missing, and duplicated annotations made by the models. Additionally, we propose preprocessing and postprocessing methods to improve the detection accuracy of the model and reduce the cost of subsequent manual correction. This solution is not only applicable to rapid screening for quarantine weeds, seeds, and insects at customs but can also be extended to other fields where instance segmentation is required. Full article

This cross-sectional study evaluated the validity of three alternative methods compared to the gold standard 24-h urine collection for estimating dietary sodium intake, a modifiable risk factor for hypertension, among middle-aged and older adults with elevated blood pressure. These included spot urine collection (using Kawasaki, Tanaka, and INTERSALT equations), 24-h dietary recall, and food frequency questionnaire responses, compared to 24-h urine collection in a subset of 65 participants (aged 50–75 years, 58.5% women, 61.6% hypertensive) from the DePEC-Nutrition trial. The validity of the methods was assessed using bias, the Spearman correlation coefficient (SCC), the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), and Bland–Altman analysis. Among the alternative methods, spot urine collection using the Kawasaki equation showed the strongest correlation (SCC 0.238; ICC 0.119, 95% CI −0.079 to 0.323), but it exhibited a significant bias (1414 mg/day, p-value < 0.001) relative to 24-h urine collection. Conversely, dietary surveys had a smaller bias but wider limits of agreement. These findings underscore the complexities of accurately estimating dietary sodium intake using spot urine collection or dietary surveys in this specific population, suggesting that a combination or the refinement of existing methodologies might improve accuracy. Further research with larger samples is necessary to develop more reliable methods for assessing sodium intake in this high-risk group. Full article

This paper describes an integrated monitoring system designed for individualized environmental risk assessment and management in the workplace. The system incorporates monitoring devices that measure dust, noise, ultraviolet radiation, illuminance, temperature, humidity, and flammable gases. Comprising monitoring devices, a server-based web application for employers, and a mobile application for workers, the system integrates the registration of workers’ health histories, such as common diseases and symptoms related to the monitored agents, and a web-based recommendation system. The recommendation system application uses classifiers to decide the risk/no risk per sensor and crosses this information with fixed rules to define recommendations. The system generates actionable alerts for companies to improve decision-making regarding professional activities and long-term safety planning by analyzing health information through fixed rules and exposure data through machine learning algorithms. As the system must handle sensitive data, data privacy is addressed in communication and data storage. The study provides test results that evaluate the performance of different machine learning models in building an effective recommendation system. Since it was not possible to find public datasets with all the sensor data needed to train artificial intelligence models, it was necessary to build a data generator for this work. By proposing an approach that focuses on individualized environmental risk assessment and management, considering workers’ health histories, this work is expected to contribute to enhancing occupational safety through computational technologies in the Industry 5.0 approach. Full article

Current conceptualizations of dental caries etiology center primarily on the local role of sugar, starch, or other fermentable carbohydrates on tooth enamel demineralization—a well-established and empirically supported mechanism. However, in addition to this mechanism, studies dating back to the early 1900s point to an important systemic role of diet and nutrition, particularly from pasture-raised animal-source foods (ASF), in dental caries etiology and arrest. Findings from animal and human studies suggest that adherence to a diet high in calcium, phosphorus, fat-soluble vitamins A and D, and antioxidant vitamin C, as well as low in phytates, may contribute to arrest and reversal of dental caries, particularly among children. Furthermore, findings from observational and experimental studies of humans across the life-course suggest that fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K2 may interact to protect against dental caries progression, even within a diet that regularly contains sugar. While these historic studies have not been revisited in decades, we emphasize the need for them to be reinvestigated and contextualized in the 21st century. Specifically, methodologically rigorous studies are needed to reinvestigate whether historical knowledge of systemic impacts of nutrition on dental health can help to inform current conceptualizations of dental caries etiology, prevention, and arrest. Full article

Preterm infants have increased body adiposity at term-equivalent age and risk of adverse metabolic outcomes. The aim of the study was to define how nutrient intake may impact body composition (BC) of very low-birth weight infants fed with early progressive enteral feeding and standard fortification. Eighty-six infants with <1500 g birth weight were included in the BC study and stratified into extremely preterm (EP) and very preterm (VP) groups. Nutrient intake was calculated during the first 28 days and BC assessed by dual X-ray absorptiometry at discharge and by skinfold thickness at 12 months of corrected age (CA). Total nutrient intake did not differ between the groups. EP infants had a higher fat mass percentage at discharge than VP infants (24.8% vs. 19.4%, p < 0.001); lean mass did not differ. None of the nutrients had any impact on BC of EP infants. Protein intake did not result in a higher lean mass in either group; fat intake was a significant predictor of increased fat mass percentage in VP infants at discharge (p = 0.007) and body adiposity at 12 months of CA (p = 0.021). Nutritional needs may depend on gestational age and routine fortification should be used with caution in more mature infants. Full article

Cancer cells adeptly manipulate their metabolic processes to evade immune detection, a phenomenon intensifying the complexity of cancer progression and therapy. This review delves into the critical role of cancer cell metabolism in the immune-editing landscape, highlighting how metabolic reprogramming facilitates tumor cells to thrive despite immune surveillance pressures. We explore the dynamic interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME), where cancer cells not only accelerate their glucose and amino acid metabolism but also induce an immunosuppressive state that hampers effective immune response. Recent findings underscore the metabolic competition between tumor and immune cells, particularly focusing on how this interaction influences the efficacy of emerging immunotherapies. By integrating cutting-edge research on the metabolic pathways of cancer cells, such as the Warburg effect and glutamine addiction, we shed light on potential therapeutic targets. The review proposes that disrupting these metabolic pathways could enhance the response to immunotherapy, offering a dual-pronged strategy to combat tumor growth and immune evasion. Full article

Background: Many scoring systems, algorithms, and guidelines have been developed to aid in the evaluation and diagnosis of acute appendicitis (AA). Many of these algorithms advocate against the routine use of radiological investigations when there is a high clinical suspicion of AA. However, there has been a significant rise in the use of imaging techniques for diagnosing AA in the past two decades. This is a national study aimed at assessing the adherence of residents assigned to the emergency department to the clinical guidelines for diagnosing AA. Methods: We introduced a case study of a male patient with highly suspicious clinical findings of AA to all surgical and emergency medicine residents assigned to the emergency department with the autonomy to make critical decisions to determine the preferred way of diagnosing AA. Results: A total of 62.4% of all relevant residents participated in this survey; 69.6% reported that the Alvarado score was eight or higher, and 82.1% estimated that the next step recommended by most clinical guidelines was appendectomy without further abdominal imaging tests. However, 83.4% chose to perform an imaging test to establish the diagnosis of AA. Conclusions: Our study revealed a notable non-adherence to clinical guidelines in diagnosing AA. Given the significance of these guidelines, we assert that adopting medical recommendations should not solely depend on individual education but should also be incorporated as a departmental policy. Full article

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are significantly more likely to report poor health compared to the general population in Japan and internationally. Social capital has been observed as an important component of positive health and well-being outcomes among MSM. However, there is limited research investigating how alter sexuality (possessors of actual resources embedded in social capital networks) mitigates health outcomes. In an online survey of 1564 MSM in Japan, we investigated social correlates of poor self-rated health among MSM, including MSM and heterosexual social networks. Multiple logistic regression revealed that poor health was associated with older age, lower education, and part-time and unemployment. Poor health was inversely correlated with bisexual behavior and high MSM or heterosexual social capital. In order to decrease health disparities among MSM in Japan, interventions focusing on increasing social capital among deprived groups, such as those with lower socio-economic status, older MSM, and those whose sex partners are exclusively male, may be effective. Full article

Tropical marine lakes are small land-locked marine waterbodies occurring in karstic coastal areas. During biodiversity surveys in 12 marine lakes in Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua province, Indonesia, we recorded at least 37 species belonging to 29 genera of hard corals. Their observed associated symbiont fauna consisted of bivalve molluscs and polychaete worms. Marine lake temperature ranged from 30.0 to 32.5 °C, acidity from pH 7.6 to 8.1, and salinity from 26.4 to 33.2 ppt. This study provides the first inventory of the marginal coral communities in the extreme habitat of marine lakes, under chronic extreme environmental conditions of higher temperatures, land-based nutrient loads, and sedimentation. Full article