Life University

The Sandfish lizard (Scincus scincus) is well adapted to the harsh desert environment of the Algerian Sahara. This study investigated the effects of season and sex on the morphometric measurements and selected blood biochemical parameters of the Sandfish lizard, including 29 females and 31 males from the El Oued region in the southeastern Algerian Sahara. Morphometric and biochemical parameters were assessed across winter, spring, and summer (2024). The results indicated that males had significantly larger total length (TBL), snout-vent length (SVL), vent-to-tail length (TL), trunk length (TRL), forelimb length (FL), and hindlimb length (HL) compared to females (P < 0.05). However, no significant sex-related differences were found in the blood biochemical parameters. Significant seasonal variations (P < 0.05) were observed in body weight (Wt), hindlimb length (HL), forelimb length (FL), head width (HW), mouth length (ML), and body width (BW). Additionally, highly significant seasonal variations (P < 0.005) were found in all blood parameters except for calcium. These findings suggest that while morphometric characteristics vary significantly by sex, certain physiological parameters are more influenced by seasonal changes, highlighting the Sandfish lizard's adaptability to its environment.

Abstract This study investigates the floristic, biological, and chorological diversity of three Ramsar wetlands in the Sebkhetes of Aurès Wetlands Complex (SAWC) Algeria: Garaet Timerganine (freshwater), Chott Tinsilt (brackish water), and Sebkhet Ezzmoul (saline water). 154 taxa were recorded during field surveys. Asteraceae, Poaceae, and Fabaceae were the most represented families. Total taxa richness, Shannon diversity index (H′) and Pielou’s equitability (E) showed relatively high values at Garaet Timerganine (S = 78, H’ = 5.07, E = 0.82) and Sebkhet Ezzmoul (S = 52, H’ = 5.38, E = 0.94), while Chott Tinsilt (S = 63, H’ = 4.43, E = 0.73) exhibited moderate diversity with strong floristic homogeneity. The flora was predominantly composed of therophytes (48%) and hemicryptophytes (37 %), reflecting adaptations to salinity variability. Chamaephytes (9%), Geophytes (3%), Nanophanerophytes, Microphanerophytes and Phanerophytes were present in meaningfully lower proportions (1%). The chorology of recorded flora was dominated by the Mediterranean set encompassing 74 taxa, which constitutes 48.07% of the total flora. Species with a wide distribution set accounted for 56 species (36.30%), while the Northern set had a notable presence with 23 species (15%). Limonium pruinosum (Plumbaginaceae) was the only Saharan species exclusively recorded in Sebkhet Ezzmoul. Using Correspondence Factor Analysis (CFA), species distribution patterns were clearly aligned along a salinity gradient. Garaet Timerganine was associated with mesophilous taxa, Chott Tinsilt with stress-tolerant brackish species, and Ezzmoul with halophytes ones. This study highlights the fact that salinity shapes floristic diversity and guides adaptive wetland management in arid regions.

ObjectiveLiver diseases represent a major global health burden. Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF-15), a stress-induced cytokine, has been suggested to protect against fibrosis progression through neuro-metabolic-immunologic pathways and to regulate energy and lipid homeostasis, potentially influencing hepatic steatosis. This study evaluated the role of GDF-15 in steatosis and fibrosis, considering prior liver injury, alcohol intake, insulin resistance, and obesity.Design and methodsIn this retrospective cohort study, 626 participants from a large population-based cohort were analyzed. Associations of baseline GDF-15, alcohol intake, FIB-4 score, and metabolic risk factors with hepatic steatosis and fibrosis over 6 years were examined using linear regression models.ResultsIn participants with elevated baseline FIB-4, the interaction of GDF-15 and FIB-4 was positively associated with follow-up liver stiffness (β = 0.47, p = 0.045). Interactions between GDF-15 and higher alcohol intake (3rd/4th quantiles) were negatively associated with stiffness (β = −1.68, p = 0.002; β = −1.43, p = 0.038). GDF-15 was positively associated with follow-up steatosis (β = 37.14, p = 0.006). Higher HOMA-IR (3rd/4th quantile) was linked to increased steatosis (β = 31.15, p = 0.032; β = 38.15, p = 0.023), whereas interactions of HOMA-IR × GDF-15 were inversely associated (β = −38.98, p = 0.008; β = −38.54, p = 0.019), suggesting a protective modulation.ConclusionsGDF-15 appears to modulate hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in individuals with metabolic or lifestyle risk factors, supporting its potential as a therapeutic target and warranting further investigation of the neuro-metabolic-immunologic axis.

BackgroundStroke remains the primary source of prolonged disability worldwide since it often results in gait asymmetry. Research shows compensatory mechanisms in chronic stroke patients’ non-paretic legs but lacks knowledge about these adaptations during the early post-stroke period when walking on inclines which mimic real-world mobility challenges.ObjectiveThis study sought to clarify the compensatory strategies in the non-paretic leg of early post-stroke survivors by analyzing the changes in vertical ground reaction force (GRF) profiles and respective variabilities during level (0%) and inclined (6%) treadmill walking, relative to healthy, matched controls.MethodsThe study included fourteen early post-stroke survivors who were three months post-event or less along with fourteen matched controls. Participants walked at their preferred speeds on treadmill at 0% and 6% grade incline settings. Researchers determined key vertical GRF profiles, including peak amplitudes (F1, F2, F3), impulses (J1–J4), timing to each peak, loading/unloading rates, and their respectively variabilities. Mixed two-way repeated measures Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used and preferred walking speed was used as a covariate.ResultsStroke survivors demonstrated significantly slower walking speeds compared to control participants (0.6 km/hr vs. 2.15 km/hr) while both groups shared similar demographic characteristics. It is worth mentioning that this study specifically focused on the non-paretic side; therefore, only GRF components corresponding to the non-paretic leg of the stroke survivors were investigated. During weight acceptance (F1) and push-off (F3) phases, stroke survivors showed lower vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) peak amplitudes (F1- control (C): 1.11 vs. patients (P): 1.04, F3 - C: 1.09 vs. P: 1.03) and impulse magnitudes (J1- C: 25.46 vs. P: 18.74, J2 - C: 21.37 vs. P: 13.46, J3- C: 22.38 vs. P: 15.71, J4 - C: 22.16 vs. P: 18.19) in their non-paretic leg compared to control subjects regardless of inclines. Stroke survivors presented higher F2 (mid-stance, F2 - C: 0.92 vs. P: 0.98) values which might indicate a flatter vertical ground reaction force profile due to compensatory or pathological gait mechanisms. Inclined walking produced increased F1 (Grade 0%: 1.06 vs. Grade 6%: 1.10) and decreased F2 (Grade 0%: 0.97 vs. Grade 6%: 0.93) for both participant groups, but controls exhibited increased F3 (Grade 0%: 1.06 vs. Grade 6%: 1.12) while stroke survivors showed reductions in F3 (Grade 0%: 1.05 vs. Grade 6%: 1.01) which indicated impaired push-off mechanics.ConclusionsThe study demonstrates that treating the non-paretic leg as a healthy limb is inadequate and shows the necessity for rehabilitation approaches that target both legs individually. Focusing on motor control and force steadiness instead of simply strength can more effectively reduce maladaptive variability and enhance safe and efficient walking patterns.

Eating disorders (EDs) often emerge in adolescence, but developmental trajectories across different core features remain largely unclear. The prospective, community-based study included N = 898 participants aged 9.5-17.5 years (47.6% female, age 11.8 ± 1.4 years) with annual follow-up over 2-6 (3.4 ± 1.2) years. Multivariate trajectories of binge eating, restraint, weight-compensatory behaviors (Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire for Children), and body mass index-standard deviation score (BMI-SDS) derived from objective anthropometrics were analyzed using group-based multi-trajectory modeling (GBMTM) separately for girls and boys. ED and general psychopathology were used for validation and outcome comparisons. GBMTM identified five distinct trajectories of ED symptoms and BMI-SDS in girls and six in boys. Low-symptom trajectories at lower, normal, and higher BMI-SDS were most common and showed only mild, transient ED symptoms. In boys, trajectories were largely characterized by stable ED symptoms at different BMI-SDS levels, whereas in girls, ED symptoms showed more pronounced change over time. In both sexes, two high-risk subgroups reflected bulimic and binge-eating patterns and followed trajectories with elevated or increasing ED symptoms across ages, which in girls were particularly associated with increased ED and general psychopathology at last assessment. GBMTM results support the developmental specificity of bulimic/binge-eating syndromes and noneating-disordered overweight across adolescence. High-risk subgroups in both sexes-and their particularly unfavorable outcomes in girls-underscore the need for sex-specific early identification strategies that consider longitudinal constellations of multiple ED symptoms and weight status rather than single indicators.

Abstract Heavy metal contamination in soil impairs plant growth and disrupts cellular functions. Brassica rapa L. exhibits phytoremediation potential owing to its strong metal tolerance and accumulation capacity. This study evaluated the effects of boron (B) and zinc (Zn), applied alone or together at 10–25 mg kg −1 , on growth, biochemical traits, and heavy-metal stress tolerance in B. rapa L. The result established B + Zn > B > Zn. Co-application of B and Zn at 15–20 mg kg −1 significantly enhanced growth and tolerance to metal-induced stress compared with individual treatments ( p < 0.05). At 20 mg kg −1 B + Zn, key biochemical markers, including chlorophyll, sugar, phenolic, carotenoid, protein, and proline levels, were significantly higher compared with individual treatments. Elemental analysis and PCA showed that the optimal 15–20 mg kg −1 B + Zn dose promoted the uptake of essential elements such as Fe and Mn. Simultaneously, reduced toxic metals accumulation (Cd and Pb). Conversely, the 25 mg kg −1 treatment clustered with elevated toxic metals, with Cd showing the highest accumulation, followed by Cr and Pb. The weak linear correlation ( R 2 < 0.1 ) observed across parameters indicates that these physiological benefits arise from complex, non-linear regulation. These findings underscore the critical role of precise micronutrient synergy in enhancing heavy-metal tolerance mechanisms in crops, and they are vital for optimizing phytoremediation and ensuring food safety in metal-contaminated agroecosystems.

A seroepidemiological survey was conducted between 2021 and 2025 to assess Leishmania infantum infection in domestic dogs from urban and rural areas in three provinces of eastern Algeria: Batna, Oum El Bouaghi, and Biskra. Blood samples were collected from 347 dogs and tested for anti-Leishmania antibodies using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall seroprevalence was 10.37%. Among seropositive dogs, 33.3% were asymptomatic, while 66.6% exhibited clinical signs, with emaciation being the most frequently observed symptom. Statistical analysis showed significant associations between seropositivity and several risk factors, including age, geographical area, clinical status, nutrition, province of origin, and lifestyle.

BackgroundCryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CM) is increasingly recognized in individuals without HIV or a history of solid organ transplantation (NHNT). Emerging US data suggest higher CM-related mortality among NHNT individuals compared to those with HIV. This study aimed to characterize NHNT patients with CM and identify differences between survivors and non-survivors.MethodsWe identified adult patients (≥18 years) diagnosed with CM between 2003 and 2024 using data from TriNetX, a global federated health research network. CM diagnosis was defined by an ICD-10-CM code for cerebral cryptococcosis or laboratory evidence of cryptococcal antigen or DNA in cerebrospinal fluid. Inclusion was limited to patients treated with amphotericin B to increase the specificity of CM diagnosis. Individuals with HIV and a history of solid organ transplantation were excluded. Demographics, comorbidities, use of immunosuppressive therapies, and 90-day mortality were described, with comparisons made between survivors and non-survivors.ResultsAmong 337 NHNT patients with CM, the mean age was 58 years, 50% were male, and 52% identified as White (Table). Most patients resided in the South (41%), with 21% located outside the US. Common comorbidities included type 2 diabetes (27%), chronic kidney disease (27%), and neoplasms (26%). The overall 90-day mortality rate was 23%. Compared with survivors, non-survivors were older (63 vs 56 years, p< 0.001) and had a higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (1.5 vs 1.1, p=0.026). Non-survivors also had a higher prevalence of neoplasms (39% vs 23%, p=0.006). Glucocorticoid use was high in both groups (83% vs 76%) but did not differ significantly, nor did the use of antineoplastic or other immunosuppressive agents.ConclusionNHNT patients with CM experienced a high 90-day mortality rate of 23%, with older age, greater comorbidity burden, and neoplastic disease associated with non-survival. Immunosuppressive therapy use was common but did not differentiate outcomes, suggesting that underlying host factors, such as immune dysregulation or the direct impact of comorbidities, may be more influential in determining clinical outcomes.DisclosuresAndrés F. Henao Martínez, MD, MPH, F2: Grant/Research Support|Scynexis: Grant/Research Support

BackgroundCryptococcal meningoencephalitis (CM) is a life-threatening opportunistic infection, particularly among immunocompromised individuals. Identifying clinical characteristics and risk factors associated with mortality may improve risk stratification and guide management to optimize outcomes. This study aimed to describe adults diagnosed with CM and compare characteristics between survivors and non-survivors.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from TriNetX, a global federated health research network. Adults (≥ 18 years) diagnosed with CM—defined by an ICD-10-CM code for cerebral cryptococcosis or laboratory evidence of cryptococcal antigen or DNA in cerebrospinal fluid—between 2003 and 2024 were included. To enhance diagnostic specificity, all patients were required to have received amphotericin B. Demographics, comorbidities, use of immunosuppressive therapies, and 90-day mortality were assessed and compared between survivors and non-survivors.ResultsAmong 766 patients with CM, 26% had HIV, 22% had a history of solid organ transplantation, and 52% had neither condition (non-HIV, non-transplant [NHNT] group) (Figure). Overall, 90-day mortality was 19%, with the highest mortality observed in the NHNT group (23%), followed by transplant recipients (20%) and patients with HIV (13%). Non-survivors were significantly older than survivors (mean age 59 vs 52 years, p< .001) and more likely to identify as White (63% vs 46%) and less likely as Black or African American (16% vs 29%) (p=.004) (Table). Comorbid conditions more frequently observed among non-survivors included neoplasms (36% vs 18%, p< .001), liver disease (23% vs 13%, p=.009), hematologic malignancies (17% vs 7%, p< .001), aplastic disorders (19% vs 9%, p< .001), and prior bone marrow transplant (3% vs 0.4%, p=.004).ConclusionNHNT individuals accounted for the majority of cases and experienced the highest mortality. Conversely, HIV-associated CM was more common among survivors, suggesting that advances in HIV-related CM recognition and management may have improved outcomes. These findings reflect a shift in CM epidemiology, with a growing burden among NHNT patients who often have complex comorbidities and immunosuppressive exposures.DisclosuresAndrés F. Henao Martínez, MD, MPH, F2: Grant/Research Support|Scynexis: Grant/Research Support