bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a multiplex real‐time RT‐PCR test for the screening of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) for the detection of pepino mosaic virus
Authors: Berendsen Sven M. H. , Thomas Ludivine A. , Woudenberg Joyce H. C. , Speksnijders Yorick , Jonkers Wilfried , Pannu Sukhi , Viles Anna M. , Baldwin Thomas K.
Published: August 2024

Pepino mosaic virus (PepMV) is known to cause a wide range of symptoms in cultivated tomato plants, damaging fruits and crops. Currently, five genotypes of PepMV are known (US1, CH2, EU, LP and PES), which can all infect tomato plants. Tomato seed is a proven pathway for PepMV, and the virus is known to easily spread mechanically during crop handling. A multiplex real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) test was developed and validated for the specific identification of PepMV isolates from tomato seeds. This test is designed to be used for diagnostics and seed health tests as a pre‐screen to distinguish negative PepMV samples from suspect samples or as a confirmation test of a positive ELISA or bioassay test result. The multiplex real‐time RT‐PCR test consists of two PepMV‐specific real‐time RT‐PCR tests and a Bacopa chlorosis virus real‐time RT‐PCR test as an internal amplification control. The analytical specificity of the developed test was evaluated by in vitro and in silico analyses. The analytical sensitivity was evaluated by creating three dilution series of naturally PepMV‐infected leaf tissue in healthy tomato seed extracts and the diagnostic specificity and sensitivity were validated on a collection of seed lots.
Can the Briganti 2019 nomogram be modified to predict lymph node metastasis risk in patients with prostate cancer detected with in‐bore biopsy?
Authors: Madendere Serdar , Kılıç Mert , Gürses Bengi , Vural Metin , Armutlu Ayşe , Kulaç İbrahim , Tarım Kayhan , Esen Barış , Aykanat İbrahim Can , Veznikli Mert , Canda Abdullah Erdem , Balbay Derya , Baydar Dilek Ertoy , Kordan Yakup , Esen Tarık
Published: August 2024

Objectives

We aimed to modify the Briganti 2019 nomogram and to test whether it is valid for patients who were diagnosed with prostate cancer through in‐bore prostate biopsies.

Methods

Data for 204 patients with positive multiparametric prostate MRI and prostate cancer identified either by mpMRI‐cognitive/software fusion or in‐bore biopsy and who underwent robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy and extended pelvic lymph node dissection between 2012 and 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The Briganti 2019 nomogram was applied to the mpMRI‐cognitive/software fusion biopsy group (142 patients) in the original form, and then, two modifications were tested for the targeted component. Original and modified scores were compared. These modifications were adapted for the in‐bore biopsy group (62 patients). The final histopathologic stage was regarded as the gold standard.

Results

Nodal metastases were identified in 18/142 (12.6%) of mpMRI‐cognitive/software fusion biopsy patients and 8/62 (12.9%) of the in‐bore biopsy patients. In the mpMRI‐cognitive/software fusion biopsy group, tumor size/core size (%) of targeted biopsy cores and positive core percentage on systematic biopsy were significant parameters for lymph node metastasis based on univariate logistic regression analyses (p < 0.05). With the modifications of these parameters for the in‐bore biopsy group, V1 modification of the Briganti 2019 nomogram provided 100% sensitivity and 31.5% specificity (AUC:0.627), while V2 modification provided 75% sensitivity and 46.3% specificity (AUC:0.645).

Conclusions

Briganti 2019 nomogram may be modified by utilizing tumor size/core size (%) for targeted biopsy cores instead of positive core percentage on systematic biopsy or by not taking both parameters into consideration to detect node metastasis risk of patients diagnosed with in‐bore biopsies.
Association of vitamin D status and vitamin D receptor polymorphism in diabetic foot ulcer patients: A prospective observational study in a South‐Indian tertiary healthcare facility
Authors: Kurian Shilia Jacob , Baral Tejaswini , Benson Ruby , Munisamy Murali , Saravu Kavitha , Rodrigues Gabriel Sunil , Sunil Krishna M. , Shetty Sahana , Kumar Amit , Miraj Sonal Sekhar
Published: August 2024

Objective of the study was to find the association of vitamin D receptor (VDR) polymorphisms (Fokl, Taql and Apal) with vitamin D levels in diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) patients in South India. In this case–control study, plasma vitamin D levels and VDR genotype frequencies of 70 cases (DFU patients) were compared with 70 diabetic (diabetes mellitus [DM] [non‐DFU]) patients and 70 apparently healthy controls (HC) from South India. Plasma vitamin D levels were measured using the ELISA technique, and genotyping of VDR polymorphisms was carried out using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Logistic regression was used to find the association between DFU versus HC and DFU versus DM traits. Association analysis was performed based on additive, dominant and recessive models with age and gender as covariates. A 45.7% of DFU patients have sufficient vitamin D levels than 48.6% and 40% of DM patients and HC, respectively. Linkage disequilibrium analysis for DFU versus HC and DFU versus DM traits shows that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) Taq1 (rs731236) and Apal (rs7975232) are in strong linkage disequilibrium in DFU patients. The alleles and genotype frequencies were similar in all three groups. Although the additive model does not show statistical significance, age and sex correlate with the three SNPs (Fokl, Taql and Apal). No association was found between VDR gene polymorphisms and vitamin D levels in DFU patients in Southern India. On the other hand, age and sex correlate with the three SNPs.
Interactive effects of osmotic, acid, heat, cold, and freezing stresses on the biofilm formation ability of Salmonella serotypes
Authors: Kaboudari Ata , Aliakbarlu Javad , Mehdizadeh Tooraj
Published: August 2024

Food‐related stresses such as heating and freezing may influence the biofilm formation ability of bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the main and interactive effects of food‐related stresses on the biofilm formation potential of Salmonella strains isolated from meat. Salmonella enteritidis, Salmonella typhi, and Salmonella typhimurium were subjected to osmotic, acid, heat, cold, and freezing stresses. The colorimetric microtiter plate method was used to measure the biofilm formation ability as a response to the stresses. Among the main effects, freezing time had the most significant effect on the biofilm formation responses of three Salmonella serovars. Freezing reduced the biofilm formation ability of Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella enteritidis but increased that of Salmonella typhi (p < 0.05). Among the interaction effects, the most significant effect on the biofilm formation response of Salmonella typhi was the interaction between pH and heat, which had a negative effect on the biofilm formation response. In contrast, the interaction between osmotic pressure and cold stresses was the most significant interactive effect on the biofilm formation responses of Salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium, which had an increasing effect. This study concluded that the food‐related stresses could change the biofilm formation capacity of Salmonella serotypes, and each serotype might show different biofilm formation abilities in response to different stresses.
Performance benchmarking for regulating electricity distribution: Insights from empirical academic research
Authors: Arocena Pablo , Kumbhakar Subal C. , Lien Gudbrand
Published: August 2024

Given its technological characteristics, the electricity distribution is managed by regional monopolies worldwide. Effective regulation of these monopolies requires rigorous performance benchmarking analysis across comparable peers in the industry. This article provides a comprehensive review of empirical studies examining efficiency and productivity change within the electricity distribution over the past three decades. We provide an overview of the main methodological frontier approaches employed, alongside an analysis of the findings from previous empirical studies. We identify methodological and data‐related issues while highlighting challenges to be addressed in future research on benchmarking analysis for regulation.
One‐year follow‐up of clinical convergence measures in children enrolled in the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial—Attention and Reading Trial
Authors: Morrison Ann M. , Kulp Marjean T. , Cotter Susan A. , Scheiman Mitchell M. , Jenewein Erin C. , Roberts Tawna L. , Mitchell G. Lynn , Arnold L. Eugene , Retnasothi Dashaini , Bade Annette , Hertle Richard , Borsting Eric ,   the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial—Attention and Reading (CITT‐ART) Investigator Group
Published: August 2024

Purpose

To assess the long‐term stability of clinical measures of convergence (near point of convergence [NPC] and positive fusional vergence [PFV]) in participants enrolled in the Convergence Insufficiency Treatment Trial‐Attention and Reading Trial (CITT‐ART) who received 16 weeks of office‐based vergence/accommodative therapy.

Methods

A total of 310 children, 9–14 years old, with symptomatic convergence insufficiency were enrolled in CITT‐ART. Some 270 completed both their 16‐week primary outcome visit followed by a 1‐year follow‐up visit. Of those 270, 181 (67%) were randomised to the vergence/accommodative therapy. Of the 181 in the vergence/accommodative group, 121 (67%) reported not receiving any additional treatment after the 16‐week primary outcome visit. The mean change in NPC, PFV and percentages of children classified by the predetermined success criteria of convergence (normal NPC [<6 cm] and/or improved by ≥4 cm; normal PFV [passing Sheard's criterion and base‐out break >15Δ] and/or improved by ≥10Δ) were compared at the 16‐week primary outcome visit and 1 year later.

Results

Of the 121 who returned for their 1‐year follow‐up visit, there was no significant change in mean adjusted NPC (reduction of −0.2 cm; 95% CI: −1.0 to 0.5 cm) at 1 year. There was a statistically significant decrease in mean‐adjusted PFV (−4.7∆; 95% CI: −6.5 to −2.8Δ) at 1 year. There were similar percentages of participants classified as ‘normal’ (p = 0.30), ‘normal and/or improved’ (p > 0.50) and ‘normal and improved’ (p > 0.14) based on NPC and PFV at the 1‐year visit compared with the 16‐week primary outcome visit.

Conclusion

The improvements in NPC and PFV following 16 weeks of vergence/accommodative therapy (with no reported additional treatment thereafter) in children with symptomatic convergence insufficiency persisted 1‐year post‐treatment.
Why do politicians perceive the same financial conditions differently?
Authors: Donatella Pierre , Karlsson David
Published: August 2024

Behavioral public administration research has provided empirical evidence of several perception biases when individuals process information. Building on these findings, we seek to advance the literature by analyzing politicians' financial perceptions of their own government. Drawing on the theory of motivated reasoning, we examine the context of Swedish municipalities and find financial perception gaps associated with politicians' party affiliation (establishment or anti‐establishment), parliamentary position (opposition or governing party), and formal hierarchical rank. Specifically, politicians representing anti‐establishment and opposition parties, as well as those occupying lower positions in the political hierarchy—and thus having less influence over and less responsibility for municipal affairs—tend to perceive the financial situation more negatively. These findings suggest the presence of a motivationally driven bias in politicians' perceptions of financial conditions; moreover, they illustrate that these perceptions are influenced by factors beyond the traditional financial, socioeconomic, and demographic ones examined in previous research.
Persistence of quantal synaptic vesicle recycling in virtual absence of dynamins
Authors: Afuwape Olusoji A. T. , Chanaday Natali L. , Kasap Merve , Monteggia Lisa M. , Kavalali Ege T.
Published: August 2024

Dynamins are GTPases required for pinching vesicles off the plasma membrane once a critical curvature is reached during endocytosis. Here, we probed dynamin function in central synapses by depleting all three dynamin isoforms in postnatal hippocampal neurons down to negligible levels. We found a decrease in the propensity of evoked neurotransmission as well as a reduction in synaptic vesicle numbers. Recycling of synaptic vesicles during spontaneous or low levels of evoked activity were largely impervious to dynamin depletion, while retrieval of synaptic vesicle components at higher levels of activity was partially arrested. These results suggest the existence of balancing dynamin‐independent mechanisms for synaptic vesicle recycling at central synapses. Classical dynamin‐dependent mechanisms are not essential for retrieval of synaptic vesicle proteins after quantal single synaptic vesicle fusion, but they become more relevant for membrane retrieval during intense, sustained neuronal activity.

image

Key points

Loss of dynamin 2 does not impair synaptic transmission.

Loss of all three dynamin isoforms mostly affects evoked neurotransmission.

Excitatory synapse function is more susceptible to dynamin loss.

Spontaneous neurotransmission is only mildly affected by loss of dynamins.

Single synaptic vesicle endocytosis is largely dynamin independent.
Origin, structure, and composition of the spider major ampullate silk fiber revealed by genomics, proteomics, and single-cell and spatial transcriptomics
Authors: Sonavane Sumalata , Hassan Sameer , Chatterjee Urmimala , Soler Lucile , Holm Lena , Mollbrink Annelie , Greco Gabriele , Fereydouni Noah , Vinnere Pettersson Olga , Bunikis Ignas , Churcher Allison , Lantz Henrik , Johansson Jan , Reimegård Johan , Rising Anna
Published: August 2024

Spiders produce nature’s toughest fiber using renewable components at ambient temperatures and with water as solvent, making it highly interesting to replicate for the materials industry. Despite this, much remains to be understood about the bioprocessing and composition of spider silk fibers. Here, we identify 18 proteins that make up the spiders’ strongest silk type, the major ampullate fiber. Single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics revealed that the secretory epithelium of the gland harbors six cell types. These cell types are confined to three distinct glandular zones that produce specific combinations of silk proteins. Image analysis of histological sections showed that the secretions from the three zones do not mix, and proteomics analysis revealed that these secretions form layers in the final fiber. Using a multi-omics approach, we provide substantial advancements in the understanding of the structure and function of the major ampullate silk gland as well as of the architecture and composition of the fiber it produces.
Sprayable biomimetic double mask with rapid autophasing and hierarchical programming for scarless wound healing
Authors: Yang Yuhe , Suo Di , Xu Tianpeng , Zhao Shuai , Xu Xiaoxiao , Bei Ho-Pan , Wong Kenneth Kak-yuen , Li Qibin , Zheng Zijian , Li Bin , Zhao Xin
Published: August 2024

Current sprayable hydrogel masks lack the stepwise protection, cleansing, and nourishment of extensive wounds, leading to delayed healing with scarring. Here, we develop a sprayable biomimetic double wound mask (BDM) with rapid autophasing and hierarchical programming for scarless wound healing. The BDMs comprise hydrophobic poly (lactide-
co
–propylene glycol–
co
-lactide) dimethacrylate (PLD) as top layer and hydrophilic gelatin methacrylate (GelMA) hydrogel as bottom layer, enabling swift autophasing into bilayered structure. After photocrosslinking, BDMs rapidly solidify with strong interfacial bonding, robust tissue adhesion, and excellent joint adaptiveness. Upon implementation, the bottom GelMA layer could immediately release calcium ion for rapid hemostasis, while the top PLD layer could maintain a moist, breathable, and sterile environment. These traits synergistically suppress the inflammatory tumor necrosis factor–α pathway while coordinating the cyclic guanosine monophosphate/protein kinase G–Wnt/calcium ion signaling pathways to nourish angiogenesis. Collectively, our BDMs with self-regulated construction of bilayered structure could hierarchically program the healing progression with transformative potential for scarless wound healing.
Lightwave-electronic harmonic frequency mixing
Authors: Yeung Matthew , Chou Lu-Ting , Turchetti Marco , Ritzkowsky Felix , Berggren Karl K. , Keathley Philip D.
Published: August 2024

Electronic frequency mixers are fundamental building blocks of electronic systems. Harmonic frequency mixing in particular enables broadband electromagnetic signal analysis across octaves of spectrum using a single local oscillator. However, conventional harmonic frequency mixers do not operate beyond hundreds of gigahertz to a few terahertz. If extended to the petahertz scale in a compact and scalable form, harmonic mixers would enable field-resolved optical signal analysis spanning octaves of spectra in a monolithic device without the need for frequency conversion using nonlinear crystals. Here, we demonstrate lightwave-electronic harmonic frequency mixing beyond 0.350 PHz using plasmonic nanoantennas. We demonstrate that the mixing process enables complete, field-resolved detection of spectral content far outside that of the local oscillator, greatly extending the range of detectable frequencies compared to conventional heterodyning techniques. Our work has important implications for applications where optical signals of interest exhibit coherent femtosecond-scale dynamics spanning multiple harmonics.
Variable-stiffness–morphing wheel inspired by the surface tension of a liquid droplet
Authors: Lee Jae-Young , Han Seongji , Kim Munyu , Seo Yong-Sin , Park Jongwoo , Park Dong Il , Park Chanhun , Seo Hyunuk , Lee Joonho , Kim Hwi-Su , Bak Jeongae , Rodrigue Hugo , Kim Jin-Gyun , Cheong Joono , Song Sung-Hyuk
Published: August 2024

Wheels have been commonly used for locomotion in mobile robots and transportation systems because of their simple structure and energy efficiency. However, the performance of wheels in overcoming obstacles is limited compared with their advantages in driving on normal flat ground. Here, we present a variable-stiffness wheel inspired by the surface tension of a liquid droplet. In a liquid droplet, as the cohesive force of the outermost liquid molecules increases, the net force pulling the liquid molecules inward also increases. This leads to high surface tension, resulting in the liquid droplet reverting to a circular shape from its distorted shape induced by gravitational forces. Similarly, the shape and stiffness of a wheel were controlled by changing the traction force at the outermost smart chain block. As the tension of the wire spokes connected to each chain block increased, the wheel characteristics reflected those of a general circular-rigid wheel, which has an advantage in high-speed locomotion on normal flat ground. Conversely, the modulus of the wheel decreased as the tension of the wire spoke decreased, and the wheel was easily deformed according to the shape of obstacles. This makes the wheel suitable for overcoming obstacles without requiring complex control or sensing systems. On the basis of this mechanism, a wheel was applied to a two-wheeled wheelchair system weighing 120 kilograms, and the state transition between a circular high-modulus state and a deformable low-modulus state was realized in real time when the wheelchair was driven in an outdoor environment.
Natural killer cells promote neutrophil extracellular traps and restrain macular degeneration in mice
Authors: Dong Xue , Song Yinting , Liu Yuming , Kou Xuejing , Yang Tianjing , Shi Samuel X. , He Kai , Li Yiming , Li Ziqi , Yao Xueming , Guo Ju , Cui Bohao , Wu Ziru , Lei Yi , Du Mei , Chen Mei , Xu Heping , Liu Qiang , Shi Fu-Dong , Wang Xiaohong , Yan Hua
Published: August 2024

Neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nvAMD) is the leading cause of blindness in the elderly population. Although it is known that nvAMD is associated with focal inflammation, understanding of the precise immune components governing this process remains limited. Here, we identified natural killer (NK) cells as a prominent lymphocyte population infiltrating the perivascular space of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) lesions in patients with nvAMD and in mouse models. Olink proteomic analysis and single-cell RNA sequencing combined with knockout studies demonstrated the involvement of C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) in NK cell recruitment and extravasation at the CNV sites of mice. Depletion of NK cells or inhibition of activating receptor NK group 2, member D (NKG2D) inhibited the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps, increased vascular leakage, and exacerbated pathological angiogenesis, indicating that NK cells restrain pathogenesis in this mouse model. Age is the strongest risk factor for AMD, and we show that NK cells from aged human donors exhibited a less cytotoxic phenotype. NK cells from old mice exhibited compromised protective effects in the CNV mouse model. In addition, interleukin-2 complex–mediated expansion of NK cells improved CNV formation in mice. Collectively, our study highlights NK cells as a potential therapeutic target for patients with nvAMD.
An identity crisis for lung cancer cells
Authors: Quintanal-Villalonga Álvaro
Published: August 2024

Omic analysis of clinical specimens undergoing histological transformation defines targetable drivers to prevent plasticity and treatment resistance.
Paternal obesity decreases infant MSC mitochondrial functional capacity
Authors: Jevtovic Filip , Claiborne Alex , Biagioni Ericka M. , Collier David N. , DeVente James E. , Mouro Steven , Kaneko-Tarui Tomoko , O-Tierney-Ginn Perrie F. , Goodyear Laurie J. , Houmard Joseph A. , Broskey Nicholas T. , May Linda E.
Published: August 2024

Paternal obesity decreases infant mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) basal and maximal respiration. Lower OXPHOS and electron transport system capacity could be explained by lower complex I and IV respiratory capacity but not changes in OXPHOS expression in infant MSC from fathers with obesity. Paternal obesity and altered MSC mitochondrial functional capacity are associated with a greater infant weight-to-length ratio at birth.
Acute hypoxic conditions preceding endotoxin administration result in an increased proinflammatory cytokine response in healthy men
Authors: Jakobs Marie , Tebbe Bastian , Friedel Anna Lena , Schönberger Tina , Engler Harald , Wilde Benjamin , Fandrey Joachim , Hörbelt-Grünheidt Tina , Schedlowski Manfred
Published: August 2024

To our knowledge, this is the first in vivo study investigating the effects of hypoxia preceding (hypoxia priming) or following LPS administration on the endotoxin-induced inflammatory response in healthy human subjects. The data show that hypoxia priming amplified the proinflammatory response, reflected by an increased body temperature, increased plasma noradrenaline levels, and higher production of proinflammatory cytokines (i.e., IL-6 and TNF-α) compared with LPS control conditions.
Ballet practice improves neuromuscular and biomechanical responses to an unexpected standing-slip in older adults
Authors: Simpkins Caroline , Yang Feng
Published: August 2024

This is the first study to examine how older ballet dancers respond to an unexpected external slip perturbation while standing. The results suggest that older ballet dancers experience a reduced fall risk after the slip than their nondancer counterparts. The lower fall risk can be accounted for by dancers’ quicker neuromuscular reactions to the slip that result in a more effective recovery step and thus higher stability against backward falls due to the slip.
Interaction of simultaneous hypoxia and baroreflex loading on control of sympathetic action potential subpopulations
Authors: Boyes Natasha G. , Klassen Stephen A. , Baker Sarah E. , Nicholson Wayne T. , Joyner Michael J. , Shoemaker J. Kevin , Limberg Jacqueline K.
Published: August 2024

This study provides a novel understanding on baroreflex control of efferent sympathetic nervous system activity during competing stressors: baroreflex loading and peripheral chemoreflex activation. We show chemoreflex activation buffers baroreflex-mediated reductions in sympathetic nervous system activity. More importantly, baroreflex loading reduced baroreflex threshold gain of sympathetic action potential clusters and this reduction withstood chemoreflex activation. These data suggest the arterial baroreflex holds a primary regulatory role over medium-sized sympathetic neurons despite competing chemoreflex signals.
Physicochemical, Functional, Microbial, and Sensory Characteristics of Precooked Complementary Flour Produced from Yellow Maize Enriched with Roasted Cashew Almonds and Baobab Pulp
Authors: Ngaha Damndja Wilfred , Agume Ntso Aurelie Solange , Ngatchic Metsagang Thérèse Josiane , Djello Nkali Hermionne
Published: August 2024

The aim of his study was to formulate and characterize precooked complementary flours based on yellow maize, cashews, and baobab pulp. To achieve this goal, yellow maize was malted and cooked and cashew almonds were roasted and cooked, while baobab pulp did not undergo any treatment. Indeed 3 materials were used: yellow maize, cashew almonds, and baobab pulp. All the food materials were dried and ground into flours. Four different complementary flours, MCB1 (73/23/4), MCB2 (72.5/25/2.5), MCB3 (75/22.5/2.5), and MCB4 (74/24/2), were formulated by blending yellow maize flour with cashew, almond, and baobab pulp flours. The proximate composition (moisture content, total ash, total carbohydrate, crude protein, crude fat, and crude fiber), soluble sugar, some minerals (iron and calcium) and vitamins (A and C), the functional properties (water absorption capacity (WAC) and water solubility index (WSI)), and the microbial characteristics of formulated flours were determined. Gruels were prepared from these flours, and their physical and sensory properties, as well as energy density, were determined. The results showed that for all the flours formulated, macronutrients, vitamins, and energy values were in the range recommended by the World Food Program. But concerning minerals, iron (5.12–5.30 mg/100 g DM) and calcium (141.02–181.94 mg/100 g DM) contents were lower compared to the norm. All the flours produced had good WAC, with the highest values for MCB3 (425.46%) and MCB4 (427.25%). The WSI of the formulated flours had the same trend as WAC. The flours presented good microbial characteristics, with no harmful microorganisms. The gruels prepared with the formulated flours exhibited a viscosity between 2497 and 2654 mPa.s, which indicates that they could be easily swallowed by young children with good energy density. The gruels were also accepted by the consumers, with the highest score of overall acceptability for the one prepared with MCB1. Based on their demonstrated nutritional values and functional properties, the flours formulated are potential complementary food for feeding young children but need to be fortified with minerals.
Recurrent Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of Larynx Harboring a Novel THBS1::ALK Fusion
Authors: Ajmal Namra , Gargano Stacey M. , Gosavi Ujwala , Tuluc Madalina
Published: August 2024

Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT) is a rare soft tissue tumor primarily occurring in the abdominopelvic region of young patients, and it is characterized by spindle‐shaped myofibroblasts, or fibroblasts surrounded by inflammatory infiltrate. Herein, we report a case of a 24‐year‐old male with a firm submucosal mass in the anterior right vocal fold diagnosed as an IMT that recurred 14 months later. The tumor demonstrated a novel THBS1::ALK fusion containing Exons 1–7 of the thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) gene fused to Exon 19 of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene via next‐generation sequencing with the NextSeq sequencer. The fusion of THBS1 to ALK potentially results in increased expression and constitutive activation of the ALK kinase domain. These findings not only broaden the repertoire of known ALK fusion partners implicated in tumorigenesis but also provide a novel avenue for investigating the etiology of recurrent IMT by considering this fusion event as a causal factor. To our knowledge, this is the second case of IMT of the larynx with this novel mutation reported in the literature and the first such case with a detailed description of this specific fusion and clinical recurrence.
Day‐Flying Lepidopteran Species Abundance, Diversity, and Distribution in Wolaita Sodo University, Ethiopia
Authors: Wendimu Abenezer , Tekalign Wondimagegnehu , Bojago Elias
Published: August 2024

Lepidoptera account for the second largest, most diverse, widespread, and widely recognized insect order in the class Insecta. At four microhabitats at Wolaita Sodo University (WSU) in Ethiopia, lepidopteran diversity and abundance were studied for the first time using transects between January 2022 and December 2023. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance, correlation analysis, diversity indices, and ordination and cluster analysis. Altogether 50 species of 367 individuals were collected throughout the study period distributed in 6 families. The Nymphalidae family contained the highest species abundance 20 (34%). In comparison to other ecosystems, open forest regions (35%) included more species, followed by shrub forest (30%). Species such as Danaus plexippus, Tirumala septentrionis, and Melanargia lachesis were abundant in open forest habitat. Idea leuconoe and Eurema brigitta were also abundant, regardless of location. About 36% of species were recorded only in dry season and 36% of total were recorded only in wet season. Spearman’s rho correlation analysis showed that butterfly families had strong positive relationships with flying habitat and flight seasons. Therefore, adequate conservation measures should be taken to ensure their survival, as well as the preservation of their habitats for the benefit of the ecosystem as a whole.
Research on Loss Characteristics Based on the Vibration Law of Granular Assembly
Authors: Zhang Shengwu , Xu Wei , Wang Chiming , Qiu Yuanran , Zhang Yuanchao , Li Yanan , Zhang Yingjie
Published: August 2024

Particle damping technology is a typical passive vibration damping technology. In order to further explore the energy dissipation characteristics of particle dampers under different excitation, the relationship between internal vibration state and energy dissipation is analyzed. Based on the analysis of the motion state of granular assembly inside three‐dimensional cylindrical particles, the steady‐state energy flow method is used to study the loss characteristics of the granular assembly with different vibration laws. The research is carried out under the condition of excitation reduced acceleration of 0–8 and excitation frequency of 0–300 Hz. The results show that the loss capacity of the particles is enhanced when the vibration state of the particles changes from solid‐like to other motion states. At frequencies above 250 Hz, the particle microvibrational and intermediate‐vibrational loss effects are more significant. The loss capacity of the granular assembly shows frequency‐dependent characteristics and is affected by frequency and reduced acceleration. With the increase of the reduced acceleration, the loss capacity of particles is enhanced and shows a local peak effect as the frequency increases. The increase of the particle size enhances the loss ability in the microvibrational state and the intermediate‐vibrational state. By changing the vibrational state, the energy dissipation capacity of particle damper can be enhanced, which may provide a new idea for designing optimal granular dampers.
Unveiling Commonalities: Exploring Shared Characteristics in Clear-Cell Carcinomas of the Gynecologic Tract
Authors: Blanc-Durand Felix , Ngoi Natalie Y.L. , Lim Diana G.S. , Tan David S.P.
Published: August 2024

Clear-cell carcinomas (CCC) arising from the gynecologic tract (including from the ovary, endometrium, cervix, vulva, or vagina) represent rare but clinically significant entities with intriguing overlapping characteristics. Epidemiologically, CCCs exhibit a predilection for women of Asian ethnicity and are often associated with a previous or synchronous diagnosis of endometriosis. Pathologically, despite originating from different primary organs, CCCs of the gynecologic tract show similar morphologic and immunophenotypic features on traditional histopathology, such as the expression of napsin A and hepatocyte nuclear factor 1β on IHC, without the expression of Wilms tumor 1. Well-described molecular characteristics of these cancers include recurrent mutations in genes such as ARID1A, PIK3CA, and/or PTEN, although significant variations exist across the different anatomic sites. Therapeutically, optimal management remains challenging due to the relative rarity of CCCs and limited subtype-specific clinical trials. Surgery remains the cornerstone of treatment, often complemented by systemic chemotherapy. However, promising drugs targeting angiogenesis or the immune microenvironment have emerged in recent years, leading to clinical successes, and are likely to reshape the therapeutic landscape of gynecologic CCC. This review summarizes the commonalities and disparities in terms of epidemiology, pathology, molecular features, and therapeutic approach, among CCCs of different anatomic origin, offering a foundation for further research and dedicated therapeutic interventions for these malignancies.
Optimization of Trimming Techniques for Enhancing Cannabinoid and Terpene Content in Medical Cannabis Inflorescences
Authors: Brikenstein Nimrod , Birenboim Matan , Kenigsbuch David , Shimshoni Jakob A.
Published: August 2024

Introduction: Cannabis sativa L. inflorescences are widely used in the medicinal field as treatments for a variety of symptoms and illnesses due to their unique phytochemicals such as cannabinoids and terpenes. Common postharvest procedures for cannabis inflorescence include trimming, followed by drying, curing, and subsequent storage. The postharvest trimming step, particularly its timing (pre- or post-drying) and the extent of trimming, is not optimally refined in terms of its impact on the cannabinoid and terpene content. In this study, our objective was to identify the optimal trimming conditions for a commercially available medicinal cannabis hybrid chemovar, with the goal of maximizing its cannabinoid and terpene content. Methods: To achieve this, we investigated the effects of pre- versus post-drying trimming and evaluated the impact of mild versus aggressive trimming prior to drying on the cannabinoid and terpene profiles using liquid and gas chromatography. Results: Our results indicated that pre-drying mild trimming yielded the highest cannabinoid concentration, possibly due to optimal balance between stress signals and precursor influx from the sugar leaves to the inflorescence. On the other, post-drying trimming yielded the highest terpene content. Conclusion: Identifying the optimal trimming conditions that maximize both cannabinoid and terpene levels in cannabis is challenging. Therefore, growers face a decision in their trimming practices: to prioritize either enhanced cannabinoid content or increased aromatic terpene concentrations, as optimizing for both simultaneously appears to be difficult.
Associations of Diet and Lifestyle with Mortality and Stroke: The China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort (4C) Study
Authors: Zhang Yue-Yang , Yang Xin , Miu Ying , Chen Bing-Xue , Wan Qin
Published: August 2024

Objective: This study aimed to examine the individual and combined associations between dietary habits and lifestyle factors concerning all-cause mortality and stroke in Chinese adults. Method: We conducted a nationwide, multicenter, prospective cohort study involving 10,008 participants, gathering baseline data on lifestyle, metabolic status, dietary habits, and living behaviors. Subsequently, a 10-year follow-up was performed, resulting in the inclusion of 7,612 participants in this study. We employed Spearman correlation analysis, restricted cubic spline regression, and Cox regression analysis to evaluate the connections between outcome events, dietary habits, and lifestyle. Result: For each additional serving of pulses consumed per week, there was a slight decrease in the risk of all-cause mortality (HR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83–0.99). The hazard ratios for stroke were 2.24 (1.48, 3.37) for current smokers, in comparison to individuals who had never smoked. Appropriate intake of specific dietary factors and certain lifestyle habits were associated with reduced stroke: fruit drinks at 0.51 (0.34, 0.87), and animal viscera at 0.58 (0.32, 1.04). Weekly consumption of at least 21 servings of vegetables (0.72, 0.53–0.98), 0–1 serving of fried food (0.58, 0.38–0.90), and at least 1 serving of carbonated beverages (0.51, 0.28–0.92) was associated with a reduced risk of stroke. Conclusion: Smoking was found to be linked to an increased risk of stroke. A higher intake of fruit drinks and animal viscera was associated with a reduced risk of stroke. In contrast, a higher intake of beans was associated with a decreased risk of overall mortality. Consuming an appropriate amount of vegetables, fried foods, and carbonated drinks was found to potentially lower the risk of stroke. Collectively, these findings underscore the importance of developing tailored dietary interventions conducive to the Chinese populace’s health.
The puparium of Cyphomyia wiedemanni Gerstaecker, 1857 (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) found in cassava (Manihot esculenta) roots
Authors: Cirolini Matheus Moraes Ribeiro , Godoi Fabio Siqueira Pitaluga de , Pujol-Luz Cristiane Vieira de Assis , Pujol-Luz José Roberto
Published: August 2024

The puparium of Cyphomyia wiedemanni Gerstaecker, 1857 is hereby described for the first time, based on 14 puparia from specimens collected buried in soil and feeding off the roots of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) plants in an area of industrial cassava plantation in Distrito Federal (15°35′30″S, 47°42′30″W), Brazil and, reared in controlled lab conditions until the emergence of adults. Unprecedented data on the occurrence of Cyphomyia wiedemanni in Distrito Federal (new record), and the relationship of the larvae with the cassava plants are discussed.
Identificação e caracterização de zonas de cisalhamento no noroeste do Domínio Bacajá, Cráton Amazônico
Authors: Braga Antonio Alessandro de Jesus , Santos Felipe Holanda dos , Dorabiato Marllon Dias , Farias Eliana Marinho Branches , Cabral Erica da Solidade , Silva Cleveland Gustavo Canto
Published: August 2024

A área de pesquisa encontra-se na porção noroeste do Domínio Bacajá, sudeste do Cráton Amazônico. A região consiste em rochas com idades que variam do Mesorqueano ao Paleoproterozoico, originadas em arcos continentais e oceânicos, posteriormente, amalgamados e retrabalhados pela colisão com o bloco Carajás. Nesse contexto, importantes zonas de cisalhamento orientadas na direção WNW foram desenvolvidas. Essas estruturas foram delimitadas a partir de imagens de radar e aerogeofísicas, com a delineação e interpretação dos lineamentos traçados, os quais, apresentam padrão sigmoidal tendendo a cinemática transcorrente sinistral. As rochas estudadas são monzogranitos protomiloniticos da Unidade Granito Canaã, e gnaisses migmatiticos das unidades Ortognaisse Uruará e Paragnaisse Ipiaçava. A foliação está orientada para NW a WNW com mergulho moderado a alto, as lineações minerais apresentam caimento em torno de 45° para NW. Essa relação pode indicar movimentação obliqua ao longo das zonas de cisalhamento. Entende-se que, estas zonas são responsáveis por conduzir a colocação de unidades no domínio, bem como, gerar importantes deformações refletidas na forma de rochas cataclasticas, e em maior proporção, miloníticas. Em microescala é possível observar estruturas como extinção ondulante e subgrãos em cristais de quartzo, no início da deformação plástica, passando, posteriormente, para recristalização dinâmica com microestruturas BLG (Bulging Recrystallisation) → SGR (Subgrain Rotation Recrystallisation) → GBM (Grain Boundary Migration Recrystallisation). Comumente, na foliação milonítica são observados pórfiroclastos do tipo sigma com cinemática tanto sinistral como dextral, embora, a cinemática sinistral se mostre mais recorrente.
The name for a well-known crop: Rumex kioviensis, a hybridogenous taxon derived from R. patientia × R. tianschanicus (Polygonaceae)
Authors: RAKHMETOV DZHAMAL B. , MOSYAKIN ANDRII S. , MOSYAKIN SERGEI L.
Published: August 2024

The new crops developed at the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine in Kyiv from the initial artificial interspecific crosses Rumex patientia × R. tianschanicus are variously known in botanical and agricultural literature under the hybrid formula or informal names “Shchavnat”, “Hybrid Dock”, “Rumex K-1”, “Rumex OK-2”, or names of cultivars cv. ‘Kyivskyi Ultra’, cv. ‘Shpinat Uteusha’, cv. ‘Nastavnyk’, etc. A brief overview of the history of development of these cultivars is provided. These robust perennial plants are cultivated at present as spinach greens, fodder, and high-yield biomass producers for bioenergy applications in several European and other countries (Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, Romania, etc.). Numerous agricultural, horticultural, and biotechnological publications about these new crops are now available, including various aspects of and data on their biochemistry, physiology, genetics, morphology, propagation, agrotechniques, biomass and biofuel production potential, nutritional value, etc. Also, these hybrid cultivars were reported in several regions of Central Europe as potentially invasive weeds escaped from cultivation. Considering the growing popularity of the Hybrid Dock as a green leaf vegetable, a biomass and biofuel producing crop (among other uses), and a potentially invasive alien, we think that a proper botanical name should be assigned to that taxon. Here it is described as a new hybridogenous species Rumex kioviensis Rakhmetov, A. Mosyakin & Mosyakin. Diagnostic characters distinguishing this new taxon from its parent taxa and other related species are indicated. Some remaining taxonomic and nomenclatural problems regarding Asian taxa related to R. patientia are briefly discussed.
The taxonomy and nomenclature associated with Kalanchoe adelae (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae)
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F.
Published: August 2024

The taxonomy and nomenclature associated with the name Kalanchoe adelae (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae) are discussed and clarified. The only material mentioned by Raymond-Hamet when the name K. adelae was treated in the second part of his two-part monograph of the genus was “M. [Mr] Humblot, no 1570”. Four specimens collected by Léon Joseph Henry [Henri] Humblot (1852–1914), under his collecting number ‘1570’, all of them syntypes, which were annotated with the name K. adelae, as well as, in det., with the illegitimate name K. floribunda Tulasne, non Wight & Walker-Arnot, for that matter, are held at Herb. P. An attempted re-typification of the name K. adelae by Bernard Descoings in 2003 on material collected by [Mr Louis-Hyacinthe] Boivin (1808–1852) was not effective.
A newly described Lomatogonium madhmaheshwariansis is a synonym of Swertia alpina
Authors: KUMAR AASHISH , SINGH HARSH
Published: August 2024

Our critical examination of the plant collected from various glaciers of Uttarakhand Himalaya namely, Maitoli, Sunderdunga and Yumnotri during September 2021, including the type specimen and the protologue convinced us that the recently described Lomatogonium madhmaheshwariansis is not different from Swertia alpina and therefore, it should be synonymized with the latter. All the characters of S. alpina like leaves shape, inflorescence, flower colour, anther shape, capsule and seeds are similar as in case of L. madhmaheshwariansis.
Assessment of the diversity of the family Sillaginidae in the Indian Ocean with emphasis on the taxonomic identity of Sillago sihama
Authors: SAHA SHILPI , BOGORODSKY SERGEY V. , BAKI MOHAMMAD ABDUL , GAO TIANXIANG , MCKAY ROLAND J. , ALPERMANN TILMAN J. , SONG NA
Published: August 2024

The present study contributes to the taxonomy of the family Sillaginidae, with comments on the distribution of its species in the Indian Ocean and an emphasis on the taxonomy and distribution of Sillago sihama. Thirty described and putative species with Indian Ocean distribution are listed, and a distribution range for each species is provided based on published data and results from the present study. A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of the barcoding portion of the mitochondrial COI gene is provided together with three approaches for molecular species delimitation, which includes 44 to 47 genetic lineages (depending on the species delimitation approach used) in the family Sillaginidae, 33 of them applying to described species and also 8 putative species, formerly misidentified as S. sihama. Inclusion of specimens from South Africa, Iran, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and the southern Red Sea (type locality) reveals one genetic lineage representing the true Sillago sihama. Distribution of the species is confined to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean, and other records under the name S. sihama are based on misidentifications. Several undescribed species identified as S. sihama are distributed in the Indo-West Pacific region and closely resemble S. sihama, but are not identical with this species and can be identified as members of different evolutionary lineages. Two species, S. sihama and S. soringa, reported from Bangladesh, represent the easternmost record of both species. These two species are described in detail, including swimbladder morphology. The study also shows that specimens from India identified as Sillago ingenuua McKay, 1985 are nested within a lineage previously referred to as S. ingenuua A, but are different from the lineage S. ingenuua B, representing a confirmed record of the clade S. ingenuua in the northern Indian Ocean. Comments on misidentifications of S. sihama from the Indian Ocean and western Pacific are provided. Furthermore, we propose that Sillago erythraea should be resurrected from its synonymy with S. sihama. As Sillago suezensis is identical with the former species, it becomes a junior synonym of S. erythraea.
Taxonomy of freshwater gobies of the genus Rhinogobius (Oxudercidae, Gobiiformes) from central Vietnam, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: MAEDA KEN , KOBAYASHI HIROZUMI , IIDA MIDORI , TRAN HAU DUC
Published: August 2024

Taxonomy of the genus Rhinogobius was investigated for the first time in Central Vietnam. Five species occurring in this region can be distinguished by shape of their head, number of pectoral-fin rays, vertebral counts, arrangements of scales and cutaneous sensory papillae, and coloration. Two species are described as new, Rhinogobius rong sp. nov. and R. nami sp. nov., and the remaining three were identified as R. taenigena, R. leavelli, and R. similis. Though the morphology of R. leavelli and R. similis differed slightly between localities, counts and measurements overlapped, and coloration was variable. This study tentatively identifies all of those populations as R. leavelli or R. similis, but further research using additional specimens from a wider geographic range is required to clear the identity of the Rhinogobius occurring in this region. Rhinogobius rong, R. similis, and R. leavelli are distributed in both Da Nang City and Thua Thien Hue Province, with the first two species occurring widely in coastal areas, and R. leavelli restricted to inland areas. On the other hand, Rhinogobius nami and R. taenigena occur only in inland areas of Da Nang City and Thua Thien Hue Province, respectively.