Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infections, especially those caused by Mycobacterium abscessus, are extremely difficult to treat due to the organisms’ intrinsic resistance to many antimicrobials. Myxin is a naturally occurring phenazine-5,10-dioxide antibiotic from Sorangium sp., notable for its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. In this study, we determined the susceptibilities of Myxin against 11 NTM reference strains and 194 clinical M. abscessus isolates using microdilution assays. Additionally, time-kill kinetic experiments were performed to distinguish the clearing efficiency of Myxin in broth. We also evaluated the efficacy of Myxin against intracellular M. abscessus in THP-1 macrophages. Checkerboard assays assessed the interactions between Myxin and eight clinically important anti-NTM antibiotics. Myxin demonstrated potent activity against M. abscessus with low MIC values (MIC 50 = 0.125 mg/L and MIC 90 = 0.5 mg/L). Treatment with 20 × MIC of Myxin in 7H9 broth resulted in up to 10 log 10 CFU/mL reduction after 4 days of incubation. Intracellular concentration-dependent bactericidal effect of Myxin was observed in THP-1 macrophages. Myxin exhibited no antagonism in combination with standard anti-NTM drugs. As such, Myxin represents a promising candidate for the treatment of M. abscessus and other NTM infections.

Aim The aim of this study is to explore the molecular taxonomy and phylogeography of the E. armatus complex to help overcome current knowledge gaps impacting the conservation of this group of species. Location Southeast Australia Methods We use genome skimming to successfully recover whole mitogenomes and nuclear markers to examine the molecular taxonomy, phylogeography and range uncertainty in a wide-ranging complex, which includes the nationally Vulnerable Murray crayfish Euastacus armatus; the nationally Endangered Glenelg spiny crayfish E. bispinosus, and the Southern Victorian spiny crayfish E. yarraensis. Results The analyses revealed high levels of genetic structure in both E. armatus and E. yarraensis, including sufficiently divergent lineages within E. yarraensis that potentially warrants independent taxonomic recognition. Furthermore, analyses resolved the status of E. armatus populations persisting outside known contemporary ranges as being relictual and of high conservation importance. Whilst one outlying population of E. bispinosus was confirmed as relictual, another was revealed as being translocated. Main conclusions This study demonstrates genome skimming as a powerful technique for generating molecular data to support key elements of conservation for freshwater crayfish and other species.

The legume tribe Caraganeae, consisting of the genus Caragana, Calophaca, and Halimodendron, is a mid-sized, shrubby clade mainly found in temperate Central and Eastern Asia. Within this tribe, Caragana is the largest genus comprising 63–74 species, and it is recognized for its taxonomic complexity. However, the phylogenetic framework of Caraganeae and the infrageneric delimitations in Caragana remain inadequately resolved. In this study, fifty-four species of Caraganeae were sampled, including 51 Caragana species representing all sections in previous taxonomical treatments. By using the genome skimming approach, we reconstructed the phylogenetic framework, inferred the infrageneric delimitations, and explored the historical diversification of the tribe. Our results demonstrated that Caraganeae is monophyletic, yet significant conflicts between the complete chloroplast genome and nuclear ribosomal DNA datasets were observed at both deep and shallow nodes. Within Caraganeae, the cp genome tree resolved nine highly supported lineages, with Calophaca and Halimodendron nested within Caragana. Molecular dating estimates suggest that Caraganeae originated during the Oligocene (stem age, 27.47 Ma, 95% HPD: 16.48–38.44 Ma), and diversified during the mid-Miocene (crown age, 16.79 Ma, 95% HPD: 7–30.13 Ma). These findings provide important insights for clarifying the phylogenetic relationships in Caraganeae. The observed cytonuclear discordance may result from hybridization and/or incomplete lineage sorting. Furthermore, climatic and geological changes since the Eocene-Oligocene Transition—including global cooling, progressive aridity, and the rapid uplift of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau—likely played essential roles in driving radiative diversification of Caraganeae.

Abstract: This study aimed to elucidate the intra- and inter-population genetic variation of Pastor roseus in Xinjiang, China. Sequences of the mitochondrial genes COI and Cytb of 108 individuals from 10 distinct geographical populations across four regions of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region were analyzed. The mitochondrial genes were 1551 bp and 1143 bp in full length, respectively, and the AT content of bases was greater than the GC content. Based on the molecular variation in COI and Cytb, 62 and 69 haplotypes were detected, respectively; the average haplotype diversity (Hd) values were 0.976±0.006 and 0.944±0.018, respectively, and the nucleotide diversity (π) values were 0.00316±0.00016 and 0.00292±0.00021, respectively, indicating that there was high genetic diversity among the 10 population. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated that the major source of genetic variation was within the populations. Analysis of molecular signatures of neutrality indicated that Tajima’s D value was not significant, but Fu’s FS was significant, suggesting that P. roseus populations have recently experienced a large population expansion, but that the populations are currently relatively stable and the selection pressure is low. The results of the study not only provide a theoretical basis for the conservation of P. roseus, but also help to utilize this species in the comprehensive management of grassland locusts.

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Stroke-Like Migraine Attacks After Radiation Therapy (SMART) Syndrome: A Case Report and Review of a Rare Delayed Complication of Cranial IrradiationShiv Jha 1, Yugant Khand 2, Surabhi Ranjan 3, Monika Pandit 4, Eric Mariuma 1Department of Neurology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USANepalese Army Institute of Health Sciences - College of Medicine, Kathmandu, NepalDepartment of Neurology, Cleveland Clinic Florida, Weston, Florida, USADepartment of Internal Medicine, Jacobi Medical Center/North Central Bronx Hospital, Bronx, New York, USA

An imbalance between cells’ intrinsic excitability and synaptic excitation levels underlies the spinal motoneuron (MN) pathophysiology in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Recently, a transient restoration of the deficient Ia synaptic excitation of spinal MNs in the presymptomatic SOD1 G93A mice was achieved by applying a single trans-spinal direct current stimulation (tsDCS) session. Here we investigate whether two-week repeated tsDCS applied to presymptomatic SOD1 G93A animals can provoke neuroplasticity, i.e. permanently alter spinal MN synaptic excitation levels and in this way affect intracellular metabolic pathways and disease progression. Anodal, cathodal, or sham polarisation of 100 µA was applied to P30-P35 SOD1 G93A male mice, and passive membrane properties and Ia excitatory post-synaptic potential (EPSP) characteristics were investigated by intracellular recordings of spinal MNs in vivo. A second cohort of animals was used to test the impact of our intervention on Ia synapse morphology, intracellular metabolic pathways activity, and disease markers. Anodal tsDCS evoked a strong increase in maximal Ia EPSPs amplitudes, coupled with a significant upregulation of GlurR4 subunits of AMPA receptors at the Ia synapse. The cathodal polarisation failed to induce any significant alteration to Ia synapse morphology, but increased the input resistance of MNs. However, changes in MN electrophysiological profile and Ia synapse morphology did not translate into alterations of intracellular molecular pathways activity and did not decrease the cellular burden of the disease. Our results indicate a strong polarity-dependent plasticity of spinal MNs in SOD1 G93A mice in response to tsDCS, which however does not alter disease dynamics.

Background: Higher doses of anthracyclines and heart-relevant radiotherapy increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. This study assessed CVD and CVD risk factors among adult childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) across cardiotoxic treatment risk groups and examined associations between lifestyle behaviors and treatment risks. Methods: We invited CCSs aged ≥18 years at study, diagnosed at ages 0-20, who survived ≥5 years for an assessment of anthropometry, CVD, CVD risk factors, lifestyle, and cancer history. We classified participants into three cardiotoxic treatment risk groups (no/low-risk, moderate-risk, high-risk) based on anthracyclines and heart-relevant radiotherapy. Multinomial logistic regression assessed lifestyle differences across groups. Results: With median age at study of 33 years (IQR: 26-39; 53% male), 356 CCSs participated in this study devided into the no/low-risk (25%), moderate-risk (40%), or high-risk (35%) cardiotoxic treatment groups. Overall CVD prevalence was 6% and similar across the three risk groups. Heart valve problems were rare though more common in the high-risk group (no/low-risk, 0%; moderate-risk, 1%; vs. high-risk, 4%; p=0.037). CVD risk factors were present in 44% of CCSs—including dyslipidemia, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes—without variation across risk groups. Overall adherence to health behavior recommendations was low, with no differences in diet adherence, physical activity (PA), sedentary behavior, smoking, or alcohol consumption across cardiotoxic risk groups. Conclusion: We found no differences in CVD, CVD risk factors, or lifestyle behaviors across cardiotoxic treatment risk groups. Health promotion that engages diet, PA, smoking cessation, and alcohol reduction should be prioritized for all CCSs regardless of cardiotoxic treatment risk levels.

Electrochemical water splitting is vital to green and sustainable hydrogen production. Electrocatalysts with high efficiency and stability performance under high-current-densities play an essential role in industrial implementation of this technology. Self-supporting metal-organic framework materials have attracted intensive attention as promising electrocatalysts with high-current-densities due to their large surface area, adjustable compositions, accessible active sites, effective mass and electron transport. This review summarizes the recent advances in developing self-supporting pristine MOF-based electrocatalysts for high-current-densities water electrolysis. First, the fundamentals of water electrolysis and the key aspects for producing electrocatalysts under high-current-density are introduced. Then, the architectural advantages and preparation strategies of self-supporting MOFs are highlighted. Finally, methods dedicated to enhancing high-current-densities activity are discussed, which involve key strategies such as electronic structure tuning, ligand engineering, interface engineering, defect construction, and single atom design. The challenges and development prospects associated with the future industrial water electrolysis are also discussed.

not-yet-known not-yet-known not-yet-known unknown Zoonotic pathogens causing emerging infectious diseases pose escalating threats to global health, agriculture, and ecosystems. Avian influenza viruses (AIVs) are of particular concern due to their pandemic potential and complex dynamics at the wildlife–livestock–human interface. We constructed a bird species–AIV subtype bipartite network based on global wild bird infection records (1974-2024, 9,964 records). The network exhibits scale-free characteristics, indicating that different bird species vary in their importance within the network. We identified 23 hub species, all waterfowl from the orders Anseriformes and Charadriiformes, that likely play key roles in AIV transmission and reassortment. Interpretable machine learning showed that birds with strong flight ability, longer time foraging on water surfaces, greater longevity and higher diversification rates are more likely to be hub species. This study advances our understanding of the mechanisms underlying AIV transmission and provides guidance for designing more precise surveillance and control strategies.

In this paper, the spatiotemporal pattern dynamics of a diffusion population model with Allee effect and environmental toxins is considered. Firstly, the boundedness and positivity of the system are proved, the existence and stability of the equilibrium are analyzed, and the conditions of the occurrence of Turing bifurcation are deduced. Subsequently, the mechanism for the selection of patterns around the positive equilibrium was provided through weakly nonlinear analysis. One finds that weak Allee effect can restore the reduction of population density and undergoes the bistable phenomena. Environmental toxins can lead to Hopf bifurcation and saddle-node bifurcation, and change the topology of the system. Self-diffusion can induce Turing bifurcation, and the hexagonal hole patterns, mixed patterns of holes and stripes, and striped patterns are shown. Finally, theoretical results are validated through numerical simulations. These findings provide a scientific basis for population conservation strategies under the threat of environmental toxins.

We read with great interest the recent article by Bruss J et al. on hemolysis induced by pulsed-field ablation (PFA) systems. The authors present compelling evidence that hemolysis varies substantially between catheter designs, with focal catheters such as the lattice-tip focal catheter (LTFC) resulting in significantly less hemolysis than large-footprint catheters like the pentaspline (PSC) and variable-loop circular catheter (VLCC). This analysis provides important insights into an under-recognized safety consideration, particularly as PFA continues to gain clinical momentum. We would like to highlight an additional and potentially modifiable contributor to hemolysis: intravenous fluid (IVF) administration.

Male alternative reproductive tactics are taxonomically widespread, with many species showing males with distinctly different phenotypic characters such as body size or weaponry. Several mechanisms can drive the expression of these male morphs, including genetic polymorphism or environmental interactions during development. In insects, multiple male morphs are common in several Orders, including Coleoptera, Odonata and Hymenoptera, but are rare in Orthoptera. This study establishes the presence of two male phenotypic morphs in the bush cricket Satizabalus jorgevargasi, a species in which the males display mandibular weaponry, and tests the effects of diet on the expression of male dimorphic characters. Male nymphs were raised under standard conditions until adulthood whereupon morphological measurements were taken. Males raised under standard conditions showed two male phenotypes based on head size and body colouration -- a major morph with larger heads and more colouration and a smaller and duller minor morph. A second group of male nymphs were housed individually and fed either a high protein diet or a high carbohydrate diet. Body weight and pronotum length were measured on a weekly basis as the nymphs developed, and once the males had matured, morphological and bioacoustics characters were measured. Diet had a significant impact on these male dimorphic characters with protein fed males having significantly larger heads, mandibles, and brighter colouration. Our data parallels that seen in other invertebrate groups, where higher levels of protein during maturation being key to the production of larger male morphs.

Mounting evidence is overturning the long-held dogma that antibodies enter the brain only through vascular leaks or blood–brain barrier disruption. Instead, neurons, astrocytes, and microglia themselves can generate restricted but functional immunoglobulin repertoires. This capacity arises through unconventional molecular processes including cryptic V(D)J recombination, splice-and-link RNA editing, and retroelement-assisted rearrangements. Far from being passive bystanders, these endogenous antibodies perform active and diverse roles within the central nervous system. At the synaptic level, neural immunoglobulins tag exuberant synapses for complement-mediated pruning, a mechanism crucial for development, circuit refinement, and adaptive plasticity. They also influence receptor recycling, thereby tuning neurotransmission and maintaining responsiveness to activity. In parallel, they regulate astrocyte–neuron metabolic coupling, ensuring a balanced distribution of energy substrates between cell types. Following injury, neural cells exhibit dynamic and cell-type-specific immunoglobulin class switching. Early waves of antibody expression tend to promote axonal extension and tissue regeneration, whereas later responses act to temper neuroinflammation and prevent runaway damage. Within astrocytes, IgG molecules appear to act as phenotype gatekeepers, dictating whether astrocytes maintain supportive functions or shift toward reactive, potentially pathological states. In disease contexts, this system reveals its double-edged nature. In neurodegenerative disorders or autoimmune conditions, neural immunoglobulins can mitigate pathology by buffering damage and restoring homeostasis. Yet in other circumstances, they exacerbate disease progression, amplifying immune-mediated injury. This paradox underscores their pivotal role in brain physiology and pathology, positioning them as both protectors and potential drivers of neural dysfunction.

Three-dimensional covalent organic frameworks (3D COFs) have attracted significant research interest due to their unique structures. However, the interpenetration phenomenon exists in most 3D COFs, which compresses pore space, reduces effective pore volume and specific surface area, and thus limits the performance of these materials in fields such as adsorption and catalysis. Therefore, developing non-interpenetrated 3D COFs is challenging yet of great significance. In this study, a symmetry reduction strategy was employed to construct a jca topological 3D COF (JUC-643) with a unique double-helix structure. Powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and topological analysis confirmed it as a non-interpenetrated [4+3(+2)]-c net, overcoming the interpenetration tendency of traditional [8(+2)]-c or [6(+2)]-c net. Benefiting from the non-interpenetrated characteristic, the framework retains sufficient pore space, providing ample accommodation for molecular adsorption. At 298 K and 1 bar, JUC-643 exhibits adsorption capacities of 2.47 mmol·g -1 for C 3H 8 and 3.32 mmol·g -1 for n-C 4H 10. This study not only offers a generalizable method for the design of non-interpenetrated 3D COFs but also confirms their application potential in light hydrocarbon adsorption.

DR JULIA O'MAHONY ORCID 0009-0004-0458-934X DR CATHAL O'CONNOR ORCID 0000-0001-7084-5293 Case Report

This study introduces a novel fractional thermoelastic model to analyze the behavior of isotropic three-dimensional solids by combining the Green-Naghdi framework, the two-temperature theory, and the Moore-Gibson-Thompson (MGT) equation. The approach incorporates nonlocal memory effects through a two-parameter Mittag-Leffler fractional derivative, offering a more sophisticated representation of thermal interactions. The model specifically investigates the response of materials under free surface conditions exposed to laser-induced convection, characterized by a Gaussian distribution in both time and space. Analytical solutions are derived using a combination of Laplace and multi-Fourier transform techniques, supplemented by numerical simulations to assess the influence of key parameters. The results reveal that the two-temperature parameter significantly affects the amplitude and phase of thermal and mechanical responses, while the relaxation time and fractional-order coefficients determine the decay rates and oscillation patterns of system behavior. This fractional thermoelastic perspective provides deeper insights into thermal dynamics, paving the way for advanced engineering applications in thermal insulation design, high-efficiency heat exchangers, and next-generation energy storage systems.

Effective conservation of wildlife is often hindered by poor understanding of where focal species and their habitats occur across large landscapes. Advancements in remote sensing have enabled researchers to improve detection of focal species (e.g., autonomous recording units; ARUs) and the characterization of their habitats (e.g., light detection and ranging [LiDAR]), thus mitigating these issues. Research into Ruffed Grouse (Bonasa umbellus), a declining forest game bird, stands to benefit from these technologies given the species’ low detectability and preference for particular forest structure conditions that are difficult to capture using imagery-based remotely sensed data. Herein, we investigated regional occurrence of Ruffed Grouse across Pennsylvania via the use of a multi-year passive acoustic monitoring dataset, fine scale LiDAR-derived forest structure metrics, and a suite of other forest and landscape variables to predict state-wide Ruffed Grouse occurrence probability and identify areas in need of targeted habitat management. Our analyses indicated that, well-connected, high-elevation hardwood forests with some conifers and well-developed understories (e.g., timber harvests) were predicted to have the highest probability of grouse occurrence. Likewise, similar forests with open understories (e.g., mature forests within similar landscape contexts) were predicted to be the most promising for future management. ARUs proved to be effective at building a large detection dataset, which when paired with the superior forest structure data provided by LiDAR, allowed us make predictions about Ruffed Grouse across Pennsylvania with greater confidence than ever before.