The rapid advancement of deep learning has introduced promising techniques for attribute graph clustering. However, existing deep attributed graph clustering methods face two key limitations: (1) insufficient exploration of multi-scale neighborhood structural information during training, and (2) inappropriate graph data augmentation strategies, which often lead to semantic drift and indistinguishable positive samples. To address these issues, this paper proposes a novel Real-positive-neighbors Guided Contrastive Graph Clustering Network (ReCogNet) for attribute graph clustering. ReCogNet employs a dynamic attention-weighted fusion mechanism to refine shallow semantic information derived from the multi-scale GCN network, enabling the model to capture subtle yet critical node relationships. Additionally, it dynamically identifies real-positive-neighbor nodes and adopts a negative-free contrastive learning objective. This objective maximizes the similarity between a query node and its real-positive-neighbors in the latent embedding space, thereby improving clustering performance by leveraging meaningful local relationships. Extensive experiments on six benchmark datasets demonstrate that the proposed ReCogNet method consistently outperforms state-of-the-art approaches.

Extreme, variable heatwaves are predicted to increase in frequency under global warming, leading to thermal stress that can be damaging to biodiversity. Recently, it has been shown that exposure to heatwaves is detrimental for adult reproduction, reducing population viability. However, relatively little is known about how oviposited insect eggs, one of the early stages post-fertilisation, are affected by heatwaves. Here, we explore the impact of short- and longer-term thermal stress from experimental heatwaves in an economically important insect model, the red flour beetle (Tribolium castaneum). We uncovered that even short-term exposures (of 2 and 5 hours) (30°C, 40°C, 42°C, 44°C, 46°C, 48°C and 50°C) resulted in a drastic decline in the survival of oviposited eggs, a trend that was also observed when eggs experienced longer durations (1, 3 and 5 days at 42°C). Experiments were run independently across two labs, with results found to be reproducible, reinforcing confidence in our findings. Collectively, our results suggest that oviposited eggs (early embryos) may be particularly vulnerable to heatwaves, even when the exposures are brief.

Agaricomycetes is a class of wood-decay fungi known for their enzymatic production, which has been studied for several biotechnological purposes, such as degradation of recalcitrant and xenobiotic compounds using laccases and phenoloxidases. However, the full biotechnological potential of Agaricomycetes has not yet been fully explored, even less of Brazilian species. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze and compare the tannase, amylase and cellulase production and capacity of Brazilian Agaricomycetes isolates under the presence of carbon-based nanoparticles (Cdots) enriched or not by Fe 3+, Cu 2+ and Mn 2+. The isolates were evaluated according to the assimilation and biostimulation tests carried out in solid medium, added with 2mg/mL of Cdots. The production of tannases, cellulases and amylases were detected for Psilocybe sp., Schizophyllum commune, Trametes flavida and Trametes sanguinea isolates. In addition, Fe 3+ and Cu 2+ were identified as promising and cheaper medium enrichers, while Mn +2 has shown inhibitory activity.

This study focused on the enhancement of pectinase production by microbial isolates, utilizing industrial waste such as tangerine peel, and improving isolate stability under various conditions. The aim was to reduce production costs, increase resistance of the production bacteria to environmental stress, and explore the potential of these pectinases as antimicrobial agents and for juice clarification. Out of ten isolates from honey, two were selected for their high pectinase production. These were identified as Bacillus proteolyticus and Bacillus siamensis by 16s RNA analysis. The cells were immobilized in Ca 2+ alginate beads. The yield from immobilized cells was 18.76 and 19.68 U/ml was slightly higher than the 17.30 and 18.97 U/ml for free cells. Of greater importance was the fact that immobilized cells could be reused for five cycles while maintaining full enzyme production. After seven cycles, production dropped to 85.33% and 77.16% of the initial level for the two isolates. The highest enzyme production was observed at 40-45°C and pH 7. Cell immobilization enhanced heat tolerance, with enzyme production continuing up to 50°C, whereas free cells lost productivity at higher temperatures. Immobilization also increased tolerance to alkaline pH. The presence of NaCl, CuSO 4, and MnSO 4 further boosted enzyme production. The study confirmed the effectiveness of both free and immobilized pectinases for juice clarification and their antimicrobial potential against selected pathogens.

Background Surrogacy is either gestational (GS) using donor egg, or traditional (TS) using surrogate’s own egg. GS rates are rising, partly from unwarranted beliefs over less difficulty in giving the baby to intended parents. Objectives To investigate obstetric outcomes in GS vs TS and vs surrogate’s own spontaneous conceptions (SC), comparing genetically unrelated embryos versus genetically related embryos. Selection criteria Studies with historical or concurrent GS to TS or to SC comparisons, reporting any obstetric outcomes. Search strategy MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health and PsycINFO databases were searched to October 2024, specialist surrogacy researchers’ publications assessed. Data Collection and Analysis Citations, data extraction and quality assessment were conducted in duplicate. Results tabulated, and meta-analysis using relative risks (RR) conducted (Cochrane Revman software version 5.4.1). Main results From 937 records, eight studies were included, four each in singleton pregnancies comparing GS to TS and TS to SC. GS to TS studies were small with unreliable results on obstetric and mental health outcomes. GS to SC studies showed worse pre-eclampsia/gestational hypertension (RR=2.39 (95%CI=1.15-4.49)), gestational diabetes (RR=4.68 (95%CI=1.53-14.25)), and pre-term birth (RR=3.18 (95%CI=1.64-6.14)). Conclusions Insufficient research compares GS to TS and to SC, but the evidence available suggests higher rates of adverse obstetric and birth outcomes in GS pregnancies. Underlying causes are likely genetic. All parties considering GS should be informed of higher maternal and neonatal complication rates. Further research should be conducted, reporting for singleton and twin pregnancies.

Abstract Objective: Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a frequent gynecological complaint that significantly affects quality of life and healthcare resources. Radiofrequency ablation offers a minimally invasive alternative to hysterectomy for the management of AUB, but long-term outcome data remain limited. Methods: This single-center study combined retrospective and prospective components to assess the efficacy and patient satisfaction after endometrial ablation. We analyzed data from 1,757 patients treated for AUB at the Medical University of Innsbruck between 2004 and 2022, including 609 patients who underwent radiofrequency ablation (NovaSure) between 2014 and 2018. Patient-reported outcome was evaluated through standardized telephone interviews. Results: NovaSure was the most commonly used method (63%), followed by ThermaChoice balloon ablation (29%) and hydrothermoablation (1,6%), due to its reduced treatment times and minimal post-operative discomfort. The median patient age was recorded as 46 years. Hysterectomy was required in 13% of cases, but only 7.2% were due to persistent or recurrent AUB. Among 431 patients contacted for follow-up, 90% reported satisfaction (74.5% very satisfied, 15.5% satisfied), 64% experienced complete amenorrhea, and 83% required no further surgery. A hysterectomy post-ablation was mainly associated with fibroid-related bleeding. Long-term follow-up confirmed sustained bleeding reduction and high satisfaction levels, consistent with prior studies. Conclusion: Endometrial ablation is a highly effective and well-tolerated treatment for AUB, achieving high patient satisfaction and significant bleeding reduction over a long follow-up period. Careful patient selection and preoperative assessment are crucial to optimize outcomes and minimize the need for secondary interventions. Keywords: endometrial ablation, radiofrequency ablation, patient satisfaction, hysterectomy

The frequency of plant-pollinator interactions is shaped by abiotic (e.g. climate and land use characteristics) and biotic factors (e.g. morphological traits, evolutionary history). When applied to gardens size, degree of urbanization, and climate likely influence species richness and interaction specialization. We hypothesize that specialization will be higher in gardens with high species richness and warmer, wetter climates. Additionally, phylogenetically related plants would show similar specialization levels. We further predict that both plant and pollinator richness increase in larger and less urbanized sites. To test these predictions, we analyzed a global dataset of plant–pollinator interactions sampled in garden environments. We considered garden characteristics such as size and type (urban, suburban, rural), and annual mean temperature and precipitation within a causal framework. Additionally, we examined how species richness and phylogenetic relatedness influenced plant specialization (d’). Our analysis of 40 plant–pollinator networks revealed that plant species richness was significantly influenced only by garden size and the degree of urbanization, with larger gardens supporting higher richness, and suburban gardens hosting more plant species than both rural and highly urbanized ones. Plant richness and precipitation positively influenced pollinator richness, but no association was found between specialization and environmental variables. Furthermore, the high species-specific variation in specialization with no phylogenetic signal implies that other plant traits than phylogeny, could be driving plant-pollinator specialization in these systems. Our results suggest distinct factors drive species diversity and interaction specialization in urban gardens. Our findings highlight the complexity of plant-pollinator interactions in anthropogenic landscapes, where human preferences and management practices significantly shape ecological processes and patterns.

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To understand phenotyping and prognosis for fetuses with 16p13.11 deletion/duplication in East Asian population. Design: Retrospective prenatal and patient cohort study in southern China. Setting: Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. Population: All fetuses and patients underwent chromosomal microarray analysis between April 2013 and July 2024. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive ultrasound phenotypic analysis, pedigree analysis and long-term postnatal outcome follow-up on 201 fetuses, as well as phenotypic manifestations on 14 patients with 16p13.11 deletion/duplication. Descriptive statistical analysis was used. Main outcome measures: Prenatal ultrasound characteristics and postnatal clinical phenotypes. Results: The detection rates were 0.08% and 0.18%, the frequencies of de novo occurrence were 26.9% and 14.5%, the rates of abnormal postnatal phenotypes were 25% and 17.5% in our prenatal cohort of deletion and duplication. 28.6% of deletions and 15.9% of duplications exhibited abnormal postnatal phenotypes even if inherited from a phenotypically normal parent. Developmental delay was the most common clinical abnormality. Immune disorders, torticollis, concealed penis and cryptorchidism were closely related phenotypes that had previously gone unnoticed. The deletion was closely associated with isolated choroid plexus cysts. Thickened nuchal translucency and choroid plexus cysts were the Top 2 ultrasound characteristics for duplication. Conclusion: The largest East Asian prenatal cohort is conducive to enhancing genetic counseling for 16p13.11 deletion/duplication syndrome by facilitating a more accurate prediction of fetal prognosis and developmental potential. Keywords 16p13.11 deletion/duplication, Prenatal diagnosis, Postnatal outcome follow-up, Genetic counsel

Objective: Virtual reality (VR)-based interventions have emerged as simpler, safer, and more effective alternatives than traditional care in reducing anxiety in patients undergoing gynecological surgery. Design: A prospective randomised controlled trial. Setting: A Anhui Medical University Teaching Hospital. Population: Women aged 18-45 scheduled for gynecological surgery within the next two weeks. Methods: A prospective, single-blind, randomized controlled trial design was conducted between January to March 2025..Patients were randomly divided into a control group, a preoperative visit Virtual Reality group , and a preoperative visit combined with surgical waiting area Virtual Reality group . Main outcome measures: Preoperative anxiety was assessed using the Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Needs Scale(APAIS) . Results: The results showed that combined intervention group exhibited significantly lower anxiety scores than the control group at T2 (surgical waiting area) and T3(before induction of anesthesia) (β=-4.15, p<0.001; β=-5.88, p<0.001), and postoperative acute pain scores (H=14.574, p<0.001) and satisfaction (H=38.027, p< 0.001) also improved significantly. However, anxiety and stress levels were transiently elevated after the initial intervention (T1). Conclusions: Our study suggests that multiple VR interventions can effectively reduce preoperative anxiety and improve the perioperative experience through exposure and distraction mechanisms. However, emphasis should be placed on the potential short-term negative effects of the initial intervention.

Background Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a prevalent endocrine disorder associated with reproductive and metabolic dysfunction, particularly in overweight or obese women. Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Liraglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA), on metabolic and reproductive outcomes in overweight or obese women with PCOS. Search Strategy Five electronic databases and one trial registry were systematically searched from inception to May 2025. Selection Criteria Randomised controlled trials comparing Liraglutide (alone or in combination) with placebo, metformin, or other active treatments in overweight or obese women with PCOS. Data Collection and Analysis Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and risk of bias assessment. Data were pooled using a random-effects model. Effect sizes were reported as Hedges’ g or odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). PRISMA guidelines were followed. Main Results Seven RCTs involving 330 women were included. Liraglutide significantly improved menstrual frequency (g = 1.76, 95% CI 0.28-3.24), reduced BMI (g = -0.52, 95% CI -0.94 to -0.10), and decreased insulin resistance (HOMA-IR; g = -0.52, 95% CI -0.83 to -0.22). A non-significant reduction in free androgen index was observed. Trends toward improved ovulation and pregnancy rates were noted but not pooled due to heterogeneity. Secondary analyses showed favourable changes in hormonal and metabolic parameters. Gastrointestinal side effects were the most common adverse events, typically mild. Conclusions Liraglutide improves metabolic outcomes and menstrual regularity in overweight or obese women with PCOS. Reproductive benefits are promising but require confirmation in larger, long-term studies.

Background The HEPATORCH trial demonstrated that first-line toripalimab plus bevacizumab (TPB) improves clinical efficacy in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), however its economic implications remain unclear. This study was aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of TPB compared with sorafenib from the perspective of the Chinese healthcare system. Methods A partitioned survival model was constructed to simulate the long-term economic outcomes for advanced HCC patients. Survival data were derived from the HEPATORCH trial using parametric curve fitting. Direct medical costs and utility values were obtained from local public healthcare databases and literature. The primary outcomes included total costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) evaluated against China’s willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold. Model robustness was assessed through one-way sensitivity and probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA). Results In the base-case analysis, TPB resulted in an incremental cost of $15,850 and an incremental effectiveness of 0.28 QALYs, leading to an ICER of $57374.33 per QALY, higher than the predefined WTP threshold of $40,334.05 per QALY. Sensitivity analyses identified the duration of treatment bevacizumab(cycle) and cost of bevacizumab per 100 mg as key drivers of model uncertainty. The scenario analysis revealed the varying prices can influence model outcomes and ICER. Conclusion The findings from the analysis suggest that the economic advantage of toripalimab plus bevacizumab in the first-line treatment of advanced HCC is still not achieved in China. Reducing the prices of toripalimab and bevacizumab may improve the cost-effectiveness.

Artificial blood vessel transplantation is considered the preferred surgical therapy for treating blocked blood vessels. Artificial blood vessels less than 6 mm frequently fail in vivo due to restenosis and thrombosis, significantly reducing the lifespan of the grafts. It is therefore crucial to develop antithrombotic materials for artificial blood vessels. This study presented a hydrogel with nitric oxide (NO) release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging, and antithrombotic properties, designed for eventual application in 3D printing artificial blood vessels. The hydrogel was primarily composed of double bond-modified recombinant collagen and hyaluronic acid (HA), along with caffeic acid arginine amide grafted onto HA, mimicking the protein/polysaccharide dual-network structure of the extracellular matrix. After modification, this hydrogel exhibited strong light-curing capabilities and shear-thinning qualities which were highly desirable for bioprinting. The hydrogel was capable of dynamically triggering and sustaining the release of NO, thereby effectively eliminating excess ROS at sites of inflammation. NO produced by the hydrogel enhanced the migration and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells while significantly inhibiting the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells. In terms of angiogenesis, the hydrogel demonstrated a significant ability to promote neovascularization. Furthermore, experimental results showed that platelet adhesion was virtually undetectable on the material surface, and protein adhesion was inhibited, thus minimizing the risk of thrombosis. Overall, this hydrogel bio-ink shows great potential for the 3D printing of small-diameter vascular scaffolds, offering a novel solution to address the issues of thrombosis and restenosis in artificial blood vessels.

Aim: The aim of this study was to use bupropion as a cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B6 probe to determine CYP2B6 function by using a population pharmacokinetic approach of parent bupropion and metabolite hydroxybupropion to explore the impacts of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and vitamin D status in patients and control subjects. Methods: Plasma concentration data from 19 subjects after administration of 150 mg of sustained release bupropion were used in pharmacokinetic modeling. Blood samples were collected pre-dose and serially post-dose and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Population pharmacokinetic analysis was conducted using non-linear mixed-effect modeling (Phoenix® NLME v8.3, Certara Inc.). A separate post-hoc analysis evaluated the formation clearance of hydroxybupropion as an assessment of CYP 2B6 functional activity. Results: The final model was comprised of 2 compartments with first order formation and elimination for bupropion and hydroxybupropion. A multiplicative error model explained residual variability. Covariates tested in the model, including vitamin D baseline concentrations and CKD, did not have a significant impact on the pharmacokinetics of bupropion and hydroxybupropion. Model validation was performed using visual predictive check. A trend toward increased formation clearance was observed within the CKD group (2.9 ± 1.8 vs. 3.7 ± 2.1, p = 0.43) and the control group (3.5 ± 1.9 vs. 4.1 ± 3.6, p = 0.79) with vitamin D repletion vs. insufficiency. Conclusion: The study contributes to the understanding of CYP 2B6 function in CKD and used a population pharmacokinetic approach to explore the potential impact of vitamin D status on pharmacokinetics of bupropion.

Estimating daily snow water equivalent (SWE) is critical for hydrological and climate applications, yet physical models often struggle to represent SWE, especially its interannual anomalies. In this study, we developed a hybrid physics-guided machine learning (ML) model (hybrid model), by augmenting the Community Land Model 4.0 SWE simulations with a long short-term memory (LSTM) network. The model is trained using the GlobSnow v3.0 dataset and forced with meteorological data to estimate daily SWE at 0.5 degree over the Northern Hemisphere (NH). Our results demonstrate that the hybrid model significantly outperforms both the standalone physical and pure ML models in predicting SWE magnitude, timing, and anomalies, especially in complex mountainous regions. Explainable ML analyses suggest that the hybrid approach leverages the snow-related physics while effectively utilizing observational data to enhance predictive accuracy. Moreover, we identify a widespread climate memory effect influencing SWE predictions across the NH, with memory-dominant extreme events leading to greater SWE losses or gains relative to the average impacts of all extreme events, including those without strong memory effects. These findings underscore the hybrid model’s ability to correct memory-related biases that are not fully captured in current land surface models. Overall, our study highlights the value of hybrid modeling for improving SWE simulations and its potential as an alternative snow emulator within existing land surface models.

Malaria imposes a major health burden in the Peruvian Amazon, and its early warning is essential for effective disease prevention. The tropical sea surface temperature (SST) variability, fundamentally shaping the global weather patterns, may also alter malaria transmission and potentially improve its long-lead predictability. In this study, we propose a machine learning-based methodology to identify long-lead predictors for Peruvian malaria from the ocean. First, we demonstrate that significant correlations broadly exist between tropical sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies and Peruvian malaria incidence across different seasons and time lags, confirming the potential predictability from the tropical ocean. Then, we apply the self-organizing map to synthesize the spatiotemporally varying SST-malaria relationship and identify a unique dynamic SST index for Peruvian malaria. The dynamic SST index provides better prediction performance (higher correlation coefficients and lower root mean square errors) in the single-predictor generalized linear model, compared to the traditional El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) index, with lead times exceeding three months. Furthermore, the dynamic SST index captures the evolution of the ENSO life cycle from its precursor climate mode (Pacific meridional mode) and appears to influence Peruvian malaria by altering the local near-surface air temperature and specific humidity. Such underlying mechanisms provide the physically plausible basis for the long-lead predictability of Peruvian malaria using a machine learning-based remote predictor.

The Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution (TEMPO) instrument is the first space-borne hyperspectral spectrometer that measures backscattered sunlight over North America in a geostationary orbit. The two charge-coupled device (CCD) detectors of TEMPO, with spectral coverages of 293–494 and 538–741 nm and resolutions of 0.53–0.63 nm, are capable of identifying absorption features of key trace gases, including ozone, nitrogen dioxide, formaldehyde, and others. Using a step-and-stare scanning mechanism, the TEMPO instrument measures backscattered Earth radiance spectra hourly during the middle of the day (nominal scans) and every 40 minutes in the early morning and late afternoon (optimized scans) to effectively cover the sunlit portions of the continent, with scans during twilight when permitted by instrument safety constraints. Solar irradiance measurements are also conducted nominally with a weekly frequency. This article describes the Version 3 algorithm for TEMPO Level 1b data processing, which provides radiometrically and spectrally calibrated solar irradiance and Earth radiance spectra as the primary outputs. The processing includes the conversion of digitized Level-0 signals to radiance or irradiance, image navigation and registration for Earth spectra, and spectral calibration. This article also discusses calibration key data derived from pre-launch instrument characterization and in-flight calibration results.

In-situ carbonyl sulfide (OCS) measurements from the SABRE 2023 airborne campaign are used to evaluate the sulfate budget in the Arctic stratosphere during boreal winter. The strong correspondence between these measurements and remote retrievals from the ACE-FTS provide robust validation of the satellite’s capability to monitor stratospheric OCS globally. We demonstrate how trends in the tropical tropopause layer and NOAA OCS surface data reveal a post-2016 ~8% global decline in OCS abundance, which is absent from many global climate models. New simulations with a revised planetary boundary layer OCS abundance show improved agreement with remote retrievals and in-situ data across multiple stratospheric layers, but remaining model biases highlight the need for additional in-situ OCS observations. The revised representation reduces the stratospheric sulfate burden, resulting in an increased shortwave solar flux at the tropical tropopause by as much as 0.3Wm-2 locally, with implications for stratospheric circulation, radiative forcing, and climate feedbacks.

Microelements are vital for regulating organismal growth and maintaining ecosystem structures and functions. Microorganisms help cycle microelements in soil; however, their regulatory mechanisms in dry desert regions remain unclear. To address this research gap, we performed metagenomic sequencing to analyze the rhizospheric microbiological community structures and functional gene profiles of three typical halophyte bushes in the Ebinur Lake Basin under natural drought stress gradients to reveal the response mechanisms of the functional genes of soil microbial microelements on rhizospheric effects and drought stress. As drought stress decreased, sand significantly decreased, whereas silt and soil organic carbon (OM) significantly increased ( P < 0.05). In the key pathways of the microelement cycle, cbiN for Ni and Co transport, znuA for Zn transport, mntBC for Mn) transport, sitABCD for Fe and Mn transport, and nikC for Ni transport showed a significant positive correlation with drought intensity, suggesting enhanced microelement transport under drought conditions. BG and NAG significantly affected the functional genes of soil microelement transport processes in the rhizosphere under mild to moderate drought, whereas silt and clay significantly affected the functional genes of the soil microelement transport process in the rhizosphere under severe drought stress. Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria were the dominant microbial taxa that participated in soil microelement cycling. Overall, the microbial regulation of soil microelement cycling was jointly influenced by drought stress and rhizospheric effects. These findings enhance our understanding of the microelement cycling mechanisms in arid regions and provide new theoretical and scientific support for studying material cycling in desert ecosystems.

Entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are key biological control agents in agriculture, but their direct effects on plant metabolism and resistance to herbivory remain underexplored. By combining transcriptomic, metabolomic, and herbivore assays, this study aimed at providing a holistic description of maize root responses to EPNs and to assess their potential relevance for plant-herbivore interactions. EPNs triggered a dynamic shift in root metabolism, suggesting a reallocation of primary resources towards chemical defences. After 72 hours, pathways related to ethylene signalling and protein folding, and turnover were downregulated, while pathways for protein export were enriched. Amino acid levels, particularly glutamate and aspartate, decreased, while glucose levels were induced. In parallel, enrichments in alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, glycan biosynthesis, and, albeit not significantly, cutin, suberine, and wax biosynthesis pathways suggested enhanced barrier functions and lipid signalling. Secondary metabolite concentrations, such as benzoxazinoids, were increased. Yet, the overall plant response remained of modest magnitude, as illustrated by a low number of differentially expressed genes exceeding 200 reads. Consistently, EPN exposure did not enhance resistance to subsequent herbivory by the root herbivores Diabrotica balteata or Diabrotica virgifera virgifera. However, the plant responses might influence other belowground interactions, such as those involving plant-microbes or plant-parasitic nematodes, calling for further investigations.

Light and inorganic carbon (C i) drive photosynthesis, which fuels cellular maintenance, energy storage and growth in photosynthetic organisms. Despite its pivotal role, how primary metabolism adjusts to contrasting light and C i availability in algae remains elusive. Here, we characterised bioenergetics and profiled primary metabolites of photoautotrophic Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cultures grown under constant low/sub-saturating (LL) or high/saturating (HL) light with 2 % (CO 2) or ambient 0.04 % (Amb) CO 2. HL-Amb cells suffered photoinhibition and limitation of photosystem I electron flow at the donor side, but not acceptor side, indicating use of alternative electron pathways to fuel ATP synthesis. Further, more glycolate was excreted under HL-Amb, indicative of photorespiration. In contrast, HL-CO 2 cells upregulated the cytochrome b 6 f complex, ascorbate metabolism and PTOX2 for maintaining plastid redox homeostasis. Enhanced glycerol excretion under HL enabled dissipation of excess reducing equivalents to adjust the cellular energy balance. CO 2-enhanced photosynthesis promoted respiration and primary metabolite accumulation, driving faster growth while promoting nitrogen (N) metabolism. Hence, C i-dependant photoacclimation influenced the interplay between the TCA cycle and N assimilation, as supported by proteomic data. Overall, abundant C i supported growth by promoting electron flow for C i assimilation, which supplied C skeletons for N assimilation, while mitigating photorespiration and photoinhibition.

The longevity and structural integrity of tidal turbine blades play a critical role in ensuring the efficiency and reliability in power generation of tidal stream energy systems. The lifespan of tidal turbine blades mainly depends on design and manufacturing quality, loading conditions, fatigue and water absorption degradation, and unexpected operational events. To ensure reliability, structural testing programs validate new design strategies under idealised loading conditions specific to deployment sites. However, these tests are time-consuming, costly, and fail to fully capture marine impacts like water diffusion, erosion, and corrosion. Within this framework, this study aims to identify novel approaches for generating vulnerability curves to predict the operational lifespan of tidal turbine blades by integrating comprehensive material testing programs, reported literature, and finite element modelling. In here, a three-phase methodology was employed to develop two approaches for constructing vulnerability curves. As a case study, a 4 m tidal turbine blade made from glass fibre powder epoxy composite was analysed using one proposed approach to demonstrate a sample vulnerability curve. While further studies are needed, the developed vulnerability curve shows potential to improve durability, reduce testing costs, and support sustainable energy development in tidal energy sector.

Background: Few studies exist on the functional connection network of key brain regions in the field of the central mechanism of pain management information. Methods: In this study, we aimed to investigate whether chronic pain is connected to abnormal network connectivity. A total of 28 participants with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and 28 healthy controls were enrolled. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rfMRI) was used to measure functional connection (FC) with the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) as a seed point and degree of centrality (DC) in the brain regions of the two groups. Results: FC values increased in the right precentral gyrus, while DC values increased in the right precentral gyrus and opercular section of inferior frontal gyrus. Conclusions: Our analysis of brain-interconnect patterns suggests that chronic pain may be self-sustaining. Functional connectivity modulated the relationship between multiple dimensions of chronic pain by altering the relevant brain regions over time so that they reorganized and participated in functional remodeling.

A rare case of a young girl with hydrocele in a canal nuck mimicking inguinal hernia: A case report from Muhimbili National Hospital, Tanzania.Rajabu Athumani Bakari1,2*, Alfred Chibwae1, Nanyokye Nasira Kidoko 2, Mwajabu Rashidi Mbaga1,2, Zaitun M. Bokhary2, Victor T. Ngotta2.1 Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.2 Department of Surgery, Muhimbili National Hospital, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.*Correspondence : Rajabu Athumani Bakari, Department of Surgery, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Tel: +255738297925; E-mail: rogerluhizo@gmail.comKeywords: Type I hydrocele, round ligament, inguinal swelling, pediatric, canal of Nuck, and hydrocele