In this paper we introduce a generalized wave function of a quantum system which encompasses both wave nature and particle nature, simultaneously, in one function. With the help of these wave functions we reinterpret quantum mechanics in a more generalized and comprehensible way. In this new framework, we can do away with concepts like superposition principle and wave function collapse of quantum mechanics as all the quantum states are inherently present in the wave function. We also derive the canonical commutation relation and obtain the Heisenberg uncertainty principle directly from this generalized wave function. Finally, by explaining phenomena like quantum interference and electronpositron interaction we demonstrate how one can utilize these wave functions to describe quantum interactions. In the process of explaining electron-positron interaction we also find the reasons for particle-antiparticle asymmetry in the universe.

Since the establishment of the invasive sea lamprey (Petromyzon marinus) in the Great Lakes, extensive management efforts have attempted to reduce negative impacts on native fishes. Despite a significant reduction in sea lamprey population abundance following application of several control methods, uncertainties remain concerning damage caused by sea lamprey predation on Great Lakes fish populations. While conventional dietary assessments are hindered by the hematophagous nature of sea lamprey, DNA metabarcoding offers a promising alternative by identifying prey species DNA from sea lamprey digestive tract samples. DNA metabarcoding has been used for dietary analyses in numerous species, including lampreys; however, initial assessments using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers designed to amplify the 12S rRNA gene in vertebrate taxa indicated a high presence of sea lamprey amplification product per sample. To minimize sea lamprey DNA co-amplification, we designed and tested eight blocking primers that suppress the amplification of sea lamprey 12S sequences while allowing amplification of host species DNA. This approach allowed for the use of a single marker to amplify a taxonomically diverse suite of host species, in contrast to previous studies that used multiple taxon-specific primer pairs (e.g. Salmonidae, Cyprinidae, and Catostomidae). Candidate blocking primers evaluated in this study differed in base pair length, end sequence modification, and purification method. Samples with different sea lamprey-to-host DNA ratios were subjected to multiple detection methods including gel electrophoresis, quantitative PCR, and DNA metabarcoding to assess the ability of each blocking primer to selectively suppress amplification of the sea lamprey 12S gene region. All blocking primers tested performed well and demonstrated high effectiveness. Results show that the blocking primers evaluated can facilitate molecular diet analysis in sea lamprey, allowing the amplification of a taxonomically diverse range of host fish species with universal primers.

Above-ground biomass contributes a large proportion of mangrove carbon stock; however, spatio-temporal dynamics of biomass are poorly understood in carbonate settings of the Southern Hemisphere. This influences capacity to accurately project the effects of accelerating sea-level rise on this important carbon store. Here, above-ground biomass and productivity dynamics were quantified across mangrove age zones dominated by Rhizophora stylosa, spanning a tidal gradient atop a reef platform on Low Isles, Great Barrier Reef, Australia. Above-ground biomass was extrapolated across the forest using field plot data, allometry, a canopy height model derived from remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) LiDAR and regression analyses. Above-ground biomass production was calculated as mean annual biomass increments and canopy production was determined using RPA-multispectral imagery and a Normalised Difference Vegetation Index. Mangrove above-ground biomass was estimated at 519.7 ± 3.11 t ha-1 and increased with age up to the oldest forest (812.0 ± 12.9 t ha-1), believed to be ~135 ± 40 years old. Above-ground biomass was explained by age and tidal position (r2 >0.8), with a positive association between the two predictor variables. Above-ground biomass production peaked at lowest intertidal positions in the youngest forest aged <11 years at 36.3 t ha-1 yr-1, steadying thereafter, with a mean of 12.5 ± 5.4 t ha-1 yr-1 across the island. Production in the canopy remained high until the oldest forest and was negatively associated with age and tidal position (r2 >0.9). Declining production in the older zones corresponded to forest ageing, tidal positions becoming suboptimal for growth and increased exposure to prevailing winds and cyclones. By developing relationships between above-ground biomass accumulation and age and tidal position, this study informs parameterisation of models of the response of biomass to sea-level rise but requires additional information about relationships between substrate evolution, forest development and age.

Background and Purpose: Hepatic fibrosis is the final pathological consequence of a wide spectrum of chronic liver disease. Asarinin (ASA) has shown biological effects in various liver disorders. This study explores the hepatoprotective effects of ASA, particularly the potential mechanism. Experimental Approach: Hepatic fibrosis model was established by intraperitoneal injection of TAA in C57BL/6 mice, intragastrically with ASA. Subsequently, neutrophil depletion and TRα gene silencing explore the relevant mechanisms. Activated LX-2 cells were stimulated with TGF-β and then cultured with ASA and neutrophils and/or primary hepatocyte condition medium and transfected with siTRα to verify the function of ASA in vitro. Key Results: ASA demonstrated therapeutic efficacy in hepatic fibrosis models induced by TAA via attenuating liver ECM, inflammation, and EMT and mitigating NETs through TRα-STAT3 signaling. TRα deficiency accelerates the disease response of hepatic fibrosis mentioned above. Especially, neutrophil depletion eliminates the disease response caused by hepatic fibrosis. In vitro experiments have validated the inhibitory effects of ASA on LX-2 activation, neutrophils, and primary hepatocytes injury. ASA regulates the ECM, inflammatory factors, and EMT processes in activated HSCs. The results support its inhibitory effect and its correlation with TRα and STAT3. The deficiency of TRα limits the regulatory effect of ASA on the activation of LX-2. ASA improved the complex microenvironment of hepatocytes/neutrophils-HSCs. Conclusion and Implications: ASA significantly reverses hepatic fibrosis via regulating cells-to-cells communication and the TRα-STAT3 pathway. Targeting the TRα-mediated STAT3 dependence on modulating the liver environment may be the key target of ASA in resisting hepatic fibrosis.

Green hydrogen combustion for power generation is an effective path to achieve carbon neutrality in new-type power system. This article first discusses the rationale for green hydrogen combustion power generation from the perspective of increasing renewable energy curtailment and the necessity of long-term energy storage. It then analyzes the economy of green hydrogen combustion for power generation, including the technology's own economic feasibility and comparisons with other energy storage routes. Finally, elaborate on the expected development path and technical difficulties of the green hydrogen combustion power generation technology route.

Aging alters brain structure and function, and studying such changes may help understand the neural basis underlying aging and devise interventions to detect deviations from healthy progression. Electroencephalogram (EEG) offers an effective way to study healthy aging owing to its high temporal resolution and affordability. Recent studies have shown that narrow-band stimulus-induced gamma oscillations (20-70 Hz) in EEG, induced with cartesian gratings in a fixation task paradigm, weaken with healthy aging and onset of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) while remaining highly reproducible for a given subject, and thus hold promise as potential biomarkers. However, functional connectivity (FC) sometimes changes in a different way compared to sensor power with aging. This difference could be potentially addressed by studying how underlying gamma sources change with aging, since either a reduction in source power or a shrinkage of the sources (or both) could reduce the power in the sensors but may have different effects on other measures such as FC. We therefore reconstructed EEG gamma sources through a linear inverse method called exact Low-resolution Tomography Analysis (eLORETA) on a large (N=217) cohort of healthy elderly subjects (>50 years). We further characterized gamma distribution in cortical space as an exponential fall-off from a seed voxel with maximal gamma source power to delineate a reduction in magnitude versus shrinkage. We found significant reduction in magnitude but not shrinkage with healthy aging. Overall, our results shed light on changes in EEG gamma source distribution with healthy aging, which could provide clues about underlying neural mechanisms.

Percutaneous Biopsy of a Nodule Adjacent to the Aortic Arch Assisted by Artificial Pneumothorax: A Case Report and Literature ReviewJiahao Li#, Yao Dai#&,Kun Wang#,Yulong Zhu*# The Fourth Clinical Medical College of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830000, China&Chinese Medicine Hospital of Gao County, Yibin, 645150, China.* Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Urumqi, Xinjiang, 830000, ChinaCorrespondence: Yulong Zhu(XJ13319850606@sina.cn)Funding: This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.Keywords: Artificial pneumothorax; Percutaneous lung biopsy; Lung cancer;Abstract: Percutaneous biopsy of nodules adjacent to the aortic arch is challenging and risky due to the complex anatomical structures in this area. This paper reports a case of percutaneous biopsy of a nodule adjacent to the aortic arch assisted by artificial pneumothorax. The patient recovered well after the operation without severe complications. Meanwhile, a literature review was conducted to summarize the application status, advantages, and disadvantages of artificial pneumothorax-assisted techniques in percutaneous biopsy of nodules adjacent to the aortic arch. The research shows that the artificial pneumothorax-assisted technique can improve the success rate of puncture and reduce the risk of damage to surrounding important structures. However, further exploration and optimization are still needed in aspects such as the control of gas injection volume. This case and literature review provide valuable references for the clinical application of this technique and contribute to promoting its rational use in the diagnosis of thoracic diseases.IntroductionDuring lung cancer diagnosis and treatment, an accurate pathological diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment plans. Percutaneous lung biopsy, a low - trauma and low - risk diagnostic method, is widely used clinically. But for lung lesions near the aortic arch, heart, large vessels or trachea, traditional biopsies face great challenges due to complex vascular anatomy, with increased puncture difficulty and risk. In recent years, the artificial pneumothorax - assisted technique has emerged for such special - site lesions. 1By creating an artificial pneumothorax before puncture, it changes the thoracic anatomy to aid the operation. Although it has achieved some success, it’s still being explored and refined. This article reports a case of percutaneous biopsy of an aortic - arch - adjacent pulmonary nodule using this technique, analyzes the procedure, pathological results and follow - up treatment. It also reviews the technique’s application, pros and cons to guide its rational use and promote its development in thoracic disease diagnosis. This study follows the ”Strengthening the Reporting of Surgical Case Reports (SCARE) Guidelines 2023”.2Clinical DataGeneral InformationThe patient was a 60-year-old female who was admitted to the hospital due to the discovery of a shadow in the left upper lobe of the lung for 6 days. Six days ago, the patient accidentally fell off a bicycle, landing on the right side of her body. After the fall, she experienced pain in the right hypochondrium, without cough, expectoration, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness, or presyncope. A pulmonary CT scan in an external hospital showed a shadow in the left upper lung, and she was recommended to seek further medical advice at a higher-level hospital. Therefore, she came to our hospital for treatment. At the time of admission, the patient had no cough, expectoration, hemoptysis, chest tightness, chest pain, or other special discomforts. Physical examination: body temperature was 36.5℃, pulse rate was 74 beats per minute, respiratory rate was 18 breaths per minute, and blood pressure was 147/87 mmHg. No enlarged superficial lymph nodes were palpable throughout the body. The lips and nails showed no cyanosis, the pharynx was not congested, and the tonsils were not enlarged. The chest was symmetric. Palpation revealed symmetric vocal fremitus on both sides of the chest. Percussion showed a resonant sound. The breath sounds of both lungs were rough, and no dry or wet rales were heard. The cardiac border was not enlarged, the rhythm was regular, and no pathological murmurs were heard in each valve auscultation area. The abdomen was soft, without tenderness. The liver and spleen were not palpable under the costal margin. There was no percussion pain in the bilateral renal areas. The spine and limbs had no deformities, and there was no edema in the bilateral lower extremities.Results of Relevant ExaminationsThe patient was admitted to our hospital on December 11, 2024. After admission, a pulmonary CT scan indicated: 1. Considered peripheral lung cancer in the left upper lobe, please combine with clinical manifestations; 2. Multiple ground-glass nodules in the left lower lobe, follow-up is recommended; 3. Reduced density of the heart cavity and large blood vessels, suggesting anemia; 4. Fibrous and calcified foci in the right upper lobe of the lung; scattered fibrotic foci in the right lung. (Figure 1) Blood gas analysis: pH: 7.42, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) 37.10 mmHg, partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) 90.90 mmHg, oxygen saturation (SpO2) 97.20%, actual bicarbonate (AB) 23.70 mmol/L, standard base excess (SBE) -0.20 mmol/L, base excess (BE) 0.10 mmol/L, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) 24 mm/h, white blood cell count 4.39×10^9/L, lymphocyte percentage 32.8%, monocyte percentage 8%, neutrophil percentage 58%, lymphocyte absolute value 1.44×10^9/L, monocyte absolute value 0.35×10^9/L, neutrophil absolute value 2.55×10^9/L. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was 5.70 ng/ml, cytokeratin 19 fragment (CYFRA21-1) was 1.45 ng/ml, neuron-specific enolase (NSE) was 9.69 ng/ml, squamous cell carcinoma antigen (SCCA) was 0.70 ng/ml, and pro-gastrin-releasing peptide (ProGRP) was 32.25 pg/ml. No significant abnormalities were found in the four-item test for rheumatism, antinuclear antibody spectrum, immunoglobulin and complement, interleukin-6, liver and kidney function, myocardial enzyme spectrum, electrolytes, coagulation function, D-dimer, tuberculosis antibody, urine routine, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, respiratory pathogens, GM test, tuberculosis infection T cell test, and sputum smear for acid-fast bacilli.

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Measuring and understanding brittle failure at the (sub)-grain scale is a key challenge to unravel the initiation of system-size failure in rocks. Recent developments in synchrotron X-ray diffraction techniques enable non-destructive in situ measurements of crystal lattice orientation, elastic strain, and stress at grain to intra-grain scales. We used scanning three-dimensional X-ray diffraction to study the stress evolution in Berea and Fontainebleau sandstone cores deformed under triaxial compression. Experiments were conducted at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF) using the Hades apparatus, which allows simultaneous triaxial compression testing and X-ray data acquisition. Stepwise axial loading was applied to the samples while maintaining a constant 10 MPa confinement. Diffraction scans in quartz provided time-series stress maps across a core transect with a 50 $\mu$m resolution. Results reveal progressive internal stress buildup consistent with macroscopic loading, accompanied by reorientation of local stress tensors that increasingly align with the bulk macroscopic stress. Significant stress heterogeneity is observed, reflecting non-uniform load distribution across the sample and the presence of initial residual stress. This heterogeneity grows with increasing loading and forms spatially persistent patterns that resemble force-chain networks in granular materials. The increasing heterogeneity and spatial persistence of the stress field may control the development of tensile microfractures, ultimately leading to macroscopic failure. Used in combination with dynamic X-ray microtomography that captures the three-dimensional strain field evolution, scanning three-dimensional X-ray diffraction emerges as a powerful tool for quantifying heterogeneous internal stress and provides additional constraints on stress at the onset of microfracture initiation and propagation.

One of the primary objectives of upcoming lunar missions is to locate ice-bearing rocks at the South Pole. While evidence for their presence exists, the exact distribution and quantity remain uncertain. In this study, we evaluate the potential of seismic ambient noise techniques—including seismic interferometry, H/V spectral ratios, distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), and rotational measurements—for detecting ice-bearing rocks on the Moon. To achieve this, we perform 2D numerical simulations using a digital twin model of the shallow subsurface, incorporating high-velocity heterogeneities. Hereby, the resolution limits of the different methods are evaluated. Phase velocity dispersion curves of Rayleigh waves are extracted from DAS and rotational data, while group velocity dispersion curves are derived from interferometry. The strong scattering effects of the lunar regolith, in particular, influence the seismic interferometry results for large inter-station distances. While all methods reveal clear signatures of ice-bearing rocks due to the strong velocity increase, even for small weight percentages of ice, a combination of techniques is needed to achieve accurate resolution of depth, width, and ice content.

Key Clinical MessageVertebral fractures can be a form of first manifestation of Axial Spondyloarthritis. Additionally, Radiofrequency Echographic Multispectrometry is a valuable tool in the asessement of bone mineralization and architecture, due to it’s fast, non-irradiating and precise measurements. Methotrexate represents a viable alternative to Sulfasalazine for management of AxSpA.

Amlodipine-Induced Gingival hyperplasia in Renal failure

This short communication develops a variational formulation for modeling a silicon semiconductor design utilizing phosphorous atoms as a dopant substance. The results are based on standard tools of calculus of variations and optimization theory.

This paper introduces interstices on warped product manifolds, which act as discrete regulators on an otherwise smooth spacetime. We analyze flux quantization and compactification in the presence of interstitial points, and prove a theorem about a lemma about manifolds arising from fibered products.

Manuscript word count: 1969

Cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CESC) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women, with oxidative stress playing a pivotal role in its progression. However, the role of oxidative stress-related genes (OSRGs) in modulating the tumor microenvironment, immune response, and prognosis remains poorly understood. This study aims to identify key OSRGs influencing CESC progression and survival outcomes, with a focus on their potential as prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. We analyzed TCGA CESC data from the GDC Portal, clinical data from cBioPortal, and normal tissue expression data from GTEx. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between CESC and normal tissues were identified using GEPIA2. Functional annotation was performed with DAVID v6.8, and Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) networks were constructed using STRING v11.0. A prognostic model was developed using Kaplan-Meier curves, univariate, LASSO, and multivariate regression analysis. Validation was performed using the GSE63514 dataset. We identified 3,528 upregulated and 6,865 downregulated genes in CESC, including 308 upregulated and 345 downregulated OSRGs. Key upregulated genes included CDKN2A, SLPI, and LCN2, while downregulated genes included DES, GPX3, and GSTM5. Functional enrichment analysis revealed significant associations with immune, cancer-related, and metabolic pathways. A prognostic model based on OSRG expression stratified patients into high-risk and low-risk groups with distinct survival outcomes. Validation in the GSE63514 dataset confirmed the role of CXCL8, SPP1, and PDIA3 as prognostic biomarkers. This study highlights the critical role of OSRGs in shaping the tumor microenvironment and immune response in CESC. Key prognostic markers, including CXCL8, SPP1, PDIA3, DES, and ATP13A2, were associated with poor prognosis and drug resistance. The developed risk model provides a valuable tool for survival prediction and may guide personalized treatment strategies. These findings underscore the importance of oxidative stress in CESC progression and suggest potential therapeutic targets for further investigation.

European hares (Lepus europaeus) have recently been shown to colonize urban areas in different parts of Europe. This appears to be a novel phenomenon, and little is known about the space use and behavioral adaptations of hares living in urban areas. Here, we describe the first findings concerning home range sizes from GPS-collared hares (n = 3) in Aarhus city, Denmark, which we compared to home range sizes of hares in a nearby agricultural area (n = 24). Home ranges by urban hares were ca. 3-fold smaller compared to farmland (mean ± SD: 13.7 ± 3.0 versus 38.8 ± 23.4 ha). These differences might be driven by resource availability or movement barriers (mainly roads). Moreover, we show that the flight initiation distance of urban hares was considerable shorter compared to hares in farmland (mean ± SD: 22 ± 17 versus 70 ± 45 m). This indicates that urban hares have adapted to human presence by increasing their tolerance towards human disturbance. Combined, our results provide a first glimpse into the movement ecology and behavioral adaptations of hares living in urban areas, which will provide the basis for further research.

In today's dynamic cybersecurity landscape, Security Operations Centers (SOCs) play a critical role in defending against evolving threats. Traditional methods struggle to keep pace, prompting the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to bolster threat detection capabilities. This study explores the impact of AI and ML on modern SOC operations, highlighting benefits, real-life use cases, and implementation strategies.

Background Real-world patient scenarios often involve a composite of text and various clinical images. We explored the performance of multimodal large language models in diagnosing complex infectious disease cases containing both text and clinical images. Methods We assessed the performance of two publicly accessible large language models—GPT-4 and Claude Opus—on a series of 25 complex infectious disease scenarios with 67 clinical images sourced from [www.IDImages.org](http://www.IDImages.org) . Accuracy in identifying the diagnosis and including it within the differential diagnoses was evaluated using a binary scoring system. Image description quality was assessed using a Likert scale comparing the models’ outputs against provided descriptions. Scoring was conducted by two independent clinicians, with the final scores being computed as averages. Results With a maximum score of 1, Opus achieved a higher mean accuracy (0.74) compared to GPT-4 (0.56) in determining the correct diagnosis. Nevertheless, both models demonstrated comparably high accuracy in including the primary diagnosis within the differential diagnoses, with scores of 0.90 for GPT-4 and 0.88 for Opus. In terms of image type, they performed best in interpreting physical findings images, followed by radiographic images and pathological specimens. No statistical differences were found between the two models in their overall ability to describe images or within each image category. Conclusions The two models demonstrated comparable accuracy in handling complex infectious disease scenarios that integrated both texts and images, suggesting potential utility in enhancing clinical support.

Purpose In validation studies to assess algorithms identifying subjects’ outcome status, researchers often use a sampling method with the ”all possible cases” assumption that all true cases in the database are included in the sample. No study has quantitatively assessed how the extent of missing true cases might bias the estimated performance measures. This study aims to quantify the magnitude of biases and propose a sensitivity analysis method. Methods We first formulate the bias in each performance measure under the violation of the assumption. Using these bias formulas, we propose a sensitivity analysis method to quantify the magnitude of biases and compute bias-corrected estimates. Also, we proposed a sampling approach that is helpful for sensitivity analysis. Finally, as motivating examples, we apply our proposed method to the data from two validation studies that evaluated the performance of case-finding algorithms created by medical claims data. Results We showed that the violation of the assumption does not bias positive predictive value ( PPV ), while it leads to overestimated sensitivity ( Se ) , specificity ( Sp ), and negative predictive value ( NPV ). Our bias formula and example indicate that Se varies greatly depending on the missed true cases, while Sp and NPV are relatively robust under rare outcome situations. Conclusions The deviation from the assumption provides overestimated validation measure values except PPV . This implies a risk of misleading researchers into overestimating the performance of the algorithms. Our proposed sampling option would be useful to investigate whether the assumption is violated and reliably determine the upper limit of the sensitivity parameter.

Habitat loss and fragmentation drive biodiversity decline, yet debate persists on their relative impacts and how to design landscapes for biodiversity conservation. While some prioritize habitat connectivity, others emphasize habitat quantity. However, the role of the landscape matrix and its resistance in population persistence remains poorly understood. To address this, we conducted a multigenerational, landscape-scale experiment using the model arthropod Folsomia candida, assessing the effects of matrix resistance and inter-patch distance on colonization, population size, and extinction while keeping a fixed habitat amount. We found that the amount of reachable habitat, integrating habitat amount and matrix resistance, is a strong predictor of population size and extinction risk. Survival across matrix types was the key mechanism, influencing both colonization and demography. Our study enhances understanding and predictive ability of population fate at the landscape scale, offering new insights for landscape ecology theory and valuable perspectives for applied conservation.

Parasites construct their niches by altering key host traits, as a result they not only influence host interactions but also act as keystone species, driving density- and trait-mediated trophic cascades across ecosystems. Despite increasing research in parasite ecology, the cascading effects of parasitism from individual hosts to population and community levels remain poorly understood. In a large-scale outdoor mesocosm experiment, we replicated key phases of the life cycle of the tapeworm Schistocephalus solidus to examine how they impact the direct and indirect ecological effects on three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus). Our findings reveal that S. solidus infection increases trophic specialisation while simultaneously attenuating the likelihood and strength of stickleback driven trophic cascades at specific time points. This study underscores the pivotal role of parasites as agents of ecological change and ecosystem dynamics through their indirect effects, demonstrating how parasite-driven changes in niche specialisation can propagate across aquatic ecosystems.

We investigated the decomposition of diverse root-associated fungi, their influence on native soil carbon dynamics and the relationship of these processes with fungal traits. We quantified the decomposition of 13C-labelled mycelium of fourteen species, their priming of native soil carbon, impact on functional soil carbon pools, microbial use of carbon and microbial community size and composition and evaluated chemical, morphological, and physiological traits of the fungi to investigate their potential to control carbon processes. Fungal C/N, melanin and growth rates were linked to necromass decomposability and its stabilisation. Necromass addition commonly caused suppression of native soil carbon decomposition (negative priming), including that of the resistant pool, and this suppression was stronger as fungal decomposability decreased. We provide novel, clear evidence of linkages between root-associated fungal traits, necromass decomposition, microbial C use and soil C stability which builds our mechanistic understanding of the role of dead fungi on soil C storage.

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) and particles (EPs) are diverse micro- and nanoparticles that circulate in bodily fluids and can attach to, or be deposited onto, the extracellular matrix (ECM) and other surfaces. To date, the nomenclature and classification of matrix-bound or matrix-associated EVs and EPs (MEVPs) has been unclear, largely due to an apparent bias in the field towards EVs found in fluids and a lack of consensus guidelines. Recently, there has been a growing appreciation for several subtypes of MEVPs and their roles in applications ranging from wound healing to metastasis. However, progress in these fields has largely been achieved in silos, with minimal consideration for overlap or complementary function between different MEVPs. In this article, we briefly describe this growing field with a focus on heterogeneity and the lack of consensus, then discuss challenges and opportunities in improving MEVP isolation and characterization. Importantly, proteomic analyses of these unique MEVPs will be crucial in promoting rigor, reproducibility, and understanding in this exciting new field.