Evidence has accumulated supporting the beneficial impacts of strategically diversified cropping systems on ecosystem services like plant resistance to herbivory, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Through a microcosm experiment we investigate how intercropping and cover cropping with three different companion legume species change plant secondary metabolite profiles of focal maize plants, the resulting effects on herbivore resistance, and the potential for such ecosystem services to persist when using a conventional maize variety. Intercropping produced a fundamentally different leaf and root secondary metabolite profile compared to maize plants grown under cover crop-conditioned soils. In leaf and root tissue, defense-related compounds such as benzoxazinoids were upregulated under intercropping, affecting maize metabolic profiles in a companion species-specific manner. Resistance bioassays to the generalist herbivore Spodoptera frugiperda revealed that intercropping significantly reduces the overall leaf area consumed, while bean intercropping increases larval mortality and alfalfa intercropping reduces larval mortality. Our results contribute to the understanding of diversified cropping systems by studying how plant-plant and plant-soil interactions drive metabolic changes leading to different resistance outcomes and show how these positive resistance effects persist under conventional systems. These insights are crucial to inform adoption and development of synergistic relations in diversified agricultural landscapes.

The symbiosis between nitrogen-fixing rhizobia and plants is regarded as mutually beneficial, but its indirect effects on other interacting organisms remain underexplored. This study investigates how rhizobia associated with Phaseolus vulgaris influence the behaviour and performance of root-feeding larvae of the beetle Diabrotica balteata. We examined whether larvae prefer nodulated (R +) over non-nodulated (R -) bean roots and assessed the impact of rhizobia symbiosis on larval growth. Additionally, we analysed the nutrient content of R + and R - roots and characterized their volatiles organic compounds (VOC) profiles to identify potential chemical cues driving larval feeding preferences. Our findings reveal strong larval preference for R + roots on which larvae also exhibited enhanced growth and better survival compared to R - roots. Nutritional analyses showed that R + roots provided higher nutritional value. Furthermore, VOC profiles differed significantly between rhizobia treatments, and olfactometer assays confirmed that larval attraction is mediated by VOCs, likely signalling the nutritional advantages conferred by rhizobia symbiosis. These findings highlight that metabolic changes in bean roots caused by rhizobia not only increase their nutritional value but also enhance their attractiveness to root herbivores. This study sheds light on the complex belowground interactions among nitrogen-fixing bacteria, host plants, and herbivores, offering new insights with implications for ecological theory and sustainable agricultural practices.

In this study, we demonstrate that the coupled system of generalized Kadomtsev-Petviashvili II (KP-II) equations is locally well-posed in anisotropic Gevrey spaces G s 1 , s 2 γ 1 , γ 2 , ϱ ( R 2 ) . The conditions for the parameters s 1 , s 2 , and α are as follows: s 1 > − 3 α − 2 8 , s 2 ≥ 0 , and α≥4. Our proof involves a suitable change of variables, and we present the results clearly. Additionally, we establish the regularity of the solutions in the time variable.

Multifunctionality is known to evolve during primary ecosystem succession, for instance, after glacier retreat. Yet, what exactly trigger an increase in multifunctionality as ecosystem develops is less understood. Here we evaluated the contribution of soil multitrophic richness, functional composition and biotic coupling of food webs as predictors of soil multifunctionality (14 functions for nutrient stocks and biomass accumulation) in a well-characterized 120-year chronosequence of glacier retreat. Our results indicated that the tightness of soil food web coupling increased during primary succession and strongly co-occurred with changes in soil multifunctionality. Furthermore, the shifts in energy and nutrient fluxes served as the fundamental links between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Thus, multitrophic diversity facets, including taxonomic richness and functional composition, as well as food web coupling for energy and nutrients orchestrated soil multifunctionality development. Our work provides a comprehensive perspective for elucidating the multitrophic diversity and multifunctionality changes during the first stages of ecosystem development in a context of global warming.

Several factors influence the degree of gene reuse during repeated adaptation, offering insights into how evolution is constrained at the genomic level. Although numerous studies have identified signatures of genomic repeatability in adaptive evolution, there is a lack of synthesis regarding the statistical tests used to quantify gene reuse across lineages. In this review, we survey published studies to (i) compile a comprehensive list of statistical indices available for quantifying gene reuse during adaptation and (ii) compare patterns of the degree of gene reuse across 120 taxa and four trait categories. Our analysis reveals that currently gene reuse studies are biased in focal species and traits commonly studied. Importantly, relatively few genomic loci contribute to repeatability and this variability is context dependent. By summarizing currently available indices to quantify gene reuse, we propose a straightforward methodological framework for designing studies that quantify gene reuse during repeated adaptation. While this review advances our understanding of the degree of gene reuse, we emphasize the need for broader and more inclusive research to uncover the factors driving variability in gene reuse during adaptive evolution.

This review delves into the molecular mechanism that drives alcohol-induced liver cancer and associated comorbidities, emphasizing on the role of specific biomarkers that help in diagnosing these conditions. Chronic alcohol consumption triggers oxidative stress by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS), which disrupt mitochondrial function and cause cell death ultimately. Elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in relation to aspartate aminotransferase (AST) are key indicators of liver injury, shedding light on significant marker for alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Enzymes such as gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) further provide insights into bile duct function and potential risks for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholestasis. Hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen III peptide (Pro-C3), and fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index also emerge as important biomarkers for liver fibrosis, offering a non-invasive method for assessing the degree of fibrosis through the analysis of ALT, AST, and platelet counts. The review also explores how alcohol accelerates liver damage in individuals with hepatitis B or C infection, by enhancing viral replication and suppressing immune responses. Advanced imaging technologies, such as ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveal the structural changes and tumour presence in the liver, improving the accuracy of diagnosing and monitoring liver diseases with the help of these biomarkers. The other key signatures in alcohol-induced liver disease such as pro-inflammatory cytokines production, insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and cognitive functions are crucial in assessing liver pathogenesis. These holistic approaches highlight the importance of molecular markers and imaging techniques, allowing for earlier intervention and better patient outcomes.

Background: Naegleria fowleri infection is rare and fatal with case fatality rate of 100%. Although many years after the first case of Naegleria was reported in Karachi, few integrated studies have been performed. This study aimed to identify the epidemiological characteristics, trends, risk factor analysis and environmental assessment of Southern Pakistan. Methods: Medical records were reviewed, and active case identification was carried out. The data were collected on sociodemographic information, clinical features, and risk factors on semi-structured questionnaire from June 6, 2023 to December 31, 2023. An analytical study, trend analysis and environmental assessment were performed. Pumping stations were investigated for chlorination and water samples were sent for analysis. Data were analysed by via Epi-Info and SPSS software. Results: A total of 101 cases were reported; 84% (85) were males. The average age was 29 years. Frequent symptoms were fever (100%), vomiting (100%), and coma (54%) followed by fits (34%) and confusion (32%). Among the cases, students (n=18), engineers (n=14) and shopkeepers (n=13) were highly infected. An analytical study revealed that people performing ablution daily (OR 3.7, 95% CI 1.6-11.7), swimming (OR 3.5 95% CI 1.1-11.5), taking daily baths (OR 7.3, 95% CI 2.3-23.9), performing religious rituals (OR 4.4 95% CI 1.4-13.5) and areas supplied by pumping station A (OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.1-17) were more prone. The case trends showed peaks in the summer season, which were correlated with the environmental temperature and humidity. A lack of chlorination was reported at the pumping station as the water samples have presented high levels of coliform colonies. Conclusions: Naegleria Fowleri is a major public health problem in the southern Pakistan. As per the WHO recommendation maintenance of the proper chlorination and water distribution system is required. Advocacy to communities and risk communication during peak seasons are mandated.

As a constantly developing innovative technology, Intelligent Reflecting Surface (IRS) has injected new vitality and motivation into the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS). IRS can improve energy efficiency and reduce the hardware costs of wireless communication systems. Aiming at the Vehicle-to-Vehicle (V2V) communication system model under the framework of Internet of Vehicles (IoV), a joint beamforming design method assisted by IRS was proposed, in which, a transmit power minimization problem is formulated with the constraint of ensuring the secure communication of legitimate V2V users and the limit of IRS unit response. In order to address the non-convex optimization problem with multivariate coupling, the alternating optimization and semi-definite relaxation algorithms are used to realize the optimal design of precoding beamforming for the transmitter and IRS phase shift matrix. Simulation results show that compared with other benchmark schemes, the proposed algorithm can achieve lower transmission power under the same secure transmission conditions. Interestingly, there exists a suitable vehicle speed with which the transmit power can be lowest if we set other system parameters or performance requirements.

Abstract Background:Kawasaki disease (KD) is a multisystemic vasculitis inflammatory syndrome that leads to coronary artery lesions (CALs). The pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies of KD are worth further exploring. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), our study aimed to explore the landscape of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and B cell subsets in patients with KD, providing helpful evidence to understand the mechanism and therapeutic strategy for KD. Methods:We analyzed the scRNA-seq data of three patients with KD and three healthy controls from the GSE168732 dataset. Additionally, we analyzed the immune cell subtypes and explored the immune profiles of patients with KD. Results:Sixteen clusters of immune cells were identified in the PBMCs of patients with KD. Significantly increased B cell and decreased NK cells were observed in the KD group compared with that in the control group. Furthermore, six B cell subsets were identified in the PBMCs of patients with KD. Particularly, plasma cells (CD9+ and S100A9+ B cell clusters) distinctly increased in the KD group. The CD9+ B cell cluster was characterized by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling-associated marker genes and DEGs. Meanwhile the S100A9+ B cell cluster was characterized by platelet aggregation marker genes. As for NK cells, CD16+CD56dim NK cells were enriched in the KD group. Cytotoxicity-related HLA-specific activating receptors (KLRD1,KLRC3) and cytotoxicity-associated genes (PRF1, NKG7, GZMA, GZMH, GNLY) were downregulated in the KD group. Conclusion:Increased plasma cells(CD9+ and S100A9+ B cell clusters) and decreased cytotoxicity of NK cells were observed in KD. Plasma cells may contribute to CALs in KD by upregulating VEGF and activating platelet. In additon,decreased cytotoxicity of NK cells mediated by KLRD1/KLRC3 receptor may play a vital role in the development of KD. Our results suggested that plasma cells and NK cells could be promising targets for the treatment of KD.

This paper is devoted to study the convergence theory of proximal point algorithm (PPA) for the Mayer-type problem with a finite-dimensional linear control system. We showed that if the cost functional is convex, the iterative sequence of controls of PPA converges weakly to the optimal one. Moreover, under some common assumptions we proved the strong convergence with a linear convergence rate based on the controllability index. In addition, an example is provided with numerical tests to confirm the theoretical results.

Salinity in the soil is one of the limiting factors affecting agricultural productivity and plant health, threatening food security. Selenium (Se), a beneficial trace element, is attractive because of its remarkable potential for regulating abiotic stresses in plants. This study aimed to understand how Arabidopsis thaliana responds to salinity environment and the underlying molecular mechanisms of gene regulation and metabolites accumulation in Se-induced salinity tolerance. Our results showed that Se was affective in enhancing plant’s ability to alleviate salt-induced oxidative stress to significant levels in sos1 plants compared to wild type plants. Se addition enhanced Arabidopsis thaliana salt tolerance by upregulating antioxidant systems, led to a significant increase in the aboveground fresh weight (33.79%), SOD (12.90%), POD (45.81%), GSH (45.59%) and soluble protein (10.77%). Transcriptome analysis identified the phytohormone signaling, glycerophospholipid metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis in Se-treated salt stressed sos1 plants under salt stress, mainly involving the genes AUX1, IAA, PYL, and scrk. The metabolomic analysis identified 668 differentially expressed metabolites, including those involved in arginine and proline metabolism as well as lipid metabolism, which were accumulated in Se-treated plants under salt stress. Integrative multi-omics analysis revealed significant enrichment at the gene and metabolite level in starch and sucrose metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. The current findings provided critical mechanisms for Se-mediated alleviation of salt stress from physiological, transcriptional and metabolic aspects in plants.

Rationale Recent advances in high-throughput molecular analyses of collagen peptides, especially ZooMS (Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry), have forced breakthroughs in the analysis of archaeological material that is highly fragmented, a factor that hinders morphological identification. Despite these advances, the challenge of successfully analysing archaeological samples with poorer collagen preservation persists. This paper examines the potential of two mass analysers, TOF ( Time of Flight) and FTICR ( Fourier-transform ion cyclotron resonance), and addresses how they can be used to optimise the ZooMS workflow. Methods Type 1 collagen (COL1) was extracted from 89 archaeological bones from the site of Le Piage (37-34 ka cal BP) in France. Three ZooMS extraction protocols were used, an acid-free buffer method (AmBic), offering rapid and less destructive analysis, and two methods of acid demineralisation (HCl and TFA) that provide higher peptide resolution. After analysing the specimens with MALDI-TOF and MALDI-FTICR, we used bottom-up and PRM ( Parallel Reaction Monitoring) LC-MS/MS, and MALDI-CASI-FTICR ( Continuous Accumulation of Selected ions) to verify 26 less secure identifications. Results Overall, 99 % of the samples could be identified to at least family level, with the rate of identification and precision varying by method. Despite challenges in detecting specific biomarkers with MALDI-FTICR—especially peptide A (COL1ɑ2 978–990), which tends to be unstable and poorly expressed—the high resolution of this method allowed the successful identification of more degraded specimens, including burnt bones. Conclusions Our work highlights the robustness of traditional MALDI-TOF ZooMS for retrieving collagen and for providing taxonomic identifications with low failure rates, features that are critical when processing large numbers of samples. MALDI-FTICR shows better potential for working with precious samples or degraded collagen. Further, this study advances the analytical detection of peptides by optimising the ZooMS workflow and by tailoring it to specific archaeological contexts, which often show variation in degree of preservation.

To sustain frog populations, it is important to conserve favorable aquatic habitats. In Japan, rice paddies play an important role as breeding habitat for frog species; however, environmental changes and abandonment of rice paddies have led to declining frog populations. In this study, we conducted surveys at various aquatic habitats in a yatsuda area in the Sayama Hills to determine the characteristics of rice paddies under different management systems, and the breeding habitat preferences and favorable aquatic habitats for Japanese brown frog (Rana japonica) eggs. We found 134 egg masses at 14 study sites, and monitored them until they hatched, died, or were lost, and also recorded environmental factors, such as water temperature and depth. First, we conducted principal component analysis to determine the study site characteristics, and second, we constructed generalized additive mixed models to investigate the relationship between environmental factors and the number of new egg masses, hatching success rate, and number of days to hatch. Our results showed no clear pattern of how environmental factors changed after rice paddy abandonment, except for an increase in vegetation cover over rice paddies. Conversely, our results showed R. japonica breeding habitat preference and egg hatching success were related to various aspects of aquatic habitats. Our investigation revealed the preferred breeding habitat for R. japonica and provides key information for developing practical conservation measures regarding the overall management of rice paddies, such as irrigation and mowing, to sustain R. japonica populations in yatsuda areas.

Gas exchange measurement is the gold standard method for determining leaf CO 2 assimilation rate ( A n). However, conventional systems for measuring A n often require considerable time and/or effort to collect numerous samples in the field owing to their high weight and large size. Here, we present an efficient and convenient method for estimating A n using a handheld porometer with a chlorophyll fluorometer, facilitating on-the-go assessment of A n in the field. This method integrates the measured stomatal conductance and quantum yield of photochemistry in PSII into a biochemical photosynthesis model, incorporating model uncertainties into a single calibrated parameter. Using this method, we successfully estimated A n variations in 12 species under field conditions, with a root mean square error of 2.0 mol m −2 s −1, despite using the common parameter set. In contrast, without calibration (i.e., with the often-assumed parameter value), this method greatly overestimated A n. These results highlight the importance of appropriate calibration depending on prevailing conditions, particularly the light source. In summary, this method demonstrates the potential for accessible, high-throughput, and accurate estimation of A n in diverse plants, thereby addressing a key bottleneck in field-based phenotyping of photosynthesis. However, further studies are required to reduce the uncertainties imposed on the calibrated parameter.

Purpose: COVID-19 infection causes alterations in various bodily processes, including damage from its inflammatory effects. This damage impacts the hematological system, particularly in the erythroid lineage, manifesting as anisocytosis. Red Cell Distribution Width [RDW], an objective measure of anisocytosis, has been associated with adverse outcomes such as intensive care unit [ICU] admission, mechanical ventilation, and mortality. Objective: To evaluate RDW as a marker of unfavorable outcomes in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Method: We conducted a multicenter study including patients over 18 years old diagnosed with COVID-19 and hospitalized between March 2020 and August 2021. Clinical and laboratory data were collected and analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics v.28.0. Quantitative variables were compared using Student’s t-test or the Mann-Whitney test, and categorical variables with Fisher’s exact test. For multivariate analysis, we used the stepwise backward method, and the Wald test to assess the significance of each variable. Results: The study included 1456 patients [61.1% male, 38.9% female] with a mean age of 58.1 years. RDW ≥ 14% was associated with increased risks for death [OR 2.56; 95% CI: 1.94–3.37], orotracheal intubation [OR 1.88; 95% CI: 1.46–2.41], and ICU admission [OR 2.11; 95% CI: 1.66–2.69], all with p < 0.005.

Zoledronic Acid Inhibits Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Osteoclastogenesis by Suppressing Macrophage NLRP3-Mediated Autophagy PathwayDear Editor,The immunomodulatory effects of antiresorptives, particularly nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs), are often overlooked when evaluating their impact on bone health. This critical aspect of N-BP pharmacology warrants greater attention, as it may play a role beyond inhibiting bone resorption—especially in bone conditions where infection and inflammation are significant contributing factors.(1)The recent study by Yuting Cheng et al. provides valuable insights by demonstrating that low concentrations of zoledronic acid exert anti-inflammatory effects, reducing autophagy in macrophages through suppression of the NLRP3 pathway and downregulation of IL-1β levels.(2) While these findings are compelling, the study would greatly benefit from clarification regarding the clinical relevance of the zoledronic acid doses used in their in vitro and animal models. Specifically, indicating whether such low concentrations could be the norm in patients receiving intravenous or oral bisphosphonate preparations would enhance the translational significance of their results and provide valuable clinical context.

Temperate tree species with non-porous, diffuse-porous and ring-porous woods diverge substantially in the strategy of coping with freezing-induced hydraulic dysfunction, which can be closely associated with the timing of both leaf phenology and xylogenesis. Nevertheless, we still know little about their potential differences in the intra-annual process of xylogenesis as well as the association of this process with leaf phenology. Here, we monitored leaf phenology and xylogenesis in a non-porous ( Pinus), a diffuse-porous ( Populus), and a ring-porous ( Ulmus) temperate tree species in a common garden. The results showed clear divergences in leaf and cambium phenologies and their chronological orders. The two angiosperm tree species exhibited earlier bud burst and leaf unfolding than the conifer. The cambial activity of the ring-porous species began earlier than the diffuse-porous species, although the leaf phenology of the diffuse-porous species was earlier. The conifer species showed the latest leaf phenology but the initiation of cambium activity was as early as the ring-porous species. The results revealed that leaf and cambium phenologies are closely interconnected due to the coordination between xylem water transport and leaf water demand. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the divergent adaptive strategies of temperate trees with different wood types.

Title: Acute Cerebrovascular Accident, Renal Failure, and Thrombotic Microangiopathy in a 27-Year-Old Male with Malignant Hypertension

Genotype and phenotype analysis of a case of Cornelia de Lange syndromeXia Lua, Qiaoli Zhanga, Fan WangaaNeonatology, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lan Zhou, ChinaCorresponding Author: Fan Wang, E-mail address: wangfan1018@sina.com

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are crystalline porous materials with tunable structures, where metal ions or clusters serves as magnetic centers and organic ligands offer spatial separation. These characteristics, combined with their diverse topologies, make MOFs promising candidates for contrast agents (CAs) in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Herein we synthesized four MOFs based on the same triangular Fe 3O clusters with different topologies: MIL-101(Fe) (mtn net), MIL-100(Fe) (moo net), MIL-59(Fe) (pcu net), and MIL-88B(Fe) (acs net). To clarify the relationship between topologies and T 2 relaxivities, the MOFs were tailored into uniform, nanoscale spherical morphologies. Notably, the value of T 2 relaxivity for MIL-88B(Fe) with acs topology is nearly three times of that for MIL-101(Fe) with mtn topology at 7.0 T. By comparing with the magnetic properties of Fe 3O molecular clusters and Ga-doped MIL-88B(Fe), our analysis demonstrated the significant advantage of MOFs with fixed arrays, adjustable component and diverse topologies in enhancing magnetic relaxation. Cellular MRI experiments further revealed that MIL-88B(Fe) could differentiate between M1 and M2 macrophages, highlighting its potential for monitoring tumor progression. These findings offer valuable insights into how MOF topology can be strategically utilized to enhance T 2 relaxivities for MRI applications.

Dual Pathology, Single Solution: Interventional Radiology Management of Bile Duct Injury and Hepatic Artery Pseudoaneurysm Post-Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Demography evaluates how a population occurs over time, allowing us to understand cycles, trends and detect patterns among species. Over the years, demographic studies have expanded in quantity around the world, which has provided a better understanding of the life history of species and the formulation of conservation and management strategies. Brazil is a country of continental dimensions and one of the most biodiverse in the world, however, knowledge about the temporal and spatial distribution of demographic studies in the country is still poor. This study aimed to conduct a review of the state of the art of demographic studies of non-human species in Brazil. Information from 453 scientific articles were evaluated, totaling 1,308 cases. It was observed that the Animalia and Plantae kingdoms are the most studied within the theme of demography. Still, there is insufficient focus on species with concerning levels of extinction threat. The Atlantic Forest was largely the most studied biome, while biomes such as Cerrado and Amazon had a much smaller study case. Aquatic environments accounted for 20% of cases, indicating a study gap within these habitats. An increase in the number of publications was observed from the beginning of the 21st century. Understanding the temporal occurrences of species populations is vital for a better grasp of their life history and conservation. This work underscored existing gaps in both locations and species in Brazil that urgently require further investigation.

A case of hereditary spastic paraplegia type 50 with a novel AP4M1 variant and brief review of the literature

One of the major challenges in cancer research is identifying biomarkers involved in molecular aspects of cancer, including initiation, progression, and therapy outcomes of different cancers. Survival analysis is used to predict the impacts of alteration in gene expression of specific genes on cancer progression. Although studying the impacts of all genes would be infeasible, understanding the survival impacts of transcription factors might be useful. TCGA datasets have been widely used to do such analysis. Here, we have studied the impacts of transcription factors with a proven role in cancer (Oncofactors) on patients’ survival in 13 major TCGA datasets. We have first identified the differentially expressed genes among patients and healthy people. Next, we selected the differentially expressed oncofactors among these genes. In the next step, using clinical data, the survival analysis of each cancer type was conducted using a p-value of 0.01 as the significance level. Interestingly, different sets of TFs were significantly associated with survival for each type of cancer. Unexpectedly, our results indicate that only a limited number of oncofactors might impact on overall survival of cancer patients.