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Roseane da Silva Couto, Wandercleyson Uchôa Abreu, Luís Reginaldo Ribeiro Rodrigues, Luis Fernando Marinho, Vanessa dos Santos Morais, Fabiola Villanova, Ramendra Pati Pandey, Xutao Deng, Eric Delwart, Antonio Charlys da Costa and Elcio Leal
Microorganisms2024, 12(4), 688; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12040688 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
CRESS-DNA encompasses a broad spectrum of viruses documented across diverse organisms such as animals, plants, diatoms, fungi, and marine invertebrates. Despite this prevalence, the full extent of these viruses’ impact on the environment and their respective hosts remains incompletely understood. Furthermore, an increasing
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CRESS-DNA encompasses a broad spectrum of viruses documented across diverse organisms such as animals, plants, diatoms, fungi, and marine invertebrates. Despite this prevalence, the full extent of these viruses’ impact on the environment and their respective hosts remains incompletely understood. Furthermore, an increasing number of viruses within this category lack detailed characterization. This investigation focuses on unveiling and characterizing viruses affiliated with the Genomoviridae family identified in liver samples from the bat Molossus molossus. Leveraging viral metagenomics, we identified seven sequences (MmGmV-PA) featuring a circular DNA genome housing two ORFs encoding replication-associated protein (Rep) and capsid protein (Cap). Predictions based on conserved domains typical of the Genomoviridae family were established. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the segregation of these sequences into two clades aligning with the genera Gemycirculavirus (MmGmV-06-PA and MmGmV-07-PA) and Gemykibivirus (MmGmV-01-PA, MmGmV-02-PA, MmGmV-03-PA, MmGmV-05-PA, and MmGmV-09-PA). At the species level, pairwise comparisons based on complete nucleotide sequences indicated the potential existence of three novel species. In summary, our study significantly contributes to an enhanced understanding of the diversity of Genomoviridae within bat samples, shedding light on previously undiscovered viral entities and their potential ecological implications.
Full article
Craving is one of the most important symptoms of cocaine use disorder (CUD) since it contributes to the relapse and persistence of such disorder. This systematic review aimed to investigate which brain regions are modulated during cocaine craving. The articles were obtained through
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Craving is one of the most important symptoms of cocaine use disorder (CUD) since it contributes to the relapse and persistence of such disorder. This systematic review aimed to investigate which brain regions are modulated during cocaine craving. The articles were obtained through searches in the Google Scholar, Regional BVS Portal, PubMed, and Scielo databases. Overall, there was a selection of 36 studies with 1574 individuals, the majority being participants with CUD, whereby about 61.56% were individuals with CUD and 38.44% were controls (mean age = 40.4 years). Besides the methodological points, the neurobiological investigations comprised fMRI (58.34%) and PET (38.89%). The induction of cocaine craving was studied using different methods: exposure to cocaine cues (69.45%), stressful stimuli, food cues, and methylphenidate. Brain activations demonstrated widespread activity across the frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital lobes, basal ganglia, diencephalon, brainstem, and the limbic system. In addition to abnormalities in prefrontal cortex activity, abnormalities in various other brain regions’ activity contribute to the elucidation of the neurobiology of cocaine craving. Abnormalities in brain activity are justified not only by the dysfunction of dopaminergic pathways but also of the glutamatergic and noradrenergic pathways, and distinct ways of inducing craving demonstrated the involvement of distinct brain circuits and regions.
Full article
A newly documented pathotype 5 of the soil-borne fungus Sporisorium reilianum, causing head smut in sorghum, was tested against 153 unexplored Senegalese sorghum accessions. Among the 153 sorghum accessions tested, 63 (41%) exhibited complete resistance, showing no signs of infection by the
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A newly documented pathotype 5 of the soil-borne fungus Sporisorium reilianum, causing head smut in sorghum, was tested against 153 unexplored Senegalese sorghum accessions. Among the 153 sorghum accessions tested, 63 (41%) exhibited complete resistance, showing no signs of infection by the fungus. The remaining 90 accessions (59%) displayed varying degrees of susceptibility. Sorghum responses against S. reilianum were explored to analyze the potential link with previously known seed morphology-related traits and new phenotype data from 59 lines for seed weight. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) screened 297,876 SNPs and identified highly significant associations (p < 1 × 10−5) with head smut resistance in sorghum. By mapping these significant SNPs to the reference genome, this study revealed 35 novel candidate defense genes potentially involved in disease resistance.
Full article
An overview of the latest advances in the design of active catalysts with the ability to promote (photo) Fenton processes in water from a Green Chemistry perspective is discussed herein. A critical evaluation of the most relevant advances has been disclosed, and a
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An overview of the latest advances in the design of active catalysts with the ability to promote (photo) Fenton processes in water from a Green Chemistry perspective is discussed herein. A critical evaluation of the most relevant advances has been disclosed, and a brief perspective is presented about what is needed to fill the gap of knowledge in this field.
Full article
Currently available silver-based antiseptic wound dressings have limited patient effectiveness. There exists a need for wound dressings that behave as comfortable degradable hydrogels with a strong antibiotic potential. The objectives of this project were to investigate the combined use of gallates (either epi
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Currently available silver-based antiseptic wound dressings have limited patient effectiveness. There exists a need for wound dressings that behave as comfortable degradable hydrogels with a strong antibiotic potential. The objectives of this project were to investigate the combined use of gallates (either epi gallo catechin gallate (EGCG), Tannic acid, or Quercetin) as both PVA crosslinking agents and as potential synergistic antibiotics in combination with silver nanoparticles. Crosslinking was assessed gravimetrically, silver and gallate release was measured using inductively coupled plasma and HPLC methods, respectively. Synergy was measured using 96-well plate FICI methods and in-gel antibacterial effects were measured using planktonic CFU assays. All gallates crosslinked PVA with optimal extended swelling obtained using EGCG or Quercetin at 14% loadings (100 mg in 500 mg PVA with glycerol). All three gallates were synergistic in combination with silver nanoparticles against both gram-positive and -negative bacteria. In PVA hydrogel films, silver nanoparticles with EGCG or Quercetin more effectively inhibited bacterial growth in CFU counts over 24 h as compared to films containing single agents. These biocompatible natural-product antibiotics, EGCG or Quercetin, may play a dual role of providing stable PVA hydrogel films and a powerful synergistic antibiotic effect in combination with silver nanoparticles.
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Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the PreserFlo™ microshunt (PMS) using a 25-Gauge vs. 27-Gauge needle tract. Methods: This is a prospective postoperative examination of 60 glaucoma eyes that received a PMS. The main
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Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the PreserFlo™ microshunt (PMS) using a 25-Gauge vs. 27-Gauge needle tract. Methods: This is a prospective postoperative examination of 60 glaucoma eyes that received a PMS. The main outcome measures were intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma drug score (GDS), Kaplan–Meier success rates, complications, and secondary intervention rates. Two subgroups were formed for data comparison: 27-Gauge (27G), and 25-Gauge (25G). Success was defined as IOP < 18 mmHg together with ≥20% IOP reduction with medication allowed (qualified success = QS18) or not (full success = FS18). Results: IOP and GDS were reduced from baseline to the 1-year study visit as follows: All eyes from 23.4 ± 8.6 mmHg (3.1 ± 0.9) to 15.1 ± 5.9 mmHg (0.8 ± 1.1); 25G from 24.2 ± 7.3 mmHg (3.0 ± 0.8) to 12.7 ± 2.7 mmHg (0.5 ± 0.8); and 27G from 23.1 ± 9.2 mmHg (3.1 ± 1.0) to 16.2 ± 6.7 mmHg (0.9 ± 1.2). IOP at one year was lower in the 25G group compared to the 27G group (p = 0.035). Bleb needling was required in eight (13.3%) eyes and open bleb revisions in three (5.0%). Transient hypotony occurred in 21% and choroidal effusion in 8% of all eyes. Choroidal effusions were more frequent in the 25G group (21%) compared to the 27G group (2%, p = 0.031). One-year success rates were significantly higher in the 25G group compared to the 27G group for both QS18 (25G: 67.9% vs. 27G: 35.7%, p = 0.002) and FS18 (25G: 63.6% vs. 27G: 29.2%, p = 0.007). Conclusions: The PreserFlo microshunt is an effective and safe glaucoma surgery with a low rate of bleb revisions or needlings. We show that the 25G needle tract might be more efficient for IOP control at the cost of increased IOP-related complications compared to 27G.
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DNA methylation is a key epigenetic modification involved in gene regulation, contributing to both physiological and pathological conditions. For a more profound comprehension, it is essential to conduct a precise comparison of DNA methylation patterns between sample groups that represent distinct statuses. Analysis
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DNA methylation is a key epigenetic modification involved in gene regulation, contributing to both physiological and pathological conditions. For a more profound comprehension, it is essential to conduct a precise comparison of DNA methylation patterns between sample groups that represent distinct statuses. Analysis of differentially methylated regions (DMRs) using computational approaches can help uncover the precise relationships between these phenomena. This paper describes a hybrid model that combines the beta-binomial Bayesian hierarchical model with a combination of ranking methods known as HBCR_DMR. During the initial phase, we model the actual methylation proportions of the CpG sites (CpGs) within the replicates. This modeling is achieved through beta-binomial distribution, with parameters set by a group mean and a dispersion parameter. During the second stage, we establish the selection of distinguishing CpG sites based on their methylation status, employing multiple ranking techniques. Finally, we combine the ranking lists of differentially methylated CpG sites through a voting system. Our analyses, encompassing simulations and real data, reveal outstanding performance metrics, including a sensitivity of 0.72, specificity of 0.89, and an F1 score of 0.76, yielding an overall accuracy of 0.82 and an AUC of 0.94. These findings underscore HBCR_DMR’s robust capacity to distinguish methylated regions, confirming its utility as a valuable tool for DNA methylation analysis.
Full article
Niemann–Pick Type C (NPC) represents an autosomal recessive disorder with an incidence rate of 1 in 150,000 live births, classified within lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). The abnormal accumulation of unesterified cholesterol characterizes the pathophysiology of NPC. This phenomenon is not unique to NPC,
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Niemann–Pick Type C (NPC) represents an autosomal recessive disorder with an incidence rate of 1 in 150,000 live births, classified within lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). The abnormal accumulation of unesterified cholesterol characterizes the pathophysiology of NPC. This phenomenon is not unique to NPC, as analogous accumulations have also been observed in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders. Interestingly, disturbances in the folding of the mutant protein NPC1 I1061T are accompanied by the aggregation of proteins such as hyperphosphorylated tau, α-synuclein, TDP-43, and β-amyloid peptide. These accumulations suggest potential disruptions in proteostasis, a regulatory process encompassing four principal mechanisms: synthesis, folding, maintenance of folding, and protein degradation. The dysregulation of these processes leads to excessive accumulation of abnormal proteins that impair cell function and trigger cytotoxicity. This comprehensive review delineates reported alterations across proteostasis mechanisms in NPC, encompassing changes in processes from synthesis to degradation. Additionally, it discusses therapeutic interventions targeting pharmacological facets of proteostasis in NPC. Noteworthy among these interventions is valproic acid, a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) that modulates acetylation during NPC1 synthesis. In addition, various therapeutic options addressing protein folding modulation, such as abiraterone acetate, DHBP, calnexin, and arimoclomol, are examined. Additionally, treatments impeding NPC1 degradation, exemplified by bortezomib and MG132, are explored as potential strategies. This review consolidates current knowledge on proteostasis dysregulation in NPC and underscores the therapeutic landscape targeting diverse facets of this intricate process.
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Mario Benvenuto, Sofia Cesarini, Giulia Severi, Enrico Ambrosini, Angelo Russo, Marco Seri, Pietro Palumbo, Orazio Palumbo, Marco Castori, Emanuele Panza and Massimo Carella
Genes2024, 15(4), 430; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15040430 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
O’Donnell-Luria-Rodan (ODLURO) syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the KMT2E gene. The clinical phonotype of the affected individuals is typically characterized by global developmental delay, autism, epilepsy, hypotonia, macrocephaly, and very mild dysmorphic facial features. In this report, we
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O’Donnell-Luria-Rodan (ODLURO) syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the KMT2E gene. The clinical phonotype of the affected individuals is typically characterized by global developmental delay, autism, epilepsy, hypotonia, macrocephaly, and very mild dysmorphic facial features. In this report, we describe the case of a 6-year-old boy with ODLURO syndrome who is a carrier of the synonymous mutation c.186G>A (p.Ala62=) in the KMT2E gene, predicted to alter splicing by in silico tools. Given the lack of functional studies on the c.186G>A variant, in order to assess its potential functional effect, we sequenced the patient’s cDNA demonstrating its impact on the mechanism of splicing. To the best of our knowledge, our patient is the second to date reported carrying this synonymous mutation, but he is the first whose functional investigation has confirmed the deleterious consequence of the variant, resulting in exon 4 skipping. Additionally, we suggest a potential etiological mechanism that could be responsible for the aberrant splicing mechanism in KMT2E.
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Shamim Mortuza, Benjamin Chin-Yee, Tyler E. James, Ian H. Chin-Yee, Benjamin D. Hedley, Jenny M. Ho, Lalit Saini, Alejandro Lazo-Langner, Laila Schenkel, Pratibha Bhai, Bekim Sadikovic, Jonathan Keow, Nikhil Sangle and Cyrus C. Hsia
Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) with ring sideroblasts (RS) are diagnosed via bone marrow aspiration in the presence of either (i) ≥15% RS or (ii) 5–14% RS and an SF3B1 mutation. In the MEDALIST trial and in an interim analysis of the COMMANDS trial, lower-risk
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Myelodysplastic neoplasms (MDS) with ring sideroblasts (RS) are diagnosed via bone marrow aspiration in the presence of either (i) ≥15% RS or (ii) 5–14% RS and an SF3B1 mutation. In the MEDALIST trial and in an interim analysis of the COMMANDS trial, lower-risk MDS-RS patients had decreased transfusion dependency with luspatercept treatment. A total of 6817 patients with suspected hematologic malignancies underwent molecular testing using a next-generation-sequencing-based genetic assay and 395 MDS patients, seen at our centre from 1 January 2018 to 31 May 2023, were reviewed. Of these, we identified 39 evaluable patients as having lower-risk MDS with SF3B1 mutations: there were 20 (51.3%) males and 19 (48.7%) females, with a median age of 77 years (range of 57 to 92). Nineteen (48.7%) patients had an isolated SF3B1 mutation with a mean variant allele frequency of 35.2% +/− 8.1%, ranging from 7.4% to 46.0%. There were 29 (74.4%) patients with ≥15% RS, 6 (15.4%) with 5 to 14% RS, one (2.6%) with 1% RS, and 3 (7.7%) with no RS. Our study suggests that a quarter of patients would be missed based on the morphologic criterion of only using RS greater than 15% and supports the revised 2022 definitions of the World Health Organization (WHO) and International Consensus Classification (ICC), which shift toward molecularly defined subtypes of MDS and appropriate testing.
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Resource allocation in climate-smart productive practices depends on the explicit recognition and accountability of the expected costs and benefits in socioeconomic and ecological terms. This study assessed the private and social costs and benefits of 10 practices compatible with the transition to sustainable
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Resource allocation in climate-smart productive practices depends on the explicit recognition and accountability of the expected costs and benefits in socioeconomic and ecological terms. This study assessed the private and social costs and benefits of 10 practices compatible with the transition to sustainable agricultural practices under an integrated landscape management (ILM) approach. First, the financial and economic viability of the alternatives was evaluated with a cost-benefit analysis. Then, the potential contribution of these practices in terms of carbon sequestration and landscape connectivity was determined in an ILM scenario where at least three practices (live fences, isolated trees in pastures, and riparian vegetation recovery) could be implemented and assessed at the watershed scale. These practices were evaluated in three Mexican pilot watersheds with contrasting biophysical and sociocultural contexts but with high importance in biodiversity conservation and cattle production. The results showed that most climate-smart practices are viable in the medium and long term from a private standpoint. However, more significant benefits are achievable over a shorter period when social co-benefits are included. The results could contribute to decision-making in terms of public policy, providing evidence of the financial and economic feasibility of the analyzed climate-smart practices that also have ecological benefits. In this sense, decision-makers who promote such practices have more arguments to seek funding for implementation.
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To date, research on abalone adhesion has primarily analyzed the organism’s adhesion to smooth surfaces, with few studies on adhesion to non-smooth surfaces. The present study examined the surface morphology of the abalone’s abdominal foot, followed by measuring the adhesive force of the
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To date, research on abalone adhesion has primarily analyzed the organism’s adhesion to smooth surfaces, with few studies on adhesion to non-smooth surfaces. The present study examined the surface morphology of the abalone’s abdominal foot, followed by measuring the adhesive force of the abalone on a smooth force measuring plate and five force measuring plates with different surface morphologies. Next, the adhesion mechanism of the abdominal foot was analyzed. The findings indicated that the abdominal foot of the abalone features numerous stripe-shaped folds on its surface. The adhesion of the abalone to a fine frosted glass plate, a coarse frosted glass plate, and a quadrangular conical glass plate was not significantly different from that on a smooth glass plate. However, the organism’s adhesion to a small lattice pit glass plate and block pattern glass plate was significantly different. The abalone could effectively adhere to the surface of the block pattern glass plate using the elasticity of its abdominal foot during adhesion but experienced difficulty in completely adhering to the surface of the quadrangular conical glass plate. The abdominal foot used its elasticity to form an independent sucker system with each small lattice pit, significantly improving adhesion to the small lattice pit glass plate. The elasticity of the abalone’s abdominal foot created difficulty in handling slight morphological size changes in roughness, resulting in no significant differences in its adhesion to the smooth glass plate.
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Francisco Cezar Aquino de Moraes, Vitor Kendi Tsuchiya Sano, Artur de Oliveira Macena Lôbo, Francinny Alves Kelly, Victória Morbach, Eric Pasqualotto and Rommel Mario Rodríguez Burbano
J. Pers. Med.2024, 14(4), 360; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14040360 (registering DOI) - 29 Mar 2024
The benefit of associating anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies to proteasome inhibitor (PI)/immunomodulatory agent (IA) and dexamethasone in the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM) remains unclear. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized controlled trials that investigated
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The benefit of associating anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies to proteasome inhibitor (PI)/immunomodulatory agent (IA) and dexamethasone in the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (MM) remains unclear. PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized controlled trials that investigated the addition of anti-CD38 monoclonal antibodies to a therapy composed of PI/IA and dexamethasone versus PI/IA and dexamethasone alone for treating relapsed or refractory MM. Hazard ratios (HRs) or risk ratios (RRs) were computed for binary endpoints, with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Six studies comprising 2191 patients were included. Anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody significantly improved progression-free survival (HR 0.52; 95% CI 0.43–0.61; p < 0.001) and overall survival (HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.63–0.83; p < 0.001). There was a significant increase in hematological adverse events, such as neutropenia (RR 1.41; 95% CI 1.26–1.58; p < 0.01) and thrombocytopenia (RR 1.14; 95% CI 1.02–1.27; p = 0.02), in the group treated with anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. Also, there was a significant increase in non-hematological adverse events, such as dyspnea (RR 1.72; 95% CI 1.38–2.13; p < 0.01) and pneumonia (RR 1.34; 95% CI 1.13–1.59; p < 0.01), in the group treated with anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody. In conclusion, the incorporation of an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody demonstrated a promising prospect for reshaping the established MM treatment paradigms.
Full article
The standard Permanent Scatterer Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PSInSAR) technique, which is commonly used for surface motion analysis, assumes linear deformation velocities. While effective for monitoring urban subsidence over short periods, it falls short when dealing with non-linear, earthquake-related deformations over extended timeframes.
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The standard Permanent Scatterer Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PSInSAR) technique, which is commonly used for surface motion analysis, assumes linear deformation velocities. While effective for monitoring urban subsidence over short periods, it falls short when dealing with non-linear, earthquake-related deformations over extended timeframes. To address this limitation, we use a non-linear PSInSAR technique, which is an enhancement of PSInSAR, to identify non-linear deformation patterns. We processed Sentinel-1A images from ascending and descending orbits in the Islamabad/Rawalpindi region from December 2015 to January 2023 using non-linear PSInSAR. By calculating the differences in deformation, we analyzed surface movements and assessed the impact of the 2017 earthquake on urban areas. Our findings reveal that the earthquake significantly increased the deformation in ascending and descending orbit tracks, with an average deformation of up to 70 mm/yr and a line-of-sight movement of up to 30 mm/yr. Our observations indicate that the deformation is directed towards the line of sight in the north and south of the deformed area, suggesting subsidence between the two uplifting faults, potentially linked to a concealed fault line along the deformation zone boundary. This contradicts previous arguments, suggesting that water extraction is the leading cause of deformation. Our analysis with non-linear PSInSAR demonstrates that tectonics play a significant role in deformation, providing valuable insights into tectonic-activity-induced deformations in urban areas over the long term.
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The South China Sea (SCS) displays remarkable responses and feedback to the summer monsoon intraseasonal oscillation (ISO). This study investigates how the SCS summer ocean circulation responds to the monsoon ISO based on weekly satellite data. In summer, the largest amplitudes for intraseasonal
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The South China Sea (SCS) displays remarkable responses and feedback to the summer monsoon intraseasonal oscillation (ISO). This study investigates how the SCS summer ocean circulation responds to the monsoon ISO based on weekly satellite data. In summer, the largest amplitudes for intraseasonal (30–90 days) sea surface height variations in the SCS occur around the northeastward offshore current off southeast Vietnam between a north–south eddy dipole. Our results show that such strong intraseasonal sea surface height variations are mainly caused by the alternate enhancement of the two eddies of the eddy dipole. Specifically, in response to the intraseasonal intensification of southwesterly winds, the northern cyclonic eddy of the eddy dipole strengthens within 1–2 weeks, and its southern boundary tends to be more southerly. Afterwards, as the wind-driven southern anticyclonic gyre spins up, the southern anticyclonic eddy gradually intensifies and expands its northern boundary northward, while the northern cyclonic eddy weakens and retreats northward. Besides the local wind forcing, westward propagations of the eastern boundary-originated sea surface height anomalies, which exhibit latitude-dependent features that are consistent with the linear Rossby wave theory, play an important role in ocean dynamical adjustments to the monsoon ISO, especially in the southern SCS. Case studies further confirm our findings and indicate that understanding this wind-driven process makes the ocean more predictable on short-term timescales.
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In this paper, we proposed an efficient and high-precision process for fabricating large-area microlens arrays using thermal reflow combined with ICP etching. When the temperature rises above the glass transition temperature, the polymer cylinder will reflow into a smooth hemisphere due to the
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In this paper, we proposed an efficient and high-precision process for fabricating large-area microlens arrays using thermal reflow combined with ICP etching. When the temperature rises above the glass transition temperature, the polymer cylinder will reflow into a smooth hemisphere due to the surface tension effect. The dimensional differences generated after reflow can be corrected using etching selectivity in the following ICP etching process, which transfers the microstructure on the photoresist to the substrate. The volume variation before and after reflow, as well as the effect of etching selectivity using process parameters, such as RF power and gas flow, were explored. Due to the surface tension effect and the simultaneous molding of all microlens units, machining a 3.84 × 3.84 mm2 silicon microlens array required only 3 min of reflow and 15 min of ICP etching with an extremely low average surface roughness Sa of 1.2 nm.
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Of all the environmental elements that influence the biological communities of rivers, water flow characteristics are undoubtedly the most important. Unfortunately, natural hydrological characteristics are increasingly threatened by human activities, especially in alpine or high mountain areas where there are numerous hydropower plants.
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Of all the environmental elements that influence the biological communities of rivers, water flow characteristics are undoubtedly the most important. Unfortunately, natural hydrological characteristics are increasingly threatened by human activities, especially in alpine or high mountain areas where there are numerous hydropower plants. In this study, we analysed the impact of hydrological alterations on the macroinvertebrate community of a lowland river in NW Italy. Specifically, we analysed the macroinvertebrate communities of an unaffected site by comparing them with those of a site subject to hydrological alteration. We adopted an approach that is not only taxonomic but also functional, allowing us to study a component of biodiversity that is generally less known. Our results show that the flow-altered site hosted a benthic community with lower species and functional diversity than the control site. Interestingly, we also detected a number of significant differences between the summer and autumn samples. In particular, examination of community-weighted mean (CWM) trait values reveals significant variation in body size, voltinism, substrate, locomotion, feeding habits and other traits between sites and seasons. The integration of taxonomic and functional approaches provides a comprehensive understanding of how human-induced hydrological variations can affect aquatic biodiversity and ecological functions.
Full article
Academic research plays a pivotal role in illustrating and testing potential future adaptation strategies to sea level rise in low-lying coastal communities and enhances local municipalities’ adaptation plans. In Waikīkī, Hawai‘i, the built environment is increasingly impacted by flooding from multiple drivers: sea
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Academic research plays a pivotal role in illustrating and testing potential future adaptation strategies to sea level rise in low-lying coastal communities and enhances local municipalities’ adaptation plans. In Waikīkī, Hawai‘i, the built environment is increasingly impacted by flooding from multiple drivers: sea level rise-induced direct marine inundation, storm-drain backflow, and groundwater inundation (GWI), compounded by high-wave runup, extreme tides, heavy rainfall, and a shallow groundwater table. Given Waikīkī’s economic and cultural importance, in-place accommodation of flooding is desired, yet implementation plans have not been developed. By combining current scientific research, urban design visualizations, and community feedback, the interdisciplinary research team advanced intentional communication between the many parties seeking increased flood resilience through the end of the 21st century. Site-specific architectural renderings were a key tool to prompt structured community input on the coordination, prioritization, policy, and feasibility of adaptation measures for buildings, utilities, transportation, and open space. Public outreach reports document that the majority of participants thought all adaptation strategies presented were applicable, especially relocating critical equipment in buildings and streets. Proposed methods to develop sea level rise-adjusted minimum building elevation requirements may inform local municipalities’ future codes to minimize coastal property damage. The multi-year iterative process fostered growing participation in hosted and invited events, further improving the publicly distributed research products.
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The remarkable global diversity in long-ripened cheese production can be attributed to the adaptability of the cheese microbiota. Most cheese types involve intricate microbial ecosystems, primarily represented by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The present study aims to review the microbial community’s diversity in
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The remarkable global diversity in long-ripened cheese production can be attributed to the adaptability of the cheese microbiota. Most cheese types involve intricate microbial ecosystems, primarily represented by lactic acid bacteria (LAB). The present study aims to review the microbial community’s diversity in dairy fermentation processes, focusing on two famous Italian cheeses, Grana Padano and Parmigiano Reggiano, produced using natural whey starter (NWS). NWS, created by retaining whey from the previous day’s cheese batches, forms a microbiological connection between daily cheese productions. Through this technique, a dynamic microbiota colonizes the curd and influences cheese ripening. The back-slopping method in NWS preparation ensures the survival of diverse biotypes, providing a complex microbial community in which interactions among microorganisms are critical to ensuring its technological functionality. As highlighted in this review, the presence of microbial cells alone does not guarantee technological relevance. Critical microorganisms can grow and colonize the curd and cheese. This complexity enables NWS to adapt to artisanal production technologies while considering variations in raw milk microbiota, inhibitory compounds, and manufacturing conditions. This critical review aims to discuss NWS as a key factor in cheese making, considering microbial communities’ ability to evolve under different selective pressures and biotic and abiotic stresses.
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Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious global health problem, and chronic HBV infection significantly increases the risk of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma in patients. Current first-line therapeutics such as nucleos(t)ide analogues and interferons are unable to completely clear
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Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a serious global health problem, and chronic HBV infection significantly increases the risk of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma in patients. Current first-line therapeutics such as nucleos(t)ide analogues and interferons are unable to completely clear cccDNA, so the vast majority of patients need to take long-term or even lifelong medication. However, long-term virological and biochemical responses can be achieved in some patients after drug withdrawal. Successfully screening these patients with drug withdrawal advantages is difficult. Hepatitis-B-core-related antigen (HBcrAg) is a new HBV serological marker that which can reflect the level and transcription activity of cccDNA in hepatocytes. Therefore, HBcrAg has potential value in guiding patients in drug withdrawal. This review summarizes previous reports on HBcrAg and evaluates the application value of HBcrAg in safe drug discontinuation.
Full article
Strategic Networks (SNs) have emerged as a prevalent organizational form that offers synergistic benefits to participating firms. Despite their potential, SNs often experience member firms’ departure, raising concerns about their long-term viability. This study explores the factors that influence firms’ decisions to exit
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Strategic Networks (SNs) have emerged as a prevalent organizational form that offers synergistic benefits to participating firms. Despite their potential, SNs often experience member firms’ departure, raising concerns about their long-term viability. This study explores the factors that influence firms’ decisions to exit SNs by examining the interplay between network maturity, member firms’ satisfaction, and their individual characteristics. Using data from 338 Brazilian firms involved in SNs, a cluster analysis was employed to identify distinct groups of firms based on shared attributes. The findings revealed a significant association between higher perceived maturity, greater satisfaction with SNs, and lower likelihood of departure. These results suggest that network leaders should prioritize cultivating a mature and satisfying SN environment to mitigate member exits. By identifying the critical distinctions between the remaining and departing firms, this study provides valuable insights for network managers seeking to strengthen the longevity and stability of their strategic partnerships.
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Metastasis to the penis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) or any other primary cancer site is unusual; when it does occur, it often involves multiple organs. A 75-year-old man presented with penile pain and swelling. Three months earlier, he had open radical nephrectomy
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Metastasis to the penis from renal cell carcinoma (RCC) or any other primary cancer site is unusual; when it does occur, it often involves multiple organs. A 75-year-old man presented with penile pain and swelling. Three months earlier, he had open radical nephrectomy with thrombectomy and was diagnosed with clear-cell RCC with tumor thrombosis in the inferior vena cava. The follow-up imaging indicated metastasis to the penis, prompting a total penectomy due to worsening pain. The excised mass displayed features consistent with metastatic RCC. This case underscores the need to consider rare metastatic sites, such as the metastasis of RCC to the penis, in RCC patients.
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