Post-hepatectomy liver failure (PHLF) remains the major contributor to death after liver resection. Oxidative stress is associated with postoperative complications, but its impact on liver function is unclear. This first in-human, prospective, single-center, observational pilot study evaluated perioperative oxidative stress and PHLF according to the ISGLS (International Study Group for Liver Surgery). Serum 8-isoprostane, 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), total antioxidative capacity, vitamins A and E, and intraoperative, sequential hepatic tissue 4-HNE and UCP2 (uncoupling protein 2) immunohistochemistry (IHC) were assessed. The interaction with known risk factors for PHLF and the predictive potential of oxidative stress markers were analyzed. Overall, 52 patients were included (69.2% major liver resection). Thirteen patients (25%) experienced PHLF, a major factor for 90-day mortality (23% vs. 0%; p = 0.013). Post-resection, pro-oxidative 8-isoprostane significantly increased (p = 0.038), while 4-HNE declined immediately (p < 0.001). Antioxidative markers showed patterns of consumption starting post-resection (p < 0.001). Liver tissue oxidative stress increased stepwise from biopsies taken after laparotomy to post-resection in situ liver and resection specimens (all p < 0.001). Cholangiocarcinoma patients demonstrated significantly higher serum and tissue oxidative stress levels at various timepoints, with consistently higher preoperative values in advanced tumor stages. Combining intraoperative, post-resection 4-HNE serum levels and in situ IHC early predicted PHLF with an AUC of 0.855 (63.6% vs. 0%; p < 0.001). This was also associated with grade B/C PHLF (36.4% vs. 0%; p = 0.021) and 90-day mortality (18.2% vs. 0%; p = 0.036). In conclusion, distinct patterns of perioperative oxidative stress levels occur in patients with liver dysfunction. Combining intraoperative serum and liver tissue markers predicts subsequent PHLF. Cholangiocarcinoma patients demonstrated pronounced systemic and hepatic oxidative stress, with increasing levels in advanced tumor stages, thus representing a worthwhile target for future exploratory and therapeutic studies. Full article

Background: The development and course of myocardial infarction with non-obstructive coronary artery (MINOCA) disease is still not fully understood. In this study, we aimed to examine the baseline characteristics of in-hospital outcomes and long-term outcomes of a cohort of troponin-positive patients without obstructive coronary artery disease based on different left ventricular ejection fractions (LVEFs). Methods and results: We included a cohort of 254 patients (mean age: 64 (50.8–75.3) years, 120 females) with suspected myocardial infarction and no obstructive coronary artery disease (MINOCA) in our institutional database between 2010 and 2021. Among these patients, 170 had LVEF ≥ 50% (84 females, 49.4%), 31 patients had LVEF 40–49% (15 females, 48.4%), and 53 patients had LVEF < 40% (20 females, 37.7%). The mean age in the LVEF ≥ 50% group was 61.5 (48–73) years, in the LVEF 40–49% group was 67 (57–78) years, and in the LVEF < 40% group was 68 (56–75.5) years (p = 0.05). The mean troponin value was highest in the LVEF < 40% group, at 3.8 (1.7–4.6) µg/L, and lowest in the LVEF ≥ 50% group, at 1.1 (0.5–2.1) µg/L (p = 0.05). Creatine Phosphokinase (CK) levels were highest in the LVEF ≥ 50% group (156 (89.5–256)) and lowest in the LVEF 40–49% group (127 (73–256)) (p < 0.05), while the mean BNP value was lowest in the LVEF ≥ 50% group (98 (48–278) pg/mL) and highest in the <40% group (793 (238.3–2247.5) pg/mL) (p = 0.001). Adverse in-hospital cardiovascular events were highest in the LVEF < 40% group compared to the LVEF 40–49% group and the LVEF ≥ 50% group (56% vs. 55% vs. 27%; p < 0.001). Over a follow-up period of 6.2 ± 3.1 years, the all-cause mortality was higher in the LVEF < 40% group compared to the LVEF 40–49% group and the LVEF ≥ 50% group. Among the different factors, LVEF < 40% and LVEF 40–49% were associated with an increased risk of in-hospital cardiovascular events in the multivariable Cox regression analysis. Conclusions: LVEF has different impacts on in-hospital cardiovascular events in this cohort. Furthermore, LVEF influences long-term all-cause mortality. Full article

(1)The study aimed to measure the depth, volume, and surface area of the intact human orbit by applying an automated method of CT segmentation and to evaluate correlations among depth, volume, and surface area. Additionally, the relative increases in volume and surface area in proportion to the diagonal of the orbit were assessed. (2) CT data from 174 patients were analyzed. A ball-shaped mesh consisting of tetrahedral elements was inserted inside orbits until it encountered the bony boundaries. Orbital volume, area depth, and their correlations were measured. For the validation, an ICC was used. (3) The differences between genders were significant (p < 10⁻⁷) but there were no differences between sides. When comparing orbit from larger to smaller, a paired sample t-test indicated a significant difference in groups (p < 10⁻¹⁰). A simple linear model (Volume~1 + Gender + Depth + Gender:Depth) revealed that only depth had a significant effect on volume (p < 10⁻¹⁹). The ICCs were 1.0. (4) Orbital volume, depth, and surface area measurements based on an automated CT segmentation algorithm demonstrated high repeatability and reliability. Male orbits were always larger on average by 14%. There were no differences between the sides. The volume and surface area ratio did not differ between genders and was approximately 0.75. Full article

Zooplankton are a pivotal component of the pelagic community, and their abundance and distribution are often strongly dependent on environmental conditions at sea. However, climate change can pose significant challenges to planktonic organisms. Therefore, in this study, we tried to address the possible effect of short-term climatic anomalies on the zooplankton community in the North Adriatic Sea, comparing mesozooplankton composition in June between two years with very different temperature and rainfall levels, i.e., 2019 and 2022. Environmental conditions at sea were significantly different, since 2022 faced rising temperatures in the northern part of the area and higher salinity and lower chlorophyll values in coastal samples. Our data unveiled a community shift, from a Noctiluca-dominated community to a crustacean-dominated one, and revealed that even offshore areas can be subject to changes, despite having quite stable environmental parameters. Our findings confirmed the influence of river inputs and temperature on the Adriatic community’s distribution and composition, highlighting how climate-driven changes could have unpredictable effects on the whole Adriatic ecosystem. Indeed, each species has its own role in ecosystem functioning and climatic anomalies could uncouple the fine-scale connections that make up the pelagic trophic web. Full article

Background: This systematic review aggregates research on psychotherapeutic interventions for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in children and adolescents. PTSD in this demographic presents differently from adults, necessitating tailored therapeutic approaches. In children and adolescents, PTSD arises from exposure to severe danger, interpersonal violence, or abuse, leading to significant behavioral and emotional disturbances that jeopardize long-term development. The review focuses on describing PTSD within two age groups, children (6 to 12 years) and adolescents (12 to 18 years), while evaluating the effectiveness of various clinical interventions aimed at this condition. Methods: Utilizing the PRISMA guidelines, this review systematically examines studies that assess clinical interventions for PTSD in the younger population. Results: Key symptoms of PTSD in children and adolescents include avoidance, overstimulation, flashbacks, depression, and anxiety. The review identifies several effective treatments, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Systemic Therapy, Play Therapy, Exposure Therapy, Relaxation Techniques, and Psychodynamic Psychotherapy. Particularly, TF-CBT is highlighted as the most effective and commonly used method in treating childhood and adolescent PTSD, as supported by most of the studies reviewed. Conclusions: A significant outcome of this study is the short-term effectiveness of CBT in reducing PTSD symptoms in children and adolescents. The findings underline the importance of psychotherapeutic interventions and mark a substantial advancement in understanding PTSD in young populations. It is crucial for practitioners to integrate various psychotherapeutic strategies into their practice to improve patient outcomes and treatment efficacy. Full article

“Vulnerability” is now a widely used term in different settings—from politics and academia to everyday life. In response, a growing body of research has emerged critiquing and challenging the use of the concept in the social sciences. In this paper, we explore the use of the term vulnerability in research on children in out-of-home care and discuss the possible negative consequences of this—for the people involved and for the knowledge produced. Showing some of the problems involved in classifying these children as “particularly vulnerable”, we argue that there is a need for more nuanced understandings of children growing up in out-of-home care. Full article

Mouse adenoviruses (MAdV) play important roles in studying host–adenovirus interaction. However, easy-to-use reverse genetics systems are still lacking for MAdV. An infectious plasmid pKRMAV1 was constructed by ligating genomic DNA of wild-type MAdV-1 with a PCR product containing a plasmid backbone through Gibson assembly. A fragment was excised from pKRMAV1 by restriction digestion and used to generate intermediate plasmid pKMAV1-ER, which contained E3, fiber, E4, and E1 regions of MAdV-1. CMV promoter-controlled GFP expression cassette was inserted downstream of the pIX gene in pKMAV1-ER and then transferred to pKRMAV1 to generate adenoviral plasmid pKMAV1-IXCG. Replacement of transgene could be conveniently carried out between dual BstZ17I sites in pKMAV1-IXCG by restriction-assembly, and a series of adenoviral plasmids were generated. Recombinant viruses were rescued after transfecting linearized adenoviral plasmids to mouse NIH/3T3 cells. MAdV-1 viruses carrying GFP or firefly luciferase genes were characterized in gene transduction, plaque-forming, and replication in vitro or in vivo by observing the expression of reporter genes. The results indicated that replication-competent vectors presented relevant properties of wild-type MAdV-1 very well. By constructing viruses bearing exogenous fragments with increasing size, it was found that MAdV-1 could tolerate an insertion up to 3.3 kb. Collectively, a replication-competent MAdV-1 vector system was established, which simplified procedures for the change of transgene or modification of E1, fiber, E3, or E4 genes. Full article

Breast cancer (BC)-related sequelae drastically impact the psychophysical functioning and quality of life of affected women. Adapted physical activity (APA) has proved to effectively counteract these impairments in a non-medicalized framework. In particular, dragon boats are able to promote body functionality, social interaction, and quality of life in BC survivors, but the literature on specific motor gestures is scarce and practice is still based more on a re-educative perspective than a performative one. In this context, the present longitudinal study investigated the benefits of an adapted biofeedback-based sensorimotor training intervention on upper body functionality in a team of dragon ladies. The 8-week intervention was conceived as integrated dry workout sessions led by an APA kinesiologist and applied a novel sensorized proprioceptive device, such as a Libra board. Post-protocol evaluation revealed a significant improvement in bilateral upper limb mobility, core endurance, and trunk stability along with a distress decrease and quality of life enhancement through validated assessment tools. Our findings suggest that integrating biofeedback-based workout sessions can effectively promote upper body functionality in BC survivors practicing dragon boating. Furthermore, our innovative approach could help spread methodological hints able to boost exercise adherence in this target population, thus counteracting cancer recurrence while promoting overall well-being. Full article

The performance of the Plate Indirect Evaporative Cooler (PIEC) can be effectively improved by incorporating baffles in the dry channel. However, in the dimensional influence of the baffles on PIEC performance there remains a research gap. In order to investigate the impact of baffle dimensions on the wet bulb efficiency, namely the average heat transfer coefficient and the cooling capacity of the PIEC, this paper proposed and verified a three-dimensional numerical model and method based on the species transport model and the Euler wall film model. At the same time, in order to obtain the equilibrium point between the enhanced heat transfer performance and the additional resistance induced by baffles, a comprehensive performance evaluation index is introduced. The results indicate that, under the same conditions, (1) the baffle effect on PIEC performance is significant at a lower inlet air velocity, and the wet bulb efficiency of the PIEC with baffles can be improved by 22.8%; (2) the baffle effect on PIEC performance is negative if its relative length exceeds 60% or the primary air inlet velocity surpasses 4 m/s under the conditions specified in this paper; and (3) the baffle effect on PIEC performance is significant when its channel height is lower and its channel width is larger, and the wet bulb efficiency of the PIEC with baffles can be improved by 29.3%. Full article

Live vinegar is a product formed through a two-step fermentation process of a sugar substrate that has not been subjected to filtration or pasteurization. This is considered to preserve all nutrients and biologically active microorganisms, making it a product with a valuable composition and beneficial properties. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and antioxidant properties of the selected vinegars available on the Polish food market. The material in the study consisted of four live (naturally turbid, unfiltered, unpasteurized) fruit or vegetable vinegars: apple, pear, rhubarb, and lemon. Spectrophotometric, HPLC, and GC methods were used. Among the vinegars tested, lemon vinegar had the highest vitamin C content—15.95 mg/100 mL. Apple vinegar proved to be the best source of polyphenols and flavonoids (TPC—191.97 mg GAE/L, TFC—70.22 mg RE/L). All of the vinegars contained dihydroxybenzoic acid, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, caffeic acid, 2-hydroxycinnamic acid, and myricetin. The acetic acid content of the tested vinegars ranged from 29.180 to 38.125 mM/L. The pH values ranged from 3.14 to 3.41. In conclusion, the most promising nutraceutical with potentially beneficial health-promoting properties seems to be apple vinegar. Full article

Sympathetic nervous system (SNS) hyperactivity is mediated by elevated catecholamine (CA) secretion from the adrenal medulla, as well as enhanced norepinephrine (NE) release from peripheral sympathetic nerve terminals. Adrenal CA production from chromaffin cells is tightly regulated by sympatho-inhibitory α₂-adrenergic (auto)receptors (ARs), which inhibit both epinephrine (Epi) and NE secretion via coupling to Gi/o proteins. α₂-AR function is, in turn, regulated by G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-kinases (GRKs), especially GRK2, which phosphorylate and desensitize them, i.e., uncouple them from G proteins. On the other hand, the short-chain free fatty acid (SCFA) receptor (FFAR)-3, also known as GPR41, promotes NE release from sympathetic neurons via the Gi/o-derived free Gβγ-activated phospholipase C (PLC)-β/Ca²⁺ signaling pathway. However, whether it exerts a similar effect in adrenal chromaffin cells is not known at present. In the present study, we examined the interplay of the sympatho-inhibitory α_2A-AR and the sympatho-stimulatory FFAR3 in the regulation of CA secretion from rat adrenal chromaffin (pheochromocytoma) PC12 cells. We show that FFAR3 promotes CA secretion, similarly to what GRK2-dependent α_2A-AR desensitization does. In addition, FFAR3 activation enhances the effect of the physiologic stimulus (acetylcholine) on CA secretion. Importantly, GRK2 blockade to restore α_2A-AR function or the ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB or 3-hydroxybutyrate), via FFAR3 antagonism, partially suppress CA production, when applied individually. When combined, however, CA secretion from PC12 cells is profoundly suppressed. Finally, propionate-activated FFAR3 induces leptin and adiponectin secretion from PC12 cells, two important adipokines known to be involved in tissue inflammation, and this effect of FFAR3 is fully blocked by the ketone BHB. In conclusion, SCFAs can promote CA and adipokine secretion from adrenal chromaffin cells via FFAR3 activation, but the metabolite/ketone body BHB can effectively inhibit this action. Full article

Prostate cancer (PCa) ranks as the second most common cancer in Japanese males, while bladder cancer (BC) holds the tenth spot. Among double urological cancers, the incidence of synchronous or metachronous BC and PCa is the highest. Reports on upper urinary tract (UUT) urothelial cancer (UC) in PCa patients are limited. Here, we present three cases of metachronous PCa and BC, with subsequent diagnosis of ureteral and renal pelvic cancer during the course of the disease. In the follow-up of patients with urological cancers, it is important to be aware not only of the progression of the initial cancer but also the potential development of a second cancer. Full article

Background: Despite the increasing use of transcatheter aortic valve procedures, many patients still require surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Assessing arterial properties in patients undergoing SAVR for aortic valve stenosis can be challenging, and the existing evidence is inconclusive. Our study aimed to investigate the impact of SAVR on vascular stiffness and the quality of life, as well as the different effects of valve type on arterial properties. Methods: We included 60 patients (mean age 70.25 ± 8.76 years, 65% men) with severe symptomatic aortic stenosis who underwent SAVR. Arterial stiffness (cfPWV, baPWV) and vascular parameters (AIx@75, central pressures, SEVR) were measured at baseline, pre-discharge, and 1-year post-operation. The QOL was assessed using the generic questionnaire—short-form health survey 36 (SF-36) pre-operatively and at 1 year. Results: Post-SAVR, cfPWV increased immediately (7.67 ± 1.70 m/s vs. 8.27 ± 1.92 m/s, p = 0.009) and persisted at 1 year (8.27 ± 1.92 m/s vs. 9.29 ± 2.59 m/s, p ≤ 0.001). Similarly, baPWV (n = 55) increased acutely (1633 ± 429 cm/s vs. 2014 ± 606 cm/s, p < 0.001) and remained elevated at 1 year (1633 ± 429 cm/s vs. 1867 ± 408 cm/s, p < 0.001). Acute decrease in Alx@75 (31.16 ± 10% vs. 22.48 ± 13%, p < 0.001) reversed at 1 year (31.16 ± 10% vs. 30.98 ± 9%, p = 0.71). SEVR improved (136.1 ± 30.4% vs. 149.2 ± 32.7%, p = 0.01) and persisted at 1 year (136.1 ± 30.4% vs. 147.5 ± 30.4%, p = 0.01). SV had a greater cfPWV increase at 1 year (p = 0.049). The QOL improved irrespective of arterial stiffness changes. Conclusions: After SAVR, arterial stiffness demonstrates a persistent increase at 1-year, with valve type having a slight influence on the outcomes. These findings remain consistent despite the perceived QOL. Full article

This work aims to show the potential of imaging spectroscopy in assessing water quality and aquatic vegetation in Lake Trasimeno, Italy. Hyperspectral reflectance data from the PRISMA, DESIS and EnMAP missions (2019–2022, summer periods) were compared with in situ measurements from WISPStation and used as inputs for water quality product generation algorithms. The bio-optical model BOMBER was run to simultaneously retrieve water quality parameters (Chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and Total Suspended Matter, (TSM)) and the coverage of submerged and emergent macrophytes (SM, EM); value-added products, such as Phycocyanin concentration maps, were generated through a machine learning approach. The results showed radiometric agreement between satellite and in situ data, with R² > 0.9, a Spectral Angle < 10° and water quality mapping errors < 30%. Both SM and EM coverage varied significantly from 2019 (135 ha, 0 ha, respectively) to 2022 (2672 ha, 343 ha), likely influenced by changes in rainfall and lake levels. The areas of greatest variability in Chl-a and TSM were identified in the littoral zones in the western side of the lake, while the highest variation in the fractional cover of SM and density of EM were observed in the south-eastern region; this information could support the water authorities’ monitoring activities. To this end, further developments to improve the reference field data for the validation of water quality products are recommended. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic increased symptoms of stress and anxiety and induced changes in sleep quality, dream activity, and parasomnia episodes. It has been shown that stressful factors and/or bad sleep habits can affect parasomnia behaviors. However, investigations on how COVID-19 has affected sleep, dreams, and episode frequency in parasomnias are rare. The current study focuses on the impact of the pandemic on a specific parasomnia characterized by speech production (sleep talking, ST). Methods: We selected 27 participants with frequent ST episodes (STs) during the pandemic and compared them with 27 participants with frequent STs from a previous study conducted during a pre-pandemic period. All participants performed home monitoring through sleep logs and recorded their nocturnal STs for one week. Results: We observed a higher frequency of STs in the pandemic group. Moreover, STs were related to the emotional intensity of dreams, independent of the pandemic condition. The pandemic was associated with lower bizarreness of dreams in the pandemic group. There were no differences in sleep variables between the two groups. Conclusion: Overall, these results suggest a stressful effect of COVID-19 on the frequency of STs. Both the pandemic and the frequency of STs affect qualitative characteristics of dreams in this population. Full article

Sarcopenia is characterized by the progressive loss of muscle mass, strength, and function and poses a significant health challenge among people with diabetes. Sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) are the backbone of type 2 diabetes treatment. The interplay between SGLT2is and sarcopenia is an area of active research with inconclusive results. This article presents an unexpectedly rapid weight reduction, along with physical performance deterioration, in an elderly patient with type 2 diabetes, which led to treatment discontinuation. A bioelectrical impedance analysis confirmed severe sarcopenia development. Until more data are available, sarcopenia and body composition screening and monitoring may be warranted whenever SGLT2is are prescribed. Full article

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), encompassing Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory condition of the intestine that significantly impairs quality of life and imposes a heavy burden on healthcare systems globally. While the exact etiology of IBD is unclear, it is influenced by genetic, environmental, immunological, and microbial factors. Recent advances highlight the gut microbiome’s pivotal role in IBD pathogenesis. The microbial dysbiosis characteristic of IBD, marked by a decline in beneficial bacteria and an increase in pathogenic microbes, suggests a profound connection between microbial imbalance and disease mechanisms. This review explores diagnostic approaches to IBD that integrate clinical assessment with advanced microbiological analyses, highlighting the potential of microbiome profiling as a non-invasive diagnostic tool. In addition, it evaluates conventional and emerging treatments and discusses microbiome-targeted intervention prospects, such as probiotics, symbiotics, and faecal microbiota transplantation. The necessity for future research to establish their efficacy and safety is emphasised. Full article

Peripheral developing odontoma is a rare odontogenic lesion that mostly occurs in children. Their clinical and radiological features generally provide clinical suspicion of a benign lesion but only a histological examination may lead to the final diagnosis. Surgical management is generally easy and resolutive, but it can become more complicated in uncooperative patients and may thus require additional procedures to perform a fit surgery. We report a case of peripheral developing odontoma of the palatal aspect of the anterior maxilla that occurred in an uncooperative child subsequently treated by diode laser surgery, highlighting the benefit of this kind of surgery in pediatric patients. Data from the literature on peripheral developing odontoma have been collected and discussed with a narrative review. Full article

Angiosarcoma is a rare aggressive and understudied soft tissue sarcoma with pending evidence-based treatment guidelines due to varying study cohorts and inconsistent outcome measures. Surgery with wide resection is currently considered to be the cornerstone in management. In a population-based cohort identified from Danish National Health Registers between 2000 and 2017, this study aimed to define prognostic factors in patients with newly diagnosed soft tissue angiosarcoma. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated 5-year overall survival of 28%. Competing risk analysis demonstrated cumulative incidence of local recurrence of 30% and metastasis of 43%. Multivariable Cox models among 154 included patients demonstrated age above 60 years and metastasis to be independently associated with worse overall survival. Cutaneous tumors, surgery, and negative resection margin were independently associated with improved overall survival. Adjuvant oncological treatment did not improve overall survival, risk of metastasis, or recurrence. Negative margin was not associated with lower risk of recurrence and metastasis. We conclude that, despite demonstrated improved survival after surgery with wide resection, overall survival remains poor. Full article

While KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), KRAS-mutant tumors have long been considered difficult to treat and thus, an unmet need still remains. Partly due to the lack of targeted treatments, comprehensive real-world description of NSCLC patients with KRAS mutation is still largely missing in Finland. In this study, all adult patients diagnosed with locally advanced and unresectable or metastatic NSCLC from 1 January 2018 to 31 August 2020 at the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa were first identified in this retrospective registry-based real-world study. The final cohort included only patients tested with next generation sequencing (NGS) and was stratified by the KRAS mutation status. A total of 383 patients with locally advanced and unresectable or metastatic NSCLC and with NGS testing performed were identified. Patients with KRAS mutation (KRAS G12C n = 35, other KRAS n = 74) were younger than patients without KRAS mutations, were all previous or current smokers, and had more often metastatic disease at diagnosis. Also, these patients had poorer survival, with higher age, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) being 5 or above, and KRAS G12C being the most significant risk factors associated with poorer survival. This suggests that the patients with KRAS mutation have a more aggressive disease and/or tumors with KRAS mutation are more difficult to treat, at least without effective targeted therapies. Full article

This paper sets out to study the second person–number marking in the (indicative) simple past in the history of European Portuguese, with a particular focus on morphological innovations such as fostes tu, which are considered deviant. These innovations, according to some brief descriptions in the literature (cf. Piel 1989; Williams 1994), are considered a case of morphological change by analogy; however, it remains to be determined whether it is a case of analogical extension or, possibly, leveling that would have resulted in syncretism. Based on data retrieved from private letters from the 16th to the 20th century by almost illiterate authors, we will argue that this innovation results from an analogical extension, motivated by morphological and pragmatic factors. Full article

Fertilization is an essential aspect of tea plantation management that supports a sustainable tea production and drastically influences soil microbial communities. However, few research studies have focused on the differences of microbial communities and the variation in tea quality in response to different fertilization treatments. In this work, the soil fertility, tea quality, and soil microbial communities were investigated in two domestic tea plantations following the application of chemical and organic fertilizers. We determined the content of mineral elements in the soil, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, and found that the supplementation of chemical fertilizer directly increased the content of mineral elements. However, the application of organic fertilizer significantly improved the accumulation of tea polyphenols and reduced the content of caffeine. Furthermore, amplicon sequencing results showed that the different ways of applying fertilizer have limited effect on the alpha diversity of the microbial community in the soil while the beta diversity was remarkably influenced. This work also suggests that the bacterial community structure and abundance were also relatively constant while the fungal community structure and abundance were dramatically influenced; for example, Chaetomiaceae at the family level, Hypocreaceae at the order level, Trichoderma at the genus level, and Fusarium oxysporum at the species level were predominantly enriched in the tea plantation applying organic fertilizer. Moreover, the bacterial and fungal biomarkers were also analyzed and it was found that Proteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria (bacteria) and Tremellomycetes (fungi) were potentially characterized as biomarkers in the plantation under organic fertilization. These results provide a valuable basis for the application of organic fertilizer to improve the soil of tea plantations in the future. Full article