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A splendid banana enigma: Phylogenomic assessment of Vietnamese Musa splendida and Musa viridis populations shows that they are conspecific

Species delimitation is essential to study and conserve biological diversity. It is traditionally based on morphological trait variation observed in one or a few specimens. Nevertheless, such assessments may not sufficiently take intraspecific trait variation into account, misidentifying morphotypes as separate species. The use of high-throughput sequencing data alongside morphological data in taxonomic studies may substantially improve the accuracy of taxonomic assessments. The Musa genus, commonly known for comprising the wild relatives of banana varieties, consists of about seventy described species. However, the taxonomic status of multiple Musa species is uncertain due to typification errors and the lack of high-quality specimens. The species M. splendida and M. viridis from northern Viet Nam only substantially differ from each other in the color of their male flower bracts, which is red to pinkish-red in M. splendida and pink in M. viridis. Consequently, their taxonomic status as separate species has been debated. Here, we studied the genetic relationships between 121 M. splendida and M. viridis plants using high-throughput sequencing data (DArTseq) in which we identified 51,188 single nucleotide polymorphisms. We found that individuals genetically clustered in a principal component analysis (6 clusters), fastStructure analysis (four groups), and ASTRAL-III consensus phylogenetic tree (nine clades) based on their population origin rather than by their taxon identity. In addition, a strong signal for an isolation-by-distance pattern between populations was observed. Plants identified as M. viridis were more closely related to M. splendida plants from the same region than to M. viridis plants from other regions. Hence, we propose to treat M. viridis as a synonym of M. splendida.

Triamcinolone acetonide and botulinum toxin A for upper eyelid retraction in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy

The Regulatory-associated protein of target of rapamycin 1B (RAPTOR 1B) interconnects with the photoperiod pathway to promote flowering in <i>Arabidopsis</i>

The transition from vegetative to reproductive growth, or floral transition, is a tightly regulated, energy-demanding process. In Arabidopsis , the interplay of light perception and circadian rhythms detects changes in photoperiod length, accelerating flowering under long days (LD). CONSTANS (CO), a transcription factor, upregulates FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) in leaves during dusk. The FT protein then moves to the shoot apical meristem, triggering the floral transition. While light and circadian signals control CO protein levels, less is known about how the nutrients/energy sensing regulates the photoperiod pathway for flowering modulation in this process. In our study, we identify the contribution of the Regulatory-associated protein of target of rapamycin 1B (RAPTOR1B), a component of the nutrient-sensing TOR complex (TORC), in the induction of specific flowering genes under CO control. While transcription of CO remains unaffected in raptor1b mutants, a reduction in its protein levels at dusk is observed compared to the wild type. Remarkably, the mutant also exhibits compromised GIGANTEA (GI) protein levels, crucial for CO stabilization during dusk. Our results indicate that the interaction and colocalization of RAPTOR1B with GI in the nucleus might influence GI levels through an unknown posttranscriptional mechanism. Genetic crosses position RAPTOR1B upstream of CO and GI. This is supported by phenotypic and molecular analyses. Our findings demonstrate that RAPTOR1B, likely as part of TORC, contributes to the photoperiod pathway of the flowering network, ensuring the timely initiation of floral transition under LD conditions.

PbTe quantum dots highly packed monolayer fabrication by a spin coating method

This study investigates the fabrication of large-area, highly-ordered monolayers of PbTe quantum dots (QDs) on TiO2/ITO substrate, using a fast, simple, and repeatable spin-coating technique. For the first time, a real monolayer (a layer with the height of a single QD) covering approximately 3 cm2 was successfully prepared, achieving a root-mean-square roughness (Rq) of 1.37 nm. The research systematically explores key parameters such as QD morphology, concentration, spin-coating conditions, substrate characteristics, wetting properties, and solvent effects to optimize thin film deposition. The findings reveal that the spin-coating method favors the formation of layers with spherical QDs (6–9 nm) over cubical QDs (10–13 nm). The findings highlight the significant influence of solvent evaporation rate, viscosity, and wettability on monolayer quality. Chloroform was identified as the optimal solvent for cubical QDs (~90% coverage), while hexane was more effective for spherical QDs (90%-100% coverage). Beyond monolayers, high-quality bilayers were also fabricated, demonstrating the method’s potential for multilayer fabrication. This rapid and efficient method for monolayer and bilayer fabrication marks a significant breakthrough in producing uniform, large-area films, facilitating seamless integration with existing technologies. It offers a scalable and cost-effective solution, opening the door to broader applications in fields that demand high-quality thin film deposition.

Dexamethasone as an adjuvant with ropivacaine in thoracoscopy guided thoracic paravertebral block for postoperative analgesia in thoracic surgery

Active vision in freely moving marmosets using head-mounted eye tracking

Our understanding of how vision functions as primates actively navigate the real-world is remarkably sparse. As most data have been limited to chaired and typically head-restrained animals, the synergistic interactions of different motor actions/plans inherent to active sensing—e.g., eyes, head, posture, movement, etc.—on visual perception are largely unknown. To address this considerable gap in knowledge, we developed an innovative wireless head-mounted eye-tracking system that performs Chair-free Eye-Recording using Backpack mounted micROcontrollers (CEREBRO) for small mammals, such as marmoset monkeys. Because eye illumination and environment lighting change continuously in natural contexts, we developed a segmentation artificial neural network to perform robust pupil tracking in these conditions. Leveraging this innovative system to investigate active vision, we demonstrate that although freely moving marmosets exhibit frequent compensatory eye movements equivalent to other primates, including humans, the predictability of the visual behavior (gaze) is higher when animals are freely moving relative to when they are head-fixed. Moreover, despite increases in eye/head-motion during locomotion, gaze stabilization remains steady because of an increase in vestibularocular reflex gain during locomotion. These results demonstrate the efficient, dynamic visuo-motor mechanisms and related behaviors that enable stable, high-resolution foveal vision in primates as they explore the natural world.

Acceptability and implementation potential of colorectal cancer screening and health literacy training: A qualitative study among general practitioners in deprived areas

Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant contributor to cancer-related burden, ranking second in cancer mortality in France. Despite the proven survival benefits of systematic CRC screening, uptake remains suboptimal, particularly among people with limited health literacy (HL) and lower socioeconomic position. This study aimed to assess the acceptability of an e-learning training programme on HL and CRC screening among general practitioners (GPs) in deprived areas while also exploring strategies for its promotion and scale-up. Methods A qualitative study nested within the DECODE cluster-randomised controlled trial (NCT04631692) across four French regions was conducted. Semi-structured interviews (phone or online) were carried out to capture opinions, experiences, and recommendations of GPs in the intervention arm. Thematic analysis, employing manual and NVivo coding, was performed. Results The majority of 22 GPs (16/22) found the training acceptable, informative, tailored to their knowledge needs and offering great flexibility of use. The module on HL garnered more interest than the one on CRC screening, as it addressed a relatively new area for many GPs. It facilitated reflection on patient communication techniques and identified areas for improvement in physician-patient interaction. A perceived gap in the training was the insufficient interactivity in both didactic and virtual group sessions. Conclusion The findings of this study show high acceptability of the e-learning training by participants, indicating a potential for implementation, if kept concise, self-paced, asynchronous, and with a stronger focus on HL. The training helped GPs reflect on their practices, enhance HL knowledge, and improve patient communication strategies, leading some to adopt new techniques in daily interactions with low HL patients, beyond just screening.

Association between neutrophil percentage to albumin ratio and short term prognosis of acute on chronic liver failure treated with artificial liver support system

Energyscapes pinpoint marine megafauna feeding hotspots in the Mediterranean

Ocean giants shape the structure and functioning of marine food webs via trophic top–down controls, landscapes of fear, vertical and horizontal redistribution of nutrients, energy, and matter. Yet, they face threats from overfishing, pollution, habitat degradation, and climate change, and one-third of marine megafauna species are at risk of extinction, ultimately endangering the resilience of entire ecosystems. In such a context, knowing when and where megafauna find resources to balance their substantial energy requirements is critical for their management. Through an energyscape approach integrating abundance censuses, diet, and energy requirements, we investigated the prey consumption patterns of Mediterranean marine megafauna during the summer. We thereby shed light on a diverse guild of species composed of fishes, mammals, reptiles, and birds and estimated that 4.1 million individuals consume 1.6 million tons of prey each summer, pelagic cephalopods being the primary food resource and cetaceans and tunas being key players in the community. Spatial patterns in prey consumption reflected the diverse distribution and needs of the megafauna species and underlined the critical importance of the western Mediterranean for the megafauna community. Conservation strategies should prioritize spatial and biological diversity to safeguard megafauna and ecosystem functions across the Mediterranean basin.

Antibodies response in symptomatic and asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected persons in Thailand

Antibody assays of IgM, IgG and surrogate isotype independent virus neutralizing antibody (sVNT) targeting receptor binding domain of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) were employed in 97 real-time Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with varying severity admitted to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital. Concordance rate was 100% regardless of severity, onset of symptoms and magnitude of viral load. Per available samples, antibodies appeared on the same day of symptom onset in one patient; one day after in 18 patients and two days after in 19 patients. In two patients, antibodies appeared as early as 4 days after infection (exposure). IgM and IgG were evident in all patients’ first assay (within two days of admission). sVNT was also evident within two days of admission in all but 3 patients. IgM usually remained positive during the entire course of hospital stay, where the longest in this study was 32 days. Antibody assays were also applied to samples collected at a State Quarantine premise from 77 asymptomatic Thais returning from Sudan in October. Virus was detected by real-time RT-PCR in 15 cases (day 0 = 6, day 3 = 4, day 5 = 4 and day 9 = 1). Twenty-nine (including 11 RT-PCR positive cases) were antibody positive on day 0, while 4 PCR positive with antibody negative on day 0 became antibody positive on day 14. Evaluation on antibody response at days 7 or 10 is needed to help build a case to shorten length of quarantine among negative cases.

Connectivity enhances resilience of marine forests after an extreme event

Abstract The resilience of populations to extreme climatic events comprises the resistance to withstand and the ability to recover, which depends on factors such as remaining genetic diversity and population connectivity. In 2011, a MHW caused a 100 km range contraction of kelp (Ecklonia radiata) off Western Australia, but recently recovering kelp forests were discovered. To understand mechanisms of recovery and determine if recovering populations are survivors or immigrants, we used genotyping-by-sequencing to assess patterns of genetic diversity and connectivity. We found that two of the three recovering kelp forests (PG1 and 2) were likely survivors whereas a third smaller population (PGCr 1) was likely produced through re-colonisation from nearby surviving forests. Connectivity was high among populations and migration analysis identified one population (Horrocks) as the most important source for the recovering kelps. All recovering populations had higher neutral genetic diversity, and similar putative adaptive diversity to surrounding surviving populations, suggesting local adaptation. Our results elucidate how mixed processes can contribute to kelp forest resilience following MHWs but cryptic survival and maintenance of population connectivity is key to recovery.

Bonobos point more for ignorant than knowledgeable social partners

Numerous uniquely human phenomena, from teaching to our most complex forms of cooperation, depend on our ability to tailor our communication to the knowledge and ignorance states of our social partners. Despite four decades of research into the “theory of mind” capacities of nonhuman primates, there remains no evidence that primates can communicate on the basis of their mental state attributions, to enable feats of coordination. Moreover, recent reevaluation of the experimental literature has questioned whether primates can represent others’ ignorance at all. The present preregistered study investigated whether bonobos are capable of attributing knowledge or ignorance about the location of a hidden food reward to a cooperative human partner, and utilizing this attribution to modify their communicative behavior in the service of coordination. Bonobos could receive a reward that they had watched being hidden under one of several cups, if their human partner could locate the reward. If bonobos can represent a partner’s ignorance and are motivated to communicate based on this mental state attribution, they should point more frequently, and more quickly, to the hidden food’s location when their partner is ignorant about that location than when he is knowledgeable. Bonobos indeed flexibly adapted the frequency and speed of their communication to their partner’s mental state. These findings suggest that apes can represent (and act on) others’ ignorance in some form, strategically and appropriately communicating to effectively coordinate with an ignorant partner and change his behavior.

Health-related quality of life implications of plantar ulcers resulting from neuropathic damage caused by leprosy: An analysis from the trial of autologous blood products (TABLE trial) in Nepal

Introduction Leprosy is a curable disease, treated by multidrug therapy. However, patients are often left with neuropathic damage leading to lifelong vulnerability to ulcers. Quantifying the value of interventions to improve ulcer healing is challenging as data on the health impact of plantar ulcers are scarce, especially in low- and middle-income countries. We aim to quantify the impact of plantar ulcers on patients’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) using methods which can inform decisions about the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of alternative forms of management. Methods Generic HRQoL data were collected using the EuroQol (EQ)-5D-3L questionnaire in a randomised control trial in Nepal, treating plantar ulcers with leukocyte and platelet-rich fibrin or usual care. The trial followed 130 patients resulting in 600 observations. EQ-5D data were converted into a single ‘utility’ score by weighting the instrument’s different dimensions using the preferences of the Sri Lankan population. Utility data were analysed using general estimating equation regressions. The impact of an ulcer on HRQoL was estimated whilst controlling for clinical and demographic covariables. Results Estimated mean utility (standard error) for the sample across all time points was 0.52 (0.02) for patients with an ulcer and 0.64 (0.01) with a healed ulcer. Controlling for clinical and demographic covariates, we estimate that the presence of an ulcer leads to a 0.12 (0.02) decrement in HRQoL compared with a healed ulcer. Discussion Based on the levels of health they report and the values of the general public, patients with a history of leprosy are at risk of significant HRQoL burden from neuropathic plantar ulcers. Quantifying this health impact provides important evidence to assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of leprosy ulcer interventions and ensures that interventions for leprosy ulcers can be appropriately considered for funding under Universal Health Coverage against other potential uses of the same money.

Artificial intelligence support improves diagnosis accuracy in anterior segment eye diseases

Abstract CorneAI, a deep learning model designed for diagnosing cataracts and corneal diseases, was assessed for its impact on ophthalmologists’ diagnostic accuracy. In the study, 40 ophthalmologists (20 specialists and 20 residents) classified 100 images, including iPhone 13 Pro photos (50 images) and diffuser slit-lamp photos (50 images), into nine categories (normal condition, infectious keratitis, immunological keratitis, corneal scar, corneal deposit, bullous keratopathy, ocular surface tumor, cataract/intraocular lens opacity, and primary angle-closure glaucoma). The iPhone and slit-lamp images represented the same cases. After initially answering without CorneAI, the same ophthalmologists responded to the same cases with CorneAI 2–4 weeks later. With CorneAI’s support, the overall accuracy of ophthalmologists increased significantly from 79.2 to 88.8% ( P  &lt; 0.001). Specialists’ accuracy rose from 82.8 to 90.0%, and residents’ from 75.6 to 86.2% ( P  &lt; 0.001). Smartphone image accuracy improved from 78.7 to 85.5% and slit-lamp image accuracy from 81.2 to 90.6% (both, P  &lt; 0.001). In this study, CorneAI’s own accuracy was 86%, but its support enhanced ophthalmologists’ accuracy beyond the CorneAI’s baseline. This study demonstrated that CorneAI, despite being trained on diffuser slit-lamp images, effectively improved diagnostic accuracy, even with smartphone images.

Cataract-prone variants of γD-crystallin populate a conformation with a partially unfolded N-terminal domain under native conditions

Human γD-crystallin, a monomeric protein abundant in the eye lens nucleus, must remain stably folded for an individual’s entire lifetime to avoid aggregation and protein deposition-associated cataract formation. γD-crystallin contains two homologous domains, an N-terminal domain (NTD) and a C-terminal domain (CTD), which interact via a hydrophobic interface. Several familial mutations in the gamma crystallin gene are linked to congenital early-onset cataract, most of which affect the NTD. Some of these, including V75D and W42R, are known to populate intermediates under partially denaturing conditions possessing a natively folded CTD and a completely unfolded NTD. We employed hydrogen–deuterium exchange mass spectrometry to probe the structural and energetic features of variants of γD-crystallin under both native and partially denaturing conditions. For V75D and W42R, we identify a species under native conditions that retains partial structure in the NTD and is structurally and energetically distinct from the intermediate populated under partially denaturing conditions. Residues at the NTD–CTD interface play crucial roles in stabilizing this intermediate, and disruption of interface contacts either by amino acid substitution or partial denaturation permits direct observation of two intermediates simultaneously. These data suggest that the intermediate identified under native conditions is accessed from the native state and not on the folding pathway. The intermediate we have identified here exposes hydrophobic amino acids that are buried in both the folded full-length protein and in the protein’s stable isolated domains. Such nonnative exposure of a hydrophobic patch may play an important role in cataract formation.

The Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat (METS-VF) as a predictor of diabetes mellitus: Evidence from the 2011–2018 NHANES study

Introduction With 42.4% of obese US population, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) is increasing. Visceral fat, even at the same body mass index, has significant deleterious effects. This study aims to investigate the association between the Metabolic Score for Visceral Fat (METS-VF) and DM. Methods The study utilized data from NHANES dataset, covering cycles from 2011 to 2018. Multivariate logistic regression and Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis assessed the association between METS-VF and DM. Additionally, the study compared visceral adipose tissue (VAT) measurement indices to METS-VF for the prediction of DM. Results In 3,445 participants, METS-VF was positively associated with diabetes [(OR 6.8; 95% CI 5.3–8.6) (AUC 0.791; 95% CI 0.768–0.814)], the association increased across quartiles (METS-VF &gt;6.5; OR 53.8; 95% CI 0.17–169).METS-VF significantly identifies diabetes compared to other VAT indices (LAP, VAI, waist circumference, and WHtR). Additionally premenopausal females with BMI &gt;25 and METS-VF &gt;6.5 are at a higher risk of developing diabetes. Conclusion METS-VF positively associates with the prevalence of diabetes. It is an effective score compared to surrogate markers for VAT measurement. Routine screening of VAT using METS-VF score could be implemented in daily clinical settings and large-scale epidemiological studies to help identify early diabetes.

Retraction Note: Conditioned place preference reveals ongoing pain in calves 3 weeks after disbudding

The unique reactivity of EKODE lipid peroxidation products allows in vivo detection of inflammation

Lipid peroxidation is a complex biochemical process associated with oxidative stress, and its products play crucial roles in cellular signaling and the pathophysiology of many diseases. Among the diverse array of lipid peroxidation (LPO) products, epoxyketooctadecenoic acids (EKODEs) have emerged as intriguing molecules with potential impacts on inflammatory diseases. EKODEs arise from linoleic acid reacting with reactive oxygen and nitrogen species present during inflammation. A hallmark of many LPO products is an electrophilic chemical functionality that can react with different biological nucleophiles to form adducts that impact a broad swath of physiologic processes. Here, we present the identification of reactivity patterns exhibited by the EKODE class of LPO products that arise due to the unique chemistry of the EKODE electrophiles, namely α, β-unsaturated epoxyketones of variable regiochemistry. Our initial investigations with models of the EKODE reactive core showed that surrogates of lysine did not react, and histidine nucleophiles formed reversible Michael adducts. However, when models of cysteine nucleophiles were tested, a unique reactivity profile emerged where rapid Michael addition was followed by slow rearrangement and epoxide opening at an unpredicted electrophilic site, affording what we postulated to be an advanced lipoxidation end product (ALE). After confirming the EKODE reactivity in model systems, we produced polyclonal antibodies of a stable epitope of the EKODE-based ALE and used these antibodies to investigate an approach for in vivo monitoring of inflammatory disease progression.

Transcriptomic and biochemical insights into key gene networks driving bulbil development of Pinellia ternata (Thunb.) Breit

In this study, we explored the developmental characteristics of Pinellia ternate bulbils as well as the key gene networks driving the development of bulbils. Based on physiological and biochemical reactions as well as transcriptome technology, this study determined the content of endogenous metabolites and related enzyme activities during the five growth stages of the bulbils, obtained the transcriptome information of all samples. The results showed that the contents of sucrose and starch increased significantly in the ZY_2 and ZY_4 stages, and the changes in the activities of SPS, SuSy, and SS were basically consistent with the changing characteristics of sucrose and starch content. The contents of ABA and JA generally showed an increasing trend from ZY_1 to ZY_4, while the content of IAA was significantly higher only in ZY_1 and ZY_4 stages compared to other stages. In order to get more bioinformatic support for these results, RNA-Seq analysis was performed. There were 12 key enzyme genes differentially expressed in the sucrose-starch metabolic pathway, and 14 enzyme genes differentially expressed in the above-mentioned endogenous hormone metabolic pathway. Their expression characteristics well supported the measurement results of physiological and biochemical substances. Our results showed that ZY_2 and ZY_4 stages are the critical periods for the accumulation of sucrose and starch in the bulbils. JA has an important role in the whole development process of bulbils, which may enhance the adaptability of the bulbils to the environment in the transition process from the tender to the mature tissues. The low concentration of GA was beneficial to the normal development of the bulbils. IAA may have a strong regulatory role in the initial formation stage of the bulbils, which is beneficial to their tissue differentiation. In addition, four core transcripts involved in the bulbils development process were screened using WGCNA. This study provides an information source for analyzing the molecular mechanism of bulbils growth and development, and also helps to address the lack of genetic information in non-model plant species.

Clinical effectiveness of Finger gliding Exercise for patients with trigger fingers receiving steroid injection: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract Finger gliding exercises are believed to enhance flexor tendons excursion. This study assesses the effectiveness of finger gliding exercises in patients after receiving steroid injections for trigger fingers. Patients with trigger fingers who received corticosteroid injection were randomly assigned (1:1) to control and intervention group. The intervention group was required to do finger exercises and submit online exercise log regularly. The clinical outcomes of trigger fingers at 24 weeks and compliance with finger gliding exercises were assessed via online surveys. A total of 38 participants were allocated to each group. Baseline characteristics were similar, except for a longer duration of symptoms in the intervention group (5.2 ± 2.9 vs. 3.6 ± 2.6 months, P = 0.002). At 24 weeks, 34 (89.5%) control and 33 (86.8%) intervention group participants responded to online survey. No statistical significant differences were observed in Numerical Pain Rating Score, Quinelle grading, finger improvement rate, recurrence of triggering, need for repeated injection and occurrence of new trigger finger sites. The exercise log response rate and compliance rate were 85.6% and 68.6%. In conclusion, our study did not establish the clinical effectiveness of finger gliding exercise for trigger finger patients following steroid injections compared to usual care.