Medicines optimization prior to discharge in patients admitted to hospital with heart failure

Abstract: Abstract Aims Approximately half of patients with heart failure and a reduced ejection fraction (HeFREF) are discharged from hospital on triple therapy [angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE‐Is) or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), beta‐blockers (BBs), and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (MRAs)]. We investigated what proportion of patients are on optimal doses prior to discharge and how many might be eligible for initiation of sacubitril–valsartan or sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2Is). Methods and results Between 2012 and 2017, 1277 patients admitted with suspected heart failure were enrolled at a single hospital serving a local community around Kingston upon Hull, UK. Eligibility for sacubitril–valsartan or SGLT2I was based on entry criteria for the PIONEER‐HF, DAPA‐HF, and EMPEROR‐Reduced trials. Four hundred fifty‐five patients had HeFREF with complete data on renal function, heart rate, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) prior to discharge. Eighty‐three per cent of patients were taking an ACE‐I or ARB, 85% a BB, and 63% an MRA at discharge. More than 60% of patients were eligible for sacubitril–valsartan and >70% for SGLT2I. Among those not already receiving a prescription, 37%, 28%, and 49% were eligible to start ACE‐I or ARB, BB, and MRA, respectively. Low SBP (≤105 mmHg) was the most frequent explanation for failure to initiate or up‐titrate therapy. Conclusions Most patients admitted for heart failure are eligible for initiation of life‐prolonging medications prior to discharge. A hospital admission may be a common missed opportunity to improve treatment for patients with HeFREF.

Joseph J. Cuthbert
Oliver I. Brown
Pierpaolo Pellicori
Karen Dobbs
Jeanne Bulemfu
Syed Kazmi
Ioanna Sokoreli
Steffan C. Pauws
Jarno M. Riistama
John G.F. Cleland
Andrew L. Clark


Human rights and humanitarian forensic action: the experience in Uruguay

Abstract: Humanitarian Forensic Action (HFA) is considered a new field of Forensic Medicine and Forensic Sciences where the forensic science is applied to different humanitarian activities. In Uruguay, the HFA has been developed based on international documents and developed some methodologies appropriate to the particular features of the country. The Department of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences has devised and maintained several lines of action in response to demands from public institutions and other requests from victims, families, prosecutors and courts. In every instance, humanitarian forensic work contributes to the education and training of young forensic professionals.

Hugo Rodríguez Almada
Frances Borches Duhalde
Victoria Iglesias Salaverría

Criminal law and procedure
Public aspects of medicine


Anticipating and designing for policy effectiveness

Abstract: The new design orientation in the policy sciences has placed renewed emphasis on problem-solving and developing effective public policies. In this paper, we contribute to this scholarship by presenting a policy framework on anticipating effective policies. We argue that anticipation – that is, foreseeing the future and preparing for it – must be central to how a policy is designed, executed and assessed. Anticipating policy effectiveness requires a careful understanding of the problem and its root causes, as well as selection and utilization of the most ‘appropriate’ policy instrument(s) to solve it. We consider ‘appropriateness’ along three dimensions – analytical, political and operational – in two different respects: choice of policy tools and the capacity of the implementing agency.

Azad Singh Bali
Giliberto Capano
M. Ramesh

Political institutions and public administration (General)


Folliculocentric lymphocytic hypersensitivity reactions in CLL/SLL patients: A unique clinicopathologic entity amongst non‐specific hypersensitivity reactions

Abstract: Abstract Background Cutaneous hypersensitivity eruptions in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)/small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL) are a clinically and histologically heterogeneous group that can either precede, occur with, or follow the development of a hematologic malignancy. Therefore, establishing the diagnosis requires careful clinical and pathologic correlation and an understanding of the broad spectrum of presentations. Data is lacking on the correlation of skin disease with molecular/cytogenetic risk profiling of the tumor. Objectives The aims of this study were to characterize the clinical, histological, and genetic aberrations in recurrent cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions in patients with CLL/SLL. Methods A single site academic retrospective chart review of medical records, histopathology, molecular and cytogenetic data in CLL/SLL patients who developed biopsy‐proven cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions. Results Five hundred one new diagnoses of CLL/SLL with 73 patients requiring cutaneous biopsies for skin lesions or rashes were identified. With exclusion criteria, 20 biopsies were identified from 17 patients (mean age, 69.6 years, females = 9) with unexplained cutaneous eruptions. These were commonly pruritic, erythematous papules above the waist. Most biopsies had a prominent superficial, deep dermal eosinophilic infiltrate (85%), with a robust T‐cell predominant dermal infiltrate in 40%. Five out of 17 patients (29%) had a predominately folliculocentric CD4+ T‐cell infiltrate; all occurring on the head and neck. Overall, the prevalence of cutaneous hypersensitivity eruptions requiring biopsy was 3.4% (n = 17), and the prevalence of folliculocentric CD4+ T‐cell infiltrate was 1% (n = 5). Conclusion Cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions in CLL/SLL are heterogeneous; however, folliculotropic CD4+ T‐cell infiltrates may be seen in a small but distinct clinical subset of patients. Commonly tested cytogenetic aberrations in CLL/SLL do not appear to be correlated with the presence of cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions.

James Abbott
Jessica Corean
Ashley M. Snyder
Scott R. Florell
Rodney Miles
Deborah Stephens
David A. Wada


High Luteinizing Hormone and Lower Levels of Sex Hormones in Younger Men With Distal Radius Fracture

Abstract: ABSTRACT This study investigates the sex steroid hormone profile in younger men with distal radius fracture (DRF) to elucidate if this could explain the low bone density and osteoporosis previously observed. In a case–control study, 73 men with DRF (mean age 38 ± 9 years; range, 20–51) was compared with 194 age‐matched, population controls. Performed assays: total testosterone (TT), calculated free testosterone (cFT), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), sex hormone‐binding globulin (SHBG), and total estradiol (E2). BMD hip and spine were measured. Fracture cases had lower cFT (298 versus 329 pmol/L; p = 0.008), but not TT, compared with controls. FSH and SHBG were not statistically different. LH was almost 30% higher (5.7 versus 4.5 IU/L; p < 0.001) and a lower E2 was observed (80.0 versus 87.1; p = 0.098). Men with DRF had a lower E2/SHBG ratio compared with controls (2.3 versus 2.9; p = 0.013). A higher proportion of the fracture group had low TT (<10.5 nmol/L; 21% versus 11%; p = 0.052), low cFT (<220 pmol/L; 18% versus 8%; p = 0.017), and low E2 (<73 pmol/L; 48% versus 35%; p = 0.044). Odds ratio (OR) for fracture when having low cFT was 2.3 (95% CI, 1.02–5.49; p = 0.044); with low E2, the OR was 1.7 (95% CI, 0.96–2.96). In this study in young men with DRF exploring sex hormone levels, we find that sex hormone profiles may be disturbed with a lower E2/SHBG ratio, lower cFT, and higher LH. Estrogen is also a strong determinant of bone mass in men; hence, low levels of E2 may be contributing to the observed lower BMD and these differences may be relevant to fracture risk. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Lisa Egund
Sigrid Isaksson
Fiona E McGuigan
Aleksander Giwercman
Kristina E Åkesson

Orthopedic surgery
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system


Genomic Prediction and Selection for Fruit Traits in Winter Squash

Abstract: Improving fruit quality is an important but challenging breeding goal in winter squash. Squash breeding in general is resource-intensive, especially in terms of space, and the biology of squash makes it difficult to practice selection on both parents. These restrictions translate to smaller breeding populations and limited use of greenhouse generations, which in turn, limit genetic gain per breeding cycle and increases cycle length. Genomic selection is a promising technology for improving breeding efficiency; yet, few studies have explored its use in horticultural crops. We present results demonstrating the predictive ability of whole-genome models for fruit quality traits. Predictive abilities for quality traits were low to moderate, but sufficient for implementation. To test the use of genomic selection for improving fruit quality, we conducted three rounds of genomic recurrent selection in a butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata) population. Selections were based on a fruit quality index derived from a multi-trait genomic selection model. Remnant seed from selected populations was used to assess realized gain from selection. Analysis revealed significant improvement in fruit quality index value and changes in correlated traits. This study is one of the first empirical studies to evaluate gain from a multi-trait genomic selection model in a resource-limited horticultural crop.

Christopher O. Hernandez
Lindsay E. Wyatt
Michael R. Mazourek


Magnetic resonance imaging features of bilateral multiloculated extraneural ganglion cysts of the occipito‐atlanto‐axial joint causing hypoglossal nerve paralysis in a dog

Abstract: Abstract A 14‐year‐old spayed female Miniature Pinscher presented with tongue curling, dysphagia, hypersalivation, and sublingual gland swelling. Comprehensive evaluation, including neurologic and musculoskeletal examinations, blood work, and urinalysis, revealed no abnormalities other than tongue‐related signs. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a multilobed cystic structure in the occipito‐atlanto‐axial joint, compressing the right hypoglossal canal. The lesion appeared cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)‐like on T1‐weighted and T2‐weighted images, and hyperintense compared with CSF on fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery T2‐weighted images. The scans suggested mucinous content with enhanced peripheral areas on contrast‐enhanced images. Surgical removal and drainage of this cyst were performed, and clinical signs improved markedly. The dorsal cyst was tentatively diagnosed as a ganglion cyst based on histopathologic and imaging findings. Ganglion cysts should be considered in the differential diagnosis for dogs with similar MRI findings and neurologic signs.

Minha Ji
Matti Kiupel
Hyungjin Park
Kichang Lee
Hakyoung Yoon


A Video Interview With Robert Singer, MD, FACS: My Second Thoughts About the Coronal Browlift


MiR-181a-5p promotes anoikis by suppressing autophagy during detachment induction in the mammary epithelial cell line MCF10A

Jia-li Wei
Yuan-cheng Li
Zhong-liang Ma
You-xin Jin


Immunoglobulin G and phosphatidylserine in regenerative and nonregenerative immune‐mediated anemias of dogs

Abstract: Abstract Background Although precursor‐targeted immune‐mediated anemia (PIMA) is thought to be caused by immune targeting of erythroid precursors (nucleated RBCs, nRBCs), its pathogenesis is unknown. Immunoglobulin G (IgG) or phosphatidylserine (PS) may promote nRBC destruction in PIMA. Hypothesis Dogs with PIMA have increased nRBC IgG and PS, and dogs with immune‐mediated hemolytic anemia (IMHA) have increased RBC PS compared to healthy dogs. Animals Blood from 20 healthy dogs and from dogs with IMHA (11) or other (non‐IMHA) conditions (9), and marrow aspirates with or without blood from 10 healthy dogs and from dogs with PIMA (17) or other (non‐IMHA, non‐PIMA) conditions (7). Methods Marrow nRBC stages were separated by density gradient. Flow cytometry was used to assess the percentage of RBCs or nRBCs with increased IgG or PS. Results Red blood cell (RBC) IgG positivity was increased in 9/11 IMHA dogs and 0/9 non‐IMHA dogs. Red blood cell PS positivity was increased in 10/11 IMHA dogs and 2/9 non‐IMHA dogs. Five of 17 PIMA dogs had increased nRBC IgG positivity in mid‐ or late‐stage fractions, whereas all 7 non‐PIMA dogs were negative. Mid‐ and late‐stage erythroid precursor PS was significantly higher in PIMA dogs compared to healthy dogs. Five of 14 PIMA dogs had increased RBC IgG positivity. Conclusions Immunoglobulin G and PS may promote destruction of nRBCs in PIMA dogs; PS may promote destruction of RBCs in IMHA dogs.

Cynthia A. Lucidi
John A. Gerlach
Ari Jutkowitz
Michael A. Scott


Two new species of deep-sea Red Corals (Coralliidae, Genus Hemicorallium Gray, 1867) from the western Indian Ocean

Abstract: Deep-sea corals are critical to global exploration of deep-sea biodiversity, but research on them in the Indian Ocean is very limited. In this study, we report the first discovery of two new species of red corals at a depth of 1697 m in the western Indian Ocean. The species were identified through detailed morphological analysis, including microscopic examination of colony structure, branches and autozooids (assessing size, abundance and spacing), as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of sclerite morphology and quantity. Two species for the genus Hemicorallium Gray, 1867 were found as new species, designated Hemicorallium indicodensum sp. nov. and Hemicorallium jiaolongensis sp. nov. H. indicodensum sp. nov. is characterised by densely branched structures and numerous globular double-club sclerites, distinguishing it from other species. Meanwhile, H. jiaolongensis sp. nov. features yellowish-white colonies with short rods with sharp, large radial projections in the tentacles. Four mitochondrial regions were used to reveal the phylogenetic relationship in Coralliidae, supporting the taxonomic placement of these two new species. This study provides significant new insights into the biodiversity of deep-sea corals in the Indian Ocean, enriching the known species pool. Additionally, a more comprehensive key to the genus Hemicorallium is provided, further enhancing our understanding of the group’s taxonomy.

Xuying Hu
Qian Zhang
Meiling Ge
Xinlong Li
Zongling Wang
Xuelei Zhang
Qinzeng Xu


Selection and probiotic characterization of exoenzyme-producing bacteria isolated from the gut of Catla catla (Actinopterygii: Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae)

Abstract: Background. Exoenzyme-producing gut microbiota and their likely use as probionts have been widely investigated in major carps. However, reports on exoenzyme-producing capacity together with inhibition of fish pathogens are scarce. The presently reported study aimed at characterization of novel probionts from the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract of an Indian major carp&#8212;catla, Catla catla (Hamilton, 1822) depending upon extracellular enzyme-production, antagonism against Aeromonas spp., growth in fish mucus, bile tolerance, and bio-safety to the target fish.   Materials and methods. GI tracts were divided into proximal and distal parts, homogenized, and plated onto selective media plates following enrichment culture technique. Exoenzyme-producing isolates were selected through qualitative and quantitative assay of 6 enzymes. Inhibition of Aeromonas spp. was tested through &#8216;cross-streaking&#8217; and &#8216;double-layer&#8217; method. Tolerance to GI condition was determined by growth in sterilized fish mucus and exposure to bile juice. Bio-safety evaluation was done by intra-peritoneal injection of live candidate probiotics and co-culture with autochthonous gut bacteria. &#160;Further, 16S rDNA fragments from the putative probiotics were sequenced, edited, analysed, identified, and deposited to the GenBank. Results. Seventeen potent isolates were primarily selected through the ability of producing extracellular enzymes, viz., amylase, protease, lipase, cellulase, phytase, and xylanase. Further study portraying antagonism against Aeromonas salmonicida, A. hydrophila, and A. veronii led to select the strains CCH1A and CCH1Ph as putative probiotics. Both the strains were competent to grow in intestinal mucus and could resist diluted bile juice (9% and 10.5%, respectively). The isolates did not produce any disease symptom or mortality in Catla catla fingerlings during the 21 day trial and were competent to grow with other autochthonous isolates. On the basis of phenotypic characteristics and 16S rDNA sequence analysis, the strains CCH1A and CCHIPh were identified as Bacillus aerius (KF623288) and Bacillus sonorensis (KF623289), respectively. Conclusion. Exoenzyme-producing gut bacteria may inhibit the growth of pathogenic Aeromonas spp. and tolerate gastrointestinal condition. Further research is inevitable to explore their potentialities in aquaculture.

D. Dutta
S. Banerjee
A. Mukherjee
K. Ghosh


Een internationale benadering van de verwerking van pensioenen in de jaarrekening (deel 2)

Business mathematics. Commercial arithmetic. Including tables, etc.


Reptilia, Boidae, <i>Epicrates cenchria cenchria</i>: Distribution extension.


Midget cave spiders (Araneae, Leptonetidae) from Jiangxi and Fujian Province, China

Abstract: Eleven leptonetid species belonging to four genera collected in Jiangxi and Fujian Provinces, China are presented. Ten new species of midget cave spiders from southern China are diagnosed, described, and illustrated: Leptonetela dawu Yao &amp; Liu, sp. nov., L. yuanhaoi Yao &amp; Liu, sp. nov. and L. zuojiashanensis Yao &amp; Liu, sp. nov. from Jiangxi; Longileptoneta guadunensis Yao &amp; Liu, sp. nov., L. huboliao Yao &amp; Liu, sp. nov., L. jiaxiani Yao &amp; Liu, sp. nov., L. letuensis Yao &amp; Liu, sp. nov., L. renzhouensis Yao &amp; Liu, sp. nov., L. tianmenensis Yao &amp; Liu, sp. nov., and Pararana mingxuani Yao &amp; Liu, sp. nov. from Fujian. Furthermore, Falcileptoneta monodactyla (Yin, Wang &amp; Wang, 1984) is recorded from Jiangxi province for the first time. Distributions records are given for all investigated species.

Bin-Lu Liu
Yan-bin Yao
Zi-Min Jiang
Yong-hong Xiao
Ke-Ke Liu


Morphological and molecular identification of arrhenotokous strain of Diglyphus wani (Hymenoptera, Eulophidae) found in China as a control agent against agromyzid leafminers

Abstract: Diglyphus species are ecologically and economically important on agromyzid leafminers. In 2018, a thelytokous species, Diglyphus wani Liu, Zhu &amp; Yefremova, was firstly reported and described. Subsequently, the arrhenotokous D. wani were discovered in Yunnan and Guizhou Provinces of China. We compared the morphological characteristics of thelytokous and arrhenotokous strains. However, the females of two strains had a strongly similar morphology and showed subtle differences in fore- and hind-wings. The difference was that forewing of arrhenotokous female was with denser setae overall, showing that costal cell with 2 ~ 4 rows of setae on dorsal surface and the setae of basal cell with 15 ~ 21 hairs and forewing of thelytokous female was with two rows of setae on dorsal surface and basal cell with 10 ~ 15 hairs generally. The setation beneath the marginal vein of the hind-wing of arrhenotokous female is denser than the same area of thelytokous female. To explore the genetic divergence between thelytokous and arrhenotokous strains of D. wani, the mitochondrial and nuclear gene were applied and sequenced. The polygenic analyses revealed that two strains can be distinguished by COI, ITS1 and ITS2. The mean sequence divergence between the two strains was 0.052, 0.010 and 0.007, respectively. Nevertheless, the 28S gene was unfeasible due to its containing a sharing haplotype between different strains. The two strains of D. wani are dominant parasitoids against agromyzid leafminers and such effective discernible foundation provides future in-depth studies on biological characteristics, along with insight into field application of two strains of D. wani.

Su-Jie Du
Zoya Yefremova
Fu-Yu Ye
Chao-Dong Zhu
Jian-Yang Guo
Wan-Xue Liu


Comparative ecomorphology of the sandstone night lizard (Xantusia gracilis) and the granite night lizard (Xantusia henshawi)

Abstract: Abstract                It is hypothesized that shape differences between the closely related sandstone night lizard (Xantusia gracilis) and the granite night lizard (X. henshawi) may be correlated with structual differences in their respective microhabitats. Multivariate and univariate analyses of 22 morphometric characters taken from the head, body, and limbs of both saxicolus specialists recovered statistically significant differences between them with X. gracilis having a wider head, longer snout, larger eyes, wider sternum, higher and wider pelvis, thinner limbs, longer forearms and thighs, and longer hind limbs. Many of these same proportional differences have been reported among very closely related saxicolus species in other lizard families (i.e. Eublepharidae, Gekkonidae, Phrynosomatidae) that also live on different rocky substrates. This supports the inference that morphometric differences between X. gracilis and X. henshawi are ecomorphological adaptations for navigating the substantially different substrates of their respective microhabitats. Xantusia gracilis is restricted to a loose, heterogeneous, sandstone microhabitat composed of large boulders, small rocks, and cliff faces where cracks, crevices, holes, and exfoliations are used as retreats versus the compact, more homogeneous, granite boulder microhabitat of X. henshawi where narrow spaces beneath exfoliations and cap-rocks are the preferred retreats.


Two new species of Penicillium (Eurotiales, Aspergillaceae) and the first record of P. danzhouense from mangrove sediment in Thailand, with notes on antibacterial activity

Abstract: Two novel species of Penicillium, comprising P. chanthaburiense sp. nov. and P. buranakarlianum sp. nov., were isolated from mangrove sediment collected at the King Rama IX International Mangrove Botanical Garden in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand. Morphological characterization combined with multilocus phylogenetic analyses of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), β-tubulin (TUB), calmodulin (CaM), and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) genes placed P. chanthaburiense sp. nov. as a new member of section Exilicaulis, series Erubescentia, while P. buranakarlianum sp. nov. was assigned to section Lanata-Divaricata, series Janthinella. In addition, this study reports the first record of P. danzhouense from mangrove sediment in Thailand. Diagnostic morphological and molecular features distinguishing these taxa from their closest phylogenetic relatives are presented. These findings enrich the taxonomic framework of Penicillium and contribute to the understanding of fungal biodiversity in mangrove ecosystems. Furthermore, P. chanthaburiense sp. nov. exhibited antibacterial activity against several clinically relevant Gram-positive pathogens, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), highlighting the potential of mangrove-derived Penicillium species in antimicrobial research.

Vassana Supapongsri
Ananya Sahathippayakul
Wanchat Sirisarn
Mohit Chand
Jui-Yu Chou
Piyangkun Lueangjaroenkit


Mammalia, Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae, <i>Glironia venusta</i> Thomas, 1912: Distribution extension to the state of Acre, Brazil.


Habitat availability shapes composition and climate change response of alpine butterfly communities

Abstract: Climate change is known to cause range shifts to higher elevations in mountainous regions. Butterflies are especially sensitive to changes in environmental conditions and their response to climate change has been extensively studied. However, the influence of habitats on the community composition and climate change responses of alpine butterflies has so far been widely neglected. In 2025, butterflies in the Swiss National Park (SNP) were surveyed using the semi-quantitative transect method. It was shown that habitat availability explained most of the variation in community composition, while elevation solely played a minor role and tended to act mostly in combination with habitats. Compared to previous butterfly surveys between 1998 and 2004 in the same area, the Community Temperature Index increased, indicating more warm-adapted communities, especially at the lower and medium parts of the examined elevational gradient. In 2025, species were found on average at an elevation 135 m higher than two decades earlier. The upward shift corresponded closely to the expected displacement of +140 m in elevation, suggesting butterflies keeping pace with local warming. The upslope displacement was especially pronounced for species restricted to a narrow range of habitats. The pronounced response of butterfly communities to global warming seems to cause a threat particularly to high-alpine species with a high degree of habitat specialisation. In this context, the habitat dependency of butterflies may have negative effects due to a mismatch of the elevational distribution of butterflies and their host plants and the ongoing transformation of alpine habitats but might as well be the basis for species conservation.

Korbinian Schrauth
Matthias Plattner
Jörg Müller
Jérôme Pellet


Influence of natural oils on the textural and rheological properties of cosmetic creams

Abstract: Creams are semisolid dosage forms widely used for pharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes due to their pleasant appearance, easy spreadability, and the possibility to deliver hydrophobic and hydrophilic active agents. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the impact of type and concentration of different oil phases on the mechanical and rheological properties of cosmetic creams. For this purpose, a series of blank and anti-age creams were prepared applying the hot homogenization method (9000 rpm for 5 minutes). The blank creams contained an emulsifying base (Neofin Nat 8% w/w) and varying types of lipid phase: 1) babassu oil (8% w/w), 2) Cannabis sativa (2% w/w) and Camelina sativa (6% w/w) oils, 3) babassu (6% w/w) and Cannabis sativa (2% w/w) oils, and 4) babassu (6% w/w) and Camelina sativa (2% w/w) oils. The anti-age creams contained additionally Jasminum sambac flower extract (5% w/w) and Аrgireline® solution (5% w/w). The spreading, mechanical, and rheological properties of the developed formulations were investigated. The anti-age cream based on babassu (6% w/w) and Camelina sativa (2% w/w) oils exhibited suitable textural and rheological characteristics that would facilitate its application onto skin and provide sufficient contact time to exert its beneficial effects.

Antoniya Andonova
Viliana Gugleva
Yoana Sotirova
Krastena Nikolova
Marina Marcheva
Zhana Petkova
Velichka Andonova


A new species of the genus Acanthosaura (Squamata, Agamidae) from Yunnan, China, with comments on its conservation status

Abstract: A new species of Acanthosaura from Yunnan, China, is described based on morphological and genetic data. The new species can be separated from all other species of the genus by having a different shape of the black eye patch, a different coloration of the postorbital and occipital spines and nuchal crest, and a different color of the gular pouch. Genetically, uncorrected sequence divergences of COI between the new species and investigated congeners ranged from 16.12% to 24.11%. The conservation status of the new species is also discussed.

Shuo Liu
Mian Hou
Mingzhong Mo
Dingqi Rao


Two additions to the Iberian myrmecofauna: Crematogaster inermis Mayr, 1862, a newly established, tree-nesting species, and Trichomyrmex mayri (Forel, 1902), an emerging exotic species temporarily nesting in Spain (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

Abstract: Exotic ants are a growing component of urban and disturbed habitats worldwide. Sampling in two Iberian Mediterranean localities revealed several exotic species. The tree-nesting, black acrobat ant Crematogaster inermis Mayr, 1862, has been detected nesting outdoors on a Robinia pseudoacacia tree in a public garden in Valencia (Spain) and represents a new addition to the continental European fauna. Collection details, a morphological description, biometry, and the remarkable presence of short spines in smaller specimens are also given for this species. A case of an ephemeral establishment of several exotic ant species in a palm grove is also discussed. This case includes C. inermis and Trichomyrmex mayri, also a novelty for the Iberian Peninsula.

Alice Casiraghi
Xavier Espadaler
Nicolás Pérez Hidalgo
Kiko Gómez


Vernonia subgenus Austrovernonia, a new subgenus from South America (Compositae, Vernonieae, Vernoniinae)

Abstract: Vernonia incana Less. and V. echioides Less. are two semi-aquatic species from southern South American that are referred to as “the semi-aquatic Vernonia of South America” and they have been, until now, retained as members of Vernonia mostly because each had some unusual characters that made them hard to place. Based on an ongoing molecular study, we can now say that V. incana is the sister taxon to all true Vernonia and can therefore be responsibly left in Vernonia but, because of its morphological and geographic differences, it is now assigned to its own subgenus: Vernonia subg. Austrovernonia. Vernonia echioides is not closely related to V. incana and is now part of a separate investigation. This placement of V. incana as sister to the true Vernonia species brings up the possibility of a South American root for the Vernonia clade and perhaps indicates a propensity in the lineage for growing in or near water. The species V. incana is lectotypified.


Financial literacy education and college enrolment intentions: Exploring educational access amongst low-income high school students

Abstract: Many low-income students in the United States miss the opportunity to attend college due to limited financial knowledge and a lack of understanding about scholarships, financial aid and college expenses. This study (research idea), grounded in a focused review of the existing literature rather than the analysis of newly-collected data, proposes a study to examine whether teaching financial literacy in high school can help these students make informed financial decisions and feel more confident about pursuing higher education. Specifically, the proposed study asks: Does financial literacy education increase the intention to enrol in college amongst low-income students? To explore this question, surveys would be administered to approximately 500 - 1,000 low-income high school seniors (operationally defined by Pell Grant eligibility, qualification for free or reduced-price meals or family income at or below 200% of the federal poverty line) to assess their financial knowledge, exposure to financial education and college enrolment intentions. The proposed study will compare students who received financial literacy instruction with those who did not. It is anticipated that financially literate students will demonstrate greater preparedness to manage college costs, identify financial resources and plan for college. Findings aim to guide educators and policy-makers in reducing barriers to college access. As this study is presented as a research idea, no data have yet been collected or analysed; the contribution lies in the conceptual framing, the integration of recent empirical literature and the detailed methodological proposal that future researchers can implement.


DE INFORMATIEBEHOEFTE VAN WERKNEMERS  EN HUN REPRESENTANTEN*


Flanged Bombardier beetles from Shanghai, China, with description of a new species in the genus Eustra Schmidt-Goebel (Coleoptera, Carabidae, Paussinae)

Abstract: Four paussine species belonging to three different genera are discovered in Shanghai. A new species, Eustra shanghaiensis Song, sp. n., is described, illustrated, and distinguished from the treated congeners. New distributional data or biological notes on Eustra chinensis Bänninger, 1949, Itamus castaneus Schmidt-Goebel, 1846, and Platyrhopalus davidis Fairmaire, 1886 are provided.


Large and medium-sized mammals of the Humaitá Forest Reserve, southwestern Amazonia, state of Acre, Brazil

Abstract: Large and medium-sized mammals are essential to forest ecosystems as they are responsible for prey population control, seed dispersal and predation. A mammal survey was conducted in the Humaitá Forest Reserve (HFR), a 20 km² forest fragment located in the southeastern part of the state. The survey was carried out using census transects, camera traps, and occasional records such as bones and footprints. In all, 27 species of large to medium-sized mammals were recorded for the RFH, representing 48% of those expected for the region. Dasyprocta fuliginosa, Pecari tajacu and Didelphis marsupialis were the species with the highest number of records with camera traps. The occurrence of two species of cats (Leopardus pardalis and Puma concolor) and three endangered species (Callimico goeldii, Myrmecophaga tridactyla and Priodontes maximus) are important records for the RFH. The results may aid future research on the ecology, biogeography and conservation of mammals in the region.

André Botelho
Armando Calouro
Luiz Borges
Willandia Chaves


Winkelkeuzegedrag van consumenten


Cytotaxonomic investigations on species of genus Narcissus (Amaryllidaceae) from Algeria

Abstract: This paper provides new cytotaxonomic data on the genus Narcissus Linnaeus, 1753, in Algeria. Populations of seven taxa, N. tazetta Linnaeus, 1753, N. pachybolbus Durieu, 1847, N. papyraceus Ker Gawler, 1806, N. elegans (Haworth) Spach, 1846, N. serotinus sensu lato Linnaeus, 1753, including N. obsoletus (Haworth) Steudel, 1841, and N. cantabricus De Candolle, 1815, were karyologically investigated through chromosome counting and karyotype parameters. N. tazetta and N. elegans have the same number of chromosomes 2n = 2x = 20 with different karyotype formulas. Karyological and morphological characteristics, confirm the specific status of N. pachybolbus and N. papyraceus, both are diploids with 2n = 22 but differing in asymmetry indices. The morphotypes corresponding to N. serotinus sensu lato show two ploidy levels 2n = 4x = 20 and 2n = 6x = 30 characterized by a yellow corona. Some hexaploid cytotypes have more asymmetric karyotype with predominance of subtelocentric chromosomes. They are distinguished by orange corona and may correspond to N. obsoletus. Other cytotype 2n = 28 of N. serotinus was observed in the North Western biogeographic sectors. N. cantabricus was found to be diploid with 2n = 2x = 14, which is a new diploid report in the southernmost geographic range of this polyploid complex.

Naila Chahinez Boukhebache
Nabila Amirouche
Rachid Amirouche


Hidden diversity within a polytypic species: The enigmatic Sceloporus torquatus Wiegmann, 1828 (Reptilia, Squamata, Phrynosomatidae

Abstract: The spiny lizard genus Sceloporus was described by Wiegmann in 1828, with S. torquatus posteriorly designated as the type species. The taxonomic history of S. torquatus is complicated, as it has been confused with other taxa by numerous authors. Many modern systematics works have been published on Sceloporus, but none have included all five recognized S. torquatus subspecies: S. t. torquatus, S. t. melanogaster, S. t. binocularis, S. t. mikeprestoni, and S. t. madrensis. Additionally, there is previous evidence for at least one unnamed taxon. The present study is the first taxonomic revision of the enigmatic S. torquatus based on molecular phylogenies using combined molecular data from 12S, ND4 and RAG1 genes, and Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogenetic methods. This work includes the most extensive sampling across the entire distribution, as well as divergence time estimates and environmental niche modelling, which combined offer a spatio-temporal framework for understanding the evolution of the species. Additionally, a series of morphological characters are analyzed to identify significant differences between lineages consistently recovered in the molecular phylogenies. Using this integrative approach, evidence is presented for eight lineages within the S. torquatus complex, five of which correspond to previously recognized subspecies and three represent unnamed taxa masked by morphological conservatism. Finally, to maintain taxonomic stability a lectotype and paralectoype are designated for S. torquatus, and certain taxonomic changes are suggested in order to reflect the phylogenetic relationships within the S. torquatus complex.

Gustavo Campillo-García
Oscar Flores-Villela
Brett Oliver Butler
Julián Andrés Velasco Vinasco
Fabiola Ramírez Corona


HEURISTISCHE PROGRAMMERING - EEN RECENTE ONTWIKKELING OP HET GEBIED VAN DE SIMULATIE1)


Amphibians and Reptiles, Luzon Island, Aurora Province and Aurora Memorial National Park, northern Philippines: new island distribution records

Abstract: We report 35 new amphibian and reptile distribution records for two regions within the southern Sierra Madre Mountain Range, Aurora Province, central Luzon Island, Philippines. Together with results of our previous survey work in Aurora, our new data result in a total of 82 amphibian and reptile species for the area. These results highlight the degree to which the island’s biodiversity continues to be underestimated and poorly understood. We report on observations of rarely encountered species including the skink Sphenomorphus leucospilos, the forest gecko Luperosaurus cf. cumingii, and a sensational new species of monitor lizard, Varanus bitatawa. Our recent collections clarify the conservation status of the “critically endangered” Polillo Island forest frog Platymantis polillensis, now known to be widespread, abundant, and common throughout Camarines Norte, Quezon, and Aurora Provinces on the adjacent mainland of Luzon Island. These results add to our growing understanding of many species’ distributions in the region.

Cameron Siler
Luke Welton
Jessi Siler
Joseph Brown
Abner Bucol
Arvin Diesmos
Rafe Brown


Amphibia, Anura, Hylidae, <i>Hypsiboas curupi</i> : First record for Paraguay.


Clelia rustica (Jan, 1863) (Serpentes: Dipsadidae): distribution extension

Abstract: A new record of the snake Clelia rustica is reported for the province of Neuquén in northwestern Patagonia, extending the distribution by more than 200 km north from previous records; it was known before only from the southernmost regions of the province.

Cristian Pérez
Cintia Medina
Luciano Avila


Wiedomys cerradensis Gonçalves, Almeida and Bonvicino, 2005 (Mammalia: Rodentia: Cricetidae) in Tocantins and Goiás states, central-northern Brazil

Abstract: We report two new localities for the rodent species Wiedomys cerradensis Gonçalves, Almeida and Bonvicino, 2005, previously known only from its type locality, in southwestern Bahia state, and one neighbor locality. Three new specimens were collected along the Paranã River Valley, in the Goiás and Tocantins states, central Brazil. These records extend the range of this species to the northwest, approximately 190 km. We provide external and cranial measurements of these specimens and comment on their morphology.

Alexandra Bezerra
Ana Lazar
Cibele Bonvicino
Jader Marinho-Filho


Amphibia, Hylidae, <i>Itapotihyla langsdorffii</i>: distribution extension

Vinciprova, G.
Colombo, P.
Zank, C.
Lingnau, R.


BELASTINGVRAAGSTUKKEN


Plant communities on the islands of two Altiplanic salt lakes in the Andean region of Bolivia

Abstract: This paper reports a quantitative survey of the composition, diversity and structure of the plant communities on six islands of Uyuni and Coipasa salt lakes (Bolivia). Plant communities on each island were examined via the use of 10 transects, along which species richness and abundance were recorded. Seventy-one species were found in total, representing pteridophytes (6%), gymnosperms (1%), monocotyledons (14%) and dicotyledons (79%). About 21% of the species were endemic or faced some degree of threat. The calculation of Shannon-Wiener α-diversity indices and comparisons of community structure revealed similarities between the islands. Indeed these analyses suggest the existence of a single floral assemblage; however, small differences in the plant communities were visually identified during fieldwork. These islands are home to a considerable subset of the Altiplano’s flora and appear to have been little disturbed. They should therefore be the subject of surveillance/conservation programs.

Alejandro Coca-Salazar
Huber Villca
Mauricio Torrico
Fernando Alfaro


A 13-year termite (Insecta, Blattodea) monitoring programme in the Azores: Dataset and findings

Abstract: From 2011 to 2024, the Azorean Government tested two coordinated monitoring programmes across the archipelago to survey four invasive termite species: the West Indian drywood termite, Cryptotermes brevis (Walker, 1853); the yellow-necked drywood termite, Kalotermes flavicollis (Fabricius, 1793); the Western European subterranean termite, Reticulitermes grassei Clément, 1978; and the eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar, 1837). The monitoring programme was mostly directed to the detection of C. brevis in new locations. Drywood species were detected on multiple islands, with C. brevis established on six islands (from west to east: Faial, Pico, São Jorge, Terceira, São Miguel and Santa Maria) and exhibiting the highest infestation densities in the urban centres of the three most important islands in terms of economic activity and human population (São Miguel, Terceira and Faial). Kalotermes flavicollis occurs more sporadically, primarily along the south coasts of Terceira, São Miguel and southeast coast of Faial and seldom attains the pest status of C. brevis. In contrast, the two Reticulitermes species remain restricted to localised subterranean infestations: Reticulitermes grassei in Horta (Faial) and R. flavipes near Lajes Air Force Base (Terceira), each detected via house inspection visits. Collectively, these efforts provide the first comprehensive, archipelago-wide dataset on termite presence, laying the groundwork for targeted Integrated Pest Management strategies in the Azores.Records of Cryptotermes brevis overwhelmingly dominated the monitoring data, comprising 1,801 of the 1,832 total events (98%), a pattern consistent with previous surveys of its rapid spread in the Azorean urban environment. These detections were heavily concentrated on two islands: Terceira (n = 919) and São Miguel (n = 755). In contrast, Faial, Pico and Santa Maria each yielded roughly 40 records and São Jorge only seven. Annual trap‐capture counts across all islands increased steadily from approximately 40 captures in 2011 to 154 in 2024, peaking at 185 in 2023.Kalotermes flavicollis was the second most frequently recorded species (n = 24), with most records originating on São Miguel, mirroring its more restricted distribution. The two subterranean termites, Reticulitermes grassei and R. flavipes, were documented exclusively on Faial and Terceira, respectively, consistent with their historically limited foothold in the archipelago.Now established on every surveyed island and exhibiting an upward trajectory in annual detection counts, C. brevis remains the foremost urban termite threat in the Azores. To forestall further structural outbreaks, Integrated Pest Management should place sustained emphasis on early detection — through year-round trap checks — and on heightened public awareness, by encouraging residents to report both the characteristic pin-sized faecal pellets and any termite occurrence observed during swarming periods.

Paulo Borges
Sónia Bettencourt
Dejalme Vargas
Raquel Medeiros
João Melo
Ana Rodrigues


Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae, Melanophryniscus spectabilis Caramaschi and Cruz, 2002: distribution extension and geographic distribution map

Abstract: We present here the first records of Melanophryniscus spectabilis out of its type locality and evidences of a restricted distribution for this species. We also discuss its conservation status.


Petrocodon luteoflorus (Gesneriaceae), a new species from karst region in Guizhou, China

Abstract: A new species of Gesneriaceae, Petrocodon luteoflorus Lei Cai &amp; F.Wen was first described and illustrated from Maolan National Nature Reserve, Libo County, Guizhou Province, China. The diagnostic characters and notes of this species between its most morphologically similar species, P. dealbatus Hance, a detailed description, colour photographs, etymology, as well as distribution and habitat, are also provided in this paper.

Zhi-Wei Fan
Lei Cai
Jia-Wen Yang
Sheng-Hu Tang
Fang Wen


DE TOEGEPASTE WAARDERINGSMETHODEN VAN DUURZAME ACTIVA


Three new species of the genus Alluaudomyia Kieffer, 1913 (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) from the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest, China

Abstract: Three new species of the predaceous midges of genus Alluaudomyia Kieffer, 1913: A. flavinotum Wu &amp; Li, sp. nov. of the maculipennis group, and A. reflexuralis Wu &amp; Li, sp. nov. and A. limu Wu &amp; Li, sp. nov. of the parva group, are described from the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest, Hainan Island, China. Illustrations and COI barcodes (a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1) of the three new species are also provided. Associations of male and female specimens of two species (A. reflexuralis Wu &amp; Li, sp. nov. and A. limu Wu &amp; Li, sp. nov.) are supported by DNA barcodes. The parva group is reported from China for the first time.

Xiaoxiang Wu
Zehua He
Xiaodan Lin
Bin Deng
Qi Zhai
Jiahui Li


Effect of single superphosphate fertilizer on survival and respiratory dynamics of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Actinopterygii: Perciformes: Cichlidae)

Abstract: Background. Increasing global usage of inorganic fertilizers, including phosphate-based fertilizers has its negative consequences on the aquatic environment. Effects of single superphosphate fertilizer (SPF) remain unknown, particularly its influence on the respiratory dynamics of fish under continuous exposure. We investigated the effects of single SPF on the survival and respiratory dynamics of Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, under laboratory conditions.    Materials and methods. Nile tilapia fingerlings (of mixed sex) (5.40 . 0.03 g) were exposed to various concentrations of the fertilizer in five treatment regimes (in triplicate): 0.88, 1.75, 3.50, 7.00, 14.00 g . L&ndash;1 (and 0.00 g . L&ndash;1 for control). Each replicate was carried out in a 30-L circular plastic tank based on 20 fingerlings. The study involved: the mortality estimation, the oxygen consumption, the histopathological effects on fish gills, and the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) in liver of fish exposed to sublethal concentrations (0.44, 0.22, 0.11, 0.06, and 0.03 g . L&ndash;1) of single SPF for eight weeks under laboratory conditions.  Results. Acute concentrations of SPF had serious adverse effects on mortality, oxygen consumption and opercular ventilation rates of exposed fish. All variables showed a dose-dependency. A mean value of 96-h LC50 of the SPF to the test fish was calculated to be 3.76 g . L&ndash;1. At various acute concentrations, oedema and hyperplasia of gill lamellae were observed in exposed fish. Exposure of the fish to sublethal concentrations of the SPF resulted in reduction in the levels of lactate dehydrogenase and alcohol dehydrogenase activities in liver.  Conclusion. Concentrations of SPF in natural water bodies are deleterious to aquatic fauna. With rapid global economic development and need for more food production, pollution from agricultural fertilizers remains a major threat to the aquatic ecosystem. Therefore it is ultimately important that a balance is struck between achieving economic excellence and environmental protection through good pollution management strategies.

E. Omoregie
M.N.O. Ajima
R.I. Keke
K. Więski


Organisatie- advisering: een zelfversterkend mechanisme?


Description of four new synallactid species (Holothuroidea, Synallactida, Synallactidae) from the tropical Western Pacific Ocean

Abstract: Four synallactid specimens were collected during four deep-water benthic fauna surveys (2013–2018) conducted at three seamounts (‘Jiaolong’, ‘Y3’, and ‘M4’) and the Ganquan Plateau in the South China Sea, tropical Western Pacific Ocean, at depths ranging from 344 to 3610 m. Morphological examination of these specimens revealed four new species belonging to three genera, which are described as Synallactes tenuibrachius sp. nov., Bathyplotes liaoi sp. nov., Bathyplotes varicolumna sp. nov., and Amphigymnas ganquani sp. nov. Notably, Amphigymnas ganquani sp. nov. represents the first report of an Amphigymnas species in the South China Sea. Detailed descriptions are provided for the morphological features, including the type locality, and geographic and bathymetric distributions of these species. These findings contribute to the understanding of seamount biodiversity and provide valuable insights for advancing research on seamount ecology, management, and conservation.


GRANDEUR EN ZWAKTE VAN EEN SYSTEEM


Van de redactie


Southward range extension of the goldeye rockfish, Sebastes thompsoni (Actinopterygii: Scorpaeniformes: Scorpaenidae), to northern Taiwan

Abstract: The goldeye rockfish, Sebastes thompsoni (Jordan et Hubbs, 1925), is known as a typical cold-water species, occurring from southern Hokkaido to Kagoshima. In the presently reported study, a specimen was collected from the local fishery catch off Keelung, northern Taiwan, which represents the first specimen-based record of the genus in Taiwan. Moreover, the new record of Sebastes thompsoni in Taiwan represented the southernmost distribution of the cold-water genus Sebastes in the Northern Hemisphere.


Placement of Triblidiaceae in Rhytismatales and comments on unique ascospore morphologies in Leotiomycetes (Fungi, Ascomycota)

Abstract:
Triblidiaceae
           is a family of uncommonly encountered, non-lichenized discomycetes. A recent classification circumscribed the family to include Triblidium (4 spp. and 1 subsp.), Huangshania (2 spp.) and Pseudographis (2 spp. and 1 var.). The apothecia of these fungi are persistent and drought-tolerant; they possess stromatic, highly melanized covering layers that open and close with fluctuations of humidity. Triblidialean fungi occur primarily on the bark of Quercus, Pinaceae and Ericaceae, presumably as saprobes. Though the type species of Huangshania is from China, these fungi are mostly known from collections originating from Western Hemisphere temperate and boreal forests. The higher-rank classification of triblidialean fungi has been in flux due in part to an overemphasis on ascospore morphology. Muriform ascospores are observed in species of Triblidium and in Pseudographis elatina. An intense, dark blue/purple ascospore wall reaction in iodine-based reagents is observed in species of Pseudographis. These morphologies have led, in part, to these genera being shuffled among unrelated taxa in Hysteriaceae (Dothideomycetes, Hysteriales) and Graphidaceae (Lecanoromycetes, Ostropales). Triblidiaceae has been placed within the monofamilial order Triblidiales (affinity Lecanoromycetes). Here, we demonstrate with a three-gene phylogenetic approach that triblidialean fungi are related to taxa in Rhytismatales (Leotiomycetes). We synonymize Triblidiales under Rhytismatales and emend Triblidiaceae to include Triblidium and Huangshania, with Pseudographis placed within Rhytismataceae. A history of Triblidiaceae is provided along with a description of the emended family. We discuss how the inclusion of triblidialean fungi in Rhytismatales brings some rarely observed or even unique ascospore morphologies to the order and to Leotiomycetes.

Jason M. Karakehian
Luis Quijada
Gernot Friebes
Joey B. Tanney
Donald H. Pfister


Effecten van IFRS 16 Leases op informatie in de jaarrekening

Abstract: Dit artikel onderzoekt effecten van de eerste toepassing van IFRS 16 op informatie gerelateerd aan leases in jaarrekeningen over 2019 bij lessees. IFRS 16 vereist meer informatie over leases waarvan een groot deel dikwijls wordt gegeven. Een ander deel echter, met name over toekomstige leasebetalingen, veel minder. Ook over gevolgen van door de invoering van IFRS 16 veranderde cijfers in de jaarrekening op impairment testing, alternatieve prestatiemaatstaven en bestuurdersbeloningen treffen we (heel) weinig informatie aan. Vaker besteden de controleverklaringen van de accountant bij de jaarrekening aandacht aan de invoering van IFRS 16. De grondslag voor verwerking van latente belastingposities als gevolg van IFRS 16 wordt weinig vermeld, is uiteenlopend en wacht op de aangekondigde regelgeving.

Jan Backhuijs
Renick van Oosterbosch
Leo van der Tas


OP WEG NAAR EEN ZINVOLLE SEGMENTATIE  VAN INFORMATIE?


Molecular phylogeny and morphology reveal four new wood-inhabiting fungi of Asterostroma and Radulomyces (Basidiomycota) from Southwestern China

Abstract: In the ecosystem, wood-inhabiting fungi play an indispensable role in wood degradation and the cycle of substances. They are regarded as the “key player” in the process of wood decomposition because of their ability to produce various enzymes that break down woody lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. In this study, four new wood-inhabiting fungal species, Asterostroma paramuscicola, Radulomyces bambusinus, R. fissuratus, and R. sinensis, were collected from southwestern China and were proposed based on the morphological and molecular evidence. Asterostroma paramuscicola is characterised by the felted-membranous to pellicular basidiomata with pinkish to slightly salmon-buff, a smooth hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system, and generative hyphae bearing simple-septate and subglobose, thin-walled, echinulate basidiospores measuring as 8–8.8 × 7–8 µm. Radulomyces bambusinus is characterised by the resupinate basidiomata with pinkish-white to pink, a tuberculate hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system and generative hyphae bearing clamp connections, and subglobose, slightly thick-walled, smooth basidiospores measuring as 6–7.5 × 5.5–7.3 µm. Radulomyces fissuratus is characterised by the coriaceous basidiomata with grey to grey-buff, a tuberculate hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system and generative hyphae bearing clamp connections, and globose, slightly thick-walled, smooth basidiospores measuring as 7–9.5 × 6.5–8.5 µm. Radulomyces sinensis is characterised by the coriaceous basidiomata with straw to cinnamon to ocherous, a tuberculate hymenial surface, a monomitic hyphal system and generative hyphae bearing clamp connections, and broadly ellipsoid, slightly thick-walled, smooth basidiospores measuring as 7.5–9 × 6.2–7.5 µm. Sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and large subunit (nrLSU) markers of the studied samples were generated, and phylogenetic analyses were performed with maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony, and Bayesian inference methods. Phylogenetic analyses of ITS+nrLSU nuclear RNA gene regions showed that four new species were assigned to the genera Asterostroma and Radulomyces. The phylogenetic tree inferred from the ITS sequences revealed that A. paramuscicola was closely associated with A. macrosporum and A. muscicola. Based on the ITS sequences, the topology showed that Radulomyces bambusinus was retrieved as a sister to R. zixishanensis. The taxon R. fissuratus forms a monophyletic lineage. The other one species, R. sinensis, was closely associated with R. molaris and R. yunnanensis.

Junhong Dong
Qiaohua Deng
Minglan Chen
Daxiang Chen
Chunqin Zhou
Changlin Zhao


A new large-sized lepetid limpet from the abyssal northwestern Pacific is the deepest known patellogastropod

Abstract: True limpets in the gastropod subclass Patellogastropoda are familiar members of shallow-water rocky environments but are much rarer in the deep, with just three families adapted to bathyal depths or more. Of these, Lepetidae is the only one found on ambient seafloor habitats, and Bathylepeta is a very deep genus known from two species off Chile and Antarctica. Here, we report a giant Bathylepeta up to a shell length of 40.5 mm from 5922 m deep in the northwestern Pacific and name it Bathylepeta wadatsumi sp. nov. Phylogenetic reconstruction using the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene supports the placement of this new species in Bathylepeta. Our new species is most similar to B. linseae from the Weddell Sea but can be distinguished by its much more developed second lateral and marginal teeth, as well as a larger size. Bathylepeta wadatsumi sp. nov. also has slightly imbricating radular basal plates, a feature previously unknown from this genus; we therefore emend the genus diagnosis. Our finding not only extends the distribution of this enigmatic limpet genus to Japan but also marks the deepest bathymetric record for the entire Patellogastropoda.

Chong Chen
Miwako Tsuda
Yoshiyuki Ishitani


A new species of the genus Microtendipes Kieffer, 1915 (Diptera, Chironomidae) from Oriental China

Abstract: A new species of the genus Microtendipes Kieffer, 1915, M. zhejiangensis sp.n., is described, and its morphological description and illustrations are given. A catalogue of the genus in Oriental Region is provided and a key to the males of Microtendipes in the Oriental Region is given.


Analysis of potential niche shifts in alien pairs of mantis species (Insecta, Mantodea) with comments on the current taxonomic and ecological knowledge

Abstract: Due to the pet and goods trade, several animals are now present in regions outside of their traditional native ranges. A peculiar situation has arisen in mantises, insects that are becoming more popular as pets: two genera (Hierodula and Tenodera) have begun to spread around the world, with two Hierodula species overlapping in Europe and two Tenodera species doing the same in North America. Such an event can lead to possible competition with both local taxa and alien congeneric sister species; the latter may reduce the impact of one of the invaders. Additionally, the situation allows the comparisons of niche shifts in displaced mantises, allowing us to understand whether such animals respect general patterns shown in terrestrial ectothermic invasive species. To do this, I adapted scripts from previous publications for analyzing niche overlap (Schoener’s D), niche expansion (E), and unfilling (U) through the centroid shift, overlap, unfilling, and expansion (COUE) scheme using presence records from GBIF and iNaturalist Research-Grade observations and bioclimatic variables available in BIOCLIM, selected according to variance inflation factor (VIF) values. I also evaluated the overlap between the sister species in the non-native range with D. Overall, there was relatively high niche expansion and unfilling patterns shared among the taxa, although species tended to have low abiotic overlap between native and alien ranges, and a relatively high niche overlap was present among congeneric species in the shared non-native area. However, such analyses may be biased due to chosen variables, taxonomic uncertainty, and lack of information on mantises’ ecology; particularly, the situation regarding H. tenuidentata/transcaucasica should be monitored and clarified, given the higher potential invasion risk of these species compared to other mantises and the uncertainties regarding which populations have reached Europe. Additionally, the biology of alien mantises should be studied in more detail in both native and non-native environments given the current critical lack of information.


Het COSO-studierapport


A comprehensive survey of Rhinonyssid mites (Mesostigmata: Rhinonyssidae) in Northwest Russia: New mite-host associations and prevalence data


Extrapolative prediction in multiphase flow pipelines: a multi-fidelity surrogate approach with stacking ensemble

Abstract: Accurate extrapolation of multiphase flow behaviour in offshore pipelines is hindered by limited field data, simulator bias, and strong nonlinearities. A multi-fidelity surrogate approach with stacking ensemble is proposed to address these challenges, in which a field-trained high-fidelity expert and a simulation-trained expert are adaptively fused through a k-nearest-neighbours (k-NN) competence metric and a Lipschitz-continuous convex combiner. This design ensures mean-squared-error dominance, such that the fused predictor never underperforms the better expert and variance is suppressed in transitional regimes. Data efficiency is further enhanced by a hybrid active learning strategy (ZECR Sampling) that integrates geometric coverage with uncertainty-driven refinement. When applied to a real offshore pipeline dataset containing more than 5,700 samples, the proposed method achieves an R2 of 0.740 and reduces RMSE by over 20% compared with the best baseline. These results indicate that the framework functions not only as a fast surrogate but also as a spatially aware risk controller, enabling reliable extrapolative prediction and supporting automated, real-time decision-making in multiphase flow pipeline systems.

Pengcheng Cao
Kai Wang
Ting Zhang
Lihui Yang

Engineering Applications of Computational Fluid Mechanics

Engineering (General). Civil engineering (General)


The number of androgen receptor CAG repeats and mortality in men

Abstract: Introduction The androgen receptor (AR) mediates peripheral effects of testosterone. Evidence suggests that the number of CAG repeats in exon-1 of the AR gene negatively correlates with AR transcriptional activity. The aim of this analysis was to determine the association between CAG repeat number and mortality in men. Methods Men aged 40–79 years were recruited from primary care for participation in the UK arm of the European Male Aging Study between 2003 and 2005. Cox proportional hazards modelling was used to determine the association between CAG repeat number/mortality. Results were expressed as hazard ratios(HR)/95% confidence intervals (CI). Results 312 men were followed up. The mean baseline age was 59.5 years. At follow up, 85/312(27%) men had died. CAG repeat length ranged from 14 to 39, with the highest proportion of CAG repeat number at 21 repeats(16.4%). In a multivariable model, using men with CAG repeat numbers of 22-23 as the reference, men with a lower number of CAG repeats(<22) showed a trend for a higher mortality in the follow-up period (HR 1.46 (0.75, 2.81)) as did men with higher number of repeats (>23) (1.37 (0.65, 2.91)). Conclusion Our data suggest that CAG repeat number may partially influence the risk of mortality in men. Further larger studies are required to quantify the effect.

Adrian Heald
Michael Cook
Leen Antonio
Dirk Vanderschueren
Ahmed Javed
Helene Fachim
Geoff Hackett
Fred Wu
Terence O’Neill


Achieving high strength in 430 stainless steel by laser powder bed fusion: microstructure-property relationships and strengthening strategies

Abstract: Conventional manufacturing of 430 ferritic stainless steel faces significant challenges, including severe work hardening, rapid tool wear, and limited strengthening via heat treatment. To overcome these limitations, this study employs laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) technology to fabricate high-density (99.93%) 430 stainless steel samples through systematic process parameter optimisation. The as-built samples exhibit a unique microstructure characterised by columnar ferrite grains with a <100 >  fibre texture along the building direction and a few oxides enriched in aluminium, oxygen, and nitrogen. In terms of mechanical properties, the as-built sample exhibits high yield strength of approximately 747.5 MPa, nearly double that of the conventionally hot rolled counterpart, while maintaining considerable ductility (∼29.2%). This significant strengthening is primarily attributed to the high-density dislocations generated during the LPBF forming process. This work demonstrates the potential of LPBF for producing high-performance ferritic stainless steels with enhanced mechanical properties.

Junchen Li
Qiushuang Wang
Swee Leong Sing
Congwei Wang
Wei Jiang
Kangming Lu
Junqiang Ren
Hongtao Xue
Xuefeng Lu
Fuling Tang


Upper Limb Anaerobic Metabolism Capacity is Reduced in Mild and Moderate COPD Patients

Abstract: Limited information is available regarding the role of anaerobic metabolism capacity on GOLD 1 and 2 COPD patients during upper limb exercise. We aimed to compare the upper limb anaerobic power capacity, blood lactate concentration, cardiovascular and respiratory responses, in male COPD patients versus healthy subjects during the 30-s Wingate anaerobic test (WAnT). The rate of fatigue and time constant of the power output decay (τ, tau) were also calculated and a regression analysis model was built to assess the predictors of τ in these patients. Twenty-four male COPD patients (post-bronchodilator FEV1 73.2 ± 15.3% of predicted) and 17 healthy subjects (FEV1 103.5 ± 10.1% of predicted) underwent the WAnT. Measurements were performed at rest, at the end of the WAnT, and during 3′ and 5′ of recovery time. Peak power (p = 0.04), low power (p = 0.002), and mean power output (p = 0.008) were significantly lower in COPD patients than in healthy subjects. Power output decreased exponentially in both groups, but at a significantly faster rate (p = 0.007) in COPD patients. The time constant of power decay was associated with resistance (in ohms) and fat-free mass (r2 = 0.604, adjusted r2 = 0.555, and p = 0.002). Blood lactate concentration was significantly higher in healthy subjects at the end of the test, as well as during 3′ and 5′ of recovery time (p < 0.01). Compared with healthy subjects, COPD patients with GOLD 1 and 2 presented lower upper limb anaerobic capacity and a faster rate of power output decrease during a maximal intensity exercise. Also, the WAnT proved to be a valid tool to measure the upper limb anaerobic capacity in these patients.

Vinicius C. Iamonti
Gerson F. Souza
Antonio A. M. Castro
Elias F. Porto
Lais G. B. Cruz
Eduardo Colucci
Marcelo Colucci
Antonio Sarmento
Oliver A. Nascimento
José R. Jardim


Housekeeping gene expression variability in differentiating and non-differentiating 3T3-L1 cells

Abstract: ABSTRACTNormalization is a crucial step in gene expression analysis to avoid misinterpretation. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to measure the expression of 10 candidate housekeeping genes in non-differentiated (ND) and differentiated (DI) 3T3-L1 cells on days 5 and 10. We used geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, RefFinder, and the ∆Ct method to evaluate expression stability. The findings revealed that (1) the expression levels of the reference genes changed over time, even in non-differentiating cells, and (2) peptidylprolyl isomerase A (Ppia) and TATA box-binding protein (Tbp) were stable reference genes for 10 days in both undifferentiated and differentiated 3T3-L1 cells. Notably, the expression of known reference genes in non-differentiating cells was altered throughout the experiment.

Danang Dwi Cahyadi
Tomoko Warita
Nanami Irie
Kana Mizoguchi
Jiro Tashiro
Yoshinao Z. Hosaka
Katsuhiko Warita

Diseases of the endocrine glands. Clinical endocrinology


Research on the influencing factors of bilingual teaching in applied universities in Southwest China based on structural equation model

Abstract: Bilingual teaching resources are insufficient in applied universities across the Southwest China. This study constructs a Structural Equation Model (SEM) based on four latent variables: student factors, teacher factors, external factors, and teaching effects. Data were collected through a questionnaire administered to 550 undergraduates majoring in specific disciplines of architecture and civil engineering at applied universities in Southwest China. Quantitative analysis yielded the following key findings: (1) external factors have a direct and positive influence on both teacher and student variables, with teaching resources exerting the strongest effect among external factors; (2) teacher factors positively affect student factors, with teachers’ attitudes playing the most critical role; and (3) both teacher and student factors significantly impact bilingual teaching effectiveness, with student quality being the most influential component among student-related variables. By integrating external, teacher, and student dimensions, the study proposes targeted strategies to improve bilingual education outcomes. The study provides new insights into the key determinants of bilingual teaching effectiveness and fills a research gap by applying SEM to quantitatively analyze bilingual education in the context of applied universities. It also offers valuable implications for educational administrators and government policymakers seeking to enhance the quality of bilingual education in Southwest China.


The use of melting curves as a novel approach for validation of real-time PCR instruments

Abstract: Validation of PCR thermal cycler performance is crucial in order to obtain reliable results. In this study, high resolu- tion melting curve (HRM) analysis is presented as a novel validation method for real-time PCR instruments. By ap- plying HRM analysis using a defined PCR amplicon and EvaGreen dye, information about the temperature accuracy and thermal homogeneity of the heating block was obtained. This pilot study shows the potential of our technique for temperature validation of real-time quantitative PCR thermal cyclers. Our data correlated well with the tempera- ture accuracy data obtained from the Mobile Temperature Acquisition System (MTAS; r2 = 0.93), which conforms to the National Institute of Standards and Technology criteria, and our method was reproducible in independent runs (r2 = 0.95). The advantages of this HRM-based method include: (i) temperature measurement under real world conditions in the reaction liquid in closed reaction tubes; (ii) temperature measurement of all wells; and (iii) applica- bility to all real-time PCR instruments capable of HRM analysis.

Helmut Von Keyserling
Thomas Bergmann
Moritz Wiesel
Andreas M. Kaufmann


Plant growth promoting bacteria increases biomass, effective constituent, and modifies rhizosphere bacterial communities of Panax ginseng

Abstract: Purpose: The main aim of this study was to introduce and explore plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) indigenous to ginseng, and to evaluate their ability to improve production and quality, and effect on rhizosphere niche in ginseng. Materials and methods: Endophytic bacteria were isolated from root, stem, and leaf of ginseng from different sites and genotype in China and Korea, screened based on their beneficial properties as PGPB. Nine bacterial isolates were selected according to their plant growth properties including soluble phosphate and potassium, ammonia, auxin and siderophore producing, ACC deaminase, and antagonistic pathogen as well. Changes in ginseng after PGPB inoculation were evaluated with respect to the non-inoculated control. Results and Conclusions: The PGPB isolates were identified as genera Bacillus, Lysinibacillus, Rhizobium, Stenotrophomonas, Erwinia, Ochrobactrum, Enterobacter and Pantoea based on 16S rRNA sequences. Inoculation of G209 and G119 increased not only plant height, root length, fresh weight, and dry weight, but also root activity and the amount of ginsenosides significantly. In particular, using the Illumina Miseq platform, the native bacterial community of rhizospheric soil maintained high community diversity and increased abundance of specific bacteria. Therefore, they may be play a crucial role in sustainable ginseng cultivating in farmland.

Wenxiu Ji
Xue Leng
Zhengxun Jin
Hulin Li

Acta Agriculturae Scandinavica. Section B, Soil and Plant Science


Supplementation of guanidinoacetic acid and betaine improve growth performance and meat quality of ducks by accelerating energy metabolism

Abstract: This study was conducted to investigate the effects of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) and betaine on growth performance, meat quality and metabolism of ducks. A total of 384-one-day-old Cherry Valley meat ducks (55.75 ± 0.55 g) were randomly assigned to four treatments with 6 replicates of 16 ducks. Ducks were fed a basal diet (control) or a test diet supplemented with 0.6 g GAA/kg, 2.0 g betaine/kg, or 0.6 g GAA/kg + 2.0 g betaine/kg. The results showed that compared with the control group, GAA and betaine improved feed conversation ratio from day 1 to 14 and 1 to 35 and body weight at 35 days of age (p < .05). GAA and betaine increased breast muscle percentage while reduced abdominal fat percentage, and drip loss and shear force of breast muscle (p < .05). GAA and betaine lowered free serine, methionine, tryptophan and total amino acid contents in muscles, increased free serine, aspartic acid, phenylalanine and tryptophan contents in plasma (p < .05). There was a synergistic effect on non-esterified fatty acid, lactic acid and uric acid between GAA and betaine. GAA and betaine increased the creatine kinase activity in plasma and creatine and ATP content in breast muscle, decreased the lactate dehydrogenase and L-arginine: glycine amidino transferase activities (p < .05). In conclusion, supplementation of GAA and betaine improved the growth performance and meat quality of ducks by accelerating energy metabolism. There was a synergistic effect on NEFA, LA and UA concentrations in plasma of ducks between GAA and betaine.Highlights Supplementing GAA and betaine improved the growth performance and meat quality of ducks. Adding GAA and betaine accelerated the energy metabolism of ducks. There was a synergistic effect on non-esterified fatty acid, lactic acid and uric acid concentrations in the plasma of ducks between GAA and betaine.

Li Shuzhen
Li Yang
Chang Wenhuan
Chen Zhimin
Zheng Aijuan
Wang Zedong
Liu Guohua


Deployment-related mental health support: comparative analysis of NATO and allied ISAF partners

Abstract:
Background: For years there has been a tremendous gap in our understanding of the mental health effects of deployment and the efforts by military forces at trying to minimize or mitigate these. Many military forces have recently systematized the mental support that is provided to support operational deployments. However, the rationale for doing so and the consequential allocation of resources are felt to vary considerably across North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) International Security Assistance (ISAF) partners. This review aims to compare the organization and practice of mental support by five partnering countries in the recent deployment in Afghanistan in order to identify and compare the key methods and structures for delivering mental health support, describe bottlenecks and illustrate new developments. Method: Information was collected through document analysis and semi-structured interviews with key military mental healthcare stakeholders. The review resulted from close collaboration between key military mental healthcare professionals within the Australian Defense Forces (ADF), Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), United Kingdom Armed Forces (UK), Netherlands Armed Forces (NLD), and the United States Army (US). Key stakeholders were interviewed about the mental health support provided during a serviceperson's military career. The main items discussed were training, prevention, early identification, intervention, and aftercare in the field of mental health. Results: All forces reported that much attention was paid to mental health during the individual's military career, including deployment. In doing so there was much overlap between the rationale and applied methods. The main method of providing support was through training and education. The educative focus was to strengthen the mental resilience of individual soldiers while providing a range of mental healthcare services. All forces had abandoned standard psychological debriefing after critical incidents. Instead, by default, mental healthcare professionals acted to support the leader and peer led “after action” reviews. All countries provided professional mental support close to the front line, aimed at early detection and early return to normal activities within the unit. All countries deployed a mental health support team that consisted of a range of mental health staff including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, mental health nurses, and chaplains. There was no overall consensus in the allocation of mental health disciplines in theatre. All countries (except the US) provided troops with a third location decompression (TLD) stop after deployment, which aimed to recognize what the deployed units had been through and to prepare them for transition home. The US conducted in-garrison ‘decompression’, or ‘reintegration training’ in the US, with a similiar focus to TLD. All had a reasonably comparable infrastructure in the field of mental healthcare. Shared bottlenecks across countries included perceived stigma and barriers to care around mental health problems as well as the need for improving the awareness and recognition of mental health problems among service members. among service personnel as well as the need for improving the awareness and recognition of symptoms as being indicative of a mental health problems among service
members. Conclusion: This analysis demonstrated that in all five partners state-of-the-art preventative mental healthcare was included in the last deployment in Afghanistan, including a positive approach towards strengthening the mental resilience, a focus on self-regulatory skills and self-empowerment, and several initiatives that were well-integrated in a military context. These initiatives were partly/completely implemented by the military/colleagues/supervisors and applicable during several phases of the deployment cycle. Important new developments in operational mental health support are recognition of the role of social leadership and enhancement of operational peer support. This requires awareness of mental problems that will contribute to reduction of the barriers to care in case of problems. Finally, comparing mental health support services across countries can contribute to optimal preparation for the challenges of military deployment.

Eric Vermetten
Neil Greenberg
Manon A. Boeschoten
Roos Delahaije
Rakesh Jetly
Carl A. Castro
Alexander C. McFarlane


Bridging the procedures skill gap from medical school to residency: a simulation-based mastery learning curriculum

Abstract: Background The transition from medical student to intern is a recognized educational gap. To help address this, the Association of American Medical Colleges developed the Core Entrustable Professional Activities for entering residency. As these metrics outline expectations for all graduating students regardless of specialty, the described procedural expectations are appropriately basic. However, in procedure-heavy specialties such as emergency medicine, the ability to perform advanced procedures continues to contribute to the disconnect between undergraduate and graduate medical education. To prepare our graduating students for their internship in emergency medicine, we developed a simulation-based mastery learning curriculum housed within a specialty-specific program. Our overall goal was to develop the students’ procedural competency for central venous catheter placement and endotracheal intubation before graduation from medical school.Methods Twenty-five students participated in a simulation-based mastery learning procedures curriculum for ultrasound-guided internal jugular central venous catheter placement and endotracheal intubation. Students underwent baseline assessment, deliberate practice, and post-test assessments. Both the baseline and post-test assessments used the same internally developed checklists with pre-established minimum passing scores.Results Despite completing an emergency medicine rotation and a critical care rotation, none of the students met the competency standard during their baseline assessments. All twenty-five students demonstrated competency on both procedures by the end of the curriculum. A second post-test was required to demonstrate achievement of the central venous catheter and endotracheal intubation minimum passing scores by 16% and 28% of students, respectively.Conclusions Students demonstrated procedural competency for central venous catheter placement and endotracheal intubation by engaging in simulation-based mastery learning procedures curriculum as they completed their medical school training. With three instructional hours, students were able to achieve basic procedural competence for two common, high-risk procedures they will need to perform during emergency medicine residency training.

Lauren D. Branditz
Andrew P. Kendle
Cynthia G. Leung
Christopher E. San Miguel
David P. Way
Ashish R. Panchal
Jennifer Yee

Special aspects of education
Medicine (General)


The dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) feed resources and utilization practices in Borana Plateau, southern Ethiopia

Abstract: AbstractAlthough camel production is the primary source of revenue for pastoralists and agro-pastoralists in the Borana, a number of issues affect camel performance in the area, with one of the most pressing being feed availability. Camel production often involves optimizing available feed availability, which is considered to be the principal limiting factor in a free-browsing environment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feed resources that are available for dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius) and their utilization practices in the Borana Plateau, southern Ethiopia. A household survey questionnaire, a focused group discussion, and key informant interviews were utilized to collect data from 364 camel herders in nine kebeles in the districts of Yabello, Elwaye, and Gomole. The results show that browsing trees and shrubs (53.3%) were the most commonly known feed resources accessible in the study’s areas, followed by herbaceous feed resources (42.3%). The total dry matter (DM) available was 1379.59 tons less than the total dry matter required for camels, which was 5242.71 tons. The total dry matter balance was −3863.12 tons along the studied districts, which was below the requirements. Camel feed is scarce all year, and the survey results show that 90.9% of respondents do not conserve camel feed in any way. Furthermore, 89.6% stated that they have received no training in feed conservation measures. This finding highlighted the significance of raising herder awareness of fundamental feed management and conservation techniques.

Agriculture
Food processing and manufacture


Differential Accumulation of Soybean Seed Storage Protein Subunits in Response to Sulfur and Nitrogen Nutritional Sources

Abstract: Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) seed storage proteins consist of subunits that differ in amino acid profile, the β-subunit of 7S protein being essentially devoid of the S-containing amino acids, methionine and cysteine. Our objective was to examine the interaction of N and S nutrition on the relative abundance of these storage protein subunits in soybean seed. ‘Kenwood’ soybean was grown in hydroponic culture, and during vegetative growth (V2–R4.5) N was provided as 5 mM KNO3 to plants grown under sulfur-deficient (0.004 raM Na2SO4) or sulfur-sufficient (0.4 mM Na2S04) conditions. During seed fill (R4.5–R7) N was supplied as 5 mM KNO3 or 2.5 mM urea. Each N group was given S treatments of 1) no sulfur, 2) 0.4mM Na2SO4, 3) 0.2 mM L-cystine, or 4) 0.4 mM L-methionine. Effects on seed protein quality of S deficiency during vegetative growth were essentially overcome by supplying sulfate as late as R4.5. Total protein and seed storage protein were increased with urea as N source, but urea also increased the β-subunit. Provision of reduced S as methionine essentially suppressed β-subunit production, but cystine did not, suggesting that cystine did not influence methionine level in the seed. We also report the accumulation of two as yet unreported proteins which occur at extremes of S nutrition : (1) a putative β-subunit of 7S protein occurring in the embryonic axis under S-deficiency ; and (2) a ca. 14kD protein in cotyledon tissue under provision of L-methionine. Though S and N did interact to a limited extent to influence seed protein composition, major effects were from S or N acting individually.

Nam C. Paek
Peter J. Sexton
Seth L. Naeve
Richard Shibles


Comparative hematology


Association between systemic immune-inflammatory markers and the risk of moyamoya disease: a case-control study

Abstract: AbstractBackground:Systemic immune-inflammatory markers such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII) are associated with the prognosis of many cardiovascular and neoplastic diseases. Moyamoya disease (MMD) is associated with inflammation, but the relationship between systemic immune-inflammatory markers between MMD is unclear. The aim of our study was to analyse the association between systemic immune-inflammatory markers and the risk of MMD and its subtypes.Methods:We consecutively recruited 360 patients with MMD and 89 healthy control subjects in a case-control study to calculate and analyse the association of systemic immune-inflammatory markers with the risk of MMD and its subtypes.Results:The risk of MMD increased with higher levels of NLR (OR 1.237, 95% CI [1.008, 1.520], p = .042). When NLR and SII were assessed as quartile-spaced subgroups, the third quartile grouping of NLR and SII had a higher risk of MMD than the first quartile grouping (NLR: OR 3.206, 95% CI [1.271, 8.088], p = .014; SII: OR 3.074,95% CI [1.232,7.672], p = .016). When NLR was combined with SII, the highest subgroup had a higher risk of MMD than the lowest subgroup (OR2.643, 95% CI [1.340, 5.212], p = .005). The risk of subtypes also increased with higher levels of NLR and SII. The association between the levels of NLR and SII with the staging of the Suzuki stage follows an inverted U-shape. The highest levels of NLR and SII were found in patients with MMD at Suzuki stages 3–4.Conclusion:The risk of MMD increases with elevated systemic immune-inflammatory markers. This study analysed the association of systemic immune-inflammatory markers with the risk of developing MMD and its subtypes, and identified novel inflammatory markers for MMD.

Wei Liu
Chenglong Liu
Xiaofan Yu
Yuanren Zhai
Qiheng He
Junsheng Li
Xingju Liu
Xun Ye
Qian Zhang
Rong Wang
Yan Zhang
Peicong Ge
Dong Zhang


Emerging Role of Ferroptosis in the Pathogenesis of Ischemic Stroke: A New Therapeutic Target?

Abstract: Ischemic stroke is one of the main causes of high morbidity, mortality, and disability worldwide; however, the treatment methods are limited and do not always achieve satisfactory results. The pathogenesis of ischemic stroke is complex, defined by multiple mechanisms; among them, programmed death of neuronal cells plays a significant role. Ferroptosis is a novel type of regulated cell death characterized by iron redistribution or accumulation and increased lipid peroxidation in the membrane. Ferroptosis is implicated in many pathological conditions, such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. In this review, we summarize current research findings on ferroptosis, including possible molecular mechanisms and therapeutic applications of ferroptosis regulators, with a focus on the involvement of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis and treatment of ischemic stroke. Understanding the role of ferroptosis in ischemic stroke will throw some light on the development of methods for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of this devastating disease.

Zhong-Qi Bu
Hai-Yang Yu
Jue Wang
Xin He
Yue-Ran Cui
Jia-Chun Feng
Juan Feng

Neurosciences. Biological psychiatry. Neuropsychiatry


Adolescent victimization and psychosocial well-being in a Finnish population-based sample

Abstract: ABSTRACTPotentially traumatizing events are common in adolescence, and these experiences have an impact on psychopathology. Furthermore, these events cumulate for certain individuals. More knowledge about the relationship between well-being and victimization experiences’ amount, type, and timing in adolescents is needed to understand the phenomenon of adolescent victimization. In this cross-sectional study, we investigated in a population-based sample of Finnish adolescents, whether victimization experiences associate with psychosocial well-being. The study sample comprised 5743 adolescents aged 15–16 years who filled in a questionnaire about 12 victimization experiences and psychosocial well-being. General Linear Model regression analyses were used for statistical analysis. A greater number of victimization experiences and recent timing, as well as type of victimization such as cyberbullying, were linked to problems related to psychosocial well-being. It is important to recognize current forms of youth victimization to identify the adolescents at risk for psychosocial distress and investigate on specific types of victimization.

Katri Lahti
Heidi Backman
Taina Laajasalo
Markus Kaakinen
Eeva T. Aronen

International Journal of Adolescence and Youth

Special aspects of education
The family. Marriage. Woman


Exploring the cultural influence of Turkish TV dramas: a mixed‑methods study among Tunisian viewers

Abstract: The Turkish television series industry has experienced significant growth over the past twenty years and has gained widespread popularity both domestically and internationally. This expansion has generated economic value while reinforcing Turkey’s soft power and cultural exchange. A striking example of this influence is observed in Tunisia, where Turkish series have attracted considerable interest. This study examines the impact of Turkish series on cultural interactions and perceptions of Turkey within Tunisia’s socio-cultural context. The research utilizes a mixed-methods design, combining qualitative interviews conducted with 33 participants and a quantitative survey. The study focuses on university students as a key sample of Tunisia’s active young population. Data was collected through a scale administered to a group of 465 participants, primarily consisting of these students. The findings reveal that socio-demographic variables, particularly education and age, play a significant role in shaping viewer preferences. Furthermore, the results indicate a strong cultural affinity between Tunisians and Turks, which increases engagement with Turkish media and creates a more positive perception of Turkey’s historical heritage. This affinity strengthens interest in Turkish productions among the younger educated population, leading to greater recognition of Turkey’s cultural identity in Tunisia.

History of scholarship and learning. The humanities


Performance and farmers preferred traits of Jersey × local cows in the tropics: the case of Angolelana Tera district, North Shewa zone, Ethiopia

Abstract: The objectives of this research were to assess the productive and reproductive performances, and crossbred Jersey farmers preferences traits in Angolelana Tera district, Amhara region, Ethiopia. A total of 158 smallholders holding Jersey crossbreed recruited from seven Kebeles were interviewed face to face using a semi structured questionnaire. Index for traits preferences and one-way analysis of variance for reproductive and productive performances differences of dairy cattle breeds were employed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 25. Milk yield, growth and traction in Holstein-Friesian crossbred, while milk fat, fertility and growth in Jersey crossbred, and disease’s resistant ability, traction power and adaptation to local climates in indigenous breed were the most valued traits by farmers in the study district. The overall mean of the most reproductive and productive performance parameters of Jersey crossbred namely age at first calving (30.56 months), lactation length (241.32 days), calving interval (441.79 days), number of services per conception (1.55) and longevity (16.53 years) were significantly better than its counterpart Holstein-Friesian crossbreed with the corresponding values of 32.91 months, 227.28 days, 447.59 days, 1.86 and 15.03 years, respectively. However, no significant variations were observed between the two crossbreeds of Holstein-Friesian and Jersey on age at first service and days open in the present study. Generally, indigenous breeds significantly lower productive and reproductive performances than crossbred cattle. In conclusion, although some parameters are antagonistic with the standards recommended for modern dairy farming, Jersey crossbreed performed well in the district. These indicates that the project looks targeted on the right breed in the right place with necessary training approaches on caring of crossbred Jersey breed and milk processing. Therefore, the wide use of Jersey crossbreed must be promoted in the district together with necessary improved management packages.


Transport tariff hiking: the case of public transport fare between Addis Ababa and Woliso town

Abstract: Public transport is one of the public utilities offered to the general public directly by the government or through private sector participation. In either scenario, public transport should be subject to government control and stringent regulation in terms of pricing and service nature. The general argument is that the rates charged must be acceptable in the eyes of regulators, providers, and the general public. Using a critical postmodern research methodology and a critical and descriptive research design, this research aimed to critically analyze the factors leading to the spiraling of public transportation rates between Addis Ababa and Woliso. Key informants and passengers were selected using purposeful and snowball sampling procedures. The research revealed that, despite the government’s efforts to impose tariffs and offer subsidies to public transport providers, the government’s policy involvement failed to control public transport price hikes. Some of the obstacles that public transport services encounter in the execution of government pricing policy includes a lack of institutional linkage and coordination between multiple sites of delivery and players. Public transport pricing policy continues to be one of the principal policy concerns and sources of controversy in the case study and Ethiopia generally. Since the fare or price charged to users has been more than government tariff, the government’s public transport tariff has remained hypothetical. This suggests the existence of a critical contest between the government in charge of setting the tariff and overseeing its implementation and the public transport providers in the case study.


A time-motion study of the COVID-19 vaccination process in an urban primary health center of Odisha, India

Abstract: Vaccination is a critical tool in protecting against COVID-19. It is essential to know the time for each activity in a COVID-19 vaccination process for better management, especially during a pandemic. Thus, we conducted a time-motion study to identify activities that led to delayed/increased waiting time in an urban primary health center in Bhubaneswar, India. We observed 196 COVID-19 vaccine beneficiaries over one month (June 2021) from when they arrived at the vaccination center until they left the center. A data collection form and a Stopwatch were used to estimate the time taken for various activities involved in COVID-19 vaccine delivery. The time taken was expressed in mean and median. We also compared the time taken during the first and second doses using the Mann-Whitney U test. The total mean time spent at the vaccination center was 40:56 ± 20:52 minutes. The activity that took the longest was ‘waiting time in queue before vaccination’, which was 34:22 ± 20:56 min constituting 82% of the total time. The activity that took longer for the second dose than the first was the beneficiary verification in the Co-WIN portal with a median of 27 seconds and 36 seconds, respectively (p < .001). This study will help program managers formulate better strategies to improve the vaccination process making it more efficient.

G. Alekhya
Prajna Paramita Giri
Arjun M.C.
Binod Kumar Behera
Sonu Hangma Subba

Immunologic diseases. Allergy
Therapeutics. Pharmacology


MGF100 but not MGF300 family is a potential multigene-deleted target for ASFV attenuation and live attenuated vaccine development

Abstract: African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious and lethal disease, but few therapeutic options are available for its treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of safe and effective vaccines. In this regard, we described the differential effect of deletion of whole MGF100 and MGF300 families from genotype II highly virulent strains on African swine fever virus (ASFV) replication, virulence, and induction of protection. The resulting ASFV-Δ100 and ASFV-Δ300 mutants demonstrated reduced growth kinetics in vitro, with the former displaying aberrant virus morphogenesis. ASFV-Δ100 was efficiently attenuated, whereas ASFV-Δ300 retained its virulence. In the homologous lethal challenge, the two mutants achieved the same protection rate, with the former providing more protection against pathology in organs. Mechanistically, we found that ASFV-Δ100 was capable of inducing a robust innate immune response in vitro and a consistent P30 antibody response in vivo. In conclusion, the MGF100 family is a potential multigene-deleted target for ASFV live-attenuated vaccine development.

Wen Dang
Fan Xu
Yu Du
Tao Li
Huanan Liu
Zhengwang Shi
Hong Tian
Jijun He
Haixue Zheng