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The female sex pheromone of Grammodes geometrica (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Erebinae) was identified as a 2:100:4 mixture of (3Z,6Z,9Z)-3,6,9-icosatriene (T20), (3Z,6Z,9Z)-3,6,9-henicosatriene (T21), and (3Z,6Z,9Z)-3,6,9-tricosatriene (T23) through chemical and electrophysiological analyses of female gland extracts. T23 is a novel sex pheromone component in Erebinae species. Field trapping tests demonstrated optimal male captures in attractant-baited traps when using a 2:100:4 blend of T20, T21 and T23, with a significant decrease in captures observed when T20 or T23 were removed from the full blend. Traps were set in early August, but males began to be captured in early September. The seasonal prevalence showed a bimodal peak, occurring on September 11 and October 9. These findings provide valuable insights into the chemical communication and ecological dynamics of this species within the subfamily Erebinae., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of knee pain among high school volleyball attackers, identify associated factors, and explore the relationship between knee pain and lower back pain (LBP)., Methods: A cross-sectional study involving 82 high school volleyball attackers (15-17 years) used questionnaires, interviews, and field-based assessments to collect data on demographics, volleyball-specific factors, flexibility, and jumping ability. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with knee pain., Results: The prevalence of knee pain was 19.5%. Factors significantly associated with knee pain were a history of LBP (OR, 4.64; 95% CI, 1.28 to 16.8; p  = 0.019) and flexibility determined by the absolute difference in heel-buttock distance (OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.02 to 1.83; p  = 0.037). Participants with knee pain had more volleyball experience and a higher proportion of players who competed as starters in the previous year. Both groups reported approximately 18 hours of practice per week during the school year and around 27 hours during school holidays, with no significant difference observed., Conclusion: Factors associated with knee pain include a history of LBP and reduced flexibility on the heel-buttock distance test. The study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach, considering the coexistence of LBP and focusing on improving anterior thigh flexibility.

(3Z,6Z,9Z)-3,6,9-henicosatriene was identified as a major component of female sex pheromone of Bastilla arctotaenia (Lepidoptera: Erebidae), a pest of cultivated roses, by gas chromatograph-electroantennographic detector( GC-EAD) and gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analyses. The single (3Z,6Z,9Z)-3,6,9-henicosatriene (1.0 mg/lure) successfully attracted B. arctotaenia males in the field., (© The Author(s) 2024. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry.)

Adenoviral vectors based on the human adenovirus species C serotype 5 (HAdV-C5) are commonly used for vector-based gene therapies and vaccines. In the preclinical stages of development, their safety and efficacy are often validated in suitable animal models. However, pre-existing neutralizing antibodies may severely influence study outcomes. Here, we generated a new HAdV-C5-based reporter vector and established a high-throughput screening assay for the multivalent detection of HAdV-C5-neutralizing antibodies in serum. We screened the sera of rhesus macaques at different primate centers, and of rabbits, horses, cats, and dogs, showing that HAdV-C5-neutralizing antibodies can be found in all species, albeit at different frequencies. Our results emphasize the need to prescreen model animals in HAdV-C5-based studies.

Winter geometrid moths show striking sexual dimorphism by having female-specific flightless morphs. The evolutionary grades of wing reduction in winter geometrid moths vary and range from having short wings, vestigial wings, to being wingless. Although the ontogenetic processes underlying the development of the wingless or short-wing morphs in Lepidoptera has been well studied, the mechanisms underlying the development of vestigial wing morphs in winter geometrid moths during metamorphosis are poorly understood. In the winter geometrid moth Sebastosema bubonaria Warren, 1896, the males have functional wings, but the females have vestigial wings. Here, we studied the ontogenetic processes affecting wing reduction in the winter geometrid moth S. bubonaria using light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, and compared the ontogenetic process of wing reduction in this species with that in another species of the wingless-female winter moth that we investigated previously. Our results showed that, in the vestigial-wing morphs, the loss of pupal wing epithelium was terminated in the middle of the wing degeneration process, whereas in the wingless morph, the pupal wing epithelium disappeared almost completely and the final appearance of the wings differed slightly among flightless morphs. We propose that the extent and location of cell death in the pupal wing play an important role in the various patterns of reduced wings that are observed in flightless moths., (© 2023 The Authors. Journal of Morphology published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Importance: This study highlights diversity in iron acquisition and regulation in bacteria. The mechanisms of iron acquisition and its regulation in Teredinibacter turnerae , as well as its connection to cellulose utilization, a hallmark phenotype of T. turnerae , expand the paradigm of bacterial iron acquisition. Two of the four TonB genes identified in T. turnerae exhibit functional redundancy and play a crucial role in siderophore-mediated iron transport. Unlike typical TonB genes in bacteria, none of the TonB genes in T. turnerae are clearly iron regulated. This unusual regulation could be explained by another important finding in this study, namely, that the two TonB genes involved in iron transport are also essential for cellulose utilization as a carbon source, leading to the expression of TonB genes even under iron-rich conditions., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Site-specifically deuterated organocatalysts were prepared and found to show improved reactivity over the non-deuterated analogs. Two privileged C 2 -symmetric chiral binaphthyl-modified tetraalkylammonium salts were selected for this study. The stability of these phase-transfer catalysts was generally improved by site-specific deuteration, though the degree of improvement was structure dependent. In particular, a large secondary kinetic isotope effect was observed for the tetradeuterated phase-transfer catalyst. The performance of these deuterated catalysts in the asymmetric catalytic alkylation of amino acid derivatives was better than that of non-deuterated analogs at low catalyst loadings. The results suggest that catalyst deuteration is a promising strategy for enhancing the stability and performance of organocatalysts., (© 2023 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Patania harutai (Inoue, 1955) was known to be the mixture of two species that use host plants from two different families, Styracaceae and Sapindaceae, but the type materials had not been examined until now. In this study, we confirm the identity of P. harutai based on the adult external characters of the holotype. As a result, we regard the Sapindaceae-feeding species to be true P. harutai, and describe the Styracaceae-feeding species as a novel species, P. crepuscularia sp. nov. Patania gorosoe Lee, Heo & Bae, 2022 syn.n. is treated as a junior synonym of P. harutai. In addition, we conducted a molecular phylogenetic analysis using 10 Japanese Patania species, and found that P. crepuscularia and P. harutai are not sister species although they are very similar in the adult external characters.

Free radical-mediated lipid peroxidation (LPO) induces the formation of numerous lipid radicals, which contribute to the development of several oxidative diseases. To understand the mechanism of LPO in biological systems and the significance of these radicals, identifying the structures of individual lipid radicals is imperative. In this study, we developed an analytical method based on liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) and a profluorescent nitroxide probe, N -(1-oxyl-2,2,6-trimethyl-6-pentylpiperidin-4-yl)-3-(5,5-difluoro-1,3-dimethyl-3 H ,5 H -5l4-dipyrrolo[1,2-c:2',1'-f][1,3,2]diazaborinin-7-yl)propanamide (BDP-Pen), for the detailed structural analysis of lipid radicals. The MS/MS spectra of BDP-Pen-lipid radical adducts showed product ions and thus allow the prediction of the lipid radical structures and individual detection of isomeric adducts. Using the developed technology, we separately detected the isomers of arachidonic acid (AA)-derived radicals generated in AA-treated HT1080 cells. This analytical system is a powerful tool for elucidating the mechanism of LPO in biological systems.

Shoulder range of motion (ROM) adaptation is common observed among volleyball players, but studies on the shoulder joint function of adolescent athletes are lacking. This study aimed to clarify the prevalence of glenohumeral internal rotation deficit (GIRD) among adolescent players and differences in ROM based on sex. A questionnaire survey and ROM measurements of the shoulder joint and trunk using a plastic goniometer were conducted on 123 volleyball players (63 males and 60 females; mean age, 15.8 years). The prevalence of GIRD was investigated for internal rotation differences of >10° and total rotation motion of <5°. Questionnaire items and ROM were compared between GIRD and non-GIRD patients, and sex differences in ROM were also presented. Of the participants, 38.2% (n = 47/123) had GIRD. The GIRD group showed a decrease in external rotation on the dominant side (p = 0.003, 1 − beta = 0.84), but this was not associated with a history of shoulder injury. Sex differences in shoulder ROM showed hypomobility in males and hypermobility in females. However, there was no association between shoulder injury and GIRD among adolescent players. There are sex differences in ROM, which should be considered in future studies.

For many years, only one species of praying mantis in the genus Hierodula, Hierodula patellifera Serville, had been recorded in Japan. In recent years, however, Hierodula chinensis Werner, a larger species than H. patellifera Serville, has been discovered in Japan, and observations and collections in Japan have increased rapidly. There are reports that in some areas, H. patellifera became locally extinct due to the invasion of H. chinensis. Since females of H. patellifera attract conspecific males by volatile with characteristic calling behavior, a sex pheromone-mediated reproductive interference may exist between the two species. Both males of H. patellifera and males of H. chinensis were strongly attracted to conspecific females and crude headspace extract from conspecific females, while they were not attracted to females of allospecific species or crude headspace extract from allospecific females. These results indicate that sex pheromone-mediated reproductive interference may not exist between H. patellifera and H. chinensis., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Entomological Society of America. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.)

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a common injury in high school volleyball players. We hypothesized that a prevention program could decrease the incidence of LBP in high school volleyball players. This study was an in-season cluster-randomized controlled trial., Methods: We block-randomized 8 high school volleyball teams comprising 70 players aged 15 to 17 years into the intervention (4 teams, 34 players) and control (4 teams, 36 players) groups. The intervention program consisted of 9 physical function tests as well as 1 or 2 self-selected preventive exercises, including dynamic thoracic mobility, trunk stabilization exercises, and static stretching, performed during warm-up. Both groups were followed up for 4 weeks, during which the incidence of LBP was recorded. Physical function tests (back endurance; spinal and back flexibility; active or passive shoulder and trunk range of motion; ankle joint mobility; and iliopsoas, quadriceps, and hamstrings flexibility) were conducted before and after the intervention., Results: The intervention group had a significantly lower incidence of LBP (8.8%) than the control group (33.3%) (relative risk, 3.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.17-12.23; P = .017, 1 - β = 0.99). Lumbar extension accounted for nearly 70% of LBP incidences. Most players in the intervention group demonstrated improved physical function associated with the exercises., Conclusion: The semi-customized prevention program decreased the incidence of LBP and enhanced the physical function parameter in high school volleyball players., Competing Interests: The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2022 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.)

The development of chemoselective C(sp 3 )-H deuteration is of particular interest in synthetic chemistry. We herein report the α-selective, iridium(iii)-bipyridonate-catalyzed hydrogen(H)/deuterium(D) isotope exchange of alcohols using deuterium oxide (D 2 O) as the primary deuterium source. This method enables the direct, chemoselective deuteration of primary and secondary alcohols under basic or neutral conditions without being affected by coordinative functional groups such as imidazole and tetrazole. Successful substrates for deuterium labelling include the pharmaceuticals losartan potassium, rapidosept, guaifenesin, and diprophylline. The deuterated losartan potassium shows higher stability towards the metabolism by CYP2C9 than the protiated analogue. Kinetic and DFT studies indicate that the direct deuteration proceeds through dehydrogenation of alcohol to the carbonyl intermediate, conversion of [Ir III -H] to [Ir III -D] with D 2 O, and deuteration of the carbonyl intermediate to give the α-deuterated product., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Background: Prehospital stroke triage scales help with the decision to transport patients with suspected stroke to suitable hospitals., Objective: To explore the effect of the region-wide use of the Japan Urgent Stroke Triage (JUST) score, which can predict several types of stroke: large vessel occlusion (LVO), intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and cerebral infarction other than LVO (CI)., Methods: We implemented the JUST score and conducted a retrospective and prospective multicenter cohort study at 13 centers in Hiroshima from April 1, 2018, to March 31, 2020. We investigated the success rate of the first request to the hospital, on-scene time, and transport time to hospital. We evaluated the door-to-puncture time, puncture-to-reperfusion time, and 90-day outcome among patients with final diagnoses of LVO., Results: The cohort included 5141 patients (2735 before and 2406 after JUST score implementation). Before JUST score implementation, 1269 strokes (46.4%) occurred, including 140 LVO (5.1%), 394 ICH (14.4%), 120 SAH (4.4%), and 615 CI (22.5%). The JUST score was used in 1484 (61.7%) of the 2406 patients after implementation, which included 1267 (52.7%) cases of stroke (186 LVO (7.7%), 405 ICH (16.8%), 109 SAH (4.5%), and 567 CI (23.6%)). Success rate of the first request to the hospital significantly increased after JUST score implementation (76.3% vs 79.7%, p=0.004). JUST score implementation significantly shortened the door-to-puncture time (84 vs 73 min, p=0.03), but the prognosis remained unaltered among patients with acute LVO., Conclusions: Use of prehospital stroke triage scales improved prehospital management and preparation time of intervention among patients with acute stroke., Competing Interests: Competing interests: None declared., (© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2022. Re-use permitted under CC BY-NC. No commercial re-use. See rights and permissions. Published by BMJ.)

The oxidative damage of DNA is associated with aging and the development of various diseases. Although nucleoside-derived radicals play an important role in DNA oxidation, their analysis methods are limited. Herein, we propose a fluorometric detection and structural analysis of radicals on the surface of oxidatively damaged DNA using a profluorescent nitroxide probe combined with liquid chromatography-fluorometry and high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry.

This article explores the use of semiconductor photocatalysts (SPs) for organic synthesis, specifically focusing on the transformation of alcohols. The authors conducted experiments using different photocatalysts and found that a combination of Au/TiO2 and Cu/TiO2 was the most efficient for N-alkylation reactions. They also demonstrated the successful synthesis of various pharmaceutical compounds using this method. The authors highlight the mild reaction conditions and high atom-economy of their methods, making them useful for the synthesis of complex organic molecules. They believe that this research has the potential to contribute to the development of new organic transformations and provide insights into the stability and reactivity of carbon-centered radicals on the photocatalytic surface. [Extracted from the article]

Buried interface modification can effectively improve the compatibility between interfaces. Given the distinct interface selections in perovskite solar cells (PSCs), the applicability of a singular modification material remains limited. Consequently, in response to this challenge, we devised a tailored molecular strategy based on the electronic effects of specific functional groups. Therefore, we prepared three distinct silane coupling agents, and due to the varying inductive effects of these functional groups, the electronic distribution and molecular dipole moments of the coupling agents are correspondingly altered. Among them, trimethoxy (3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)-silane (F 3 -TMOS), which possesses electron-withdrawing groups, generates a molecular dipole moment directed toward the hole transport layer (HTL). This approach changes the work function of the HTL, optimizes the energy level alignment, reduces the open-circuit voltage loss, and facilitates carrier transport. Furthermore, through the buffering effect of the coupling agent, the interface strain and lattice distortion caused by annealing the perovskite are reduced, enhancing the stability of the tin-based perovskite. Encouragingly, tin PSCs treated with F 3 -TMOS achieved a champion efficiency of 14.67 %. This strategy provides an expedient avenue for the design of buried interface modification materials, enabling precise molecular adjustments in accordance with distinct interfacial contexts to ameliorate mismatched energetics and enhance carrier dynamics., (© 2024 Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Cellular metabolism is crucial for various physiological processes, with folate-dependent one-carbon (1C) metabolism playing a pivotal role. Folate, a B vitamin, is a key cofactor in this pathway, supporting DNA synthesis, methylation processes, and antioxidant defenses. In dividing cells, folate facilitates nucleotide biosynthesis, ensuring genomic stability and preventing carcinogenesis. Additionally, in neurodevelopment, folate is essential for neural tube closure and central nervous system formation. Thus, dysregulation of folate metabolism can contribute to pathologies such as cancer, severe birth defects, and neurodegenerative diseases. Epidemiological evidence highlights folate's impact on disease risk and its potential as a therapeutic target. In cancer, antifolate drugs that inhibit key enzymes of folate-dependent 1C metabolism and strategies targeting folate receptors are current therapeutic options. However, folate's impact on cancer risk is complex, varying among cancer types and dietary contexts. In neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, folate deficiency exacerbates cognitive decline through elevated homocysteine levels, contributing to neuronal damage. Clinical trials of folic acid supplementation show mixed outcomes, underscoring the complexities of its neuroprotective effects. This review integrates current knowledge on folate metabolism in cancer and neurodegeneration, exploring molecular mechanisms, clinical implications, and therapeutic strategies, which can provide crucial information for advancing treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The multifunctional autoprocessing repeat-in-toxin (MARTX) toxin is the primary virulence factor of Vibrio vulnificus displaying cytotoxic and hemolytic properties. The cysteine protease domain (CPD) is responsible for activating the MARTX toxin by cleaving the toxin precursor and releasing the mature toxin fragments. To investigate the structural determinants for inositol hexakisphosphate (InsP6)-mediated activation of the CPD, we determined the crystal structures of unprocessed and β-flap truncated MARTX CPDs of Vibrio vulnificus strain MO6-24/O in complex with InsP6 at 1.3 and 2.2Å resolution, respectively. The CPD displays a conserved domain with a central seven-stranded β-sheet flanked by three α-helices. The scissile bond Leu3587-Ala3588 is bound in the catalytic site of the InsP6-loaded form of the Cys3727Ala mutant. InsP6 interacts with the conserved basic cleft and the β-flap inducing the active conformation of catalytic residues. The β-flap of the post-CPD is flexible in the InsP6-unbound state. The structure of the CPD Δβ-flap showed an inactive conformation of the catalytic residues due to the absence of interaction between the active site and the β-flap. This study confirms the InsP6-mediated activation of the MARTX CPDs in which InsP6-binding induces conformational changes of the catalytic residues and the β-flap that holds the N terminus of the CPD in the active site, facilitating hydrolysis of the scissile bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent decades, the field of memory studies has shown increasing interest in the reconstruction of the past through the lens of cinema. The ongoing "war for memory" or "history problem," as it is otherwise known, in East Asia vis-à-vis the memory of World War II provides plentiful opportunities for exploration of the role films play in shaping collective remembering. This study was designed to answer the question of how World War II has been remembered in Japanese cinema by detecting patterns and fluctuations of memory in a sample of 59 movies released between 1980 and 2020. The results suggest that World War II has most frequently been depicted as a natural disaster (beginning in 1942) that evolved into a conflict between Japan and the United States alone—other Asian countries having been cast as mere spectators. Finally, after a heroic fight to the death in which only the Japanese suffered, the disaster ended in 1945 as mysteriously as it began. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vibrio vulnificus, a significant marine pathogen, undergoes opaque (Op)-translucent (Tr) colony switching based on whether capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is produced. CPS phase variation is sometime accompanied by genetic variation or down-regulation of particular genes, such as wzb. In addition, CPS prevents biofilm formation and is important to the virulence of V. vulnificus. However, the extent to which there is a difference in gene expression between Tr and Op colonies and the impact of CPS phase variation on other behaviors of V. vulnificus remain unknown. In this work, the data have shown that CPS phase variation of V. vulnificus is affected by incubation time. Tr and Op strains exhibited similar growth rates. However, Tr strains had enhanced biofilm formation capacities but reduced swimming motility compared to Op strains. The RNA-seq assay revealed 488 differentially expressed genes, with 214 downregulated and 274 upregulated genes, between Tr and Op colonies. Genes associated with Tad pili and CPS were downregulated, whereas those involved in flagellum were upregulated, in Tr colonies compared with Op colonies. In addition, 9 putative c-di-GMP metabolism-associated genes and 28 genes encoding putative regulators were significantly differentially expressed, suggesting that CPS phase variation is probably strictly regulated in V. vulnificus. Moreover, 8 genes encoding putative porins were also differentially expressed between the two phenotypic colonies, indicating that bacterial outer membrane was remodeled during CPS phase variation. In brief, this work highlighted the gene expression profiles associated with CPS phase variation, but more studies should be performed to disclose the intrinsic mechanisms in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lorlatinib is a pharmaceutical ALK kinase inhibitor used to treat ALK driven non-small cell lung cancers. This paper analyses the intersection of past published data on the physiological consequences of two unrelated drugs from general medical practice—itraconazole and cilostazol—with the pathophysiology of ALK positive non-small cell lung cancer. A conclusion from that data analysis is that adding itraconazole and cilostazol may make lorlatinib more effective. Itraconazole, although marketed worldwide as a generic antifungal drug, also inhibits Hedgehog signaling, Wnt signaling, hepatic CYP3A4, and the p-gp efflux pump. Cilostazol, marketed worldwide as a generic thrombosis preventative drug, acts by inhibiting phosphodiesterase 3, and, by so doing, lowers platelets' adhesion, thereby partially depriving malignant cells of the many tumor trophic growth factors supplied by platelets. Itraconazole may enhance lorlatinib effectiveness by (i) reducing or stopping a Hedgehog-ALK amplifying feedback loop, by (ii) increasing lorlatinib's brain levels by p-gp inhibition, and by (iii) inhibiting growth drive from Wnt signaling. Cilostazol, surprisingly, carries minimal bleeding risk, lower than that of aspirin. Risk/benefit assessment of the combination of metastatic ALK positive lung cancer being a low-survival disease with the predicted safety of itraconazole-cilostazol augmentation of lorlatinib favors a trial of this drug trio in ALK positive lung cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We overview recent developments of electronic orderings and associated cross correlations in condensed matter physics based on a complete set of multipole representations (electric, magnetic, electric toroidal, and magnetic toroidal multipoles) with distinct space-time inversion symmetries. By means of the symmetry-adapted complete basis set in any physical Hilbert space including atomic and cluster degrees of freedom, it provides a unified description of electronic orderings, deformations of band structures, cross correlations, and transport properties in solids. We review that a multipole representation is a powerful tool to attain a comprehensive understanding of various electronic properties and physical phenomena observed in materials. We also demonstrate how to identify active multipoles and expected physical phenomena in real materials with several examples. Our review would serve as a solid foundation for future studies toward observations and identifications of unknown electronic phases and their related physical phenomena. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an autosomal dominant inherited arterial disease, with lacunar infarction resulting from intracranial small vessel lesions being the most prevalent clinical manifestation of CADASIL. However, large-scale cerebral infarction caused by intracranial non-small vessels occlusion is relatively uncommon, and reports of vascular intervention and long-term antiplatelet drug treatment for patients with CADASIL and largescale cerebral infarction are rarer. Methods: We reported a 52 year-old male who experienced a significant cerebral infarction due to an occlusion in the second segment of the left middle cerebral artery, 4 months subsequent to being diagnosed with CADASIL. Following the benefit and risk assessment, the patient underwent intracranial vascular thrombectomy and balloon dilation angioplasty. Subsequently, he was administered dual antiplatelet therapy for 3 months, followed by mono antiplatelet therapy. Results: After undergoing intracranial vascular intervention and receiving antiplatelet therapy, significant improvement in the symptoms were observed. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score decreased from 6 to 2 points, and no bleeding lesions were detected on the head computed tomography during regular follow-up visits after discharge. Conclusion: Our case highlights the possibility that patients with CADASIL may also encounter extensive cerebral infarction resulting from stenosis or occlusion of intracranial non-small vessels. Considering the specific circumstances of the patient, intravascular intervention and antiplatelet therapy can be regarded as viable treatment options for individuals with CADASIL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The introduction of wood-boring insects to non-native areas can pose a significant threat to global forest ecosystems. Aromia bungii and Massicus raddei, native to Asia including Korea but potentially important in urban forestry worldwide, are severe trunk borers that have recently infested host trees in urban landscapes of Korea. The signs of external injury can help identify cerambycid-infested trees. However, assessing the internal condition of trees without causing damage is challenging, which hinders the management of infested trees that are still alive. This study evaluated the potential use of sonic tomography to assess injury characteristics in the woody parts of trees, such as Prunus × yedoensis and Quercus palustris infested by A. bungii and M. raddei, respectively. Among the 45 investigated trees, the number of holes on external parts was recorded by visual examination. Sonic tomography images revealed decayed areas, allowing for a comparison of internal damage between infested and non-infested trees. The internal status of trees infested by the two cerambycid beetles differed from that of healthy trees. While some healthy trees exhibited minimal internal damage, those that were not infested by beetles showed decayed areas, potentially caused by non-biological factors such as frozen cracks. In conclusion, sonic tomography equipment can potentially be used for non-invasive assessment of internal injuries caused by wood-boring insects in urban trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The EFSA Panel on Plant Health performed a pest categorisation of Monema flavescens (Lepidoptera, Limacodidae), following the commodity risk assessment of Acer palmatum plants grafted on A. davidii from China, in which M. flavescens was identified as a pest of possible concern to the European Union. This species can be identified by morphological taxonomic keys and by barcoding. The adults of the overwintering generation emerge from late June to late August. The eggs are laid in groups on the underside of the host‐plant leaves, on which the larvae feed throughout their six to eight larval instars. Pupation occurs in ovoid cocoons at the junction between twigs and branches, or on the trunk. Overwintering occurs as fully grown larvae or prepupae in their cocoon. There are one or two generations per year. M. flavescens is polyphagous and feeds on broadleaves; it has been reported on 51 plant species belonging to 24 families. It mainly occurs in Asia (Bhutan, China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Japan, Nepal, the Republic of Korea), Russia (Eastern Siberia) and Taiwan. It is also present in the USA (Massachusetts). The pest's flight capacities are unknown. The main pathway for entry and spread is plants for planting with cocoons attached. This is partially closed by prohibition of some hosts. In several EU member states climatic conditions are conducive for establishment and many host plants are widespread. Introduction of M. flavescens may result in defoliations influencing tree health and forest diversity. The caterpillars also have urticating spines affecting human health. Phytosanitary measures are available to reduce the likelihood of entry, establishment and spread, and there is a definite potential for classical biological control. Recognising that natural enemies prevent M. flavescens being regarded as a pest in Asia, there is uncertainty regarding the magnitude of potential impact in EU depending on the influence of natural enemies. All criteria assessed by EFSA for consideration as a potential quarantine pest are met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The generalized Langevin mode analysis (GLMA) is applied to chemical reactions in biomolecules in solution. The theory sees a chemical reaction in solution as a barrier-crossing process, similar to the Marcus theory. The barrier is defined as the crossing point of two free-energy surfaces that are attributed to the reactant and product of the reaction. It is assumed that both free-energy surfaces are quadratic or harmonic. The assumption is based on the Kim-Hirata theory of structural fluctuation of protein, which proves that the fluctuation around an equilibrium structure is quadratic with respect to the structure or atomic coordinates. The quadratic surface is a composite of many harmonic functions with different modes or frequencies. The height of the activation barrier will be dependent on the mode or frequency—the less the frequency, the lower the barrier. Hence, it is essential to decouple the fluctuational modes into a hierarchical order. GLMA is impeccable for this purpose. It is essential for a theoretical study of chemical reactions to choose a reaction coordinate along which the reaction proceeds. We suppose that the mode whose center of coordinate and/or the frequency changes most before and after the reaction is the one relevant to the chemical reaction and choose the coordinate as the reaction coordinate. The rate of reaction along the reaction coordinate is k rate = ν ⁡ exp − Δ F (†) / k B T , which is similar to the Marcus expression for the electron transfer reaction. In the equation, ΔF(†) is the activation barrier defined by Δ F (†) ≡ F (r) Q † − F (r) ( Q e q (r) ) , where F (r) ( Q e q (r) ) and F (r) Q † denote the free energies at equilibrium Q e q (r) and the crossing point Q†, respectively, both on the free energy surface of the reactant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease affecting the digestive tract, the incidence of which is on the rise worldwide. The most common clinical manifestation of hemophilia is arthropathy secondary to recurrent joint effusions and chronic synovitis. This article reports on a rare 25-year-old male patient with both hemophilic arthropathy and Crohn's disease who was at risk for pathogenic gastrointestinal bleeding. After undergoing endoscopic pathologic testing and genetic testing, a multidisciplinary expert work-up of a treatment and nutritional plan was performed. The patient improved clinically and adhered to conservative treatment. This case report is the first report of this rare co-morbidity, demonstrating the highly pathogenic mutation locus and summarizing the clinical experience of early diagnosis and treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification and expression of germ cells are important for studying sex-related mechanisms in fish. The vasa gene, encoding an ATP-dependent RNA helicase, is recognized as a molecular marker of germ cells and plays a crucial role in germ cell development. Silurus asotus, an important freshwater economic fish species in China, shows significant sex dimorphism with the female growing faster than the male. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these sex differences especially involving in the vasa gene in this fish remain poorly understood. In this work, the vasa gene sequence of S. asotus (named as Savasa) was obtained through RT-PCR and rapid amplification of cDNA end (RACE), and its expression in embryos and tissues was analyzed using qRT-PCR and an in situ hybridization method. Letrozole (LT) treatment on the larvae fish was also conducted to investigate its influence on the gene. The results revealed that the open reading frame (ORF) of Savasa was 1989 bp, encoding 662 amino acids. The SaVasa protein contains 10 conserved domains unique to the DEAD-box protein family, showing the highest sequence identity of 95.92% with that of Silurus meridionalis. In embryos, Savasa is highly expressed from the two-cell stage to the blastula stage in early embryos, with a gradually decreasing trend from the gastrula stage to the heart-beating stage. Furthermore, Savasa was initially detected at the end of the cleavage furrow during the two-cell stage, later condensing into four symmetrical cell clusters with embryonic development. At the gastrula stage, Savasa-positive cells increased and began to migrate towards the dorsal side of the embryo. In tissues, Savasa is predominantly expressed in the ovaries, with almost no or lower expression in other detected tissues. Moreover, Savasa was expressed in phase I–V oocytes in the ovaries, as well as in spermatogonia and spermatocytes in the testis, implying a specific expression pattern of germ cells. In addition, LT significantly upregulated the expression of Savasa in a concentration-dependent manner during the key gonadal differentiation period of the fish. Notably, at 120 dph after LT treatment, Savasa expression was the lowest in the testis and ovary of the high concentration group. Collectively, findings from gene structure, protein sequence, phylogenetic analysis, RNA expression patterns, and response to LT suggest that Savasa is maternally inherited with conserved features, serving as a potential marker gene for germ cells in S.asotus, and might participate in LT-induced early embryonic development and gonadal development processes of the fish. This would provide a basis for further research on the application of germ cell markers and the molecular mechanisms of sex differences in S. asotus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell type in the brain, play crucial roles in maintaining homeostasis within the central nervous system (CNS). Impairment or abnormalities of typical astrocyte functions in the CNS serve as a causative or contributing factor in numerous neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Currently, disease-modeling and drug-screening approaches, primarily focused on human astrocytes, rely on human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived astrocytes. However, it is important to acknowledge that these hPSC-derived astrocytes exhibit notable differences across studies and when compared to their in vivo counterparts. These differences may potentially compromise translational outcomes if not carefully accounted for. This review aims to explore state-of-the-art in vitro models of human astrocyte development, focusing on the developmental processes, functional maturity, and technical aspects of various hPSC-derived astrocyte differentiation protocols. Additionally, it summarizes their successful application in modeling neurological disorders. The discussion extends to recent advancements in the large-scale production of human astrocytes and their application in developing high-throughput assays conducive to therapeutic drug discovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global urgency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed extensive research into discovering efficacious antiviral compounds against SARS-CoV-2. Among these, Nirmatrelvir (PF-07321332) has emerged as a promising candidate, exhibiting potent antiviral activity by targeting the main protease of SARS-CoV-2, and has been marketed in combination with ritonavir as the first oral treatment for COVID-19 with the name of PaxlovidTM. This review outlines the synthetic approaches to Nirmatrelvir, ranging from Pfizer's original method to newer, more sustainable strategies, such as flow chemistry strategies and multicomponent reactions. Each approach's novelty and contributions to yield and purification processes are highlighted. Additionally, the synthesis of key fragments comprising Nirmatrelvir and innovative optimization strategies are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Patients with juvenile-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) are at a high risk of entering adulthood with disease-related morbidities like reduced bone mass and osteoporosis. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical characteristics of JSLE and to analyze the factors associated with low bone mineral density (BMD) in these patients. Methods: Children and adolescents diagnosed with JSLE at a single institution in Korea were included. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data as well as details about the use of glucocorticoids (GCs) and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs were collected. The lumbar spine (LS) BMD z-score was measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and lateral thoracolumbar spine radiographs were collected. Results: A total of 29 patients with JSLE were included in this study. Of these patients, 7 had a BMD z-score of -2.0 or lower and were designated as the low BMD group. The differences in the clinical parameters and treatment variables between the low BMD and non-low BMD groups were compared. Higher cumulative GC dose, longer GC exposure, and higher cumulative hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) dose were all associated with low BMD; among them, the main factor was the duration of GC exposure. There was no significant correlation between BMD and clinical profile, disease activity, or bone-metabolism markers. Conclusion: The duration of GC exposure, cumulative GC dose, and cumulative HCQ dose were risk factors for low BMD in patients with JSLE, with the main factor being the duration of GC exposure. Thus, patients with JSLE should be routinely monitored for low BMD and potential fracture risks, and GC-sparing treatment regimens should be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase relations of Al-bearing magnetite were investigated between 6–22 GPa and 1000–1550 °C using a multi-anvil apparatus. This study demonstrates that the spinel-structured phase persists up to ~9–10 GPa at 1100–1400 °C irrespective of the amount of hercynite (FeAl2O4) component present (20, 40, or 60 mol%). At ~10 GPa, the assemblage Fe2(Al,Fe)2O5 + (Al,Fe)2O3 forms and remains stable up to 16–20 GPa and 1200–1550 °C. Fe2(Al,Fe)2O5 adopts the CaFe3O5-type structure with the Cmcm space group. At 18–22 GPa and T > 1300 °C the assemblage Fe3(Fe,Al)4O9 + (Al,Fe)2O3 becomes stable. Fe3(Fe,Al)4O9 is isostructural with Fe7O9, having the monoclinic structure of the C2/m space group. At T <1300 °C, Fe3(Fe,Al)4O9 + (Al,Fe)2O3 gives way to the assemblage of a hp-Fe(Fe,Al)2O4 + (Al,Fe)2O3. This hp-Fe(Fe,Al)2O4 phase is unquenchable; a defect-bearing spinel-structured phase was recovered instead, and it contained numerous lamellae parallel to {100} or {113} planes and notably less Al than the initial starting composition. While low-pressure spinel can have a complete solid solution between Fe3+-Al, the post-spinel phases have only very limited Al solubility, with a maximum of ~0.1 cpfu Al in hp-Fe(Fe,Al)2O4, ~0.3 cpfu in Fe2(Fe,Al)2O5, and ~0.4 cpfu in Fe3(Fe,Al)4O9, respectively. As a result, the phase relations of Fe(Fe0.8Al0.2)2O4 can also be applied to bulk compositions richer in Al with the only difference being that larger amounts of an (Al,Fe)2O3 phase are present. Coexisting rhombohedral-structured phases demonstrate that the binary miscibility gap established at low pressure between hematite and corundum is still valid up to 20 GPa. Since iron oxides (e.g., magnetite) with variable Al contents are found in extraterrestrial rocks or as inclusions in diamond, constraints on their high-P-T-fO2 stability might help unravel their formation conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Low Physical Activity Questionnaire (LoPAQ) was specifically developed to measure the low activity level observed in extremely inactive hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study aims to evaluate reliability and validity of Persian version of the LoPAQ. Methods: This study was a cross sectional study, conducted in three HD centers in Iran. The LoPAQ was translated into Persian. After cultural adaptions, it was filled out by 120 HD patiens. Convergent validity, was evaluated by calculating the correlations among the Persian version of the LoPAQ and Persian version of the Community Healthy Adults Model Program for Seniors (CHAMPS) questionnaire, physical function scale of the SF-36 and physical function (Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) test) using Spearman's correlation coefficients. The test-retest reliability was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: In total, 109 patients completed all of the questionnaires, took part in physical performance tests and had valid data. Their mean age was 64 ± 11 years, with a dialysis history of 31 ± 10 months. For total calories, there was a strong correlation between the Persian version of the LoPAQ and CHAMPS-measured physical activity (rho = 0.85, p < 0.001). In addition, the higher physical activity level reported by Persian version of the LoPAQ was also correlated with better self-reported physical function (rho = 0.7, p < 0.001) and better physical performance (rho = 0.67, p < 0.001). The ICC ranged from 0.65 to 0.78, indicating strong reliability. Conclusion: The assessment of the validity and reliability of the Persian version of the questionnaire confirmed its suitability for evaluating the level of physical activity. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05930964, Registered on 05/07/2023. Registered trial name: Validity and Reliability of Persian Version of Low Physical Activity Questionnaire (LoPAQ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aeshna Cyanea is a species of dragonfly in the Aesnidea family. In this study, morphology and mechanical proper-ties of dragonfly were investigated. The location of the nodus on the wing was observed. A SEM study was also carried out to get a closer look at the mechanical structure of the dragonfly wing. A dynamic study of the wing was carried out to and the first resonant frequency of the wing was found. Future research will cover dragonfly wing mathematical model and simulation of the wing dynam-ics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Italian garlic ecotype "Vessalico" possesses distinct characteristics compared to its French parent cultivars Messidor and Messidrôme, used for sowing, as well as other ecotypes in neighboring regions. However, due to the lack of a standardized seed supply method and cultivation protocol among farmers in the Vessalico area, a need to identify garlic products that align with the Vessalico ecotype arises. In this study, an NMR-based approach followed by multivariate analysis to analyze the chemical composition of Vessalico garlic sourced from 17 different farms, along with its two French parent cultivars, was employed. Self-organizing maps allowed to identify a homogeneous subset of representative samples of the Vessalico ecotype. Through the OPLS-DA model, the most discriminant metabolites based on values of VIP (Variable Influence on Projections) were selected. Among them, S-allylcysteine emerged as a potential marker for distinguishing the Vessalico garlic from the French parent cultivars by NMR screening. Additionally, to promote sustainable agricultural practices, the potential of Vessalico garlic extracts and its main components as agrochemicals against Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, responsible for black rot disease, was explored. The crude extract exhibited a MIC of 125 μg/mL, and allicin demonstrated the highest activity among the tested compounds (MIC value of 31.25 μg/mL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aluminous calcium-ferrite type phase (CF) and new aluminous phase (NAL) are thought to hold the excess alumina produced by the decomposition of garnet in MORB compositions in the lower mantle. The respective stabilities of CF and NAL in the nepheline-spinel binary (NaAlSiO 4 –MgAl 2 O 4 ) are well established. However with the addition of further components the phase relations at lower mantle conditions remain unclear. Here we investigate a range of compositions around the nepheline apex of the nepheline-kalsilite-spinel compositional join (NaAlSiO 4 –KAlSiO 4 –MgAl 2 O 4 ) at 28–78 GPa and 2000 K. Our experiments indicate that even small amounts of a kalsilite (KAlSiO 4 ) component dramatically impact phase relations. We find NAL to be stable up to at least 71 GPa in potassium-bearing compositions. This demonstrates the stabilizing effect of potassium on NAL, because NAL is not observed at pressures above 48 GPa on the nepheline-spinel binary. We also observe a broadening of the CF stability field to incorporate larger amounts of potassium with increasing pressure. For pressures below 50 GPa only minor amounts ( < 0.011 (1) K K + N a + M g ) of potassium are soluble in CF, whereas at 68 GPa, we find a solubility in CF of at least 0.088 (3) K K + N a + M g . This indicates that CF and NAL are suitable hosts of the alkali content of MORB compositions at lower mantle conditions. For sedimentary compositions at lower mantle pressures, we expect K-Hollandite to be stable in addition to CF and NAL for pressures of 28–48 GPa, based on our simplified compositions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The female Aedes aegypti mosquito is a vector for several arboviral diseases, due to their blood feeding behavior and their association with urban communities. While ion transport in Ae. aegypti has been studied, much less is known about mechanisms of water transport. Rapid water and ion excretion occurs in the adult female mosquito post blood meal and involves a set of organs including the midgut, Malpighian tubules (MTs), and hindgut. The MTs are responsible for the formation of primary urine and are considered the most important site for active transport of ions. Within the cells of the MTs, along with various ion transporters, there are aquaporin water channels that aid in the transport of water across the tubule cell membrane. Six aquaporin genes have been molecularly identified in Ae. aegypti (AQP1–6) and found to be responsible for the transport of water and in some cases, small solutes such as glycerol. In this study, we used immunohistochemistry to localize AaAQP1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 in the adult female Ae. aegypti, in non-blood fed and post blood feeding (0.5 and 24hr) conditions. We further examined the main water transporting aquaporin, AaAQP1, using western blotting to determine protein abundance changes in isolated MTs pre and post-blood feeding. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, aqp1 mRNA was found exclusively in the principal cells of female MTs. Finally, we used immunogold staining with transmission electron microscopy to determine subcellular localization of AaAQP1 in the Malpighian tubules under non-blood fed conditions. Interestingly, AaAQP1 was found to be predominantly in the principal cells of the MTs, dispersed throughout the brush border; however, there was also evidence of some AaAQP1 localization in the stellate cells of the MTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Myotonic dystrophy (DM) encompasses a spectrum of neuromuscular diseases characterized by myotonia, muscle weakness, and wasting. Recent research has led to the recognition of DM as a neurological disorder. Cognitive impairment is a central nervous system condition that has been observed in various forms of DM. Neuroimaging studies have increasingly linked DM to alterations in white matter (WM) integrity and highlighted the relationship between cognitive impairment and abnormalities in WM structure. This review aims to summarize investigations into cognitive impairment and brain abnormalities in individuals with DM and to elucidate the correlation between these factors and the potential underlying mechanisms contributing to these abnormalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Even though the crustal stress state is primarily driven by gravitational volume forces and plate tectonics, interpretations of borehole breakout observations show occasionally abrupt rotations of horizontal stress orientation of up to 90° when faults are crossed. This indicates the influence of faults on the local stress state, which parameter control the degree of rotation. Herein, we investigate the phenomenon of principal stress rotation at a fault by means of a 2D generic numerical model. We parametrised the fault as a rock stiffness contrast and investigate systematically the full model parameter space in terms of the ratio of the applied principal stresses, the rock stiffness contrast, as well as the angle between fault strike and orientation of the principal stress axis. General findings are that the stress rotation is negatively correlated with the ratio of principal stresses. A small angle between the far field stress orientation and the fault facilitates stress rotation. A high contrast in rock stiffness further increases the stress rotation angle. Faults striking perpendicular to the maximum principal stress orientation experience no rotation at all. However, faults oriented parallel to the maximum principal stress orientation experience either no rotation or a 90° rotation, dependent on the ratio of principal stresses and the rock stiffness contrast. A comparison with observations from various boreholes worldwide shows that in general, the findings are well in agreement, even though the dip angle proves to have an influence on the stress rotation, in particular for shallow dipping faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductor gas sensors operate based on the changes in their resistivity in response to adsorption and reaction of gases on their surface, and understanding this mechanism is important in the design of sensitive and selective devices. In this study, the ethanol sensing mechanism of ZnO nanorods was investigated. Under hydrothermal conditions, the nanorods were grown vertically on an alumina substrate at random angles to expose the (10−10) plane of ZnO. The nanorods showed approximately twice the response to 12 ppm ethanol at 300 °C compared to commercial nanocrystals, which have the typical wurtzite structure of ZnO. This performance was attributed to the higher ethanol adsorption capacity of the nanorods and the reactivity of the (10−10) surface, which were confirmed from TPD analyses and control experiments with ZnO (10−10) single crystals, respectively. The reaction pathway for the conversion of ethanol was then determined using in situ DRIFT spectroscopy. Increasing the detection temperature resulted in the emergence of the peaks of acetate and the corresponding disappearance of those of ethoxide. Concurrent resistance measurements also showed a decrease in the sensor response with increasing temperature. Moreover, an analysis of the exhaust gas revealed that acetaldehyde was a major product at high temperatures. Therefore, the dehydrogenation of ethanol to acetaldehyde and its oxidation to acetate are proposed to be key reactions in detection of ethanol using the ZnO nanorods. DFT calculations also revealed that the adsorption of acetaldehyde and acetate causes a decrease in the resistivity of ZnO, which is the basis for its gas sensing performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides a comprehensive overview of the stereochemical aspects of C-glycosylation, focusing on the synthesis of glycoside-based drugs and the development of stereoselective methods for constructing C-glycoside bonds. It explores the conformational analysis of sugars and the role of Lewis acid-mediated nucleophilic addition in glycoside bond formation. The text also discusses various methods for the synthesis of C-glycosides, including Lewis acid mediated nucleophilic addition, arylalane addition, glucal epoxide method, glycosyl leaving group substitution method, and glycosylation via transition-metal-mediated cross-coupling. Additionally, the document discusses the stereochemistry of glycoside bond formation in furanosides and the influence of substituents on the stereochemical outcome. It concludes by summarizing the stereoselective synthesis of α- and β-C-glycosides and the factors that influence stereoselectivity. [Extracted from the article]

In the adult brain, neural stem cells (NSCs) are under the control of various molecular mechanisms to produce an appropriate number of neurons that are essential for specific brain functions. Usually, the majority of adult NSCs stay in a non-proliferative and undifferentiated state known as quiescence, occasionally transitioning to an active state to produce newborn neurons. This transition between the quiescent and active states is crucial for the activity of NSCs. Another significant state of adult NSCs is senescence, in which quiescent cells become more dormant and less reactive, ceasing the production of newborn neurons. Although many genes involved in the regulation of NSCs have been identified using genetic manipulation and omics analyses, the entire regulatory network is complicated and ambiguous. In this review, we focus on transcription factors, whose importance has been elucidated in NSCs by knockout or overexpression studies. We mainly discuss the transcription factors with roles in the active, quiescent, and rejuvenation states of adult NSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many epidemiological and animal exposure studies have suggested that exposure to environmental substances is a major risk factor for developmental neurotoxicity (DNT), such as in autism, and is related to the increasing relevance of neurodevelopmental disorders. Recent efforts have led to the development of various in vitro approaches that use cell lines and pluripotent stem cells to assess numerous environmental substances. In this study, we developed a method for assessing DNT using a mouse embryonic stem (mES) cell model that focuses on differentiation into neuronal cells (neural cells and astrocytes). Using this model system, we found that six insecticides inhibited the differentiation of neural precursor cells into astrocytes. Our data indicated that the effects of insecticides on glial differentiation were more sensitive than those of several DNT markers reported in previous studies. This mES cell model can make a quick assessment of DNT potential and may be a useful tool for screening substances with potential to induce DNT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Achondroplasia is a rare genetic disease, yet the most common form of dwarfism, characterized by limb shortening and disproportionate short stature along with musculoskeletal changes, such as postural deviations. Although postural changes in the spine in children with achondroplasia have been well investigated, little is known about the association of achondroplasia with spinal movements/mobility. Methods: This preliminary study aims to explore the association of achondroplasia with spinal mobility in children with achondroplasia compared to age- and sex-matched healthy individuals. Spinal posture and mobility were assessed using a radiation-free back scan, the Idiag M360 (Idiag, Fehraltorf, Switzerland). Between-group differences were determined using a two-way analysis of variance. Results: Children with achondroplasia had smaller thoracic lateral flexion [difference between groups (Δ) = 20.4°, 95% CI 0.1°–40.6°, p = 0.04], lumbar flexion (Δ = 17.4°, 95% CI 5.5°–29.4°, p = 0.006), lumbar extension (Δ = 14.2°, 95% CI 5.7°–22.8°, p = 0.002) and lumbar lateral flexion (Δ = 19.6°, 95% CI 10.7°–28.4°, p < 0.001) than age- and sex-matched healthy individuals, except for thoracic extension (Δ = 16.5°, 95% CI 4.4°–28.7°, p = 0.009) which was greater in children with achondroplasia. No differences were observed in global spinal postures between the two groups. Conclusions: Spinal mobility appears to be more influenced by achondroplasia than global spinal postures in childhood. These results also highlight the importance of considering the musculoskeletal assessment of segmental spinal postures and rehabilitative interventions aimed at promoting spinal flexibility in children with achondroplasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conservation biological controls utilizing native natural enemies need to comprehend the natural enemy fauna in the area. While green lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) are an important group of natural enemies in agriculture, their distribution remains unclear in Japan, particularly in the Nansei Islands. This study reports newly recorded green lacewing species found in the Nansei Islands, and summarizes the distribution information of lacewing species. Four species were newly recorded from the Amami Islands, 2 from the Okinawa Islands, 5 from the Miyako Islands, 2 from the Yaeyama Islands, and 4 from the Daito Islands. A total of 25 species of green lacewings were recognized including one species newly found in the Nansei Islands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]