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Genome size variation is a crucial aspect of plant evolution, influenced by a complex interplay of factors. Repetitive elements, which are fundamental components of genomic architecture, often play a role in genome expansion by selectively amplifying specific repeat motifs. This study focuses on Amomum , a genus in the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), known for its 4.4-fold variation in genome size. Using a robust methodology involving PhyloNet reconstruction, RepeatExplorer clustering, and repeat similarity-based phylogenetic network construction, we investigated the repeatome composition, analyzed repeat dynamics, and identified potential hybridization events within the genus. Our analysis confirmed the presence of four major infrageneric clades (A-D) within Amomum , with clades A-C exclusively comprising diploid species (2n = 48) and clade D encompassing both diploid and tetraploid species (2n = 48 and 96). We observed an increase in the repeat content within the genus, ranging from 84% to 89%, compared to outgroup species with 75% of the repeatome. The SIRE lineage of the Ty1-Copia repeat superfamily was prevalent in most analyzed ingroup genomes. We identified significant difference in repeatome structure between the basal Amomum clades (A, B, C) and the most diverged clade D. Our investigation revealed evidence of ancient hybridization events within Amomum , coinciding with a substantial proliferation of multiple repeat groups. This finding supports the hypothesis that ancient hybridization is a driving force in the genomic evolution of Amomum . Furthermore, we contextualize our findings within the broader context of genome size variations and repeatome dynamics observed across major monocot lineages. This study enhances our understanding of evolutionary processes within monocots by highlighting the crucial roles of repetitive elements in shaping genome size and suggesting the mechanisms that drive these changes., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Hlavatá, Záveská, Leong-Škorničková, Pouch, Poulsen, Šída, Khadka, Mandáková and Fér.)

Background and Aims: A targeted enrichment NGS approach was used to construct the phylogeny of Amomum Roxb. (Zingiberaceae). Phylogenies based on hundreds of nuclear genes, the whole plastome and the rDNA cistron were compared with an ITS-based phylogeny. Trends in genome size (GS) evolution were examined, chromosomes were counted and the geographical distribution of phylogenetic lineages was evaluated., Methods: In total, 92 accessions of 54 species were analysed. ITS was obtained for 79 accessions, 37 accessions were processed with Hyb-Seq and sequences from 449 nuclear genes, the whole cpDNA, and the rDNA cistron were analysed using concatenation, coalescence and supertree approaches. The evolution of absolute GS was analysed in a phylogenetic and geographical context. The chromosome numbers of 12 accessions were counted., Key Results: Four groups were recognised in all datasets though their mutual relationships differ among datasets. While group A (A. subulatum and A. petaloideum) is basal to the remaining groups in the nuclear gene phylogeny, in the cpDNA topology it is sister to group B (A. repoeense and related species) and, in the ITS topology, it is sister to group D (the Elettariopsis lineage). The former Elettariopsis makes a monophyletic group. There is an increasing trend in GS during evolution. The largest GS values were found in group D in two tetraploid taxa, A. cinnamomeum and A. aff. biphyllum (both 2n = 96 chromosomes). The rest varied in GS (2C = 3.54-8.78 pg) with a constant chromosome number 2n = 48. There is a weak connection between phylogeny, GS and geography in Amomum., Conclusions: Amomum consists of four groups, and the former Elettariopsis is monophyletic. Species in this group have the largest GS. Two polyploids were found and GS greatly varied in the rest of Amomum., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with laronidase (recombinant human α-L-iduronidase, Aldurazyme®) is indicated for non-neurological signs and symptoms of mucopolysaccharidosis type I (MPS I). The approved laronidase dose regimen is weekly infusions of 0.58mg/kg, however, patients and caregivers may have difficulty complying with the weekly regimen. We examined clinical outcomes, tolerability, compliance, and satisfaction in a series of patients who switched to every other week infusions., Methods: This multinational, retrospective, chart review case series analyzed data from 20 patients who had undergone ERT with laronidase 0.58mg/kg weekly for more than one year, and who then switched to 1.2mg/kg every other week., Results: The majority of patients had attenuated MPS I phenotypes (9 with Hurler-Scheie and 8 with Scheie syndromes) and 3 patients had severe MPS I (Hurler syndrome). Most patients presented with organomegaly (17/20), umbilical and/or inguinal hernia (16/20), cardiac abnormalities (17/20), musculoskeletal abnormalities (19/20), and neurological and/or developmental deficits (15/20). Following laronidase treatment, signs stabilized or improved. No deterioration or reversal of clinical outcome was noted in any patient who switched from the weekly dose of 0.58mg.kg to 1.2mg/kg every other week. There were no safety issues during the duration of every other week dosing. Patient compliance and satisfaction with the dosing regimen were greater with every other week dosing than weekly dosing., Conclusions: An alternative dose regimen of 1.2mg/kg laronidase every other week was well tolerated and clinically similar to the standard dose for patients who were stabilized with weekly 0.58 mg/kg for one year or more. When an individualized approach to laronidase therapy is necessary, every other week dosing may be an alternative for patients with difficulty receiving weekly infusions.

Considerable attention is focused on calcium and other components of milk in terms of nutritional factors in the context of overweight and obesity. Studies have shown that calcium, proteins, branched amino acids and bioactive whey peptides in particular may help to reduce weight and improve body composition during weight loss, especially in terms of fat free mass (FFM) loss prevention. A diet with a higher content of proteins and calcium is also relevant to the regulation of food intake and improves overall patient compliance with weight management.

Factors of the Eating Inventory-51 (EI) were revealed as significant predictors of health risks. Associations of EI factors (restraint, disinhibition, hunger) with cardiometabolic risk parameters and selected hormones were analysed before and after an in-patient weight reduction programme. Sixty-seven women (age: 48.7 ± 12.2 years; body mass index: 32.4 ± 4.4 kg/m(2)), who exhibited stable weight on a 7 MJ/day diet during the first week, obtained a 4.5 MJ/day diet over the subsequent 3-week period. No significant relations were observed before the weight reduction. After weight loss, restraint score negatively correlated with total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, C peptide, insulin and neuropeptide Y. Hunger score was positively related to insulin and neuropeptide Y. Disinhibition score correlated positively with lipid profile and neuropeptide Y, while negatively with adiponectin. An implementation of a standard dietary and lifestyle pattern for 3 weeks revealed significant associations between EI factors and metabolic risks in women.