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Haploid induction is of great importance in the breeding of cross-pollinated crops such as maize, and it also expedites the development of new varieties in a shorter period in self-pollinated crops, i.e. soybean. The success rate of traditional techniques is almost negligible at less than 1%, and their applicability is dependent on external factors in soybean. There is a lack of standardized and reproducible systems, which makes it challenging to adopt the existing systems for haploid plant production. Therefore, there is a high demand for implementing innovative approaches for this crop due to the limitations of conventional methods. The BABY BOOM (BBM) gene, which generated haploidy at high rates (> 80%) when expressed in pearl millet or through ectopic expression in the egg cells of rice, maize, and tobacco, is a novel example with promising potential. In this study, we used the egg cell-specific promoter DD45, which was cloned from Arabidopsis, to ectopically express the native soybean BBM1 (GmBBM1) gene in soybean to observe the response to haploidy induction. Initially, the clone pDD45:GmBBM1 was successfully constructed and confirmed by PCR and Sanger sequencing. The construct was subsequently transformed into soybean via a half-seed approach. The expression of GmBBM1 in both flowers and leaves increased in the T0 transgenic soybean lines. The T0 plants and their seeds showed developmental abnormalities described by early senescence and flowering; however, the T1 plants exhibited normal growth characteristics. The ploidy levels of the T1 and T2 plants were determined by flow cytometry and chromosome counting. The flow cytometry histograms revealed haploidy in the T1 generation; however, further chromosome counting in T2 plants revealed changes in chromosome number, and aneuploidy, which may be due to spontaneous doubling. This system is especially important in legume crops, as no reports exist on the application of the BBM1 system in soybean. Our study will provide valuable insights for future research and advancing soybean breeding with haploid induction.Key message: The current investigation unveils the ectopic expression of native GmBBM1, which induces chromosomal aberrations in soybean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A plantar wart is a benign hyperplasia that appears on the feet due to the human papillomavirus (HPV). One method used for the treatment of recalcitrant plantar warts, those lasting over 2 years or persisting after at least two treatment attempts, is the cantharidin (1%), podophyllin (5%), and salicylic acid (30%) formulation, also known as the CPS formulation. Although this method is in use, there are few studies on it. This study's objective was to ascertain its cure rate. For this retrospective observational study, we reviewed the medical records of patients treated with the CPS formulation at a podiatric clinic specializing in plantar wart treatment. Our sample size was 48 subjects. The CPS formulation had a cure rate of 62.5%. Out of the cured patients, 86.67% (26/30) required one or two applications. There was no observable correlation (p > 0.05) between wart resolution and virus biotype, evolution time, patient's morphological and clinical attributes, location, number of warts, or preceding treatments. The CPS formulation presents a relatively high efficacy rate for treating recalcitrant HPV plantar warts. Still, additional studies are necessary to evaluate its safety and efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trichophyton indotineae has emerged as a novel dermatophyte species resulting in treatment recalcitrant skin infections. While the earliest reports came from India, T. indotineae has now spread to many parts of the world and is rapidly becoming a global health concern. Accurate identification of T. indotineae requires elaborate mycological investigations which is beyond the domain of routine microbiology testing. Extensive, non-inflammatory and atypical presentations are commonly seen with this novel species. T. indotineae shows an alarmingly high rate of mutations in the squalene epoxidase gene leading to lowered in vitro susceptibility to terbinafine. This has also translated into a lowered clinical response and requirement of a higher dose and much longer durations of treatment with the drug. Although the species remains largely susceptible to itraconazole, prolonged treatment durations are required to achieve cure with itraconazole. Fluconazole and griseofulvin do not have satisfactory in vitro or clinical activity. Apart from requirement of prolonged treatment durations, relapse postsuccessful treatment is a distressing and yet unexplained consequence of this "species-shift." Use of third generation azoles and combinations of systemic antifungals is unwarranted as both have not demonstrated clear superiority over itraconazole given alone, and the former is an important class of drugs for invasive mycoses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terap (Artocarpus elasticus Reinw. ex Blume) is a native Indonesian plant that can be a functional and medicinal food source. The conservation of terap has focused on implementing the field gene bank at botanical gardens. These methods presented risks, such as aging, pest and disease susceptibility, and weather-related threats; thus, diversifying conservation strategies, notably through seed banking, is imperative to mitigate these challenges. This study aimed to determine the physiological maturity level and critical moisture content crucial for effective terap seed banking. When harvested, physiological maturity determination used three fruit colors: green, orange, and orange-fall fruits. The critical moisture content identification of seeds had seeds dried for 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 days in a room at 18 °C ± 2 °C and 55%-65% relative humidity, as predicted by regression analysis. The results indicated optimal quality and viability from physiologically mature orange fruits harvested 100-120 days after anthesis, with 35.31 g 100-seed dry weight and 75%-80% germination percentage. The germination evaluation revealed that the first count was 35 days after sowing, and the final count was 50 days after sowing. The seeds had 0.63% per 24 h germination rate, 64% germination uniformity, and more than 82% emergence ability. The critical moisture content was 36.93%, suggesting terap seeds are recalcitrant; hence, seed banking requires storage conditions to be moist. In addition, storing seeds can also proceed by in vitro techniques, using tissue culture and cryopreservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic hand eczema (CHE) is persistent inflammatory dermatitis that may significantly affect the quality of life, with psychosocial effects, impact on school, work, and leisure activities, influence on socioeconomic status, and high health care costs. Pediatric-CHE (P-CHE) has a high prevalence yet has not been extensively studied in children and adolescents. There is minimal published data on P-CHE in North America, and no specific management guidelines. Limited prevalence data show broad ranges (0.9%-4.4%) in preschool and school children, with 1 study stating up to 10.0% 1-year prevalence for ages 16 to 19 years. Atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis appear important in the pathogenesis of this disease process, although there is limited pediatric data assessing disease associations and no standardized methodology for evaluating this disorder. Given the potential life-changing consequences of P-CHE, further research into this disease process is warranted to help generate best therapeutic practices and minimize this disease process' morbidity in adulthood.

Background: Improper use of over-the-counter (OTC) steroid medication has been linked to recalcitrant dermatophytosis. There is proven evidence of HPA axis suppression by the use of long-term oral steroids. This study aims to determine the prevalence and pattern of inappropriate OTC steroid use and its effects on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in adults with recalcitrant dermatophytosis. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study of 2 months was conducted in a hospital setting and included patients of recalcitrant dermatophytosis with a history of OTC steroid use. Clinico-demographic details and basal serum cortisol levels were recorded in all and analyzed. Result: Of a total of 103 patients, 59.22% (n = 61/103) were males, and the mean duration of steroid abuse was 17.78 months. About 48.54% (n = 50/103), 3.88% (n = 4/103), and 47.57% (n = 49/103) patients reported the use of topical steroids, oral steroids, and both oral and topical steroids, respectively. Among all the topical steroid users (n = 99), clobetasol propionate 48.48% (n = 48/99), while among oral steroid users (n = 53), prednisolone 45.28% (n = 24/53) were the most commonly used agents, respectively. The morning serum cortisol levels (8–9 AM) were found to be decreased in 42.7% (n = 44/103), with a mean value of 44.28 ± 17.34 μg/dL. Conclusion: Improper OTC steroid use in recalcitrant dermatophytosis leads to HPA axis suppression. This highlights the need for intervention from apex health officials.

Abstract Lakes are hotspots for the biogeochemical processing of carbon, including dissolved organic matter (DOM). A less degradable fraction of DOM, preserved for a long time, can be categorized as recalcitrant DOM (RDOM). Lake RDOM is an important but neglected carbon sink, and its characteristics and transformation processes remain largely unknown.

Lakes are hotspots for the biogeochemical processing of carbon, including dissolved organic matter (DOM). A less degradable fraction of DOM, preserved for a long time, can be categorized as recalcitrant DOM (RDOM). Lake RDOM is an important but neglected carbon sink, and its characteristics and transformation processes remain largely unknown. Highlights: • Recalcitrant dissolved organic matter (RDOM) is an important but neglected carbon sink in lakes. • The heterogeneity of lake environments determines the diversity and complexity of RDOM. • New techniques allow detailed studies of the mechanisms of RDOM formation and related processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Improper use of over‑the‑counter (OTC) steroid medication has been linked to recalcitrant dermatophytosis. There is proven evidence of HPA axis suppression by the use of long‑term oral steroids. This study aims to determine the prevalence and pattern of inappropriate OTC steroid use and its effects on the hypothalamus‑pituitary‑adrenal (HPA) axis in adults with recalcitrant dermatophytosis. Materials and Methods: This cross‑sectional study of 2 months was conducted in a hospital setting and included patients of recalcitrant dermatophytosis with a history of OTC steroid use. Clinico‑demographic details and basal serum cortisol levels were recorded in all and analyzed. Result: Of a total of 103 patients, 59.22% (n = 61/103) were males, and the mean duration of steroid abuse was 17.78 months. About 48.54% (n = 50/103), 3.88% (n = 4/103), and 47.57% (n = 49/103) patients reported the use of topical steroids, oral steroids, and both oral and topical steroids, respectively. Among all the topical steroid users (n = 99), clobetasol propionate 48.48% (n = 48/99), while among oral steroid users (n = 53), prednisolone 45.28% (n = 24/53) were the most commonly used agents, respectively. The morning serum cortisol levels (8–9 AM) were found to be decreased in 42.7% (n = 44/103), with a mean value of 44.28 ± 17.34 μg/dL. Conclusion: Improper OTC steroid use in recalcitrant dermatophytosis leads to HPA axis suppression. This highlights the need for intervention from apex health officials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The heterogeneous expression of signaling molecules within the tumor, including kinases, is the major contributor to the acquisition of drug resistance and poor survival observed in small-cell lung cancer (SCLC). The addition of immunotherapy to chemotherapy has only marginally prolonged survival in patients with extensive-stage SCLC (ES-SCLC). Recent clinical trials have combined immunotherapy with the pharmacological inhibitors of kinases often dysregulated in SCLC. However, the regime has not been effective in the long term. Here, we review studies and clinical trials exploring dysregulated kinases in SCLC progression and resistance to chemotherapies and immunotherapies. We also discuss the possibility of repurposing kinase inhibitors against SCLC that have already demonstrated promising results for other types of cancers. SCLC is refractory to conventional therapies; targeted therapies and immunological checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) molecules have prolonged survival only marginally. In addition, ICIs help only a subgroup of SCLC patients. Different types of kinases play pivotal roles in therapeutics-driven cellular functions. Therefore, there is a significant need to understand the roles of kinases in regulating therapeutic responses, acknowledge the existing knowledge gaps, and discuss future directions for improved therapeutics for recalcitrant SCLC. Here, we extensively review the effect of dysregulated kinases in SCLC. We further discuss the pharmacological inhibitors of kinases used in targeted therapies for recalcitrant SCLC. We also describe the role of kinases in the ICI-mediated activation of antitumor immune responses. Finally, we summarize the clinical trials evaluating the potential of kinase inhibitors and ICIs. This review overviews dysregulated kinases in SCLC and summarizes their potential as targeted therapeutic agents. We also discuss their clinical efficacy in enhancing anticancer responses mediated by ICIs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThere are mounting concerns over the high concentrations of non-biogenic, toxic halogenated organic compounds being liberated into the ecosystem. Therefore, this study’s isolation of a novel bacterium from a contaminated stream in Fatsa, Ordu, Turkey, adept in degrading 2,2-dichloropropionic (of 2,2-DCP) is a welcome endeavor. The ability of the bacterial isolate to utilize 2,2-DCP as the sole carbon and energy source was discovered when the bacterium was observed to grow well on liquid minimal media containing 20 mM of 2,2-DCP, showing a doubling time of 14.2 h. The following genetic and biochemical characterizations revealed that the 16S rRNA sequence of the fatsa001strain is identical (99%) to Pseudomonas fluorescence, after which the sequence was deposited in the NCBI GenBank as Pseudomonas sp. strain fatsa001 (MN098848). The halogen-degrading ability of the P. fluorescens fatsa001 bacterium was again confirmed by the PCR data, which showed the presence of a conserved group of amino acids from the group I dehalogenase gene. It worth mentioning here that this is the first report on a P. fluorescence bacterial strain with the ability to degrade toxic 2,2-DCP. The detoxification ability of this bacterium envisages its practicality as an in situ environmental bioremediation agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artocarpus hirsutus Lam. is a tropical, endemic, keystone tree species of the Western Ghats commercially utilized for its valuable timber. The seeds are reported to be recalcitrant, but its exact physiology and the hormonal changes during development and germination has not been well studied. The present study was intended to understand the hormonal dynamics and their interaction to get an idea about the up and down regulation during seed development and germination. Fifteen hormones were simultaneously analyzed using LC MS/MS technique. Our results showed that during histodifferentiation IAA, GA4, cytokinins (tZ and tZR), JA and 24-epibrassinolide (24-epiBL) were found in higher levels, but during seed expansion all these plant hormones began to decrease. However salicylic acid and cis jasmone were found elevated during germination. Like other recalcitrant seeds ABA was found in higher level during early embryogeny but declined sharply in the later embryogeny and germination. JA showed strong positive correlation with IAA (0.997**), ABA (0.955*), tZ (0.997**) and tZR (0.975*) possibly acts as an inducer of all these hormones, but no significant relationship with other hormones. However SA, which was found in extremely higher level during development and germination, did not show any significant relationship with other hormones, possibly functioning in defense mechanism. 24-epiBL was found in significant level, but showed insignificant relationship with hormones. Natural desiccation had a negative impact on the synthesis/accumulation of PGRs. Electrical conductivity studies revealed that cell membrane damage of the embryonic tissue was responsible for the loss of viability of these recalcitrant seeds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Globally, plant species are facing numerous threats; an issue particularly acute for island floras, which often exhibit high levels of endemism. Ex situ conservation in seed banks is an important tool for plant conservation. However not all species' seeds can be stored in conventional seed banks. Data on seed storage behaviour are therefore vital for conservation decision making. Aims: To review available seed storage information for the New Zealand (NZ) indigenous seed plant flora, 86% of which are endemic. Methods: We compiled seed storage information for the NZ flora from databases and existing literature, and used boosted regression trees models to investigate predictors of seed storage behaviour for NZ woody plants. We used existing global models to predict the likely storage behaviour for the NZ woody flora where this was unknown, to examine the overall contribution that conventional seed banking could make towards NZ plant conservation. Key results: Data were available for 412 of 1823 seed plants, of which 83% produced orthodox seeds that can be stored in a conventional seed bank. Of the woody flora, the incidence of non-orthodox seeds was positively correlated with seed mass, plant height, biotic dispersal, and habitat diurnal temperature range. Eighty-one percent of the woody flora are predicted to produce orthodox seeds. Conclusions and implications: Conventional seed banking is likely to be suitable for a high proportion of the NZ flora. However, work is required to gain further seed storage behaviour data for NZ species, and to develop protocols for alternative ex situ conservation strategies for non-orthodox species, especially those facing in situ conservation threats. Seed banks are an important tool for plant conservation. However not all species can be stored. We compiled information on seed storage for New Zealand plants, finding that 83% could be stored in a seed bank. Plants unable to be banked are generally bird-dispersed canopy trees, including some threatened species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humic‐like substances (HULIS) are significant contributor to the light absorption of water‐soluble brown carbon (WSBrC), which contains certain strong light‐absorbing chemical components that are not well understood, impeding the assessment of WSBrC's climate impact. China as the hotspot regions with high loading of WSBrC characterized by high light‐absorbing capacity, here, we investigated the sources and atmospheric processes (δ13C–Δ14C), molecular composition (Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry), and light absorption properties (UV spectrophotometry) of HULIS in PM2.5 from 10 Chinese cities. HULIS‐C was major contributor to the light absorption coefficient (70.5 ± 6.6%) of WSBrC at 365 nm, which was more enriched with fossil sources (48.0 ± 9.0% vs. 30.3 ± 13.9%) but depleted in 13C (δ13C: −25.6 ± 0.9‰ vs. −22.4 ± 1.0‰) relative to non‐HULIS‐C. This suggests that the fossil components in HULIS are more recalcitrant to oxidative aging and exhibit higher light‐absorbing capacity, while the non‐fossil organic carbon is more likely to be oxidatively bleached into small, colorless, and highly polar molecules (i.e., non‐HULIS). Aromatic components are the major strong light‐absorbing fossil components in HULIS, dominantly originating from coal combustion (>77%). Non‐negative matrix factorization model showed that aromatic molecules from coal combustion have higher molecular weight and lower oxidation levels than biomass burning, potentially making them to be photo‐recalcitrant compounds. Our finding that coal combustion‐derived BrC maybe more persistent in the atmosphere and has greater long‐term impact on climate than BrC derived from biomass burning is an important consideration in climate models and mitigation policies. Plain Language Summary: Both the loading and light‐absorbing capacity of water‐soluble brown carbon (WSBrC) are high in China, but little is known about sources and atmospheric processes of strong light‐absorbing components in WSBrC. Humic‐like substances (HULIS) account for a significant fraction of light absorption by WSBrC, which may contain strong light‐absorbing components. Through dual carbon isotopic analysis, we discovered that HULIS‐C from 10 Chinese cities had relatively higher fossil sources contribution but lower δ13C values compared to non‐HULIS‐C. This indicates that the fossil components in HULIS not only possess a higher light‐absorbing capacity but are also more resistant to oxidative aging than non‐fossil components. The higher light‐absorbing capacity and resilience of fossil components can be attributed to the enrichment of aromatic compounds derived from coal combustion. Using the non‐negative matrix factorization model, we found that coal combustion tends to generate aromatic compounds with higher molecular weight and lower oxidation‐to‐carbon (O/C: 0.31 ± 0.03 vs. 0.50 ± 0.07) ratios than biomass burning. This characteristic may contribute to the recalcitrant property of coal combustion‐derived HULIS. Our findings highlight that coal combustion‐derived BrC may persists longer in the atmosphere and has a greater long‐term impact on climate than that derived from biomass burning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) is the oldest important edible oilseed crop found throughout many tropical and subtropical regions of the world. India ranks second in its domestication with a total production of 0.67 million tons. The growth index of sesame in Asia, Africa, and South and Central America is 54.9%, 40.8%, and 4.3%, respectively. The crop has high economic potential but stress factors like temperature sensitivity, early senescence, pest attack, water logging, and disease infestations limit its productivity worldwide. Its recalcitrant nature, sexual incompatibility, and post fertilization barriers greatly restrict the generation of new varieties, via tissue culture and traditional breeding strategies. Thus, genetic engineering appears to be the best alternative to improve its yield by developing stress-tolerant plants. The callus induction and regeneration frequency in sesame is highly genotype dependent. Regeneration is observed in different cultivars via callus phase or directly from different explants mainly on Murashige and Skoog basal medium (MS) with high cytokinin and low auxin concentrations. The attempts towards developing genetic transformation protocols has resulted in very limited success. The present review highlights the history and discusses the detailed progress of sesame tissue culture and genetic transformation research with respect to genotype dependency, different medium compositions, plant hormones, and explant age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To evaluate whether anti-drug antibodies (ADAs) are present in the ocular fluid of patients with ranibizumab-recalcitrant neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD). Methods: Two serum ADA-positive ranibizumab-recalcitrant patients and two serum ADA-negative controls were recruited from patients with nAMD treated with ranibizumab monotherapy. Recalcitrance was defined as persistent fluid after ≥6 monthly ranibizumab injections. Serum and aqueous humor ADAs were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoprecipitation, respectively. Results: Two of 156 ranibizumab-treated patients were ADA-positive. The patients received six and 14 ranibizumab injections, respectively, up to 4 weeks prior to blood collection. The serum ADA concentration was estimated to be approximately 50,000 ng/mL. Neutralizing ADAs were confirmed in both samples. A specific band was detected by immunoprecipitation only in ADA-positive samples, consistent with the results of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Based on an assessment of the degree of sensitivity of commercially available anti-ranibizumab antibodies, it was estimated that the immunoprecipitation method could detect ADA levels >30 ng. Nevertheless, ADAs were not detected in the aqueous humor of either the experimental or control group. Conclusion: In the aqueous humor, ADAs are either not present or are present at a lower concentration than that which can be detected by immunoprecipitation. This presumably reflects the fact that blood ADA is the product of systemic circulation clearance through anterior elimination of intravitreal ranibizumab. Based on our results, ADAs do not return to the eye in sufficient quantities to interfere with the action of ranibizumab in the vitreous cavity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecological significance of dormancy in desiccation-sensitive seeds is poorly understood. Quercus exhibits mutually exclusive occurrence of physiological (PD) and epicotyl dormancy (ePD), with no reported co-occurrence or dormancy class in other genera. We aimed to understand the dormancy in three Castanopsis species and document desiccation sensitivity and germination patterns concerning the embryonic axis position. We hypothesized that Castanopsis acorns are recalcitrant and potentially dormant. Fresh and cold-stratified acorns of Castanopsis chinensis, Castanopsis purpurella, and Castanopsis sclerophylla were subjected to desiccation and germination. Seedling emergence and internal morphology was monitored following cold (CS) and warm (WS) stratification. Fresh acorns had radicles emerge only after CS but require WS for shoot emergence. Drying to 20% moisture content led to complete death. In C. purpurella and C. sclerophylla, the embryonic axis was near the scar, and germination occurred by cracking the pericarp near the scar, which contrasts with C. chinensis. Moderate drying relieved dormancy due to the mechanical resistance of the pericarp. All three acorns were desiccation-sensitive and dormant. This is the first explicit report on PD and ePD co-occurrence in desiccation-sensitive seeds, but literature surveys allow for inference of such coexistence. CS alleviated PD and WS relieved ePD. Winter temperatures break PD, and acorns germinate during spring, but shoot emergence is delayed until summer. Our results are instructive for research on the dormancy of desiccation-sensitive species and the reproduction of Fagaceae species in subtropical forests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Warts are the most prevalent clinical manifestation of Human papillomavirus (HPV) infections, which vary in morphological pattern depending on the site of the body affected. Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intralesional quadrivalent HPV vaccine versus candida antigen in treatment of multiple recalcitrant non-genital warts. Materials and methods: A randomized- control clinical trial included 60 cases with multiple recalcitrant warts who were randomly distributed into three groups; Group I included 20 patients who received intralesional candida antigen at a dose of 0.3 mL of 1/1000 solution, Group II included 20 patients who received intralesional quadrivalent HPV vaccine at a dose of 0.3ml and Group III included 20 patients who received intralesional injection 0.3 ml of normal saline 0.9% as a control group). Each agent was injected at the base of the largest wart every three weeks until it was completely cleared, or for a total of four sessions. Results: the highest response rate was detected in the quadrivalent HPV vaccine group (75% complete response) followed by the candida vaccine group (40% complete response and 15% partial response). Also, regarding the distant response rate, the highest response rate was detected in the quadrivalent HPV vaccine group (72.7% complete response and 27.3 % partial response) followed by the candida vaccine group (33.3 % complete response and 50 % partial response). Conclusion: Intralesional immunotherapy appears to be effective and safe in treating multiple recalcitrant non-genital warts, with intralesional quadrivalent HPV vaccine outperforming intralesional candida antigen.

Sarah L Becker,1,* Rose Velasco,2,* Alex G Ortega-Loayza1 1Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA; 2University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Alex G Ortega-Loayza, Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, 3303 S Bond Ave Building 1, 16th Floor, Portland, OR, 97239, USA, Tel +1 503-418-3376, Fax +1 503-494-6968, Email ortegalo@ohsu.eduAbstract: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare, autoinflammatory disease leading to aseptic ulcers which carries a significant disease burden and is often difficult to treat, with many patients failing first-line treatment and requiring additional therapies. Such cases are typically referred to in the literature as “recalcitrant”, “refractory”, or “resistant”, though little is known about the clinical characteristics of such cases. We performed a narrative literature review to characterize patient demographics and clinical course associated with difficult to treat pyoderma gangrenosum cases in order to identify trends to guide future clinical management and therapeutic innovation. We identified 148 cases with clinical manifestations and associated patient demographics stratified by ulcer and patient features. Consistent with previous work, a greater prevalence of PG was observed among female patients and those with a history of inflammatory bowel disease, however interestingly despite an aggressive course to their PG, few patients had comorbidities complicating their disease course. Additionally, despite the requirement of three or more treatments for most patients’ disease to resolve, the majority healed within the typical window observed in previous clinical studies with low rates of recurrence. Biologics were the most common medication patients were on at time of remission. Collectively, our results suggest a potential benefit for a reduced threshold for biologic initiation in PG patients and a need for standardization of language in the field to facilitate treatment outcomes comparisons and interventions.Keywords: pyoderma gangrenosum, recalcitrant, refractory, resistant, biologics

Lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) is a common substrate for biogas and bioethanol production due to its significant properties and abundance. However, it has a unique recalcitrant structure that can inhibit the production of biogas, which necessitates pre-treatment of the substrate to obtain higher cellulose or sugars ready for microbial hydrolysis in producing biogas. In this study, a novel approach for empty fruit bunch (EFB) pre-treatment has been made: ohmic heating pre-treatment. This method is conventionally used in the food industry for pasteurization and extraction. It involves electric current and resistance inside the material that releases heat (Joule effect). A preliminary study has been done to figure out the potential of alkaline assisted with ohmic heating (AA-OH) pre-treatment for EFB. Lignin reduction for AA-OH EFB is higher than EFB that undergoes only size reduction (SR) pre-treatment, which are 15.54% and 11.51%, respectively. After confirming the potential of ohmic heating as one of the pre-treatment methods for EFB, three parameters were investigated (reaction time, temperature, and solvent concentration) by one factor at a time (OFAT) testing to obtain the optimum condition for AA-OH pre-treatment. The optimal condition for achieving a high reduction in lignin (86.9%) and hemicellulose (75%) while also showing a significant increase in cellulose (63.2%), which is desirable for the fermentation process, is achieved by using 4% w/v of NaOH, ohmic-heated at a temperature of 120°C for 25 minutes. To sum up, this developed ohmic heating pre-treatment technique can be applied to LCB prior to biogas or bioethanol production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many patients with moderate‐to‐severe psoriasis may not achieve complete skin clearance with recalcitrant lesions despite being on biologics. We aimed to evaluate the real‐world effectiveness and safety of combining topical calcipotriene/betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD) foam with biologic therapy for the treatment of recalcitrant psoriatic lesions over the scalp or lower legs. We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of psoriasis patients receiving adjunctive topical Cal/BD foam with biologics for at least 16 weeks on recalcitrant psoriatic lesions of the scalp or lower legs between 2020 and 2021 at a tertiary referral medical center in southern Taiwan. Among the 18 recruited patients, the severity outcomes of body surface area (BSA), Physician's Global Assessment (PGA), and BSA × PGA of the recalcitrant areas decreased by approximately 31%, 48%, and 50%, respectively, after 4 weeks of once‐daily adjunctive Cal/BD foam use. Thereafter, the effect remained nearly constant after dose reduction to twice weekly until week 16. The Dermatology Life Quality Index and the nine‐item Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication questionnaire revealed improved life quality and a high level of satisfaction, with only a few mild adverse effects reported. In conclusion, adjunctive topical Cal/BD foam might be an effective and safe option for patients with recalcitrant lesions on the scalp and lower legs despite biologics use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tree planting success has been a major challenge in the Sahel region. As a low-cost, efficient option, farmer-managed natural regeneration entails some constraints, most notably a lack of species diversity. To find alternative techniques, four experiments were carried out to determine seed germination and seedling emergence capacity, evaluate the success of direct seeding for orthodox (Adansonia digitata, Faidherbia albida, Ziziphus mauritiana) and recalcitrant species (Cordyla pinnata, Saba senegalensis, Vitellaria paradoxa), and examine the effects of fungicide treatments. A fifth experiment studied the influence of planting-hole depth on F. Albida seedling emergence capacity. The results did not reveal any significant differences based on fungicide doses. For germination test, V. paradoxa had the longest mean germination time among recalcitrant species. For both orthodox and recalcitrant species, significant differences were observed in seedling emergence parameters, survival and growth. Eighteen months after sowing, orthodox species A. digitata and Z. mauritiana showed the highest survival rates at 99 ± 1% and 95 ± 2%, respectively, while among recalcitrant species, V. paradoxa had the highest survival rate (80 ± 5%), 17 months after sowing. Analyses of the probability of ending up with a maximum of 10% empty spots demonstrated a need to sow at least 4, 5, 10 and 8 seeds for A. digitata, F. albida, Z. mauritiana, and V. paradoxa, respectively. The deepest hole, measuring 100 cm in the F. albida experiment, significantly outperformed the other holes of lower depth, displaying the highest mean emergence rate and the greatest relative growth rate. These results support the hypothesis that direct seeding in 60 cm-deep holes can be successful for A. digitata, F. albida, Z. mauritiana, and V. paradoxa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The role of lasers in the treatment of standard therapy-resistant inflammatory dermatoses and connective tissue disorders has been controversial and evidence supporting the role of lasers in this setting is scarce. Objective: To assess the efficacy of lasers in the management of inflammatory dermatoses and connective tissue disorders (CTD). Materials and Methods: A retrospective case review of all inflammatory dermatoses/connective tissue diseases treated in a tertiary laser clinic between March 2010 and 2020 was undertaken. Results: A total of 60 cases (48 = female) were included and the average age was 51 years (range 21 to 74). The following conditions were treated: scleroderma n = 22 (37%), granuloma faciale n = 10 (17%), sarcoidosis n = 8 (13%), discoid lupus erythematosus n = 7 (12%), and systemic lupus erythematosus n = 2 (3%). Other diagnoses included necrobiosis lipoidica, pyoderma vegetans, hypertrophic lichen planus, and dermatomyositis. The most common type of laser used was pulsed dye laser (PDL) in n = 41 (68%) cases. Eight (13%) patients received treatment with the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. The most common site treated was the face. A good response with a marked reduction of signs was seen in 62% of patients while 10% of the patients did not respond to laser treatment. Self-limiting complications included purpura and hyperpigmentation. Limitations: Lack of objective assessment and outcome measures. Conclusions: This is the largest cohort of patients to have undergone laser treatment for inflammatory dermatoses/connective tissue disease. Based on this retrospective review, we conclude that lasers can be a useful adjunct in the management of otherwise difficult-to-treat selected inflammatory and connective tissue diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IntroductionSyzygium maire is a threatened Myrtaceae tree species endemic to New Zealand. Due to its highly recalcitrant seed, cryopreservation is the only viable long-term ex situ conservation option for this species. Our previous attempts to cryopreserve the embryonic axis (EAs) of S. maire were unsuccessful but did provide a better understanding of desiccation behavior, biochemical composition, oxidative status, and ultrastructural changes associated with desiccation in EAs.MethodsWe incorporated this knowledge with biophysical information to investigate two advanced cryopreservation technologies: a droplet vacuum infiltration vitrification (DVIV) method and a novel metal-mesh vacuum infiltration vitrification (MVIV) method using Plant Vitrification Solution 2 (PVS2) for cryopreservation of the EAs.ResultsThe PVS2 treatment at room temperature (~20°C) proved phytotoxic with extended PVS2 incubation significantly reducing EA survival. No EAs survived cryopreservation using DVIV, however MVIV resulted in post-cryopreservation survival of up to 19% following PVS2 incubation for 20 min. Biophysical thermal analysis using Differential Scanning Calorimetry revealed a 15-fold reduction in ice crystallization following incubation in PVS2 for 20 min or more, with all freezable water removed after 60 min incubation.DiscussionThese results present a significant advance in being able to successfully cryopreserve S. maire EAs. The findings from this study will aid the development of cryopreservation protocols for other extremely recalcitrant seeded species, many of which are threatened with extinction due to climate change, plant pathogens, and habitat destruction.

Key message: Embryos in early-to-late embryo transition stage might be potentially able to respond the dehydration and cryopreservation process and in addition to producing somatic embryos. Araucaria angustifolia (Bert. O. Kuntze) is a threatened and endemic species and takes almost 24 months after pollination (MAP) for seed maturation. Mature seeds lose viability if dried and do not survive prolonged storage which seems to be a consequence of metabolic profile. To understand how maturation occurs, we examined the biochemical changes within developing seeds. Carbohydrate and total protein contents as well as appearance of dehydrin-like proteins, were analyzed during the proembryogenic (15–6 MAP), early embryogenesis (17–18 MAP) and late embryogenesis (19–23 MAP) stages. Three embryos stages were describing in A. angustifolia seed development. Intense mitotic activity occurs during pro-embryogenic and early embryogenesis stages, which are also characterized by high fructose and glucose and low sucrose contents. During early embryogenesis, embryos had low total and heat-soluble protein contents and dehydrin-like proteins were not present. Interestingly, during late embryogenesis the sucrose to hexose ratio increased markedly and four fractions of dehydrin-like proteins with molecular masses near 21.5, 23, 26 and 27 kDa were detected. Our results show a high diversity of dehydrin-like proteins and carbohydrates over embryo development which are not necessarily associate to desiccation tolerance and this can explain Araucaria seed recalcitrant behavior. Also, it is proposed that embryo cryopreservation should be performed at early-to-late embryo transition stage and somatic embryogenesis might be improved by sucrose addition at maturation media. It was highlighted the seed biochemical composition of a primitive and threatened species including a discussion of wider implications for seed conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The irupé or water corn (Victoria cruziana A. D. Orb.) belongs to the Nymphaeaceae family and arouses interest mainly due to the beauty of its leaves and flowers. Obtaining seeds of this aquatic species in its natural environment is challenging, and it is also considered a recalcitrant species for in vitro culture. For this reason, the aim of this work was to establish a methodology for the conversion into plants of irupé embryos extracted from seeds of immature fruits and to obtain material to be used in micropropagation or in environmental restoration programs. Embryo culture of fruits in six growth stages was carried out up to a maximum of four weeks. Using Murashige & Skoog's basal medium, twelve culture media with and without the addition of growth regulators (gibberellic acid, AG3 and thidiazuron, TDZ) were tested. Embryos converted into plants in all media diluted to 50% (½ MS) with 3% sucrose, while plants with developed roots were obtained in the medium with the addition of 10 mg/L of GA3. Although the culture of embryos derived from seeds in early fruit stages did not allow plant regeneration, this was possible when explants derived from fruits in late developmental stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterioplankton consume about half of the dissolved organic matter (DOM) produced by phytoplankton. DOM released from phytoplankton consists of a myriad of compounds that span a range of biological reactivity from labile to recalcitrant. Linking specific bacterioplankton lineages to the incorporation of DOM compounds into biomass is important to understand microbial niche partitioning. We conducted a series of DNA-stable isotope probing (SIP) experiments using 13C-labeled substrates of varying lability including amino acids, cyanobacteria lysate, and DOM from diatom and cyanobacteria isolates concentrated on solid phase extraction PPL columns (SPE-DOM). Amendments of substrates into Sargasso Sea bacterioplankton communities were conducted to explore microbial response and DNA-SIP was used to determine which lineages of Bacteria and Archaea were responsible for uptake and incorporation. Greater increases in bacterioplankton abundance and DOC removal were observed in incubations amended with cyanobacteria-derived lysate and amino acids compared to the SPE-DOM, suggesting that the latter retained proportionally more recalcitrant DOM compounds. DOM across a range of bioavailability was utilized by diverse prokaryotic taxa with copiotrophs becoming the most abundant 13C-incorporating taxa in the amino acid treatment and oligotrophs becoming the most abundant 13C-incorporating taxa in SPE-DOM treatments. The lineages that responded to SPE-DOM amendments were also prevalent in the mesopelagic of the Sargasso Sea, suggesting that PPL extraction of phytoplankton-derived DOM isolates compounds of ecological relevance to oligotrophic heterotrophic bacterioplankton. Our study indicates that DOM quality is an important factor controlling the diversity of the microbial community response, providing insights into the roles of different bacterioplankton in resource exploitation and efficiency of marine carbon cycling.

Background: Treating of recalcitrant viral verrucae either individually or in combination is inconvenient and frustrating both for patients and treating physician. There is no treatment, which is 100% effective for warts. Objectives: To compare the use of intralesional 5-flourouracil and intralesional bleomycin with respect to efficacy and side effects in treatment of recalcitrant palmo-plantar verrucae. Materials and Methods: A prospective comparative study was conducted toassess the eeficacy of intralesional bleomycin injection with intralesional 5-Fluoro Uracil (FU) in resistant palmo-plantar warts. Results: Intralesional bleomycin was found to be more efficacious than intralesional 5-FU in treatment of recalcitrant palmo-plantar warts however much more side effects were noted in intralesional bleomycin than intralesional 5-FU. None of the side-effects were found to be life threatening. Moreover 5-FU is cheaper and easily procurable than injection bleomycin. Conclusion: Both intralesional bleomycin and 5-FU injections can be safely used in the treatment of recalcitrant palmo-plantar verrucae.

Introduction: The role of lasers in the treatment of standard therapy-resistant inflammatory dermatoses and connective tissue disorders has been controversial and evidence supporting the role of lasers in this setting is scarce. Objective: To assess the efficacy of lasers in the management of inflammatory dermatoses and connective tissue disorders (CTD). Materials and Methods: A retrospective case review of all inflammatory dermatoses/connective tissue diseases treated in a tertiary laser clinic between March 2010 and 2020 was undertaken. Results: A total of 60 cases (48 = female) were included and the average age was 51 years (range 21 to 74). The following conditions were treated: scleroderma n = 22 (37%), granuloma faciale n = 10 (17%), sarcoidosis n = 8 (13%), discoid lupus erythematosus n = 7 (12%), and systemic lupus erythematosus n = 2 (3%). Other diagnoses included necrobiosis lipoidica, pyoderma vegetans, hypertrophic lichen planus, and dermatomyositis. The most common type of laser used was pulsed dye laser (PDL) in n = 41 (68%) cases. Eight (13%) patients received treatment with the carbon dioxide (CO2) laser. The most common site treated was the face. A good response with a marked reduction of signs was seen in 62% of patients while 10% of the patients did not respond to laser treatment. Self-limiting complications included purpura and hyperpigmentation. Limitations: Lack of objective assessment and outcome measures. Conclusions: This is the largest cohort of patients to have undergone laser treatment for inflammatory dermatoses/connective tissue disease. Based on this retrospective review, we conclude that lasers can be a useful adjunct in the management of otherwise difficult-to-treat selected inflammatory and connective tissue diseases.

In plants, phase change from the juvenile stage to maturity involves physiological and anatomical changes, which are initiated and controlled by evolutionary highly conserved microRNAs. This process is of particular significance for the in vitro propagation of woody plant species, as individuals or tissues that have undergone the transition to vegetative maturity are recalcitrant to propagation. Conserved miRNAs differentially expressed between juvenile (including rejuvenated) and mature silver birch tissues were identified using high-throughput sequencing of small RNA libraries. Expression of some miR156 isoforms was high in juvenile tissues and has been previously reported to regulate phase transitions in a range of species. Additional miRNAs, such as miR394 and miR396, that were previously reported to be highly expressed in juvenile woody plant tissues were also differentially expressed in this study. However, expression of miR172, previously reported to be highly expressed in mature tissues, was low in all sample types in this study. The obtained results will provide insight for further investigation of the molecular mechanisms regulating vegetative phase change in silver birch and other perennial woody plant species, by analysing a wider range of genotypes, tissue types and maturation stages. This knowledge can potentially assist in identification of rejuvenated material at an earlier stage than currently possible, increasing the efficiency of silver birch in vitro propagation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An in vitro pollen germination protocol for Triticale, the man-made cereal, has been reported. Triticale pollen may be classified as recalcitrant pollen as it is difficult to germinate on artificial medium. Using this pollen germination medium (PGM), viability and pollen vigour of triticale lines may be tested within 10–15 min. PGM used for triticale consisted of 19% maltose, 15% polyethylene glycol 4000, 60 mgl−1 boric acid, 20 mgl−1 calcium nitrate, 80 mgl−1 potassium nitrate, 160 mgl−1 magnesium sulphate and 1% agar. This PGM has been altered slightly which supported pollen germination of other genotypes. This complex medium contains many inorganic salts but in low concentration. The PGM showed > 93% pollen germination with intact pollen tubes at 17 ± 1 °C and pH 6.8. During the flowering period, a pollen sterility of less than 10% was recorded. Triticale pollen was viable more than 1.45 h which is much longer time as compared to wheat. This tool would be useful in triticale breeding especially in wide crosses with wheat or rye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alopecia areata (AA) is a non-cicatricial alopecia that is postulated to be a hair-specific autoimmune disease, with genetic factors playing a role in disease susceptibility and severity. The most common form of disease manifests as smooth, discrete, round patches of hair loss and can be referred to as alopecia areata focalis (AF). Tofacitinib is emerging as a promising therapy for severe AA. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated the efficacy of tofacitinib in treatment of alopecia areata. Herein we report a case of recalcitrant alopecia areata in a 14-year-old female treated successfully with oral tofacitinib based therapy.

The cathode is the key component in the electro-peroxone process (E-Peroxone), which is popularly constructed with carbon materials. This study developed an innovative method to fabricate a cathode with waste-tire carbon (WTC) whose performance was evaluated for the degradation of tinidazole (TNZ), an antibiotic frequently detected in water. It was found that the addition of WTC in the cathode can significantly promote the yield of H2O2 and the current efficiency: around 2.7 times that of commercial carbon black at the same loading. The critical influencing factors were studied, including the current density, ozone concentration, initial pH value, chlorine ions and initial TNZ concentration. The scavenger tests demonstrated the possible involvement of •OH and . Some transformation products of TNZ were identified with UPLC-MS and the degradation pathway was proposed accordingly. These results demonstrated the potential of WTC for developing E-Peroxone cathodes. HIGHLIGHTS The cathode with WTC generated more H2O2 than a commercial carbon black cathode.; Reaction conditions including current density, O3 dose, pH values, initial TNZ concentration and electrolyte were studied.; The main reactive oxygen species were probably •OH and .; Transformation products were identified and a degradation pathway was proposed.;

This article discusses the use of oral melatonin as a treatment for recalcitrant melasma, a common hyperpigmentary disorder. The study reports on a series of seven cases in which patients with melasma were treated with a 3mg melatonin tablet once daily for 12 weeks, along with the use of broad-spectrum sunscreen. After the treatment period, all patients reported lightening of pigmentation and a decrease in the severity of melasma. No side effects were reported. The article concludes that melatonin is a safe and effective treatment option for melasma, but further research is needed to fully understand its potential. [Extracted from the article]

The progress of clean alternative energy sources is of very essential owing to the increase in an energy crisis and the escalating problems of climatic change. In this regard, bioenergy generation from carbohydrate-rich Lignocellulose biomass (LCB) is a promising technique, owing to its benefits such as ease of availability, decrease in harmful emissions, eco-friendly, energy efficiency and sustainability. The key constituents present in LCB are cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. This biological conversion of LCB faces difficulties due to the recalcitrance of lignin. Thus, the delignification of LCB is essential for the removal of complex lignin compounds. The primary technologies employed for the conversion of LCB biomass to bioenergy and pretreatment technologies involved in removing the lignin barrier have been extensively discussed in the present review. Different microorganisms and enzymes used for the delignification and detoxification process have also been studied for the scaling up of industrial bioenergy production from LCB.