A taxonomic revision of the native Pinus L. (Pinaceae) species in Thailand is presented. Two species, P. kesiya Royle ex Gordon and P. latteri Mason, are recognized and enumerated with updated morphological descriptions, photographs, and an identification key, together with notes on distribution, habitat and ecology, phenology, conservation status, etymology, vernacular names, uses, and specimens examined. Pinus kesiya is neotypified (second-step neotypification), and P. kasya Royle ex Parl., a synonym of P. kesiya, is lectotypified (second-step lectotypification). Pinus kesiya is assessed as Least Concern (LC), whereas P. latteri is assessed as Near Threatened (NT). Morphologically, the two species can be distinguished by bark fissuring pattern, thickness, and color; number of needles per fascicle; needle morphology (including rigidity, posture, and shape and diameter in transverse section); length/width ratio of seed cones when closed; apophysis shape and outline; seed scale thickness; relative length of seed wings; and presence or absence of a grass stage. The two species differ ecologically in elevational range and habitat preference, with P. kesiya occurring at higher, more humid montane sites and P. latteri at lower, drier habitats. Pinus kesiya and P. latteri differ in needle shape in transverse section, which is triangular in P. kesiya and semicircular in P. latteri. They also differ in resin duct number and position, with P. kesiya having 3–4 external resin ducts near the hypodermis, whereas P. latteri has 2–3 medial resin ducts between the endodermis and hypodermis. Pollen morphology is not diagnostic for species delimitation.
This study was designed as an exploratory analysis to compare carcass performance, meat quality traits, and gut microbiota of Neijiang pigs (NN), Yorkshire pigs (YY), and Yorkshire × Neijiang hybrid pigs (YN), with the goal of generating testable hypotheses regarding potential links between gut microbial composition and production phenotypes. Compared with NN pigs, YN hybrids exhibited improved carcass performance while inheriting the favorable meat quality characteristics of Neijiang pigs. The results of 16S rRNA sequencing analysis showed that the relative abundance of the microbiota was similar to that of NN pigs. LDA effect size (LEfSe) results showed that Streptococcus , Treponema , probable_genus_10 and Fibrobacter were the differentially enriched taxa in YN pigs ( p < 0.05). Correlation analysis was performed on carcass, meat quality and intestinal microbiota screened out by LEfSe. The results showed that Akkermansia tended to positively associate with body length and oblique length in YN pigs; Dialister correlated positively with dressing rate and pH 45min ; Treponema showed positive trends with a* 45min and a* 24h ( p < 0.05). Finally, the correlation network model preliminarily mapped associations among production traits, gut microbiota, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways for exploratory screening. Nine core microbial taxa exhibited close correlations with phenotypic indicators, which implied that these microbes might modulate metabolic pathways to shape pig performance. Overall, hybrids inherited superior parental carcass and meat quality but harbored unique gut microbial communities relative to purebreds—these preliminary correlative observations generate new hypotheses that gut microbiota may contribute to heterosis-associated phenotypic advantages, which require further targeted validation.
Background Vitiligo, a chronic autoimmune depigmenting disorder, substantially affects patients’ psychosocial well-being despite its benign physical course. Limited evidence from Saudi Arabia explores the quality-of-life (QoL) impact of vitiligo and its clinical correlates. Objective To assess QoL impairment among adults with vitiligo and to determine the relationship between disease characteristics and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores. Methods A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 121 adults attending a tertiary dermatology center in Saudi Arabia. Data on sociodemographic and clinical variables were collected, and QoL was evaluated using the validated DLQI instrument (Arabic/English). Statistical analyses included descriptive measures, χ 2 tests, Pearson’s correlation, and one-way ANOVA, with p ≤ 0.05 considered significant. Results Higher DLQI scores were significantly associated with greater body-surface-area involvement, facial + body distribution, and bilateral lesions. Emotional distress, clothing limitations, and restricted social and leisure activities were the most affected domains. Conclusion Vitiligo markedly impairs QoL, particularly when lesions are visible and extensive. Incorporating routine DLQI screening and psychosocial support into dermatologic practice may improve holistic patient management.
Background The year-round migratory behaviour of Grey Herons ( Ardea cinerea ) breeding in Central Europe is recognized; however, individual consistency in their movement patterns remains poorly known. In this study, we present movements of three adult Grey Herons breeding in Northern Poland and Eastern German global positioning system (GPS)-tracked between 2012 and 2020. Methods We analyzed annual movement trajectories, focusing on migration distances, fidelity to breeding and wintering grounds, and the use of stop-over sites. We performed an Analysis of Variance from Summary Data (ANOVA) on summary data to compare migratory parameters across different Eurasian populations and age groups. Results We identified four main phases in the annual cycle of all studied individuals: breeding, wintering, spring and autumn migration. Our data reveal high inter-individual variation in migratory strategies. Although two individuals changed their wintering sites from year to year, all studied ones exhibited strict fidelity to the same breeding grounds across consecutive seasons. Migration distances ranged from 175 to 1,758 km; notably, the individual breeding in Eastern Germany covered the shortest distance (mean ± SD: 221 ± 51.8 km). We observed substantial inter-individual variation in winter site fidelity, migration distances, and stop-over numbers within this Central European Grey Heron population. The herons selected the shortest migration paths during spring, but not during autumn. While the broad migratory characteristics—specifically the number of stop-overs (3.0 ± 2.8), migration distance (1,220 ± 580.4 km), and migration duration (9 ± 9 days)—closely match findings from other populations, the tracked herons in our study made fewer stop-overs during autumn migration compared to the values reported in the literature. Conclusions We observed inter-individual variations in the annual movement patterns of the Grey Heron, encompassing the timing of the four annual cycle phases, the range of distances covered annually and the birds’ fidelity to areas used as breeding or wintering grounds. Our report provides the first long-term, high-resolution insights into the year-round movements of GPS-tracked Grey Herons from Central Europe, emphasizing that specific individuals employ diverse and flexible migratory strategies, even within the same breeding region.
Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) cause substantial global morbidity and mortality, with antimicrobial resistance presenting an increasing challenge to the effective management. Characterizing the differences in microbiome composition and antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) between upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) may inform site-specific diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. We retrospectively analyzed 1,340 URTIs samples (nasopharyngeal swab) and 699 LRTIs samples (bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) admitted to a single medical center to characterize the epidemiology of the respiratory microbes and ARGs using targeted next-generation sequencing (tNGS). Microbiome diversity, ARGs profiles, and coinfection patterns were compared between LRTIs and URTIs groups. Random forest machine learning was employed to identify discriminating species. LRTIs patients exhibited significantly higher microbiome abundance and ARGs diversity than URTIs patients (P < 0.001. Beta-lactam, multidrug, phenicol, and fluoroquinolone resistance genes were significantly more abundant in LRTIs (P < 0.01). Bacteria-virus coinfections predominated in both LRTIs (39.3%) and URTIs (54.6%). Thirty species were identified as potential discriminators between LRTIs and URTIs, with an Area Under Curve (AUC) of 0.852 in the training set. These findings reveal distinct microbial and ARGs profiles between URTIs and LRTIs patients, and provide a foundation for understanding site-specific microbial ecology in RTIs for clinical diagnosis and antimicrobial stewardship.
Background:Endodontically treated teeth are more prone to fracture and often require durable restorative solutions. Endocrowns offer a conservative alternative to conventional post-and-core systems. This in vitro study compared the fracture load and failure behavior of milled zirconia and 3D-printed resin endocrowns. Materials and methods:Eighteen extracted human molars were endodontically treated and standardized, then prepared for endocrown restorations using a uniform design (two mm occlusal reduction with a four mm intracoronal extension). Specimens were randomly assigned to receive either Computer-Aided Design (CAD)/ Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) milled zirconia (ZR) or 3D-printed resin-based endocrowns fabricated from VarseoSmile Crown Plus (VS) (n = 9 per group). Preparations were digitally captured with an intraoral scanner, restorations were designed using CAD software and fabricated by the respective workflows, and all units were cemented with dual cure self-adhesive resin cement. After controlled storage, specimens underwent compressive loading to failure; maximum fracture loads were recorded, and failure modes were categorized according to whether damage was confined to the restoration or involved the tooth structure. Data were assessed for normality and analyzed using an independent samples t-test with Welch correction at a significance level of p < 0.05. Results:Statistical analysis revealed a highly significant difference in fracture load between the two groups (p < 0.001), with ZR demonstrating higher strength (3,615.36 ± 792.74 N) compared with VS (1,395.09 ± 149.24 N). However, tooth structure involvement occurred in 8/9 ZR specimens (88.9%), of these, five specimens (55.6% of the total group) were classified as complex/destructive failure, whereas VS failures were simple and confined to the restoration in 5/9 specimens (55.6%), indicating a less severe and potentially repairable failure pattern. Conclusion:The ZR group showed substantially higher fracture load, but failures more frequently involved tooth structure. VS group exhibited lower strength, yet a higher proportion of simple, potentially repairable fractures confined to the restoration, highlighting a tradeoff between maximum load capacity and repairability. Within the limitations of this in vitro study, these findings support the use of 3D-printed resin endocrowns in selected clinical situations where a tooth preserving endocrown design and digital workflow efficiency are prioritized, and where less severe failure behavior is desirable.
Background Obesity and related metabolic complications are associated with adipose tissue (AT) dysfunction, which contributes to metabolic inflexibility. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Our previous studies demonstrated that a high-fat diet (HFD) induces weight gain, increased fat weight, as well as significant metabolite alterations in serum, liver, and cecum in mice. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of HFD on AT metabolites to elucidate their role in obesity progression. Methods To establish a diet-induced obesity model, nine female Kunming mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16 weeks and compared with nine control mice maintained on a normal diet. Subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue samples (SAAT) were analyzed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS) coupled with orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Results By metabolic profiling, 48 significantly different metabolites were identified, including phosphatidylcholines (PCs), lysophosphatidylcholines (LysoPCs), O-phosphoethanolamine, linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, proline betaine, and 3-dehydroxycarnitine. These obesity-associated metabolites were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. Among these pathways, glycerophospholipid metabolism exhibited the most pronounced disruption. Conclusions These identified metabolites in SAAT may aid in understanding of the mechanism by which HFD promotes the progression of obesity and related diseases.
Pod shattering describes the sudden splitting of dried mature legume pods to eject seeds via mechanical tension. Though vital for wild legume reproduction, it severely hinders crop harvesting and causes heavy yield losses, making it an unfavorable trait for cultivation. Pod shattering exists in legumes, grasses and brassicas, yet it is most prominent in legumes and a primary focus of crop domestication and breeding. This review analyzes the mechanism of pod shattering in legumes from the perspectives of morphology, anatomy of the pod suture zone, pod valve physiology, and molecular biology, with the aim of providing references for exploring practical strategies to alleviate pod shattering and for breeding cultivars resistant to pod shattering. The relationship between morphology and pod shattering in legumes varies substantially among different varieties, whereas the twisting phenomenon in common bean with longer pods deserves attention. Pod shattering in legumes mainly takes place at the pod ventral suture, modulated by soybean ventral fibrous cap cells, common bean valve margin cells and mesocarp lignification. Endogenous hormones in the pod suture stimulate hydrolases to degrade cell walls within the dehiscence zone and trigger shattering, while susceptible pods exhibit more pronounced fibrosis and lignification. Many legume pod-shattering genes such as Pdh1, SHAT1-5, GmMYB26, PvPdh1 and PvMYB26 have been widely studied. To clarify pod shattering mechanisms, we need to combine genetic improvement, plant structure adjustment and field management. Future work should integrate structural and physiological analyses of dehiscence zones to discover more shattering-related genes and develop practical field mitigation strategies, supporting the domestication and breeding of shatter-resistant legumes.
Introduction The prevalence of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and multidrug-resistant (MDR) strains worldwide has limited the ability of antimicrobial therapy to treat severe bacterial infections. The emergence and rapid global dissemination of carbapenemase-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) strains occluded the therapeutic use of carbapenems, the last resort of β-lactams. In Saudi Arabia, major outbreaks of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae have been reported, with approximately a 90% prevalence rate of CRKP strains. In this study, we aimed to delineate the prevalence and resistance patterns of the CRKP isolates in clinical samples from tertiary hospitals in the Eastern and Western regions of Saudi Arabia. Methods CRKP isolates were tested for carbapenem resistance using the disc diffusion method. Molecular screening and identification of these isolates for carbapenemase genes and conducted molecular genotyping using Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus Polymerase Chain Reaction (ERIC-PCR) DNA fingerprinting to map clonal relatedness. Results CRKP was identified in 112 clinical samples, all showing resistance to standard antimicrobials and at least one carbapenem. Molecular investigation of these CRKP isolates revealed a high epidemiological prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) (91.1%) along with Oxacillinase-48 (OXA-48) (a type of class D β-lactamase) (92.9%), while New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) was only observed in the Western region. ERIC-PCR fingerprinting was able to group strains into 12 distinct clusters with more than 95% genetic similarity. Conclusion This may indicate the attainment of an endemic state of the KPC genes, highlighting the need for an urgent establishment of stringent containment policies. These findings indicate the broad distribution of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae in both regions, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and strengthened infection control strategies. The molecular genotyping using ERIC-PCR showed a high level of genetic similarity among isolates, with limited genetic variability.
Background About eight million tons of plastic end up in the oceans every year, with negative impacts including effects on the marine biota, the accumulation of heavy metals and desorption of organic contaminants in marine sediments. Methods With the aim of quantifying and characterizing the microplastics (MP) in the marine-coastal and lagoonal environments of two sectors of the Colombian Caribbean, influenced respectively by the Magdalena and Sinú rivers, sediment samples were collected during the 2021 rainy season and the 2022 dry season. The MP pieces (<5 mm) were extracted manually and classified by size (0.3–1.4 mm and 1.4–5.0 mm) and shape (fibers, films, foams and fragments). Moreover, from a total of 2,970 particles, a subset of 54 particles of more than 1.4 mm of both sectors was analyzed via Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer. Results In both the environments, in Magdalena the highest concentrations of MP were found in the dry season (275.56 ± 221.12 MP/kg and 217.78 ± 126.84 MP/kg in lagoonal and marine-coastal, respectively) while in Sinú it was the rainy season when the highest values were reported (208.89 ± 137.56 MP/kg and 135.56 ± 71.45 MP/kg in lagoonal and marine-coastal, respectively). The dominant shape of MP was fibers and the predominant polymer was polypropylene. Although there was no significant effect of season (Permanova, p = 0.0058) nor environment (Permanova, p = 0.0741) there were differences between some in size (Permanova, p = 0.0001) which was noticeable due particles measuring 0.3–1.4 mm exceeded those measuring 1.4–5.0 mm by an order of magnitude. It was not found a clear relation between particle size and MP concentrations.
Background Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a relatively common neurodevelopmental disorder that affects 5–6% of school-age children worldwide. This study evaluated the effects of video-based exergames on balance and agility in children with and without DCD. Methodology Four databases were searched, and the inclusion criteria include: 1. Children with DCD under 14 years old. 2. Randomized controlled trials. 3. The experimental group (EG) used video-based exergames. 4. Control group (CG) did not use exergames or typically developing (TD) children. 5. The test indicators before and after intervention included balance and agility. Use the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool to evaluate the quality of the selected study. Select standardized mean difference (SMD) as the appropriate effect scale index, and use Revman 5.4 software to analyze the mean difference of the selected article data (Registration number: CRD420261289081). Results The meta-analysis outcomes showed video-based exergames considerably enhanced the balance (SMD, 0.82 (0.53, 1.11), p < 0.05, I 2 = 45%) of children with DCD, rather than agility [SMD, 0.93 (–0.28, 2.14), p = 0.13, I 2 = 86%] compared to the no exergames group. The balance (SMD, 0.84 (0.61, 1.07), p < 0.05, I 2 = 0%) and agility [SMD, 0.47 (0.15, 0.78), p < 0.05, I 2 = 0%] of children with DCD of TD children were also considerably enhanced with exergames interventions. Conclusions Video-based exergames present potential benefits for improving the balance of children with DCD. Consequently, such interventions could be a potential non-pharmacological treatment for children with DCD.
Background:Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-associated sarcopenia is a critical comorbidity associated with high morbidity and mortality, driven by chronic systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and proteometabolic dysregulation. The Astragalus membranaceus-Ginseng (HQ-RS) herbal pair is a traditional remedy for consumptive diseases; however, its molecular mechanisms against this comorbidity remain undefined. Methods:We integrated transcriptomic data from four Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (two discovery cohorts and two validation cohorts) for COPD and sarcopenia. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified using the thresholds of P < 0.05 and -log2FC- ≥ 1. Active compounds of HQ-RS were screened using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) database (oral bioavailability (OB) ≥ 30%, drug-likeness (DL) ≥ 0.18). Candidate targets were identified by intersecting drug targets with shared disease targets (GeneCards relevance score > 20). A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed to identify hub genes using multi-centrality metrics. Molecular docking was performed with celecoxib as a positive control. Three independent 100 ns molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the FMNT-PTGS2 complex were then performed, and the trajectories were analyzed using the Simulation Interaction Diagram (SID) tool. Results:We identified 1,267 COPD-specific and 115 sarcopenia-specific DEGs, yielding nine shared DEGs. Intersection of drug targets with 279 shared disease targets identified 36 candidate targets. PPI network analysis highlighted PTGS2, CDKN1A, NFE2L2, NOS3, and MMP2 as key hub genes. Molecular docking revealed that formononetin (FMNT) exhibited the most favorable binding affinity to PTGS2 (-8.94 kcal/mol), comparable to the positive control celecoxib (-7.97 kcal/mol). Three independent 100 ns MD simulations of the FMNT-PTGS2 complex demonstrated that the system reached dynamic equilibrium after approximately 20 ns in all replicates, with the ligand maintaining a stable binding pose throughout the simulations. Molecular Mechanics Generalized Born Surface Area (MM-GBSA) calculations across three replicate simulations yielded a mean binding free energy of -47.82 ± 1.13 kcal/mol, supporting the thermodynamic favorability of the interaction. Protein-ligand interaction analysis identified sustained hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic contacts with key active-site residues. Conclusion:This study computationally predicts that the FMNT-PTGS2 interaction may represent a potential mechanism underlying the efficacy of the HQ-RS herbal pair in treating COPD-associated sarcopenia. This study is entirely computational and limited by small discovery cohort sample sizes (COPD n = 6, sarcopenia n = 51). These findings provide a multi-component, multi-target mechanistic hypothesis that requires experimental validation.
Background:The genus Anacyclus, distributed across the western Mediterranean Basin, has gained attention as a model system for studying reproductive biology and evolutionary genomics. The genus displays a remarkable diversity in capitulum morphologies, ranging from rayed to rayless forms, while also exhibiting substantial variation in genome size within a context of extensive homoploid hybridisation. However, previous studies are based on fragmented sampling, with the northern Iberian Peninsula underrepresented, and often rely on single individuals per species for genome size estimates. Methods:To generate a more comprehensive understanding of evolutionary patterns in Anacyclus, nuclear ITS and plastid rpL32-trnL and ycf1-rps15 sequences were analysed from 80 individuals representing 47 populations across the distribution range of the genus. Phylogenetic relationships were also reconstructed using complete plastomes and 35S rDNA sequences. Nuclear DNA content was estimated by flow cytometry in 258 individuals from 45 populations. Capitulum morphology was characterised in 75 individuals of A. clavatus, A. valentinus, and mixed populations. Sampling encompassed all eight recognised species, with particular emphasis on populations from northern Spain. Results:Re-examination of Anacyclus specimens previously identified as A. homogamos clarified the debated presence of this species in Catalonia (northeastern Spain), showing that these individuals belong to A. valentinus. Nuclear genetic clusters largely correspond to species or species' groups, although they fail to resolve intraspecific structure and allow only limited detection of hybrids. Genome size analyses confirmed substantial variation of 2C-values across the genus and identified two groups within A. clavatus that parallel genetic groups previously identified based on microsatellite data, although a direct correspondence cannot yet be confirmed. Phylogenetic reconstructions based on plastome and nuclear data were strongly discordant, likely reflecting extensive interspecific hybridisation. Conclusions:Our findings underscore the complexity of Anacyclus evolution and emphasise the importance of integrated, population-level studies that combine genomic and phenotypic approaches to better elucidate evolutionary processes in hybridogenic plant lineages.
Rosa species, as one of the most economically and ornamentally valuable flower groups worldwide, not only occupy a core position in the horticultural industry but also possess long-term substantial value for breeding applications. However, their production systems rely heavily on disease management. The persistent threats of fungal diseases, including black spot, powdery mildew, and gray mold, have severely impaired the ornamental quality and commercial value of rose plants, constituting a major constraint on the stable development of the rose industry. Compared with conventional hybrid breeding, molecular breeding allows targeted modification of specific heritable traits and plays a pivotal role in the development of disease-resistant rose cultivars. In recent years, with the rapid advancement of genomics, transcriptomics, and functional genomics, a growing number of gene resources and regulatory mechanisms associated with disease resistance in Rosa species have been progressively elucidated. This review systematically summarizes the pathogen characteristics, disease symptoms, and damage patterns of major fungal diseases affecting Rosa species, with a particular focus on research progress in disease-resistance-related transcription factors (e.g., WRKY, MYB, and bZIP), resistance genes (e.g., Rdr, MLO, and CPR), and key gene families identified from Rosa chinensis and Rosa hybrida materials. In addition, by integrating research evidence from model plants and major crops, this review comparatively analyzes the functional evolution of different regulatory factors and their underlying disease resistance mechanisms, thereby improving the understanding of the molecular regulatory network governing disease resistance in Rosa species. Furthermore, this review outlines the current applications and future potential of emerging molecular breeding technologies, such as Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (Cas9), in the functional dissection of resistance genes and precise genetic improvement of roses. By systematically synthesizing major research achievements in the disease resistance of Rosa species, this review summarizes the current progress and existing challenges in relevant research and proposes future research directions for resistance gene mining, molecular regulatory network elucidation, and molecular design breeding. This study aims to provide a theoretical basis for the improvement of disease resistance and the breeding of new highly resistant cultivars of Rosa species.
Background Esophageal cancer, specifically esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), poses a significant health challenge characterized by a poor prognosis and high mortality rates. Surgical interventions, such as minimally invasive esophagectomy, are the primary treatment approach; however, the occurrence of postoperative complications, particularly pneumonia, presents substantial risks. Small airway disease (SAD) affecting the bronchioles’ small airways is a frequently underestimated respiratory condition with potential implications for the postoperative outcomes of ESCC patients. Method From January 2020 to December 2023, the McKeown procedure was exclusively utilized as the treatment modality for resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients in this retrospective study. Rigorous diagnostic criteria for small airway disease and postoperative pneumonia were employed, followed by detailed statistical analyses using logistic regression models with adjustments for confounding variables. Both multivariate and univariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the independent risk factors contributing to postoperative pneumonia incidence. Results A total of 293 participants were included in the analysis. Baseline characteristic analysis revealed that individuals with small airway disease exhibited impaired small airway function, lower pre-albumin levels, a higher incidence of pulmonary infection, and longer hospital stays compared to those without SAD. Univariate logistic analysis identified SAD as a strong independent predictor for postoperative pneumonia, with individuals with SAD having a significantly higher risk compared to those without SAD. Multivariate logistic analysis further confirmed this association, demonstrating a robust relationship between SAD and postoperative pneumonia risk even after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusion The preoperative identification of SAD is significantly associated with an increased risk of postoperative pneumonia in resectable ESCC patients, highlighting the importance of addressing small airway disease in perioperative management to enhance clinical outcomes. These findings underscore the significance of recognizing and managing SAD as a potential risk factor in strategies for preventing and managing postoperative pneumonia.
The high-Andean ecosystems of the northern Andes rank among the most diverse and endemic regions on the planet. This study describes four new species of frogs in the genus Pristimantis , belonging to the myersi group. The four new species were discovered through 6 years of fieldwork (2016–2021) as part of doctoral research integrating morphological, bioacoustic, ecological, and molecular data. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) support the recognition of each taxon as a distinct species of Pristimantis , known for its cryptic diversity and restricted distribution. Additionally, we document changes in vegetation cover across the habitats where these species occur, underscoring the fragility of their ecosystems. This study represents the first attempt to link the distribution of these species with the spatiotemporal dynamics of vegetation cover in Carchi, showing a net loss of more than 9,000 hectares between 1985 and 2022, particularly in the western Andean foothills. Finally, our findings uncover the previously undocumented biological richness of Carchi Province and highlight the urgent need to conserve its unique and threatened high-Andean ecosystems.
Background Global cancer incidence is expected to rise by 60% by 2040, intensifying the burden experienced by patients and their families. Palliative care improves quality of life in advanced disease and depends on oncology nurses’ competencies in ethical decision-making, symptom management, and psychological resilience. Despite moderate overall proficiency, psychosocial shortcomings and heterogeneity in competency remain insufficiently characterized. This study utilized latent profile analysis (LPA), guided by shared decision-making and symptom management theories, to identify competency subgroups and associated factors among Chinese oncology nurses, aiming to guide targeted training interventions. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 241 oncology nurses from five hospitals in Shenzhen, China, between April and September 2025, using cluster sampling. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the 32-item Core Competency Questionnaire, and the Nurses’ Professional Identity Scale. LPA models (1–4 classes) were fitted using R software (version 4.4.0). Univariate analyses, Analysis of Variance or Kruskal–Wallis H tests, and multivariate logistic regression were performed with SPSS 29.0 to evaluate demographic and occupational factors associated with profile membership. Results The mean core competency score was 76.02 ± 23.85 (59.3% of maximum). LPA revealed three distinct profiles: low-competency (27%), moderate -competency (45%), and high-competency (28%). The three-profile solution was selected by considering model fit indices, entropy, class proportions, and substantive interpretability (entropy = 0.931; Lo-Mendell-Rubin and bootstrap likelihood ratio tests P < 0.001). High-competency nurses scored 1.8-fold higher in ethical care, 2.4-fold higher in clinical practice, and 2.0-fold higher in psychological self-adjustment compared with the low-competency group (all P < 0.001). Systematic palliative care training was associated with higher odds of membership in the high-competency profile rather than the moderate-competency profile ( OR = 3.210, 95% CI [1.298–7.940], P = 0.012). Higher average monthly night-shift frequency was associated with lower odds of membership in the low-competency profile rather than the moderate-competency profile ( OR = 0.887, 95% CI [0.788–0.998], P = 0.046). Profiles diverged significantly in professional identity (F = 24.11, P < 0.001, η 2 = 0.17). Conclusion Oncology nurses exhibit heterogeneous palliative care competencies characterized by strong ethical, moderate clinical, and weak psychological capacities. Systematic training was associated with high-competency profile membership, and targeted programs focusing on psychological self-adjustment may be explored in future longitudinal or interventional studies.
The infraorder Tabanomorpha represents a key lineage within the lower Brachycera; however, the phylogenetic placement of several families, including Pelecorhynchidae, remains incompletely resolved owing to the lack of mitogenomic data. In this study, we sequenced and characterized the complete mitochondrial genome of Pelecorhynchus vulpes (Macquart, 1850), representing the first mitogenome reported for both the genus and the family. The circular genome is 15,390 bp in length and comprises a typical set of 37 genes, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region. The genome exhibits a strong A+T bias (78.4%) and retains the ancestral insect gene arrangement. Comparative analyses revealed a high degree of structural conservation with other Tabanomorpha, particularly in Tabanidae and Athericidae. Phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated mitochondrial protein-coding and ribosomal genes, using both Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood approaches, support Pelecorhynchidae as a sister lineage to Athericidae and Tabanidae. These findings provide new genomic evidence supporting the phylogenetic placement of Pelecorhynchidae and contribute to understanding of the evolutionary relationships within Tabanomorpha. Additionally, the phylogenetic affinity between the Chilean and Australasian representatives of Pelecorhynchus is consistent with a Gondwanan origin for the group, although alternative scenarios, such as long-distance dispersal, cannot be excluded. This study highlights the importance of mitogenomic data from underrepresented lineages and provides information for new integrative studies that combine mitochondrial and nuclear data to resolve the evolutionary history of Tabanomorpha.
Background:The rising burden of urolithiasis in Southeast Asia and the lack of efficient risk-screening tools for low-resource primary care, such as those in Laos, motivated the development and external validation of a pragmatic nomogram integrating accessible environmental, behavioral, and clinical factors for in-hospital urolithiasis risk stratification, with long-term goal of application in grassroots screening. Methods:A retrospective study was conducted with 665 consecutive inpatients (≥18 years, local residence ≥6 months) at a Lao Military Hospital (March 2024-February 2025). Data were collected using standardized questionnaires and electronic medical records. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression selected predictors; nomogram performance was assessed by discrimination (area under the curve (AUC)), calibration (Brier score and Hosmer-Lemeshow test), and clinical utility (decision curve analysis (DCA)). Results:Urolithiasis prevalence was 23.0% (153/665). Independent predictors included age (30-59 years, OR = 1.54; ≥60 years, OR = 1.13), sex (OR = 0.59), rural residence (OR = 0.52), high water intake (>1,500 mL/day, OR = 0.02), high sodium consumption (>10 g/day, OR = 21.90), and elevated blood calcium (OR = 9.12). The nomogram presented stable predictive performance, with an AUC of 0.882-0.907, Brier score of 0.086-0.111 (acceptable calibration, Hosmer-Lemeshow p = 0.198-0.892), and optimal clinical threshold at 0.20. Conclusions:This externally validated nomogram uses six accessible environmental, behavioral, and clinical factors to stratify urolithiasis risk in Laos. At present, it helps guide targeted referral and optimize s resource allocation for hospitalized patients in resource-limited settings, while its application in primary care and among broader Southeast Asian populations remains to be prospectively evaluated.
Background:Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a common complication among preterm infants but can also occur in term babies. A potential relationship between the onset of NEC and hyperglycemia has been suggested, but some studies report no association, necessitating further research to clarify the link between the two conditions. This study aimed to determine the proportion of NEC cases with hyperglycemia 72 h before its onset in preterm and term infants, identify clinical factors associated with hyperglycemia in these infants, and investigate the relationship between hyperglycemia and in-hospital mortality. Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. The participants included preterm and term infants treated for NEC at the hospital between January 1, 2014, and December 31, 2024. Patient data were retrieved from the electronic health records and paper files. Random blood sugar records 72 h before the diagnosis of NEC were assessed. Hyperglycemia was diagnosed based on a minimum of two blood glucose measurements exceeding 8.3 mmol/l (150 mg/dl). The study outcomes were proportion of NEC cases with hyperglycemia 72 h before its onset and in-hospital mortality. A generalized linear regression model with binomial probability distribution was used to identify the factors associated with hyperglycemia incidence in neonates diagnosed with NEC. Results:The proportion of NEC cases with hyperglycemia 72 h before its onset in preterm and term infants was 46.3%. Among the participants, 20.9% (n = 14) died before discharge, with no significant difference between those with (n = 8, 25.8%) and without (n = 6, 16.7%) hyperglycemia (p = 0.36). On multivariate analysis, the use of synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation/non-invasive ventilation versus oxygen/room air was associated with an increased risk of hyperglycemia diagnosis. NEC requiring surgical intervention showed a more than three-fold risk of mortality compared with NEC treated with medical/supportive care only. Conclusion:The results show that nearly half (46.3%) of the preterm and term infants with NEC were diagnosed with hyperglycemia 72 h before its onset. The diagnosis of hyperglycemia was not associated with in-hospital mortality. These findings should be validated in larger, adequately powered studies before clinical application.
