The family Clavicipitaceae (Hypocreales, Ascomycota) includes a wide range of fungal lifestyles and ecological interactions, but the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary origins of its plant-parasitic taxa have remained controversial. To establish a robust, phylogenetically consistent classification, molecular phylogenetic, fossil-calibrated divergence-time, and likelihood-based ancestral state reconstruction analyses were performed using a multi-locus nuclear dataset. These analyses identified two deeply divergent, monophyletic clades of plant parasites: designated as Clavicipitoideae, comprising Aciculosporium, Balansia, Claviceps, and Epichloë; and Commelinaceomycetoideae, comprising Ustilaginoidea and Commelinaceomyces. Ancestral state reconstruction suggests that plant parasitism evolved independently at least twice within the family. In Clavicipitoideae, plant parasitism most likely originated directly from an invertebrate-associated ancestor, whereas in Commelinaceomycetoideae, it appears to have evolved through a transitional state involving root endophytism coupled with invertebrate parasitism. Divergence-time estimates place the origins of both lineages in the mid-to-late Cretaceous, concurrent with the early diversification of their monocot hosts. On the basis of these evolutionary inferences, major taxonomic revisions are proposed, including the establishment of a new subfamily Commelinaceomycetoideae, a new tribe Commelinaceomyceteae, an emended circumscription of the subfamily Clavicipitoideae, and the validations of the tribes Balansieae, Clavicipiteae, and Ustilaginoideae.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:Various viral mutations have been reported to influence disease pathogenesis in infectious diseases. However, these mutations may remain undetected due to patient population changes. Although many causes have been proposed, the exact reasons remain unclear. This study analyzed viral mutations linked to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with hepatitis B by comparing factors between condition-matched patient groups of different human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genotypes. METHODS:HLA genotypes of 2281 healthy individuals, 370 patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-derived HCC, and 408 patients with chronic hepatitis B were analyzed to identify HLA genotypes associated with HCC development. Patients with HCC were grouped by HLA-DPB1 genotype to identify HBV genomic variants linked to HCC. RESULTS:The HLA-DPB1*02:01, 04:01, and 04:02 alleles suppressed chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and HCC development (P = 4.53 × 10-9, 3.20 × 10-3, and 3.03 × 10-4, respectively). Conversely, HLA-DPB1*05:01 and 09:01 alleles were significantly associated with CHB and HCC development (P = 1.01 × 10-7, 6.51 × 10-8, respectively). Among HLA-DPB1*02:01 patients, the S166L amino acid (AA) mutation in the PreS/S region of the HBV genome was significantly identified. HLA-DPB1*05:01 homozygous patients significantly had K130M/V131I AA mutations in the X region of the HBV genome, whereas HLA-DPB1*05:01-09:01 heterozygous patients significantly had the H94Y AA mutation in the X region. Stratification by HLA genotype changed the mutation position and strengthened the odds ratios for developing HCC due to viral mutations. CONCLUSIONS:Our analysis revealed that viral mutations associated with HCC vary by HLA genotype. These findings suggest a host-pathogen genetic interaction. HLA genotype stratification may aid in advancing personalized genomic medicine, which has been challenging to apply to chronic diseases.

Background/purpose: The distal movement of mandibular molar is effective treatment strategy, while it is still difficult to determine if the posterior available space is sufficient or not for mandibular molar distalization before treatment. Thus, this study aimed to identify the measurement items of lateral cephalograms with the potential to accurately predict the posterior anatomical limit of mandibular molar distalization. Materials and methods: Cephalometric images of 26 patients were used. We establish five landmarks: the distal contact point (D7), the distal root apex (R7), the distal tooth cervix (TC) of the mandibular second molar, the anterior border of the ramus (ABR) and the external oblique line of the mandible (E). The D7-ABR and the vertical height between TC and E (TC-V), the distal movements of D7 and R7 during treatment (D7D, R7D) were measured. The subjects were divided into bodily-like and tipping movement group, according to the ratio D7D/R7D. Results: Significant differences in D7D and R7D were found between the bodily-like movement and tipping movement groups (P < 0.01). Moreover, TC-V was significantly larger in the bodily-like movement group (P < 0.01). A positive correlation was found between TC-V and D7D (r = 0.68) and between TC-V and R7D (r = 0.69), indicating that TC-V has the potential to make accurate predictions for D7D and R7D. D7-ABR did not show a positive correlation with R7D. Conclusion: Using TC-V can strengthen the prediction of available posterior space for mandibular molar distalization. (c) 2025 Association for Dental Sciences of the Republic of China. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/ licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

We evaluated biodegradable plastic (BP) degradation abilities of various smut fungi (Ustilaginomycotina), including 8 isolates from 6 species of Ustilaginales, 3 isolates from 2 species of Exobasidiales, 7 isolates from 5 species of Tilletiales, and 3 isolates from 3 species of Microbotryales belonging to the anther smut fungi (Pucciniomycotina). The BP-degrading abilities of these fungal isolates were compared to that of a known BP-degrader, Moesziomyces antarcticus JCM 10317. The BPs tested were polycaprolactone (PCL), polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polylactic acid (PLA). BP-degrading ability was quantified by measuring the clear zones produced by fungi on BP-containing media at temperatures from 10 ℃ to 30 ℃. The experiments revealed 10 isolates from 7 species capable of degrading PBSA and PCL, and 7 isolates from 4 species capable of degrading PBS. No isolates degraded the PLA. Notably, the PBSA-degrading ability of one isolate of Ustilago trichophora was significantly higher than that of JCM 10317 at low temperature. However, JCM 10317 was superior at degrading PCL and PBS. Our results indicate that smut fungi are potentially valuable sources of isolates with superior BP-degrading ability.

This study investigates the moments generated when applying third-order bends to lingual brackets with different slot shapes and wires made of different materials. Three types of lingual brackets with different slot shapes: 0.018x0.018-inch square slot self-ligation bracket (AL-bracket); 0.018x0.025-inch slot self-ligation bracket (CL-bracket); 0.018x0.025-inch slot self-ligation bracket (ST-bracket). Wires of three different materials were measured. The torque value generated during torque application was measured using a torque gauge. The AL-bracket had a significantly larger torque moment than the CL-and ST-brackets at the same angles. The CL-bracket had the smallest torque moment of the three for the square wire; however, the CL-bracket revealed a larger torque moment than the ST-bracket for the rectangular wire. The torque moment of Ti-Ni wires was observed the smallest. In lingual orthodontic treatment, the results suggested the shape of the lingual bracket slot and the wire material should be considered when adjusting and applying third-order bends.

In this case, surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion (SARME) was successfully adopted to treat a skeletal maxillary protrusion with large overjet and severe crowding. The female patient, aged 25 years and 11 months, was diagnosed with skeletal maxillary protrusion with severe crowding and excessive overjet associated with labially inclined maxillary central incisors. After achieving sufficient space for surgical incision between bilateral maxillary central incisors, the SARME was performed. A total of 8.0 mm lateral expansion of the maxilla was completed. At 48 days after surgery, the Hyrax appliance was replaced with an Anchor-Lock system used as an external surgical stent and skeletal anchorage for maxillary group distalization, and the distal movement of the maxillary molars was initiated without waiting for bone healing of the separated midpalatal suture by SARME. Twenty-five months’ treatment, including surgical preparation, achieved an acceptable and stable occlusion with adequate interincisal relationship. The occlusion was much more stable with a little relapse through more than 4 years’ retention period. In conclusion, SARME followed by the Anchor-Lock system might lead to favorable occlusal outcome in the long term without any relapses.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the correlation of craniofacial morphology with maxillary sinus morphology and to evaluate whether orthodontic treatment facilitates maxillary sinus enlargement in adults. Materials and methods A total of 45 adult women underwent cephalography and computed tomography before and after orthodontic treatment. All participants were classified into three groups: skeletal class I, II, and III. The average dimensions and volume of the maxillary sinus were calculated in each subgroup. Furthermore, multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the correlations of maxillary sinus dimensions with 20 cephalometric variables. Results Before treatment, the maxillary sinus width, height, depth, and volume were 32.2 ± 3.9 mm, 39.5 ± 3.8 mm, 38.6 ± 1.8 mm, and 36,179.3 ± 5,454.0 mm3 in skeletal class I, 33.9 ± 6.2 mm, 37.3 ± 3.5 mm, 38.6 ± 2.4 mm, and 34,729.8 ± 6,686.6 mm3 in skeletal class II, and 32.0 ± 4.3 mm, 41.8 ± 5.0 mm, 38.0 ± 2.8 mm, and 35,592.3 ± 10,334.3 mm3 in skeletal class III, respectively. Despite no significant differences in maxillary sinus width, depth, or volume, the height was significantly lower in the skeletal class II than in the other two. Regardless of the skeletal pattern, maxillary sinus height and volume increased considerably after treatment. Moreover, the maxillary sinus width was substantially involved in pretreatment U1 to SN and overbite and posttreatment U1 to NA and overjet. Conclusion Except for the height, the maxillary sinus dimensions were almost similar, irrespective of the skeletal classification. The posttreatment sinus height and volume were significantly greater than the pretreatment values, although the sinus width and length showed no significant changes during orthodontic treatment. This implies that orthodontic treatment may facilitate the enlargement of the maxillary sinus even after physical growth.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex synovial joint shrouded in mystery, as the etiology of many TMJ disorders are unsolved. Idiopathic/progressive condylar resorption (ICR/PCR) is one such TMJ disorder characterized by a gradually deteriorating mandibular condylar mass, resulting in severe mandibular retrognathia, which often accompanied by clockwise rotation of mandible and an anterior open bite. Since the etiology of the ICR/PCR remains unclear, no definitive prevention or management options have been established. To date, various symptomatic non-surgical, surgical, and salvage management options have been developed and reported. To understand the current status of the ICR/PCR management options, this article provides an overview of the options presently reported in the literature to reduce its TMJ symptoms and improve mandibular function and form.

We have investigated whether mycobiont identity and environmental conditions affect morphology and physiology of the chlorophyllous orchid: Cremastra variabili s. This species grows in a broad range of environmental conditions and associates with saprotrophic rhizoctonias including Tulasnellaceae and saprotrophic non-rhizoctonian fungi from the family Psathyrellaceae. We cultured the orchid from seeds under aseptic culture conditions and subsequently inoculated the individuals with either a Tulasnellaceae or a Psathyrellaceae isolate. We observed underground organ development of the inoculated C. variabilis plants and estimated their nutritional dependency on fungi using stable isotope abundance. Coralloid rhizome development was observed in all individuals inoculated with the Psathyrellaceae isolate, and 1–5 shoots per seedling grew from the tip of the coralloid rhizome. In contrast, individuals associated with the Tulasnellaceae isolate did not develop coralloid rhizomes, and only one shoot emerged per plantlet. In darkness, δ 13 C enrichment was significantly higher with both fungal isolates, whereas δ 15 N values were only significantly higher in plants associated with the Psathyrellaceae isolate. We conclude that C. variabilis changes its nutritional dependency on fungal symbionts depending on light availability and secondly that the identity of fungal symbiont influences the morphology of underground organs.

Body weight loss (BWL) after gastrectomy impact on the short- and long-term outcomes. Oral nutritional supplement (ONS) has potential to prevent BWL in patients after gastrectomy. However, there is no consistent evidence supporting the beneficial effects of ONS on BWL, muscle strength and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of ONS formulated primarily with carbohydrate and protein on BWL, muscle strength, and HRQoL. This will be a multicenter, open-label, parallel, randomized controlled trial in patients with gastric cancer who will undergo gastrectomy. A total of 120 patients who will undergo gastrectomy will be randomly assigned to the ONS group or usual care (control) group in a 1:1 ratio. The stratification factors will be the clinical stage (I or ≥ II) and surgical procedures (total gastrectomy or other procedure). In the ONS group, the patients will receive 400 kcal (400 ml)/day of ONS from postoperative day 5 to 7, and the intervention will continue postoperatively for 8 weeks. The control group patients will be given a regular diet. The primary outcome will be the percentage of BWL (

Background The prevalence of malocclusion in Mongolia is increasing every year. Estimating the need for orthodontic treatment in the population is crucial for planning orthodontic care services and monitoring oral health programs. Therefore, the present study aimed to assess the need for orthodontic treatment among schoolchildren in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, using the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need (IOTN). Methods A total of 656 schoolchildren aged 9-12 years were enrolled from 8 schools located in urban and suburban areas of 6 districts of Ulaanbaatar city. All the children were assessed according to the two components of the IOTN, the Dental Health Component (DHC) and the aesthetic component (AC). Statistical analyses were carried out using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 28 (Released 2021; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results The prevalence of malocclusion was 561 (84.5%), consisting of 452 (68%) Angle Class I, 178 (26.8%) Angle Class II, and 34 (5.2%) Angle Class III malocclusion. For the DHC, the moderate need for treatment was 194 (29.3%) and the definite need was 53 (8.1%). For the AC, the moderate need was 148 (22.3%) and the definite need was 45 (6.9%). The association between the DHC and the AC was found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). The most common malocclusions were an increased overjet (maxillary protrusion), a contact point displacement (crowding), and an increased overbite (deep bite). The AC, Angle's molar relationship, an increased overjet, a contact point displacement, and an increased overbite were factors associated with the need for orthodontic treatment. Conclusion Approximately one-third of schoolchildren in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, require orthodontic treatment. This finding helps dental practitioners to better understand oral health problems, leading to an improvement in the overall quality of life of children.

We successfully treated a Class II Division 1 patient with an anterior open bite accompanied by idiopathic condylar resorption (ICR) using miniscrew-assisted orthodontics. A female patient, aged 20 years 7 months, had a convex profile with retropositioned chin, a severe open bite, and an excessive overjet due to a skeletal Class II jaw-base relationship. Panoramic radiograph showed condylar atrophy with generalized sclerosis in the temporomandibular joints bilaterally, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) revealed severe condylar resorption with avascular necrosis bilaterally. Segmental arches were placed on maxillary and mandibular premolars and molars. After leveling, titanium miniscrews were obliquely implanted between the maxillary first and second molars, and maxillary molar intrusion was initiated. At 11 months of treatment, a repeat CBCT was performed and we confirmed no active resorption. Maxillary first premolars were extracted bilaterally to reduce an excessive overjet. After 33 months of active orthodontic treatment, a proper facial profile and an acceptable occlusion were achieved with 2.0 mm intrusion of the maxillary molars. The resultant occlusion was stable throughout the 1-year retention period. In conclusion, we believe that correction of ICR-related anterior open bite by molar intrusion using titanium miniscrews is effective for the treatment of patients with severe degenerative joints.

Flowering of Henon bamboo (Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis) was observed in Japan in 2020s. We estimated that the observation of flowering was recorded for the first time in 120 y. Additionally, stromata of Aciculosporium take have also been observed in the flower buds, or spikelets, of Henon bamboo. Aciculosporium take usually forms stromata at the vegetative shoot apex, which presumably originated from ancestral pathogens affecting floral tissues. However, given the infrequent occurrence of bamboo flowering events, it is unclear whether A. take still retains the ability to colonize ovaries of flowers. To ascertain the location where the fungus forms stromata, anatomical and histological analyses were performed. Because flower buds, including floral organs, are fragile, tissue sections were prepared by adhering them to cellophane tape, and subsequently examined using a triple fluorescent staining method. The findings showed that the fungus did not invade the ovaries but formed stromata from the apical rudimentary floret within the flower buds.

Intravenous administration of conditioned medium from stem cells of human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED-CM) regenerates mechanically injured osteochondral tissues in mouse temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA). However, the underlying therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we showed that SHED-CM alleviated injured TMJ by inducing anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages in the synovium. Depletion of M2 by Mannosylated Clodrosome abolished the osteochondral repair activities of SHED-CM. Administration of CM from M2-induced by SHED-CM (M2-CM) effectively ameliorated mouse TMJOA by inhibiting chondrocyte inflammation and matrix degradation while enhancing chondrocyte proliferation and matrix formation. Notably, in vitro, M2-CM directly suppressed the catabolic activities while enhancing the anabolic activities of interleukin-1β-stimulated mouse primary chondrocytes. M2-CM also inhibited receptor activator of nuclear factor NF-κB ligand-induced osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 cells. Secretome analysis of M2-CM and M0-CM revealed that 5 proteins related to anti-inflammation and/or osteochondrogenesis were enriched in M2-CM. Of these proteins, the Wnt signal antagonist, secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (sFRP1), was the most abundant and played an essential role in the shift to anabolic chondrocytes, suggesting that M2 ameliorated TMJOA partly through sFRP1. This study suggests that secretome from SHED exerted remarkable osteochondral regeneration activities in TMJOA through the induction of sFRP1-expressing tissue-repair M2 macrophages.

Clinical findings and postoperative follow-up data on remnant gastric cancer (RGC) are limited due to its rarity. Additionally, the preoperative staging, radical surgery, and managing recurrence in RGC present significant clinical challenges. We analyzed the clinicopathological findings, adjuvant chemotherapy, and patterns of postoperative recurrence of 313 consecutive patients who underwent curative surgery for RGC at 17 Japanese institutions. This study investigated the optimal management of RGC and the impact of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) on recurrence-free survival (RFS). Pathological stages I, II, and III were observed in 55.9

The purpose of our narrative review is to summarize the utilization of social media (SoMe) platforms for research communication within the field of surgery. We searched the PubMed database for articles in the last decade that discuss the utilization of SoMe in surgery and then categorized the diverse purposes of SoMe. SoMe proved to be a powerful tool for disseminating articles. Employing strategic methods like visual abstracts enhances article citation rates, the impact factor, h-index, and Altmetric score (an emerging alternative metric that comprehensively and instantly quantifies the social impact of scientific papers). SoMe also proved valuable for surgical education, with online videos shared widely for surgical training. However, it is essential to acknowledge the associated risk of inconsistency in quality. Moreover, SoMe facilitates discussion on specific topics through hashtags or closed groups and is instrumental in recruiting surgeons, with over half of general surgery residency programs in the US efficiently leveraging these platforms to attract the attention of potential candidates. Thus, there is a wealth of evidence supporting the effective use of SoMe for surgeons. In the contemporary era where SoMe is widely utilized, surgeons should be well-versed in this evidence.

Background: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are safe and useful alternatives to centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs). Several studies have investigated the effectiveness and safety of PICCs; however, few have focused on their use in patients with gastroenterological diseases. In the present study, we evaluated the outcomes of patients with gastroenterological diseases who received PICCs and identified the risk factors associated with central line-associated blood stream infection (CLABSI).Methods: We retrospectively examined hospitalized patients at our institution who received PICCs between 2015 and 2023. We evaluated the data on their clinical characteristics, complications, and outcomes. Furthermore, we investigated the risk factors for CLABSIs.Results: A total of 405 patients were included (262 men and 143 women). The median age was 71 (range, 15-94) years. The vessels were inserted in the basilic, cephalic, and brachial veins in 366 (90%), 22 (6%), and 17 (4%) patients, respectively. The median procedure time was 32 [6-149] min. The median dwell time was 16 [0-188] days. CLABSI, catheter occlusions, phlebitis, and exit-site skin infection occurred in 14 (3.5%; 1.77/1000 catheter days), 6 (1.5%; 0.76/1000 catheter days), 3 (0.7%; 0.38/1000 catheter days), and 1 (0.2%; 0.13/1000 catheter days) patients, respectively. There was no case of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary thrombosis due to PICC placement. Multivariate analysis performed using a Cox's proportional hazard regression model revealed that patients with gastroenterological malignancies had an independently higher risk for CLABSIs (odds ratio [OR]: 3.25, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-10.05, p = 0.041) and that older age (>= 70 years) tended to be associated with CLABSIs (OR: 3.61, 95% CI: 0.98-13.32, p = 0.054).Conclusions: Gastroenterological malignancies and older age were associated with a higher risk of CLABSIs. Rigorous catheter management is crucial for preventing complications, particularly in vulnerable patient subgroups.

Background:Surgical site infection (SSI) is one of the most important complications of surgery for gastroenterological malignancies because it leads to a prolonged postoperative hospital stay and increased inpatient costs. Furthermore, SSI can delay the initiation of postoperative treatments, including adjuvant chemotherapy, negatively affecting patient prognosis. Identifying the risk factors for SSI is important to improving intra- and postoperative wound management for at-risk patients.Methods:Patients with gastroenterological malignancies who underwent surgery at our institution were retrospectively reviewed and categorized according to the presence or absence of incisional SSI. Clinicopathological characteristics such as age, sex, body mass index, malignancy location, postoperative blood examination results, operation time, and blood loss volume were compared between groups. The same analysis was repeated of only patients with colorectal malignancies.Results:A total of 528 patients (330 men, 198 women; mean age, 68 ± 11 years at surgery) were enrolled. The number of patients with diseases of the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon and rectum, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas were 25, 150, seven, 255, 51, five, and 35, respectively. Open surgery was performed in 303 patients vs. laparoscopic surgery in 225 patients. An incisional SSI occurred in 46 patients (8.7%). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that postoperative hyperglycemia (serum glucose level ≥140 mg/dl within 24 h after surgery), colorectal malignancy, and open surgery were independent risk factors for incisional SSI. In a subgroup analysis of patients with colorectal malignancy, incisional SSI occurred in 27 (11%) patients. Open surgery was significantly correlated with the occurrence of incisional SSI (P = 0.024).Conclusions:Postoperative hyperglycemia and open surgery were significant risk factors for SSI in patients with gastroenterological malignancies. Minimally invasive surgery could reduce the occurrence of incisional SSI.