Genomic insights into the transition from saprophytic to parasitic lifestyles in Hymenochaetales.

Increased levels of physiological stress caused by environmental perturbations may alter an individual's physiological condition, which in turn may influence its movement and space-use strategies. These effects can vary depending on the environment, context, and lifestyle of each species. However, some animal groups, such as fossorial species, have been rarely examined, even though numerous environmental and anthropogenic factors can strongly affect the quality of the underground soil environment they inhabit. We examined how an aspect of the stress response affected the movement and spatial ecology of males in a strictly fossorial reptile, the amphisbaenian Blanus cinereus. Males were subjected to repeated, non-invasive corticosterone (CORT) supplementation, the main hormone mediating the stress response in reptiles. Then, we used passive integrated transponder (PIT) telemetry to track for 14 days the movements and space use of CORT-supplemented and control males, as well as non-CORT manipulated females, while moving undisturbed underground in outdoor seminatural enclosures. We hypothesized that experimentally elevated CORT would alter movement behavior, particularly reducing activity and space use in males. The CORT treatment decreased underground movement activity, distances moved, number of movements, and daily areas covered by CORT-supplemented males. However, although all males were in close proximity to females more often than toeach other, there was no effect of CORT supplementation of males on their spatial relationships (distance and proximity) with male and female conspecifics. Repeated elevation of CORT may modify the underground movements and space use of fossorial reptiles, which may represent a strategy to compensate for the effects of glucocorticoid activation on physiological condition and energetic allocation, avoiding predation risk or the energetic costs of burrowing. Our study contributes to understanding the effects of soil environmental perturbations, such as pollution or drought, on the ecology of fossorial animals, and how these species might cope with these potential stressors.

The eddy current sensor is a representative nondestructive sensing technique that enables sensitive interrogation of the conductive object surface in close proximity. Here, we propose an eddy current-based proximity detection strategy using a micropatterned inductor fabricated on a thin-film substrate (25 μm thickness) for integration as a smart, in situ inspection modality in advanced capillary pick-and-place systems. Notably, the eddy current sensing mechanism exhibited small sensitivity to liquids, allowing successful proximity detection during capillary pick-and-place operations. Our new suggested sensor consists of a copper inductor micro-fabricated on one side of a thin polyimide film surface, while the other side is roughened in nanoscale by argon plasma treatment. This new design offers several advantages: (1) enhanced eddy current induction efficiency enabled by thickness reduction, achieving an inductance change of up to 54.7% upon copper contact; and (2) facile release of lightweight objects due to reduced surface adhesion during the pick-and-place process. We verified the electrical and eddy current sensing characteristics of the micropatterned inductors via experiments and finite element simulations. We then further explored the in situ sensing capability during capillary pick-and-place operation by measuring the impedance change over time. The decreased adhesion of the plasma-treated polyimide surface was verified by atomic force microscopy and supported by an analytical model. We envision that this approach provides a promising strategy for advanced manufacturing applications requiring high reliability and nondestructive in situ monitoring during pick-and-place operations.

A bromine-functionalized benzimidazole-linked porous covalent organic polymer (COP) was designed and synthesized to explore its potential for xenon/krypton (Xe/Kr) separation and systematically compared with its nonbrominated analogue. The incorporation of bromine atoms protruding into the pore channels modulates the framework polarity and creates specific host-guest interactions. Gas adsorption measurements combined with isosteric heat of adsorption analyses demonstrate that bromine functionalization significantly enhances Xe uptake and Xe/Kr selectivity relative to the nonhalogenated counterpart. 129Xe nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy provides direct insight into the adsorption behavior, revealing a bimodal pore environment in the brominated polymer during Xe adsorption, indicative of heterogeneous binding sites. Complementary computational modeling elucidates the synergistic interplay between stronger confinement effects in the smaller pores of the brominated framework and energetically favorable adsorption sites in close proximity to the bromine functionalities. This study introduces a distinct separation mechanism for Xe/Kr based on polarity-induced specific interactions rather than conventional size-shape exclusion, offering a rare and effective example of organic porous materials for noble gas separation. The findings highlight halogen functionalization as a powerful strategy for tuning noble gas adsorption energetics and selectivity in covalent organic polymers.

Structured self-assembly of like-charged bridging nanoparticles driven by varying separation between two interfaces.

Our study examined the effects of four public access pathways on the surrounding vegetation within the reed beds of Lake Balaton at a study site in Balatonfenyves. The vegetation was analyzed using 1×1 meter quadrats to determine species composition and abundance. The research aimed to assess the extent of the pathways' influence on the vegetation, the spatial scale of this impact, and how the disturbance zone changes with increasing distance from the shore zone. The primary goal of this work was to develop a simple field method to support future, more comprehensive investigations. Our findings suggest that the pathways' impact on the vegetation is most significant in a wider zone near the land-water interface, decreases towards the center of the reed bed, but intensifies again in close proximity to the open water.

Little is known about pathogens circulating in free-living snow leopards (Panthera uncia) and their implications for both species conservation and local communities in Nepal. The close proximity between snow leopards and domestic animals increases the risk of pathogen spillover and represents a critical knowledge gap that has yet to be explored in Nepal. We conducted a pilot noninvasive health assessment of snow leopards in Nepal by screening for the presence of selected pathogens in snow leopards and livestock inhabiting the same area and having local community members complete a knowledge, attitude, and practice questionnaire focused on the health of domestic species and opinions on snow leopards. We collected two different sets of fecal samples of domestic animals and putative snow leopards in the Mustang region of Nepal in December 2024. Six scat samples were confirmed to be from snow leopards by using a species-specific PCR. We detected Leptospira spp. in a domesticated horse sample and Escherichia coli and several intestinal parasites, including Eimeria spp., in several livestock species. This study represents a step toward understanding potential pathogen spillover risks between snow leopards, domestic animals, and humans.

The bio-based platform chemical 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) has attracted considerable attention as a precursor for the production of various value-added chemicals, motivating extensive efforts to biosynthesize it using engineered microbial cell factories. Among the known pathways, the cascade of glycerol dehydratase (GDHt) and α-ketoglutaric semialdehyde dehydrogenase (KGSADH) offers high theoretical yield and strong industrial potential. However, the implementation of this pathway as a freely diffusing two-enzyme system faces two major limitations. The reactive intermediate 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde (3-HPA) is cytotoxic, and diffusion of this intermediate into the surrounding bulk phase leads to intermediate loss and reduced catalytic coupling between the two enzymes. Here, we report a cell-free biosynthetic platform for 3-HP production from glycerol featuring a designer two-enzyme complex composed of GDHt and KGSADH. Each enzyme was rationally fused to complementary Cys-engineered α-helical domains that enable selective heterodimer formation, bringing the two enzymes into close proximity and minimizing diffusion of the labile intermediate into the bulk solution. Under optimized conditions, the self-organized enzyme cascade achieved more than a 17-fold increase in 3-HP yield and a twofold increase in productivity relative to the free enzyme mixture. These findings demonstrate how precise molecular engineering of enzyme organization can substantially enhance the efficiency of cascade biocatalysis and provide a promising strategy for cell-free production of 3-HP.

In cardiomyocytes, Nav1.5, the predominant voltage-gated sodium channel α-subunit, is localized at specialized membrane microdomains within the intercalated disc and lateral membrane. Although Nav1.5 remodeling within these microdomains could cause pathological cardiac phenotypes, it remains unclear whether Nav1.5 channels could form direct interactions or rather exist as individual proteins in close proximity within the cluster. Importantly, heterologous overexpression of any protein, and especially of the large transmembrane channel Nav1.5, could be associated with the insufficiency of endoplasmic reticulum folding machinery, hence leading to aspecific protein aggregation indistinguishable from the genuine α-α-subunit interactions. In this study, we show that the interactions between heterologous Nav1.5 proteins depend on nascent N-linked glycosylation, are supported by non-native intermolecular disulfide bonds, and are likely predisposed to hydrophobic "stickiness". In addition, we show strong interactions between the full-length Nav1.5 and its truncated peptides: N-terminal domain, all four transmembrane domains, as well as the intracellular linker between domains I and II. Taken together, we conclude that the heterologous expression system is not optimal for the identification of α-α-subunit interaction sites of Nav1.5, and this study needs further investigation in native tissues.

OBJECTIVES: To (i) determine the prevalence of cervicalgia within 90 days of a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) among active-duty service members, and (ii) describe associated demographic and clinical characteristics relevant to physical therapy management. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: De-identified personnel and medical encounter data from the Military Assessment and Readiness System (2016–2024) were analyzed. Service members were identified using ICD-10 codes for initial encounter mTBI. Cervicalgia (M54.2) was classified as pre-existing (≤ 90 days pre-mTBI) or incident (≤ 90 days post-mTBI). Prevalence and clinical characteristics were compared by cervicalgia. RESULTS: Among 71,176 service members diagnosed with mTBI, 18.4% had cervicalgia within 90 days of injury (7.3% pre-existing; 11.1% incident). Cervicalgia clustered temporally around mTBI (mean 29 days pre-injury; 24 days post-injury). Compared with those without cervicalgia, affected service members had a higher prevalence of post-traumatic headache (16.1% vs 6.2%) and post-concussion syndrome (18.8% vs 11.0%), longer time in service, and greater deployment exposure. CONCLUSION: Nearly 1 in 5 service members diagnosed with mTBI had cervicalgia documented in close temporal proximity to injury. Cervicalgia was associated with greater post-concussive symptom burden.

The citriculus mealybug Pseudococcus cryptus is a major pest of citrus in Japan, yet its pheromone system has remained only partially characterised. In this study, we re‑examined female‑emitted volatiles from three Japanese populations and identified two previously unreported lavandulyl esters—(R)-lavandulyl isobutyrate [(R)-1] and (R)-lavandulyl 3‑methyl‑3‑butenoate [(R)-2]—in addition to the known pheromone component, ((1R,3R)-2,2-dimethyl-3-isopropenylcyclobutyl)methyl 3‑methyl‑3‑butenoate [(1R,3R)-3], through gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. Although (R)-1 and (R)-2 showed little or no attractiveness when tested individually, both exhibited strong synergistic effects when combined with (1R,3R)-3. Behavioural observations further revealed distinct spatial trapping patterns, with (R)-1 eliciting a higher proportion of males captured in close proximity to the lure. All populations exhibited a consistent compositional trend in which (R)-1 was equivalent to or more abundant than (1R,3R)-3, highlighting the important auxiliary role of (R)-1. These findings provide a foundation for developing effective pheromone‑based monitoring tools for Ps. cryptus.

P-type ATPases represent an evolutionarily conserved superfamily of ion, lipid, and peptide pumps found across all domains of life. Among the substrates transported by P-type ATPases, Mg2+ is of critical importance in bacterial, fungal, and plant cellular homeostasis. A bacterial P-type ATPase found in Gram-negative bacteria, Mg2+ transporter A (MgtA), facilitates the transport of Mg2+ from the periplasm to the cytoplasm under conditions of Mg2+ starvation. MgtA is a cardiolipin-sensitive integral membrane ion-transporter that scavenges Mg2+ during bacterial infection and pathogenesis. Here, we determined cryo-EM structures of MgtA capturing three distinct states along the Mg2+ transport cycle, including a phosphorylated E2-P intermediate (2.6 Å resolution), an E1-like conformation stabilized by the peptide regulator MgtR (2.7 Å resolution), and an E1-like ATP-bound state (2.8 Å resolution). These three conformations reveal the binding of Mg2+ in the transmembrane domain coordinated in a novel site involving Ser702 and Asn706 on M5, Ser773 and Asp777 on M7, and Ser821 and Thr824 on M8. In the E2-P conformation, the phosphate analog BeF3 is bound in close proximity to the catalytic aspartate, Asp361, suggesting that it represents a covalent aspartylphosphate intermediate. In the presence of AMPPCP, Mg2+ remains bound in the transmembrane domain and the ATP analog is bound in a catalytically competent conformation. Overall, the structures reveal distinct steps in the transport cycle of MgtA compared to other P-type ATPases, as well as lipid binding sites that fill gaps in our understanding of transport regulation.

ABSTRACT In recent decades, ethylene oxide (EtO) has been a widely used industrial sterilant and chemical intermediate that has faced increasing scrutiny related to its carcinogenic potential. This study evaluated residential and occupational exposure to EtO in a valley surrounding two point-source emissions in close proximity (~11 m apart). Air samples were collected in residential and industrial areas. Eight locations, ranging from 100 to 1,700 m from the center of the point-sources in varying directions, had average concentrations between 0.290 and 3.212 µg/m3 (0.16 to 1.8 ppb) with peak levels reaching 26.4 µg/m3 (15 ppb). Exposure scenarios were developed based on daily activity patterns, long-term residency, and estimates derived from historical emissions data. Under the most conservative assumptions, including 40 years of occupational exposure during the periods of highest recorded emissions around the facility, the maximum estimated cumulative lifetime exposure was 591 ppm-days. When compared with epidemiology studies of EtO-exposed workers from similar facilities (studies used by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in their cancer risk assessments), the highest cumulative exposures observed (13,500+ ppm-days) were at least 23-fold higher than our maximum estimated lifetime exposure value (591 ppm-days). Importantly, these high-exposure groups showed no statistically significant cancer incidence, particularly for breast and lymphohematopoietic cancers. When compared to regulatory values and health-based benchmarks adjusted to cumulative exposures, estimated exposures were substantially below levels associated with increased cancer incidence in epidemiological cohorts for the community surrounding the sterilization facility, even to the most susceptible populations. Implications: This study presents a site-specific, data-driven framework for evaluating long-term human health risks from ethylene oxide (EtO) emissions using ambient monitoring, historical emissions, and conservative EPA-aligned assumptions. Even at one of the highest-emitting U.S. sterilization facilities, estimated exposures were well below levels associated with increased cancer risk. The findings challenge proximity-based risk assumptions and support more proportionate, risk-based air quality policies. The approach offers regulators a transparent, scientifically grounded method for EtO risk characterization under the Clean Air Act, TSCA, and state air toxics programs.

Reptiles often inhabit environments that are in close proximity to humans and livestock, creating opportunities for parasite transmission. They are common in areas where they find shelter, food and warmth. The Bengal monitor lizard (Varanus bengalensis), a member of the family Varanidae, represents one of the largest groups of extant poikilothermic predators. Monitor lizards are known to harbor several tick species that serve as vectors for a variety of pathogens. No prior information is available in the literature regarding ticks infesting V. bengalensis in Pakistan as well as regarding the occurrence of Toxoplasma gondii in these ticks. Therefore, we aimed to determine the molecular prevalence of T. gondii in Amblyomma gervaisi ticks (n = 93) collected from 24 V. bengalensis in Buner District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province, Pakistan, between May and September 2023. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplified a 300bp fragment specific for the ITS-1 region of T. gondii in 10 of the 93 (11%) A. gervaisi ticks. DNA sequencing and BLAST analysis confirmed the presence of T. gondii. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these sequences clustered with the ITS-1 sequences of T. gondii detected in reptiles and mammals from Pakistan, Brazil, China, Tunisia and Portugal. The prevalence of T. gondii in A. gervaisi was not limited to a specific tick sex, feeding stage or month of sampling. However, among the tick developmental stages, nymphs had the highest rate of T. gondii infection. In conclusion, for the very first time from Pakistan, we are reporting the presence of T. gondii in A. gervaisi that were infesting monitor lizards. We recommend that similar and large scale studies should be conducted in all those areas of Pakistan that are unexplored for the presence of T. gondii in A. gervaisi ticks. Prevalence of this parasite should also be screened in all the animals harboring these as well as other tick species. This will help in better understanding of T. gondii transmission to new hosts that will lead toward its effective control.

Lithium borohydride (LiBH4) is a promising hydrogen carrier owing to its high hydrogen storage capacity. However, the low reactivity of its dehydrogenation products, boron and LiH, towards dihydrogen molecules makes the re-generation of borohydrides extremely challenging. Here we theoretically unravel that the dissociation of H2 into H atoms and its adsorption by the active Bspike atoms (surface-protruding boron atoms with low coordination and high reactivity) is a prerequisite for the formation of B-H bond, rather than the direct reaction between H2 and B. Moreover, the proportion of Bspike atoms increases exponentially as the size of B clusters decreases, indicating that reducing B particle size to the ultrasmall scale is critical for enhancing hydrogenation reactivity. Thereby, we experimentally synthesize nanocomposites consisting of ultrafine LiBH4 nanoparticles decorated with 3 nm Ni catalytic clusters for hydrogen storage. Upon dehydrogenation, these nanocomposites form B and LiH clusters in close proximity at 5-10 nm scale, while the Ni clusters remain intact. The Ni clusters not only facilitate the dissociation of H2 into H atoms but also strongly interact with the B clusters, weakening B-B bond, which enables the hydrogenation of B/LiH back to LiBH4 at temperatures as low as 30 °C under 100 bar H2.

The human dorsal root ganglia (DRG) are increasingly recognized as immunologically active sites within the peripheral nervous system. While single-cell transcriptomics has recently identified myeloid populations with microglia-like profiles in DRG across species, an in-depth, spatially resolved protein-level characterization in human tissue is lacking. Here, we used highly multiplexed Imaging Mass Cytometry (IMC) to map and phenotype myeloid cells in human DRG at subcellular resolution. A 41-marker panel enabled in-depth profiling of immune and neural cell types in situ. We identified a subset of Iba1+ myeloid cells co-expressing canonical microglial markers such as P2RY12, TMEM119, and SLC2A5, located in close spatial proximity to neuronal somata. Unsupervised clustering (FlowSOM) of >6000 Iba1+ cells identified eight distinct clusters. Among them, distinct myeloid cell subsets exhibited a clear microglial-like signature and were localized near neurofilament+ neurons. In contrast, Iba1+ clusters expressing CD68, HLA-DR, and other activation markers were spatially segregated. These findings provide a spatially resolved, protein‑level atlas of Iba1+ myeloid subsets in human DRG and offer a resource for dissecting neuroimmune niches relevant to chronic pain and peripheral neuropathies.

Evaluating the Impact of Coculture and Cell Proximity of Different Listeria monocytogenes Strains on Time of First Division of Single Cells.

Abstract The impact of mass‐wasting events on river systems is typically studied in the immediate aftermath and within close proximity to the source area. However, basin‐wide hydro‐geomorphic responses in large river systems, beyond the immediate postdisaster context, remain poorly understood. In this study, we examine the Eastern Himalayan Syntaxis in the Brahmaputra basin, where the Sendongpu glacier valley has undergone rapid erosion due to major mass‐wasting events in 2017, 2018 and 2021. A nearby large‐scale event also occurred in 2000 along the Yigong River. We assess the river's response to these events using satellite‐derived water turbidity indices, water surface elevation, sandbar area and flood extent, at the finest temporal and spatial resolution available through Google Earth Engine's database. Our time series analysis reveals that, following the 2017 event, fine suspended sediment signals can be traced more than 1000 km downstream to the delta, while coarser sediments primarily affect river morphology within approximately 100 km of the mountain front. In this zone, we observed a notable increase in sandbar area and water surface elevation, indicating extensive deposition and channel infilling. Comparison with the 2000 Yigong outburst highlights the differing geomorphic effects of rapid, high‐magnitude events versus slower, more sustained sediment inputs. These findings highlight the need to integrate mass‐wasting‐driven sediment processes into flood risk assessments and hydropower planning in Himalayan river systems, particularly as such landscapes are increasingly subject to both natural and anthropogenic pressures.

Finger flexor tendon (FT) pulleys are delicate anatomical structures whose primary function is to anchor the tendon sheaths to the underlying bone. They maintain the tendons in close proximity to the phalanges, thereby stabilizing them during finger flexion. This arrangement allows for efficient force transmission, preserves an effective lever arm, and prevents bowstringing, ensuring a full range of motion. These structures can be accurately assessed using high-resolution ultrasound (US) or high-field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). We conducted a structured narrative literature review on the imaging of finger flexor pulley injuries in climbers, searching PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science. The search strategy combined the following keywords: "finger flexor pulley injuries," "climber's finger," "pulley rupture," "pulley tear," "rock climbing injuries," "human finger flexor pulleys," "ultrasound," and "MRI." References of selected articles were manually screened to identify additional relevant studies. Included studies addressed anatomy, biomechanics, clinical presentation, diagnostic criteria, imaging findings, and management of finger pulley injuries. Both experimental (cadaveric) and clinical studies were considered if they provided relevant imaging or diagnostic insights. A detailed understanding of the anatomy, biomechanics, and both normal and pathological imaging appearances of finger FT pulleys-particularly through dynamic and functional imaging-is essential for accurate assessment of traumatic injuries. This knowledge supports clinicians and surgeons in selecting the most appropriate therapeutic strategies.

CueOs are multicopper oxidases (MCOs) involved in key biological processes related to copper homeostasis. Their physiological function is the catalytic oxidation of toxic cuprous ions (Cu+) to cupric ions (Cu2+), coupled with the reduction of O2 to water. In addition to the copper sites belonging to the classical electron transfer chain of MCOs, from Cu-T1 to the trinuclear cluster (TNC), a Cu8-site was previously identified in EcCueO crystal structures, located in close proximity to TNC. One conserved ligand of the Cu8-site is the amino acid H145, in both Cu+ and Cu2+ redox states. By designing and characterizing the H145S variant, this work demonstrates for the first time the pivotal role of H145 in the functional maturation/metalation of EcCueO active sites under conditions of low Cu2+/Cu+ availability. Moreover, we show that H145 is part of a conserved HxHxH motif in CueOs, and more generally in bacterial MCOs, suggesting a common copper-binding Cu8-site for metalation in vivo. The absence of this conserved motif in certain MCOs, or the presence of additional His/Met-rich or His-rich insertions, appears to be linked to cellular copper availability and highlights the adaptability of MCOs. Beyond this fundamental understanding of MCO metalation mechanism, this works paves the way for application in medicine and environmental copper detection.