Tissue Composition Research Articles

The accordion technique did not improve bone healing in a mouse model of distraction osteogenesis.

Distraction osteogenesis (DO) is a valuable surgical method for limb lengthening and bone defect correction, but its lengthy consolidation phase presents challenges. The accordion technique (AT), involving compression and distraction of bone segments, has shown potential for enhancing healing. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the AT conducted at three different time points (distraction phase, early consolidation phase, or late consolidation phase) compared to conventional DO in a mouse osteotomy model. Healing was evaluated using in vivo microCT, histology, and computational modeling. Results showed that bridging frequency, BV, and callus tissue composition were similar between conventional DO and late consolidation AT. In contrast, distraction phase AT led to delayed healing at day 15 with a 72% reduction in BV compared to DO, but no significant differences by the endpoint. Early consolidation AT showed significantly impaired healing compared to DO, with only 29% of mice achieving bony bridging, and significantly reduced bone marrow area of the endpoint callus. In silico modeling was generally predictive of in vivo findings and suggested that application of the AT during early consolidation results in destruction of newly-formed vascular tissue. Overall, no benefit was observed for the AT compared to conventional DO with the parameters employed in this study.

Application of Combined SCIP and Free Fibula Flaps for Reconstruction of a Massive Composite Oromandibular Defect: A Pioneering Approach

AbstractResection of advanced oral malignancies often leads to extensive composite tissue defects, which may involve skin, oral mucosa, mandible, and a significant amount of soft tissue. While the free fibula flap remains the primary choice of reconstruction, there are instances where a second flap is necessary for coverage. In such cases, the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap is commonly employed as a second free flap. We recently utilized a superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flap in combination with the free fibula flap to reconstruct a large oromandibular defect. This report emphasizes the significance of the SCIP flap and the benefits of combining free flaps, supported by relevant literature.

Chemical composition alterations in rat brain hypothalamus induced by irisin administration using spectroscopic and machine learning techniques

This study employed Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to determine the chemical composition of brain tissues and the changes induced by irisin at doses of 50 mg and 100 mg. Brain tissues were collected from control rats and those administered with irisin, and key vibrational peaks were analyzed. In the 50 mg irisin group, all described vibrations decreased compared to control tissues, while the 100 mg group showed a decrease only in lipid vibrations. Comparatively, the 50 mg group had lower absorbance of phospholipids, amides, and lipid functional groups than the 100 mg group. Lower amounts of these compounds were found in treated tissues compared to controls, with higher levels in the 100 mg group. Ratios between amide peaks revealed significant differences between groups. Principal component analysis (PCA) differentiated control and irisin-treated tissues, primarily using PC1 and PC3. The decision tree model exhibited high classification accuracy, especially in the 800–1800 cm⁻1 range, with high sensitivity and specificity. FTIR spectroscopy effectively highlighted chemical changes in brain tissues due to irisin, demonstrating dose-dependent variations. The combination of PCA, ROC analysis, and decision tree modeling underscored the potential of FTIR spectroscopy for studying the biochemical effects of compounds like irisin.

Effects of hemodynamic load on cardiac remodeling in fish and mammals: the value of comparative models.

The ability of the vertebrate heart to remodel enables the cardiac phenotype to be responsive to changes in physiological conditions and aerobic demand. Examples include exercise-induced cardiac hypertrophy, and the significant remodeling of the trout heart during thermal acclimation. Such changes are thought to occur in response to a change in hemodynamic load (i.e. the forces that the heart must work against to circulate blood). Variations in hemodynamic load are caused by either a volume overload (high volume of blood returning to the heart, impairing contraction) or a pressure overload (elevated afterload pressure that the heart must contract against). The changes observed in the heart during remodeling are regulated by multiple cellular signaling pathways. The cardiac response to these regulatory mechanisms occurs across levels of biological organization, affecting cardiac morphology, tissue composition and contractile function. Importantly, prolonged exposure to pressure overload can cause a physiological response - that improves function - to transition to a pathological response that causes loss of function. This Review explores the role of changes in hemodynamic load in regulating the remodeling response, and considers the cellular signals responsible for regulating remodeling, incorporating knowledge gained from studying biomedical models and comparative animal models. We specifically focus on the renin-angiotensin system, and the role of nitric oxide, oxygen free radicals and transforming growth factor beta. Through this approach, we highlight the strong conservation of the regulatory pathways of cardiac remodeling, and the specific conditions within endotherms that may be conducive to the development of pathological phenotypes.

Physiological Characteristics Study of Normalization of Carbohydrates in Food Rations

Carbohydrates are organic substances with high energy, enter the body with food and satisfy the various needs of the human body. They enter the body mainly with plant products and are the most important source of energy. Approximately half (56-58%) of the energy needed by the body is provided by carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. Here, the relationship between hydrogen and oxygen is the same as in water molecules. That is why they are called carbohydrates. During physical labor, the need for carbohydrates increases. They are also involved in plastic forming processes. Carbohydrates increase the amount of glucose in the blood and increase the amount of glycogen in the liver and muscles, being included in the composition of cells and tissues. Glucose is converted into reserve carbohydrates — glycogen, which is an energy reserve that serves to maintain the level of sugar in the blood at a normal level and ensures the stable functioning of all organ systems.

Prospect for Fine and Coarse Coal Waste Deployment for a Constructed Technosol and Eragrostis Tef Growth

The aim of this study was to evaluate soil properties and Eragrostis tef (teff) growth on Technosols produced from coarse and fine coal wastes from Moatize Mine, Mozambique. The experiment was performed in triplicate in 30 L containers filled with different substrate conditions, composed of fine coal waste, coarse coal waste, agricultural soil, and sewage sludge as an organic matter source. The soil analyses included bulk density, available water capacity, permeability, and fertility. Plant growth was monitored for biomass production and plant tissue composition. All the substrates presented a good available water capacity and a proper drainage condition. Regarding soil fertility, there were shortages of potassium and boron in the substrates composed exclusively of coal wastes, which was reflected in the composition of the plant tissue. Even so, plant growth was statistically equivalent to the control in all conditions, except for the substrate produced exclusively with fine coal waste and sewage sludge, which presented a better performance. Technosols are an alternative for reducing the final mine waste volume, and Eragrostis tef is used as a means for land use after the mining process, with social gains, and as a tool in an ecological process for restoring coal mining sites.

Light and scanning electron microscope characterization of mandibular symphysis tissue as a functional adaptation in the mandible development of human fetuses.

When developing, the mandible presents great plasticity and contains condensed mesenchymal cells that develops into Meckel's cartilage, of which the anterior part forms the mandibular symphysis. Mandible human development studies focus on investigating whether the beginning of mandibular fusion in fetal period is related to symphysis ossification and the tensions imposed on it, considering that tongue movements, mouth opening, and closing can be seen in fetuses. This research analyses tissue modifications during human mandibular symphysis growth using light and scanning electron microscopy to relate them to its functional structure. The study sample consisted of 12 human fetuses distributed into two groups: Group I (GI) of 10-14 weeks old and Group II (GII) of 20-24 weeks old. Fragments of mandibular symphysis were removed en bloc together with the surrounding tissues to preserve the relation with adjacent structures. Decalcified specimens were prepared in semi-serial coronal sections 5-μm-thick and stained with hematoxylin and eosin, Masson՚s trichrome, Verhoeff, and Sirius red for histological analysis with light microscopy. Collagen fibers Type I or III and elastic fibers were quantified by volume fraction (Vv). Coronal sections of the GI and GII symphyseal region were submitted to scanning electron microscopy. Comparison between groups used independent t-test. Our study presents the different endochondral ossification stages in the anterior part of Meckel's cartilage in GI. Both groups showed abundantly vascularized mesenchymal tissue with intense cellular activity forming the mandibular symphysis, such as a source of new osteoblasts adjacent to the newly deposited bone matrix. Scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed an invasion of the bony trabecula in the transverse direction from the hemimandible, rectilinear in GI and sinuous in GII due to interdigitating bone process, promoting its ossification. In collagen Vv analysis was verified a prevalence of type I in GII and type III in GI, indicating a proportional relation between maturation and tissue arrangement. Functionally, the collagen and elastic fibers in the mandibular symphysis were arranged in a pantographic network, and the fibrillar interconnectivity clearly contributes to resilience capacity and efficiency of the force transfer. This study inferred the functional significance of the knowledge about the tissue composition of mandibular symphysis, and the importance of this tissue for surrounding structures. The mesenchymal tissue of mandibular symphysis participates in bone growth process, revealing an adaptation mechanism of mandibular symphysis in the fetal period investigated.

Natural coil springs: Biomechanics and morphology of the coiled tendrils of the climbing passion flower Passiflora discophora

Tendrils of climbing plants possess a striking spring-like structure characterized by a minimum of two helices of opposite handedness connected by a perversion. By performing tensile experiments and morphological measurements on tendrils of the climbing passion flower Passiflora discophora, we show that these tendril springs act as coil springs within the plant's attachment system and resemble technical coil springs. However, tendril springs have a low spring index and a high pitch angle compared with typical metal coil springs resulting in a more complex loading situation in the plant tendrils. Moreover, the tendrils undergo a drastic shift from the fresh turgescent stage to a dried-off and dead senescent stage. This entails changes in material properties (elastic modulus in tension), morphology (tendril and helix diameter, number of windings), anatomy (tissue composition), and failure behavior (susceptibility to delamination) and reduces the degree of elasticity and strain at failure of the tendrils. Nevertheless, senescent tendrils remain functional as springs and maintain high energy dissipation capacity and high break force. This renders the system highly energy efficient, as the plant no longer needs to metabolically sustain the died-back tendrils. Because of its energy-storing spring system, its high energy dissipation and high safety factor, the attachment system can be considered a ‘fail-safe’ system. Statement of significanceThe use of coil springs as mechanical devices is not restricted to man-made machinery; striking spring structures can also be found within the attachment systems of climbing plants. Passiflora discophora climbs by using long thin tendrils with adhesive pads at their tips. Once the pads have attached to a support, the tendrils coil and form a spring-like structure. Here, we analyze the form and mechanics of these ‘tendril springs’, compare them with conventional technical coil springs, and discuss changes in the tendril springs during plant development. We reveal the main features of the attachment system, which might inspire new artificial attachment devices within the emerging field of plant-inspired soft-robotics.

Pericoronary Fat Attenuation: Diagnosis and Clinical Implications.

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the current state of knowledge regarding the technical challenges associated with the Post-Acquisition Fat Attenuation Index (PFAI). By examining the limitations and gaps in the current methodologies, this review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how various factors impact the accuracy and reliability of PFAI measurements. PFAI correlates with plaque instability, as inflammation in coronary plaque alters surrounding adipose tissue composition, increasing its water content and reducing lipid content, which is detectable via cardiac CT as increased attenuation. Recent studies have demonstrated PFA's prognostic value, with elevated levels linked to higher risks of cardiac events and plaque instability. A 2022 meta-analysis confirmed its association with major adverse cardiac events. Machine learning algorithms incorporating PFA and additional imaging features have further enhanced risk prediction beyond traditional metrics. Pericoronary fat attenuation is a promising marker for assessing coronary inflammation and could be useful in predicting plaque development, rupture, and monitoring treatment response, though further prospective studies and technical standardization are needed to fully establish its clinical benefits.

Deep learning pipeline for automated cell profiling from cyclic imaging

Cyclic fluorescence microscopy enables multiple targets to be detected simultaneously. This, in turn, has deepened our understanding of tissue composition, cell-to-cell interactions, and cell signaling. Unfortunately, analysis of these datasets can be time-prohibitive due to the sheer volume of data. In this paper, we present CycloNET, a computational pipeline tailored for analyzing raw fluorescent images obtained through cyclic immunofluorescence. The automated pipeline pre-processes raw image files, quickly corrects for translation errors between imaging cycles, and leverages a pre-trained neural network to segment individual cells and generate single-cell molecular profiles. We applied CycloNET to a dataset of 22 human samples from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients and trained a neural network to segment immune cells. CycloNET efficiently processed a large-scale dataset (17 fields of view per cycle and 13 staining cycles per specimen) in 10 min, delivering insights at the single-cell resolution and facilitating the identification of rare immune cell clusters. We expect that this rapid pipeline will serve as a powerful tool to understand complex biological systems at the cellular level, with the potential to facilitate breakthroughs in areas such as developmental biology, disease pathology, and personalized medicine.

Size and SUVmax define the contribution of nodal metastases to PSA in oligorecurrent prostate cancer.

To evaluate how prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels decrease after removal of isolated prostate cancer (PCa) nodal metastases in relation to their diameter/volume ("PSA-density of PCa-metastases") and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax). A total of 83 consecutive patients with solitary nodal recurrence after radical prostatectomy who underwent prostate-specific membrane antigen-radioguided salvage surgery were retrospectively analyzed. Using multivariable linear regression models, the PSA-decrease after removal of each PCa-metastases (=PSA-contribution of each PCa-metastases) was correlated with the long axis diameter/estimated volume and the SUVmax of each removed metastasis. Sizes were measured by imaging and histopathologic examination. A total of 83 patients were included with a median (interquartile range [IQR]) PSA-decrease of 0.56 [0.22, 1.31] ng/mL after salvage surgery. The median [IQR] long axis diameters in imaging and histopathological examination were 8.0 [6.0, 11.0] mm and 8.4 [5.5, 11.1] mm, respectively. The median [IQR] estimated volumes were 0.13 [0.05, 0.32] cc (imaging) and 0.05 [0.02, 0.17] cc (pathology). In multivariable linear regression analyses, the estimated PSA-contribution ([95% confidence interval [CI]) of each millimeter of long axis diameter was 0.09 [0.03, 0.14] ng/mL (imaging) or 0.08 [0.03, 0.12] ng/mL (histology). The minimum diameter for biochemical recurrence (PSA ≥ 0.2 ng/mL) was >2.2 mm (imaging) or >2.5 mm (histology). The estimated PSA-contribution [95% CI] of each cc cancer volume was 1.23 [0.51, 1.94] ng/mL (imaging) or 1.46 [0.40, 2.52] ng/mL (histology). SUVmax as surrogate parameter for tissue composition was associated with increased PSA-contribution of PCa-metastases (+0.03-0.05 ng/mL per unit increase). The diameter/volume and SUVmax of metastatic tissue correlate with its contribution to PSA levels. Therefore, very small metastases may produce too little PSA for biochemical recurrence.

Using radiocarbon of plants to track inequity in urban environments

Societal Impact StatementOver half of Earth's human population lives in urban areas where pollution from fossil fuel combustion threatens urban air quality and public health. The isotopic composition of plant tissues can be used as a tool to estimate local variation in the amount of fossil fuel–derived carbon dioxide. We present a case study that examines this variation against the backdrop of historic discriminatory policies in Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA. Data suggest higher loads of atmospheric fossil carbon in neighborhood greenspaces that are situated closer to large roads, which often correspond with historical policies. Evidence of unequal fossil fuel combustion, and potentially pollution load, may precipitate changes in urban management or pollution mitigation strategies.

8159 Single Nuclei RNA-Sequencing Reveals Novel Cellular Diversity in Human Neck Adipose Tissue

Abstract Disclosure: H. Camara: None. S.D. Kodani: Employee; Self; Hoxton Farm. S. Yang: None. V. Efthymiou: None. K. An: None. A. Gupta: None. F. Shamsi: None. A. Streets: None. M.E. Patti: Advisory Board Member; Self; Fractyl Laboratories. Consulting Fee; Self; AstraZeneca, Hamni, MBX Biosciences. Grant Recipient; Self; Dexcom. Y. Tseng: Consulting Fee; Self; LyGenesis. Other; Self; BioHaven. Adipose tissue plays a crucial role in maintaining metabolic health. It fulfills distinct functions through two types of fat: white adipose tissue (WAT), the primary site of triglyceride storage, and brown adipose tissue (BAT) along with related beige fat, specializing in thermogenic energy expenditure. Despite the scarcity of BAT in humans, these thermogenic adipocytes efficiently utilize glucose and triglycerides and act as an endocrine organ by secreting batokines. Hence, increased BAT activity is associated with improved metabolic health in humans. In adults, thermogenic adipose tissue is localized in deep neck planes, exhibiting a gradient from white to beige/brown from superficial to deep layers. Mounting evidence suggests the diverse cell types within the adipose tissue and their dynamic interactions play an important role in its versatile functions. To understand the cellular compositions of human adipose tissue and directly compare the differences between human BAT vs. WAT, we collected 30 paired samples of superficial, intermediate and deep human neck adipose tissue from 15 participants who underwent anterior cervical discectomy fusion or thyroid surgery and subjected the frozen tissues to single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq). The integration of the samples yielded 41,337 good-quality nuclei. As expected, white adipocytes (WAd) were the dominant cell type, comprising 38% of the total cells captured. Further analysis of the WAd cluster revealed increased expression of brown adipocyte-associated genes, such as EBF2 and COBL, and enrichment of oxidative phosphorylation pathway score in cells from deep neck samples, indicating increased thermogenic potential. Bona fide brown adipocytes (BAds), marked by the expression of PPARGC1A, were predominantly located in the deep neck samples (>80%) but comprised less than 2% of the dataset. Despite their low numbers, cell-cell communication analysis by CellChat predicted that BAds account for most of the communication events within this niche, highlighting their endocrine importance. snRNA-seq also captured non-adipocyte cells, including adipocyte progenitors, smooth muscle, immune, Schwann and neuron-associated cells. Among these, a novel Neuron-Associated Cell-1, marked by the expression of CNTNAP2, emerged as the second most abundant in the dataset (∼10% of total). Another neuron-associated cell population marked by expression of DNAH11, though less abundant (∼1%), was enriched in deep neck samples, potentially regulating the high levels of thermogenic potential in this region. Taken together, the identified subpopulations and their gene expression profiles offer new insights into the tissue's role in metabolic regulation. This knowledge could be pivotal for developing targeted therapies for obesity and related disorders. Presentation: 6/1/2024

8353 Impact of a plant-based protein diet on bone health and body composition in Sprague Dawley rats

Abstract Disclosure: M.M. Gomes: None. I.M. de Araújo: None. S.V. Rodriguez: None. F.R. Jorge: None. F.J. de Paula: None. Introduction:Vegetarian and vegan diets are associated with some health benefits; this has contributed to their growing popularity. Although studies remain limited, there is evidence that these patients may be at greater risk of reduced bone mineral density (BMD) and increased fracture risk. The general objective of this study was to analyze the impact of a high-protein, plant-based diet on bone tissue and body composition in male Sprague Dawley rats. Methodology: The study was approved by the Animal Ethics Committee. This study was done with 10 rats in the control group (CG), which received a standard AIN-93M diet; 11 in the normoprotein vegetarian group (NVG), with a normoprotein AIN-93 diet modified with pea protein and methionine; and 11 in the high-protein vegetarian group (HVG), with a modified AIN-93 diet with 40% pea protein and methionine. The dietary intervention lasted 8 weeks. The weight of the animals was measured weekly. Basal blood glucose levels were measured at baseline. At the end of the study, 6 rats from the CG, 6 rats from the NVG, and 5 rats from the HVG were subjected to a glucose tolerance test (GTT). The dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technique was applied in the baseline and final periods of the experiment to evaluate body composition, bone mineral content (BMC) and BMD. After sacrifice, bone strength was measured via a three-point flexion mechanical test on the tibia; brown adipose, epididymal, and retroperitoneal tissues, as well as the liver, were weighed on an analytical balance. Blood was used to measure circulatory levels of insulin, CTX, and P1NP (n=6/group). Results: Basal weight was similar between the groups, but the final weight was lower in the HVG as compared to the CG. In the DXA evaluation, the final lean mass was not different between the groups. On the other hand, total fat mass was lower in the HVG than in the CG and the NVG and the fat percentage was lower in the HVG than in the CG. The weight of epididymal adipose tissue was lower in the HVG than in the NVG, but retroperitoneal and brown adipose tissues were lower in HVG than CG. Liver weight was similar between groups. BMD was similar between groups; however, BMC was lower in the HVG than in the CG and the NVG. Bone strength was similar between groups. There was no difference in glycemia at baseline or during GTT at the eighth week. Serum levels of insulin, CTX, and P1NP were similar between groups. Discussion and Conclusion: A normoprotein vegetarian diet that includes all essential amino acids appears to have no negative impact on body composition or BMD in rats. On the other hand, a high-protein diet with plant protein appears to have a negative impact on bone mineral content, in addition to reducing the amount of body fat and weight. This finding expands on previous results by showing that high-protein diets have a negative impact on bone even when the protein is of plant origin. Presentation: 6/1/2024

Macroanatomy, Histomorphometry, and Androgen Receptor Expression in the Epididymis of Kacang Goats Aged 4, 8, and 12 Months

The epididymis is a crucial component of the goat's reproductive structure. The epididymis is responsible for the transportation, concentration, and maturation of sperm. This study aimed to examine the differences in the structure of macro and microanatomy, tissue composition, and the existence of androgen receptors in the epididymis of Kacang goats aged 4, 8, and 12 months. The assessment of macroscopic organ growth was done immediately after sampling, whereas microscopic measurements were carried out following histological preparations using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and immunohistochemical (IHC) procedures. The results on the macroscopic anatomy of the epididymis indicated a significant association between age with the width of the caput dexter and sinister and the circumference of the right cauda. However, no significant relationship was found between age with the corpus length and the left cauda's circumference. Significant variations were observed in the diameter and concentration of the agglutinated spermatozoa in the lumen during histomorphometry of the epididymis in three age groups of Kacang goats. There were no statistically significant variations in the expression of androgen receptors among the three age groups. This study showed that the correlation coefficient test reveals a positive relationship between age and the caput width and corpus length dimensions, indicating that these measurements tend to grow as age increases. On the other hand, the diameter of the agglutinated spermatozoa in the epididymal lumen exhibits significant variations between the ages of 4 months, with the ages of 8 months and 12 months, suggesting that the sperm becomes fully matured by the age of 8 months.

Comparative Study of Fatty Acid Composition of Muscles of Atlantic Cod (Gadus morhua Linnaeus, 1758) with Natural Diet and Feeding near Salmon Farms

Coastal aquaculture and local fisheries interact in shared marine environments, influencing each other synergistically and/or antagonistically. Salmon farming, notably with open-net sea cages along the Norwegian coast, attracts wild fish due to increased food availability from uneaten feed, but it also exposes wild fish to farm emissions like waste and toxic chemicals (de-lice treatments, antifouling and medical agents). The attraction behaviour of wild fish can impact fatty acid composition in fish tissues, influenced by the high terrestrial fat content in salmon aquafeed. We study how the Atlantic cod, aggregating around salmon farms in a subarctic fjord in Northern Norway, can be affected, potentially altering their natural diet and fatty acid profiles. Our study compares the muscle-tissue fatty acid compositions of cod caught near aquaculture facilities (impact) versus fish caught in neighbouring fjords (control), and we hypothesise decreased omega-3 fatty acids near farms. The analysis revealed no significant differences in the fatty acid concentrations or categories between the impacted and control fish, challenging our initial expectations. However, differences were found for C18:1(n9)t (elaidic acid), with a higher value in the impacted fish. These findings suggest that salmon farming’s influence on cod’s fatty acid profiles in the flesh (i.e., relevant for the nutritional quality of the fillets that consumers eat) may be limited or minimal despite their aggregative behaviours around farms. The threshold levels of salmon feed consumed by wild cod before it affects the quality and survival of, e.g., sperm or other life stages, are not known and require new investigations. This study underscores the complexity of interactions between aquaculture and wild fisheries, impacting both ecological dynamics and consumer perspectives on seafood quality and health benefits.

Fusarium as potential pathogenic fungus of Ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe) wilt disease

The wilt disease of ginger, caused by various Fusarium species, imperils the cultivation of this valuable crop. However, the pathogenic mechanisms and epidemiology of ginger wilt remain elusive. Here, we investigate the association between ginger rhizome health and the prevalence of Fusarium conidia, as well as examine fungal community composition in symptomatic and asymptomatic ginger tissues. Our findings show that diseased rhizomes have reduced tissue firmness, correlating negatively with Fusarium conidia counts. Pathogenicity assays confirmed that both Fusarium oxysporum and Fusarium solani are capable of inducing wilt symptoms in rhizomes and sterile seedlings. Furthermore, Fungal community profiling revealed Fusarium to be the dominant taxon across all samples, yet its relative abundance was significantly different between symptomatic and asymptomatic tissues. Specifically, there is a higher incidence of Fusarium amplicon sequence variants (ASVs) in symptomatic above-ground parts. Our results unequivocally implicate F. oxysporum or F. solani as the etiological agents responsible for ginger wilt and demonstrate that Fusarium is the principal fungal pathogen associated with this disease. These findings provide critical insights for efficacious disease management practices within the ginger industry.

Dietary and metabolic effects on intestinal stem cells in health and disease.

Diet and nutritional metabolites exhibit wide-ranging effects on health and disease partly by altering tissue composition and function. With rapidly rising rates of obesity, there is particular interest in how obesogenic diets influence tissue homeostasis and risk of tumorigenesis; epidemiologically, these diets have a positive correlation with various cancers, including colorectal cancer. The gastrointestinal tract is a highly specialized, continuously renewing tissue with a fundamental role in nutrient uptake and is, in turn, influenced by diet composition and host metabolic state. Intestinal stem cells are found at the base of the intestinal crypt and can generate all mature lineages that comprise the intestinal epithelium and are uniquely influenced by host diet, metabolic by-products and energy dynamics. Similarly, tumour growth and metabolism can also be shaped by nutrient availability and host diet. In this Review, we discuss how different diets and metabolic changes influence intestinal stem cells in homeostatic and pathological conditions, as well as tumorigenesis. We also discuss how dietary changes and composition affect the intestinal epithelium and its surrounding microenvironment.

Soil moisture and water redistribution patterns in white oak (Quercus alba) saplings and trees in fragmented urban woodlands

In the midwestern United States, models predict extended summer heatwaves and increasingly frequent and prolonged drought conditions. In the Chicago region, the potential for large-scale mortality of white oak trees (Quercus alba) coupled with the ongoing decline of white oak sapling recruitment are major concerns for researchers and practitioners. In this study, we determined the sources of water used by mature white oak trees and saplings in three qualitatively different sites within a remnant oak forest in Chicago during the 2021 drought. We investigated soil moisture dynamics (volumetric water content, VWC) and water isotope composition of leaf tissues (δD, δ18O), rainwater, and groundwater. These data were linked to sapling height (proxy for biomass) and ectomycorrhizal (ECM) functional types. We predicted that: (i) mature oak trees use deeper water sources and conducted hydraulic redistribution (HR), and (ii) mature trees shared water with saplings during dry periods via long-distance ECM functional types. Soil moisture decreased progressively from June to October (spring to fall), with August and September having the lowest moisture (<20 % VWC). Following rainfall recharge, temporal patterns of soil moisture showed gravity drainage and then ongoing stair-stepwise drawdown consistent with plant evapotranspiration. Leaf δD and δ18O values in mature trees and saplings were consistent with water uptake from rainfall and subsequent enrichment via evapotranspiration. In two sites, mature trees and saplings demonstrated distinct δD: δ18O slopes, with mature trees more enriched than saplings. In the third site, mature trees and saplings δD: δ18O slopes overlapped but here, the ECM community was dominated by contact-type ECM and sapling height increased with distance from the mature oak. Our findings indicate that HR was not a component of site ecohydrology, and future climate conditions may present increasing challenges for white oak recruitment as both mature trees and saplings compete for limited rainfall-derived soil moisture.

Effect of a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention on body composition in people with osteoarthritis: Secondary analysis of the “Plants for Joints” randomized controlled trial

ObjectiveThe Plants for Joints (PFJ) intervention significantly improved pain, stiffness, and physical function, and metabolic outcomes, in people with metabolic syndrome-associated osteoarthritis (MSOA). This secondary analysis investigated its effects on body composition. MethodIn the randomized PFJ study, people with MSOA followed a 16-week intervention based on a whole-food plant-based diet, physical activity, and stress management, or usual care. For this secondary analysis, fat mass, muscle mass, and bone mineral density were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) for all participants. Additionally, in a subgroup (n ​= ​32), hepatocellular lipid (HCL) content and composition of visceral adipose tissue (VAT) were measured using magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). An intention-to-treat analysis with a linear-mixed model adjusted for baseline values was used to analyse between-group differences. ResultsOf 66 people randomized, 64 (97%) completed the study. The PFJ group experienced significant weight loss (−5.2 ​kg; 95% CI –6.9, −3.6) compared to controls, primarily from fat mass reduction (−3.9 ​kg; 95% CI –5.3 to −2.5). No significant differences were found in lean mass, muscle strength, or bone mineral density between groups. In the subgroup who underwent MRI scans, the PFJ group had a greater reduction in HCL (−6.5%; 95% CI –9.9, 3.0) compared to controls, with no observed differences in VAT composition. ConclusionThe PFJ multidisciplinary intervention positively impacted clinical and metabolic outcomes, and appears to significantly reduce body fat, including liver fat, while preserving muscle mass and strength.