Slow Growth Research Articles

IN VITRO SLOW-GROWTH STORAGE OF THE ENDANGERED SPECIES MALUS NIEDZWETZKYANA FOR BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION

The conservation of biodiversity requires efficient ex situ methods for storing plant genetic material outside its natural habitat. This approach will maintain valuable, endemic, and endangered plant species for extended periods. One widely used method is in vitro slow-growth storage. Our study describes the results of slow-growth storage of micropropagated shoots of the endangered and endemic Malus niedzwetzkyana. In vitro shoots of annual shoots of the Malus niedzwetzkyana were used as the object of the study. The shoots were obtained using a previously developed protocol of micropropagation. To develop slow-growth storage in in vitro culture of shoots, we studied the influence of osmotic agents, light, and temperature regimes. We investigated cultivation conditions such as temperature (4°C and 24°C) and photoperiod (16/8 and growth in the dark), as well as the composition of nutrient media to slow growth (sucrose, mannitol, abscisic acid). The research results showed that the optimal condition for medium-term storage of shoots is the QL nutrient medium with the addition of 3% or 6% sucrose under standard conditions. The optimized protocol allowed us to preserve the shoots of Malus niedzwetzkyana for 5 months without re-cultivation. This result confirms the effectiveness of the selected protocol for slow-growth storage of Malus niedzwetzkyana shoots. The explants stopped growing but remained viable, and the recovery period took 35 days (1 passage). The developed protocol enabled us to preserve plant material for several months without intermediate cultivation. As a result of this work, an in vitro collection was created to conserve the rare and endangered species of Malus niedzwetzkyana. The research is conducted in the framework of the program BR18574125 with financial support from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (duration: 2023-2024).

Breaking the strength-ductility trade-off in austenitic stainless steel at cryogenic temperatures: Mechanistic insights

At cryogenic temperatures, 316L austenitic stainless steel (ASS) exhibits remarkable strength while retaining high ductility, defying the conventional stress-strain trade-off. Despite extensive studies documenting the cryo-tensile properties of ASSs, the underlying mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain largely unexplored. This study systematically re-examines the tensile properties of 316L stainless steel and the associated mechanisms across a range of low temperatures (293 K, 223 K, 123 K, and 77 K). The reasons for the superior stress-strain balance (∼80 % GPa) are discussed using results from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) microstructure characteristics. The results undoubtedly suggest that the transformation mechanisms, specifically the shift from deformation twinning to martensitic transformation (γ → ε → α′), play a crucial role in enhancing elongation at cryogenic temperatures. At these temperatures, the Gibbs free energy difference between ε-martensite and γ-austenite approaches zero, resulting in slow martensite growth. The stress-strain curves at low temperatures satisfy the Considère criterion, indicating delayed necking under these conditions. This behavior is ascribed to the presence of various hierarchical microstructures, including ε, α′, γ-twins, ε-twins and their intersections, which act as sources of work hardening. This study provides new insights into deformation behavior of ASSs under cryogenic conditions.

Periauricular hair transplantation enhances the cosmetic results of eyebrow transplantation: A retrospective study in Chinese recipients

BackgroundEyebrow transplant surgeries have become increasingly popular in recent years. Periauricular hair, with its slow growth rate and fine caliber similar to eyebrow hair, has been strategically utilized in eyebrow transplants to achieve enhanced and authentically natural aesthetic results. ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess the postoperative clinical outcomes of periauricular hair for eyebrow transplantation. MethodsData from 81 patients (72 women and 9 men) who underwent eyebrow transplantation using periauricular hair between October 2020 and September 2022 were analyzed. They were followed up for 15 months post-surgery to evaluate recovery and complications. Patient satisfaction and quality of postoperative life were assessed using a 5-point Likert scale. ResultsFor female patients, the average total number of transplanted hair grafts and surgery duration were 402.33±158.48 FU and 193.86±66.69minutes, respectively. In contrast, male patients exhibited slightly higher values, with an average of 481.78±126.43 FU and 229.00±96.80minutes, respectively. No significant complications were reported during the postoperative follow-up. Patients expressed general satisfaction with both immediate and 15-month postoperative outcomes, reflected in a mean overall satisfaction score of 4.90. The overall satisfaction of the subjects at 15 months postoperative was significantly higher than the preoperative satisfaction (Z=-8.483, p<0.001). The eyebrow/forehead surgery did not have a significant impact on postoperative satisfaction (H=5.355, p=0.374>0.05); however, patients without tattoos tended to report higher levels of postoperative satisfaction (Z=8.056, p=0.004<0.05). Patient satisfaction ratings for physical function, psychological function, social function, and quality of life post-operation were 5, 4.95, and 4.94, respectively. ConclusionsEyebrow transplant using periauricular hair can improve cosmetic outcomes and is a viable option in clinical practice.

Nano-micrometer scale characterization of PWSCC crack tips in the transition zone of 52M overlay and the implication to intergranular cracking

This study examines the microstructural characteristics of the primary water stress corrosion cracking (PWSCC) crack tip in the transition zone (TZ) of the 52 M overlay and its implications for intergranular cracking. In the TZ, the Cr content at grain boundaries near the fusion boundary (FB) is lower than those farther from the FB. Additionally, residual strain at grain boundaries near the FB is higher than that farther away, with the fine-grained zone around the FB showing higher local deformation than the surrounding columnar grains. Stress corrosion cracking (SCC) crack growth rate (CGR) test results indicate that the TZ showed certain SCC sensitivity, and the closer to the FB, the lower the SCC resistance. Analysis of the SCC crack tip found that the distinctive composition distribution of the 52 M overlay TZ, characterized by low Cr and high Fe near the FB, is prone to intergranular oxidation, thereby reducing SCC resistance. Conversely, higher Cr and lower Fe content at grain boundaries in the TZ farther from the FB form dense, Cr-rich oxides ahead of the crack tip that slow SCC crack growth, resulting in the diffusion of oxidation along the dislocation structure into the grains and forming a fibrous oxidation zone.

Discovery of a highly specific radiolabeled antibody targeting B-cell maturation antigen: Applications in PET imaging of multiple myeloma.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by the uncontrolled proliferation of monoclonal plasma cells (PC) in the bone marrow (BM). B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is predominantly expressed in malignant plasma cells, and associated with the proliferation, survival, and progression of various myeloma cells. Given these important roles, BCMA emerges as an ideal target antigen for MM therapy. However, effective stratification of patients who may benefit from targeted BCMA therapy and real-time monitoring the therapeutic efficacy poses significant clinical challenge. This study aims to develop a BCMA targeted diagnostic modality, and preliminarily explore its potential value in the radio-immunotherapy of MM. Using zirconium-89 (89Zr, t1/2 = 78.4 h) for labeling the BCMA-specific antibody, the BCMA-targeting PET tracer [89Zr]Zr-DFO-BCMAh230430 was prepared. The EC50 values of BCMAh230430 and DFO-BCMAh230430 were determined by ELISA assay. BCMA expression was assessed in four different tumor cell lines (MM.1S, RPMI 8226, BxPC-3, and KYSE520) through Western blot and flow cytometry. In vitro binding affinity was determined by cell uptake studies of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-BCMAh230430 in these tumor cell lines. For in vivo evaluation, PET imaging and ex vivo biodistribution studies were conducted in tumor-bearing mice to evaluate imaging performance and systemic distribution of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-BCMAh230430. Immunochemistry analysis was performed to detect BCMA expression in tumor tissues, confirming the specificity of our probe. Furthermore, we explored the anti-tumor efficacy of Lutetium-177 labeled BCMA antibody, [177Lu]Lu-DTPA-BCMAh230430, in tumor bearing-mice to validate its radioimmunotherapy potential. The radiolabeling of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-BCMAh230430 and [177Lu]Lu-DTPA-BCMAh230430 showed satisfactory radiocharacteristics, with a radiochemical purity exceeding 99%. ELISA assay results revealed closely aligned EC50 values for BCMAh230430 and DFO-BCMAh230430, which are 57 pM and 67 pM, respectively. Western blot and flow cytometry analyses confirmed the highest BCMA expression level. Cell uptake data indicated that MM.1S cells hada total cellular uptake (the sum of internalization and surface binding) of 38.3% ± 1.53% for [89Zr]Zr-DFO-BCMAh230430 at 12 h. PET imaging of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-BCMAh230430 displayed radioactive uptake of 7.71 ± 0.67%ID/g in MM.1S tumors and 4.13 ± 1.21%ID/g in KYSE520 tumors at 168 h post-injection (n = 4) (P < 0.05), consistent with ex vivo biodistribution studies. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor tissues confirmed higher BCMA expression in MM.1S tumors xenograft compared to KYSE520 tumors. Notably, [177Lu]Lu-DTPA-BCMAh230430 showed some anti-tumor efficacy, evidenced by slowed tumor growth. Furthermore, no significant difference in body weight was observed in MM.1S tumor-bearing mice over 14 days of administration with or without [177Lu]Lu-DTPA-BCMAh230430. Our study has successfully validated the essential role of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-BCMAh230430 in non-invasively monitoring BCMA status in MM tumors, showing favorable tumor uptake and specific binding affinity to MM tumors. Furthermore, our research revealed, as a proof-of-concept, the effectiveness of [177Lu]Lu-DTPA-BCMAh230430 in radioimmunotherapy for MM tumors. In conclusion, we present a novel BCMA antibody-based radiotheranostic modality that holds promise for achieving efficient and precise MM diagnostic and therapy.

FHOD-1 and profilin protect sarcomeres against contraction-induced deformation in C. elegans.

Formin HOmology Domain 2-containing (FHOD) proteins are a subfamily of actin-organizing formins important for striated muscle development in many animals. We showed previously that absence of the sole FHOD protein, FHOD-1, from Caenorhabditis elegans results in thin body wall muscles with misshapen dense bodies that serve as sarcomere Z-lines. We demonstrate here that mutations predicted to specifically disrupt actin polymerization by FHOD-1 similarly disrupt muscle development, and that FHOD-1 cooperates with profilin PFN-3 for dense body morphogenesis, and with profilins PFN-2 and PFN-3 to promote body wall muscle growth. We further demonstrate that dense bodies in worms lacking FHOD-1 or PFN-2/PFN-3 are less stable than in wild type animals, having a higher proportion of dynamic protein, and becoming distorted by prolonged muscle contraction. We also observe accumulation of actin and actin depolymerization factor/cofilin homolog UNC-60B in body wall muscle of these mutants. Such accumulations may indicate targeted disassembly of thin filaments dislodged from unstable dense bodies, possibly accounting for the abnormally slow growth and reduced body wall muscle strength in fhod-1 mutants. Overall, these results implicate FHOD protein-mediated actin assembly in forming stable sarcomere Z-lines, and identify profilin as a new contributor to FHOD activity in striated muscle development.

Spatial distribution, source apportionment, and risk assessment of perfluoroalkyl substances in urban soils of a typical densely urbanized and industrialized city, Northeast China

As an important capital city of intensive urbanization and industrialization in Northeast China, Changchun has experienced extremely rapid development, with diverse sectors such as automobile manufacturing, equipment manufacturing, optoelectronics, and pharmaceutical decoration. However, data on the levels and profiles of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in urban soils of Changchun is limited. This study investigated 17 PFASs across various functional zones within the main urban area of Changchun. ∑PFAS concentrations in the soils ranged from 0.236 to 6.483 ng/g, averaging 1.820 ng/g. Perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) were more prevalent than perfluorosulfonic acids (PFSAs), and short-chain PFASs (C ≤ 6) were the predominant residues. PFAS concentrations varied across functional zones, with commercial markets exhibiting the highest levels, followed by industrial areas, residential areas, suburban zones, and transportation areas. Molecular diagnostic ratio and PCA-MLR analysis identified industrial production processes of consumer goods and wastewater treatment plants as the primary sources of soil PFAS contamination. There were no obvious health risks of soil ∑PFASs, while soil PFOS and PFHxS may have an impact on the richness and diversity of soil microbial communities in some certain locations. This study provides new data on PFAS residues in soils influenced by diverse contamination sources within a key industrial city in Northeast China, offering valuable insights for prioritizing remediation and restoration efforts.

Transdermal carbon dioxide may accelerate hoof growth in healthy, sound horses in a short-term, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Slow hoof growth poses a clinical challenge when hoof wear exceeds natural growth. Many treatment options have been reported without controlled prospective trials. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of transdermal CO2 on the rate of growth in treated hooves. A prospective, randomized, blinded, crossover study of 14 Warmblood mares. Horses were randomly assigned a number and allocated for treatment of the front feet with room air or CO2 for 30 minutes 3 times per week, and groups were switched after 5 weeks. Hoof growth was measured on the dorsal midline and the quarters of each front foot. The distance from coronary band to lines made on the hoof wall was measured at the beginning, middle, and end of the study. The percentage of change in length at each location relative to baseline was evaluated at 5 weeks and 10 weeks using nonparametric analyses. All treatments were successfully administered. The left front medial (P = .028) and right front lateral (P = .03) sites of the CO2-treated hooves increased growth compared to the room air group at the 5-week point. The results of this study suggest that repeated, noninvasive transdermal application of CO2 may accelerate hoof growth in normal horses over a 5-week treatment period. This study suggests that transdermal CO2 may increase the rate of hoof growth in normal horses. The mechanism of action of this treatment is unclear, and further studies are required to fully elucidate the potential effects.

Characterisation of growth parameters for the extremely acidophilic archaeon Ferroplasma acidiphilum DSM 12658 using a two-step turbidimetric growth measurement method

The acidophilic archaeon Ferroplasma acidiphilum exhibits remarkable adaptations to life in highly acidic environments. Nevertheless, the investigation of its molecular biology is challenging because of the slow growth of the organism, low biomass yield, and limitations of standard growth measurement techniques caused by iron oxidation.•A novel two-step turbidimetric growth measurement (2TGM) method was developed to address the shortcomings associated with iron precipitation in culture media. The method comprises two distinct preparation steps.•The initial 2TGM step involves centrifuging culture samples at high speed to remove F. acidiphilum cells and iron precipitates, thus preparing a blank.•The second 2TGM step involves centrifuging the culture at a lower speed with the objective of selectively removing iron precipitates, thus allowing F. acidiphilum cells to remain suspended in the supernatant. This preparation enables subsequent measurement of cell density.A study on the growth of F. acidiphilum showed a standard logistic pattern with a 35-h lag phase, approximately 9-h doubling time, and 0.042 OD carrying capacity. A new two-step turbidimetric growth measurement (2TGM) method overcomes limitations of existing approaches, enabling further investigation of F. acidiphilum.

Tree Longevity: Multifaceted Genetic Strategies and Beyond.

Old trees are remarkable for their ability to endure for centuries or even millennia, acting as recordkeepers of historical climate and custodians of genetic diversity. The secret to their longevity has long been a subject of fascination. Despite the challenges associated with studying old trees, such as massive size, slow growth rate, long lifespan and often remote habitat, accumulating studies have investigated the mechanisms underlying tree aging and longevity over the past decade. The recent publication of high-quality genomes of long-lived tree species, coupled with research on stem cell function and secondary metabolites in longevity, has brought us closer to unlocking the secrets of arboreal longevity. This review provides an overview of the global distribution of old trees and examines the environmental and anthropogenic factors that shape their presence. We summarize the contributions of physiological characteristics, stem cell activity, and immune system responses to their extraordinary longevity. We also explore the genetic and epigenetic 'longevity code', which consists of resistance and defense genes, DNA repair genes and patterns of DNA methylation modification. Further, we highlight key areas for future research that could enhance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying tree longevity.

Spatial and Temporal Evolution Characteristics of Carbon Emission from Land Use and Influencing Factors in Gansu Province

Land ecosystems are the largest carbon sink in the world, and land use change is one of the main factors leading to regional carbon emissions. By studying the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics and influencing factors of land use carbon emissions in Gansu Province from 2000 to 2020, this research aimed to provide a scientific basis and reference for promoting low-carbon land use and low-carbon economic development in Gansu Province. Using land use data and the greenhouse gas emission coefficient method, the study analyzed the growth trend of land use carbon emissions at the city-regional scale in Gansu Province, and the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics at the provincial scale, and identified the controlling factors through principal component analysis. The results showed that： ① From 2000 to 2020, land use carbon emissions in Gansu Province showed an overall increasing trend, from 24.289 3 million tons to 57.739 6 million tons. The first stage from 2000 to 2014 was a significant increase period, whereas the second stage from 2014 to 2020 was a stable and slightly decreasing period. Construction land was the main carbon source, and the carbon intensity continued to increase. ② Spatially, there was an "east high, west low" pattern, with carbon emissions in the eastern part of the province significantly higher than those in the western part. ③ Based on emission characteristics, Gansu Province could be divided into five types of carbon emission zones： slow growth, relatively slow growth, moderate growth, relatively fast growth, and rapid growth. ④ The main reasons for the continuous increase in land use carbon emissions in Gansu Province were economic development level, degree of land use, and energy consumption.

Bacillus licheniformisYB06: A Rhizosphere-Genome-Wide Analysis and Plant Growth-Promoting Analysis of a Plant Growth-Promoting Rhizobacterium Isolated from Codonopsis pilosula.

Codonopsis pilosula, commonly known as Dangshen, is a valuable medicinal plant, but its slow growth and susceptibility to environmental stress pose challenges for its cultivation. In pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices to enhance the yield and quality of Dangshen, the present study isolated a bacterial strain exhibiting plant growth-promoting potential from the rhizosphere of C. pilosula. This strain was subsequently identified as Bacillus licheniformisYB06. Assessment of its plant growth-promoting attributes revealed the potential of B. licheniformis YB06 as a biofertilizer. Whole-genome sequencing of B. licheniformis YB06 revealed a genome size of 4,226,888 bp with a GC content of 46.22%, harboring 4325 predicted protein-coding sequences. Genomic analysis of B. licheniformis YB06 revealed a diverse array of genes linked to induced systemic resistance (ISR) and plant growth-promoting (PGP) traits, encompassing phytohormone production, nitrogen assimilation and reduction, siderophore biosynthesis, phosphate solubilization, biofilm formation, synthesis of PGP-related amino acids, and flagellar motility. Seed germination assays demonstrated the positive effects of B. licheniformis YB06 on the germination and growth of C. pilosula seedlings. Furthermore, we explored various fertilization regimes, particularly the B. licheniformis YB06-based biofertilizer, were investigated for their impact on the structure and diversity of the C. pilosula rhizosphere soil bacterial community. Our findings revealed that fertilization significantly impacted soil bacterial composition and diversity, with the combined application of B. licheniformis YB06-based biofertilizer and organic fertilizer exhibiting a particularly pronounced enhancement of rhizosphere bacterial community structure and diversity. This study represents the first report on the beneficial effects of B. licheniformis YB06 on both the growth of C. pilosula and the composition of its rhizosphere soil microbial community. These findings provide a theoretical foundation and practical guidance for the development of novel bio-organic compound fertilizers, thereby contributing to the sustainable cultivation of C. pilosula.

Two novel DnaJ chaperone proteins CG5001 and P58IPK regulate the pathogenicity of Huntington’s disease related aggregates

Huntington’s disease (HD) is a rare neurodegenerative disease caused due to aggregation of Huntingtin (HTT) protein. This study involves the cloning of 40 DnaJ chaperones from Drosophila, and overexpressing them in yeasts and fly models of HD. Accordingly, DnaJ chaperones were catalogued as enhancers or suppressors based on their growth phenotypes and aggregation properties. 2 of the chaperones that came up as targets were CG5001 and P58IPK. Protein aggregation and slow growth phenotype was rescued in yeasts, S2 cells, and Drosophila transgenic lines of HTT103Q with these overexpressed chaperones. Since DnaJ chaperones have protein sequence similarity across species, they can be used as possible tools to combat the effects of neurodegenerative diseases.

Prenatal exposure to PM2.5 and its composition on child growth trajectories in the first two years: A prospective birth cohort study

The findings on the relationship between prenatal exposure to particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) and its constituent and children's growth trajectories are inconsistent. This association's sensitive exposure time window and possible gender differences remain unclear. Our aim was to determine the association between prenatal exposure to PM2.5 and its component and children's growth trajectories by the age of two. From 2015 to 2021, 6407 mother-infant pairs were enrolled in the study. The PM2.5 include sulfate (SO42−), nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), organic matter (OM), and black carbon (BC), from the ChinaHighAirPollutants (CHAP) datasets. Children were followed at birth, 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months. Population-based and individual-based methods were used to simulate child growth trajectories: slow growth, normal growth, and rapid growth. The distributed lags modeling was used to identify sensitive time windows for the effects of prenatal exposure to PM2.5 and its components on child growth. Sex-stratified analyses estimated sex differences. Median concentrations [interquartile ranges (IQRs)] were 57.46(17.3), 10.59(3.8), 14.26(4.4), 8.69(2.8), 13.05(3.4), and 2.53(0.7) μg/m3 for PM2.5, SO42−, NO3−, NH4+, OM, and BC, respectively. Compared with the normal growth trajectory group, exposure to PM2.5 was significantly associated with a higher risk of rapid growth trajectory in boys (ORs with 95% CI for the entire, first trimester, and second trimester of pregnancy, respectively: 1.016[1.006,1.025], 1.007[1.002,1.011], 1.007[1.002,1.011]). Exposure to PM2.5 was significantly associated with a higher risk of slow growth trajectory in girls (ORs with 95% CI for the entire, second trimester, and third trimester of pregnancy, respectively: 1.010 [1.001,1.018], 1.006 [1.001,1.011], 1.007 [1.002,1.012]). Prenatal PM2.5 and its composition exposure was positively associated with BMI peak in boys (βs with 95% CI for PM2.5, SO42−, NO3−, NH4+, OM, BC: 0.004[0.000,0.007], 0.025[0.006,0.044], 0.012[0.002,0.023], 0.022[0.004,0.039], 0.016[0.001,0.031], 0.082[0.005,0.159]), and not statistically significant in girls. We observed a more pronounced BC effect in our cohort. Prenatal exposure to PM2.5 and its component, especially at 10–22 weeks of gestation, is associated with a higher risk of rapid growth in boys and a risk of slow growth in girls.

Surgical Treatment of Primary Mast Cell Tumor in Mucosal Surface of Lower Lip in a Dog: A Case Report

Introduction: Mast cell tumors (MCTs) have been described as a form of cancer affecting a specific type of blood cell that typically plays a role in the body's reaction to allergens and inflammatory processes. The MCTs have been classified as skin tumors in dogs which can also affect other areas of the body, such as the spleen, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and bone marrow. The present study investigated the clinical and histological signs, biological behavior, and treatment of primary oral mast cell tumors. Case report: A 3-year-old neutered female, weighing 18 kg and classified as a medium mixed breed, was referred to a veterinary clinic in Mashhad (Iran) due to the presence of a pink, lobulated mucosal mass located on the internal surface of her lower lip. Although the vital signs were normal, clinical examination, radiology, and an incisional biopsy were performed from the lesion site under general anesthesia for histology study. Histopathological features were similar to those of mastocytoma in this case. On presentation, no concurrent mass was found on other sides of the body. Mandibular lymph nodes were not enlarged; however, the incisor teeth of the mandible were loosed. Accordingly, the primary oral MCTs were diagnosed. The surgery was done and After a follow-up period of 150 days post-excisional surgery for a Mast cell tumor, the patient remained alive and exhibited no visible signs of tumor recurrence or surgical complications. Conclusion: The current case report defined a primary Mast cell tumor with slow tumor growth and without metastasis in the mucosal surface of the lower lip in a dog treated by complete excisional surgery only, unlike some previous studies of primary oral MCTs in dogs with aggressive biological behaviors.

Analysis of bigmouth buffalo Ictiobus cyprinellus spawning phenology in Minnesota reveals 50-year recruitment failure and conservation concern

The bigmouth buffalo Ictiobus cyprinellus (Catostomidae) is a freshwater fish native to North America that is known for its longevity. During the 1970s, the bigmouth buffalo was recorded as declining in Canada, Minnesota, and North Dakota and became a protected species in Canada. In the USA, population declines are exacerbated by wasteful recreational bowfishing, lack of fisheries management, and overall lack of knowledge. However, recent studies have revealed the exceptional lifespan of bigmouth buffalo, their negligible senescence, slow growth, delayed maturity, and episodic recruitment. Yet little is known about the spawning phenology of bigmouth buffalo, nor their age demographics in east central Minnesota. In this 2021–2023 study of bigmouth buffalo from Rice Lake National Wildlife Refuge we found that 99.7% (389 of 390) of the extant population hatched prior to 1972 despite annual spawning in Rice Lake. Moreover, recruitment success declined significantly since water control measures were established (1953). We found males arrive to spawning grounds with females but depart later, that both the midpoint and duration of spawn significantly vary across years, and that more massive females of the same age range invest disproportionately more in ovaries. Extensive post-spawn seining revealed bigmouth buffalo young-of-the-year in low numbers, but by mid-to-late summer they were no longer evident having likely succumbed to predation. Overall, these findings thoroughly reveal one of the oldest populations of vertebrate currently known (median age of 79 years as of 2024) and expose the stark vulnerability of a bigmouth buffalo population for which substantial recruitment has not occurred for more than six decades. Multiple lines of evidence indicate that the long-lived bigmouth buffalo is vulnerable, that a precautionary approach is immediately needed, and that the unlimited and unregulated kill-fishery be closed.

Learning mobility in European higher education: How has the Union’s flagship initiative progressed?

AbstractIn 2010, the European Commission set out the development of an economy based on knowledge and innovation as one of the priorities of its Europe 2020 strategy for smart, sustainable, and inclusive growth. This culminated in the ‘Youth on the Move’ flagship initiative, aimed at enhancing the performance and international attractiveness of Europe’s higher education institutions and raising the Union’s overall education and training levels. Therefore, it is relevant to assess the performance of the ‘Youth on the Move’ initiative via the creation of composite indicators (CIs) and, ultimately, monitor the progress made by European countries in creating a positive environment supporting learner mobility. For this reason, we make use of the CI-building ‘Benefit-of-the-Doubt’ approach, in its robust and conditional setting to account for outliers and the human development of those nations, to exploit the European Commission’s Mobility Scoreboard framework between 2015/2016 and 2022/2023. Furthermore, we incorporate the value judgements of experts in the sector to construct utility scales and compute weight restrictions through multi-criteria decision analysis. This enables the conversion of ordinal scales into interval ones based on knowledgeable information about reality in higher education. In the end, the results point to a slight performance improvement, but highlight the need to improve the ‘Recognition of learning outcomes’, ‘Foreign language preparation’, and ‘Information and guidance’.

Model predicted optimization of experimental set-up and process conditions for microwave-assisted synthesis of silver nanowires

This work presents simulations led optimization of choice of a reactor for an experimental set-up for the continuous production of silver nanowires with certain constraints in terms of yield, reaction time, and dimensions of nanowires. The choice of reactors based on the simulations of reaction kinetics for nucleation and growth phases of driving the optimization of an experimental set-up and subsequent optimization of process conditions to maximize the yield of nanowires of desired dimensions. The optimized reactor configuration is dictated by the reaction kinetics and using a microwave in continuous mode becomes unavoidable. This makes the approach highly reproducible as well as scalable. The integration of conventional and microwave heating is simulated and subsequently optimized experimentally to attain a significant increase in nanowire yield under steady-state conditions with less than 15 min of residence time. The precise control over the rate in different reactor configurations governing nucleation, accelerated growth followed by slow growth to complete the conversion of precursor enables higher selectivity of nanowires with controllable dimensions resulting in 100 gm production per day using simple set-up. We systematically examined key reaction parameters, including the concentration of metal ions, residence time, and different reactor configurations. Our approach successfully yielded AgNWs with 40–60 nm diameter and 15 µm length. The cost associated with this process for synthesizing AgNWs is less than 10$ per gram. This study highlights the potential of continuous, high-throughput processes for controlling nanowire size and yield through advanced reactor engineering.

Yersinia pseudotuberculosis growth arrest during type-III secretion system expression is associated with altered ribosomal protein expression and decreased gentamicin susceptibility.

Slow-growing bacterial cells have reduced antibiotic susceptibility, rendering them very difficult to eliminate during antibiotic treatment. However, for many key virulence factors (bacterial factors required to promote infection), it remains unclear whether expression is sufficient to slow bacterial growth and impact antibiotic susceptibility. Using Yersinia pseudotuberculosis , we found ribosomal protein expression fluctuated based on growth rate, and we generated a fluorescent reporter construct to detect altered ribosomal protein expression within individual bacterial cells. We then asked if expression of a key virulence factor in Yersinia , the type-III secretion system (T3SS), is sufficient to lower ribosomal protein expression, since it has been well established that T3SS induction results in growth arrest. We found high levels of T3SS expression promotes slowed growth and antibiotic tolerance, and bacterial cells that survive treatment with a ribosome-targeting antibiotic, gentamicin, have heightened levels of T3SS and lower levels of S10 expression.

Rare presentation of primary intra-articular synovial sarcoma of knee joint with insights from literature review

ABSTRACT Synovial sarcoma is a rare and malignant soft tissue tumor, comprising 5%–10% of such cases. This tumor primarily afflicts adolescents and young adults, with slight male bias, often near large joints like the knee and hip. Intra-articular synovial sarcoma, an even rarer subset, can delay diagnosis due to its slow growth and vague clinical signs. We present a unique case of primary knee intra-articular synovial sarcoma in a 24-year-old female. Imaging revealed a distinct lesion adjacent to the medial femoral condyle and patellofemoral joint, initially suggestive of synovial haemangioma. However, histopathology confirmed biphasic synovial sarcoma, characterized by spindle and gland-like epithelial components. Immunohistochemistry further supported the diagnosis. Reviewing documented cases, we find that synovial sarcoma can affect a wide age range but often occurs in the knee joint, emphasizing the need for vigilance. Early detection and intervention are crucial for improved treatment outcomes in this rare but challenging malignancy.