Search Results (2,524)

The genus Sargassum is taxonomically complex and poorly studied in the Eastern Tropical Pacific. We analyzed specimens collected along the Pacific coast of Central America and compared them with historical records and herbarium material to clarify species identities. Using detailed morphological analyses with molecular phylogenetic reconstruction based on concatenated ITS2 (Internal Transcribed Spacer 2) and COX3 (Cytochrome Oxidase Subunit 3) sequences, we identify two distinct morphotypes corresponding to two well-supported clades. One clade matches the morphology and molecular profile of Sargassum liebmannii. We provide the most comprehensive description of this species to date, including the first published ITS2 and COX3 sequences. Since Taylor’s 1945 work on the tropical Pacific of the Americas, S. liebmannii has been widely reported and considered the predominant species. It forms a genetic clade with other species from the Gulf of California; therefore, we propose a new section, Herporhizum/Sinicola. The second clade represents a previously unrecognized taxon from Central America, which we describe as a new species: Sargassum lacrucense, within the subgenus Sargassum, section Sargassum. Contrary to previous reports, Sargassum brandegeei—now recognized as Sargassum herporhizum—was not found in the region. This study underscores the importance of integrating morphological and molecular data to resolve Sargassum taxonomy in Central America. Full article

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disorder with multifactorial pathogenesis involving immune dysregulation and microbial alterations. This study compared the mycobiomes of skin, blood, and stool samples in rosacea patients and healthy controls to assess fungal diversity, abundance, and possible translocation, as well as associations with bacterial microbiomes. Internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region sequencing was performed on samples from 14 rosacea patients and 8 controls. While distinct fungal community compositions were observed across sample types, no significant differences in fungal diversity or genus abundance were found between the patient and control groups in any compartment. Malassezia dominated the skin mycobiome, while stool samples showed higher abundances of Candida and Saccharomyces, which were inversely correlated. Patients with high skin and blood Malassezia also exhibited increased Cutibacterium abundance, suggesting a potential role in impaired skin barrier integrity. Stool samples with elevated Saccharomyces correlated with higher levels of anti-inflammatory bacteria Prevotella and Agathobacter, whereas Candida dominance showed the opposite. These findings suggest that fungal dysbiosis, in the interplay with bacterial communities, may influence rosacea pathogenesis through the gut–skin axis. This work underscores the significance of integrated microbiome research across multiple biological compartments in order to enhance our understanding and potential targeting of microbial factors in rosacea. Full article

Echinostomatidae is a taxonomically complex group with substantial species diversity and richness. The vast majority of species in this family parasitize birds and mammals, including humans, causing significant economic losses and medical costs. In this study, Echinostoma miyagawai (Digenea, Echinostomatidae) and Patagifer bilobus (Digenea, Echinostomatidae) were isolated from domestic duck and Grus japonensis, respectively. The nearly complete ribosomal transcription unit (rTU) sequences of two echinostomes were obtained, with the rTU for P. bilobus being obtained for the first time. The nearly complete rTU sequence of P. bilobus (6790 bp) and E. miyagawai (6893 bp) encompass the small-subunit (18S) ribosomal DNA (rDNA), internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1), 5.8S rDNA, internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), and large-subunit (28S) rDNA. The complete lengths of 18S, ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2, and 28S sequences for E. miyagawai are 1989 bp, 444 bp, 162 bp, 431 bp, and 3858 bp, respectively. For P. bilobus, complete or nearly complete lengths of these sequences are 1929 bp (nearly complete), 419 bp, 162 bp, 432 bp, and 3848 bp (nearly complete), respectively. The 18S, ITS, and 28S sequences of E. miyagawai show the highest sequence similarity with other E. miyagawai. The ITS and 28S sequences of P. bilobus show the highest sequence similarity with other P. bilobus, while 18S sequence shows the highest similarity with E. miyagawai. This is likely due to the unavailability of the 18S sequence of P. bilobus in GenBank. Repeat sequences were identified in 18S, ITS1, ITS2, and 28S sequences, with the 28S sequence containing the most repeats and the 5.8S sequence having none. The results of phylogenetic reconstruction indicated that E. miyagawai clusters with other Echinostoma spp., while P. bilobus clusters with other Patagifer spp., forming sister taxa. This study not only provides the first rTU sequence for P. bilobus but also reinforces the sister group status of Patagifer to Echinostoma through phylogenetic evidence. Finally, this study represents the first record of the G. japonensis as a new host for P. bilobus and the first report of a bird from the crane family (Gruidae) as a host for any echinostome species. These findings are significant as they expand our understanding of the host range and ecological interactions of Echinostomatidae. The data obtained provide a valuable resource of molecular markers for studying the taxonomy, population genetics, and systematics of the family Echinostomatoidea. This research contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary relationships and biodiversity within this complex group of parasites, which is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate their impact on both wildlife and human health. Full article

Over the last several years, a significant advancement in high-voltage electronic packaging techniques has paved the way for next-generation power electronics. However, controlling the thermal properties of these new packaging solutions is still a major challenge. The utilization of wide bandgap semiconductors such as SiC and GaN offers effective methods to minimize thermal inefficiencies caused by conduction losses through high-frequency switching topologies. Nevertheless, the need for high voltage in electrical systems continues to pose significant barriers, as heat generation remains one of the most significant obstacles to widespread implementation. The trend of electronics design miniaturization has driven the development of high-performance cooling concepts to address the needs of high-power-density systems. As a result, the design of effective cooling systems has emerged as a crucial aspect for successful implementation, requiring seamless integration with electronic packaging to achieve optimal performance. This review article explores various thermal management approaches demonstrated in electronic systems. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of heat transfer enhancement techniques employed in electronics thermal management, focusing on core concepts. The review categorizes these techniques into concepts based on fin design, microchannel cooling, jet impingement, phase change materials, nanofluids, and hybrid designs. Recent advancements in high-power density devices, alongside innovative cooling systems such as phase change materials and nanofluids, demonstrate potential for enhanced heat dissipation in power electronics. Improved designs in finned heat sinks, microchannel cooling, and jet impingement techniques have enabled more efficient thermal management in high-density power electronics. By fixing key insights into one reference, this review serves as a valuable resource for researchers and engineers navigating the complex landscape of high-performance cooling for modern electronic systems. Full article

The global emergence of multidrug- and pandrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae poses a critical threat to public health, particularly in hospital settings. This study describes a nosocomial outbreak caused by K. pneumoniae in a tertiary-care hospital in Mexico and provides a comprehensive genomic analysis of six clinical isolates. All isolates exhibited pandrug resistance, including carbapenems and colistin. Whole-genome sequencing identified 37 antimicrobial resistance genes, including blaNDM-1, blaOXA-1, blaCTX-M-15, and a pmrB R256G mutation associated with colistin resistance. Two conjugative plasmids (pAA046 and pAA276) carried multiple resistance genes and mobile genetic elements. Although all isolates harbored CRISPR-Cas type I-E systems, no spacers matched resistance plasmids, suggesting functional inactivity. Capsular typing identified the KL27 locus with the wzi187 allele. Phylogenetic and cgMLST analyses confirmed clonal dissemination and close genetic relatedness to strains from Europe and the USA. Despite the absence of classical hypervirulence markers, the presence of kfu, fimH, and mrkD genes indicates adaptation to the hospital environment. These findings confirm the clonal spread of pandrug-resistant K. pneumoniae ST392-KL27 in a Mexican hospital, underscoring the role of plasmid-mediated resistance and the potential for global dissemination. Full article

The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) is one of the most extensively utilized in the taxonomy of the genus Morus due to its generally concerted evolution. Although non-concerted evolution of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) has been reported in some species, genome-wide nrDNA characteristics in the genus Morus remain poorly understood. In this study, 158 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and 15 insertions and deletions (InDels) were identified within the nrDNA regions of 542 mulberry accessions representing sixteen Morus species. These wide occurrences of heterogeneous SNPs and InDels revealed the intra-individual polymorphism within the nrDNA region of Morus, indicating the incomplete concerted evolution of nrDNA. Notably, 66 out of 158 SNPs and 13 out of 15 InDels were localized within the ITS regions (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2), indicating a high degree of polymorphism in the ITS, which was further validated through classical cloning and Sanger sequencing methodologies. The 13/16 bp InDel located in the ITS1 region was utilized to develop a rapid and reliable cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) marker-based method for distinguishing M. alba and M. notabilis from other Morus species, eliminating the need for a clone-based sequencing step or comparative phenotypic analysis. Phylogenetic analysis based on nrDNA SNPs from 542 mulberry accessions revealed six distinct clades, corresponding to the six Morus species. These findings offer novel new insights into the taxonomy, conservation, and breeding improvement of Morus species. Full article

Talaromycosis caused by Talaromyces marneffei is a life-threatening mycosis in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The gold-standard diagnostic method relies on time-consuming cultures, which delay treatment and increase mortality. In this study, we developed a rapid and sensitive droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) assay targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene for detecting T. marneffei and compared its performance with blood culture and quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays. The ddPCR assay had a detection limit of one copy/reaction, making it 10-fold more sensitive than qPCR. It demonstrated 100% specificity for T. marneffei, with no cross-reactivity to 15 other fungal pathogens, six bacterial pathogens, and plasma from 119 AIDS patients without talaromycosis. In 119 AIDS patients with talaromycosis, ddPCR exhibited better overall sensitivity (92.44%) than blood culture (86.55%) and qPCR (87.29%). The sensitivity of ddPCR was 97.8% (89/91) and 75% (21/28) in plasma collected before and after antifungal therapy, respectively. Moreover, fungal load measured by ddPCR negatively correlated with the time to blood culture positivity. Fungal loads in patients receiving antifungal therapy were significantly lower than those in untreated patients. These findings indicate that ddPCR facilitates rapid diagnosis of T. marneffei infection in AIDS patients and can assist clinicians in evaluating treatment efficacy by quantifying fungal load. Full article

Microbiome studies report a decrease in diversity associated with active infections. Under the endozoan hypothesis, Coccidioides can inhabit a host without causing disease. In this study, we describe and compare the lung mycobiome of Coccidioides-positive and -negative samples obtained from wildlife. If Coccidioides is not causing infection, we predict there will be no differences in the mycobiome between positive and negative samples. Lung samples were obtained from mammals previously trapped in Tucson, Arizona, USA (n = 26), and Mesa, Arizona, USA (n = 14). Samples were screened for Coccidioides with CocciDx, and mycobiome was characterized through Illumina-based amplicon sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2). We compared alpha and beta diversity of the mycobiome to assess the effects of Coccidioides’ presence and host taxonomy. A greater number of reads were captured from Tucson samples (114,706.4 ± 57,945.8) than from Mesa (384.9 ± 953.5); however, Mesa (16.8 ± 8.8) and Tucson (12 ± 7.8) had a similar number of fungal genera per sample. CocciDx detected Coccidioides in more samples than the ITS2 amplicon sequencing. All samples from Mesa and five from Tucson tested positive for Coccidioides. Therefore, Mesa samples were excluded from statistical analysis. No difference in alpha and beta diversity was associated with Coccidioides presence, which is consistent with the endozoan hypothesis. Host taxonomy had a significant effect on beta diversity. This effect is likely driven by host behavioral and physiological differences. Full article

Background/Objectives: To design the pDNA delivery carrier for delivery into skeletal muscle, a total of twelve terminal-alkylated PEGs (Cx-I-PEGy) with four alkyl groups of different carbon numbers (Cx: x = 4, 8, 12, 16) modified via an imine spacer at the ends of three methoxy PEGs of different molecular weights (PEGy: y = 500, 2k, 5k) have been synthesized. Methods: Among them, four Cx-I-PEG5k formed an imine-mediated complex formation with pDNA, as assessed by agarose gel electrophoresis, defined as an iminium mono-ion complex (I-MIC) without multivalent electrostatic interaction by minimizing potential toxic cations. Results: Most resulting I-MICs maintained the flexible structure of pDNA and promoted the binding to pDNA. The expression of pDNA by intramuscular injection with the resulting I-MICs was the highest by using I-MICs with C4-I-PEG5k and was observed extensively by the in vivo imaging system (IVIS). Conclusions: These results suggest that the I-MICs with C4-I-PEG5k are promising for pDNA transfection into skeletal muscle, offering the alkyl iminium for the pDNA binding group to demonstrate the factor of pDNA’s flexible structure as one of the key parameters for in vivo local pDNA transfection. Full article

This study characterizes Phoradendron nervosum, a hemiparasitic mistletoe species prevalent in Ecuador, using morphological, molecular, and ecological modeling approaches. Morphological analysis revealed that P. nervosum possesses green-yellowish cylindrical stems, lanceolate leaves with entire margins, and berry-like fruits with mucilaginous pulp. DNA sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region confirmed a 99.43% identity with P. nervosum (GenBank: AH009776.2), supporting the taxonomic classification. A maximum entropy (MaxEnt version 3.4.4) model was developed using 36 occurrence points and 19 bioclimatic variables to assess potential distribution across the Tumbaco region in Ecuador. Key environmental factors influencing the species’ distribution were precipitation during the warmest quarter (BIO_18), temperature seasonality (BIO_4), and mean diurnal temperature range (BIO_2). The model showed good predictive performance (AUC = 0.736), identifying areas with high suitability for P. nervosum, particularly in habitats with adequate water availability and thermal stability. Findings suggest that this mistletoe parasitizes both native and exotic tree species, potentially impacting biodiversity and forest health. This research provides a baseline for monitoring mistletoe spread under climate change scenarios and emphasizes the need for management strategies in agroforestry systems where host trees are vulnerable. Full article

In November 2022, black-root and stem-rot symptoms were observed on the strawberry cultivar ‘Ssanta’ in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, China. In order to identify the causing agent of strawberry root rot, and select effective fungicides for controlling this disease, this study was carried out. The associated fungi were isolated from diseased strawberry plants, and the isolate that fulfilled Koch’s postulates was further identified based on morphological characteristics, together with the internal transcribed spacer regions and 28S rDNA sequences; then, the inhibitory activities of 11 commercial fungicides on the pathogenic strain were screened based on the mycelium growth method. Results showed that six candidate strains were isolated from diseased strawberry, and only the isolate CMGF-A caused typical root and stem rot on strawberry. The CMGF-A showed typical morphology of Acrostalagmus species, and sequence analyses revealed it as A. luteoalbus. The prochloraz was selected as the primary fungicide for effectively controlling CMGF-A, while tebuconazole, thiophanate-methyl, and difenoconazole·azoxystrobin could be used as alternatives. A. luteoalbus was previously reported to cause potato tuber disease, and red rust of needle mushroom, this work is the first report of A. luteoalbus causing strawberry root rot worldwide. This study provided helpful information for the diagnosis and management of strawberry root rot disease. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate (a) the degree of conversion (DC%), (b) film thickness, and (c) the effect of film thickness on DC% in modern light-cured resin composite restoratives [Filtek Universal (F), Clearfil Majesty ES 2 Universal (M), Tetric EvoCeram (T) and Viscalor (V)] used for luting composite onlays before/after preheating. For (a), the luting composites placed at 150 μm film thickness under the onlays (4 mm thickness, 2.9% transmittance) were light-cured for 120 s (3 × 40 s top, buccal, lingual sites) before and after preheating (54 °C/5 min-F,M,T and 65 °C/30 s-V). The DC% was measured at central, middle and side locations along the median in-length axis by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Specimens polymerized without onlays (40 s, top) served as controls. For (b), film thickness was measured employing a modified ISO 4049 standard (37 °C plate temperature, 5 N load) before and after preheating, using a dual-cured resin luting agent as control. For (c), onlays were luted with preheated T at 150 and 350 μm film thickness and light-cured for 2 × (3 × 40) s and 3 × (3 × 40) s, employing directly irradiated specimens (60 s, 120 s) as controls. For (a), significant differences were found in F and T before and after preheating. Before preheating, significant differences were registered between F–T, F–M, F–V and V–T, whereas after they were registered between F–M, F–T and F–V. All these values were significantly lower than the controls. For (b), significantly lower film thickness was recorded after preheating (−16.1–−33.3%, highest in V), with a ranking of F, M > V > T (before) and F, M > T, V (after). All values were significantly higher than the control. For (c), increased exposure improved DC% in the greater spacer group, with the controls providing superior values. It can be concluded that the use of modern highly filled composites as luting agents for low translucency onlays may result in suboptimal polymerization and film thickness, warranting caution. Full article

Plant genetics and chemotaxonomic analysis are considered key parameters in understanding evolution, plant diversity and adaptation. Korean Peninsula has a unique biogeographical landscape that supports various aromatic plant species, each with considerable ecological, ethnobotanical, and pharmacological significance. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the chemotaxonomic traits, biological activities, phylogenetic relationships and potential applications of Korean aromatic plants, highlighting their significance in more accurate identification. Chemotaxonomic investigations employing techniques such as gas chromatography mass spectrometry, high-performance liquid chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy have enabled the identification of essential oils and specialized metabolites that serve as valuable taxonomic and diagnostic markers. These chemical traits play essential roles in species delimitation and in clarifying interspecific variation. The biological activities of selected taxa are reviewed, with emphasis on antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytotoxic effects, supported by bioassay-guided fractionation and compound isolation. In parallel, recent advances in phylogenetic reconstruction employing DNA barcoding, internal transcribed spacer regions, and chloroplast genes such as rbcL and matK are examined for their role in clarifying taxonomic uncertainties and inferring evolutionary lineages. Overall, the search period was from year 2001 to 2025 and total of 268 records were included in the study. By integrating phytochemical profiling, pharmacological evidence, and molecular systematics, this review highlights the multifaceted significance of Korean endemic aromatic plants. The conclusion highlights the importance of multidisciplinary approaches including metabolomics and phylogenomics in advancing our understanding of species diversity, evolutionary adaptation, and potential applications. Future research directions are proposed to support conservation efforts. Full article

Background: Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) with static cages is a frequently performed procedure. Larger series focusing on the use of expandable TLIF spacers are less common. Methods: This retrospective, single-center observational cohort study reviewed consecutive patients treated by TLIF using expandable titanium interbody implants (ALTERA™, Globus Medical Inc., Audubon, PA, USA) for degenerative pathologies from L2-S1 between 11/2018 and 09/2023. Surgical parameters, adverse events, radiological outcomes (fusion rate, segmental lordosis, spinopelvic parameters), and clinical outcomes were analyzed through a mean postoperative follow-up of 12 months. Results: This study identified 270 patients (mean age 65 years, 50.4% female) who underwent TLIF with expandable interbody spacers at 324 levels. Clinical outcomes were good or excellent in 74.1% of patients at 3 months and 71.8% at 12 months. Radiographic fusion was achieved in 73.1% of assessable segments at 12 months. Segmental lordosis increased significantly from 17.8° preoperatively to 20.0° at 12 months (p < 0.001). Adverse event (AE) rates were acceptable across all timepoints, with no device failures or device-associated complications observed. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that TLIF with expandable titanium interbody implants was safe, associated with high fusion rates, and enabled significant restoration of segmental lordosis that was maintained during follow-up. Full article

African ground squirrels (Xerus spp.), the inhabitants of African arid zones, face extreme heat and water scarcity driving selection for metabolic optimization. We assembled and annotated the first mitogenomes of Xerus inauris and Xerus rutilus (16,525–16,517 bp), revealing conserved vertebrate architecture with genus-specific traits. Key features include Xerus rutilus’s elongated ATP6 (680 vs. 605 bp), truncated ATP8–ATP6 spacers (4 vs. 43 bp), and tRNA-Pro control regions with 78.1–78.3% AT content. Their nucleotide composition diverged from that of related sciurids, marked by reduced T (25.78–26.9%) and extreme GC skew (−0.361 to −0.376). Codon usage showed strong Arg-CGA bias (RSCU = 3.78–3.88) and species-specific elevations in Xerus rutilus’s UGC-Cys (RSCU = 1.83 vs. 1.17). Phylogenetics positioned Xerus as sister to Ratufa bicolor (Bayesian PP = 0.928; ML = 1.0), aligning with African biogeographic isolation. Critically, we identified significant signatures of positive selection in key mitochondrial genes linked to arid adaptation. Positive selection signals in ND4 (ω = 1.8 × background), ND1, and ATP6 (p < 0.0033) correspond to enhanced proton gradient efficiency and ATP synthesis–molecular adaptations likely crucial for optimizing energy metabolism under chronic water scarcity and thermoregulatory stress in desert environments. Distinct evolutionary rates were observed across mitochondrial genes and complexes: Genes encoding Complex I subunits (ND2, ND6) and Complex III (Cytb) exhibited accelerated evolution in arid-adapted lineages, while genes encoding Complex IV subunits (COXI) and Complex V (ATP8) remained highly conserved. These findings resolve the Xerus mitogenomic diversity, demonstrating adaptive plasticity balancing arid-energy optimization and historical diversification while filling critical genomic gaps for this xeric-adapted lineage. Full article