Deep learning-based predictive models for forex market trends: Practical implementation and performance evaluation.

In recent years, there has been growing interest in the prediction of financial market trends, due to its potential applications in the real world. Unlike traditional investment avenues such as the stock market, the foreign exchange (Forex) market revolves around two primary types of orders that correspond with the market's direction: upward and downward. Consequently, forecasting the behaviour of the Forex behaviour market can be simplified into a binary classification problem to streamline its complexity. Despite the significant enhancements and improvements in performance seen in recent proposed predictive models for the forex market, driven by the advancement of deep learning in various domains, it remains imperative to approach these models with careful consideration of best practices and real-world applications. Currently, only a limited number of papers have been dedicated to this area. This article aims to bridge this gap by proposing a practical implementation of deep learning-based predictive models that perform well for real-world trading activities. These predictive mechanisms can help traders in minimising budget losses and anticipate future risks. Furthermore, the paper emphasises the importance of focussing on return profit as the evaluation metric, rather than accuracy. Extensive experimental studies conducted on realistic Yahoo Finance data sets validate the effectiveness of our implemented prediction mechanisms. Furthermore, empirical evidence suggests that employing the use of three-value labels yields superior accuracy performance compared to traditional two-value labels, as it helps reduce the number of orders placed.

Identification of FDA-approved drugs that induce heart regeneration in mammals.

Targeting Meis1 and Hoxb13 transcriptional activity could be a viable therapeutic strategy for heart regeneration. In this study, we performd an in silico screening to identify FDA-approved drugs that can inhibit Meis1 and Hoxb13 transcriptional activity based on the resolved crystal structure of Meis1 and Hoxb13 bound to DNA. Paromomycin (Paro) and neomycin (Neo) induced proliferation of neonatal rat ventricular myocytes in vitro and displayed dose-dependent inhibition of Meis1 and Hoxb13 transcriptional activity by luciferase assay and disruption of DNA binding by electromobility shift assay. X-ray crystal structure revealed that both Paro and Neo bind to Meis1 near the Hoxb13-interacting domain. Administration of Paro-Neo combination in adult mice and in pigs after cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury induced cardiomyocyte proliferation, improved left ventricular systolic function and decreased scar formation. Collectively, we identified FDA-approved drugs with therapeutic potential for induction of heart regeneration in mammals.

Class II Correction and Crowding Treatment Using In-House Direct Printed Clear Aligners: A Literature Review and Case Report.

Clear aligner therapy has significantly improved orthodontic treatment by offering patients a more aesthetically pleasing option compared to traditional braces. This literature review and case report specifically focus on the effectiveness of directly printed clear aligners in treating Class II malocclusions and crowding. Class II malocclusions are characterized by excessive overjet, which often results from skeletal or dental discrepancies between the upper and lower jaws. Crowding refers to the lack of space for teeth within the dental arch, leading to misalignment and potential functional issues. The review and case report highlight the increasing importance of directly printed clear aligners in modern orthodontics and provide clinicians with a valuable tool to effectively address complex malocclusions and crowding while also meeting patient needs for discretion and comfort. Further research is necessary to validate the long-term stability and outcomes of directly printed clear aligner therapy in various orthodontic cases. A detailed case report demonstrates the successful treatment of a patient with Class II malocclusion and mild crowding using directly printed clear aligners. Treatment outcomes include improvements in dental alignment, occlusion, and facial aesthetics, showcasing the effectiveness of this innovative approach.

Prevalence of overweight and obesity, dietary behaviors, and physical activities among sixth graders: a cross-sectional study in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents has been increasing worldwide and is a significant public health challenge. Obesity is linked to several non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity based on three growth references and described physical activities and dietary patterns among sixth graders in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC). From 2018 to 2020, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 1375 students from 16 junior high schools in HCMC. We applied Probability Proportional to Size sampling to select schools. Anthropometric measurements, pubertal status assessment, and diet and physical activity data were collected through Food Frequency and Physical Activity Questionnaires. The study revealed a high prevalence of overweight and obesity among grade 6 students, with ∼45%-56% of students classified as overweight or obese using various growth references. Moreover, most students did not meet the World Health Organization's physical activity and sedentary behavior recommendations. Most students spent <60 min/day on moderate to vigorous physical activity, and over 70% spent at least 120 min/day on sedentary activities during weekdays and weekends. The diet of the students was also imbalanced, with high intakes of protein, lipids, and carbohydrates and low consumption of fruits and vegetables. Nutritionists and policymakers should inform and encourage opportunities for healthier food and more daily activity for children, starting before the sixth-grade, so they can learn how to make healthier choices and change their behavior before they reach adolescence.

Robust interaction of ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles with layered graphitic carbon nitride for enhanced photocatalytic oxidative desulfurization of fuel oil: mechanism, performance and stability.

Sulfur compounds in fuel such as thiophene, benzothiophene and dibenzothiophene are the primary source of SO x emissions, leading to environmental pollution and acid rain. In this study, we synthesized a layered oxygen-doped graphitic carbon nitride (OCN) structure and integrated ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles onto the OCN surface through a microwave-assisted sol-gel method. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and density functional theory (DFT) results confirmed a robust interaction between the ZnO and TiO2 nanoparticles and the oxygen-doped g-C3N4 (OCN) surface, as indicated by the formation of C-N-Ti and C-O-Ti bonds. This interaction notably improved the optoelectronic properties of the ZnO-TiO2/OCN composite, yielding increased visible light absorption, reduced charge recombination rate, and enhanced separation and transfer of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. The oxygen doping into the CN network could alter the band structure and expand the absorption range of visible light. The ZnO-TiO2/OCN photocatalyst demonstrated remarkable desulfurization capabilities, converting 99.19% of dibenzothiophene (DBT) to dibenzothiophene sulfone (DBT-O2) at 25 °C, and eliminating 92.13% of DBT from real-world fuel oil samples. We conducted in-depth analysis of the factors impacting the redox process of DBT, including the ZnO ratio, initial DBT concentration, catalyst dosage, stability, and O/S molar ratio. Radical trapping experiments established that ˙O2 -, ˙OH and h+ radicals significantly influence the reaction rate. The obtained results indicated that the ZnO-TiO2/OCN photocatalyst represents a promising tool for future fuel oil desulfurization applications.

Chemical Compositions and Antimicrobial and Mosquito Larvicidal Activities of the Leaf Essential Oils of Goniothalamus yunnanensis W.T.Wang and G. touranensis Ast: Experimental and In Silico Approaches.

The current research describes a phytochemical analysis and antimicrobial activity of essential oils extracted from the leaves of two Vietnamese Annonaceae species Goniothalamus yunnanensis W.T.Wang and G. touranensis Ast. By the GC-FID/MS (gas chromatography-flame ionization detection/mass spectrometry) analyses, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons accounted for the highest percentage of 68.22% in G. yunnanensis leaf essential oil with bicyclogermacrene (31.03%) and (E)-caryophyllene (21.12%) being the main compounds. G. touranensis leaf essential oil was dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons (57.08%) with p-cymene (19.95%) and α-pinene (16.82%) being the major compounds. Two oil samples showed strong antibacterial effects on the Gram-positive bacteria Enterococcus faecalis ATCC51299, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC29213, and Bacillus cereus ATCC11778 with the MIC values of 16-64 µg/mL. They also inhibited the growth of the yeast Candida albicans ATCC 60193 with the same MIC value of 128 µg/mL. Both two oil samples showed strong mosquito larvicidal activity against four-instar larvae of Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus with the 24-h LC50 values of 16.75-27.60 µg/mL and 24-h LC90 values of 24.31-46.18 µg/mL. Docking results indicated that bicyclogermacrene and p-cymene exhibited the highest ΔG (binding affinity) values of -8.208 and -6.799 kcal/mol with the olfactory binding proteins (OBPs) of Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus, respectively.

Formulations of poly(vinyl alcohol) functionalized silk fibroin nanoparticles for the oral delivery of zwitterionic ciprofloxacin.

Fibroin nanoparticles (FNP) have been employed in numerous biomedical applications. However, limited research has focused on the oral delivery of FNP and in-depth molecular interactions between the encapsulated drug and FNP. Therefore, this work developed the FNP, functionalized with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), to orally deliver the zwitterionic ciprofloxacin, focused on the molecular interactions. The particles were formulated using both desolvation (the drug precipitated during the particles formulation) and adsorption (the drug adsorbed on the particles surfaces) methods. The optimal formula possessed a size of ~630 nm with narrow size distribution (measured by DLS method), spherical shape (determined by SEM), and moderate drug loading (confirmed by FT-IR, XRD, and DSC techniques) of ~50% for the desolvation method and ~43% for the adsorption method. More than 80% of the drug molecules resided on the particle surfaces, mainly via electrostatic forces with fibroin. The drug was physically adsorbed onto FNP, which followed Langmuir model and pseudo second-order kinetics. In the in-vitro simulated gastric condition at pH 1.2, the ciprofloxacin bound strongly with FNP via electrostatic forces, thus hindering the drug release (< 40%). Contrastingly, in the simulated intestinal condition at pH 6.8, the particles could control the drug release rates dependent on the PVA amount, with up to ~100% drug release. Lastly, the particles possessed adequate antibacterial activities on Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enterica, with MIC of 128, 8, and 32 µg/mL, respectively. In summary, the FNP and PVA functionalized FNP could be a potential oral delivery system for zwitterionic drugs.

TWO NEW CERATOMYXA SPECIES (MYXOSPOREA: CERATOMYXIDAE) INFECTING THE GALL BLADDER OF MARINE FISHES FROM THE SOUTH-CENTRAL COAST OF VIETNAM.

Myxospores discovered floating free in the bile of marine fishes from the south-central coast of Vietnam were identified using morphological and molecular methods, leading to the description of 2 new species. Ceratomyxa chauvanminhi n. sp. was detected in 16% (8/50) of cultured barramundi Lates calcarifer (Bloch) specimens, and Ceratomyxa sekoi n. sp. was found in 20% (5/25) of wild largehead hairtail Trichiurus lepturus Linnaeus specimens. The spores of C. chauvanminhi n. sp. are very shallowly ovoid, slightly crescent shaped, and 11.5 ± 0.5 (10.7-12.4) µm thick, 5.8 ± 0.2 (5.4-6.1) µm long, and 5.5 ± 0.2 (5.2-5.7) µm wide. Their posterior angles are slightly concave at 158.7° ± 4.2° (151.3°-164.8°), and they possess 2 equal spherical polar capsules 2.5 ± 0.2 (2.1-2.9) µm in diameter. The spores of C. sekoi n. sp. are 5.6 ± 0.2 (5.0-6.1) µm long, 75.5 ± 4.8 (68.9-90.0) µm thick, and 5.5 ± 0.1 (5.4-5.6) µm wide, with 2 equal, slightly anterior spherical polar capsules 2.1 ± 0.2 (1.7-2.4) µm in diameter. Although C. sekoi n. sp. spores resemble those of species of MyxodavisiaZhao, Zhou, Kent, and Whipps, 2008, characterized by long tapering valves, genetic analyses distinctly place this new species within the Ceratomyxa Thélohan, 1892 lineage. This study contributes to the understanding myxosporean diversity in Vietnamese waters and highlights the difficulty associated with distinguishing between the genera Ceratomyxa and Myxodavisia.

Dialysis nanocomposite membranes based on carbon nanoforms inhibiting blood plasma protein adsorption.

BACKGROUND: Protein adsorption on medical devices in contact with blood is a significant issue during renal replacement therapy. Main forces determining fouling are the electrostatic interactions between membrane and charged protein, but the dialysis membrane surface charges can be adjusted by modifying the polymer matrix to decrease the blood plasma protein adsorption. METHODS: In this study, polysulfone membranes (PSU) were modified by incorporation of carbon nanoparticles such as: multiwall carbon nanotubes (2 wt.% MWCNT), graphene oxide (1 wt.% GO), and graphite (5 wt.% GR) during manufacturing process (nonsolvent-induced phase separation, NIPS). The PSU flat sheet membrane was the reference sample. RESULTS: Observed morphology of nanocomposite membranes was similar (SEM imaging); all of them had finger-like pore structure with unimodal distribution of pore size and similar skin-to-support ratio (1:3). The carbon nanoadditives also influenced the surface wettability: hydrophobicity and surface free energy of membranes increased (polar components of energy were reduced, while the dispersive components were increased). CONCLUSION: The surface charge of nanocomposite membranes increased, when the polymer matrix has been modified with CNT or GR. This significantly affects the adsorption of proteins such as chicken (CSA) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) and reduces blood clotting on the membrane.

In vitro and in silico studies of alpha glucosidase inhibition and antifungal activity of coffea canephora husk.

The coffea canephora husk, a protected agricultural crop, is abundant in Vietnam. Examining the effects of C. canephora husk compounds on α-glucosidase and antifungal drug activity was the primary objective of this research. A cholestane-type steroid, coffeacanol A (1), was extracted from the ethyl acetate extract. Three cholestane-type derivatives (2-4) and three additional known compounds (5-7) were separated, and we used a variety of chromatographic techniques to identify a total of six substances. We used NMR to determine the chemical structures of these substances. Extensive HR-MS-ESI analysis and NMR experimental data were used to confirm the structure of the novel metabolite (1). The cholestane-type steroid was initially discovered in the Coffea canephora husk, marking the first instance in the coffee plant family to reveal chemical structures (1-7). The inhibition of α-glucosidase was found to be significantly higher in all compounds tested, with the exception of compounds (2) and (5). In vitro, the positive control showed the lowest inhibition, and the range of IC50 values was calculated to be 27.4 to 96.5 µM, which is lower than the IC50 value of 214.50 µM for the acarbose control. With an IC50 value of 27.4 µM, compound (7) showed the greatest capacity to inhibit α-glucosidase among the test compounds. The 3TOP and 2VF5 enzyme crystal structures were used for in silico docking investigations and validations of compounds (1-7). In silico calculations to explain how compound (7) shows high activity in vitro via the enzyme inhibition mechanism by residual amino acids, like Gly 1102 (B chain) and Glu 1095 (B chain), and their relative interaction with compounds (7) and acarbose. Compound (7) exhibited the best antifungal activity against Candida albicans fungus among three fungi, namely Candida albicans, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and Trichophyton rubrum, with a MIC value of 25 µM. Compound (7) and fluconazole combined to form similar interactions in the contact ligand model, including the functional group, capping group, and linker part, which interacted fully with the 2VF5 enzyme, leading to effective in vitro inhibition.

'Personalized medicine': phenotyping pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in children. Phenotyping pediatric OSA has a crucial role in personalized diagnosis and treatment to improve outcomes for this population. This review sets forth a clinical approach that allows for phenotyping pediatric OSA. RECENT FINDINGS: The emerging concept of phenotyping pediatric OSA is based on identifying a primary cause, which leads to a more precise understanding of the pathogenesis in any individual patient. Phenotyping enables treatment focusing on the primary cause, but does not exclude the need for supplemental management strategies based on other recognizable traits. The identification of pediatric OSA phenotypes (POP) relies on observable characteristics with significant prevalence. This review will concentrate on the most important phenotypes seen in clinical practice: pediatric OSA with craniofacial abnormalities (POPCA); OSA with upper airway disease (POPUAD); OSA with obesity (POPO), and OSA associated with neuromuscular disease (POPNED). SUMMARY: Phenotyping pediatric OSA is a form of personalized medicine. By identifying clinical subtypes, individualized treatment plans can be devised in order to choose therapies that are associated with predictable responses. Moreover, it is rare that a therapeutic modality is devoid of possible complications; knowledge of the phenotype being treated can enable early intervention should those occur. Finally, all of the aforementioned phenotypes require personalized support incorporating individualized care plans so as to optimize the quality of life and overall sleep health of children with OSA.

Taxonomic and abundance biases affect the record of marine eukaryotic plankton communities in sediment DNA archives.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) preserved in marine sediments is increasingly being used to study past ecosystems. However, little is known about how accurately marine biodiversity is recorded in sediment eDNA archives, especially planktonic taxa. Here, we address this question by comparing eukaryotic diversity in 273 eDNA samples from three water depths and the surface sediments of 24 stations in the Nordic Seas. Analysis of 18S-V9 metabarcoding data reveals distinct eukaryotic assemblages between water and sediment eDNA. Only 40% of Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) detected in water were also found in sediment eDNA. Remarkably, the ASVs shared between water and sediment accounted for 80% of total sequence reads suggesting that a large amount of plankton DNA is transported to the seafloor, predominantly from abundant phytoplankton taxa. However, not all plankton taxa were equally archived on the seafloor. The plankton DNA deposited in the sediments was dominated by diatoms and showed an underrepresentation of certain nano- and picoplankton taxa (Picozoa or Prymnesiophyceae). Our study offers the first insights into the patterns of plankton diversity recorded in sediment in relation to seasonality and spatial variability of environmental conditions in the Nordic Seas. Our results suggest that the genetic composition and structure of the plankton community vary considerably throughout the water column and differ from what accumulates in the sediment. Hence, the interpretation of sedimentary eDNA archives should take into account potential taxonomic and abundance biases when reconstructing past changes in marine biodiversity.

Nanocellulose-alginate composite beads for improving Ciprofloxacin bioavailability.

Nanocellulose is a potential material utilized in numerous biomedical applications. However, its hydrophilic characteristic and uncontrolled encapsulated drug release hinders nanocellulose uses in oral drug administration. Thus, this work developed novel nanocellulose/alginate composite (CNC/Alg) beads for oral delivery and bioavailability enhancement of a model drug, Ciprofloxacin (CIP). CNC was green synthesized employing electrolysis process from sugarcane bagasse. CNC/Alg beads were formulated by dropwise adding CNC-Alg mixture in CaCl2 solution at room temperature. CIP was incorporated into CNC/Alg beads by adsorption technique. X-ray diffractometry and Fourier-transform infrared spectra images showed that the beads were effectively produced with high crystallinity of 75.5 %, and the typical bond of cellulose and alginate. Within 4 h of adsorption, CIP loading efficiency reached 45.27 %, with 87.2 % molecules in the zwitterionic state. The adsorption followed Elovich and pseudo-second-order models, indicating a multi-mechanism including both physical and chemical adsorptions. Importantly, in gastrointestinal tract, the beads could protect CIP from acidic stomach environment while releasing it sustainably in simulated intestinal condition (75.05 %). The beads also showed strong antibacterial activity against both Gram(-) and Gram(+) bacteria, as evidenced by low IC50 and minimum inhibitory concentration values. Finally, CNC/Alg beads could improve CIP bioavailability for effective oral drug delivery route.

Impact of preexisting interstitial lung disease on outcomes of lung cancer surgery: A monocentric retrospective study.

INTRODUCTION: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) is a known risk factor for lung cancer (LC). However, the surgical risk of LC in patients with ILD remains unclear. Therefore, we conducted a single-center retrospective study to assess clinical features and outcomes of LC population who underwent surgery with or without ILD. METHODS: Patients who underwent surgery for LC between January 2006 and June 2023 in our center were assessed using data extracted from the nationwide EPITHOR thoracic surgery database. Suspicion of ILD was based on patients' records. Confirmation of ILD was then made on the patient's medical and radiological history. Patients were classified according to the pattern of ILD. The study aimed to describe the outcomes after lung cancer resection in patients with confirmed LC-ILD group compared to those without ILD (LC-non-ILD): post-operative complications, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). A subgroup analysis was also performed on patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and lung cancer (LC-IPF). RESULTS: 4073 patients underwent surgery for LC at Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille between January 2006 and June 2023. Of these, 4030 were in the LC-non-ILD group and 30 were LC-ILD patients. In the LC-ILD group, the predominant CT scan pattern was probable UIP (50 %). OS was not significantly lower in the LC-ILD group (45 months versus 84 months, p = 0.068). Dyspnea and tumor size were identified as potential univariate predictors of OS. No significant differences were observed on post-operative complications or their severity. The most common post-operative complications in the LC-ILD group were prolonged air leak, respiratory failure, or pneumonia. 13 patients had cancer recurrence in the LC-ILD group. CONCLUSION: Our study provides a comprehensive analysis of a LC-ILD population features and outcome when undergoing surgery for LC. Patients with LC-ILD appeared to have a reduced OS compared with LC-non-ILD. Further investigations with larger prospective studies could be useful to confirm and develop these preliminary findings.

Utilization of dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus) peel-derived biochar for the adsorptive removal of tetracycline from aqueous solution.

The peel of Hylocereus undatus was employed in the preparation of biochar and firstly applied for tetracycline removal from aqueous solution. Based on different characterization techniques, the material was found to possess a variety of surface functional groups on a porous structure and a pH point of zero charge (pHpzc) of 9.3. Adsorption of tetracycline (TC) was conducted under varying conditions, revealing significant effects of carbonization temperature, solution pH, adsorbent dose, ionic strength, contact time and initial concentration of TC on the biochar adsorption capacity. Kinetic data on TC adsorption were best described using the Elovich kinetic model, with an initial adsorption rate of 167.3 mg g-1 min-1. Isotherm data on adsorption of the desired biochar showed the best fit with the Temkin isotherm model, followed by the Langmuir model, displaying maximum adsorption capacity at 12.4 mg g-1. The electrostatic interactions between the charged biochar surfaces and certain fractions of TC were proposed as the major mechanism, together with H-bonding, pore-filling effect and π-π interaction. This study demonstrates great potential of H. undatus peel as a starting material to prepare an effective and reusable adsorbent in the removal of TC.

Literature is available on a large number of plant-based biochar adsorbents for the removal of antibiotics. However, to the best of our knowledge, no report has been published on applying biochar derived from Hylocereus undatus peel for antibiotics removal. This type of fruit peel is available in massive amounts in Vietnam and is considered as an agricultural solid waste. Therefore, to fill the gap in the literature and to converse this leftover waste into a value-added byproduct, we chose this study to prepare H. undatus peel-derived biochar for the elimination of TC in an aqueous solution.

First report of Helicotylenchus dihystera parasitizing Lady Tankerville orchids (Phaius tankervilleae) in Vietnam.

Lady Tankerville, a rare orchid species (Phaius tankervilleae (Banks ex L'Hér.) Blume) in Vietnam, not only enhances the aesthetic value of the surroundings with its enchanting blooms but also holds high economic value (Aver'janov & Averyanova, 2003). Investigating the necrosis symptom on the root system and declined Lady Tankerville in the market in Hai Duong province in Vietnam from 11/2020 to 12/2021, we discovered a substantial infestation (24/24 plants were infected) of a spiral nematode, Helicotylenchus sp. The nematode population was extracted from the rhizosphere soil, roots, and stems of a single orchid using the modified Baermann tray technique (Whitehead & Hemming, 1965), for thorough characterization. The average nematode density was measured at 525±85 (350-670) nematodes/250 cm3 of soil, 202±56 (198-264) nematodes/15 g of roots, and 80±15 (72-95) nematodes/15 g of stem. Two hundred nematodes from the same population were inoculated into another healthy orchid for preservation and further infection tests. This species was morphologically identified as Helicotylenchus dihystera according to the key of Fotedar and Kaul (1985) and the description of Sher (1966). Morphometric measurements of the females (n = 12) are as follows: body length = 632-725 (681 ± 32) µm; a = 24-34 (28 ± 3); b = 5.1-7.2 (6.0 ± 0.6); b' = 4.3-6.4 (5.3 ± 0.6); c = 33-46 (39 ± 5); c' = 1.1-1.4 (1.2 ± 0.1); V = 62-78 (65 ± 4)%; O = 30 -49 (39 ± 6); stylet length = 21-26 (24 ± 2) µm; DGO = 9.2-12.4 (10.8 ± 1.1) µm. To validate morphological observations, molecular analyses of the ITS (Vrain et al., 1992) and the D2-D3 of 28S rRNA (Subbotin et al., 2006) were conducted. The ITS and D2-D3 sequences from this study (accession number: PP060444 and PP033748) exhibited the highest similarity of 99.8% and 100% to the sequence of H. dihystera in GenBank (KM506885 and MW023215), respectively. The infection test took place in a greenhouse at 28 ± 2℃. Three-month-old Phaius tankervilleae (n=8) were individually grown in 15 x 15 cm deep pots filled with sterilized sand and inoculated with 500 gravid females of H. dihystera (Rashid & Azad, 2013). Two noninoculated plants served as controls. After 60 days of inoculation, symptoms such as sunspots and root necrosis, observed in the market, appeared in the tested plants (Fig. S1). The presence and diagnosis of H. dihystera infestation in soil, roots, and stems across growth stages of orchids indicates the nematode to be an obligate parasite. The nematodes penetrate the roots, causing characteristic necrotic lesions initially yellow, then turn reddish-brown to black, along with brown root flecks in discolored tissues. Heavy infestations post-flowering led to extensive necrosis, distortion, and decay of the roots. The average reproduction factor (final population/initial population) of H. dihystera in this study was 22.2. Control plants remained symptom-free. Notably, 100% of tested plants were infected, highlighting the severe impact of H. dihystera. The nematodes were successfully reisolated and identified as H. dihystera through molecular analyses (accession number: PP060615 (ITS) and PP033748 (D2-D3)), reaffirming its identity. In addition to 32 host plants in Vietnam (Nguyen et al., 2023), our study reveals a strain of H. dihystera parasitizing Lady Tankerville orchids with a relatively high reproduction factor and infection rate. This marks the first reported instance of H. dihystera parasitizing Lady Tankerville orchids in Vietnam, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to protect this plant.

Actin-organizing protein palladin modulates C2C12 cell fate determination.

Background: Cell confluency and serum deprivation promote the transition of C2C12 myoblasts into myocytes and subsequence fusion into myotubes. However, despite all myoblasts undergoing the same serum deprivation trigger, their responses vary: whether they become founder myocytes, remain proliferative, or evolve into fusion-competent myocytes remains unclear. We have previously shown that depletion of the scaffolding protein palladin in myoblasts inhibits cell migration and promotes premature muscle differentiation, pointing to its potential significance in muscle development and the necessity for a more in-depth examination of its function in cellular heterogeneity. Methods and results: Here, we showed that the subcellular localization of palladin might contribute to founder-fate cell decision in the early differentiation process. Depleting palladin in C2C12 myoblasts depleted integrin-ß3 plasma membrane localization of and focal adhesion formation at the early stage of myogenesis, decreased kindlin-2 and metavinculin expression during the myotube maturation process, leading to the inability of myocytes to fuse into preexisting mature myotubes. This aligns with previous findings where early differentiation into nascent myotubes occurred but compromised maturation. In contrast, wildtype C2C12 overexpressing the 140-kDa palladin isoform developed a polarized morphology with star-like structures toward other myoblasts. However, this behaviour was not observed in palladin-depleted cells, where the 140-kDa palladin overexpression could not recover cell migration capacity, suggesting other palladin isoforms are also needed to establish cell polarity. Conclusion: Our study identifies a counter-intuitive role for palladin in regulating myoblast-to-myocyte cell fate decisions and impacting their ability to form mature multinucleated myotubes by influencing cell signalling pathways and cytoskeletal organization, necessary for skeletal muscle regeneration and repair studies.

Toxic metals in rice among Asian countries: A review of occurrence and potential human health risks.

Heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), and lead (Pb) pose significant health risks, particularly in Asia, where rice is a staple for nearly three billion people. Despite their known dangers and environmental prevalence, studies addressing their concentrations in rice across different regions and the associated health implications remain insufficient. This review systematically examines the occurrence and impact of these toxic elements, filling a critical gap in the literature. Data from seven countries indicate mean concentrations in the order of Pb > As>Cd, with values of 0.255 ± 0.013, 0.236 ± 0.317, and 0.136 ± 0.150 mg/kg, respectively. Uncertainty analysis shows extensive variability, especially for Cd, with a 95% confidence interval range from 0.220 to 0.992 mg/kg. The typical daily intake of heavy metals through rice consumption, in the order of As>Cd > Pb, frequently exceeds safe limits. Generally, data obtained from various studies showed that children were more prone to heavy metal contamination through rice consumption than adults. This review is fundamental for ongoing monitoring, future research, and management strategies to reduce heavy metal contamination in rice.

Desmoid Tumor of the Rectus Abdominis Muscle: A Case Report.

Desmoid tumors, also referred to as aggressive fibromatosis, represent an uncommon form of fibroblastic proliferation. These neoplasms may arise within any musculoaponeurotic structure throughout the body. They are classified as benign due to several distinctive features: histologically, they exhibit regular mitotic activity and are devoid of metastatic potential. Computed tomography (CT) remains the definitive modality for precise diagnosis, and surgical excision is strongly advised. This account details the manifestation of a desmoid tumor located in the anterior abdominal wall of a 31-year-old female patient who notably lacks any prior surgical interventions. The surgical intervention entailed the excision of the neoplasm and subsequent reconstruction of the abdominal wall utilizing a polypropylene mesh. Postoperatively, the patient was released from the medical facility after a period of three days, having experienced no post-surgical complications. This was followed by a six-month interval free of any adverse events.

Epigenome-wide DNA Methylation Association Study of CHIP Provides Insight into Perturbed Gene Regulation.

With age, hematopoietic stem cells can acquire somatic mutations in leukemogenic genes that confer a proliferative advantage in a phenomenon termed "clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential" (CHIP). How these mutations confer a proliferative advantage and result in increased risk for numerous age-related diseases remains poorly understood. We conducted a multiracial meta-analysis of epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) of CHIP and its subtypes in four cohorts (N=8196) to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying CHIP and illuminate how these changes influence cardiovascular disease risk. The EWAS findings were functionally validated using human hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) models of CHIP. A total of 9615 CpGs were associated with any CHIP, 5990 with DNMT3A CHIP, 5633 with TET2 CHIP, and 6078 with ASXL1 CHIP (P <1×10-7). CpGs associated with CHIP subtypes overlapped moderately, and the genome-wide DNA methylation directions of effect were opposite for TET2 and DNMT3A CHIP, consistent with their opposing effects on global DNA methylation. There was high directional concordance between the CpGs shared from the meta-EWAS and human edited CHIP HSCs. Expression quantitative trait methylation analysis further identified transcriptomic changes associated with CHIP-associated CpGs. Causal inference analyses revealed 261 CHIP-associated CpGs associated with cardiovascular traits and all-cause mortality (FDR adjusted p-value <0.05). Taken together, our study sheds light on the epigenetic changes impacted by CHIP and their associations with age-related disease outcomes. The novel genes and pathways linked to the epigenetic features of CHIP may serve as therapeutic targets for preventing or treating CHIP-mediated diseases.