Arabidopsis CDF3 transcription factor increases carbon and nitrogen assimilation and yield in trans-grafted tomato plants.

Grafting in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) has mainly been used to prevent damage by soil-borne pathogens and the negative effects of abiotic stresses, although productivity and fruit quality can also be enhanced using high vigor rootstocks. In the context of a low nutrients input agriculture, the grafting of elite cultivars onto rootstocks displaying higher Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) supports a direct strategy for yield maximization. In this study we assessed the use of plants overexpressing the Arabidopsis (AtCDF3) or tomato (SlCDF3) CDF3 genes, previously reported to increase NUE in tomato, as rootstocks to improve yield in the grafted scion under low N inputs. We found that the AtCDF3 gene induced greater production of sugars and amino acids, which allowed for greater biomass and fruit yield under both sufficient and limiting N supplies. Conversely, no positive impact was found with the SlCDF3 gene. Hormone analyses suggest that gibberellins (GA4), auxin and cytokinins (tZ) might be involved in the AtCDF3 responses to N. The differential responses triggered by the two genes could be related, at least in part, to the mobility of the AtCDF3 transcript through the phloem to the shoot. Consistently, a higher expression of the target genes of the transcription factor, such as glutamine synthase 2 (SlGS2) and GA oxidase 3 (SlGA3ox), involved in amino acid and gibberellin biosynthesis, respectively, was observed in the leaves of this graft combination. Altogether, our results provided further insights into the mode of action of CDF3 genes and their biotechnology potential for transgrafting approaches.

Variability of the trophic state in a coastal reef system associated with submarine groundwater discharge in the Mexican Caribbean.

Submarine groundwater discharges (SGD) have been associated with important sources of nutrients between the land and oceans that can generate eutrophication conditions. This study aims to analyze the behavior of nitrogen and phosphorus using the mixing curve method, to examine the variation of the trophic state using the Karydis Index, and to evaluate the δ15N in benthic organisms to trace the origin of nitrogen in neap tide (November) and spring tide (January) in the Manatí Cenote, and Nohoch-Teek reef lagoon in the Mexican Caribbean. Nitrogen and phosphate enrichment was in the Manatí Cenote during neap and spring tides. This enrichment was particularly noticeable in the reef lagoon during low tides in the areas influenced by SGD. In the Cenote, differences in the nitrate trophic state were observed, indicating an eu-mesotrophic condition during neap tide and a mesotrophic condition during spring tide. However, no significant differences were observed for ammonium (oligo-mesotrophic), nitrites, or phosphate compounds (oligotrophic). The trophic state reef lagoon exhibited a similar pattern but with different spatial variations. In both systems, phosphorus was a limiting nutrient, while δ15N suggested anthropogenic nitrogen uptake by several benthic organisms.

Eyes on the Future: Inspiring Latino Middle School Youth to Pursue Careers in STEM Through Early Interactive Science Programming.

BACKGROUND: Given the need for a diverse health care workforce, efforts must be made early in their education to support underrepresented minorities in medicine and the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. METHODS: The Eyes on the Future program introduces underrepresented minority 8th grade students to science and medicine via interactive science-based programming and mentorship by medical and graduate students. Program impact was evaluated using pre- and post-program surveys. RESULTS: Of 25 participating students, 24 and 22 responded to pre- and post-program surveys, respectively. Students showed strong interest in science concepts and STEM careers, with high, positively correlated, and statistically similar pre- and post-program survey responses. DISCUSSION: The Eyes on the Future program was well-received and represents a step towards addressing barriers to STEM careers faced by underrepresented minority students.

Activation of murine macrophages by membrane proteins from Tritrichomonas foetus grown on iron- and calcium-rich conditions.

Tritrichomonas foetus is a protozoan parasite that causes a venereal disease in cattle limiting reproduction by abortions and sterility. The immune response against this parasite is poorly understood. Since the iron and calcium ions are important regulators of the microenvironment of the urogenital tract in cattle, we decided to evaluate the role of these divalent cations on the antigenicity of membrane proteins of T. foetus on macrophage activation as one of the first inflammatory responses towards this pathogen. Colorimetric methods and ELISA were used to detect the nitric oxide and oxygen peroxide production and expression of cytokines in culture supernatant from macrophage incubated with membrane proteins from T. foetus cultured in iron- and calcium-rich conditions. qRT-PCR assays were used to evaluate the transcript expression of genes involved in the inflammatory response on the macrophages. The membrane proteins used for in vitro stimulation caused the up-regulation of the iNOS and NOX-2 genes as well as the generation of NO and H2 O2 in murine macrophages on a dependent way of the metal concentrations. Additionally, after stimulation, macrophages showed a considerable rise in pro-inflammatory cytokines and a downregulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines, as well as up-regulation in the transcription of the TLR4 and MyD88 genes. These data suggest that membrane proteins of T. foetus induced by iron and calcium can activate an inflammatory specific macrophage response via TLR4/MyD88 signalling pathway.

Don't Throw Away the Handout: Efficacy of Patient Education in Pediatric Orthopaedic Trauma.

BACKGROUND: Printed educational materials (PEMs) have been used for patient education in various settings. The purpose of this study was to determine the readability, understandability, and actionability of trauma-related educational material from the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA, Orthokids), as well as determine its efficacy in educating pediatric orthopaedic trauma patients and caregivers. METHODS: The readability, understandability and actionability of PEMs was assessed using the Patient Education materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT). Five reviewers ranging in experience independently evaluated the educational materials. The efficacy of PEMs was assessed prospectively by randomizing patients into 2 groups. The first group (Education) received the OrthoKids educational material related to the patient's fracture. The second group (No Education) did not receive the educational material. At the first follow-up visit, parents/guardians in both groups completed surveys. Statistical analyses included descriptive and univariate statistics. RESULTS: The understandability of PEMs was similar (68% to 74%); however, the educational materials had varying actionability scores ranging from 20% for femoral shaft fractures to 60% for elbow fractures. In total, 101 patients were randomized to assess the efficacy of educational materials (Education=51, No Education=50). There were no significant differences in sex, age, race/ethnicity, and level of education between caregivers in both groups ( P > 0.05). Only 61% (31/51) participants in the Education group reported using the educational material; however, 67% to 68% of participants in either group reported wanting PEMs. Participants in the group that did not receive PEMs were significantly more likely to use the internet to find more information (74% vs. 51%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that participants that did not receive PEMs were significantly more likely to search the internet for more information. Improving the quality and actionability of educational resources on electronic platforms is needed to improve patient education. A multi-modal approach using PEMs that includes a list of high-quality online sources would likely be most effective in educating pediatric trauma patients and caregivers. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: I.

Pediatric Orthopaedic Observerships in North America for International Surgeons: A Qualitative Study Exploring Motivations, Relevance, and Alternate Learning Platforms.

BACKGROUND: Given the growing interest among international surgeons to participate in North American clinical observerships, it is essential to incorporate international surgeons' views to further enhance the program's applicability, value, and accessibility. In this qualitative follow-up study, we explored the motivations, relevance, and opinions about alternate learning platforms among the international surgeons who had participated in a pediatric orthopaedic clinical observership in North America. METHODS: Using a semistructured interview guide, international surgeons who had participated in a North American pediatric orthopaedic observership during 2009 to 2019 were interviewed until data saturation and inductive thematic saturation were reached. Twenty-one international surgeons representing 15 different countries (1 from a low-income country, 10 from a lower middle-income country, 8 from an upper middle-income country, and 2 from a high-income country) were interviewed. RESULTS: The most commonly cited motivations for doing a clinical observership were to advance clinical training and learn specific skills. The clinical and nonclinical skills gained during the observership, such as utilizing an integrated team approach and open communication style, were helpful to most interviewees; however, several respondents highlighted the critical need to adapt and modify surgical indications, techniques, and skills to suit their local environment and limited resource availability. Although respondents were interested in exploring virtual learning models to save time and expense, several preferred a hybrid model, including access to remote learning opportunities and sharing their own clinical experiences with the North American hosts. CONCLUSIONS: Identifying the visiting surgeon's motivation for participation can allow North American hosts to align their clinical exposure more closely with the unique needs and aspirations of the international surgeons and enable a more relevant exchange of clinical and nonclinical skills. Use of a blended learning model, including in-person and virtual learning platforms, and the missed opportunity of having the international surgeons share their clinical experiences and skills with their North American counterparts should be explored further.

Erratum: Rates of readmission and reoperation after operative management of midshaft clavicle fractures in adolescents.

[This corrects the article on p. 1001 in vol. 12, PMID: 35036342.].

Ectopic expression of the AtCDF1 transcription factor in potato enhances tuber starch and amino acid contents and yield under open field conditions.

Introduction: Cycling Dof transcription factors (CDFs) have been involved in different aspects of plant growth and development. In Arabidopsis and tomato, one member of this family (CDF1) has recently been associated with the regulation of primary metabolism and abiotic stress responses, but their roles in crop production under open field conditions remain unknown. Methods: In this study, we compared the growth, and tuber yield and composition of plants ectopically expressing the CDF1 gene from Arabidopsis under the control of the 35S promoter with wild-type (WT) potato plants cultured in growth chamber and open field conditions. Results: In growth chambers, the 35S::AtCDF1 plants showed a greater tuber yield than the WT by increasing the biomass partition for tuber development. Under field conditions, the ectopic expression of CDF1 also promoted the sink strength of the tubers, since 35S::AtCDF1 plants exhibited significant increases in tuber size and weight resulting in higher tuber yield. A metabolomic analysis revealed that tubers of 35S::AtCDF1 plants cultured under open field conditions accumulated higher levels of glucose, starch and amino acids than WT tubers. A comparative proteomic analysis of tubers of 35S::AtCDF1 and WT plants cultured under open field conditions revealed that these changes can be accounted for changes in the expression of proteins involved in energy production and different aspects of C and N metabolism. Discussion: The results from this study advance our collective understanding of the role of CDFs and are of great interest for the purposes of improving the yield and breeding of crop plants.

The ovaries of ivermectin-resistant Rhipicephalus microplus strains display proteomic adaptations involving the induction of xenobiotic detoxification and structural remodeling mechanisms.

Controlling Rhipicephalus microplus is among the most significant challenges for livestock production worldwide. The indiscriminate use of acaricides stimulates the selection of resistant tick populations and is therefore ineffective. Understanding the molecular foundations of resistance could help inform the search for new alternatives for tick control. Although the ovary has been suggested as a relevant target organ for tick control, there are few existing studies that focus on tick ovarian tissue. Therefore, we conducted a comparative proteomic analysis on ovaries of R. microplus strains with differential resistance to ivermectin. In resistant ticks, we observed the over-accumulation of proteins involved in several biological processes, including translation, proteolysis, transport, cellular organization, differentiation, and xenobiotic detoxification. We also observed the accumulation of many structural and extracellular proteins such as papilin-like protein, which glycosylation increase its stability-based molecular modeling. Therefore, we propose that ovaries of ivermectin-resistant ticks overcome the negative impact of ivermectin through the activation of detoxification mechanisms and structural proteins associated with the remodeling of the ovary's extracellular matrix. SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding the molecular foundation of ivermectin resistance in Rhipicephalus microplus represents an essential step in cattle farming, which could provide clues and alternatives for tick control. Excessive use of chemicals like ivermectin allows the generation of resistant tick strains in different countries. However, limited molecular information is available concerning the tick's resistance to ivermectin. Detailed proteomics scrutiny in various tick organs will provide more comprehensive molecular information. Thus, we conducted an ovary comparative proteomic-based TMT-SPS-MS3 approach. We highlight in ivermectin-resistant ticks the over-accumulation of structural proteins and enzymes connected to detoxification mechanisms.

Rates of Operative Management of Midshaft Clavicle Fracture in Adolescents Have Increased in Florida between 2005 and 2014.

Background: It is not known if the adult literature on midshaft clavicle fracture treatment with open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) has influenced injury management in adolescents. Purpose: We sought to longitudinally evaluate the rates of operative management of adolescent midshaft clavicle fractures in the state of Florida. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of data from the following Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project databases: the State Inpatient Database, the State Ambulatory Surgery and Services Database, and the State Emergency Department Database. Patients in Florida ages 10 to 18 years with midshaft clavicle fractures between 2005 and 2014 were identified along with data on age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance type, treatment, and income percentile. We reviewed the data to identify trends in the rates of operative management of midshaft clavicle fractures. We then compared the rates of operative management between the first 3 years and the most recent 3 years (2005-2007 vs 2012-2014). Various demographic and socioeconomic factors were compared between patients treated with and without surgery. Descriptive statistics as well as univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Results: There were 4297 midshaft clavicle fractures in adolescents identified between 2005 and 2014, and 338 (7.8%) of these fractures underwent operative management. There was a significant increase in the rate of operative management; it increased from 4.3% (n = 59) of the 1373 clavicle fractures that occurred between 2005 and 2007 to 11.2% (n = 130) of the 1164 clavicle fractures that occurred between 2012 and 2014. Patients with commercial insurance and patients who were older were more likely to undergo ORIF. Patients with Medicaid were more likely to undergo ORIF between 2012 and 2014 compared with patients with Medicaid between 2005 and 2007. Conclusions: Operative management rates of adolescent midshaft clavicle fractures have significantly increased in Florida over a decade; additional research is needed to understand these findings.

Comparative proteome analysis of the midgut of Rhipicephalus microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) strains with contrasting resistance to ivermectin reveals the activation of proteins involved in the detoxification metabolism.

Rhipicephalus microplus is the most serious tick parasite for the livestock industry in tropical and subtropical regions. A cost-effective control method to manage the infestation of this parasite involves the use of chemicals such as ivermectin. However, massive overuse of ivermectin over recent decades has selected for ivermectin-resistant populations of R. microplus. Here, we carried out a comparative proteomic analysis of the midgut of ivermectin-susceptible versus ivermectin-resistant ticks using tandem mass tags coupled to synchronous precursor selection. In susceptible ticks, there was an over-representation of proteins associated with blood digestion and anticoagulation. In contrast, resistant ticks exhibited an over-accumulation of proteins involved in phase I and phase II of the detoxification metabolism, including cytochrome P450, glutathione-S-transferase, and ABC transporters, as well as many ribosomal and other translation-related proteins. This information provides new clues about the mechanisms of ivermectin resistance in R. microplus as well as suggesting potential novel molecular targets to cope with ivermectin-resistant populations of R. microplus. SIGNIFICANCE: Cattle farming is an important primary economic activity for food production all over the globe. However, this activity also has detrimental environmental impacts, including the overuse of ivermectin and other chemicals used to control parasite infestations. The overuse of ivermectin selected for parasites with resistance to this chemical, including tick species like R. microplus. There has been extensive to understand the mechanisms that mediate ivermectin resistance in arthropods, but many gaps remain for the full comprehension of this phenomenon. Understanding the biochemistry behind ivermectin resistance could provide new alternatives to fight these parasites. We therefore consider that determining the metabolic mechanisms involved in ivermectin resistance is of great relevance. The comparative proteomic analysis here reported shows the relevance of the active detoxifying metabolism in the midgut of resistant ticks, which may be key for the development of novel control methods.

Pediatric firearm-associated fractures: Analysis of management and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Firearm-associated injuries (FAIs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children living in the United States. Most victims of such injuries survive, but may experience compromised function related to musculoskeletal injuries. Although complex firearm-associated fractures (FAFs) often require specialized orthopaedic, vascular, and plastic surgical intervention, there is minimal research describing their management and outcomes. The purpose of this study is to describe the epidemiology and presentation of pediatric FAFs, as well as evaluate the management and outcomes of these injuries. AIM: To describe the epidemiology and presentation of pediatric FAFs, as well as evaluate the management and outcomes of these injuries. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed at a major, pediatric level 1 trauma center. The study included patients aged 18 or younger who presented with FAIs between 2008-2018. Additional data was collected on patients with FAFs including demographic and clinical data such as age, sex, race, payor type, fracture location, injury severity score (ISS), and radiographic and clinical outcomes. The management of FAFs was analyzed as well as need for readmission and reoperation. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the results and univariate analyses were performed to assess differences between groups. RESULTS: Between 2008 and 2018, there were a total of 61 patients who presented with FAIs. In this cohort, 21 patients (34%) sustained FAFs (25 fractures) with a mean age of 11 (Range: 10 mo to 18 years old) at the time of presentation. Approximately 52% (n = 11) of patients with FAFs were male, 76% (n = 8 and n = 8, respectively) identified as black or other, and 71% (n = 15) had government insurance. FAFs were most commonly noted in the upper extremity (n = 7) and lower extremity (n = 6). In patients with FAFs, the mean ISS at presentation was 11.38 (Range: 2-38), and 24% of patients (n = 5) were classified as having a major trauma. There were no significant differences in age, sex, race, and payor type in FAF patients that presented with and without major trauma (P > 0.05). When comparing FAF and non-FAF patients, there was a statistically significant difference in ISS (11.38 vs 14.45, P = 0.02). In total, 33% (n = 7) of patients with FAFs required orthopaedic surgical management, which was most commonly comprised of debridement (n = 6/7, 86%), and 14% (n = 1/7) of these patients required coordinated care with plastic and/or vascular surgery. There were no significant differences in age and payor type in patients with FAFs treated with and without orthopaedic surgery. Of the patients with FAFs, 52% (n = 11) had a minimum 90-d follow-up, and 48% (n = 10) had a minimum 2-year follow-up. Two patients were readmitted within 90-d, while one patient required a reoperation within 2-years. CONCLUSION: Over 25% of FAIs in pediatric patients result in FAFs. FAFs often present to pediatric trauma centers and the majority of these injuries occur in non-Caucasian males with government insurance. Most FAFs do not need orthopaedic surgical management; 14% of these injuries require subspecialty care by orthopaedic surgery, vascular surgery, or plastic surgery. Patients with FAFs also have lower ISS compared to patients who sustained FAIs without fracture. Thus, these patients should be treated at pediatric trauma centers with specialty care and additional research is needed to focus prevention efforts, understand reasons for poor follow-up, and evaluate outcomes after injury.

The Prevalence of Bullying Among Pediatric Orthopaedic Patients.

BACKGROUND: Bullying is destructive and pervasive. Although the literature suggests children with chronic health conditions are at higher risk of being bullied, there is minimal research regarding the prevalence of bullying among children with orthopaedic conditions. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of bullying among pediatric orthopaedic outpatients and evaluate the association of orthopaedic conditions and use of orthopaedic devices with perceptions of bullying. METHODS: Patients in outpatient pediatric orthopaedic clinics, ages 10 to 17 and their parents were surveyed using the Child-Adolescent Bullying Scale-9. Basic demographic, information about the child's orthopaedic condition, and parent's perception of their child being subject to bullying were also collected. Children were asked if they had used any orthopaedic devices in the last 3 months, whether they were bullied because of their device, and if bullying affected their compliance with device use. The analysis utilized a t test or analysis of variance to compare mean Child-Adolescent Bullying Scale-9 scores across different groups. RESULTS: Among the 198 patients surveyed, 61% (N=121) perceived no-to-minimal exposure to bullying, 36% (N=72) moderate exposure, and 3% (N=5) severe exposure. Children ages 10 to 13 (N=100) and children ages 14 to 17 (N=98) reported similar rates of bullying (P=0.97). Higher rates of moderate to severe bullying were reported by patients with foot deformity (80%), multiple orthopaedic diagnoses (55%), chronic pain (39%), fracture/acute injury (37%), and scoliosis (33%). Moderate to severe bullying was reported by 37% of patients who wore a cast, 40% who wore a brace/orthotic, and 52% who used multiple orthopaedic devices. Parental concern that their child was being bullied was highly correlated with their child's bullying score (P=0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: More than one third of our pediatric orthopaedic outpatients (39%) experience moderate to severe levels of bullying, which is higher than the general population's reported rates of 20% to 35%. Exposure to bullying may be higher in certain diagnoses or with use of certain orthopaedic devices. Further research is needed to delineate who is at highest risk. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Pediatric Orthopaedic Observerships in North America for International Surgeons: Perceived Barriers and Opportunities for Visitors and Hosts.

BACKGROUND: Despite recommendations for high-income countries to partner with low-income and middle-income countries to expand surgical access, little is known about the barriers that are faced by international surgeons (ISs) who participate in short-term clinical observerships in North America and the barriers that are encountered by their North American (NA) hosts. METHODS: Surveys were distributed to ISs who participated in a pediatric orthopaedic observership in North America in 2009 to 2019 and their NA hosts to assess the perceived barriers that are faced by both partners and identify possible opportunities for improvement. RESULTS: Responses were received from 181 ISs and 46 NA hosts. The ISs reported facing a variety of barriers prior to, during, and after completion of their NA observerships, including financial burden, language and cultural barriers, and challenges with local accommodations and transportation. Only 49% of ISs reported that their NA hosts had sought feedback from them. Barriers noted by the NA hosts included financial burden, logistical challenges with hosting, language barriers, and lack of support from their co-faculty/staff. At least 43% of NA hosts reported that their observership program was unfunded. Based on the survey responses, potential areas that may enhance the observership experience include funding support, creating a centralized data bank of pediatric subspecialty opportunities that are available at each sponsoring institution, a pre-visit orientation for the visiting surgeon, improving inclusivity by addressing language and cultural barriers, improving access to observing surgical procedures, obtaining post-visit feedback, and creating a virtual community of international visitors and NA hosts for an ongoing exchange of ideas and resources. CONCLUSIONS: The ISs who participated in a pediatric orthopaedic clinical observership and their NA hosts identified limited funding as a major barrier. There are several opportunities for enhancing this unique learning experience and exploring the role of contextual remote learning for all participants. Additional studies are needed to investigate the value of clinical observerships for ISs, including the downstream impact of such opportunities on capacity-building, bidirectional learning, and improving patient care.

Rates of readmission and reoperation after operative management of midshaft clavicle fractures in adolescents.

BACKGROUND: The national rates of readmission and reoperation after open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of midshaft clavicle fractures in adolescents is unknown. AIM: To determine rates of and risk factors for readmission and reoperation after ORIF of midshaft clavicle fractures in adolescents. METHODS: This retrospective study utilized data from the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Database for California and Florida and included 11728 patients 10-18 years of age that underwent ORIF of midshaft clavicle fracture between 2005 and 2012. Readmissions within ninety days, reoperations within two years, and differences in patient demographic factors were determined through descriptive, univariate, and multivariate analyses. RESULTS: In total, 3.29% (n = 11) of patients were readmitted within 90 d to a hospital at an average of 18.91 ± 18 d after discharge, while 15.87% (n = 53) of patients underwent a reoperation within two years at an average of 209.53 ± 151 d since the index surgery. The most common reason for readmission was a postoperative infection (n < 10). Reasons for reoperation included implant removal (n = 49) at an average time of 202.39 ± 138 d after surgery, and revision ORIF (n < 10) with an average time of 297 ± 289 d after index surgery. The odds of reoperation were higher for females (P < 0.01) and outpatients (P < 0.01), while the odds of reoperation were lower for patients who underwent surgery in California (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: There is a low rate of readmission and a high rate of reoperation after ORIF for midshaft clavicle fractures in adolescents. There are significant differences for reoperation based on patient sex, location, and hospital type.

Antitrichomonal activity and docking analysis of thiazole derivatives as TvMP50 protease inhibitors.

Trichomoniasis, caused by the protozoan Trichomonas vaginalis, is the most prevalent non-viral sexually transmitted infection that affects over 170 million people worldwide. The only type of drug recommended for the therapeutic control of trichomoniasis is the 5-nitroimidazoles, although there have been reports of some undesirable side effects and clinical resistance. Hence, the need for the search for new tricomonicidal agents is necessary. In a previous work, we demonstrated that two 2-amino-4-aryl thiazole derivatives (ATZ-1 and ATZ-2) possess a portent antigiardial effect. In the current paper, we investigated the in vitro antitrichomonal activity of these thiazole compounds. Both ATZ-1 and ATZ-2 reduced the viability and growth of parasites in a dose-dependent manner, with an IC50 value of 0.15 µg/mL and 0.18 µg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, both thiazole compounds were able to decrease the proteolytic activity in T. vaginalis trophozoites compared with untreated parasites. Interestingly, a full proteolytic inhibition profile was observed in the 50-kDa region which was associated with the decreased expression of the gene that codes for the trichomonad protease TvMP50. The docking simulations predicted strong interactions of the thiazole compounds in the TvMP50 protease's active site, suggesting a possible role as protease inhibitors. Our results demonstrate the potential of 2-amino-4-aryl thiazole derivatives as trichomonicidal compounds and could be, mechanistically, involved in the inhibition of key trichomonad proteases.

Pediatric Orthopaedic Observerships in North America for International Surgeons: The Visitor's Perspective.

BACKGROUND: There is substantial disparity in access to surgical care worldwide that largely impacts children in resource-limited environments. Although it has been suggested that surgeons in high-income countries work alongside their overseas peers to bridge this gap, there is limited information regarding the impact of pediatric orthopaedic observerships that are available to international surgeons. This study aimed to assess the perceived impact of such visitations on overseas surgeons, including their professional development and clinical practice. METHODS: A survey was distributed to overseas surgeons who participated in a pediatric orthopaedic observership in North America in the years 2009 to 2019. Details were collected regarding each respondent's demographics and observership program, and the impact of this short-term clinical experience as perceived by the visiting surgeon. RESULTS: Of the 181 international surgeons from 56 countries who participated in a pediatric orthopaedic observership, most were young male surgeons residing in a middle-income nation. The majority of surgeons observed in outpatient clinics (98%) and in the operating room (96%) and attended educational in-house conferences (92%). Most observers (75%) acknowledged gaining relevant orthopaedic knowledge and clinical skills that improved local patient care, and nearly all (99%) shared the newly acquired knowledge with their peers and trainees. Most (97%) were still living and working in the country that had been their residence at the time of their observership. No noteworthy trends were identified between the income classification of the surgeons' country of residence and their ability to incorporate the acquired skills into their practice. CONCLUSIONS: Participating in a North American pediatric orthopaedic observership has a positive perceived impact on the majority of visiting surgeons, with potential gains in clinical skills and knowledge that likely benefit their patients, peers, and trainees. Such participation does not contribute to substantial brain drain and may assist with local capacity building. Identifying ways to increase access to such educational opportunities, particularly for surgeons from lower-income countries, should be explored further.

The Arabidopsis Transcription Factor CDF3 Is Involved in Nitrogen Responses and Improves Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Tomato.

Nitrate is an essential macronutrient and a signal molecule that regulates the expression of multiple genes involved in plant growth and development. Here, we describe the participation of Arabidopsis DNA binding with one finger (DOF) transcription factor CDF3 in nitrate responses and shows that CDF3 gene is induced under nitrate starvation. Moreover, knockout cdf3 mutant plants exhibit nitrate-dependent lateral and primary root modifications, whereas CDF3 overexpression plants show increased biomass and enhanced root development under both nitrogen poor and rich conditions. Expression analyses of 35S::CDF3 lines reveled that CDF3 regulates the expression of an important set of nitrate responsive genes including, glutamine synthetase-1, glutamate synthase-2, nitrate reductase-1, and nitrate transporters NRT2.1, NRT2.4, and NRT2.5 as well as carbon assimilation genes like PK1 and PEPC1 in response to N availability. Consistently, metabolite profiling disclosed that the total amount of key N metabolites like glutamate, glutamine, and asparagine were higher in CDF3-overexpressing plants, but lower in cdf3-1 in N limiting conditions. Moreover, overexpression of CDF3 in tomato increased N accumulation and yield efficiency under both optimum and limiting N supply. These results highlight CDF3 as an important regulatory factor for the nitrate response, and its potential for improving N use efficiency in crops.

Early life ecology of the invasive lionfish (Pterois spp.) in the western Atlantic.

The invasion of the western Atlantic by the Indo-Pacific lionfish (Pterois volitans/miles) is a serious threat to the ecological stability of the region. The early life history of the lionfish remains poorly understood despite the important role that larval supply plays reef fish population dynamics. In this study, we characterized patterns in the horizontal and vertical distributions of larval lionfish collected in the western Caribbean, US Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico from 19 ichthyoplankton surveys conducted from 2009-2016. Using generalized additive models (GAMs), we assessed the relative effects of spatiotemporal and environmental variation on the distribution of lionfish larvae. We also examined otoliths to determine larval ages and report the first larval growth rate estimates for this species. Lionfish larvae were present at 7.8% of all stations sampled and our model suggests that lionfish presence is related to sea surface temperature and the lunar cycle. Year and location also strongly affected the larval distribution, likely reflecting the ongoing expansion of the species during our sampling timeframe. Much of the variation in larval lionfish presence remained unexplained, and future studies should incorporate additional environmental factors to improve model predictions. This study improves our understanding of the lionfish life cycle and accentuates the need for further research into the early life history of this invasive species. The design and implementation of effective long-term lionfish control mechanisms will require an understanding of their entire life history.

The targeted overexpression of SlCDF4 in the fruit enhances tomato size and yield involving gibberellin signalling.

Tomato is one of the most widely cultivated vegetable crops and a model for studying fruit biology. Although several genes involved in the traits of fruit quality, development and size have been identified, little is known about the regulatory genes controlling its growth. In this study, we characterized the role of the tomato SlCDF4 gene in fruit development, a cycling DOF-type transcription factor highly expressed in fruits. The targeted overexpression of SlCDF4 gene in the fruit induced an increased yield based on a higher amount of both water and dry matter accumulated in the fruits. Accordingly, transcript levels of genes involved in water transport and cell division and expansion during the fruit enlargement phase also increased. Furthermore, the larger amount of biomass partitioned to the fruit relied on the greater sink strength of the fruits induced by the increased activity of sucrose-metabolising enzymes. Additionally, our results suggest a positive role of SlCDF4 in the gibberellin-signalling pathway through the modulation of GA4 biosynthesis. Finally, the overexpression of SlCDF4 also promoted changes in the profile of carbon and nitrogen compounds related to fruit quality. Overall, our results unveil SlCDF4 as a new key factor controlling tomato size and composition.