Unveiling the Multifaceted Management of Oral Mucositis in Cancer Patients: A Narrative Review.

Oral mucositis (OM) is a major and common adverse reaction to cancer treatment, occurring in all patients who undergo radiation therapy or chemotherapy that includes the mucosal areas of the oral and oropharyngeal region. The pathophysiology of OM remains incompletely understood, and there are many unanswered questions about the risk factors for developing OM. Multidisciplinary clinicians and researchers must collaborate to better understand and expand treatment strategies for OM and other inflammatory conditions in oncology. This will lead to the development of more effective treatments and reduce the burden of OM in cancer patients. This article comprehensively reviews the risk factors and patient factors associated with OM, its pathogenesis, clinical presentation, grading, and management.

Pantoea Species Bacteremia in a Child With Sickle Cell Disease: A Case Report.

The Pantoea genus of bacteria is a group of Gram-negative rod-shaped bacteria in the Enterobacteriaceae family. It is an uncommon cause of infection in humans except in specific settings, including hospital-acquired infections and in immunocompromised patients. In this report, we describe the case of a 12-year-old girl with sickle cell disease who presented with a picture of sepsis and was found to have Pantoea species in her blood culture which was treated with antibiotics with a good response. From our literature review, risk factors were identified in the reported cases, for which further exploration is highly recommended.

The Association Between Oxidative Stress and the Progression of Heart Failure: A Systematic Review.

Chronic heart failure (CHF) is a progressive multifactorial condition where the role of oxidative stress may have implications in the pathogenesis of the disease. Despite growing interest among researchers and clinicians, the limited, unorganized, and divergent findings regarding the association between oxidative stress and the progression of heart failure (HF) have prompted us to conduct this study. Drawing upon the evolving nature of this research domain, this study is one of the first of its kind to present a systematic and comprehensive overview of the existing evidence regarding the role of oxidative stress production in the progression of HF. This study systematically reviews peer-reviewed empirical studies published in English, particularly focusing on the association between oxidative stress and the progression of HF. Parameters, such as publication year, study design, population demographics (size, age, and gender), types of HF, and characterization of markers in the existing studies, were reviewed. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) procedure, a thorough search was conducted on PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Sage databases, without any restrictions on the publication dates of articles, which yielded a total of 1,808 records on the association of oxidative stress production with clinical outcomes in HF patients. The analysis of the content of 17 articles offered a robust observation of this phenomenon, providing insights into the levels of oxidative stress, antioxidant markers, and the enzymes involved in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and their association with the progression and severity of HF. The findings highlighted various knowledge gaps and future research priorities are recommended in the areas of interest and unexplored areas.

Exploring the complex pre-adaptations of invasive plants to anthropogenic disturbance: a call for integration of archaeobotanical approaches.

Pre-adaptation to anthropogenic disturbance is broadly considered key for plant invasion success. Nevertheless, empirical evidence remains scarce and fragmentary, given the multifaceted nature of anthropogenic disturbance itself and the complexity of other evolutionary forces shaping the (epi)-genomes of recent native and invasive plant populations. Here, we review and critically revisit the existing theory and empirical evidence in the field of evolutionary ecology and highlight novel integrative research avenues that work at the interface with archaeology to solve open questions. The approaches suggested so far focus on contemporary plant populations, although their genomes have rapidly changed since their initial introduction in response to numerous selective and stochastic forces. We elaborate that a role of pre-adaptation to anthropogenic disturbance in plant invasion success should thus additionally be validated based on the analyses of archaeobotanical remains. Such materials, in the light of detailed knowledge on past human societies could highlight fine-scale differences in the type and timing of past disturbances. We propose a combination of archaeobotanical, ancient DNA and morphometric analyses of plant macro- and microremains to assess past community composition, and species' functional traits to unravel the timing of adaptation processes, their drivers and their long-term consequences for invasive species. Although such methodologies have proven to be feasible for numerous crop plants, they have not been yet applied to wild invasive species, which opens a wide array of insights into their evolution.

New synonymy among gall thrips of the Asian genus Mesothrips, with revision of species from China (Thysanoptera, Haplothripini).

Historical, nomenclatural, technical, and biological problems associated with the 42 species of Mesothrips are discussed. Type specimens have been re-examined of 14 of the 25 species that were described prior to 1930 and remain known only from imperfectly slide-mounted specimens. As a result, seven new synonyms are recognised. From China, six species of Mesothrips have been listed, but the records of M.alluaudi and M.manii are rejected, and three new species are described: M.jianfengisp. nov., M.longistylussp. nov., and M.verniciasp. nov. These three species are divergent from other members of Mesothrips in lacking a prominent fore tarsal tooth and may indicate a possible generic relationship to the flower-living species in the Asian genus Dolichothrips. An illustrated key is provided to the seven Mesothrips species now known from China.

A new species of Cuspidevia Jäch & Boukal, 1995 (Coleoptera, Elmidae) from south China.

Background: Cuspidevia Jäch & Boukal, 1995 is a member of the tribe Macronychini which has the following features: antennae short, 6-10 segmented, aedeagus long and cylindrical, paramere very small, slender or lacking. This genus currently comprises only three species. All species are distributed in China. New information: Cuspideviapilosus sp. nov. is reported from Guangdong, Guangxi and Jiangxi Provinces in China. Habitus and diagnostic features of the new species are illustrated.

Geographic patterns of distribution and ecological niche of the snake-necked turtle genus Hydromedusa.

Biotic and abiotic factors play a crucial role in determining the distribution of species. These factors dictate the conditions that must be met for a species to thrive in a particular area. Sister species that present some degree of niche overlap can shed light on how they are distributed and coexist in their environment. This study aims to investigate the geographical distribution and ecological niche of the sister species of snake-necked turtles Hydromedusa maximiliani and H. tectifera. By analyzing their niche overlap, we aim to obtain a better understanding of how these two species coexist and which variables are determining their occurences. We applied species distribution modeling and compared the niches using the niche equivalence and similarity tests. Our findings show that the distribution of H. maximiliani is most influenced by temperature seasonality and isothermality, while H. tectifera is most affected by the temperature seasonality, precipitation of warmest quarter and mean diurnal range. In addition, our results suggest that the niche expressed by H. maximiliani retained ecological characteristics that can accurately predict the H. tectifera distribution, but the inverse is not true. In this sense, differences are not solely due to the geographic availability of environmental conditions but can reflect niche restrictions, such as competition.

Four new species of Dothideomycetes (Ascomycota) from Pará Rubber (Heveabrasiliensis) in Yunnan Province, China.

The tropical areas in southern and south-western Yunnan are rich in fungal diversity. Additionally, the diversity of seed flora in Yunnan Province is higher than in other regions in China and the abundant endemic species of woody plants provide favourable substrates for fungi. Rubber plantations in Yunnan Province are distributed over a large area, especially in Xishuangbanna. During a survey of rubber-associated fungi in Yunnan Province, China, dead rubber branches with fungal fruiting bodies were collected. Morphological characteristics and multigene phylogenetic analyses (ITS, LSU, SSU, rpb2 and tef1-α) revealed four distinct new species, described herein as Melomastiapuerensis, Nigrogranalincangensis, Pseudochaetosphaeronemalincangensis and Pseudochaetosphaeronemaxishuangbannaensis. Detailed descriptions, illustrations and phylogenetic trees are provided to show the taxonomic placements of these new species.

The potential of historical spy-satellite imagery to support research in ecology and conservation.

Remote sensing data are important for assessing ecological change, but their value is often restricted by their limited temporal coverage. Major historical events that affected the environment, such as those associated with colonial history, World War II, or the Green Revolution are not captured by modern remote sensing. In the present article, we highlight the potential of globally available black-and-white satellite photographs to expand ecological and conservation assessments back to the 1960s and to illuminate ecological concepts such as shifting baselines, time-lag responses, and legacy effects. This historical satellite photography can be used to monitor ecosystem extent and structure, species' populations and habitats, and human pressures on the environment. Even though the data were declassified decades ago, their use in ecology and conservation remains limited. But recent advances in image processing and analysis can now unlock this research resource. We encourage the use of this opportunity to address important ecological and conservation questions.

Localization of hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated channels in the vertebrate retinas across species and their physiological roles.

Transmembrane proteins known as hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels control the movement of Na+ and K+ ions across cellular membranes. HCN channels are known to be involved in crucial physiological functions in regulating neuronal excitability and rhythmicity, and pacemaker activity in the heart. Although HCN channels have been relatively well investigated in the brain, their distribution and function in the retina have received less attention, remaining their physiological roles to be comprehensively understood. Also, because recent studies reported HCN channels have been somewhat linked with the dysfunction of photoreceptors which are affected by retinal diseases, investigating HCN channels in the retina may offer valuable insights into disease mechanisms and potentially contribute to identifying novel therapeutic targets for retinal degenerative disorders. This paper endeavors to summarize the existing literature on the distribution and function of HCN channels reported in the vertebrate retinas of various species and discuss the potential implications for the treatment of retinal diseases. Then, we recapitulate current knowledge regarding the function and regulation of HCN channels, as well as their relevance to various neurological disorders.

Green deserts, but not always: A global synthesis of native woody species regeneration under tropical tree monocultures.

Tree monocultures constitute an increasing fraction of the global tree cover and are the dominant tree-growing strategy of forest landscape restoration commitments. Their advantages to produce timber are well known, but their value for biodiversity is highly controversial and context dependent. Therefore, understanding whether, and in which conditions, they can harbor native species regeneration is crucial. Here, we conducted meta-analyses based on a global survey of the literature and on a database created with local, unpublished studies throughout Brazil to evaluate the regeneration potential of native species under tree monocultures and the way management influences this regeneration. Native woody species regeneration under tree monocultures harbors a substantial fraction of the diversity (on average 40% and 68% in the global and Brazilian surveys, respectively) and abundance (on average 25% and 60% in the global and Brazilian surveys, respectively) of regeneration observed in natural forests. Plantations with longer rotation lengths, composed of native tree species, and located adjacent to forest remnants harbor more species. Pine plantations harbor more native individuals than eucalypt plantations, and the abundance of regenerating trees is higher in sites with higher mean temperatures. Species-area curves revealed that the number of woody species under pine and eucalypt plantations in Brazil is 606 and 598 species, respectively, over an aggregated sampled area of ca. 12 ha. We highlight that the understory of tree monocultures can harbor a considerable diversity of regenerating native species at the landscape and regional scales, but this diversity strongly depends on management. Long-rotation length and favorable location are key factors for woody regeneration success under tropical tree monocultures. Therefore, tree monocultures can play a role in forest landscape restoration and conservation, but only if they are planned and managed for achieving this purpose.

Reproductive cycles of two island pitvipers species (Serpentes, Viperidae) determined by ultrasonography and radiography.

We used ultrasonography and radiography to assess the sexual organs and characterize the reproductive cycle of captive golden lancehead (Bothrops insularis) and Alcatrazes lancehead (B. alcatraz), two endangered island snake species in Brazil. We assessed 46- individuals of golden lancehead and 12 of Alcatrazes lancehead kept in captivity between 2014 and 2020. Follicular development was similar between species, but follicles in Alcatrazes lancehead were smaller than in the golden lanceheads. Female golden lanceheads produced 24 live young, seven stillborn and 73 undeveloped eggs. Parturition of live young occurred between midsummer (February) and early autumn and gestation averaged 8 months. Female Alcatrazes lanceheads produced four live young in midsummer, and one undeveloped egg in early autumn. Males and females of both species have seasonal and biennial reproductive cycles. Sperm storage in both sexes is essential to coordinate male and female cycles. The data obtained with golden lancehead and Alcatrazes lancehead in captivity, demonstrate a degree of conservatism, following data from other Bothrops.

STUB1 exacerbates calcium oxalate-induced kidney injury by modulating reactive oxygen species-mediated cellular autophagy via regulating CFTR ubiquitination.

The formation of calcium oxalate (CaOx) crystals in the kidneys leads to renal epithelial damage and the progression of crystalline nephropathy. This study investigated the role of STIP1 homology and U-box protein 1 (STUB1), an E3 ubiquitin ligase, and cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a chloride channel, in CaOx-related renal damage and autophagy regulation. HK-2 cells were treated with various doses of CaOx monohydrate (COM) to simulate kidney injury in vitro. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and apoptosis were assessed. The regulation of CFTR ubiquitination by STUB1 was confirmed by immunoprecipitation. An in vivo model was established by injecting mice with glyoxylate. COM treatment dose-dependently decreased cell viability, increased TNF-α and ROS production, and induced apoptotic cell death in HK-2 cells. COM-treated cells also showed decreased CFTR protein expression. CFTR overexpression improved cell viability and reduced ROS production in COM-stimulated HK-2 cells. Bioinformatics analysis predicted CFTR's ubiquitination binding site for STUB1. Further analysis confirmed the role of STUB1 as a ubiquitin ligase in CFTR degradation. Knockdown of STUB1 upregulated CFTR expression, while STUB1 overexpression had the opposite effect. Knockdown of CFTR reversed the impact of STUB1 deficiency on autophagy. The in vivo experiments showed that CFTR overexpression attenuated kidney tissue damage and CaOx deposition in mice. STUB1-mediated CFTR ubiquitination plays a crucial role in mitigating calcium oxalate-related renal damage by regulating autophagy. Targeting the STUB1/CFTR axis may hold therapeutic potential for treating kidney injury associated with calcium oxalate deposition.

Effects of host plants on spotted lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) nymphal survival and development.

Spotted lanternfly, Lycorma delicatula (White), is an invasive planthopper from China, which was first detected in Berks County, PA, in 2014 and has since spread to adjacent states including New Jersey in 2018. Lycorma delicatula is a polyphagous species that gregariously feeds on over 172 known hosts. We investigated development on key host plants Ailanthus altissima (Miller) (Sapindales: Simaroubaceae), Juglans nigra (L.) (Fagales: Juglandaceae), Acer rubrum (L.) (Sapindales: Sapindaceae), and Vitis vinifera (L.) (Vitales: Vitaceae) for each instar to elucidate potential host use throughout the season and target monitoring efforts. Our study indicated significant differences in survivorship and time spent in each nymphal life stage between host plants. We applied a host suitability index as a function of survivorship and development for each host plant and instar, which indicated A. altissima and J. nigra as suitable hosts for all 4 nymphal instars. Vitis vinifera was highly suitable for first and second instars but had low indices for the third and fourth instars, although suitability of V. vinifera may have varied based on variety and age of the vine. Lycorma delicatula nymphs had the lowest survivorship and longest development time on A. rubrum across all 4 life stages, despite this being a preferred oviposition host. Host had a significant effect on the morphometrics we measured within the first and second instars.

Recent progress and outlooks in rhodamine-based fluorescent probes for detection and imaging of reactive oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur species.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and reactive sulfur species (RSS) serve as vital mediators essential for preserving intracellular redox homeostasis within the human body, thereby possessing significant implications across physiological and pathological domains. Nevertheless, deviations from normal levels of ROS, RNS, and RSS disturb redox homeostasis, leading to detrimental consequences that compromise bodily integrity. This disruption is closely linked to the onset of various human diseases, thereby posing a substantial threat to human health and survival. Small-molecule fluorescent probes exhibit considerable potential as analytical instruments for the monitoring of ROS, RNS, and RSS due to their exceptional sensitivity and selectivity, operational simplicity, non-invasiveness, localization capabilities, and ability to facilitate in situ optical signal generation for real-time dynamic analyte monitoring. Due to their distinctive transition from their spirocyclic form (non-fluorescent) to their ring-opened form (fluorescent), along with their exceptional light stability, broad wavelength range, high fluorescence quantum yield, and high extinction coefficient, rhodamine fluorophores have been extensively employed in the development of fluorescent probes. This review primarily concentrates on the investigation of fluorescent probes utilizing rhodamine dyes for ROS, RNS, and RSS detection from the perspective of different response groups since 2016. The scope of this review encompasses the design of probe structures, elucidation of response mechanisms, and exploration of biological applications.

Tunable Structured 2D Nanobiocatalysts: Synthesis, Catalytic Properties and New Horizons in Biomedical Applications.

2D materials have offered essential contributions to boosting biocatalytic efficiency in diverse biomedical applications due to the intrinsic enzyme-mimetic activity and massive specific surface area for loading metal catalytic centers. Since the difficulty of high-quality synthesis, the varied structure, and the tough choice of efficient surface loading sites with catalytic properties, the artificial building of 2D nanobiocatalysts still faces great challenges. Here, in this review, a timely and comprehensive summarization of the latest progress and future trends in the design and biotherapeutic applications of 2D nanobiocatalysts is provided, which is essential for their development. First, an overview of the synthesis-structure-fundamentals and structure-property relationships of 2D nanobiocatalysts, both metal-free and metal-based is provided. After that, the effective design of the active sites of nanobiocatalysts is discussed. Then, the progress of their applied research in recent years, including biomedical analysis, biomedical therapeutics, pharmacokinetics, and toxicology is systematically highlighted. Finally, future research directions of 2D nanobiocatalysts are prospected. Overall, this review to provide cutting-edge and multidisciplinary guidance for accelerating future developments and biomedical applications of 2D nanobiocatalysts is expected.

New findings of dipteromantispids (Insecta: Neuroptera) from Upper Cretaceous Myanmar amber.

A new genus and two new species, Tholimantispa zuoae gen. et sp. nov. and Mantispidipterella curvis sp. nov. are described from the Upper Cretaceous of northern Myanmar amber collected in 2015. Tholimantispa zuoae gen. et sp. nov. is characterized by its distinct pterostigma, broad costal space, bifurcate humeral veinlets, and so forth, and Mantispidipterella curvis sp. nov. is different from Mantispidipterella longissima Liu, Lu et Zhang, 2017 in its ScP (subcosta posterior) distinctly curved at fusing point with RA (radius anterior), RP (radius posterior) abruptly and angularly curved at ra-rp (crossvein between RA and RP), AA3 (third branches of the anterior anal vein) present. The new fossil species enrich the diversity of Dipteromantispidae in the Cretaceous.

Phenology and habitat associations of the invasive Asian longhorned tick from Ohio, USA.

Geographically expanding and invading ticks are a global concern. The Asian longhorned tick (ALT, Haemaphysalis longicornis) was introduced to the mid-Atlantic US between 2010 and 2017 and recently invaded Ohio, an inland state. To date, ALTs in the US have been associated with livestock exsanguination and transmission of the agent of bovine theileriosis. To inform management, studies describing tick ecology and epidemiology of associated disease agents are critical. In this study, we described phenology, habitat and host associations, and tested for agents of medical and veterinary concern at the site of the first known established ALT population in Ohio, where pesticide treatment was applied in early fall 2021. In spring-fall 2022, we sampled wildlife (small mammals) and collected ticks from forest, edge, and grassland habitats. We also opportunistically sampled harvested white-tailed deer at nearby processing stations and fresh wildlife carcasses found near roads. Field-collected ALTs were tested for five agents using real-time PCR. We found that ALT nymphs emerged in June, followed by adults, and concluded with larvae in the fall. ALTs were detected in all habitats but not in wildlife. We also found a 4.88% (2/41) prevalence of Anaplasma phagocytophilum across ALT adults and nymphs. Host and habitat associations were similar to other studies in the eastern United States, but two potential differences in phenology were identified. Whether ALTs will acquire more endemic disease agents requires further investigations. Our findings provide the first evidence regarding ALT life history from the Midwest region of the United States and can inform exposure risk and guide integrated management.

Synthesis and Lewis Acid Properties of Neutral Silver(III) Adducts Containing the AgIII(CF3)3 Moiety.

The acetonitrile AgIII complex [AgIII(CF3)3(NCCH3)] (2) has been reported independently by Eujen and Naumann in the last century, albeit with intriguing NMR discrepancy. In their reports, 2 was claimed to be obtained starting from either [AgIII(CF3)3Cl]- (3.Cl) or [AgIII(CF3)4]- (1) via halide abstraction using AgNO3 or acidic treatment, resp. These two synthetic routes are herein reinvestigated. The feasibility of Naumann's method is demonstrated, thus providing 2 yet accompanied by its s-triazinyl derivative [AgIII(CF3)3(C6H9N3)] (2'). The formation of 2' is unprecedented and was thereby investigated. Both 2 and 2' were isolated in pure fashion and fully characterized. In turn, halide extraction from 3.Cl leads to the AgIII-ONO2 anion 5 instead of 2, as evidenced by NMR spectroscopy, EA and Sc-XRD.