Influence of plant growth-promoting bacteria on leaf carbon and nitrogen metabolism of two drought-stressed neotropical tree species: a metabolomic approach.

Deforestation of Atlantic Forest has caused prolonged drought events in the last decades. The need for reforestation is growing, and the development of native seedlings that are more tolerant to drought stress is necessary. A biotechnological tool that improves plant tolerance is the use of plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) as inoculants. Two species of PGPB were inoculated in drought-stressed seedlings of two neotropical tree species that have been used in environmental restoration programs: Cecropia pachystachya and Cariniana estrellensis. Biometrical, physiological, and metabolomic parameters from carbon and nitrogen pathways were evaluated. We found that the PGPB positively influenced photosynthesis and growth parameters in both trees under drought. The enzymes activities, the tricarboxylic acid cycle intermediates, the amino acids, and protein contents were also influenced by the PGPB treatments. The results allowed us to find the specific composition of secondary metabolites of each plant species. This study provides evidence that there is not a single mechanism involved in drought tolerance and that the inoculation with PGPB promotes a broad-spectrum tolerance response in Neotropical trees. The inoculation with PGPB appears as an important strategy to improve drought tolerance in Atlantic Forest native trees and enhance environmental restoration programs' success. MAIN CONCLUSION: The association with plant growth-promoting bacteria improved the tolerance to drought in Neotropical trees through biochemical, physiological, and biometrical parameters. This can enhance the success of forest restoration programs.

Electrochemical Diselenation of BODIPY Fluorophores for Bioimaging Applications and Sensitization of 1 O2.

We report a rapid, efficient, and scope-extensive approach for the late-stage electrochemical diselenation of BODIPYs. Photophysical analyses reveal red-shifted absorption - corroborated by TD-DFT and DLPNO-STEOM-CCSD computations - and color-tunable emission with large Stokes shifts in the selenium-containing derivatives compared to their precursors. In addition, due to the presence of the heavy Se atoms, competitive ISC generates triplet states which sensitize 1 O2 and display phosphorescence in PMMA films at RT and in a frozen glass matrix at 77 K. Importantly, the selenium-containing BODIPYs demonstrate the ability to selectively stain lipid droplets, exhibiting distinct fluorescence in both green and red channels. This work highlights the potential of electrochemistry as an efficient method for synthesizing unique emission-tunable fluorophores with broad-ranging applications in bioimaging and related fields.

Electrochemical Diselenation of BODIPY Fluorophores for Bioimaging Applications and Sensitization of 1 O2.

Invited for the cover of this issue are the groups of Holger Braunschweig at the Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Germany and Eufrânio N. da Silva Júnior at the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, UFMG, Brazil. The image depicts the electrochemical synthesis of selenium-containing BODIPY molecules with lightning symbolizing the electrifying synthetic process, while the surrounding elemental chaos hints at the red-shifted absorption and emission and the transformative photophysical properties of these new compounds. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202303883.

Gamma-delta T cells suppress microbial metabolites that activate striatal neurons and induce repetitive/compulsive behavior in mice.

Intestinal γδ T cells play an important role in shaping the gut microbiota, which is critical not only for maintaining intestinal homeostasis but also for controlling brain function and behavior. Here, we found that mice deficient for γδ T cells (γδ-/-) developed an abnormal pattern of repetitive/compulsive (R/C) behavior, which was dependent on the gut microbiota. Colonization of WT mice with γδ-/- microbiota induced R/C behavior whereas colonization of γδ-/- mice with WT microbiota abolished the R/C behavior. Moreover, γδ-/- mice had elevated levels of the microbial metabolite 3-phenylpropanoic acid in their cecum, which is a precursor to hippurate (HIP), a metabolite we found to be elevated in the CSF. HIP reaches the striatum and activates dopamine type 1 (D1R)-expressing neurons, leading to R/C behavior. Altogether, these data suggest that intestinal γδ T cells shape the gut microbiota and their metabolites and prevent dysfunctions of the striatum associated with behavior modulation.

Forensic Geochemistry Reveals International Ship Dumping as a Source of New Oil Spill in Brazil's Coastline (Bahia) in Late 2023.

In the present study, we applied forensic geochemistry to investigate the origin and fate of spilled oils like tarballs stranded at the beaches of Bahia, in northeastern Brazil, in September 2023, based on their fingerprints. Saturated and aromatic compounds were assessed by gas chromatography, and the oceanic surface circulation patterns were deciphered to determine the geographic origin of the spill. Contamination by petroleum represents an enormous threat to the unique, species-rich ecosystems of the study area. The geochemical fingerprint of the oil spilled in 2023 did not correlate with those of previous events, including the one in 2019, the one in early 2022 in Ceará, and an extensive spill across the Brazilian Northeast in late 2022. However, the fingerprint did correlate with crude oils produced by Middle Eastern countries, most likely Kuwait. The oil of the 2023 spill had a carbonate marine origin from early mature source rocks. These findings, together with the moderate weathering of the 2023 tarballs and the ocean circulation patterns at the time of the event, indicate that the oil was discharged close to the shore of Brazil, to the east or southeast of Salvador, by a tanker on an international route in the South Atlantic.

3D Models as a Source for Neuroanatomy Education: A Stepwise White Matter Dissection Using 3D Images and Photogrammetry Scans.

White matter dissection (WMD) involves isolating bundles of myelinated axons in the brain and serves to gain insights into brain function and neural mechanisms underlying neurological disorders. While effective, cadaveric brain dissections pose certain challenges mainly due to availability of resources. Technological advancements, such as photogrammetry, have the potential to overcome these limitations by creating detailed three-dimensional (3D) models for immersive learning experiences in neuroanatomy. This study aimed to provide a detailed step-by-step WMD captured using two-dimensional (2D) images and 3D models (via photogrammetry) to serve as a comprehensive guide for studying white matter tracts of the brain. One formalin-fixed brain specimen was utilized to perform the WMD. The brain was divided in a sagittal plane and both cerebral hemispheres were stored in a freezer at -20 °C for 10 days, then thawed under running water at room temperature. Micro-instruments under an operating microscope were used to perform a systematic lateral-to-medial and medial-to-lateral dissection, while 2D images were captured and 3D models were created through photogrammetry during each stage of the dissection. Dissection was performed with comprehensive examination of the location, main landmarks, connections, and functions of the white matter tracts of the brain. Furthermore, high-quality 3D models of the dissections were created and housed on SketchFab®, allowing for accessible and free of charge viewing for educational and research purposes. Our comprehensive dissection and 3D models have the potential to increase understanding of the intricate white matter anatomy and could provide an accessible platform for the teaching of neuroanatomy.

Fusion-driven cutaneous and superficial mesenchymal and adnexal tumors-A clinicopathologic and molecular study of 15 cases, including a novel case of ACTB::ZMIZ2-rearranged adnexal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: While the list of fusion-driven soft tissue neoplasms is expanding rapidly, their importance among cutaneous and superficial mesenchymal and adnexal neoplasms remains poorly understood. This challenge is especially evident in cases with ambiguous histopathology that are difficult to classify based on morphology. AIMS: Our goal was to investigate the benefits of next-generation sequencing in diagnosing complex cutaneous neoplasms. MATERIALS & METHODS: Departmental archives were searched for fusion-driven cutaneous neoplasms. Slides were retrieved and clinical information including follow-up was obtained. RESULTS: Fifteen cases occurred in eight female and seven male patients, with a median age of 26 years (range: 1-83) at diagnosis. Tumors involved the extremities (9), scalp (5), and head and neck (1). Predominant features included myoepithelial (5), nested spindled with clear cytoplasm (2), atypical adnexal/squamoid (2), small round blue cell (2), cellular spindled (3), and fibrohistiocytic morphology (1). Most frequently encountered fusions involved EWSR1 (6) fused to ERG (1), FLI1 (1), CREB1 (2), CREM (1), PBX3 (1), followed by PLAG1 (4) with LIFR (2), TRPS1 (1) and CHCHD7. Additional fusions encountered were YAP1::NUTM1, EML4::ALK, SS18::SSX1 (2), and a novel fusion: ACTB::ZMIZ2. Integration of histologic features and molecular findings led to final diagnoses of primary cutaneous Ewing sarcoma (2), soft tissue myoepithelioma (4), cutaneous syncytial myoepithelioma (1), cutaneous adnexal carcinoma (1), porocarcinoma (1), inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (1), synovial sarcoma (2), clear cell sarcoma (2), and angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (1). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Our results show that fusion testing can be a helpful diagnostic tool, especially in cases with unusual or uncommon morphology in superficial sites. Furthermore, it can allow for the identification of potential therapeutic targets in some instances.

Intraoperative thermal mapping of mammary tumors in dogs.

In this study, videothermometry's application in detecting mammary tumors in dogs is explored in-depth. The research hypothesizes that this technique can effectively identify cancerous tissues during surgery by analyzing thermal patterns. The methodology involved comparing thermal imaging results from dogs with palpable mammary nodules against a control group, focusing on capturing real-time thermal patterns. Results were significant, showing distinct thermal patterns in carcinomas. This indicates videothermometry's capability in accurately identifying micro metastases and differentiating between neoplastic and non-neoplastic changes. The study concludes that videothermometry has considerable potential in enhancing surgical precision, especially in tumor resection and safety margin definition, but emphasizes the need for further research to thoroughly understand the thermal signatures of various mammary tumors in dogs.

Oxidative stress induction by essential oil from Piper alatipetiolatum (Piperaceae) triggers lethality in the larvae of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae).

Culex quinquefasciatus is the main vector of lymphatic filariasis in Brazil, which present resistance to commercial insecticides. Nowadays, essential oils (EOs) exhibiting larvicidal activity, such as those derived from Piper alatipetiolatum, provide a promising alternative for vector control, including Culex species. This study aimed to investigate the larvicidal activity and the oxidative stress indicators of the EO from P. alatipetiolatum in Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae. The EO was extracted from P. alatipetiolatum leaves using the hydrodistillation method, resulting in a yield of 7.2 ± 0.1%, analysed by gas chromatography coupled with spectrometry and gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector (GC-MS and GC-FID), and evaluated against Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae. Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (RONS), Catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and Thiol levels were used as oxidative stress indicators. Analysis by CG-MS and CG-FID revealed that the main compound in the EO was the oxygenated sesquiterpene ishwarone, constituting 78.6% of the composition. Furthermore, the EO exhibited larvicidal activity, ranging from 26 to 100%, with an LC50 of 4.53 µg/mL and LC90 of 15.37 µg/mL. This activity was accompanied by a significant increase in RONS production, alterations in CAT, GST, AChE activity, and thiol levels compared to the control groups (p < 0.05). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the larvicidal activity and oxidative stress induced by the EO from P. alatipetiolatum against Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae. Therefore, we propose that this EO shows promise as larvicidal agent for the effective control of Cx. quinquefasciatus larvae.

Sleep duration and cardiorespiratory fitness in adolescents: Longitudinal analysis from the LabMed study.

PURPOSE: We aimed to investigate longitudinal associations between sleep duration and cardiorespiratory fitness, in adolescents. METHODS: Sleep duration was self-reported and cardiorespiratory fitness was assessed by the 20 m shuttle run test, both at baseline and follow-up (2-year follow-up). Participants were 734 Northern Portuguese adolescents (349 girls), aged 14.6 ± 1.8 years, from the LabMed study. RESULTS: Significant decreases were found between baseline and follow-up for sleep duration, whereas for cardiorespiratory fitness there was an increase. Adolescents with short sleep duration at baseline had lower cardiorespiratory fitness at follow-up, comparing to those meeting the sleep guidelines (odds ratio [OR] = 0.506, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.326-0.785; p = .002 for whole week; OR = 0.597, 95% CI: 0.407-0.875; p = .008 for weekdays). Girls who were short sleepers at baseline had lower odds of having a healthy cardiorespiratory fitness at follow-up, comparing to those meeting the sleep guidelines (OR = 0.311, 95% CI: 0.158-0.613; p < .001 for whole week; OR = 0.469, 95% CI: 0.262-0.838; p = .011 for weekdays). No significant associations between sleep duration and cardiorespiratory fitness were found for boys. DISCUSSION: There was a significant longitudinal association between short sleep duration and lower cardiorespiratory fitness levels, particularly in girls. Future interventions targeting adolescents' sleep duration should acknowledge behavioral differences between genders, as well as different behaviors adopted by boys ang girls, specifically on weekends.

A prolonged intensive care unit stay defines a worse long-term prognosis - Insights from the critically ill mortality by age (Cimba) study.

BACKGROUND: Patients with critical illness often survive the intensive care unit (ICU) at a cost of prolonged length of stay (LOS) and slow recovery. This chronic critically ill disease may lead to long-term poor outcomes, especially in older or frail patients. OBJECTIVES: The main goal of this study was to address the characteristics and outcomes of patients with prolonged ICU LOS. Mainly, short- and long-term admissions were compared to identify risk factors for persistent critical illness and to characterise the impact on ICU, hospital, and long-term mortality. METHODS: Subanalysis of a retrospective, multicentric, observational study addressing the 2-year outcome of patients admitted to Portuguese ICUs (the Cimba study). Patients were segregated according to an ICU LOS of ≥14 days. RESULTS: Data from 37 118 patients were analysed, featuring a median ICU LOS of 4 days (percentile: 25-75 2-9), and a mortality of 16.1% in the ICU, 24.0% in the hospital, and 38.7% after 2 years. A total of 5334 patients (14.4%) had an ICU LOS of ≥14 days (corresponding to 48.9% of all ICU patients/days). Patients with prolonged LOS were more often younger (52.8% vs 46.4%, were ≤65 years of age , p < 0.001), although more severe (Simplified Acute Physiology Score II: 49.1 ± 16.9 vs 41.8 ± 19.5, p < 0.001), and had higher ICU and hospital mortality (18.3% vs 15.7%, and 31.2 vs 22.8%, respectively). Prolonged ICU LOS was linked to an increased risk of dying during the 2-year follow-up (adjusted Cox proportional hazard: 1.65, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Prolonged LOS is associated with a long-term impact on patient prognosis. More careful planning of care should incorporate these data.

Genomic and transcriptomic survey of bryozoan Hox and ParaHox genes with emphasis on phylactolaemate bryozoans.

BACKGROUND: Bryozoans are mostly sessile aquatic colonial invertebrates belonging to the clade Lophotrochozoa, which unites many protostome bilaterian phyla such as molluscs, annelids and brachiopods. While Hox and ParaHox genes have been extensively studied in various lophotrochozoan lineages, investigations on Hox and ParaHox gene complements in bryozoans are scarce. RESULTS: Herein, we present the most comprehensive survey of Hox and ParaHox gene complements in bryozoans using four genomes and 35 transcriptomes representing all bryozoan clades: Cheilostomata, Ctenostomata, Cyclostomata and Phylactolaemata. Using similarity searches, phylogenetic analyses and detailed manual curation, we have identified five Hox genes in bryozoans (pb, Dfd, Lox5, Lox4 and Post2) and one ParaHox gene (Cdx). Interestingly, we observed lineage-specific duplication of certain Hox and ParaHox genes (Dfd, Lox5 and Cdx) in some bryozoan lineages. CONCLUSIONS: The bryozoan Hox cluster does not retain the ancestral lophotrochozoan condition but appears relatively simple (includes only five genes) and broken into two genomic regions, characterized by the loss and duplication of serval genes. Importantly, bryozoans share the lack of two Hox genes (Post1 and Scr) with their proposed sister-taxon, Phoronida, which suggests that those genes were missing in the most common ancestor of bryozoans and phoronids.

Novel Insights on Obligate Symbiont Lifestyle and Adaptation to Chemosynthetic Environment as Revealed by the Giant Tubeworm Genome.

The mutualism between the giant tubeworm Riftia pachyptila and its endosymbiont Candidatus Endoriftia persephone has been extensively researched over the past 40 years. However, the lack of the host whole-genome information has impeded the full comprehension of the genotype/phenotype interface in Riftia. Here, we described the high-quality draft genome of Riftia, its complete mitogenome, and tissue-specific transcriptomic data. The Riftia genome presents signs of reductive evolution, with gene family contractions exceeding expansions. Expanded gene families are related to sulfur metabolism, detoxification, antioxidative stress, oxygen transport, immune system, and lysosomal digestion, reflecting evolutionary adaptations to the vent environment and endosymbiosis. Despite the derived body plan, the developmental gene repertoire in the gutless tubeworm is extremely conserved with the presence of a near intact and complete Hox cluster. Gene expression analyses establish that the trophosome is a multifunctional organ marked by intracellular digestion of endosymbionts, storage of excretory products, and hematopoietic functions. Overall, the plume and gonad tissues both in contact to the environment harbor highly expressed genes involved with cell cycle, programed cell death, and immunity indicating a high cell turnover and defense mechanisms against pathogens. We posit that the innate immune system plays a more prominent role into the establishment of the symbiosis during the infection in the larval stage, rather than maintaining the symbiostasis in the trophosome. This genome bridges four decades of physiological research in Riftia, whereas it simultaneously provides new insights into the development, whole organism functions, and evolution in the giant tubeworm.

Rivaroxaban versus no anticoagulation for post-discharge thromboprophylaxis after hospitalisation for COVID-19 (MICHELLE): an open-label, multicentre, randomised, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients hospitalised with COVID-19 are at risk for thrombotic events after discharge; the role of extended thromboprophylaxis in this population is unknown. METHODS: In this open-label, multicentre, randomised trial conducted at 14 centres in Brazil, patients hospitalised with COVID-19 at increased risk for venous thromboembolism (International Medical Prevention Registry on Venous Thromboembolism [IMPROVE] venous thromboembolism [VTE] score of ≥4 or 2-3 with a D-dimer >500 ng/mL) were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive, at hospital discharge, rivaroxaban 10 mg/day or no anticoagulation for 35 days. The primary efficacy outcome in an intention-to-treat analysis was a composite of symptomatic or fatal venous thromboembolism, asymptomatic venous thromboembolism on bilateral lower-limb venous ultrasound and CT pulmonary angiogram, symptomatic arterial thromboembolism, and cardiovascular death at day 35. Adjudication was blinded. The primary safety outcome was major bleeding. The primary and safety analyses were carried out in the intention-to-treat population. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04662684. FINDINGS: From Oct 8, 2020, to June 29, 2021, 997 patients were screened. Of these patients, 677 did not meet eligibility criteria; the remaining 320 patients were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive rivaroxaban (n=160 [50%]) or no anticoagulation (n=160 [50%]). All patients received thromboprophylaxis with standard doses of heparin during hospitalisation. 165 (52%) patients were in the intensive care unit while hospitalised. 197 (62%) patients had an IMPROVE score of 2-3 and elevated D-dimer levels and 121 (38%) had a score of 4 or more. Two patients (one in each group) were lost to follow-up due to withdrawal of consent and not included in the intention-to-treat primary analysis. The primary efficacy outcome occurred in five (3%) of 159 patients assigned to rivaroxaban and 15 (9%) of 159 patients assigned to no anticoagulation (relative risk 0·33, 95% CI 0·12-0·90; p=0·0293). No major bleeding occurred in either study group. Allergic reactions occurred in two (1%) patients in the rivaroxaban group. INTERPRETATION: In patients at high risk discharged after hospitalisation due to COVID-19, thromboprophylaxis with rivaroxaban 10 mg/day for 35 days improved clinical outcomes compared with no extended thromboprophylaxis. FUNDING: Bayer.

EWSR1::POU2AF3(COLCA2) Sarcoma: An Aggressive, Polyphenotypic Sarcoma With a Head and Neck Predilection.

EWSR1::POU2AF3 (COLCA2) sarcomas are a recently identified group of undifferentiated round/spindle cell neoplasms with a predilection for the head and neck region. Herein, we report our experience with 8 cases, occurring in 5 men and 3 women (age range, 37-74 years; median, 60 years). Tumors involved the head/neck (4 cases), and one each the thigh, thoracic wall, fibula, and lung. Seven patients received multimodal therapy; 1 patient was treated only with surgery. Clinical follow-up (8 patients; range, 4-122 months; median, 32 months) showed 5 patients with metastases (often multifocal, with a latency ranging from 7 to 119 months), and 3 of them also with local recurrence. The median local recurrence-free and metastasis-free survival rates were 24 months and 29 months, respectively. Of the 8 patients, 1 died of an unknown cause, 4 were alive with metastatic disease, 1 was alive with unresectable local disease, and 2 were without disease. The tumors were composed of 2 morphologic subgroups: (1) relatively bland tumors consisting of spindled to stellate cells with varying cellularity and fibromyxoid stroma (2 cases) and (2) overtly malignant tumors composed of nests of "neuroendocrine-appearing" round cells surrounded by spindled cells (6 cases). Individual cases in the second group showed glandular, osteogenic, or rhabdomyoblastic differentiation. Immunohistochemical results included CD56 (4/4 cases), GFAP (5/8), SATB2 (4/6), keratin (AE1/AE3) (5/8), and S100 protein (4/7). RNA sequencing identified EWSR1::POU2AF3 gene fusion in all cases. EWSR1 gene rearrangement was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization in 5 cases. Our findings confirm the head/neck predilection and aggressive clinical behavior of EWSR1::POU2AF3 sarcomas and widen the morphologic spectrum of these rare lesions to include relatively bland spindle cell tumors and tumors with divergent differentiation.

An insight into the role of the organic acids produced by Enterobacter sp. strain 15S in solubilizing tricalcium phosphate: in situ study on cucumber.

BACKGROUND: The release of organic acids (OAs) is considered the main mechanism used by phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) to dissolve inorganic phosphate in soil. Nevertheless, little is known about the effect of individual OAs produced by a particular PSB in a soil-plant system. For these reasons, the present work aimed at investigating the effect of Enterobacter sp. strain 15S and the exogenous application of its OAs on (i) the solubilization of tricalcium phosphate (TCP), (ii) plant growth and (iii) P nutrition of cucumber. To this purpose two independent experiments have been performed. RESULTS: In the first experiment, carried out in vitro, the phosphate solubilizing activity of Enterobacter 15S was associated with the release of citric, fumaric, ketoglutaric, malic, and oxalic acids. In the second experiment, cucumber plants were grown in a Leonard jar system consisting of a nutrient solution supplemented with the OAs previously identified in Enterobacter 15S (jar's base) and a substrate supplemented with the insoluble TCP where cucumber plants were grown (jar's top). The use of Enterobacter 15S and its secreted OAs proved to be efficient in the in situ TCP solubilization. In particular, the enhancement of the morpho-physiological traits of P-starved cucumber plants was evident when treated with Enterobacter 15S, oxalate, or citrate. The highest accumulation of P in roots and shoots induced by such treatments further corroborated this hypothesis. CONCLUSION: In our study, the results presented suggest that organic acids released by Enterobacter 15S as well as the bacterium itself can enhance the P-acquisition by cucumber plants.

Transcriptomic and immunophenotypic characterization of two cases of adamantinoma-like Ewing sarcoma of the thyroid gland.

INTRODUCTION: Adamantinoma-like Ewing sarcoma (ALES) is a rare aggressive malignancy occasionally diagnosed in the thyroid gland. ALES shows basaloid cytomorphology, expresses keratins, p63, p40, frequently CD99, and harbours the t(11;22) EWSR1::FLI1 translocation. There is debate on whether ALES resembles more sarcoma or carcinoma. METHODS: We performed RNA sequencing from two ALES cases and compared findings with skeletal Ewing's sarcomas and nonneoplastic thyroid tissue. ALES was investigated by in situ hybridization (ISH) for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA and immunohistochemistry for the following antigens: keratin 7, keratin 20, keratin 5, keratins (AE1/AE3 and CAM5.2), CD45, CD20, CD5, CD99, chromogranin, synaptophysin, calcitonin, thyroglobulin, PAX8, TTF1, S100, p40, p63, p16, NUT, desmin, ER, FLI1, INI1, and myogenin. RESULTS: An uncommon EWSR1::FLI transcript with retained EWSR1 exon 8 was detected in both ALES cases. Regulators of EWSR1::FLI1 splicing (HNRNPH1, SUPT6H, SF3B1) necessary for production of a functional fusion oncoprotein, as well as 53 genes (including TNNT1, NKX2.2) activated downstream to the EWSR1::FLI1 cascade, were overexpressed. Eighty-six genes were uniquely overexpressed in ALES, most of which were related to squamous differentiation. Immunohistochemically, ALES strongly expressed keratins 5, AE1/AE3 and CAM5.2, p63, p40, p16, and focally CD99. INI1 was retained. The remaining immunostains and HPV DNA ISH were negative. CONCLUSION: Comparative transcriptomic profiling reveals overlapping features of ALES with skeletal Ewing's sarcoma and an epithelial carcinoma, as evidenced by immunohistochemical expression of keratin 5, p63, p40, CD99, the transcriptome profile, and detection of EWSR1::FLI1 fusion transcript by RNA sequencing.

Chikungunya virus infection in the southernmost state of Brazil was characterised by self-limited transmission (2017-2019) and a larger 2021 outbreak.

BACKGROUND: Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne virus that has been causing large outbreaks in the Americas since 2014. In Brazil, Asian-Caribbean (AC) and East-Central-South-African (ECSA) genotypes have been detected and lead to large outbreaks in several Brazilian states. In Rio Grande do Sul (RS), the southernmost state of Brazil, the first cases were reported in 2016. OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: We employed genome sequencing and epidemiological investigation to characterise the Chikungunya fever (CHIKF) burden in RS between 2017-2021. FINDINGS: We detected an increasing CHIKF burden linked to travel associated introductions and communitary transmission of distinct lineages of the ECSA genotype during this period. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Until 2020, CHIKV introductions were most travel associated and transmission was limited. Then, in 2021, the largest outbreak occurred in the state associated with the introduction of a new ECSA lineage. CHIKV outbreaks are likely to occur in the near future due to abundant competent vectors and a susceptible population, exposing more than 11 million inhabitants to an increasing infection risk.

A new protein requirement system for dairy cows.

Accurate prediction of protein requirements for maintenance and lactation is needed to develop more profitable diets and reduce N loss and its environmental impact. A new factorial approach for accounting for net protein requirement for maintenance (NPM) and metabolizable protein (MP) efficiency for lactation (EMPL) was developed from a meta-analysis of 223 N balance trials. We defined NPM as the sum of the endogenous protein fecal and urinary excretion and estimated it from the intercept of a nonlinear equation between N intake and combined total N fecal and urinary excretion. Our model had a strong goodness-of-fit to estimate NPM (6.32 ± 0.15 g protein/kg metabolic body weight; n = 807 treatment means; r = 0.91). We calculated the EMPL as a proportion of the N intake, minus N excreted in feces and urine, that was secreted in milk. A fixed-EMPL value of 0.705 ± 0.020 was proposed. In a second independent data set, nonammonia-nonmicrobial-N and microbial-N ruminal outflows were measured, and the adequacy of the MP prediction (51 studies; n = 192 means treatments) was assessed. Our system based on the fixed-EMPL model predicted the MP requirement for lactation and maintenance with higher accuracy than several North American and European dairy cattle nutrition models, including the INRA (2018) and NASEM (2021). Only the NRC (2001), CNCPS 6.5, and Feed into Milk (2004) models had similar accuracy to predict MP requirement. Our system may contribute to improve the prediction for MP requirements of maintenance and lactation. However, most refined predictive models of intestinal digestibility for rumen undegradable protein and microbial protein are still needed to reduce the evaluation biases in our model and external models for predicting the MP requirements of dairy cows.

Adaptive Parameters for LoRa-Based Networks Physical-Layer.

Sub-GHz communication provides long-range coverage with low power consumption and reduced deployment cost. LoRa (Long-Range) has emerged, among existing LPWAN (Low Power Wide Area Networks) technologies, as a promising physical layer alternative to provide ubiquitous connectivity to outdoor IoT devices. LoRa modulation technology supports adapting transmissions based on parameters such as carrier frequency, channel bandwidth, spreading factor, and code rate. In this paper, we propose SlidingChange, a novel cognitive mechanism to support the dynamic analysis and adjustment of LoRa network performance parameters. The proposed mechanism uses a sliding window to smooth out short-term variations and reduce unnecessary network re-configurations. To validate our proposal, we conducted an experimental study to evaluate the performance concerning the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) parameter of our SlidingChange against InstantChange, an intuitive mechanism that considers immediate performance measurements (parameters) for re-configuring the network. The SlidingChange is compared with LR-ADR too, a state-of-the-art-related technique based on simple linear regression. The experimental results obtained from a testbed scenario demonstrated that the InstanChange mechanism improved the SNR by 4.6%. When using the SlidingChange mechanism, the SNR was around 37%, while the network reconfiguration rate was reduced by approximately 16%.