Global variation in seed covering structure hardness of woody species with orthodox seeds.

Background And Aims: Seed covering structure hardness could play a role in defence/predation, physical dormancy and in situ longevity/persistence. However, research to date has been limited regarding quantification methods, plant diversity and geographic distribution. In this study, we determined global variation in seed covering structure hardness of woody species with desiccation tolerant seeds and analysed its relationships with relevant climatic variables, seed traits and ecological processes.

The COVID-19 pandemic reduced delays in the care pathway for patients with glioma at a French institute.

Context: Delays in cancer management have been reported during the COVID-19 pandemic. Neuro-oncology patients represent a real challenge as their disease can progress rapidly without appropriate care. However, data available for these patients over this period is scarce.

Measuring the viability of crystalline lens epithelial cells by triple Hoechst-Ethidium-Calcein-AM staining.

Purpose: To date, the assessment of lens epithelial cell viability has been proposed only in cell cultures or isolated capsule models. This study aimed to develop a method for quantifying the viability of epithelial cells on whole ex vivo crystalline lenses by triple labeling Hoechst 33342, ethidium homodimer, and calcein-acetoxymethyl (HEC).

Methods: Two models of induced cell death were used to study the performance and potential applications of the technique.

Toward a phylogenomic classification of magnoliids.

Premise: Magnoliids are a strongly supported clade of angiosperms. Previous phylogenetic studies based primarily on analyses of a limited number of mostly plastid markers have led to the current classification of magnoliids into four orders and 18 families. However, uncertainty remains regarding the placement of several families.

Nanopore Sequencing as a Cutting-Edge Technology for Medulloblastoma Classification.

Background: Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most prevalent embryonal malignant brain tumors. Current classification organizes these tumors into four molecular subgroups (WNT, SHH, Group 3, and Group 4 MB). Recently, a comprehensive classification has been established, identifying numerous subtypes, some of which exhibit a poor prognosis.