Geochemical signatures and nanomechanical properties of echinoid tests from nearshore habitats of Florida: environmental and physiological controls on echinoid biomineralization.

The mechanisms that regulate minor and trace element biomineralization in the echinoid skeleton can be primarily controlled biologically (, by the organism and its vital effects) or by extrinsic environmental factors. Assessing the relative role of those controls is essential for understanding echinoid biomineralization, taphonomy, diagenesis, and their potential as geochemical archives. In this study, we (1) contrast geochemical signatures of specimens collected across multiple taxa and environmental settings to assess the effects of environmental and physiological factors on skeletal biomineralogy; and (2) analyze the nanomechanical properties of the echinoid skeleton to assess potential linkages between magnesium/calcium (Mg/Ca) ratios and skeletal nanohardness.

PAX3-FOXO1 drives targetable cell state-dependent metabolic vulnerabilities in rhabdomyosarcoma.

PAX3-FOXO1, an oncogenic transcription factor, drives a particularly aggressive subtype of rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) by enforcing gene expression programs that support malignant cell states. Here we show that PAX3-FOXO1 RMS cells exhibit altered pyrimidine metabolism and increased dependence on enzymes involved in pyrimidine synthesis, including dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR). Consequently, PAX3-FOXO1 cells display increased sensitivity to inhibition of DHFR by the chemotherapeutic drug methotrexate, and this dependence is rescued by provision of pyrimidine nucleotides.

Atypical presentation of gouty tophi in a resource-limited setting.

A man in his early 50s from Tanzania presented with chronic nodular skin lesions and joint pain, likely due to gout complicated by obesity, after over 15 years of misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment. Despite various therapies for leprosy, tuberculosis and steroid use, his condition worsened, leading to hyperglycaemia and significant financial strain. Missed opportunities to use simple, low-cost diagnostic tests such as ultrasound and examining nodule fluid for urate crystals led to delays in diagnosis.

Genome Sequence of Three Siphoviruses in the EE, GA and EA5 Actinobacteriophage Clusters: Biscayne, Bush and GreenIvy.

Bacteriophages Biscayne, Bush and GreenIvy were isolated from soil samples in Miami, FL using NRRL B-24224 as host. Transmission electron microscopy shows siphoviral morphologies for all three phages. Based on gene content similarity to other actinobacteriophages, they are assigned to the EE, GA and EA5 clusters, respectively.

Variation in faecal testosterone levels in male gray whales on a foraging ground relative to maturity and timing.

Understanding wildlife reproductive seasonality is crucial for effective management and long-term monitoring of species. This study investigates the seasonal variability of testosterone in male Pacific Coast Feeding Group (PCFG) gray whales, using an eight-year dataset (2016-2023) of individual sightings, drone-based photogrammetry and endocrine analysis of faecal samples. We analyzed the relationship between faecal testosterone levels and total body length (TL), body condition (body area index, BAI), sexual maturity and day of the year using generalized additive mixed models.