Homeodomain Involvement in Nuclear HOX Protein Homo- and Heterodimerization.

genes play essential roles in patterning the anteroposterior axis of animal embryos and in the formation of various organs. In mammals, there are 39 genes organized into four clusters (HOXA-D) located on different chromosomes. In relationship with their orderly arrangement along the chromosomes, these genes show nested expression patterns which imply that embryonic territories co-express multiple genes along the main body axis.

Head-to-Head Comparison of Aptamer- and Antibody-Based Proteomic Platforms in Human Cerebrospinal Fluid Samples from a Real-World Memory Clinic Cohort.

High-throughput proteomic platforms are crucial to identify novel Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers and pathways. In this study, we evaluated the reproducibility and reliability of aptamer-based (SomaScan 7k) and antibody-based (Olink Explore 3k) proteomic platforms in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from the Ace Alzheimer Center Barcelona real-world cohort. Intra- and inter-platform reproducibility were evaluated through correlations between two independent SomaScan assays analyzing the same samples, and between SomaScan and Olink results.

A Study on the Bending Stiffness of Reinforced Concrete Tunnel Segments with Added Steel Fibers.

In recent years, steel-fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) has been increasingly applied in shield tunnel engineering. However, most research on SFRC segments focuses on the load-bearing capacity, while the tunnel deformation is an equally critical indicator that decides if the tunnel can operate safely during service conditions. Therefore, it is essential to also study the stiffness variations in SFRC segments, which is closely connected to the serviceability limit state (SLS).

Current Status of CT Imaging Before Common Transcatheter Interventions for Structural Heart Disease.

Over the past decade, several trials and observational studies have validated the use of minimally invasive cardiac interventions as viable treatment options for various cardiac diseases. Transcatheter techniques for severe aortic valve stenosis have rapidly emerged as alternatives to surgical aortic valve replacement in certain patient populations. Additionally, non-surgical treatment options have expanded for conditions affecting other cardiac valves, such as the mitral valve.

Investigation of the Sensitivity of Acoustic Emission to the Differentiation Between Mode I, II, and III Fracture in Bulk Polymer Materials.

There is very limited research in the literature investigating the way acoustic emission signals change when polymer materials are undergoing different fracture modes. This study investigates the capability of acoustic emission to recognize the fracture mode through acoustic emission parameter analysis, and can be considered the first-ever study which examines the impact of different loading conditions, i.e.

Drought and High Temperatures Impact the Plant-Pollinator Interactions in .

As a result of climate change, temperate regions are facing the simultaneous increase in water and heat stress. These changes may affect the interactions between plants and pollinators, which will have an impact on entomophilous crop yields. Here, we investigated the consequences of high temperatures and water stress on plant growth, floral biology, flower-reward production, and insect visitation of five varieties of common buckwheat (), an entomophilous crop of growing interest for sustainable agriculture.

Comparative Study on Growth Characteristics and Early Selection Efficiency of Hybrid Offspring of 'DD-109' and in Liaoning, China.

Poplar is an important tree species for timber supply and ecological protection in northern China. Cultivating and selecting high-quality varieties and germplasm resources suitable for cultivation are key factors in enhancing the quality and productivity of poplar plantations in the arid and semi-arid northern regions with shorter growing seasons. This study conducted a field cultivation experiment on 10 progeny clones from the direct cross (D × M) of imported 'DD-109' with and 7 progeny clones from the reciprocal cross (M × D) using one-year-old rooted cuttings planted at a 4 m × 8 m spacing.

In Vitro Rooting of Poplar: Effects and Metabolism of Dichlorprop Auxin Ester Prodrugs.

Efficient adventitious root formation is essential in micropropagation. Auxin prodrugs, inactive precursors that convert into active auxins within the plant, offer potentially improved rooting control and reduced phytotoxicity. This study investigated the efficacy of dichlorprop ester (DCPE), commercialized as Corasil and Clemensgros (originally intended to increase grapefruit size), in promoting in vitro root initiation in the model plant × , compared to its hydrolyzed form DCP and the related compound C77.

Optimization of Breeding Tools in Quinoa () and Identification of Suitable Breeding Material for NW Europe.

Quinoa () cultivation has become increasingly popular in NW Europe but little is known about the performance of contract-free varieties in this region. In this study, we phenotyped 25 quinoa varieties on a single-plant basis in a field trial in Belgium. In addition, we optimized breeding tools such as NIRS (near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy) to estimate the seed crude protein content and a multiplex PCR set to identify true F progeny from pair crosses.

Heteroaryl-Fused Triazapentalenes: Synthesis and Aggregation-Induced Emission.

A pyridine-fused triazapentalene shows weak fluorescence in solution and is readily accessible via nitrene-mediated cyclization. In this study, a modified Cadogan reaction was used to synthesize . Palladium-catalyzed reactions have been used as post-functionalization methods.

Unveiling the Mineral and Sugar Richness of Moroccan Honeys: A Study of Botanical Origins and Quality Indicators.

This study comprehensively analyzes the mineral and heavy metal profiles of seven honey types, focusing on the contents of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), with particular emphasis on honey produced in eastern Morocco. Multifloral honey was found to have the highest total mineral content (661 mg/kg), while rosemary honey had the lowest (201.31 mg/kg), revealing the strong influence of floral and botanical origin.

Telomere Length in Neonatal Dairy Calves in Relation to Lifetime Parameters.

Telomere length (TL) has gained attention as a biomarker for longevity and productivity in dairy cattle. This study explored the association between neonatal TL in Holstein calves and lifetime parameters (lifespan, milk production, and reproduction). Blood samples were collected from 210 calves (≤10d old) across four dairy farms in Flanders, Belgium.

Diseases of Economic Importance in Feedlot Cattle in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review with a Focus on Existing and Potential Options for Control.

A large number of livestock are found in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including 20-25% of the world's ruminants [...

Exploring Feed Digestibility and Broiler Performance in Response to Dietary Supplementation of .

This study evaluated the feed digestibility of diets including autotrophic in 252 male broilers (Ross 308), comparing unprocessed biomass (trial 1) and pulsed electric field (PEF) processed biomass (trial 2) at inclusion levels up to 20%. In trial 2, performance and meat color were also evaluated. Each trial included seven treatments (0%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% (%/ on dry matter (DM)) ) with six replicates (three birds per replicate) per treatment.

Behavioural Profile Differences Between Cats in Animal-Assisted Services (AAS) and Non-AAS Cats Using the Fe-BARQ in Flanders.

The engagement of cats in animal-assisted services (AAS) is increasing. This is surprising given that feline behavioural needs have been perceived as contradictory to conditions associated with AAS engagement, leading to the assumption that cats as a species are not suitable for AAS. However, important within-species variability in behavioural traits nuancing this assumption has not been addressed.

An Evaluation of the Arginine Requirements of Broiler Chickens and the Potential Arginine and Energy-Saving Effects of Guanidinoacetic Acid.

Two 35-day trials were conducted to determine the arginine (Arg) requirement of broiler chickens and the Arg and energy-sparing effects of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA). In experiment 1, a low-Arg diet (basal diet) was supplemented with increasing levels (0.06-0.

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps: Key considerations in the multidisciplinary team approach.

Background: Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is a recurrent inflammatory disease associated with several comorbidities and a significant disease burden for patients. Treatments include corticosteroids and sinonasal surgery, but these can be associated with the risk of adverse events and nasal polyp recurrence. Biologic treatments such as mepolizumab can be used as an add-on treatment and are effective at reducing surgery and corticosteroid use.

BenchAMRking: a Galaxy-based platform for illustrating the major issues associated with current antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene prediction workflows.

Background: The Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance (JPIAMR) networks 'Seq4AMR' and 'B2B2B AMR Dx' were established to promote collaboration between microbial whole genome sequencing (WGS) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) stakeholders. A key topic discussed was the frequent variability in results obtained between different microbial WGS-related AMR gene prediction workflows. Further, comparative benchmarking studies are difficult to perform due to differences in AMR gene prediction accuracy and a lack of agreement in the naming of AMR genes (semantic conformity) for the results obtained.

The pentose phosphate pathway controls oxidative protein folding and prevents ferroptosis in chondrocytes.

Bone lengthening and fracture repair depend on the anabolic properties of chondrocytes that function in an avascular milieu. The limited supply of oxygen and nutrients calls into question how biosynthesis and redox homeostasis are guaranteed. Here we show that glucose metabolism by the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is essential for endochondral ossification.

Small-molecule-induced ERBB4 activation to treat heart failure.

Heart failure is a common and deadly disease requiring new treatments. The neuregulin-1/ERBB4 pathway offers cardioprotective benefits, but using recombinant neuregulin-1 as therapy has limitations due to the need for intravenous delivery and lack of receptor specificity. We hypothesize that small-molecule activation of ERBB4 could protect against heart damage and fibrosis.

Dent disease: Clinical Practice Recommendations.

Dent disease is a rare X-linked tubulopathy that is characterized by low-molecular-weight (LMW) proteinuria associated with hypercalciuria, which may lead to nephrolithiasis, nephrocalcinosis, and kidney failure between the 3rd and the 5th decades of life in 30-80% of affected males. The disease is most often associated with various manifestations of proximal tubular dysfunction. Affected individuals may present nephrotic range proteinuria which may be misinterpreted and cause diagnostic delay.

Robot-assisted Kidney Transplantation: The 8-year European Experience.

Background And Objective: Evidence regarding perioperative results and long-term functional outcomes of robotic-assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) is limited. We evaluated perioperative surgical results and long-term functional outcomes of RAKT in patients receiving kidney transplants from living donors.

Methods: This retrospective analysis is based on a prospective multicenter cohort study conducted from July 2015 to October 2023 across ten European centers.

Pushing the boundaries: future directions in the management of spinal muscular atrophy.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a devastating, degenerative, paediatric neuromuscular disease which until recently was untreatable. Discovery of the responsible gene 30 years ago heralded a new age of pioneering therapeutic developments. Three disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) have received regulatory approval and have transformed the disease, reducing disability and prolonging patient survival.

Biochar@MIL-88A(Fe) Accelerates Direct Interspecies Electron Transfer and Hydrogen Transfer in Waste Activated Sludge Anaerobic Digestion: Exploring Electron Transfer and Biomolecular Mechanisms.

Adding additives exogenously is an effective strategy to enhance methanogenic activity and improve AD stability. Corn straw-based biochar@MIL-88A(Fe) (BM) was synthesized herewith and used as an exogenous additive to boost methane (CH) production. After adding BM at 250 mg/g WAS VS, the accumulative CH production and maximum CH yield increased by 1.

Increasing temperature counteracts the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation on Microcystis aeruginosa under future climate scenarios in relation to physiological processes.

Heat waves, are a major concern related to climate change, and are projected to increase in frequency and severity. This temperature rise causes thermal stratification, exposing surface-dwelling organisms to higher levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR). This study aims to understand how the toxic bloom-forming cyanobacterium Microcystis aeruginosa adapts to changing climatic conditions.