Search Results (23)

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris ssp. vulgaris) is a vital crop, contributing to nearly a quarter of global sugar production, but faces significant challenges from biotic stressors, particularly aphids, which transmit damaging yellowing viruses such as Beet Yellow Virus (BYV) and Beet Mild Yellowing Virus (BMYV). Following the partial ban of neonicotinoids in Europe, viral infections in sugar beet have surged, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of aphid-mediated virus transmission mechanisms. This study aims to evaluate the transmission efficiency of BYV and BMYV through different clones of the aphid vector Myzus persicae from sugar beet seed companies across Europe, and to analyze the feeding behaviors of efficient clones to identify factors influencing virus transmission. The transmission rates of yellowing viruses by M. persicae clones ranged from 52% to 79% for BMYV (mean 65%) and 7% to 96% for BYV (mean 47%). While no significant differences in BMYV transmission efficiency were observed among clones, a significant difference was detected between two BYV-carrying clones. Moreover, the BYV-carrying clone exhibited prolonged penetration activities during its feeding phase compared to the BMYV-carrying clone, suggesting a potential behavioral influence on transmission efficiency. This study highlights the importance of considering aphid clone influence in the development of sugar beet resistance. Full article

Objectives: Endometriosis is a common gynecologic condition characterized by the presence of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, often leading to pelvic pain and infertility. Diagnosis is frequently delayed, with prolonged diagnostic wandering that could be improved through enhanced first-line radiologic assessment. The uterosacral ligament (USL) is the most frequent site of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). The Hôtel-Dieu (HTD) MRI classification, published in 2024, offers a structured framework for evaluating USL involvement by correlating MRI findings with the diagnostic certainty of endometriosis. Key Findings: This pictorial essay provides a practical guide for applying the HTD MRI classification, presenting key imaging criteria with illustrative examples for each USL type. The classification distinguishes between “linear” and “nodular” USL lesions, with implications for diagnostic confidence. “Nodular“ types demonstrate a 100% positive predictive value (PPV), while “linear“ types may yield higher false positive rates (FPR). The HTD MRI classification may also be complemented by innovative biomarker testing, such as microRNA signatures, especially in cases with “linear“ USL involvement. Conclusions: By standardizing the assessment of USL lesions, the HTD MRI classification enhances diagnostic accuracy, improves MRI reproducibility, and supports earlier identification of endometriosis in first-line settings. Its integration into radiologic workflows can contribute to reduced diagnostic delays. Implications for practice: The HTD MRI classification is a valuable screening tool for first-line radiologists and clinicians. Incorporating it into routine pelvic MRI interpretations may streamline diagnostic pathways, promote consistency across readers, and guide additional testing strategies, such as microRNA assays, for cases where MRI alone is less definitive. Full article

Polymeric scaffolds are promising in tissue engineering due to their structural similarity to extracellular matrix components. This study aimed to design freeze-dried hydrogels based on chitosan (CHT) and hyaluronic acid (HA). Chitosan-based gels were crosslinked with oxidized maltodextrin (MDo) before the freeze-drying step, resulting in spongy porous scaffolds. Based on the state-of-the-art, our hypothesis was that crosslinking would increase scaffold stiffness and delay the degradation of the CHT:HA resorbable scaffolds swelled in a hydrated physiological environment. The physicochemical and mechanical properties of crosslinked CHT- and CHT:HA-based scaffolds were analyzed. Hygroscopic and swelling behavior were assessed using dynamic vapor sorption analysis and batch studies. Degradation was evaluated under different conditions, including in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), PBS with lysozyme, and lactic acid solutions, to investigate scaffold resistance against enzymatic and acidic degradation. The porosity of the spongy materials was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, while dynamic mechanical analysis provided information on the mechanical properties. Crosslinked scaffolds showed reduced swelling, slower degradation rates, and increased stiffness, confirming MDo as an effective crosslinking agent. Scaffolds loaded with ciprofloxacin (CFX) demonstrated their ability to deliver therapeutic agents, as the CFX loading capacity was promoted by CHT–CFX interactions. Microbiologic investigation confirmed the results. Finally, cytotoxicity tests displayed no toxicity. In conclusion, MDo-crosslinked CHT and CHT:HA scaffolds exhibit enhanced stability, functionality, and mechanical performance, making them promising for cartilage tissue engineering. Full article

Drug-induced and idiosyncratic cytopenias, including anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia, present significant challenges in fields like immunohematology and internal medicine. These conditions are often unpredictable, multifactorial, and can arise from a complex interplay of drug reactions, immune abnormalities, and other poorly understood mechanisms. In many cases, the precise triggers and underlying factors remain unclear, making diagnosis and management difficult. However, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) are offering new opportunities to address these challenges. With its ability to process vast amounts of clinical, genomic, and pharmacovigilance data, AI can identify patterns and risk factors that may be missed by traditional methods. Machine learning algorithms can refine predictive models, enabling earlier detection and more accurate risk assessments. Additionally, AI’s role in enhancing patient engagement—through tailored monitoring and personalized treatment strategies—ensures more effective follow-up and improved clinical outcomes for patients at risk of these potentially life-threatening conditions. Through these innovations, AI is paving the way for a more proactive and personalized approach to managing drug-induced cytopenias. Full article

Madagascar, renowned for its unique biodiversity, faces significant environmental threats. Despite their vital ecosystem services, invertebrates, such as Lepidoptera, remain understudied, especially within the Malagasy Island. Indeed, butterflies and moths often serve as biodiversity indicators. This study investigates lepidopteran community structure across different habitat types: protected areas and anthropized areas, represented by forest edges and agroforestry through four expeditions to Madagascar’s moist eastern forests. Both sampling methods were employed including butterfly nets and fermented fruit-baited traps. While nets accounted for 90% of captures, highlighting operator bias, bait traps captured unique species, emphasizing the complementarity of these methods. With over 891 captured specimens, 418 macrolepidopterans were identified at the species level for a total of 50 species. Protected forests hosted 80% of endemic Lepidoptera reliant on specialized ecological niches, while anthropized zones were dominated by common generalist species which are resilient to habitat changes. While the species richness and composition of sampled microlepidoptera are similar, habitat fragmentation created diverse environmental conditions, hosting specific populations. Conservation challenges persist, particularly for endemic species vulnerable to poaching. It is crucial to continue sampling Madagascar’s lepidofauna, as this offers considerable potential for the sustainable maintenance of ecosystems and the long-term preservation of biodiversity of the Malagasy Island. Full article

In the late 1960s, a handful of inspired researchers predicted the great potential of supercritical CO₂ (“sCO₂”) cycles for the production of electricity and highlighted the prospects for dramatic reductions in component sizes and efficiency increases. Since then, considerable development programs have been deployed around the world to “tame” this new technology. Despite these efforts, in-depth engineering studies and extensive testing are still necessary today before viable designs can be released for large-scale industrial applications. This raises questions as to the reasons for this delay, this debate being rarely addressed in the current literature. This situation has motivated the present study. Trying to unravel such an intricate topic requires to understand the distinctive properties of supercritical CO₂ and the particular requirements of closed, high-pressure power systems. This article aims then to provide a broad overview of sCO₂ power cycles, highlighting their main advantages and limitations and reflecting the challenges associated with the industrialization of that technology which actually requires disruptive and innovative designs. Full article

Several types of cancer spread through the lymphatic system via the sentinel lymph nodes (LNs). Such LN-draining primary tumors, modified by tumor factors, lead to the formation of a metastatic niche associated with an increased number of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tregs). These cells are expected to contribute to the elaboration of an immune-suppressive environment. Activated Tregs express glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP), which binds and presents latent transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) at their surface. GARP is also expressed by other non-immune cell types poorly described in LNs. Here, we mapped GARP expression in non-immune cells in human and mouse metastatic LNs. The mining of available (human and murine) scRNA-Seq datasets revealed GARP expression by blood (BEC)/lymphatic (LEC) endothelial, fibroblastic, and perivascular cells. Consistently, through immunostaining and in situ RNA hybridization approaches, GARP was detected in and around blood and lymphatic vessels, in (αSMA+) fibroblasts, and in perivascular cells associated with an abundant matrix. Strikingly, GARP was detected in LECs forming the subcapsular sinus and high endothelial venules (HEVs), two vascular structures localized at the interface between LNs and the afferent lymphatic and blood vessels. Altogether, we here provide the first distribution maps for GARP in human and murine LNs. Full article

Background and Objective: The aim of this retrospective cohort study is to evaluate the impact of assisted reproductive treatment (ART) on adverse maternal outcomes and the rate of hospitalization in maternal intensive care (MIC) in a tertiary university center in Liege, Belgium. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study comparing two groups, 6557 patients who achieved pregnancy spontaneously and 330 patients who achieved pregnancy after ART, between January 2020 and December 2022. These patients were followed in the academic obstetrics department of Citadelle Hospital, Liège. The database of the ART center was compared with the database of the delivery unit to determine the cohort of patients who conceived after ART. Adverse maternal outcomes and MIC hospitalization rates were compared with between spontaneous pregnancies and ART groups. ART groups were also compared with each other. Results: The rate of hospitalization in maternal intensive care for patients who achieved pregnancy spontaneously was 12.1%, compared to 17.3% after ART. Comparing the rate of pre-eclampsia, 3.5% of spontaneous pregnancies were complicated by pre-eclampsia, while after ART, 10.9% of patients developed this complication during pregnancy. This rate was higher after IVF (12%) compared to intrauterine insemination and particularly after frozen embryo transfer (FET) in artificial cycle (17.9%). The birthweight of newborns after ART was also analyzed. A significant difference was obtained when comparing fresh embryo transfer with FET. Conclusions: Our study confirmed that FET in artificial cycle is a risk factor for pre-eclampsia and that fresh embryo transfer is associated with a higher rate of newborns with a lower percentile of birthweight. Our data showed that the rate of MIC hospitalization was significantly higher after ART but did not differ between groups. Full article

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) are among the most common complications in diabetic patients and affect 6.8% of people worldwide. Challenges in the management of this disease are decreased blood diffusion, sclerotic tissues, infection, and antibiotic resistance. Hydrogels are now being used as a new treatment option since they can be used for drug delivery and to improve wound healing. This project aims to combine the properties of hydrogels based on chitosan (CHT) and the polymer of β cyclodextrin (PCD) for local delivery of cinnamaldehyde (CN) in diabetic foot ulcers. This work consisted of the development and characterisation of the hydrogel, the evaluation of the CN release kinetics and cell viability (on a MC3T3 pre-osteoblast cell line), and the evaluation of the antimicrobial and antibiofilm activity (S. aureus and P. aeruginosa). The results demonstrated the successful development of a cytocompatible (ISO 10993-5) injectable hydrogel with antibacterial (99.99% bacterial reduction) and antibiofilm activity. Furthermore, a partial active molecule release and an increase in hydrogel elasticity were observed in the presence of CN. This leads us to hypothesise that a reaction between CHT and CN (a Schiff base) can occur and that CN could act as a physical crosslinker, thus improving the viscoelastic properties of the hydrogel and limiting CN release. Full article

This study aimed to examine the use of light and color in digital paintings and their effect on audiences’ perceptions of environmental issues. Five digital paintings depicting environmental issues have been designed. Digital painting techniques created black-and-white, monochrome, and color images. Each image used utopian and dystopian visualization concepts to communicate hope and despair. In the experiment, 225 volunteers representing students in colleges were separated into three independent groups: the first group was offered black-and-white images, the second group was offered monochromatic images, and the third group was offered color images. After viewing each image, participants were asked to complete questionnaires about their emotions and cognitions regarding environmental issues, including identifying hope and despair and the artist’s perspective at the end. The analysis showed no differences in emotions and cognitions among participants. However, monochromatic images were the most emotionally expressive. The results indicated that the surrounding atmosphere of the images created despair, whereas objects inspired hope. Artists should emphasize the composition of the atmosphere and the objects in the image to convey the concepts of utopia and dystopia to raise awareness of environmental issues. Full article

Broad bean weevils (BBWs–Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) are serious pests of field bean seeds that hamper the promotion of this crop in the diversification of European cropping systems. Recent research has identified different semiochemical lures and trap devices for the development of semiochemical-based control strategies of BBWs. In this study, two field trials were carried out in order to provide necessary information supporting the implementation of sustainable field use of semiochemical traps against BBWs. More particularly, three principal objectives were followed including (i) the identification of the most efficient traps for BBWs capture and the influence of trapping modality on BBWs sex-ratio, (ii) the assessment of eventual collateral effects on crop benefits including aphidophagous and pollinator insects such as Apidae, Syrphidae and Coccinellidae, (iii) the assessment of the crop developmental stage influence on the capture by semiochemical traps. Three different semiochemical lures were tested in combination with two trapping devices across two field trials in early and late flowering field bean crops. The crop phenology and climate parameters were integrated into the analyses to interpret the spatiotemporal evolution of the captured insect populations. A total of 1380 BBWs and 1424 beneficials were captured. White pan traps combined with floral kairomones were the most efficient traps for the capture of BBWs. We demonstrated that the crop phenology (c.f., the flowering stage) exerted strong competition on the attractiveness of semiochemical traps. Community analysis revealed that only one species of BBWs was captured in field bean crops (i.e., Bruchus rufimanus), and no trend was highlighted concerning the sex ratios according to the trapping devices. The beneficial insect community included 67 different species belonging to bees, hoverflies and ladybeetles. Semiochemical traps manifested a strong impact on beneficial insect communities that included some species under extinction threats and need to be further adapted to minimize such collateral effects. Based on these results, recommendations are provided for the implementation of the most sustainable BBWs control method that minimizes the impact on the recruitment of beneficial insects, which is an important ecosystem service for faba bean crops. Full article

Objective: We aimed to describe hamstring muscle injury (HMI) history and hamstring specific training (HST) in elite athletes. A secondary aim was to analyse the potential factors associated with in-championships HMI. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study to collect data before and during the 2018 European Athletics Championships. Injury and illness complaints during the month before the championship, HMI history during the entire career and the 2017–18 season, HST (strengthening, stretching, core stability, sprinting), and in-championship HMI were recorded. We calculated proportions of athletes with HMI history, we compared HST according to sex and disciplines with Chi2 tests or ANOVA, and analysed factors associated with in-championship HMI using simple model logistic regression. Results: Among the 357 included athletes, 48% reported at least one HMI during their career and 24% during the 2017–18 season. Of this latter group, 30.6% reported reduced or no participation in athletics’ training or competition at the start of the championship due to the hamstring injury. For HST, higher volumes of hamstring stretching and sprinting were reported for disciplines requiring higher running velocities (i.e., sprints, hurdles, jumps, combined events and middle distances). Five in-championship HMIs were recorded. The simple model analysis showed a lower risk of sustaining an in-championships HMI for athletes who performed more core (lumbo-pelvic) stability training (OR = 0.49 (95% CI: 0.25 to 0.89), p = 0.021). Conclusions: Our present study reports that HMI is a characteristic of the athletics athletes’ career, especially in disciplines involving sprinting. In these disciplines, athletes were performing higher volumes of hamstring stretching and sprinting than in other disciplines. Further studies should be conducted to better understand if and how HST are protective approaches for HMI in order to improve HMI risk reduction strategies. Full article

Anxiety is a high frequency disorder in the general population. It is usually treated with benzodiazepines, which cause side effects and a dependence that could make withdrawal difficult. Alternative treatments are therefore needed to reduce the use of anxiolytics, particularly for adjustment disorder with anxiety. An observational, multicentre, prospective, longitudinal study has been conducted by general practitioners and one gynaecologist to evaluate the efficacy of a dietary supplement on adjustment disorder with anxiety (Stress 2 study). Patients diagnosed as anxious with a score of ≥20 on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (Ham-A, first visit on Day 0 (V0)) were offered a 28-day treatment with a dietary supplement formulated with bioactive peptides from a fish protein hydrolysate (Gabolysat^®), magnesium and vitamin B6. At the second visit (V1), the Ham-A Rating Scale, the Patient Global Impression scale (PGI) and the Clinical Global Impressions scale (CGI) were administered. A 50% reduction in the Ham-A score, was achieved for 41.9% of the patients. The mean Ham-A score decreased by 12.1 ± 5.7 points (p < 0.001) between V0 (25.6 ± 3.8) and V1 (13.6 ± 6.0). Furthermore, according to the CGI scale, the anxiety of 75.3% of patients improved significantly and very significantly, with limited side effects and a negligible rebound effect. In conclusion, adjustment disorder with anxiety seems to be effectively managed by an alternative and safer solution than benzodiazepines. Full article

The amount of waste produced by the population creates general health problems in terms of public health and hygiene. In recent years the common housefly (Musca domestica L. 1758; Dipteran: Muscidae) has been widely used in the treatment of organic wastes. This study aims to assess the effect of egg loading of the common housefly on maggot development and waste reduction. Housefly larvae were reared at four egg loads (1.25, 2.5, 5, 10 mg) under three different diets (wheat bran, millet bran, cow dung). Two-factor ANOVA (α = 0.05) was used to test the effect of two fixed factors (egg load and substrate) on larval biomass, the survival rate from egg hatching until the last larval instar, number of larvae and substrate reduction rate. The comparison of means based on Duncan’s test was performed to compare the means of the different variables measured. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine the relationship between the measured variables (larval biomass, the survival rate from egg hatching until the last larval instar, number of larvae, and substrate reduction rate) on the discrimination of the egg load factor. The results showed that under the same nutritional conditions, the yield of housefly larvae, the number of larvae and the reduction of substrates increased with increasing egg load. Indeed, at each of three substrates, the rearing egg load of 10 mg resulted in the maximum larval yield, maximum number of larvae, and maximum substrate reduction rate. At this optimum load, wheat bran generated greater biomass, greater number of larvae and greater reduction of substrate compared to millet bran and cow dung. The egg load as a whole had no effect on the survival rate from egg hatching until the last larval instar, unlike substrate type. The high egg load for the survival rate (from egg hatching until the last larval instar) for millet bran was 1.25 while there was no difference for the other two substrates. These results can help to make the waste treatment process efficient with the subsequent production of a large larval biomass that can serve as added value in animal feed. The egg load of 10 mg and the wheat bran were superior respectively to the other egg load and substrates type for all parameters tested excepted for the survival rate (from egg hatching until the last larval instar). Ours study indicated that larval biomass, larval number, egg viability and substrate rate reduction of Musca domestica are affected by the egg load, substrate type and their interaction. Full article

Virtual Reality (VR) technology is frequently applied in simulation, particularly in medical training. VR medical training often requires user input either from controllers or free-hand gestures. Nowadays, hand gestures are commonly tracked via built-in cameras from a VR headset. Like controllers, hand tracking can be used in VR applications to control virtual objects. This research developed VR intubation training as a case study and applied controllers and hand tracking for four interactions—namely collision, grabbing, pressing, and release. The quasi-experimental design assigned 30 medical students in clinical training to investigate the differences between using VR controller and hand tracking in medical interactions. The subjects were divided into two groups, one with VR controllers and the other with VR hand tracking, to study the interaction time and user satisfaction in seven procedures. System Usability Scale (SUS) and User Satisfaction Evaluation Questionnaire (USEQ) were used to measure user usability and satisfaction, respectively. The results showed that the interaction time of each procedure was not different. Similarly, according to SUS and USEQ scores, satisfaction and usability were also not different. Therefore, in VR intubation training, using hand tracking has no difference in results to using controllers. As medical training with free-hand gestures is more natural for real-world situations, hand tracking will play an important role as user input for VR medical training. This allows trainees to recognize and correct their postures intuitively, which is more beneficial for self-learning and practicing. Full article